Canada Removed References To Khalistan Extremism While Pak Incites Anti-India Protests In London From Kashmir rabble rousers to Khalistan sympathisers, countries like the UK and Canada have unwittingly kept the anti-India separatism alive. Last year, Canada even removed references to Khalistan extremism while Pakistan incites violent anti-India protests in London in its bid to internationalise Kashmir issue. Is it right to interfere in the sovereignty of India in the garb of promoting free speech? Where should these countries draw the line? Palki explains.

Gravitas: Why countries like UK & Canada support anti-India separatism?

Canada nominated a key economic advisor on Wednesday as its new ambassador to China, hoping to kickstart dialogue and ease a diplomatic standoff with the world's second-largest economy.

Ugandan-born, Oxford-educated Dominic Barton, 56, helped shape the economic policies of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and is said to be well-known in Beijing, which must still formally accept his appointment.

China is also expected to soon nominate its own ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, who served until recently as head of its Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs.

Both nations have been without representation for months after Ottawa sacked its envoy for contradicting its official position on a Chinese tech executive's arrest, and China's ambassador moved on to a new post in Paris.&nbsp;

Relations nosedived after Canada detained Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou during a stopover in Vancouver last December. The United States wants to put her on trial for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks.

Nine days after her arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians&nbsp;former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor and accused them of espionage, in a move widely viewed as retaliation.

Barton was based in Shanghai from 2004 to 2009 as the Asia chairman for consulting firm McKinsey. He then served nine years as a global managing partner for the company.

"An expert in the region, he is exceptionally well-suited to represent Canada and advance Canadian interests at this critical time," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

At a news conference, she added that Barton would have a direct line to Trudeau's office, saying he "has that level of trust with the prime minister, and also with me."

"I think this is also an important message to China of the importance that Canada places, that the prime minister places, on this difficult and critical relationship."

Canada nominated a key economic advisor on Wednesday as its new ambassador to China, hoping to kickstart dialogue and ease a diplomatic standoff with the world's second-largest economy.

Canada nominated a key economic advisor on Wednesday as its new ambassador to China, hoping to kickstart dialogue and ease a diplomatic standoff with the world's second-largest economy. Ugandan-born, Oxford-educated Dominic Barton, 56, helped shape the economic policies of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government and is said to be well-known in Beijing, which must still formally accept his appointment. China is also expected to soon nominate its own ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, who served until recently as head of its Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs. Both nations have been without representation for months after Ottawa sacked its envoy for contradicting its official position on a Chinese tech executive's arrest, and China's ambassador moved on to a new post in Paris. Relations nosedived after Canada detained Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou during a stopover in Vancouver last December. The United States wants to put her on trial for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks. Nine days after her arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor and accused them of espionage, in a move widely viewed as retaliation. Barton was based in Shanghai from 2004 to 2009 as the Asia chairman for consulting firm McKinsey. He then served nine years as a global managing partner for the company. "An expert in the region, he is exceptionally well-suited to represent Canada and advance Canadian interests at this critical time," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. At a news conference, she added that Barton would have a direct line to Trudeau's office, saying he "has that level of trust with the prime minister, and also with me." "I think this is also an important message to China of the importance that Canada places, that the prime minister places, on this difficult and critical relationship."

Canada taps ambassador, looking to restart China talks

By MV Ramana and Lauren J Borja

The August 8 explosion at a remote missile test site in Nyonoksa in Northern Russia has been covered widely in the media. The test involved something powered by radioactive isotopes (possibly a nuclear power generator of some kind). The nearby cities of Severodvinsk and Arkhangelsk observed spikes in radiation immediately following the incident.

Based on the isotopes released in the incident, Russia was likely testing or planning to test its new nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the Burevestnik or Skyfall.

The explosion serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by nuclear weapons. As researchers in the field of nuclear risk, we believe these dangers will only grow with the accelerating nuclear arms race and need to be addressed through active efforts for nuclear weapons disarmament and elimination.

The Accelerating Nuclear Arms Race 
 
This test comes at a time when the constraints on Russian and American nuclear weapons are being shredded. Earlier in August, these two countries, which have the largest nuclear arsenals, formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The INF Treaty prohibited producing, manufacturing and testing ground-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with ranges of 500-5,500 kilometres.

The currently operational Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which sets limits on the number of deployed warheads, expires in 2021 unless superseded by another agreement. That looks unlikely at this point.

The roots of disagreement between Russia and the United States go back to 2002, when the US withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and proceeded to deploy previously prohibited ballistic missile defence systems. Russia responded by developing new nuclear weapons such as cruise missiles designed to overcome US missile defences. US officials point to one of these cruise missiles as the rationale for U.S. withdrawal from the INF treaty.

Russian officials have asserted that launchers developed by the US as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system were “Inconsistent with the INF treaty.” Indeed, following the formal withdrawal from the INF treaty, the US immediately tested a land-based cruise missile from a Mark 41 Vertical Launch System, identical to that used by the Aegis missile defence system.

These new weapon systems are being developed as part of a larger global pattern of modernisation of nuclear arsenals and this has been going on for most of this decade.

In financial terms, the US has led the field and plans to invest more than a trillion dollars between 2017 and 2046 into the refurbishing of existing nuclear warheads and developing new delivery systems. Other nuclear weapon states, including China and India, are following similar paths, albeit at different rates.

A Possible Role for Canada

The destructiveness of nuclear weapons has been obvious since August 1945, when the US dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Given the vastly greater explosive power of today’s nuclear weapons, any use of these weapons could result in millions of casualties. Arms races increase the likelihood of nuclear war, which would be a global catastrophe.

In addition to this humanitarian concern, and because of its membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Canada is obliged to work towards the “Cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament.”

Traditionally, Canada pursued a self-described step-by-step approach, by trying to negotiate agreements such as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. But the step-by-step approach has hit a dead end: not a single multilateral nuclear treaty has been negotiated since 1996.

As we have argued earlier, Canada should start engaging with the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which offers a more radical approach to disarmament.

Canada should also use its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) alliance, the most powerful military alliance in the world, to advocate for nuclear disarmament. Of the 29 member states, only the US, the United Kingdom and France are recognised as nuclear-weapon states under the NPT. Canada could work with other NATO allies that have signed the NPT as non-nuclear weapon states to both challenge the alliance’s reliance on nuclear weapons and renounce the idea of nuclear deterrence.

The tragic accident in northern Russia reminds us of the dangers associated with nuclear weapons. They pose substantial risks even before they are deployed or used in war, as shown by those who died or were exposed to radiation in this most recent accident. The manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons globally have significantly damaged public health and the environment.

Accidents involving nuclear weapons systems cannot be completely prevented because of the complexity of these systems. The plethora of accidents within the US&nbsp;nuclear arsenal alone supports this fact. Newer forms of nuclear weapons risks such as cyber threats will continue to threaten us unless we eliminate such weapons altogether. The task is as urgent as it is important.

 
(MV Ramana is Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, University of British Columbia; Lauren J &nbsp;Borja is Postdoctoral research fellow, University of British Columbia)

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/canada-could-slow-the-accelerating-nuclear-arms-race-122315">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By MV Ramana and Lauren J Borja The August 8 explosion at a remote missile test site in Nyonoksa in Northern Russia has been covered widely in the media. The test involved something powered by radioactive isotopes (possibly a nuclear power generator of some kind).

