Thousands of people have marched through the German capital Berlin in protest at Coronavirus restrictions. Police imposed mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing - and by midday ordered demonstrators to disperse for flouting the order.

Berlin police calls off 'anti-corona' protest against Coronavirus curbs

The Berlin Film Festival will go ahead next February as planned despite the COVID-19 pandemic, its organisers said on Monday, as Germany battles a surge in infections linked to returning holidaymakers, large family gatherings and nightlife. 
 
The film festival, also known as the Berlinale, is being planned as a physical festival while a hybrid model of virtual and on-site events is intended for the European Film Market (EFM) event running at the same time, the organisers said in a statement. 
 
The EFM is the business centre of the Berlinale, and is one of the largest international film market events in the world. 
The festival will take place Feb. 11-21 and will observe the health guidelines in place then so that the greatest possible security can be guaranteed for all guests, they said. 
 
"Adjustments in the festival structure, the film programming and the total number of invited films will be defined by the festival management within the coming weeks," it added. 
 
The Berlin Film Festival, one of the industry`s biggest events in Europe, normally draws 480,000 filmmakers, movie stars and fans into the cinemas of the German capital.

The festival`s Golden Bear is one of the most prestigious awards in Europe, together with the Palme d`Or of the Cannes festival in France and the Golden Lion award of the Venice Film Festival. 
 
Cannes, the world`s biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, was abandoned following a two-month lockdown in France to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

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The Berlin Film Festival will go ahead next February as planned despite the COVID-19 pandemic, its organisers said on Monday, as Germany battles a surge in infections linked to returning holidaymakers, large family gatherings and nightlife.

The Berlin Film Festival will go ahead next February as planned despite the COVID-19 pandemic, its organisers said on Monday, as Germany battles a surge in infections linked to returning holidaymakers, large family gatherings and nightlife. The film festival, also known as the Berlinale, is being planned as a physical festival while a hybrid model of virtual and on-site events is intended for the European Film Market (EFM) event running at the same time, the organisers said in a statement. The EFM is the business centre of the Berlinale, and is one of the largest international film market events in the world. The festival will take place Feb. 11-21 and will observe the health guidelines in place then so that the greatest possible security can be guaranteed for all guests, they said. "Adjustments in the festival structure, the film programming and the total number of invited films will be defined by the festival management within the coming weeks," it added. The Berlin Film Festival, one of the industry`s biggest events in Europe, normally draws 480,000 filmmakers, movie stars and fans into the cinemas of the German capital. The festival`s Golden Bear is one of the most prestigious awards in Europe, together with the Palme d`Or of the Cannes festival in France and the Golden Lion award of the Venice Film Festival. Cannes, the world`s biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, was abandoned following a two-month lockdown in France to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Berlin Film Festival to go ahead next February despite pandemic

Police in Germany has arrested a 30-year-old man. He has been accused of causing a series of motorway incidents in Berlin, in what prosecutors say is a "suspected Islamist act." Three people are seriously injured in Tuesday evening's crashes, which appeared to be targeted mainly at motorcyclists on the A100 in the German capital.

Series of motorway crashes in Berlin being investigated as 'Islamist Attack'

A man has caused a series of motorway accidents in Berlin, injuring six people including three seriously in what German prosecutors Wednesday described as an Islamist act.

The man appears to have had an "Islamist motivation according to our current knowledge", prosecutors told AFP.

Local media reported that the man was a 30-year-old Iraqi who had shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) when getting out of his car after hitting several vehicles around 6:30 pm on Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamist-militant-najmuddin-faraj-ahmad-to-be-extradited-from-norway-to-italy-280337">Islamist militant Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad to be extradited from Norway to Italy</a>

Berlin police said the man caused three accidents on the Autobahn 100 in the city's Tempelhof-Schoeneberg district before claiming that a box in his car contained a "dangerous object".

However, when police opened the box using high-pressure water jets it was found to contain nothing but tools.

The driver was arrested and the motorway closed for several hours, causing significant travel disruption.

"Nobody come any closer or you will all die," the Bild daily quoted the suspect as saying after he stopped his car and placed the metal box on the roof of his vehicle, a black Opel Astra.

German media reported that a motorcycle driver was among those injured.

