The top US&nbsp;diplomat for Europe did not know US&nbsp;security aid may have been withheld to pressure Ukraine's new president to <a href="United States lawmakers hear from 'corroborating' witness in Trump impeachment probe">conduct investigations</a> politically helpful to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Philip Reeker, the acting assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, testified on Saturday before three Democratic-led House of Representatives panels conducting an inquiry into whether to impeach Trump.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Reeker was prepared to tell the committees in the closed-door session he had largely left Ukraine policy to Kurt Volker, then the US&nbsp;special representative for Ukraine negotiations, and to others.

Reeker took up his post on March 18, overseeing diplomacy in 50 nations including Russia and Ukraine, as then-US&nbsp;Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch faced public criticism including the allegation, which she and the department denied, that she gave a Ukrainian official a list of people not to prosecute.

The source said Reeker sought a stronger State Department defence of Yovanovitch,&nbsp;who was brought back early from her post in May, under US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's name, but this appeared to have been stymied "from the top," though it was not clear if Pompeo himself had objected.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-validates-impeachment-enquiry-against-donald-trump-orders-mueller-document-release-258208">impeachment enquiry</a> focuses on Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate a domestic political rival, Joe Biden, the former vice president who is a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination to face Trump in 2020.

The Republican president this year withheld $391 million in security aid to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress.

During a July 25 call at the heart of the inquiry, Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "a favour" to look into a claim - debunked as a conspiracy theory - that a Democratic National Committee computer server was in Ukraine.

The unsubstantiated theory could buttress Trump's scepticism of US&nbsp;intelligence agencies' conclusion Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help him against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump also asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, and Biden's son Hunter Biden, who had served as a director for the Ukrainian energy company Burisma.

In the call, Zelenskiy agreed to conduct the investigations. The US&nbsp;aid was released in mid-September.

Trump and other US&nbsp;officials have denied for weeks that they had demanded a "quid pro quo" -&nbsp;a Latin phrase meaning favour for favour - for delivering the US&nbsp;aid.

But Trump's acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney on October&nbsp;17 said Trump's withholding the aid was linked to his request that the Ukrainians look into the claims about the Democrats' server.

The source said Reeker was unaware in the June-August period of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-democrats-to-limit-witnesses-in-public-impeachment-hearings-report-258221">possibility Trump may have withheld the aid</a> or a meeting to pressure Zelenskiy to carry out the investigations.

Reeker knew the aid was being delayed, the source said, but not why and largely left policy toward Ukraine to Volker, to Charge d'Affaires at the US&nbsp;embassy in Kiev Ambassador William Taylor, Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and George Kent, a deputy assistant secretary of state.

All four have already testified in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-to-unveil-measure-knocking-trump-impeachment-effort-258014">impeachment enquiry</a>.

In his testimony, Taylor said by mid-July "it was becoming clear to me that the (White House) meeting President Zelenskiy wanted was conditioned on the investigations of Burisma and alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;elections."

He testified that he was alarmed when he later heard security aid, not just a meeting, was conditioned on the investigations.

However, the source said that Reeker, a veteran career US&nbsp;diplomat, was largely out of the loop on policy toward Ukraine.

"He knew that Volker and Sondland and Kent were on top of this and were dealing with it on the day to day and he just wasn't," said the source. "His take on this was ... he should let those people do their job."

However, the source said Reeker tried to get the agency to issue a stauncher defence of Yovanovitch. In March, the agency said allegations she provided a list of people not to prosecute "are not true and are intended to tarnish (her) reputation."

Yovanovitch was recalled early despite being told she had done nothing wrong, partly because of attacks on her, including by Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who has told Reuters he provided information to both Trump and the State Department.

The source said Reeker tried to get the agency to issue a stronger defence in Pompeo's name but the final statement was "weaker than some folks in the department, including Phil, wanted."

The top US diplomat for Europe did not know US security aid may have been withheld to pressure Ukraine's new president to conduct investigations politically helpful to US President Donald Trump, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The top US diplomat for Europe did not know US security aid may have been withheld to pressure Ukraine's new president to conduct investigations politically helpful to US President Donald Trump, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. Philip Reeker, the acting assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, testified on Saturday before three Democratic-led House of Representatives panels conducting an inquiry into whether to impeach Trump. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Reeker was prepared to tell the committees in the closed-door session he had largely left Ukraine policy to Kurt Volker, then the US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, and to others. Reeker took up his post on March 18, overseeing diplomacy in 50 nations including Russia and Ukraine, as then-US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch faced public criticism including the allegation, which she and the department denied, that she gave a Ukrainian official a list of people not to prosecute. The source said Reeker sought a stronger State Department defence of Yovanovitch, who was brought back early from her post in May, under US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's name, but this appeared to have been stymied "from the top," though it was not clear if Pompeo himself had objected. The impeachment enquiry focuses on Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate a domestic political rival, Joe Biden, the former vice president who is a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination to face Trump in 2020. The Republican president this year withheld $391 million in security aid to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress. During a July 25 call at the heart of the inquiry, Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "a favour" to look into a claim - debunked as a conspiracy theory - that a Democratic National Committee computer server was in Ukraine. The unsubstantiated theory could buttress Trump's scepticism of US intelligence agencies' conclusion Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help him against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump also asked Zelenskiy to investigate Biden, and Biden's son Hunter Biden, who had served as a director for the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. In the call, Zelenskiy agreed to conduct the investigations. The US aid was released in mid-September. Trump and other US officials have denied for weeks that they had demanded a "quid pro quo" - a Latin phrase meaning favour for favour - for delivering the US aid. But Trump's acting chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney on October 17 said Trump's withholding the aid was linked to his request that the Ukrainians look into the claims about the Democrats' server. The source said Reeker was unaware in the June-August period of the possibility Trump may have withheld the aid or a meeting to pressure Zelenskiy to carry out the investigations. Reeker knew the aid was being delayed, the source said, but not why and largely left policy toward Ukraine to Volker, to Charge d'Affaires at the US embassy in Kiev Ambassador William Taylor, Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland and George Kent, a deputy assistant secretary of state. All four have already testified in the impeachment enquiry. In his testimony, Taylor said by mid-July "it was becoming clear to me that the (White House) meeting President Zelenskiy wanted was conditioned on the investigations of Burisma and alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 US elections." He testified that he was alarmed when he later heard security aid, not just a meeting, was conditioned on the investigations. However, the source said that Reeker, a veteran career US diplomat, was largely out of the loop on policy toward Ukraine. "He knew that Volker and Sondland and Kent were on top of this and were dealing with it on the day to day and he just wasn't," said the source. "His take on this was ... he should let those people do their job." However, the source said Reeker tried to get the agency to issue a stauncher defence of Yovanovitch. In March, the agency said allegations she provided a list of people not to prosecute "are not true and are intended to tarnish (her) reputation." Yovanovitch was recalled early despite being told she had done nothing wrong, partly because of attacks on her, including by Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who has told Reuters he provided information to both Trump and the State Department. The source said Reeker tried to get the agency to issue a stronger defence in Pompeo's name but the final statement was "weaker than some folks in the department, including Phil, wanted."