By MV Ramana and Lauren J Borja The August 8 explosion at a remote missile test site in Nyonoksa in Northern Russia has been covered widely in the media. The test involved something powered by radioactive isotopes (possibly a nuclear power generator of some kind). The nearby cities of Severodvinsk and Arkhangelsk observed spikes in radiation immediately following the incident. Based on the isotopes released in the incident, Russia was likely testing or planning to test its new nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the Burevestnik or Skyfall. The explosion serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers posed by nuclear weapons. As researchers in the field of nuclear risk, we believe these dangers will only grow with the accelerating nuclear arms race and need to be addressed through active efforts for nuclear weapons disarmament and elimination. The Accelerating Nuclear Arms Race This test comes at a time when the constraints on Russian and American nuclear weapons are being shredded. Earlier in August, these two countries, which have the largest nuclear arsenals, formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The INF Treaty prohibited producing, manufacturing and testing ground-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with ranges of 500-5,500 kilometres. The currently operational Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which sets limits on the number of deployed warheads, expires in 2021 unless superseded by another agreement. That looks unlikely at this point. The roots of disagreement between Russia and the United States go back to 2002, when the US withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and proceeded to deploy previously prohibited ballistic missile defence systems. Russia responded by developing new nuclear weapons such as cruise missiles designed to overcome US missile defences. US officials point to one of these cruise missiles as the rationale for U.S. withdrawal from the INF treaty. Russian officials have asserted that launchers developed by the US as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system were “Inconsistent with the INF treaty.” Indeed, following the formal withdrawal from the INF treaty, the US immediately tested a land-based cruise missile from a Mark 41 Vertical Launch System, identical to that used by the Aegis missile defence system. These new weapon systems are being developed as part of a larger global pattern of modernisation of nuclear arsenals and this has been going on for most of this decade. In financial terms, the US has led the field and plans to invest more than a trillion dollars between 2017 and 2046 into the refurbishing of existing nuclear warheads and developing new delivery systems. Other nuclear weapon states, including China and India, are following similar paths, albeit at different rates. A Possible Role for Canada The destructiveness of nuclear weapons has been obvious since August 1945, when the US dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Given the vastly greater explosive power of today’s nuclear weapons, any use of these weapons could result in millions of casualties. Arms races increase the likelihood of nuclear war, which would be a global catastrophe. In addition to this humanitarian concern, and because of its membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Canada is obliged to work towards the “Cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament.” Traditionally, Canada pursued a self-described step-by-step approach, by trying to negotiate agreements such as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. But the step-by-step approach has hit a dead end: not a single multilateral nuclear treaty has been negotiated since 1996. As we have argued earlier, Canada should start engaging with the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which offers a more radical approach to disarmament. Canada should also use its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) alliance, the most powerful military alliance in the world, to advocate for nuclear disarmament. Of the 29 member states, only the US, the United Kingdom and France are recognised as nuclear-weapon states under the NPT. Canada could work with other NATO allies that have signed the NPT as non-nuclear weapon states to both challenge the alliance’s reliance on nuclear weapons and renounce the idea of nuclear deterrence. The tragic accident in northern Russia reminds us of the dangers associated with nuclear weapons. They pose substantial risks even before they are deployed or used in war, as shown by those who died or were exposed to radiation in this most recent accident. The manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons globally have significantly damaged public health and the environment. Accidents involving nuclear weapons systems cannot be completely prevented because of the complexity of these systems. The plethora of accidents within the US nuclear arsenal alone supports this fact. Newer forms of nuclear weapons risks such as cyber threats will continue to threaten us unless we eliminate such weapons altogether. The task is as urgent as it is important. (MV Ramana is Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security at the Liu Institute for Global Issues, University of British Columbia; Lauren J Borja is Postdoctoral research fellow, University of British Columbia) (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Canada could slow the accelerating nuclear arms race

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise.

The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said on Friday it has suspended travel to mainland China for local staff, just days after an employee of the city's British Consulate was confirmed to have been detained in China.

China's foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-detained-uk-consulate-worker-simon-cheng-rejects-made-up-report-244939"> Simon Cheng</a>, an employee of the British mission, had been detained in the border city of Shenzhen neighbouring Hong Kong.

Beijing has accused Britain and other Western countries of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-says-wont-back-down-in-dispute-with-china-urges-restraint-in-hong-kong-244764"> meddling in its affairs </a>in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/relations-with-canada-facing-serious-difficulties-responsibility-lies-entirely-on-the-canadian-side-china-244785">Canada</a>'s latest travel advisory on Thursday warned that increased screening of travellers' digital devices had been reported at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Multiple protests are planned for Hong Kong on Friday, including a march by accountants to government headquarters and a "Baltic Chain" event where protesters will join hands across different districts in the Chinese territory.

In 1989, an estimated two million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against Soviet rule that became known as the Baltic Way or Baltic Chain.

"The Baltic Way brought the world’s attention to their cause and inspired following generations," the rally organisers said in a statement. "We plead that you will not look away at this crucial time. Stand with Hong Kong."

The protests, originally over a now-suspended extradition bill to mainland China, have plunged Hong Kong into its deepest crisis since its British handover to Beijing in 1997 and pose a major challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Thursday its YouTube streaming video service had disabled 210 channels appearing to engage in a coordinated influence operation around the Hong Kong protests. Twitter and Facebook have also dismantled a similar campaign originating in mainland China.

Protests target airport

The unrest has widened into calls for greater freedom, fuelled by worries about the erosion of rights guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula, adopted after the 1997 handover, such as an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

Activists plan to disrupt transport to Hong Kong's international airport at the weekend.

"Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, Airport Bus, Taxi, Bike and Private Car to increase pressure on airport transport," protest organisers wrote online.

Hong Kong's airport, one of the world's busiest, was forced to close temporarily last week and hundreds of flights were cancelled or rescheduled when protesters and police clashed.

The Airport Authority published a half-page advertisement in major newspapers on Friday urging young people to "love Hong Kong" and said it opposed acts that "blocked and interfered with the operation of the airport". It said it would continue to work to maintain smooth operations.

Hong Kong's High Court on Friday extended an order restricting protesters at the city's international airport.

The order requires public demonstrations have the permission of authorities and is aimed at banning "those who want to deliberately obstruct or interfere with the normal use of the airport", said the court.

Nearly three months of anti-government rallies have plunged the city into crisis, drawing in corporate casualties such as Cathay Pacific amid mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of the carrier's staff in protests.

Cathay confirmed on Friday that Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association, was no longer with the company. Her departure follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week.

The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said it will hold a news conference later on Friday to provide details of Sy's departure.

The protests are already taking a toll on the city's economy and tourism, with the special administrative region on the cusp of its first recession in a decade.

Corporations, including big banks and property developers, have called for a restoration of law and order, while exhibitors are seeing widespread cancellations of events.

In the most recent case, international jewellers have sought the rescheduling of a huge trade fair with up to 40% of exhibitors threatening to pull out.

Demonstrators have five demands: withdraw the extradition bill, establish an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform.

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise.

Hong Kong is bracing for more anti-government demonstrations and a "stress test" of its international airport this weekend, as protests in the Asian financial hub show no signs of abating and diplomatic tensions between China and some Western nations rise. The Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong said on Friday it has suspended travel to mainland China for local staff, just days after an employee of the city's British Consulate was confirmed to have been detained in China. China's foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Simon Cheng, an employee of the British mission, had been detained in the border city of Shenzhen neighbouring Hong Kong. Beijing has accused Britain and other Western countries of meddling in its affairs in Hong Kong. Canada's latest travel advisory on Thursday warned that increased screening of travellers' digital devices had been reported at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong. Multiple protests are planned for Hong Kong on Friday, including a march by accountants to government headquarters and a "Baltic Chain" event where protesters will join hands across different districts in the Chinese territory. In 1989, an estimated two million people joined arms across three Baltic states in a protest against Soviet rule that became known as the Baltic Way or Baltic Chain. "The Baltic Way brought the world’s attention to their cause and inspired following generations," the rally organisers said in a statement. "We plead that you will not look away at this crucial time. Stand with Hong Kong." The protests, originally over a now-suspended extradition bill to mainland China, have plunged Hong Kong into its deepest crisis since its British handover to Beijing in 1997 and pose a major challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Thursday its YouTube streaming video service had disabled 210 channels appearing to engage in a coordinated influence operation around the Hong Kong protests. Twitter and Facebook have also dismantled a similar campaign originating in mainland China. Protests target airport The unrest has widened into calls for greater freedom, fuelled by worries about the erosion of rights guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" formula, adopted after the 1997 handover, such as an independent judiciary and the right to protest. Activists plan to disrupt transport to Hong Kong's international airport at the weekend. "Go to the airport by different means, including MTR, Airport Bus, Taxi, Bike and Private Car to increase pressure on airport transport," protest organisers wrote online. Hong Kong's airport, one of the world's busiest, was forced to close temporarily last week and hundreds of flights were cancelled or rescheduled when protesters and police clashed. The Airport Authority published a half-page advertisement in major newspapers on Friday urging young people to "love Hong Kong" and said it opposed acts that "blocked and interfered with the operation of the airport". It said it would continue to work to maintain smooth operations. Hong Kong's High Court on Friday extended an order restricting protesters at the city's international airport. The order requires public demonstrations have the permission of authorities and is aimed at banning "those who want to deliberately obstruct or interfere with the normal use of the airport", said the court. Nearly three months of anti-government rallies have plunged the city into crisis, drawing in corporate casualties such as Cathay Pacific amid mounting Chinese scrutiny over the involvement of some of the carrier's staff in protests. Cathay confirmed on Friday that Rebecca Sy, the head of Cathay Dragon's Airlines Flight Attendants' Association, was no longer with the company. Her departure follows the shock resignation of Cathay CEO Rupert Hogg last week. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions said it will hold a news conference later on Friday to provide details of Sy's departure. The protests are already taking a toll on the city's economy and tourism, with the special administrative region on the cusp of its first recession in a decade. Corporations, including big banks and property developers, have called for a restoration of law and order, while exhibitors are seeing widespread cancellations of events. In the most recent case, international jewellers have sought the rescheduling of a huge trade fair with up to 40% of exhibitors threatening to pull out. Demonstrators have five demands: withdraw the extradition bill, establish an independent inquiry into the protests and perceived police brutality, stop describing the protests as "rioting", waive charges against those arrested, and resume political reform.