People with ties to Islamic extremism have committed several violent attacks in Germany in recent years.&nbsp;

The worst was a ramming attack at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016 that killed 12. The Tunisian attacker, a failed asylum seeker, was a supporter of the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group.

More recently, an Islamist and his wife were convicted of planning a biological bomb attack in Germany in 2018 with the deadly poison ricin.

The pair had ordered castor seeds, explosives and metal ball bearings on the internet to build the toxic bomb.

The man was in March sentenced to 10 years in prison while his wife received an eight-year sentence in June.

Since 2013, the number of Islamists considered dangerous in Germany has increased fivefold to 680, according to security services.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has often been accused, particularly by the far right, of having contributed to the Islamist threat by opening the country's borders to hundreds of thousands of migrants in 2015.&nbsp;

A man has caused a series of motorway accidents in Berlin, injuring six people including three seriously in what German prosecutors Wednesday described as an Islamist act.

A man has caused a series of motorway accidents in Berlin, injuring six people including three seriously in what German prosecutors Wednesday described as an Islamist act. The man appears to have had an "Islamist motivation according to our current knowledge", prosecutors told AFP. Local media reported that the man was a 30-year-old Iraqi who had shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) when getting out of his car after hitting several vehicles around 6:30 pm on Tuesday. Also read: Islamist militant Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad to be extradited from Norway to Italy Berlin police said the man caused three accidents on the Autobahn 100 in the city's Tempelhof-Schoeneberg district before claiming that a box in his car contained a "dangerous object". However, when police opened the box using high-pressure water jets it was found to contain nothing but tools. The driver was arrested and the motorway closed for several hours, causing significant travel disruption. "Nobody come any closer or you will all die," the Bild daily quoted the suspect as saying after he stopped his car and placed the metal box on the roof of his vehicle, a black Opel Astra. German media reported that a motorcycle driver was among those injured. People with ties to Islamic extremism have committed several violent attacks in Germany in recent years. The worst was a ramming attack at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016 that killed 12. The Tunisian attacker, a failed asylum seeker, was a supporter of the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. More recently, an Islamist and his wife were convicted of planning a biological bomb attack in Germany in 2018 with the deadly poison ricin. The pair had ordered castor seeds, explosives and metal ball bearings on the internet to build the toxic bomb. The man was in March sentenced to 10 years in prison while his wife received an eight-year sentence in June. Since 2013, the number of Islamists considered dangerous in Germany has increased fivefold to 680, according to security services. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has often been accused, particularly by the far right, of having contributed to the Islamist threat by opening the country's borders to hundreds of thousands of migrants in 2015.

Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors

Germany: Cycling rally replaces parade on Christopher Street Day in Hamburg

Thousands of people in the German capital Berlin have taken part in a protest against the country's coronavirus restrictions.

Thousands protest in  Germany against COVID-19 restrictions

An unexpected partnership is emerging between Germany & China. The US govt has decided to withdraw 12,00 troops from Germany. Reports say that Berlin could be at the frontline of the US-China cold war. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Germany | Next in China's trap?

A different kind of fashion show was presented at the famous hotel Adlon in Berlin on Tuesday (June 30). Models in large gowns and colourful dresses made by German designer Anja Gockel strutted down the catwalk of the hotel foyer, all of them wearing face masks matching their various outfits. The guests were placed with enough distance to watch the only show of the Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021.

Fashion in times of corona: Anja Gockel presents collection in Berlin

Berlin Pride parade: Marching for equality, but with safety and style

A church in Berlin has opened its doors to Muslim worshippers unable to fit into their mosque under new social distancing rules.

German church opens doors for Muslim prayers

Russia marks 75 years since the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on Saturday, but the coronavirus outbreak has forced it to scale back celebrations.

World marks 75th anniversary of Victory Day

Berlin's art galleries are closed, but the art scene is rising to the occasion as around 50 artists join a community exhibition from their balconies. 
 
"While our freedom of mobility is on hold, (balconies) become unique sites of everyday performance," organisers said as they launched the project in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district of east Berlin. 
 
Balconies are "emergency exits to take a breath of fresh air, catch a moment of sunshine or a smoke", said Ovul Durmusoglu and Joanna Warsza, whose project "Balconies, Life, Art, Pandemic and Proximity" gives artists a 48-hour showcase for their work. 
 
The rules of isolation in the face of the coronavirus pandemic are less strict in Berlin than elsewhere in Germany, allowing people a chance to admire the works while out for a stroll. 
 
