China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

China was criticised by the Philippines and the United States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed waters.&nbsp;

"Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese embassy said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes in the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check China's revitalisation, willingly stoops as a strategic vassal of the US," it said.&nbsp;

The comment was a direct response to a Twitter remark by Japan's ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who on Tuesday said his country 'opposes any action that heightens tensions' in the South China Sea, and supports international efforts to keep the waters peaceful and open.&nbsp;

China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are a security concern for Japan.&nbsp;

The Philippines complained to China at the weekend about what it called the 'swarming and threatening presence' of Chinese vessels at the Whitsun Reef.&nbsp;

China's mission in the Philippines said those were fishing vessels sheltering from rough seas. It also criticised the United States for 'fanning flames and provoking confrontation in the region'.&nbsp;

Philippine military chief Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday said he had instructed the navy to deploy more boats 'to increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of our fishermen'.&nbsp;

Sobejana said China's defence attache had met Philippine military representatives on Wednesday after being asked to explain the maritime militia, but he had yet to briefed on the meeting.&nbsp;

China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea.

China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed 'some external countries' for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability and in the South China Sea. China was criticised by the Philippines and the United States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed waters. "Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese embassy said on Twitter. "It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes in the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check China's revitalisation, willingly stoops as a strategic vassal of the US," it said. The comment was a direct response to a Twitter remark by Japan's ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who on Tuesday said his country 'opposes any action that heightens tensions' in the South China Sea, and supports international efforts to keep the waters peaceful and open. China's extensive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-US relationship and are a security concern for Japan. The Philippines complained to China at the weekend about what it called the 'swarming and threatening presence' of Chinese vessels at the Whitsun Reef. China's mission in the Philippines said those were fishing vessels sheltering from rough seas. It also criticised the United States for 'fanning flames and provoking confrontation in the region'. Philippine military chief Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday said he had instructed the navy to deploy more boats 'to increase our visibility and ensure the security and safety of our fishermen'. Sobejana said China's defence attache had met Philippine military representatives on Wednesday after being asked to explain the maritime militia, but he had yet to briefed on the meeting.

China embassy takes swipe at 'fusty' Japan over South China Sea 

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against <a href="Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US&nbsp;Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained.

By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel. A small group of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-iraq-to-use-its-forces-to-protect-us-embassy-in-baghdad-trump-271292">protesters</a> remained and said they would not leave till US&nbsp;forces were expelled from Iraq.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">US embassy in Baghdad</a>&nbsp;after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

"We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US&nbsp;targets Iran-based Kataib Hezbollah Group In Iraq

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-targets-iran-based-kataib-hezbollah-group-in-iraq-271136/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters.

It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone.

Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable.

"Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against US airstrikes in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained.

Paramilitary groups who have been protesting against US airstrikes in Iraq began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday, although some supporters remained. By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel. A small group of protesters remained and said they would not leave till US forces were expelled from Iraq. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound. "We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted. Watch: US targets Iran-based Kataib Hezbollah Group In Iraq Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters. It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone. Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

Iraqi militias start withdrawing from US Embassy in Baghdad

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">attack on the US embassy</a> in Baghdad and said he would hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">Tehran</a> responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified," Trump said on Twitter.

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Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1211981022084128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"To those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don't want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!," Trump wrote in another Twitter post.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that a small number of additional Marines were expected to go to the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad.

One official said they were expected to number in the dozens and would be there temporarily. Another official said two Apache helicopters carried out a "show of force" over the embassy.

The US&nbsp;State Department and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the American ambassador and other staff had been evacuated from the embassy compound in the Iraqi capital.

Iraqi officials said the ambassador and other staff were evacuated from the embassy for their safety on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters thronged the gates in fury at US airstrikes in Iraq.

On Monday, State Department officials said Washington had exhibited restraint and patience in the face of escalating provocations from Iran or Iranian-backed groups, but that it was time to re-establish deterrence against Iranian aggression.

"We had very much hoped that Iran would not miscalculate and confuse our restraint for weakness. But after so many attacks it was important for the president to direct our armed forces to respond in a way that the Iranian regime will understand," Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, told reporters.

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad and said he would hold Tehran responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission.