Hong Kong braces for fresh protests, Canada stops staff travel to mainland China

Overseas Chinese in Canada on Saturday rallied and staged a demonstration in Toronto against recent spates of violent acts in Hong Kong. Watch this video to know more.

Against violent acts in Hong Kong, overseas Chinese rally in Canada

Canada said on Sunday that Britain's decision to strip Jack Letts - dubbed "Jihadi Jack" by the media - of his British citizenship was an attempt to shift responsibility for what to do with him onto Canada, where he also has citizenship.

A statement from Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale's office confirmed a British media report from Saturday, which said that Letts' UK passport had been torn up.

Letts travelled from Britain to Syria to fight with Islamic State in 2014, according to media reports, and he has been held in a Kurdish prison for two years. In an ITV interview from February, Letts said he wanted to return to Britain because he considered it his home.

"Terrorism knows no borders, so countries need to work together to keep each other safe," the Canadian statement said. "Canada is disappointed that the United Kingdom has taken this unilateral action to off-load their responsibilities."

Britain's Foreign Office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Canada has been embroiled in nagging diplomatic spats over the past year, including with Saudi Arabia and China, but this latest dispute is between two traditional allies and comes just two months ahead of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's bid for re-election.

Trudeau is due to meet the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a Group of Seven meeting in France that starts on August 24.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland in Toronto earlier this month. The two ministers discussed Letts during the visit, the Canadian statement said.

"While we are disappointed in their decision, we do not conduct tit-for-tat diplomacy. Canada and the UK continue to work closely together on several issues, including the situation in Hong Kong," the statement added.

Canada also said it was "aware of some Canadian citizens currently detained in Syria," adding that "there is no legal obligation to facilitate their return." Canada would not put its consular officials at "undue" risk in "this dangerous part of the world," it said.

Canada said on Sunday that Britain's decision to strip Jack Letts - dubbed "Jihadi Jack" by the media - of his British citizenship was an attempt to shift responsibility for what to do with him onto Canada, where he also has citizenship.

Canada said on Sunday that Britain's decision to strip Jack Letts - dubbed "Jihadi Jack" by the media - of his British citizenship was an attempt to shift responsibility for what to do with him onto Canada, where he also has citizenship. A statement from Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale's office confirmed a British media report from Saturday, which said that Letts' UK passport had been torn up. Letts travelled from Britain to Syria to fight with Islamic State in 2014, according to media reports, and he has been held in a Kurdish prison for two years. In an ITV interview from February, Letts said he wanted to return to Britain because he considered it his home. "Terrorism knows no borders, so countries need to work together to keep each other safe," the Canadian statement said. "Canada is disappointed that the United Kingdom has taken this unilateral action to off-load their responsibilities." Britain's Foreign Office could not immediately be reached for comment. Canada has been embroiled in nagging diplomatic spats over the past year, including with Saudi Arabia and China, but this latest dispute is between two traditional allies and comes just two months ahead of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's bid for re-election. Trudeau is due to meet the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a Group of Seven meeting in France that starts on August 24. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab met Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland in Toronto earlier this month. The two ministers discussed Letts during the visit, the Canadian statement said. "While we are disappointed in their decision, we do not conduct tit-for-tat diplomacy. Canada and the UK continue to work closely together on several issues, including the situation in Hong Kong," the statement added. Canada also said it was "aware of some Canadian citizens currently detained in Syria," adding that "there is no legal obligation to facilitate their return." Canada would not put its consular officials at "undue" risk in "this dangerous part of the world," it said.

Jihadi Jack: Canada slams UK decision to 'off-load' Islamist fighter

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-and-chinese-ministers-meet-amid-tensions-pledge-to-continue-talks-240324">Canada's foreign ministe</a>r on Friday praised two Canadian men detained in China for their "grit" and "tenacity," as the countries' diplomatic feud entered its eighth month.

Canadian consular officials meet Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig monthly and saw them both earlier this week, but the ministry does not offer any information about their condition for privacy reasons.

"They are two brave Canadians who are facing a difficult situation through no fault of their own and they are conducting themselves with incredible grace and tenacity," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Calgary.

"They're showing real Canadian grit, as are their families for whom this is also an ordeal," she said.

Canada and China have been locked in a diplomatic dispute since Dec. 1 when Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies Co-Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on a US warrant. Meng is the daughter of the company's founder.

Shortly after her arrest, Beijing detained Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Spavor, a businessman, and later charged them with espionage. Canada says their arrests were 'arbitrary'.

Freeland has said Canada will continue to negotiate an end to the dispute and the return of the two men outside of the public eye.

Canada's dispute with China has been a nagging issue for Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the feud shows little sign of resolution, just months before a national vote set for Oct. 21.

Freeland met her Chinese counterpart a week ago for the first time since the dispute began. She reiterated on Friday that both countries are committed to future discussions.

Canada's foreign minister on Friday praised two Canadian men detained in China for their "grit" and "tenacity," as the countries' diplomatic feud entered its eighth month.

Canada's foreign minister on Friday praised two Canadian men detained in China for their "grit" and "tenacity," as the countries' diplomatic feud entered its eighth month. Canadian consular officials meet Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig monthly and saw them both earlier this week, but the ministry does not offer any information about their condition for privacy reasons. "They are two brave Canadians who are facing a difficult situation through no fault of their own and they are conducting themselves with incredible grace and tenacity," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Calgary. "They're showing real Canadian grit, as are their families for whom this is also an ordeal," she said. Canada and China have been locked in a diplomatic dispute since Dec. 1 when Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies Co-Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on a US warrant. Meng is the daughter of the company's founder. Shortly after her arrest, Beijing detained Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Spavor, a businessman, and later charged them with espionage. Canada says their arrests were 'arbitrary'. Freeland has said Canada will continue to negotiate an end to the dispute and the return of the two men outside of the public eye. Canada's dispute with China has been a nagging issue for Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the feud shows little sign of resolution, just months before a national vote set for Oct. 21. Freeland met her Chinese counterpart a week ago for the first time since the dispute began. She reiterated on Friday that both countries are committed to future discussions.

Canada's foreign minister praises 'grit' of two Canadians detained in China

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 7th, 2019

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At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/atmospheric-flow-now-going-to-transport-heat-towards-greenland-un-238653">Greenland to Canada's east coast</a>, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-heat-wave-shatters-citys-record-disrupts-jobs-and-lives-233451">Arctic's ice</a>.

While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins.

"It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province.&nbsp;

"We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy."

For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons.&nbsp;

Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores.&nbsp;

In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean.

'Incredible' rise in tourism&nbsp;

Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants.

The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government.

"There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known.

"I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old.&nbsp;

Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population.&nbsp;

Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show.

Melting ice&nbsp;

The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century.

Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics.&nbsp;

But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best.

In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable.

"We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery.

"This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none."

The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole.

In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America.

For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can.&nbsp;

"The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller.

Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering.

"It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP.

"There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice.