United States diplomat unaware of possible quid pro quo on Ukraine

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-closer-military-coordination-with-united-states-despite-disagreements-defence-minister-257203">The United States hopes Beijing will ease restrictions</a> on meetings between US diplomats and local officials after Washington imposed reciprocal measures against China, the US ambassador said Monday.

Washington angered Beijing last week after it announced that Chinese diplomats will now have to notify the State Department before meeting with American officials.

In China, US diplomats have to get permission from several levels of the Chinese government to meet local officials or academics, only to see such requests often denied.

"Even if we get permission sometimes it can get cancelled at the last minute. That's been frustration over a long period of time," US ambassador Terry Branstad said at a press briefing&nbsp;with a group of foreign journalists.

"We hope that the outcome (of the reciprocal measures) will be to get better access for US diplomats here in China," he said.

The US counter-measure comes as diplomatic tensions between China and the United States have risen over a host of issues, including a protracted trade war.

The US measure is a "very modest" step, Branstad said, noting that Washington is only asking Chinese diplomats to notify the US government about their meetings while their US counterparts in China must secure official permission.

Branstad was himself denied access to Tibet twice before finally getting permission to go in May.

But when he went to a coffee shop in Qinghai province on his way to Tibet, officials told people inside not to talk to the diplomats, Branstad said, recalling an example of the impediments US diplomats can face.

Branstad also cited the case of US consulate officials trying to meet Chinese students in the southern city of Guangzhou.

The foreign ministry initially said no student applied for the meeting and then said that none was available. The ministry later said students were "too shy" to meet with US officials, Branstad said.

Asked whether the US was also mulling restrictions on Chinese journalists in response to the difficulties foreign media face in China, Branstad said: "I think there has been some discussion about Chinese that are working for (Communist) Party-controlled entities and whether they should be treated as foreign agents."

Visa delays, detentions and suspected phone-bugging are among the challenges faced by foreign journalists in China.

US law requires people who do publicity for foreign governments or parties to register as foreign agents with the Justice Department and make periodic public disclosures about their activities.

The United States hopes Beijing will ease restrictions on meetings between US diplomats and local officials after Washington imposed reciprocal measures against China, the US ambassador said Monday.

The United States hopes Beijing will ease restrictions on meetings between US diplomats and local officials after Washington imposed reciprocal measures against China, the US ambassador said Monday. Washington angered Beijing last week after it announced that Chinese diplomats will now have to notify the State Department before meeting with American officials. In China, US diplomats have to get permission from several levels of the Chinese government to meet local officials or academics, only to see such requests often denied. "Even if we get permission sometimes it can get cancelled at the last minute. That's been frustration over a long period of time," US ambassador Terry Branstad said at a press briefing with a group of foreign journalists. "We hope that the outcome (of the reciprocal measures) will be to get better access for US diplomats here in China," he said. The US counter-measure comes as diplomatic tensions between China and the United States have risen over a host of issues, including a protracted trade war. The US measure is a "very modest" step, Branstad said, noting that Washington is only asking Chinese diplomats to notify the US government about their meetings while their US counterparts in China must secure official permission. Branstad was himself denied access to Tibet twice before finally getting permission to go in May. But when he went to a coffee shop in Qinghai province on his way to Tibet, officials told people inside not to talk to the diplomats, Branstad said, recalling an example of the impediments US diplomats can face. Branstad also cited the case of US consulate officials trying to meet Chinese students in the southern city of Guangzhou. The foreign ministry initially said no student applied for the meeting and then said that none was available. The ministry later said students were "too shy" to meet with US officials, Branstad said. Asked whether the US was also mulling restrictions on Chinese journalists in response to the difficulties foreign media face in China, Branstad said: "I think there has been some discussion about Chinese that are working for (Communist) Party-controlled entities and whether they should be treated as foreign agents." Visa delays, detentions and suspected phone-bugging are among the challenges faced by foreign journalists in China. US law requires people who do publicity for foreign governments or parties to register as foreign agents with the Justice Department and make periodic public disclosures about their activities.

United States hopes China will ease restrictions on diplomats

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-closes-its-consulate-in-pakistans-peshawar-over-raids-on-afghan-market-255373">Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar</a> over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. 
 
The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place.

"We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. 
 
The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." 
 
The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place. "We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan dismayed by Afghanistan's decision to shut consulate over market ownership dispute

Nepal and China on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-to-carry-out-feasibility-study-on-trans-border-railways-linking-nepal-xi-255565">inked 18 agreements and two letters of understanding of exchange</a> following the conclusion of the state visit of President Xi Jinping to the Himalayan nation. 
 
Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal and the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the feasibility study of China-Nepal Cross-Border Railway project. 
 
Another MoU was signed between the Ministry of Finance of Nepal and the China International Development Cooperation Agency on tunnels construction cooperation. 
 
The other agreements focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, railroad connectivity, and investment. 
 
A few of them also focused on forging a partnership with the government bodies including the Ministries of Home, Foreign Affairs, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Livestock Development, Industry, Commerce and Supply, and the Kathmandu metropolis. 
 
Earlier in the day, Jinping held bilateral talks with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-eyes-railway-deal-with-china-during-xi-visit-255507">Xi also promised the construction of Rasuwagadhi-Chhare-Kathmandu tunnel and the upgradation of Araniko highway</a>. 
 
Jinping arrived in Kathmandu from Chennai in southern India late on Saturday afternoon and was received by the Nepali President along with other ministers and high ranking officials. 
 
The visit of China's Head of the State to Nepal comes after an interval of nearly 23 years. 
 
With more engagements planned for Sunday along with the signing of some agreements, the Chinese President is set to fly back to Beijing later in the afternoon. 
 
Xi had visited Nepal after concluding his two-day 'informal' summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram.

Nepal and China on Sunday inked 18 agreements and two letters of understanding of exchange following the conclusion of the state visit of President Xi Jinping to the Himalayan nation.