US President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Tuesday for "orchestrating" an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad and said he would hold Tehran responsible, as officials said more Marines were expected to be sent to the mission. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified," Trump said on Twitter. Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × "To those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don't want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!," Trump wrote in another Twitter post. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that a small number of additional Marines were expected to go to the US embassy in Baghdad. One official said they were expected to number in the dozens and would be there temporarily. Another official said two Apache helicopters carried out a "show of force" over the embassy. The US State Department and White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the American ambassador and other staff had been evacuated from the embassy compound in the Iraqi capital. Iraqi officials said the ambassador and other staff were evacuated from the embassy for their safety on Tuesday, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters thronged the gates in fury at US airstrikes in Iraq. On Monday, State Department officials said Washington had exhibited restraint and patience in the face of escalating provocations from Iran or Iranian-backed groups, but that it was time to re-establish deterrence against Iranian aggression. "We had very much hoped that Iran would not miscalculate and confuse our restraint for weakness. But after so many attacks it was important for the president to direct our armed forces to respond in a way that the Iranian regime will understand," Brian Hook, the US special representative for Iran, told reporters.

President Donald Trump blames Iran for US embassy attack in Baghdad, promises US will ‘always’ respond strongly

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-fired-at-iraq-protesters-storming-us-baghdad-embassy-271237">US embassy in Baghdad</a> after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

"We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters.

It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone.

Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable.

"Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted.

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Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1211981022084128768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The demonstrators were protesting against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-guards-in-baghdad-fire-stun-grenades-at-protesters-271265">US airstrikes</a> that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline Hashed faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) on Sunday.

Those strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed one American contractor at an Iraqi base, the latest in a string of attacks on areas where US troops are deployed.

They have not been claimed, but US security assessments have largely blamed them on Kataeb Hezbollah.

In his tweet, Trump said the US had "strongly responded" to the attack that killed the US contractor and "always will" in similar situations.

Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated since the US in 2018 pulled out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal.

Trump has since imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

Iraq had long feared being caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the two countries, which are its main allies.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iraq to "use its forces" to protect the US embassy in Baghdad after pro-Iran protesters breached the outer wall of the compound. "We expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!" Trump tweeted. Iraqi supporters of pro-Iran factions attacked the embassy early Tuesday, breaching its outer wall and chanting "Death to America" in anger over weekend airstrikes that killed two dozen fighters. It was the first time in years that protesters have been able to reach the US embassy, which is sheltered behind a series of checkpoints in the high-security Green Zone. Trump blamed Iran for organising the attack and warned Tehran would be held accountable. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," he tweeted. Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019 × The demonstrators were protesting against US airstrikes that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline Hashed faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades) on Sunday. Those strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed one American contractor at an Iraqi base, the latest in a string of attacks on areas where US troops are deployed. They have not been claimed, but US security assessments have largely blamed them on Kataeb Hezbollah. In his tweet, Trump said the US had "strongly responded" to the attack that killed the US contractor and "always will" in similar situations. Relations between Washington and Tehran have deteriorated since the US in 2018 pulled out of the landmark Iran nuclear deal. Trump has since imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence. Iraq had long feared being caught in the middle of escalating tensions between the two countries, which are its main allies.

Expect Iraq to 'use its forces' to protect US embassy in Baghdad: Trump

Afghanistan has objected to the summoning of its charge d'affaires by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country's embassy in Kabul. 
 
A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday stated that the country would "seriously investigate" the harassment claims, and provided assurance that it is committed to ensuring the safety of Pakistani diplomats. 
 
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity's personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles," the statement read. 
 
"The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan states that the Government of Afghanistan shall seriously investigate this claim and provides assurance that the Government of Afghanistan is committed to providing safety to the diplomats of Pakistan as well as other diplomats in the country," it added. 
 
The ministry called on the Pakistani government to align its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan in compliance with international conventions and accepted diplomatic norms. 
The matter pertains to Pakistan Foreign officer summoning Afghan envoy on Sunday to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel. The country has also suspended its consular services indefinitely owing to security concerns after the harassment claims. 
 
"The Afghan Cd'A was informed that the Officers and Staff of the Embassy of Pakistan were being harassed over the past two days. They were obstructed on the road and the Embassy vehicles were also hit by motorcycles while going towards the Embassy," the statement by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs read, adding that he has been asked to relay Pakistan's concerns to Afghan authorities and to urge them "to immediately investigate these security violations and harassment incidents".

Afghanistan has objected to the summoning of its charge d'affaires by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country's embassy in Kabul.