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice. While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins. "It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province. "We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy." For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons. Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores. In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean. 'Incredible' rise in tourism Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants. The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government. "There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known. "I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old. Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population. Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show. Melting ice The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century. Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics. But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best. In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable. "We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery. "This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none." The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole. In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America. For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can. "The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller. Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering. "It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP. "There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

'Iceberg Corridor' sparks tourist boom on Canada's east coast

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 2nd, 2019

In Newfoundland, Canada, icebergs are a source of wonder to tourists and joy to merchants: more and more ice giants from Greenland are drifting to this island in eastern Canada. Some see it as a boon, others as a stark illustration of the accelerated melting of the Arctic.

'Iceberg Corridor' sparks economic boom on Canada's east coast

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fossils-of-early-giant-dinosaur-discovered-in-argentina-150589">rake-like claws and a head </a>resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth.

Scientists on Tuesday said the creature, called Cambroraster falcatus, was a distant relative of today's arthropods - the diverse group of animals including insects, spiders and crabs - and lived during the Cambrian Period 506 million years ago, when all animal life lived in the oceans.

"Most animals in the Cambrian Period were small, typically a few centimetres long at most. By comparison, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-fossils-point-to-life-on-earth-about-4-billion-years-ago-12941/amp">Cambroraster was a giant</a>, at up to a foot long (30 cm)," said paleontologist Joe Moysiuk of the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto, lead author of the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Cambroraster was excavated in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies from a rock formation known as the Burgess Shale that has yielded fossils of a wondrous array of Cambrian animals. The Cambrian was a time of evolutionary experimentation when nearly all major animal groups first appeared and numerous oddballs came and went.

"With its huge head, small body and upward facing eyes, Cambroraster superficially resembles a horseshoe crab, although in detail they are quite different animals," Moysiuk said. "Just like horseshoe crabs, we think Cambroraster spent its time hanging around near the sea floor, feeding on organisms buried in the mud."

Its large head was covered by a shield-like carapace whose shape reminded the scientists of the Millennium Falcon spaceship of "Star Wars" fame. At the front of its body were two large claws with a succession of parallel outgrowths like a series of rakes, letting it sift through seafloor mud and strain out any prey. Tooth-like plates surrounded its circular mouth. It may have dined upon worms, small fish and larvae.

It belonged to the same group - radiodonts - as the apex predator of the time, called Anomalocaris, a dangerous hunter reaching three feet (one meter) long that may even have targeted Cambroraster.

Radiodonts, among the earliest offshoots of the arthropod lineage, are usually known from fragmentary remains. But the scientists found such a large number of beautifully preserved and complete Cambroraster fossils that they achieved a breakthrough in the understanding of this significant extinct group.

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with rake-like claws and a head resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth.

Hundreds of fossils of a primordial sea creature with rake-like claws and a head resembling a famous fictional spaceship have been unearthed in Canada, providing a wealth of information about an important predator from a key time in the evolution of life on Earth. Scientists on Tuesday said the creature, called Cambroraster falcatus, was a distant relative of today's arthropods - the diverse group of animals including insects, spiders and crabs - and lived during the Cambrian Period 506 million years ago, when all animal life lived in the oceans. "Most animals in the Cambrian Period were small, typically a few centimetres long at most. By comparison, Cambroraster was a giant, at up to a foot long (30 cm)," said paleontologist Joe Moysiuk of the Royal Ontario Museum and University of Toronto, lead author of the research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Cambroraster was excavated in Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies from a rock formation known as the Burgess Shale that has yielded fossils of a wondrous array of Cambrian animals. The Cambrian was a time of evolutionary experimentation when nearly all major animal groups first appeared and numerous oddballs came and went. "With its huge head, small body and upward facing eyes, Cambroraster superficially resembles a horseshoe crab, although in detail they are quite different animals," Moysiuk said. "Just like horseshoe crabs, we think Cambroraster spent its time hanging around near the sea floor, feeding on organisms buried in the mud." Its large head was covered by a shield-like carapace whose shape reminded the scientists of the Millennium Falcon spaceship of "Star Wars" fame. At the front of its body were two large claws with a succession of parallel outgrowths like a series of rakes, letting it sift through seafloor mud and strain out any prey. Tooth-like plates surrounded its circular mouth. It may have dined upon worms, small fish and larvae. It belonged to the same group - radiodonts - as the apex predator of the time, called Anomalocaris, a dangerous hunter reaching three feet (one meter) long that may even have targeted Cambroraster. Radiodonts, among the earliest offshoots of the arthropod lineage, are usually known from fragmentary remains. But the scientists found such a large number of beautifully preserved and complete Cambroraster fossils that they achieved a breakthrough in the understanding of this significant extinct group.

Fossils of primordial predator unearthed in Canada

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week.

Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were believed to have been seen on Sunday outside York Landing, a First Nations community of less than 500 people, 90 km (56 miles) south of Gillam, Manitoba, where search efforts were previously concentrated.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba posted on Twitter that they have not been able to substantiate the tip "after a thorough &amp; exhaustive search," but that resources will remain in the York Landing and Gillum areas.

The sighting is believed to be the first one in several days of Schmegelsky and McLeod, who were first reported missing on July 19 in British Columbia, but were later described as suspects in the killing of Chynna Deese, a 24-year-old American, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, 23.

Police charged McLeod and Schmegelsky last week with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck, 64, a Vancouver botany professor.

The RCMP said in a briefing on Monday that they could not confirm the identities of the individuals spotted near a town landfill in York Landing, but are deploying significant resources to the area.

The town is accessible only by air or a two-hour ferry from Gillam in the summer; a rail line runs 20 km (12 miles) to the south.

The suspected sighting was made near the landfill by members of the Bear Clan Patrol, an Aboriginal community watch group based in Winnipeg, James Favel, executive director of the patrol, said. Members of the Bear Clan were patrolling the area when they spotted two individuals who met the descriptions of the fugitives near the garbage dump. They were initially suspicious because the individuals appeared to be without a car, he said.

"Nobody goes to the dump without a vehicle for refuge just in case bears appear, and they do quite frequently," Favel told Reuters.

Upon realizing they had been spotted, the two individuals bolted and disappeared into the tree line, Favel said. He called the area surrounding York Landing "unforgiving territory."

Favel said he was optimistic that Schmegelsky and McLeod would soon be caught, pointing to the level of resources from the RCMP and Canadian military concentrated in the area.

The community of York Landing remains on high alert, with community leaders asking residents to keep their doors locked and remain inside as much as possible.

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week.

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week. Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were believed to have been seen on Sunday outside York Landing, a First Nations community of less than 500 people, 90 km (56 miles) south of Gillam, Manitoba, where search efforts were previously concentrated. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba posted on Twitter that they have not been able to substantiate the tip "after a thorough & exhaustive search," but that resources will remain in the York Landing and Gillum areas. The sighting is believed to be the first one in several days of Schmegelsky and McLeod, who were first reported missing on July 19 in British Columbia, but were later described as suspects in the killing of Chynna Deese, a 24-year-old American, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, 23. Police charged McLeod and Schmegelsky last week with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck, 64, a Vancouver botany professor. The RCMP said in a briefing on Monday that they could not confirm the identities of the individuals spotted near a town landfill in York Landing, but are deploying significant resources to the area. The town is accessible only by air or a two-hour ferry from Gillam in the summer; a rail line runs 20 km (12 miles) to the south. The suspected sighting was made near the landfill by members of the Bear Clan Patrol, an Aboriginal community watch group based in Winnipeg, James Favel, executive director of the patrol, said. Members of the Bear Clan were patrolling the area when they spotted two individuals who met the descriptions of the fugitives near the garbage dump. They were initially suspicious because the individuals appeared to be without a car, he said. "Nobody goes to the dump without a vehicle for refuge just in case bears appear, and they do quite frequently," Favel told Reuters. Upon realizing they had been spotted, the two individuals bolted and disappeared into the tree line, Favel said. He called the area surrounding York Landing "unforgiving territory." Favel said he was optimistic that Schmegelsky and McLeod would soon be caught, pointing to the level of resources from the RCMP and Canadian military concentrated in the area. The community of York Landing remains on high alert, with community leaders asking residents to keep their doors locked and remain inside as much as possible.

Canadian air force joins search for fugitive murder suspects in remote area

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish.&nbsp;

China's decision to ban foreign plastic waste imports last year threw global recycling into chaos as shipping containers filled with trash were rerouted to ports in the region.