One installation presents ribbons of toilet paper cascading down a building's facade, a reference to Germans' rush to stock up on the must-have commodity as soon as the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Europe. 
 
One artist displayed black and white photographs of people on their balconies in Athens and Cordoba, while another hung a ladder made from rope and sticks. 
 
"With zero budget, no opening, and no crowds, the project proposes an intimate stroll (within current regulations) to search for signs of life, art and points of kinship and connection", the organisers said. 
 
"When some of us are cut off from our plans and our loved ones, we reach out to the balconies of the world, against isolation and individualisation, not leaving everything in the hands of the virus and the fear it generates," they added. 
 
The 48 hours end on Monday evening, when the artists will retract their works and return to their usual solitary endeavours.

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Berlin's art galleries are closed, but the art scene is rising to the occasion as around 50 artists join a community exhibition from their balconies. "While our freedom of mobility is on hold, (balconies) become unique sites of everyday performance," organisers said as they launched the project in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district of east Berlin.

Berlin's art galleries are closed, but the art scene is rising to the occasion as around 50 artists join a community exhibition from their balconies. "While our freedom of mobility is on hold, (balconies) become unique sites of everyday performance," organisers said as they launched the project in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district of east Berlin. Balconies are "emergency exits to take a breath of fresh air, catch a moment of sunshine or a smoke", said Ovul Durmusoglu and Joanna Warsza, whose project "Balconies, Life, Art, Pandemic and Proximity" gives artists a 48-hour showcase for their work. The rules of isolation in the face of the coronavirus pandemic are less strict in Berlin than elsewhere in Germany, allowing people a chance to admire the works while out for a stroll. One installation presents ribbons of toilet paper cascading down a building's facade, a reference to Germans' rush to stock up on the must-have commodity as soon as the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Europe. One artist displayed black and white photographs of people on their balconies in Athens and Cordoba, while another hung a ladder made from rope and sticks. "With zero budget, no opening, and no crowds, the project proposes an intimate stroll (within current regulations) to search for signs of life, art and points of kinship and connection", the organisers said. "When some of us are cut off from our plans and our loved ones, we reach out to the balconies of the world, against isolation and individualisation, not leaving everything in the hands of the virus and the fear it generates," they added. The 48 hours end on Monday evening, when the artists will retract their works and return to their usual solitary endeavours.

'Balconies, life, art': Berlin's shut-in artists show their work

A vaccine row has erupted between the United States and Germany. Berlin has hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President had tried to purchase exclusive rights of possible coronavirus vaccine.

Coronavirus: German firm is developing a possible vaccine

Stars including Johnny Depp, Sigourney Weaver, Cate Blanchett and Hillary Clinton were welcomed to Berlin to walk the red carpet as part of the 70th Berlinale film festival.

Star-studded Berlin: 10 days of Berlinale red carpets

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof`s `There Is No Evil` won the Golden Bear prize for the best picture at the 70th Berlin Film Festival.

The film festival drew a close on Saturday (local time) by honouring the director`s movie, who is currently banned from leaving Iran for participation in social and political activity, cited Deadline.

The 48-year-old director was not in attendance at the event.

Daughter Baran Rasoulof, who also stars in `There Is No Evil` accepted the Golden Bear on his behalf.

"Overwhelmed and happy, but sad for a filmmaker who couldn`t be here tonight. This is for him," cited Deadline as Baran saying while accepting the award.

The award-winning Iranian drama revolves around the theme of a powerful moral case against the country`s death penalty.

The other stars of the night were, Korean director Hong Sang-soo who won the best director trophy for his movie `The Woman Who Ran`, and Oscar nominee Rithy Panh won the documentary prize for `Irradiated`.

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof`s `There Is No Evil` won the Golden Bear prize for the best picture at the 70th Berlin Film Festival. The film festival drew a close on Saturday (local time) by honouring the director`s movie, who is currently banned from leaving Iran for participation in social and political activity, cited Deadline.