Afghanistan has objected to the summoning of its charge d'affaires by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country's embassy in Kabul. A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday stated that the country would "seriously investigate" the harassment claims, and provided assurance that it is committed to ensuring the safety of Pakistani diplomats. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity's personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles," the statement read. "The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan states that the Government of Afghanistan shall seriously investigate this claim and provides assurance that the Government of Afghanistan is committed to providing safety to the diplomats of Pakistan as well as other diplomats in the country," it added. The ministry called on the Pakistani government to align its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan in compliance with international conventions and accepted diplomatic norms. The matter pertains to Pakistan Foreign officer summoning Afghan envoy on Sunday to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel. The country has also suspended its consular services indefinitely owing to security concerns after the harassment claims. "The Afghan Cd'A was informed that the Officers and Staff of the Embassy of Pakistan were being harassed over the past two days. They were obstructed on the road and the Embassy vehicles were also hit by motorcycles while going towards the Embassy," the statement by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs read, adding that he has been asked to relay Pakistan's concerns to Afghan authorities and to urge them "to immediately investigate these security violations and harassment incidents".

Afghanistan objects to summoning of envoy by Pakistan over harassment claims

Iran on Saturday unveiled new anti-American murals on the walls of the former US embassy as Tehran prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the storming of what it labels the "den of spies".

The accusatory message of the paintings was one of a violent US that is thirsty for war and bent on tightening its grip on the world, yet weakening despite its military might.

The new murals,&nbsp;mainly painted in white, red and blue, the colours of the US flag,&nbsp;were unveiled by Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, at the former mission turned museum.

One of them showed a crumbling Statue of Liberty, its right torch-bearing arm having broken off.

Another depicted the triangle of the Eye of Providence, the symbol used on the back of the US dollar bill, in a sea of blood in which skulls are floating.

A third showed the American Global Hawk drone that was shot down by Iran in June over the Strait of Hormuz, with bats flying out of it.

'Poisoned relations'

Next to it, another work showed an Iran Air plane that was shot down by an American warship over the Gulf on July 3, 1988, with white doves flying out of it.

290 people were killed in the tragedy which Washington has called a "mistake" and for which Iran has for years demanded an apology.

During his speech, General Salami reiterated Iran's grievances against the US.

He accused it of being the only country to have used nuclear weapons, twice in Japan in 1945, and yet of blocking other countries, especially Iran, from benefitting from a civil nuclear programme.

He also charged that Washington is lying when it claims to support human rights and democracy, arguing that it backs nearly "all dictators" on Earth.

Tehran is preparing to mark on Monday the 40th anniversary of the hostage crisis, an act that continues to poison Iran-US relations.

On November 4, 1979, less than nine months after the toppling of Iran's American-backed shah, students overran the complex to demand the United States hand over the ousted ruler after he was admitted to a US hospital.

It took a full 444 days for the crisis to end with the release of 52 Americans, but the US broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and ties have been frozen ever since.

Tensions have escalated again between the two countries ever since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year and reimposed unilateral sanctions.

Iran on Saturday unveiled new anti-American murals on the walls of the former US embassy as Tehran prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the storming of what it labels the "den of spies".

Iran on Saturday unveiled new anti-American murals on the walls of the former US embassy as Tehran prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the storming of what it labels the "den of spies". The accusatory message of the paintings was one of a violent US that is thirsty for war and bent on tightening its grip on the world, yet weakening despite its military might. The new murals, mainly painted in white, red and blue, the colours of the US flag, were unveiled by Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, at the former mission turned museum. One of them showed a crumbling Statue of Liberty, its right torch-bearing arm having broken off. Another depicted the triangle of the Eye of Providence, the symbol used on the back of the US dollar bill, in a sea of blood in which skulls are floating. A third showed the American Global Hawk drone that was shot down by Iran in June over the Strait of Hormuz, with bats flying out of it. 'Poisoned relations' Next to it, another work showed an Iran Air plane that was shot down by an American warship over the Gulf on July 3, 1988, with white doves flying out of it. 290 people were killed in the tragedy which Washington has called a "mistake" and for which Iran has for years demanded an apology. During his speech, General Salami reiterated Iran's grievances against the US. He accused it of being the only country to have used nuclear weapons, twice in Japan in 1945, and yet of blocking other countries, especially Iran, from benefitting from a civil nuclear programme. He also charged that Washington is lying when it claims to support human rights and democracy, arguing that it backs nearly "all dictators" on Earth. Tehran is preparing to mark on Monday the 40th anniversary of the hostage crisis, an act that continues to poison Iran-US relations. On November 4, 1979, less than nine months after the toppling of Iran's American-backed shah, students overran the complex to demand the United States hand over the ousted ruler after he was admitted to a US hospital. It took a full 444 days for the crisis to end with the release of 52 Americans, but the US broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 and ties have been frozen ever since. Tensions have escalated again between the two countries ever since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year and reimposed unilateral sanctions.