The discovery of 83 plastic-filled containers at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port this month fueled outrage among officials, who said the country was not a rubbish bin.&nbsp;

It gave the firm responsible - Chungyuen Plastic Manufacture - until August 24 to send the shipment back to the US and Canada and fined it $254,000.&nbsp;

The company "will face further action through the courts" if it does not comply with the order and pay, Kun Nhim, director-general of Cambodia's customs department, told reporters.&nbsp;

Seventy of the containers are from the US while the remainder came from Canada, he said.&nbsp;

He did not provide details on how they ended up in Sihanoukville.

"It could be that they shipped it to Cambodia temporarily when they could not find a country to accept the waste," he added.&nbsp;

Cambodia is the latest country in Southeast Asia to push back against a growing rubbish crisis. &nbsp;

Indonesia announced earlier this month it was sending back dozens of containers full of waste to France and other developed nations while neighbouring Malaysia said in May it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its source.&nbsp;

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or polluting the seas.

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish.

Cambodia fined a company more than $250,000 for shipping 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste from the US and Canada, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian countries hit back against an influx of rubbish. China's decision to ban foreign plastic waste imports last year threw global recycling into chaos as shipping containers filled with trash were rerouted to ports in the region. The discovery of 83 plastic-filled containers at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port this month fueled outrage among officials, who said the country was not a rubbish bin. It gave the firm responsible - Chungyuen Plastic Manufacture - until August 24 to send the shipment back to the US and Canada and fined it $254,000. The company "will face further action through the courts" if it does not comply with the order and pay, Kun Nhim, director-general of Cambodia's customs department, told reporters. Seventy of the containers are from the US while the remainder came from Canada, he said. He did not provide details on how they ended up in Sihanoukville. "It could be that they shipped it to Cambodia temporarily when they could not find a country to accept the waste," he added. Cambodia is the latest country in Southeast Asia to push back against a growing rubbish crisis. Indonesia announced earlier this month it was sending back dozens of containers full of waste to France and other developed nations while neighbouring Malaysia said in May it was shipping 450 tonnes of imported plastic waste back to its source. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in landfills or polluting the seas.

Company fined $254,000 for shipping plastic waste to Cambodia

The Lima Group on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">Venezuela's political crisis</a> threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">socialist leader Nicolas Maduro</a> has refused to consider.

Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election.

Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections.

"While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires.

He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security.

Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link.

A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016.

Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru.

Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants.

"The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said.

Legalized military intervention

Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez.

Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention.

The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR.

The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country. The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move socialist leader Nicolas Maduro has refused to consider. Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election. Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections. "While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires. He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security. Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link. A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016. Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru. Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants. "The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said. Legalized military intervention Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention. Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez. Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention. The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR. The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

Lima Group: Venezuela crisis threatens 'international security'

Conservative and far-right French lawmakers said they would boycott a meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-gets-amnesty-prize-225552">Swedish activist Greta Thunberg</a> and hurled insults at the 16-year-old who has inspired a global network of young climate protesters.

Thunberg has been invited by a cross-party group of politicians to attend a French parliament committee meeting and will watch a plenary session from the public gallery on Tuesday.

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Today we’re speaking at the National Assembly in Paris. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridaysForFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridaysForFuture</a> <a href="https://t.co/St62PqAD7H">pic.twitter.com/St62PqAD7H</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1153607753396629505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But after mocking Thunberg on social media in recent days, lawmakers from the conservative Les Republicains (LR) and far-right Rassemblement National (RN) parties said they would not attend the meeting.

"I call on my colleagues to boycott Greta Thunberg. We do not need gurus of the apocalypse," Guillaume Larrive, who is running to be the leader of Les Republicains, said on Twitter.

Recent months have seen millions of young people worldwide walk out of school on Fridays to back Thunberg's demands for urgent action from governments to curb carbon emissions.

Julien Aubert, another candidate to lead the party, which turned in its worst-ever performance in European elections in May and finished behind the Greens, tweeted: "Do not count on me to go and applaud a prophetess in shorts, Nobel prize of fear."

Thunberg began a climate protest outside the Swedish parliament last August. The Fridays for Future school strike movement has since spread to more than 100 countries.

"Using children to hawk a fatalist message about the world going up in flames, and skipping school and going on strike, that is a deeply defeatist approach," Jordan Bardella, an RN member of the European Parliament, told France 2 television.

"You cannot bring in the Joan of Arc of climate change while parliament is voting on the EU-Canada trade deal."

The French parliament is expected to approve on Tuesday the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has been criticised by environmentalists.

But any abstentions or no-votes among President Emmanuel Macron's centrist LREM party, which has a comfortable majority, would be damaging for Macron, who has been criticised for taking little action against climate change.

Green MPs, as well as government ministers, defended Thunberg and the fight against global warming, which the government has said will be a priority of the second part of Macron's mandate.

"Boycotting the speech of a 16-year old girl, what are they afraid of?" junior environment minister Brune Poirson told Le Parisien newspaper.

"We need whistleblowers like her."

Conservative and far-right French lawmakers said they would boycott a meeting with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and hurled insults at the 16-year-old who has inspired a global network of young climate protesters.

Conservative and far-right French lawmakers said they would boycott a meeting with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and hurled insults at the 16-year-old who has inspired a global network of young climate protesters. Thunberg has been invited by a cross-party group of politicians to attend a French parliament committee meeting and will watch a plenary session from the public gallery on Tuesday. Today we’re speaking at the National Assembly in Paris. #FridaysForFuture pic.twitter.com/St62PqAD7H — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) July 23, 2019 × But after mocking Thunberg on social media in recent days, lawmakers from the conservative Les Republicains (LR) and far-right Rassemblement National (RN) parties said they would not attend the meeting. "I call on my colleagues to boycott Greta Thunberg. We do not need gurus of the apocalypse," Guillaume Larrive, who is running to be the leader of Les Republicains, said on Twitter. Recent months have seen millions of young people worldwide walk out of school on Fridays to back Thunberg's demands for urgent action from governments to curb carbon emissions. Julien Aubert, another candidate to lead the party, which turned in its worst-ever performance in European elections in May and finished behind the Greens, tweeted: "Do not count on me to go and applaud a prophetess in shorts, Nobel prize of fear." Thunberg began a climate protest outside the Swedish parliament last August. The Fridays for Future school strike movement has since spread to more than 100 countries. "Using children to hawk a fatalist message about the world going up in flames, and skipping school and going on strike, that is a deeply defeatist approach," Jordan Bardella, an RN member of the European Parliament, told France 2 television. "You cannot bring in the Joan of Arc of climate change while parliament is voting on the EU-Canada trade deal." The French parliament is expected to approve on Tuesday the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has been criticised by environmentalists. But any abstentions or no-votes among President Emmanuel Macron's centrist LREM party, which has a comfortable majority, would be damaging for Macron, who has been criticised for taking little action against climate change. Green MPs, as well as government ministers, defended Thunberg and the fight against global warming, which the government has said will be a priority of the second part of Macron's mandate. "Boycotting the speech of a 16-year old girl, what are they afraid of?" junior environment minister Brune Poirson told Le Parisien newspaper. "We need whistleblowers like her."

French right-wingers to shun 16-year-old Greta Thunberg in Parliament

US payments company PayPal &lt;PYPL.O&gt; is expanding further in Europe by launching its international money transfers service Xoom in Britain and 31 other countries across the continent.

Xoom allows customers to transfer money abroad to more than 130 markets internationally, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Poland, and China.

The company said the roll-out would help it grab market share in the $689 billion global remittances market, building on previous launches of the service in the United States and Canada.

Britons alone transfer over $26 billion in remittances overseas annually, many sending money to help family members pay bills.

Xoom partners with major banks and other finance firms to facilitate the money transfers, with customers able to transfer up to 8,800 pounds ($11,029) per transaction.

US payments company PayPal <PYPL.O> is expanding further in Europe by launching its international money transfers service Xoom in Britain and 31 other countries across the continent.