Nepal and China on Sunday inked 18 agreements and two letters of understanding of exchange following the conclusion of the state visit of President Xi Jinping to the Himalayan nation. Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal and the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the feasibility study of China-Nepal Cross-Border Railway project. Another MoU was signed between the Ministry of Finance of Nepal and the China International Development Cooperation Agency on tunnels construction cooperation. The other agreements focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, railroad connectivity, and investment. A few of them also focused on forging a partnership with the government bodies including the Ministries of Home, Foreign Affairs, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Livestock Development, Industry, Commerce and Supply, and the Kathmandu metropolis. Earlier in the day, Jinping held bilateral talks with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Xi also promised the construction of Rasuwagadhi-Chhare-Kathmandu tunnel and the upgradation of Araniko highway. Jinping arrived in Kathmandu from Chennai in southern India late on Saturday afternoon and was received by the Nepali President along with other ministers and high ranking officials. The visit of China's Head of the State to Nepal comes after an interval of nearly 23 years. With more engagements planned for Sunday along with the signing of some agreements, the Chinese President is set to fly back to Beijing later in the afternoon. Xi had visited Nepal after concluding his two-day 'informal' summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram.

Nepal-China ink 18 agreements, two letters of understanding

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people.

The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said.

Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government.

Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era.

China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples.

In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship.

The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world.

China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday, exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties. In his congratulatory message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, he extends warm congratulations to Kim, and via Kim to the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), the DPRK government and the DPRK people. The establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties 70 years ago bore epoch-making significance in the history of the two parties' and the two countries' relations, Xi said. Noting that the DPRK is among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Xi said that over the past 70 years, under the care and joint efforts of successive leaders of the two parties and two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of time and changes in the international landscape, grown stronger with the lapse of time, and taken roots in the hearts of the two peoples. The two countries, added Xi, have reaped plentiful fruits in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which has not only greatly promoted the prosperity and progress of their respective socialist causes, but also played a significant and positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Xi pointed out that the traditional bilateral friendship is a priceless treasure shared by the two parties, two countries and two peoples, and that to maintain, cement and develop bilateral relations is an unshakable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government. Reaffirming that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations as well as the mutual trust and friendship with Kim, Xi noted that since last year he and Kim have met five times and reached a series of consensuses, jointly ushering bilateral ties into a new era. China, he added, stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity and promote a long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, so as to create more benefits for both countries and both peoples. In his message, Kim said that on behalf of the WPK, the DPRK government and the DPRK people, he extends the warmest congratulations and the sincerest wishes to Xi, and via Xi to the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people. Hailing the establishment of DPRK-China diplomatic ties as an epoch-making event, Kim said that over the past 70 years, the two parties and two peoples have joined hands in weal and woe and weathered all tempests in the course of defending and promoting the cause of socialism, and have written a history of a great friendship. The DPRK-China relationship has now entered an important and critical period of inheriting the past and forging ahead into the future, Kim said, adding that it is the unwavering position of himself, the WPK and the DPRK to resolutely carry forward the traditional friendship with China and realize an all-round revitalization of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries. Kim said he is willing to work hand in hand with Xi to satisfy the two peoples' shared aspiration of cementing and developing the DPRK-China friendship, which is admired by the world, and by dint of friendship and unity, to firmly uphold the socialist cause and safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world. China and the DPRK's relationship has a long history. The DPRK was one of the first countries to establish a diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China just five days after the PRC was founded on October 1, 1949.

Xi, Kim exchange pleasantries on 70 years of diplomatic ties

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student&nbsp;wanted in the US.

Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australia</a> to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago.

The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia.

"We are extremely happy and relieved&nbsp;to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra.

"While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added.

Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home.

Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped&nbsp;the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States.

But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers.

Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests."

State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran".

It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding".

Emotional reunion

An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family.

The Australian couple sought privacy, however.

They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case.

Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested.

Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country".

Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said.

"She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said.

"We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case.

Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-australia-to-release-tamil-family-253223">Australia</a> said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied.

However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests.

Prisoner swap proposal

News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home.

Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia and the United States</a>.

After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department.

She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran.

He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US. Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from Australia to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago. The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia. "We are extremely happy and relieved to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra. "While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added. Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home. Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States. But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers. Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests." State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran". It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding". Emotional reunion An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family. The Australian couple sought privacy, however. They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case. Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested. Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country". Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said. "She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said. "We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case. Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions. Australia said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied. However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests. Prisoner swap proposal News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home. Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in Australia and the United States. After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department. She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran. He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition. Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

Australian bloggers return home after being held for spying charges in Iran

The U.N's nuclear watchdog said Friday Iran had taken "a step in the right direction" towards dealing with questions on its nuclear programme but cautioned that the issues have not been "completely addressed".

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not detail what the questions related to but said it was "discussing substance" with the Iranians.

There has been "engagement" from Tehran in recent weeks on questions relating to its nuclear safeguards declarations to the agency, IAEA acting head Cornel Feruta told journalists in Vienna.

"(That) engagement doesn't mean that the issues are completely addressed but it's a step in the right direction," he added.

Feruta said the queries did not touch directly on the faltering 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers but rather on Iran's separate safeguards agreement with the agency.

Diplomatic sources in Vienna say the agency has been waiting for information from the Iranians relating to samples taken earlier this year from a warehouse near the capital Tehran.

In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of using the site for undeclared nuclear activity.

At the beginning of September, Feruta had meetings with high-level officials in Tehran and subsequently urged Iran to "respond promptly" to the IAEA's questions, adding: "Time is of the essence."

On Friday, he said the IAEA had "been having a very active dialogue with Iran at both technical and higher levels in the past few weeks."

Feruta met Iran's atomic energy agency chief Ali Akbar Salehi during the IAEA's General Conference in Vienna in late September, followed by meetings with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his deputy Abbas Araghchi during the UN General Assembly in New York.

"I think the message we sent out in September and also during my visit to Tehran was understood by the Iranian officials and as a result, we have this engagement on these particular issues," Feruta said.

The latest developments come a week after the IAEA reported that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-uses-advanced-centrifuges-in-new-nuclear-deal-breach-iaea-252257">Iran had started using advanced models of centrifuges</a> to enrich uranium, a fresh breach of the 2015 deal.

Iran has been progressively abandoning commitments under the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the pact and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-demands-united-states-pay-more-for-a-wider-deal-252151">re-imposition of sanctions.</a>

The U.N's nuclear watchdog said Friday Iran had taken "a step in the right direction" towards dealing with questions on its nuclear programme but cautioned that the issues have not been "completely addressed".