Iran unveils new anti-United States murals at former embassy

Around 400 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-rohingya-refugee-crisis-in-key-dates-245472">Rohingya refugees</a> have voluntarily returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, Myanmar's embassy there said Thursday, but with previous repatriation attempts having failed Dhaka was yet to verify the claim.

Bangladesh is home to nearly a million Rohingya including 740,000 who fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state in August 2017 that the U.N. has called ethnic cleansing.&nbsp;

Myanmar's embassy posted photos on Facebook that purported to show "46 more voluntary returnees" being "warmly received" in Myanmar, taking the total number going back to 397 in an unspecified timeframe.

There was no immediate comment on the embassy statement from the Bangladeshi refugee commissioner and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Dhaka would verify the claims.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said the return of a "handful" of refugees did "not testify (to) any improvement of the ground reality in Rakhine".

Rohingya leaders have refused to return without guaranteed security and citizenship, which they are currently denied in Myanmar, and previous attempts to repatriate the Muslim minority fell flat when no-one turned up.

Since then, however, Bangladesh has imposed an internet blackout on the vast, squalid camps in the country's south-east that house the refugees, and has announced plans to surround them with barbed-wire fences.

Authorities also want to move thousands of refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal beginning next month despite concerns for their safety from rights groups.

Around 400 Rohingya refugees have voluntarily returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, Myanmar's embassy there said Thursday, but with previous repatriation attempts having failed Dhaka was yet to verify the claim.

Around 400 Rohingya refugees have voluntarily returned to Myanmar from Bangladesh, Myanmar's embassy there said Thursday, but with previous repatriation attempts having failed Dhaka was yet to verify the claim. Bangladesh is home to nearly a million Rohingya including 740,000 who fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state in August 2017 that the U.N. has called ethnic cleansing. Myanmar's embassy posted photos on Facebook that purported to show "46 more voluntary returnees" being "warmly received" in Myanmar, taking the total number going back to 397 in an unspecified timeframe. There was no immediate comment on the embassy statement from the Bangladeshi refugee commissioner and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said Dhaka would verify the claims. But in a statement on Wednesday, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said the return of a "handful" of refugees did "not testify (to) any improvement of the ground reality in Rakhine". Rohingya leaders have refused to return without guaranteed security and citizenship, which they are currently denied in Myanmar, and previous attempts to repatriate the Muslim minority fell flat when no-one turned up. Since then, however, Bangladesh has imposed an internet blackout on the vast, squalid camps in the country's south-east that house the refugees, and has announced plans to surround them with barbed-wire fences. Authorities also want to move thousands of refugees to an island in the Bay of Bengal beginning next month despite concerns for their safety from rights groups.

Nearly 400 Rohingya return to Myanmar from Bangladesh, embassy says

A US&nbsp;soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement.

Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion.

A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website.

The incident is under investigation, the department said.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday.

A US soldier killed by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan has been identified as Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense said on Friday. Barreto, 34 and based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed on Thursday when an improvised bomb in a vehicle exploded in a suicide attack near his vehicle in the Afghan capital Kabul, the department said in a statement. Barreto was a paratrooper and maintenance control sergeant in the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion. A Romanian soldier also died in the attack near a neighbourhood in Kabul that housed embassy staff from the United States and other countries, the Army Times reported on its website. The incident is under investigation, the department said.

United States soldier killed in Afghanistan identified

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-president-defends-assange-asylum-withdrawal-210458">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange</a> repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper.

London police dragged Assange out of the embassy on Thursday after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Assange's relationship with his hosts collapsed after Ecuador accused him of leaking information about Moreno's personal life.

Moreno denied to the Guardian that he had acted as a reprisal for the way in which documents about his family had been leaked. He said he regretted that Assange had used the embassy to interfere in other country’s democracies.