US payments company PayPal <PYPL.O> is expanding further in Europe by launching its international money transfers service Xoom in Britain and 31 other countries across the continent. Xoom allows customers to transfer money abroad to more than 130 markets internationally, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Poland, and China. The company said the roll-out would help it grab market share in the $689 billion global remittances market, building on previous launches of the service in the United States and Canada. Britons alone transfer over $26 billion in remittances overseas annually, many sending money to help family members pay bills. Xoom partners with major banks and other finance firms to facilitate the money transfers, with customers able to transfer up to 8,800 pounds ($11,029) per transaction.

PayPal launches international money transfer service Xoom across Europe

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-has-destroyed-graveyard-of-uighur-community-historian-226704">human rights cause</a>" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week.

On July 10, a group of 22 countries, including the member states of the European Union, joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, issued a statement urging China to stop the mass detention and arbitrary incarceration of ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-wives-forced-to-drink-alcohol-and-eat-pork-in-chinas-re-education-camps-214757">Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in its western Xinjiang region, The New York Times reported.

On Friday a diverse group of states -- including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Algeria and North Korea -- replied on Beijing`s behalf, claiming China had faced terrorism, separatism and religious extremism in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-spies-tourists-in-xinjiang-232866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCnbaFrLHjAhUISY8KHQG-Bz4QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hm9yJMhvV9x9Z2dKXq8Fk">Xinjiang</a>, the vast northwest region that is mainly Muslim.

But through counterterrorism measures and vocational training, these states said, China had restored peace and security there.

"We note with appreciation that human rights are respected and protected in China in the process of counterterrorism and de-radicalisation," they said in the letter to the UN.

China denounced the West`s letter as "distortions" and "hypocrisy" of the Western media, and insisted that the region`s people "feel much better and much more happy and secure.

"Chinese diplomats further suggested that China`s experience in tackling terrorism could even be usefully shared with other countries.

China has been condemned internationally for setting up detention camps, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out "extremism" and give people new skills.

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international human rights cause" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week.

UN ambassadors from 37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, have released a letter defending China's "contribution to the international human rights cause" in the Xinjiang region, in direct response to Western criticism earlier this week. On July 10, a group of 22 countries, including the member states of the European Union, joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, issued a statement urging China to stop the mass detention and arbitrary incarceration of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in its western Xinjiang region, The New York Times reported. On Friday a diverse group of states -- including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Algeria and North Korea -- replied on Beijing`s behalf, claiming China had faced terrorism, separatism and religious extremism in Xinjiang, the vast northwest region that is mainly Muslim. But through counterterrorism measures and vocational training, these states said, China had restored peace and security there. "We note with appreciation that human rights are respected and protected in China in the process of counterterrorism and de-radicalisation," they said in the letter to the UN. China denounced the West`s letter as "distortions" and "hypocrisy" of the Western media, and insisted that the region`s people "feel much better and much more happy and secure. "Chinese diplomats further suggested that China`s experience in tackling terrorism could even be usefully shared with other countries. China has been condemned internationally for setting up detention camps, which it describes as "education training centres" helping to stamp out "extremism" and give people new skills.

37 countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, defend China in UN letter over Xinjiang

A recent study has suggested that the process of reforestation around the world would be the most effective method to combat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tornado-hits-northeast-china-as-more-extreme-weather-strikes-six-killed-190-injured-232916">climate change</a>.

Around 0.9 billion hectares of land worldwide would be suitable for reforestation, which could ultimately capture two-thirds of human-made carbon emissions.

Researchers investigated nature-based solutions to climate change. In the latest study published in the journal 'Science', researchers for the first time, showed where in the world new trees could grow and how much carbon they would store.

"One aspect was of particular importance to us as we did the calculations, we excluded cities or agricultural areas from the total restoration potential as these areas are needed for human life," study lead author Jean-Francois Bastin explained.

The researchers calculated that under the current climate conditions, Earth's land could support 4.4 billion hectares of continuous tree cover. That is 1.6 billion more than the currently existing 2.8 billion hectares.

Of these 1.6 billion hectares, 0.9 billion hectares fulfil the criterion of not being used by humans. This means that there is currently an area of the size of the US available for tree restoration.

Once mature, these new forests could store 205 billion tonnes of carbon,&nbsp;about two-thirds of the 300 billion tonnes of carbon that has been released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity since the Industrial Revolution.

"We all knew that restoring forests could play a part in tackling climate change, but we didn't really know how big the impact would be. Our study shows clearly that forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today. But we must act quickly, as new forests will take decades to mature and achieve their full potential as a source of natural carbon storage," said co-author of the study, Prof. Thomas Crowther.

The study also shows which parts of the world are most suited to forest restoration.

The greatest potential can be found in just six countries:

Russia (151 million hectares)&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-china-is-afraid-of-us-abrams-tanks-to-be-delivered-to-taiwan-234260#us-army-infantry-battalions-m1-abrams-tanks-234232">US</a> (103 million hectares)

Canada (78.4 million hectares)

Australia (58 million hectares)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-slams-brazil-fix-after-copa-red-card-233729/amp">Brazil</a> (49.7 million hectares)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sale-of-weapons-to-taiwan-violates-one-china-policy-cancel-it-immediately-china-to-us-234236">China</a> (40.2 million hectares).

Many current climate models are wrong in expecting climate change to increase global tree cover, the study warns. It finds that there is likely to be an increase in the area of northern boreal forests in regions such as Siberia, but tree cover there averages only 30 to 40 per cent.&nbsp;

These gains would be outweighed by the losses suffered in dense tropical forests, which typically have 90 to 100 per cent tree cover.

A recent study has suggested that the process of reforestation around the world would be the most effective method to combat climate change. Around 0.9 billion hectares of land worldwide would be suitable for reforestation, which could ultimately capture two-thirds of human-made carbon emissions.

A recent study has suggested that the process of reforestation around the world would be the most effective method to combat climate change. Around 0.9 billion hectares of land worldwide would be suitable for reforestation, which could ultimately capture two-thirds of human-made carbon emissions. Researchers investigated nature-based solutions to climate change. In the latest study published in the journal 'Science', researchers for the first time, showed where in the world new trees could grow and how much carbon they would store. "One aspect was of particular importance to us as we did the calculations, we excluded cities or agricultural areas from the total restoration potential as these areas are needed for human life," study lead author Jean-Francois Bastin explained. The researchers calculated that under the current climate conditions, Earth's land could support 4.4 billion hectares of continuous tree cover. That is 1.6 billion more than the currently existing 2.8 billion hectares. Of these 1.6 billion hectares, 0.9 billion hectares fulfil the criterion of not being used by humans. This means that there is currently an area of the size of the US available for tree restoration. Once mature, these new forests could store 205 billion tonnes of carbon, about two-thirds of the 300 billion tonnes of carbon that has been released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity since the Industrial Revolution. "We all knew that restoring forests could play a part in tackling climate change, but we didn't really know how big the impact would be. Our study shows clearly that forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today. But we must act quickly, as new forests will take decades to mature and achieve their full potential as a source of natural carbon storage," said co-author of the study, Prof. Thomas Crowther. The study also shows which parts of the world are most suited to forest restoration. The greatest potential can be found in just six countries: Russia (151 million hectares) US (103 million hectares) Canada (78.4 million hectares) Australia (58 million hectares) Brazil (49.7 million hectares) China (40.2 million hectares). Many current climate models are wrong in expecting climate change to increase global tree cover, the study warns. It finds that there is likely to be an increase in the area of northern boreal forests in regions such as Siberia, but tree cover there averages only 30 to 40 per cent. These gains would be outweighed by the losses suffered in dense tropical forests, which typically have 90 to 100 per cent tree cover.

Experts find land as big as US for reforestation to reverse climate change effects

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> on Friday said his administration is working on an executive order to reduce US drug prices to match the lowest in the world.

"We're working on a favoured nations law where we pay whatever the lowest nation's price is," Trump told reporters from the White House South Lawn.

"As you know, for years and years other nations paid less for drugs than we do, sometimes by 60 per cent, 70 per cent," he said.

The president accused pharmaceutical companies of having "taken advantage of the system for a long time," with US drug prices often exceeding those in neighbouring Canada and Mexico as well as Europe.

"Why should other nations like Canada -- why should other nations pay much less than us?" Trump said, declaring that he would handle the matter "in the form of an executive order."

Beginning this month the United States will require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the price of their drugs during television commercials, a measure which Trump has praised for its "historic transparency."

About half of Americans have health insurance with a high deductible which can reach thousands of dollars a year, in many cases more than $5,000 or $6,000 annually.