The U.N's nuclear watchdog said Friday Iran had taken "a step in the right direction" towards dealing with questions on its nuclear programme but cautioned that the issues have not been "completely addressed". The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not detail what the questions related to but said it was "discussing substance" with the Iranians. There has been "engagement" from Tehran in recent weeks on questions relating to its nuclear safeguards declarations to the agency, IAEA acting head Cornel Feruta told journalists in Vienna. "(That) engagement doesn't mean that the issues are completely addressed but it's a step in the right direction," he added. Feruta said the queries did not touch directly on the faltering 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers but rather on Iran's separate safeguards agreement with the agency. Diplomatic sources in Vienna say the agency has been waiting for information from the Iranians relating to samples taken earlier this year from a warehouse near the capital Tehran. In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of using the site for undeclared nuclear activity. At the beginning of September, Feruta had meetings with high-level officials in Tehran and subsequently urged Iran to "respond promptly" to the IAEA's questions, adding: "Time is of the essence." On Friday, he said the IAEA had "been having a very active dialogue with Iran at both technical and higher levels in the past few weeks." Feruta met Iran's atomic energy agency chief Ali Akbar Salehi during the IAEA's General Conference in Vienna in late September, followed by meetings with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his deputy Abbas Araghchi during the UN General Assembly in New York. "I think the message we sent out in September and also during my visit to Tehran was understood by the Iranian officials and as a result, we have this engagement on these particular issues," Feruta said. The latest developments come a week after the IAEA reported that Iran had started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, a fresh breach of the 2015 deal. Iran has been progressively abandoning commitments under the deal in response to the US withdrawal from the pact and re-imposition of sanctions.

U.N. nuclear watchdog says Iran taking 'step in right direction'

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-what-a-third-north-korean-summit-would-yield-251755">Washington and Pyongyang</a> is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise".

Washington has "done nothing for the implementing the joint statement" from the first US-North Korea summit held in Singapore last year, Kim Kye Gwan, advisor to North Korea's foreign ministry, wrote in a statement carried in Pyongyang's official news wire KCNA.

The official then slammed Washington for its joint military drills with the South, which it has long considered rehearsals for invasion.

He also claimed while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">Pyongyang has made "sincere efforts to build trust"</a>, US politicians remain "obsessed" with&nbsp;the idea of enforcing sanctions until Pyongyang completely gives up its nukes first.

"This makes me doubt whether a new breakthrough could be brought about in the DPRK-US&nbsp;relations though another DPRK-US&nbsp;summit talks may open," Kim Kye Gwan said in the statement, using North Korea's official name.

But the official praised US President Trump as "different from his predecessors", adding he would like to "place hope" on Trump's "wise option and bold decision" for the future dialogues between the two countries.

"I and the DPRK Foreign Ministry will follow the future moves of the US," he said.

The North's statement came two weeks after Trump fired the hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, and said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang.

Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi - who was killed after being deposed in 2011.

Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly".

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-invited-trump-to-pyongyang-in-letter-report-249926">North</a> has described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker" and&nbsp;a "human defect" in the past and hailed his exit.&nbsp;

Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between Kim and Trump in February ended without a deal.

The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging".

There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between Washington and Pyongyang is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise".

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between Washington and Pyongyang is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise". Washington has "done nothing for the implementing the joint statement" from the first US-North Korea summit held in Singapore last year, Kim Kye Gwan, advisor to North Korea's foreign ministry, wrote in a statement carried in Pyongyang's official news wire KCNA. The official then slammed Washington for its joint military drills with the South, which it has long considered rehearsals for invasion. He also claimed while Pyongyang has made "sincere efforts to build trust", US politicians remain "obsessed" with the idea of enforcing sanctions until Pyongyang completely gives up its nukes first. "This makes me doubt whether a new breakthrough could be brought about in the DPRK-US relations though another DPRK-US summit talks may open," Kim Kye Gwan said in the statement, using North Korea's official name. But the official praised US President Trump as "different from his predecessors", adding he would like to "place hope" on Trump's "wise option and bold decision" for the future dialogues between the two countries. "I and the DPRK Foreign Ministry will follow the future moves of the US," he said. The North's statement came two weeks after Trump fired the hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, and said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang. Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi - who was killed after being deposed in 2011. Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly". The North has described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker" and a "human defect" in the past and hailed his exit. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between Kim and Trump in February ended without a deal. The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging". There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

North Korea doubts prospects for future summit with United States

Tensions between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/resisting-us-pressure-on-iran-india-is-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place-213848">United States and Iran</a> escalated on Thursday as Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-battlefield-warning-as-us-deploys-troops-251022">deployed more troops</a> to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging&nbsp;its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production.

After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. &nbsp;

"Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons.

The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly.

"I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday.

Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added.

Tehran has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-and-us-refusing-to-budge-as-tit-for-tat-ship-seizures-in-middle-east-raise-the-temperature-237920">blasted the allegations</a> as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels.

"If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said.

He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis.

'Vile and cowardly regime'

A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran.

"It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs.

"This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said.

The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth.

Tehran soon afterward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">shot down an unmanned US drone</a>. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real.

In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States.

It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly.

The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems.

And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers.

No meeting at UN

Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place.

Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran.

"If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated on Thursday as Washington deployed more troops to the Gulf and Tehran, challenging its arch-enemy to provide evidence it attacked Saudi oil facilities. The Pentagon announced it was sending 200 troops with Patriot missiles to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences following the strikes this month that knocked out half of the Kingdom's oil production. After a week of diplomacy at the United Nations where European leaders unsuccessfully tried to arrange a US-Iran meeting, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani demanded that Washington back up its accusations that Iran was behind the attacks. "Those who make the allegations must provide the needed proof. What is your evidence?", he told reporters. Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 international deal that was meant to lift sanctions in exchange for a commitment from Tehran that it would cease trying to develop nuclear weapons. The United States, France, Germany, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have all, to varying degrees, blamed Iran for the brazen September 14 airstrikes on the kingdom's Abqaiq plant and Khurais oil field. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States shared evidence on the attacks with other countries during the UN General Assembly. "I think now it has struck them how clear it is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not prepared to do the right thing and behave like a normal nation," Pompeo told reporters Thursday. Iran "used their usual method of trying to obscure this through the use of a proxy force. They had to know it was the case that the world would rally against them, and yet they still chose to do it," he added. Tehran has blasted the allegations as "ridiculous." It denies responsibility, and the attacks have been claimed by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels. "If you do have any evidence or documentation please do make them available to me," Rouhani said. He said that Western powers should instead stop arming Saudi Arabia in its offensive in Yemen, which the United Nations calls the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. 'Vile and cowardly regime' A senior Saudi official, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly, urged a united front against Iran. "It is a vile and cowardly regime, which hides behind its affiliated militias, pushing them to claim responsibility," said Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs. "This regime is only checked by a firm and unified stand and the application of maximum and sustained pressure until it desists from its terrorist behavior," he said. The US president reimposed economic sanctions and in May his administration said it would unilaterally force all countries to stop buying Iran's oil, one of Tehran's main sources of wealth. Tehran soon afterward shot down an unmanned US drone. At the very last minute, Trump stepped back from striking Iran in June as the risk of all-out war in the Middle East seemed all too real. In its latest move to ratchet up the pressure, the United States banned senior Iranian regime figures and their families from entering the United States. It came 24 hours after Washington announced it would punish Chinese companies that bought Iranian oil, on the last official day of Trump's participation at the UN General Assembly. The US Defense Department said the troop deployment would involve one battery of surface-to-air missiles, along with four Sentinel radars used for air and missile defense systems. And the UN's nuclear watchdog confirmed Thursday that Iran has started using advanced models of centrifuges to enrich uranium, in a new breach of the agreement with world powers. No meeting at UN Speculation had been rife that Trump might meet Rouhani on the sidelines of the UN summit but the US leader returned to Washington without a rendezvous taking place. Rouhani said Thursday that Iran would be willing to hold talks with the United States if Trump lifted sanctions and ended his policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran. "If we reach a time when these preconditions are taken off the table, of course the possibility exists to talk with America," he said at the news conference. French President Emmanuel Macron had shuttled between his US and Iranian counterparts over two days at the UN, trying to arrange an encounter.