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof`s `There Is No Evil` won the Golden Bear prize for the best picture at the 70th Berlin Film Festival. The film festival drew a close on Saturday (local time) by honouring the director`s movie, who is currently banned from leaving Iran for participation in social and political activity, cited Deadline. The 48-year-old director was not in attendance at the event. Daughter Baran Rasoulof, who also stars in `There Is No Evil` accepted the Golden Bear on his behalf. "Overwhelmed and happy, but sad for a filmmaker who couldn`t be here tonight. This is for him," cited Deadline as Baran saying while accepting the award. The award-winning Iranian drama revolves around the theme of a powerful moral case against the country`s death penalty. The other stars of the night were, Korean director Hong Sang-soo who won the best director trophy for his movie `The Woman Who Ran`, and Oscar nominee Rithy Panh won the documentary prize for `Irradiated`.

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof's 'There Is No Evil' wins at Berlin Film Festival

The High Administrative Court for Berlin-Brandenburg ordered Tesla to stop cleaning trees in a wooded area near Berlin until the environmental group's appeal was considered.

German High Administrative Court orders Tesla not to cut trees for 'new factory setup' near Berlin

Germany has decided to freeze rent rates for five years in Berlin. New York has banned fees to brokers. With the global economy now slowing, developed countries are trying some bold experiments to revive their real estate sector.

Gravitas: No broker fee in New York, Berlin freezes rent rates

Berlin's five months old panda cubs were in a playful mood on Monday, a few days ahead of their first public outing where visitors get to see the cute bears.

Berlin's panda-cubs ready to meet the public

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country.

What happened in Berlin?

The Libyan rivals and their international backers came face to face at the United Nations-backed meet. World leaders agreed to an arms embargo on Libya whose civil war has intensified with foreign interference.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for a political solution but did not rule out a military intervention either. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the attendees have, for now, averted the war in Libya from escalating into a regional conflict.

However, countries directly involved in the fighting seemed to be at loggerheads.

Russia which backs commander Khalifa Haftar said that large-scale fighting in Libya has stopped while Turkey which supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) said that peace won’t come until a truce is agreed upon.

Stakes rose ahead of the summit with the closure of the Eastern Libyan oil ports that are under the renegade General’s control. With this, the country’s crude output has been cut by more than half.

However, there was little discussion on the issue in Berlin and the oil fields remain shut till date.

Who all Attended the Meet?

Fayez al-Seraj who heads the internationally-recognised GNA based in capital Tripoli and Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar who leads the Libyan National Army attended the summit. While their allies had one of one, the two adversaries did not meet each other.

Leaders of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt which back Haftar were present at the meet. France and the US which are said to be close to the renegade general were also in attendance.

On Seraj’s side, the discussions were spearheaded by Turkey which has sent its troops to help the GNA fend off the LNA’s campaign to seize Tripoli. Libya’s former coloniser Italy which backs the UN-recognised government was also present at the meet.

Leaders of the European Union, Arab League and the African Union too played a key role in deliberations.

What is the Libyan Civil War?

The current conflict intensified when Haftar ordered his LNA troops to march towards capital Tripoli last April. While al-Seraj’s government commands a fraction of Libyan territory, much of the country and also its oil fields are controlled by Haftar.

What are Europe interests in Libya?

The conflict-ridden country is among the major oil producers of the world. Instability in Libya will lead to a rise in global oil prices. But that’s not the only thing that concerns the European powers.&nbsp;

There’s also the issue of refugees. Libya which lacks proper border checks has been the focal point for African and Mediterranean immigrants to enter Europe via sea.

Europe has for long been divided over the refugee crisis with Italy claiming that it has felt the maximum burnt of illegal immigration.

What is at stake for Libya’s warring parties?

Haftar cannot claim victory until he takes hold of capital Tripoli- the battle for which has drawn longer than he expected.&nbsp;

For al-Seraj’s GNA, it is more about survival. The rebel general is becoming more and more powerful and militia commanders in Tripoli fear that they will meet the same fate that Muammar Gadaffi met. The former dictator was captured and killed by rebels in 2011.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country.