Many have to pay the full drug price until they have spent their annual deductible amount.

Despite pressure from the president, US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in January increased the price of 41 drugs, which represents 10 per cent of its drug portfolio.

As with other pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer is facing the loss of patents for some of its biggest blockbuster drugs. Manufacturers are justifying a hike in prices saying they need to pay for research and development.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration is working on an executive order to reduce US drug prices to match the lowest in the world. "We're working on a favoured nations law where we pay whatever the lowest nation's price is," Trump told reporters from the White House South Lawn.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration is working on an executive order to reduce US drug prices to match the lowest in the world. "We're working on a favoured nations law where we pay whatever the lowest nation's price is," Trump told reporters from the White House South Lawn. "As you know, for years and years other nations paid less for drugs than we do, sometimes by 60 per cent, 70 per cent," he said. The president accused pharmaceutical companies of having "taken advantage of the system for a long time," with US drug prices often exceeding those in neighbouring Canada and Mexico as well as Europe. "Why should other nations like Canada -- why should other nations pay much less than us?" Trump said, declaring that he would handle the matter "in the form of an executive order." Beginning this month the United States will require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the price of their drugs during television commercials, a measure which Trump has praised for its "historic transparency." About half of Americans have health insurance with a high deductible which can reach thousands of dollars a year, in many cases more than $5,000 or $6,000 annually. Many have to pay the full drug price until they have spent their annual deductible amount. Despite pressure from the president, US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in January increased the price of 41 drugs, which represents 10 per cent of its drug portfolio. As with other pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer is facing the loss of patents for some of its biggest blockbuster drugs. Manufacturers are justifying a hike in prices saying they need to pay for research and development.

Trump promises to reduce US drug prices to world's lowest

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy capped a long day of meetings and photo-ops with a toast at the Ukraine Reform Conference dinner. Both leaders raised their glasses and toasted to mutual friendship, a common theme through much of the day's bilateral events.

Trudeau, Ukraine's Zelenskiy toast to 'unshakeable bond'

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-names-experts-to-probe-french-action-during-rwanda-genocide-208166">Rwandan</a> man was sentenced on Monday to more than eight years in prison after being convicted of concealing his involvement in the African nation's 1994 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forgiveness-is-the-only-way-forward-for-rwanda-genocide-survivors-208805">genocide in hopes</a> of gaining asylum in the United States.

Federal prosecutors in Boston had sought 20 years in prison for Jean Leonard Teganya, 48, saying if he was being sentenced for the murders and rapes they say he participated in rather than immigration fraud, they would have sought a life term.

US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor said he did not want to suggest the genocide, in which members of a hard-line Hutu regime massacred an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus during three months of slaughter, was not "horrifying."

But the judge said he was not comfortable sentencing Teganya above the federal sentencing guidelines for the immigration-related crimes he was convicted of to punish him for crimes that he could not be charged over in the United States.

"The punishment should fit the offence," he said.

Teganya is expected to appeal. His lawyer at trial argued Teganya fled Rwanda because after the genocide any Hutu could be implicated.

Prosecutors said that during the violence, Teganya was a medical student at a hospital in the southern Rwandan city of Butare and was active in the political party that helped perpetrate the genocide.

Citing witnesses, prosecutors alleged that Teganya led Hutu soldiers through the hospital to identify Tutsi patients who were then killed, and personally participated in the murder of seven Tutsis and five rapes.

He left Rwanda in mid-July 1994 and travelled through Congo, Kenya and India before arriving in Canada in 1999, prosecutors said.

He sought asylum in Canada, but officials concluded he took part in atrocities against Tutsis and, following years of litigation, ultimately ordered his removal from the country, prosecutors said.

They said he then fled in 2014 and crossed into the United States, entering through Houlton, Maine, where he encountered US Customs and Border Control officers and requested asylum.

A Rwandan man was sentenced on Monday to more than eight years in prison after being convicted of concealing his involvement in the African nation's 1994 genocide in hopes of gaining asylum in the United States.

A Rwandan man was sentenced on Monday to more than eight years in prison after being convicted of concealing his involvement in the African nation's 1994 genocide in hopes of gaining asylum in the United States. Federal prosecutors in Boston had sought 20 years in prison for Jean Leonard Teganya, 48, saying if he was being sentenced for the murders and rapes they say he participated in rather than immigration fraud, they would have sought a life term. US District Judge F. Dennis Saylor said he did not want to suggest the genocide, in which members of a hard-line Hutu regime massacred an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus during three months of slaughter, was not "horrifying." But the judge said he was not comfortable sentencing Teganya above the federal sentencing guidelines for the immigration-related crimes he was convicted of to punish him for crimes that he could not be charged over in the United States. "The punishment should fit the offence," he said. Teganya is expected to appeal. His lawyer at trial argued Teganya fled Rwanda because after the genocide any Hutu could be implicated. Prosecutors said that during the violence, Teganya was a medical student at a hospital in the southern Rwandan city of Butare and was active in the political party that helped perpetrate the genocide. Citing witnesses, prosecutors alleged that Teganya led Hutu soldiers through the hospital to identify Tutsi patients who were then killed, and personally participated in the murder of seven Tutsis and five rapes. He left Rwanda in mid-July 1994 and travelled through Congo, Kenya and India before arriving in Canada in 1999, prosecutors said. He sought asylum in Canada, but officials concluded he took part in atrocities against Tutsis and, following years of litigation, ultimately ordered his removal from the country, prosecutors said. They said he then fled in 2014 and crossed into the United States, entering through Houlton, Maine, where he encountered US Customs and Border Control officers and requested asylum.

Rwandan man gets eight years in US prison for lying about genocide role

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/china-loves-ripping-off-america-says-us-president-donald-trump-218218">China </a>has asked Canada to suspend all meat exports after discovering bogus veterinary health certificates attached to a batch of pork, its embassy said Tuesday, as Canadian police launched a criminal probe.

The embassy in Ottawa said a customs investigation launched after the discovery of traces of a banned feed additive &nbsp;revealed that up to 188 forged certificates had been provided to Chinese officials through "Canadian official certificate notification channels."

"In order to protect the safety of Chinese consumers, China has taken urgent preventive measures and requested the Canadian government to suspend the issuance of certificates for meat exported to China since June 25," it said.

A Canadian government official confirmed to AFP that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been called in to investigate the case for possible criminality.

Meanwhile, according to Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reached out to its Chinese counterpart for more information about the forgery allegations.

In a statement, she said the CFIA "has identified a problem with false export certificates that could affect exports of pork and beef products to China."

The agency, she added, "has taken steps to remedy the situation" while continuing to work with industry partners and Chinese authorities.

Bibeau noted that the issue "does not affect export certificates to other countries."

The official Xinhua news agency earlier this month said that customs officials in the eastern city of Nanjing had found that recent pork shipments from Frigo Royal contained Ractopamine.

The feed additive, which boosts the growth of animals, is widely used in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-executive-asks-canada-to-quash-us-extradition-request-230152">United States</a> but banned in the European Union and China.

Bibeau said this month that Chinese customs had increased inspections of Canadian imports amid frosty relations over the December arrest of a senior executive of telecoms giant Huawei on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions violations.

China has asked Canada to suspend all meat exports after discovering bogus veterinary health certificates attached to a batch of pork, its embassy said Tuesday, as Canadian police launched a criminal probe.

China has asked Canada to suspend all meat exports after discovering bogus veterinary health certificates attached to a batch of pork, its embassy said Tuesday, as Canadian police launched a criminal probe. The embassy in Ottawa said a customs investigation launched after the discovery of traces of a banned feed additive revealed that up to 188 forged certificates had been provided to Chinese officials through "Canadian official certificate notification channels." "In order to protect the safety of Chinese consumers, China has taken urgent preventive measures and requested the Canadian government to suspend the issuance of certificates for meat exported to China since June 25," it said. A Canadian government official confirmed to AFP that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been called in to investigate the case for possible criminality. Meanwhile, according to Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reached out to its Chinese counterpart for more information about the forgery allegations. In a statement, she said the CFIA "has identified a problem with false export certificates that could affect exports of pork and beef products to China." The agency, she added, "has taken steps to remedy the situation" while continuing to work with industry partners and Chinese authorities. Bibeau noted that the issue "does not affect export certificates to other countries." The official Xinhua news agency earlier this month said that customs officials in the eastern city of Nanjing had found that recent pork shipments from Frigo Royal contained Ractopamine. The feed additive, which boosts the growth of animals, is widely used in the United States but banned in the European Union and China. Bibeau said this month that Chinese customs had increased inspections of Canadian imports amid frosty relations over the December arrest of a senior executive of telecoms giant Huawei on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions violations.