"Any attempt to destabilise is a reprehensible act for Ecuador, because we are a sovereign nation and respectful of the politics of each country," Moreno told the Guardian by email.

"We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying,” the Guardian quoted Moreno as saying.

Supporters of Assange said Ecuador had betrayed him at the behest of Washington, that the ending of his asylum was illegal and that it marked a dark moment for press freedom.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange repeatedly violated his asylum conditions and tried to use the Ecuadorian embassy in London as a centre for spying, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno told Britain's Guardian newspaper. London police dragged Assange out of the embassy on Thursday after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information. Assange's relationship with his hosts collapsed after Ecuador accused him of leaking information about Moreno's personal life. Moreno denied to the Guardian that he had acted as a reprisal for the way in which documents about his family had been leaked. He said he regretted that Assange had used the embassy to interfere in other country’s democracies. "Any attempt to destabilise is a reprehensible act for Ecuador, because we are a sovereign nation and respectful of the politics of each country," Moreno told the Guardian by email. "We cannot allow our house, the house that opened its doors, to become a centre for spying,” the Guardian quoted Moreno as saying. Supporters of Assange said Ecuador had betrayed him at the behest of Washington, that the ending of his asylum was illegal and that it marked a dark moment for press freedom.

Ecuador's president says Assange tried to use its embassy to spy

A shadowy group committed to overthrowing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed responsibility Wednesday for a raid on the reclusive nation's embassy in Madrid last month, saying it shared "information of enormous potential value" with the FBI.

The incident had been shrouded in mystery, but a dissident organisation known as the Cheollima Civil Defense (CCD) said Wednesday it had orchestrated the raid to end illicit activities rampant in North Korea's foreign missions.

The claim comes after a Spanish court named Adrian Hong Chang, of Mexican nationality, as being the leader of the group -- the first official account of the incident, which came days before the summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi.

Previous media reports said a group of men burst into the diplomatic mission and roughed up employees before making off with documents and computers.

According to investigating judge Jose de la Mata, two of the assailants took the embassy's commercial attache to an underground room and urged him to defect, which he refused.

CCD denied using any violence, saying in a statement on its website: "We were invited into the embassy, and contrary to reports, no one was gagged or beaten.

"Out of respect for the host nation of Spain, no weapons were used. All occupants in the embassy were treated with dignity and necessary caution."

The group -- which offers to assist people attempting to defect from North Korea -- emerged in 2017 when it posted an online video of the son of the North Korean leader's assassinated brother, saying it had guaranteed his safety.

Last month the group declared itself a government-in-exile for the North called "Free Joseon", using an old name for Korea.

It said the raid had no links to the Hanoi summit -- which ended abruptly with no agreement -- and that no other governments were involved until after the event.

"The organization shared certain information of enormous potential value with the FBI in the United States, under mutually agreed terms of confidentiality," the statement added.

Speculation over the identity and motive of the assailants had swirled in the media, with Spanish daily El Pais suggesting links to the CIA.

According to an El Pais report, Spain had asked for clarification from the CIA but the US spy agency denied any involvement.&nbsp;

Spanish authorities said the response was "not very convincing," adding that the CIA acted "in probable co-operation" with South Korean intelligence services.

Seoul's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, declined to comment.&nbsp;

Little is known about CCD and it is unclear who is behind the organisation -- although some have speculated it has links to South Korea's spy agency.&nbsp;

It is named after a mythical winged horse.

In the past, the group has said it responded to urgent requests for protection from "compatriots" and has thanked countries including the Netherlands, China and the United States for their help.

A shadowy group committed to overthrowing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed responsibility Wednesday for a raid on the reclusive nation's embassy in Madrid last month, saying it shared "information of enormous potential value" with the FBI.