The recent peace conference in Berlin fared better than most of the previous summits on Libya. But it failed to achieve its main target of brokering a ceasefire between the two warring factions in the North African country. What happened in Berlin? The Libyan rivals and their international backers came face to face at the United Nations-backed meet. World leaders agreed to an arms embargo on Libya whose civil war has intensified with foreign interference. German Chancellor Angela Merkel pushed for a political solution but did not rule out a military intervention either. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the attendees have, for now, averted the war in Libya from escalating into a regional conflict. However, countries directly involved in the fighting seemed to be at loggerheads. Russia which backs commander Khalifa Haftar said that large-scale fighting in Libya has stopped while Turkey which supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) said that peace won’t come until a truce is agreed upon. Stakes rose ahead of the summit with the closure of the Eastern Libyan oil ports that are under the renegade General’s control. With this, the country’s crude output has been cut by more than half. However, there was little discussion on the issue in Berlin and the oil fields remain shut till date. Who all Attended the Meet? Fayez al-Seraj who heads the internationally-recognised GNA based in capital Tripoli and Eastern commander Khalifa Haftar who leads the Libyan National Army attended the summit. While their allies had one of one, the two adversaries did not meet each other. Leaders of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt which back Haftar were present at the meet. France and the US which are said to be close to the renegade general were also in attendance. On Seraj’s side, the discussions were spearheaded by Turkey which has sent its troops to help the GNA fend off the LNA’s campaign to seize Tripoli. Libya’s former coloniser Italy which backs the UN-recognised government was also present at the meet. Leaders of the European Union, Arab League and the African Union too played a key role in deliberations. What is the Libyan Civil War? The current conflict intensified when Haftar ordered his LNA troops to march towards capital Tripoli last April. While al-Seraj’s government commands a fraction of Libyan territory, much of the country and also its oil fields are controlled by Haftar. What are Europe interests in Libya? The conflict-ridden country is among the major oil producers of the world. Instability in Libya will lead to a rise in global oil prices. But that’s not the only thing that concerns the European powers. There’s also the issue of refugees. Libya which lacks proper border checks has been the focal point for African and Mediterranean immigrants to enter Europe via sea. Europe has for long been divided over the refugee crisis with Italy claiming that it has felt the maximum burnt of illegal immigration. What is at stake for Libya’s warring parties? Haftar cannot claim victory until he takes hold of capital Tripoli- the battle for which has drawn longer than he expected. For al-Seraj’s GNA, it is more about survival. The rebel general is becoming more and more powerful and militia commanders in Tripoli fear that they will meet the same fate that Muammar Gadaffi met. The former dictator was captured and killed by rebels in 2011. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There's a long road to peace in Libya

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Berlin to take part in a summit. Libyan rival camps and their foreign backers will also attend the summit to discuss ways to end a proxy war over the capital Tripoli and the oil producer.

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo reaches Berlin for summit

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey expects a Libyan summit in Berlin for "concrete development in many areas", including security and economy. Libya's rival camp and their foreign supporters will attend a summit in Berlin on Sunday to discuss the capital producer Tripoli and the oil producer with more than 140,000 displaced and new ways to curb the country's crude oil production.

Libya Peace Summit: Rivals & their allies kick off talks

Libya's rival camp and their foreign supporters will attend a summit in Berlin on Sunday to discuss the capital producer Tripoli and the oil producer with more than 140,000 displaced and new ways to curb the country's crude oil production.

Libya peace summit: Discussion to end a proxy war over capital Tripoli & the oil producer

American-Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar shut oil ports in eastern Libya ahead of the crucial peace conference in Berlin creates a new disruption in the state's energy industry which lead to halting the half of country's output.

Khalifa Haftar shut oil ports in eastern Libya ahead of crucial peace conference in Berlin

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey expects a Libyan summit in Berlin for "concrete development in many areas", including security and economy.

Libya Peace Summit: Erdogan of Turkey says that Haftar's aggressive attitude must end

Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated New Year's Eve in Berlin where some 6,000 fireworks lit up the sky above the iconic Brandenburg Gate at Germany's largest such bash, according to the organisers.

Hundreds of thousands celebrate New Year's Eve in Berlin

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

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

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

Berlin expects US sanctions to slightly delay Russian pipeline

Giant panda cubs born at Berlin zoo last September had their first public appearance during a naming ceremony on Monday, 100 days after they were born.

Berlin panda cubs make long awaited first public appearance

China on Monday accused Mike Pompeo&nbsp;of "outdated Cold War thinking" after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-slams-iran-intimidation-of-iaea-inspector-as-outrageous-260911">US Secretary of State</a> warned against a Chinese threat to Western freedoms.

Pompeo, who spoke in Germany on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said the Chinese Communist Party "uses tactics and methods to suppress its own people that would be horrifyingly familiar to former East Germans".