US-Iran tensions ratchet up further despite UN efforts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-tariffs-on-400-chinese-products-trump-cites-trade-progress-250891">President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-talks-seen-as-unlikely-to-mend-us-china-divide-250119">trade</a> will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House.

Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020.

Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property.

"We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules."

Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure."

Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Top-level talks are expected in October.

'Dinner under the stars'

This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006.

In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden.

Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting.

Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations.

Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn.

"Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding."

In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship."

'Conservatives club'

Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start.

But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit.

Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market.

Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers.

His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter.

This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified.

One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia.

The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday.

The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China.

Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region.

As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella.

A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House. Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020. Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property. "We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules." Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure." Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday. Top-level talks are expected in October. 'Dinner under the stars' This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006. In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden. Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting. Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations. Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn. "Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding." In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship." 'Conservatives club' Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start. But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit. Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market. Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers. His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter. This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified. One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia. The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday. The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China. Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region. As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella. A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

Trump, backed by Australia's Morrison, talks tough on China

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint.

The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures."

In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules.

Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report.

Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing.

In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so.

The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions.

In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday. The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint. The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures." In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules. Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing. In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so. The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions. In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US files illegal fishing complaint against South Korea under free trade pact

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

"Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government. &nbsp;

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government. "Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas 'against' possible new Netanyahu government

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

The Solomon Islands was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">sixth country to switch allegiance to China</a> since 2016.

Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections.

Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington.

"But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said.

"It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy, officially recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan.

Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">trade war</a>, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods.

The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China.

President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting.

Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges.

"Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters.

After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific.

The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two.

After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year.

Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters.

"It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter.

Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan.

China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday. The Solomon Islands was the sixth country to switch allegiance to China since 2016. Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington. "But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said. "It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy, officially recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan. Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a trade war, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods. The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China. President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting. Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges. "Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters. After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific. The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two. After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year. Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters. "It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter. Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan. China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

Pence rebuffs Solomon Islands PM after nation cuts ties with Taiwan

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions.

The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added.

During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement.

"This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said.

The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington.

Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet.

The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime.

In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament.

At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel.

The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said. US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added. During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement. "This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said. The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington. Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet. The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime. In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament. At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel. The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

US warship docks in Lebanon amid regional tensions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-defying-promise-over-repatriation-of-rohingyas-225839">Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar</a> for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust.

The comments from Sheikh Hasina came three weeks after a fresh push to return the Muslim minority to Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state that fell flat when no-one turned up.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled their villages in Rakhine following a military crackdown in August 2017, joining nearly 200,000 already living in squalid camps across the border in southeast Bangladesh.

"We've seen Myanmar could not win Rohingya's trust in creating a conducive situation (in Rakhine) for their dignified return," Hasina said in parliament late Wednesday.

"We had full preparation, but still the repatriation did not start uncertainty looms over Rohingya getting back their homes, land and other properties."

Hasina said she had asked other Asian nations including China, India, and Japan to help resolve the crisis.

Her comments reflect Dhaka's frustration over the lack of a resolution to the refugee crisis.

A previous repatriation offer was rejected by Rohingya leaders in October.

Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bangladesh-feels-isi-could-recruit-from-rohingya-camps-246739/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Her government has also started to crack down on activity in the camps amid a recent outbreak of violence and rising tensions with locals.

Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet blackout in the camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile internet networks.

Expects have said 2G networks are too slow for internet use.

Rohingya leaders have repeatedly said the refugees will not return to their homeland unless their safety is ensured, their rights and citizenship are granted and they are allowed to resettle in their villages.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust.

Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust. The comments from Sheikh Hasina came three weeks after a fresh push to return the Muslim minority to Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state that fell flat when no-one turned up. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled their villages in Rakhine following a military crackdown in August 2017, joining nearly 200,000 already living in squalid camps across the border in southeast Bangladesh. "We've seen Myanmar could not win Rohingya's trust in creating a conducive situation (in Rakhine) for their dignified return," Hasina said in parliament late Wednesday. "We had full preparation, but still the repatriation did not start uncertainty looms over Rohingya getting back their homes, land and other properties." Hasina said she had asked other Asian nations including China, India, and Japan to help resolve the crisis. Her comments reflect Dhaka's frustration over the lack of a resolution to the refugee crisis. A previous repatriation offer was rejected by Rohingya leaders in October. Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps Her government has also started to crack down on activity in the camps amid a recent outbreak of violence and rising tensions with locals. Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet blackout in the camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile internet networks. Expects have said 2G networks are too slow for internet use. Rohingya leaders have repeatedly said the refugees will not return to their homeland unless their safety is ensured, their rights and citizenship are granted and they are allowed to resettle in their villages. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blames Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation failure

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks.

"The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly."

Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady."

Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro.

He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies.&nbsp;

The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment.

Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance. Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks. "The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly." Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady." Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro. He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies. The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment. Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

French first lady is 'truly ugly,' says Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed" after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed" after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. Hong Kong has been plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and ahead of her three-day visit to China, this week demonstrators in the semi-autonomous city appealed to the German chancellor to support them in her meetings with China's leadership. Merkel said she had discussed tensions in the former British colony, and civil rights there, with her hosts and had "pointed out that these rights and freedoms must, of course, be guaranteed". "In the current situation everything must be done to avoid violence," Merkel said at a joint press conference with Li, as seen in video footage published by German media. "And the solutions can only be found in a political process meaning through dialogue." Watch Video: Merkel arrived in China on Thursday with a large business delegation in tow. The companies travelling with Merkel include Volkswagen, Allianz, and Deutsche Bank according to the German daily Bild, which carried a headline Friday that read: "Do our companies not care about Hong Kong's freedom?" Chinese officials blamed a lack of space due to a large contingent of journalists accompanying Merkel. In a statement, the German Federation of Journalists criticised the limited access as a "diplomatic farce". "What image do the organisers have of the travelling German press? Did they think that the chancellor of Germany is coming with her courtiers, who politely listen, ask no questions and report meekly?" it said. Merkel also met Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday evening, according to state news agency Xinhua, and the two leaders were scheduled to have dinner together. The German leader is also due to give a speech to university students in the central city of Wuhan on Saturday. Ahead of her trip, prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and others had recalled in an open letter published by Bild on Wednesday that Merkel grew up in the communist police state of East Germany. "You have the first-hand experience of the terrors of a dictatorial government," the letter read. "We hope that you will express your concern about our catastrophic situation and that you will convey our demands to the Chinese government during your stay in China." Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China. In their open letter, the protesters also warned that "Germany should be on its guard before doing business with China, as China does not comply with international law and has repeatedly broken its promises". Many Chinese dissidents have been given refuge in Germany, including artist Ai Weiwei. In May, two former Hong kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the semi-autonomous Chinese city receiving such protection. On a visit to China last year, Merkel met with the wife of a Chinese human rights lawyer charged with state subversion, an extremely rare meeting between a dissident and a visiting head of state. The trip marks her 12th visit to China as chancellor. Xinhua said in a commentary on Friday that Merkel's visit came as "productive cooperation between the world's two major economies is much needed against the backdrop of global uncertainties". The agency said China accounted for the largest share of imports into Germany in 2018 with goods worth 106.2 billion euros ($117.4 billion). In a statement, the German Federation of Journalists criticised the limited access as a "diplomatic farce". "What image do the organisers have of the travelling German press? Did they think that the chancellor of Germany is coming with her courtiers, who politely listen, ask no questions and report meekly?" it said. Merkel also met Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday evening, according to state news agency Xinhua, and the two leaders were scheduled to have dinner together. The German leader is also due to give a speech to university students in the central city of Wuhan on Saturday. Ahead of her trip, prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and others had recalled in an open letter published by Bild on Wednesday that Merkel grew up in the communist police state of East Germany. "You have the first-hand experience of the terrors of a dictatorial government," the letter read. "We hope that you will express your concern about our catastrophic situation and that you will convey our demands to the Chinese government during your stay in China." Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China. In their open letter, the protesters also warned that "Germany should be on its guard before doing business with China, as China does not comply with international law and has repeatedly broken its promises". Many Chinese dissidents have been given refuge in Germany, including artist Ai Weiwei. In May, two former Hong Kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the semi-autonomous Chinese city receiving such protection. On a visit to China last year, Merkel met with the wife of a Chinese human rights lawyer charged with state subversion, an extremely rare meeting between a dissident and a visiting head of state. The trip marks her 12th visit to China as chancellor. Xinhua said in a commentary on Friday that Merkel's visit came as "productive cooperation between the world's two major economies is much needed against the backdrop of global uncertainties". The agency said China accounted for the largest share of imports into Germany in 2018 with goods worth $117.4 billion.

Everything must be done in Hong Kong to avoid violence: Merkel to Chinese premier

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China.

The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles.

For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing.

Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China.

"We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy.

The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report.

"As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday.

The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature.

Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals".

However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April. A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles. For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing. Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China. "We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy. The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report. "As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday. The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature. Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals". However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

Solomons say no decision yet in Taiwan-China debate

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon.

Yanghee Lee, a university professor in Seoul who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights to Myanmar, said Suu Kyi was "terribly misguided and misinformed" about the abuses against the stateless Muslim minority in her country.

The Nobel laureate was under house arrest for years when Myanmar was a military dictatorship before her party won elections in 2015 by a landslide, in the first fully free vote for generations.

Hopes were high that she would usher in a new era of freedom, but more than 740,000 Rohingya have since been driven out of the Buddhist-majority country and into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

The US in July banned Myanmar's army chief Min Aung Hlaing and other officers for their role in the campaign of "ethnic cleansing".

Suu Kyi was spared from the sanctions but no longer deserved to be called a democracy activist, Lee told AFP.

"She should step up and really speak out for the treatment that the Rohingya had suffered for decades," she told AFP.

"It's time for her to speak out and use the word, call them the way they identify themselves as the Rohingya."&nbsp;

Myanmar calls the persecuted minority "Bengali", treating them as illegal interlopers from Bangladesh and refusing to grant them citizenship or basic rights.

Lee -- who has been banned from entering Myanmar over her criticism of its government -- was speaking as South Korea's Moon, a former democracy activist himself was due to meet Suu Kyi later Tuesday as part of a tour of Southeast Asia.

South Korea is the sixth-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, but Lee said that meant Seoul was "inadvertently contributing" to rights violations against Rohingya and urged Moon to be "principled" during the encounter.

"Our president enjoys a great history of being a human rights lawyer," said Lee. "But I'm afraid he hasn't been really speaking out for human rights for people.

"I think it's a shame that we are joining the bandwagon of other countries that looks out for... their countries' economic interest before the suffering of the people," she said, describing the Rohingya crisis as the "worst case of ethnic genocide in the 21st century".

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon. Yanghee Lee, a university professor in Seoul who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights to Myanmar, said Suu Kyi was "terribly misguided and misinformed" about the abuses against the stateless Muslim minority in her country. The Nobel laureate was under house arrest for years when Myanmar was a military dictatorship before her party won elections in 2015 by a landslide, in the first fully free vote for generations. Hopes were high that she would usher in a new era of freedom, but more than 740,000 Rohingya have since been driven out of the Buddhist-majority country and into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown. The US in July banned Myanmar's army chief Min Aung Hlaing and other officers for their role in the campaign of "ethnic cleansing". Suu Kyi was spared from the sanctions but no longer deserved to be called a democracy activist, Lee told AFP. "She should step up and really speak out for the treatment that the Rohingya had suffered for decades," she told AFP. "It's time for her to speak out and use the word, call them the way they identify themselves as the Rohingya." Myanmar calls the persecuted minority "Bengali", treating them as illegal interlopers from Bangladesh and refusing to grant them citizenship or basic rights. Lee -- who has been banned from entering Myanmar over her criticism of its government -- was speaking as South Korea's Moon, a former democracy activist himself was due to meet Suu Kyi later Tuesday as part of a tour of Southeast Asia. South Korea is the sixth-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, but Lee said that meant Seoul was "inadvertently contributing" to rights violations against Rohingya and urged Moon to be "principled" during the encounter. "Our president enjoys a great history of being a human rights lawyer," said Lee. "But I'm afraid he hasn't been really speaking out for human rights for people. "I think it's a shame that we are joining the bandwagon of other countries that looks out for... their countries' economic interest before the suffering of the people," she said, describing the Rohingya crisis as the "worst case of ethnic genocide in the 21st century".