A shadowy group committed to overthrowing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claimed responsibility Wednesday for a raid on the reclusive nation's embassy in Madrid last month, saying it shared "information of enormous potential value" with the FBI. The incident had been shrouded in mystery, but a dissident organisation known as the Cheollima Civil Defense (CCD) said Wednesday it had orchestrated the raid to end illicit activities rampant in North Korea's foreign missions. The claim comes after a Spanish court named Adrian Hong Chang, of Mexican nationality, as being the leader of the group -- the first official account of the incident, which came days before the summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi. Previous media reports said a group of men burst into the diplomatic mission and roughed up employees before making off with documents and computers. According to investigating judge Jose de la Mata, two of the assailants took the embassy's commercial attache to an underground room and urged him to defect, which he refused. CCD denied using any violence, saying in a statement on its website: "We were invited into the embassy, and contrary to reports, no one was gagged or beaten. "Out of respect for the host nation of Spain, no weapons were used. All occupants in the embassy were treated with dignity and necessary caution." The group -- which offers to assist people attempting to defect from North Korea -- emerged in 2017 when it posted an online video of the son of the North Korean leader's assassinated brother, saying it had guaranteed his safety. Last month the group declared itself a government-in-exile for the North called "Free Joseon", using an old name for Korea. It said the raid had no links to the Hanoi summit -- which ended abruptly with no agreement -- and that no other governments were involved until after the event. "The organization shared certain information of enormous potential value with the FBI in the United States, under mutually agreed terms of confidentiality," the statement added. Speculation over the identity and motive of the assailants had swirled in the media, with Spanish daily El Pais suggesting links to the CIA. According to an El Pais report, Spain had asked for clarification from the CIA but the US spy agency denied any involvement. Spanish authorities said the response was "not very convincing," adding that the CIA acted "in probable co-operation" with South Korean intelligence services. Seoul's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, declined to comment. Little is known about CCD and it is unclear who is behind the organisation -- although some have speculated it has links to South Korea's spy agency. It is named after a mythical winged horse. In the past, the group has said it responded to urgent requests for protection from "compatriots" and has thanked countries including the Netherlands, China and the United States for their help.

Dissident group claims responsibility for raid on North Korea's Madrid embassy

The Romanian prime minister promised Sunday in Washington that her country would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with both the European position and apparently with her own country's president.

Prime Minister Viorica Dancila made the announcement before the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), an influential pro-Israel lobby.

Her stance would align Romania with the US position under President Donald Trump, and it came on a day when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was beginning a Washington visit to include an AIPAC appearance and a meeting with Trump.

Netanyahu subsequently tweeted his congratulations to Dancila for informing AIPAC "that she would act to complete the procedures needed to open the Romanian embassy in Jerusalem."

Nonetheless, it marked an awkward break with the position of the European Union at a time when Bucharest holds the EU's rotating chairmanship.

Adding to the uncertainty, Romania's centrist president Klaus Iohannis has opposed the move as a breach of international law. He has said that in any case, such a shift would require presidential approval.

Dancila nonetheless told applauding AIPAC members that "I, as prime minister of Romania, and the government that I run, will move our embassy to Jerusalem."

Netanyahu, who had called on his Romanian counterpart in January to announce the transfer, on Sunday welcomed her move.

"I congratulate my friend, the prime minister of Romania, Viorica Dancila, on her announcement at AIPAC that she would act to complete the procedures needed to open the Romanian embassy in Jerusalem," the Israeli leader tweeted.

But the announcement drew criticism from senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat, who called it "a blatant violation of Palestinian rights, international law, and UN resolutions".

Erekat said the move "only contributes to eliminating the two-state solution".

He called on the European Union to take action over the decision and said the matter would be raised with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

During an April 2018 visit to Israel, Dancila had said she lacked the domestic support to make the move.

Jerusalem's status is one of the thorniest issues blocking any final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

The United Nations contends that the matter can only be settled between the Israeli and Palestinian people and that until such a resolution, countries should not shift their embassies to Jerusalem.

The Romanian prime minister promised Sunday in Washington that her country would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with both the European position and apparently with her own country's president.

The Romanian prime minister promised Sunday in Washington that her country would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with both the European position and apparently with her own country's president. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila made the announcement before the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), an influential pro-Israel lobby. Her stance would align Romania with the US position under President Donald Trump, and it came on a day when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was beginning a Washington visit to include an AIPAC appearance and a meeting with Trump. Netanyahu subsequently tweeted his congratulations to Dancila for informing AIPAC "that she would act to complete the procedures needed to open the Romanian embassy in Jerusalem." Nonetheless, it marked an awkward break with the position of the European Union at a time when Bucharest holds the EU's rotating chairmanship. Adding to the uncertainty, Romania's centrist president Klaus Iohannis has opposed the move as a breach of international law. He has said that in any case, such a shift would require presidential approval. Dancila nonetheless told applauding AIPAC members that "I, as prime minister of Romania, and the government that I run, will move our embassy to Jerusalem." Netanyahu, who had called on his Romanian counterpart in January to announce the transfer, on Sunday welcomed her move. "I congratulate my friend, the prime minister of Romania, Viorica Dancila, on her announcement at AIPAC that she would act to complete the procedures needed to open the Romanian embassy in Jerusalem," the Israeli leader tweeted. But the announcement drew criticism from senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat, who called it "a blatant violation of Palestinian rights, international law, and UN resolutions". Erekat said the move "only contributes to eliminating the two-state solution". He called on the European Union to take action over the decision and said the matter would be raised with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. During an April 2018 visit to Israel, Dancila had said she lacked the domestic support to make the move. Jerusalem's status is one of the thorniest issues blocking any final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel occupied east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community. It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. The United Nations contends that the matter can only be settled between the Israeli and Palestinian people and that until such a resolution, countries should not shift their embassies to Jerusalem.