He added that Washington has made clear to Beijing that they should "honour their commitment" to the "one country, two systems" policy that allows Hong Kong rights unseen in the mainland.

In response, Beijing slammed Pompeo's "baseless malicious attacks" on the Chinese government.

Some figures in the US have "attempted to build an ideological wall between Chinese and foreign enterprises," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Monday at a regular press briefing.

Geng accused Pompeo of ignoring the interest of the American people to pursue personal political goals, and urged him to "abandon his ideological bias and outdated Cold War thinking".

Pompeo's visit to Berlin came as Germany prepared to mark three decades since November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down, ultimately culminating in the collapse of the communist regime in the east.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-warns-against-china-russia-on-eve-of-berlin-wall-anniversary-260807">Pompeo</a> said on Friday that the United States and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations".

His Berlin speech was the latest in a string of hawkish remarks on China by the Secretary of State.

In October, Pompeo called Beijing "truly hostile" to the United States, and vowed to ramp up pressure on China on multiple fronts.

China on Monday accused Mike Pompeo of "outdated Cold War thinking" after the US Secretary of State warned against a Chinese threat to Western freedoms. Pompeo, who spoke in Germany on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said the Chinese Communist Party "uses tactics and methods to suppress its own people that would be horrifyingly familiar to former East Germans".

China on Monday accused Mike Pompeo of "outdated Cold War thinking" after the US Secretary of State warned against a Chinese threat to Western freedoms. Pompeo, who spoke in Germany on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said the Chinese Communist Party "uses tactics and methods to suppress its own people that would be horrifyingly familiar to former East Germans". He added that Washington has made clear to Beijing that they should "honour their commitment" to the "one country, two systems" policy that allows Hong Kong rights unseen in the mainland. In response, Beijing slammed Pompeo's "baseless malicious attacks" on the Chinese government. Some figures in the US have "attempted to build an ideological wall between Chinese and foreign enterprises," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Monday at a regular press briefing. Geng accused Pompeo of ignoring the interest of the American people to pursue personal political goals, and urged him to "abandon his ideological bias and outdated Cold War thinking". Pompeo's visit to Berlin came as Germany prepared to mark three decades since November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down, ultimately culminating in the collapse of the communist regime in the east. Pompeo said on Friday that the United States and its allies should "defend what was so hard-won... in 1989" and "recognise we are in a competition of values with unfree nations". His Berlin speech was the latest in a string of hawkish remarks on China by the Secretary of State. In October, Pompeo called Beijing "truly hostile" to the United States, and vowed to ramp up pressure on China on multiple fronts.

Beijing slams Pompeo for 'outdated Cold War thinking' in Berlin speech against China

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Such values "must always be lived out and defended anew," Merkel told political leaders and European guests at a ceremony, warning that these freedoms cannot be taken for granted.

Speaking in the Reconciliation Chapel on the former "death strip" that ran alongside the wall, the chancellor said that the barrier that divided communist East from democratic West was "history".

Merkel herself grew up in East Germany and was a scientist working in Berlin on November 9, 1989.

The&nbsp;communist authorities finally opened border crossings that day "teaches us that no wall that shuts people out and limits freedom is so tall or broad that it cannot be broken through," Merkel said.

The chancellor and guests including the presidents of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had earlier been invited to stick roses through holes in a section of wall still standing at the Bernauer Strasse memorial, just north of central Berlin.

Groups of schoolchildren from around Europe, including war-torn Ukraine, also spoke in their native languages to the leaders about the emotions the anniversary wakens for them.

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Such values "must always be lived out and defended anew," Merkel told political leaders and European guests at a ceremony, warning that these freedoms cannot be taken for granted. Speaking in the Reconciliation Chapel on the former "death strip" that ran alongside the wall, the chancellor said that the barrier that divided communist East from democratic West was "history". Merkel herself grew up in East Germany and was a scientist working in Berlin on November 9, 1989. The communist authorities finally opened border crossings that day "teaches us that no wall that shuts people out and limits freedom is so tall or broad that it cannot be broken through," Merkel said. The chancellor and guests including the presidents of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had earlier been invited to stick roses through holes in a section of wall still standing at the Bernauer Strasse memorial, just north of central Berlin. Groups of schoolchildren from around Europe, including war-torn Ukraine, also spoke in their native languages to the leaders about the emotions the anniversary wakens for them.

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