UN rights investigator on Myanmar lambasts Suu Kyi

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.&nbsp;

Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbia-puts-forces-on-alert-after-kosovo-police-operation-in-serb-populated-north-222264">bitter and tense relationship </a>two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence.

EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency".

"The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added.

The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks -&nbsp;but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions".

The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch.

"For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November.

The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April.

But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped.

Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999.

A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union. Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a bitter and tense relationship two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence. EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes. In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency". "The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added. The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks - but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions". The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch. "For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November. The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood. After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April. But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped. Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999. A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

West urges Kosovo, Serbia to restart talks 'with urgency'

Iran said on Tuesday that <a href="wionews.com/world/iranian-state-tv-shows-smuggled-fuel-aboard-a-seized-foreign-oil-tanker-240680">Britain might free its oil tanker</a> Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West.

But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captain-of-iranian-tanker-seized-in-gibraltar-accuse-royal-marines-of-brute-force-239560">marines seized the tanker on July 4</a> on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations.

The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents.

"The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said.

"We hope the release will take place soon."

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation.

The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday. Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations. The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents. "The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said. "We hope the release will take place soon." Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation. The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-takes-office-as-ukraines-president-220079">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports.

Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying.

The officer had already left the country, a statement said.

Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire.

Zelenskiy has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138"> prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region,</a> but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports.

In July he extended the offer to government-held areas.

Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said.

They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs.

It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect.

The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July.

Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region.

Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports. Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying. The officer had already left the country, a statement said. Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire. Zelenskiy has prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region, but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports. In July he extended the offer to government-held areas. Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said. They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs. It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect. The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July. Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region. Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukraine President Zelensky offers citizenship to Russian political refugees

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-warrior-trumps- friend-chinas-frenemy-237975">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;no&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;with his Irish counterpart Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said on Monday.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-why-is-there-an-irish-backstop-188953">Irish backstop</a> had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British&nbsp;Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has accepted an offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;Irish leader Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources.

"The UK has accepted&nbsp;Varadkar's offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper.

Johnson&nbsp;has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal</a>&nbsp;it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British&nbsp;province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

May's agreement, rejected three times by the&nbsp;British&nbsp;parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border.

The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting&nbsp;between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August.

The&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;also said&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October&nbsp;31, "no ifs or buts".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accepted an offer to meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources. "The UK has accepted Varadkar's offer to meet and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper. Johnson has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May. The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. May's agreement, rejected three times by the British parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border. The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August. The spokesman also said Johnson had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October 31, "no ifs or buts".

Irish backstop: No meeting scheduled between Johnson, Varadkar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader.

Jaishankar, who is currently on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-eam-s-jaishankar-on-3-day-china-visit-242321"> three-day visit to China</a> to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region.

This is Jaishankar's first visit to China after assuming office in May this year.

Wang welcomed the Minister to the country, while Jaishankar, on his part, said he was glad to be in the communist nation.

"I am really glad that early in my period I had an opportunity to visit China," he said.

Jaishankar's visit comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, whereby Islamabad, last week, had initiated a series of decisions, including downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending bilateral trade, following the Indian government's decision to repeal Article 370 that conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate it into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Ahead of Jaishankar's visit, his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited Beijing to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek its support to take the matter to the United Nations.

Speaking in light of Qureshi's demand, Jaishankar, in his meeting with Wang said, "At a time the world is more uncertain, we believe our relationship should be a factor of stability in the region."

China had recently objected to the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370, in response to which New Delhi had issued a statement saying that the move was an internal matter concerning the territory of India.

Jaishankar's visit to China from August 11-13 will prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day visit to China to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met China's Vice President Wang Qishan here on Monday and discussed strengthening of relations with the Chinese leader. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day visit to China to co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism (HLM) on cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said India's relationship with China should be a factor of stability in the region. This is Jaishankar's first visit to China after assuming office in May this year. Wang welcomed the Minister to the country, while Jaishankar, on his part, said he was glad to be in the communist nation. "I am really glad that early in my period I had an opportunity to visit China," he said. Jaishankar's visit comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, whereby Islamabad, last week, had initiated a series of decisions, including downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending bilateral trade, following the Indian government's decision to repeal Article 370 that conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate it into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Ahead of Jaishankar's visit, his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi had visited Beijing to raise the Kashmir issue with the Chinese leadership and seek its support to take the matter to the United Nations. Speaking in light of Qureshi's demand, Jaishankar, in his meeting with Wang said, "At a time the world is more uncertain, we believe our relationship should be a factor of stability in the region." China had recently objected to the Indian government`s decision to abrogate Article 370, in response to which New Delhi had issued a statement saying that the move was an internal matter concerning the territory of India. Jaishankar's visit to China from August 11-13 will prepare the ground for the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar meets Chinese Vice President, discusses strengthening of ties

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India was taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan last week, a statement by Pakistan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said.

Following the meeting, New Delhi was also informed that Pakistan would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India Moin-ul-Haq.

He was expected to officially take charge on August 16.

Calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir as an "entirely internal affair", India had on August 8 rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications were preserved.&nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returned here earlier today, days after Islamabad asked New Delhi to call him back following the scrapping of Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties with India was taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan last week, a statement by Pakistan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said. Following the meeting, New Delhi was also informed that Pakistan would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to India Moin-ul-Haq. He was expected to officially take charge on August 16. Calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir as an "entirely internal affair", India had on August 8 rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications were preserved.

Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria returns to Delhi

Several diplomats and leaders across the political spectrum are expected to attend a condolence meet organised for former External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj here on Tuesday.

The meet will be organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party she served throughout her life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present at the condolence meeting which is scheduled to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here at 4 pm.

Swaraj <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-veteran-sushma-swaraj-passes-away-at-age-of-67-241277">passed away</a>&nbsp;on the night of August 6 following a cardiac arrest.