China halts Canadian meat exports over fake certificates

A woman boarded an Air Canada flight earlier this month, fell asleep after takeoff and woke up alone in a dark, parked plane, apparently forgotten about by ground staff.

Tiffani Adams's story was posted by a friend on Air Canada's Facebook page, drawing incredulous reactions from readers and a request for details from the airline.

According to the post, Adams was flying from Quebec to Toronto Pearson International Airport when she fell asleep, aided by the fact that she'd ended up with a whole row of seats to herself.

She woke up in "pitch black," with the plane had landed and apparently been towed away from the airport after passengers and crew had disembarked.

"I think I'm having a bad dream (because) like seriously how is this happening," she wrote.

She briefly called a friend but was cut short when her phone's battery died.

"I'm trying to focus on my breathing and control my panic attack while I attempt to charge my phone by plugging into every USB port I could find," she wrote, but that proved fruitless because the electricity on the plane was turned off.

After finally finding a torch in the cockpit, she managed to open one of the doors but faced a drop of up to 50 feet (15 meters) to get out of the plane.

She then used the torch to draw the attention of a luggage cart driver, who arrived to find Adams with her legs hanging out of the plane's open doorway.

"He is in shock, asking how the heck they left me on the plane," she said. "I'm wondering the same." Air Canada apologized for the incident, Adams said, but she hasn't had much sleep since and is struggling with night terrors.

Air Canada told broadcaster CTV News that it was reviewing the episode but declined to offer further details.

A woman boarded an Air Canada flight earlier this month, fell asleep after takeoff and woke up alone in a dark, parked plane, apparently forgotten about by ground staff.

A woman boarded an Air Canada flight earlier this month, fell asleep after takeoff and woke up alone in a dark, parked plane, apparently forgotten about by ground staff. Tiffani Adams's story was posted by a friend on Air Canada's Facebook page, drawing incredulous reactions from readers and a request for details from the airline. According to the post, Adams was flying from Quebec to Toronto Pearson International Airport when she fell asleep, aided by the fact that she'd ended up with a whole row of seats to herself. She woke up in "pitch black," with the plane had landed and apparently been towed away from the airport after passengers and crew had disembarked. "I think I'm having a bad dream (because) like seriously how is this happening," she wrote. She briefly called a friend but was cut short when her phone's battery died. "I'm trying to focus on my breathing and control my panic attack while I attempt to charge my phone by plugging into every USB port I could find," she wrote, but that proved fruitless because the electricity on the plane was turned off. After finally finding a torch in the cockpit, she managed to open one of the doors but faced a drop of up to 50 feet (15 meters) to get out of the plane. She then used the torch to draw the attention of a luggage cart driver, who arrived to find Adams with her legs hanging out of the plane's open doorway. "He is in shock, asking how the heck they left me on the plane," she said. "I'm wondering the same." Air Canada apologized for the incident, Adams said, but she hasn't had much sleep since and is struggling with night terrors. Air Canada told broadcaster CTV News that it was reviewing the episode but declined to offer further details.

Air Canada passenger falls asleep on plane, wakes up alone

Canada on Tuesday (June 18) approved as expected a hotly contested proposal to expand the western Canadian crude oil pipeline it bought last year, providing hope for a depressed energy industry but angering environmental groups.

Canada approves oil pipeline expansion, says construction should start soon

Canada has approved the expansion of the controversial trans mountain project, It is suspected to triple the amount of crude oil that moves from Alberta to Pacific coast. Watch this video to know more.

Canada approves controversial Trans Mountain project

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-trash-import-ban-upturns-global-recycling-industry-151391">waste imports</a> from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok.

Southeast Asia has seen a staggering spike in imports of plastic and electronic waste from developed countries after the world's top recycler, China, banned imports, causing millions of tonnes of the trash to be diverted to less regulated countries.

Thailand will from Thursday host four days of meetings for leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the region's most pressing issues.

"Greenpeace Southeast Asia demands that ASEAN leaders put this issue on the agenda during their summits this year and make a united declaration to address the region's plastic waste crisis," the group said in a statement.

"Declare an immediate ban on all imports of plastic waste," Greenpeace urged.

It was in the interests of ASEAN, whose meetings are being held under the theme of sustainability this year, to ban waste trading, said a Thai environmental group.

"Welcoming plastics and electronic waste from abroad in the name of development must urgently end," said Penchom Saetang, director of Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) Foundation.

Some Southeast Asian countries have in recent months been taking action to stem the flow of trash.

Indonesia was the latest to reject trash imports from Canada, following similar moves by Malaysia and the Philippines.

Thailand does not ban plastic waste imports, but it aims to end them by 2020. It imposes partial bans on electronic scrap.

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban waste imports from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok.

Environmental groups called on Tuesday for Southeast Asian countries to ban waste imports from developed countries to help tackle a pollution crisis, as regional leaders prepare to meet this week in Bangkok. Southeast Asia has seen a staggering spike in imports of plastic and electronic waste from developed countries after the world's top recycler, China, banned imports, causing millions of tonnes of the trash to be diverted to less regulated countries. Thailand will from Thursday host four days of meetings for leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the region's most pressing issues. "Greenpeace Southeast Asia demands that ASEAN leaders put this issue on the agenda during their summits this year and make a united declaration to address the region's plastic waste crisis," the group said in a statement. "Declare an immediate ban on all imports of plastic waste," Greenpeace urged. It was in the interests of ASEAN, whose meetings are being held under the theme of sustainability this year, to ban waste trading, said a Thai environmental group. "Welcoming plastics and electronic waste from abroad in the name of development must urgently end," said Penchom Saetang, director of Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH) Foundation. Some Southeast Asian countries have in recent months been taking action to stem the flow of trash. Indonesia was the latest to reject trash imports from Canada, following similar moves by Malaysia and the Philippines. Thailand does not ban plastic waste imports, but it aims to end them by 2020. It imposes partial bans on electronic scrap.

Southeast Asia should ban foreign trash imports: Environmentalists

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste.&nbsp;

The containers were supposed to contain only paper scrap, according to the customs documents. Instead, they were loaded with other waste including bottles, plastic waste, and diapers, said senior environment ministry official Sayid Muhadhar.

"This is not appropriate and we don't want to be a dumping ground," Muhadhar told AFP.&nbsp;

The five containers -- owned by a Canadian company -- were shipped from Seattle in the United States to Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya in late March, Muhadhar said.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear where the rubbish originated from.

Indonesia is currently examining several other containers in Jakarta's port and the city of Batam on the island of Sumatra.&nbsp;

It is the latest country to return imported rubbish after neighbouring Malaysia vowed to ship back hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste last month.&nbsp;

The Philippines has ordered tonnes of garbage dumped in the country to be shipped back to Canada, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries.

For years China received the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year in an effort to clean up its environment.

Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. Much of that ends up in landfill or in the seas, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste.

Indonesia has returned five containers of rubbish to the United States and will not become a "dumping ground", officials said Saturday, the latest Southeast Asian country to return imported waste. The containers were supposed to contain only paper scrap, according to the customs documents. Instead, they were loaded with other waste including bottles, plastic waste, and diapers, said senior environment ministry official Sayid Muhadhar. "This is not appropriate and we don't want to be a dumping ground," Muhadhar told AFP. The five containers -- owned by a Canadian company -- were shipped from Seattle in the United States to Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya in late March, Muhadhar said. It was not immediately clear where the rubbish originated from. Indonesia is currently examining several other containers in Jakarta's port and the city of Batam on the island of Sumatra. It is the latest country to return imported rubbish after neighbouring Malaysia vowed to ship back hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste last month. The Philippines has ordered tonnes of garbage dumped in the country to be shipped back to Canada, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries. For years China received the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year in an effort to clean up its environment. Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. Much of that ends up in landfill or in the seas, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Indonesia returns five containers of waste to the US

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