Watch:&nbsp;The remarkable political journey of Sushma Swaraj

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-remarkable-political-journey-of-sushma-swaraj-241414/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands bid adieu to their beloved leader as she was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-external-affairs-minister-and-senior-bjp-leader-sushma-swaraj-cremated-with-full-state-honours-241354"> cremated with full state honours.</a>

Modi and other senior leaders, besides family, friends and admirers bid a tearful adieu to the 67-year-old political stalwart. Politicians and people from different walks of life paid tributes to the senior BJP leader.

Several diplomats and leaders across the political spectrum are expected to attend a condolence meet organised for former External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj here on Tuesday.

Several diplomats and leaders across the political spectrum are expected to attend a condolence meet organised for former External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj here on Tuesday. The meet will be organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party she served throughout her life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also be present at the condolence meeting which is scheduled to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here at 4 pm. Swaraj passed away on the night of August 6 following a cardiac arrest. Watch: The remarkable political journey of Sushma Swaraj Thousands bid adieu to their beloved leader as she was cremated with full state honours. Modi and other senior leaders, besides family, friends and admirers bid a tearful adieu to the 67-year-old political stalwart. Politicians and people from different walks of life paid tributes to the senior BJP leader.

BJP to hold condolence meet for former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

"China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday.

Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries.

"We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said.

Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges.

"Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed.

Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China.

According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people.

The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim.

While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations. "China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday. Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries. "We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said. Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges. "Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed. Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China. According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people. The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim. While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

'Tibet can play an important role in promoting India-China ties'

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday.

A court, in the southern city of Odessa, ordered the seizure of the tanker Nika Spirit on Monday, according to documents posted by Anatoliy Matios on social media.

"The court seized the said vessel," Matios said. "We did it legally."

The Russian owner of the arrested tanker, the Altomar Shipping company, told Russian news agency Interfax that its management was "in contact with Ukrainian authorities" to solve a "range of issues related to the vessel".

Ukraine's SBU security service said last week it had stopped the Russian tanker, previously known as the Neyma when it entered the port of Izmail in the southern Odessa region.

Investigators seized documents on board and questioned its 10 crew members.

Moscow responded by threatening Kiev with unspecified "consequences", although it later confirmed the 10 crew members had been released and allowed to return to Russia.

However, Kiev kept the tanker.

In November, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

Ukraine says the Russian tanker was used in that confrontation, the most dangerous open clash between the two countries in recent years.&nbsp;

According to the SBU, the Neyma had changed its name painted on the hull to "conceal its involvement in the act of aggression".

Moscow also captured 24 Ukrainian sailors manning the vessels and plans to put them on trial, accusing them of violating its maritime borders.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, a UN-established organisation overseeing maritime disputes based in Hamburg, has urged Russia to release the sailors and return them to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a possible prisoner swap during their first phone call this month.

The two former-Soviet neighbours have been caught up in hostilities since 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday.

A Ukrainian court has ordered the seizure of a Russian tanker stopped last week over its alleged involvement in a Ukrainian-Russian naval clash last year, the country's chief military prosecutor said Tuesday. A court, in the southern city of Odessa, ordered the seizure of the tanker Nika Spirit on Monday, according to documents posted by Anatoliy Matios on social media. "The court seized the said vessel," Matios said. "We did it legally." The Russian owner of the arrested tanker, the Altomar Shipping company, told Russian news agency Interfax that its management was "in contact with Ukrainian authorities" to solve a "range of issues related to the vessel". Ukraine's SBU security service said last week it had stopped the Russian tanker, previously known as the Neyma when it entered the port of Izmail in the southern Odessa region. Investigators seized documents on board and questioned its 10 crew members. Moscow responded by threatening Kiev with unspecified "consequences", although it later confirmed the 10 crew members had been released and allowed to return to Russia. However, Kiev kept the tanker. In November, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Ukraine says the Russian tanker was used in that confrontation, the most dangerous open clash between the two countries in recent years. According to the SBU, the Neyma had changed its name painted on the hull to "conceal its involvement in the act of aggression". Moscow also captured 24 Ukrainian sailors manning the vessels and plans to put them on trial, accusing them of violating its maritime borders. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, a UN-established organisation overseeing maritime disputes based in Hamburg, has urged Russia to release the sailors and return them to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a possible prisoner swap during their first phone call this month. The two former-Soviet neighbours have been caught up in hostilities since 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine seizes Russian tanker over naval clash: Prosecutor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amnesty-urges-united-nation-probe-of-systematic-philippine-drug-war-killings-234069">Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte</a> is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-top-senator-chides-iceland-for-abortion-united-nation-drugs-war-probe-236074">deadly drug war</a>, the leader's spokesman said.

Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity.

The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the UN Human Rights Council last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings.&nbsp;

"(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement.

"The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added.

Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects.&nbsp;

However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number.

The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year.

Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people".&nbsp;

Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power.

Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings.

Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote.

"Iceland, what is Iceland's problem? Just ice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday.&nbsp;

"These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines."

While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister.

Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland.

Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.&nbsp;

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "seriously considering" cutting his nation's diplomatic ties with Iceland after it spearheaded a UN resolution to probe his deadly drug war, the leader's spokesman said. Duterte bristles at any Western condemnation of his signature campaign, which has killed thousands and critics say could amount to crimes against humanity. The comments late Monday from presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo came in response to the UN Human Rights Council last week backing the Iceland-proposed resolution to review the killings. "(Duterte) is seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations with Iceland," Panelo said in a statement. "The adopted Iceland resolution is grotesquely one-sided, outrageously narrow, and maliciously partisan," he added. Duterte launched the anti-drug crackdown in 2016, and since then police say they have killed over 5,300 drug suspects. However, human rights groups say the true toll is four times that number. The UN review comes in addition to a preliminary examination already launched by war crimes prosecutors from the International Criminal Court, which the Philippines left earlier this year. Panelo attacked the UN resolution saying it "likewise demonstrates how the Western powers are scornful of our sovereign exercise of protecting our people". Duterte's government frequently paints international criticism as a violation of sovereignty, but watchdogs counter by saying an impartial local review is nearly impossible while Duterte is in power. Last week Amnesty International released a report alleging the killing is "systematic" and police face very little, if any, scrutiny over the nightly slayings. Duterte has already publicly mocked Iceland over the UN vote. "Iceland, what is Iceland's problem? Just ice. That's your problem. You have too much ice," Duterte said Friday. "These idiots, they don't understand the social, economic, political problems of the Philippines." While the Philippines and Iceland have diplomatic ties, they do not have embassies in each other's country, said the Filipino foreign minister. Economic ties include Icelandic investment in geothermal energy in the Philippines and Filipinos working as office and factory workers and nurses in Iceland. Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin had said his nation could withdraw from the UN rights council over the vote but later said it would not do so.

Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte mulls cutting Iceland ties over United Nations probe

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