Romania to move embassy to Jerusalem, pledges PM

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists.

About 45 multi-skilled troops, drawn from the country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the CRPF, have taken charge of the embassy complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital, some time ago.

The contingent has taken charge in Iraq and the troops celebrated their first Republic Day and hoisted the tricolour in that country on January 26, official sources said.

The squad is led by a Deputy Commandant-rank officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and this is the second foreign assignment for the paramilitary as it similarly guards the Indian Embassy in Libya's capital city of Tripoli for the last few years, they said.

India has, on February 4, revised its ''no travel'' advisory to Iraq and has said that citizens can now travel to the war and insurgency-ravaged country as the security situation has "improved".

The advisory, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, allows Indians to travel to any part of the country for work or business except five provinces of Nineveh (capital Mosul), Salahuddin (capital Tikrit), Diyala (capital Baquba), Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk.

It added that travellers should inform Indian authorities at the Baghdad Embassy or the Consulate General in Erbil before they travel to Iraq.

While there has been no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists since 2003 when the terrorists captured large parts of the country and neighbouring Syria to establish a self-styled Islamic caliphate.

Iraqi forces, backed by the US, got hold of their areas in late 2017 after numerous gun battles and deaths.

The CRPF commando contingent has been armed with some of the best and sophisticated weapons such as AK-series assault rifles, Glock pistols and other equipment required for an armoured counter-terror shield, they said.

The squad had a good mix of combat-skilled drivers, quick reaction teams, personal security officers, hostage rescue specialists and improvised explosive device (IED) experts who can not only secure the complex but also guard diplomats who venture out, they said.

The commandos have been picked from the highly motivated and disciplined units of the force that have worked in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and the force's special jungle warfare squad, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action).

The over 3 lakh personnel strong CRPF is the country's lead internal security force that is tasked with combating the Left Wing Extremism and counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sone other CAPFs render a similar task of guarding Indian assets abroad.

While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) contingents respectively.

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists.

India has deployed an elite contingent of its commando-trained armed paramilitary personnel to guard its embassy and diplomatic staff in Baghdad in Iraq, a war-ravaged country getting back to normal after defeating ISIS terrorists. About 45 multi-skilled troops, drawn from the country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the CRPF, have taken charge of the embassy complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital, some time ago. The contingent has taken charge in Iraq and the troops celebrated their first Republic Day and hoisted the tricolour in that country on January 26, official sources said. The squad is led by a Deputy Commandant-rank officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and this is the second foreign assignment for the paramilitary as it similarly guards the Indian Embassy in Libya's capital city of Tripoli for the last few years, they said. India has, on February 4, revised its ''no travel'' advisory to Iraq and has said that citizens can now travel to the war and insurgency-ravaged country as the security situation has "improved". The advisory, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, allows Indians to travel to any part of the country for work or business except five provinces of Nineveh (capital Mosul), Salahuddin (capital Tikrit), Diyala (capital Baquba), Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. It added that travellers should inform Indian authorities at the Baghdad Embassy or the Consulate General in Erbil before they travel to Iraq. While there has been no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists since 2003 when the terrorists captured large parts of the country and neighbouring Syria to establish a self-styled Islamic caliphate. Iraqi forces, backed by the US, got hold of their areas in late 2017 after numerous gun battles and deaths. The CRPF commando contingent has been armed with some of the best and sophisticated weapons such as AK-series assault rifles, Glock pistols and other equipment required for an armoured counter-terror shield, they said. The squad had a good mix of combat-skilled drivers, quick reaction teams, personal security officers, hostage rescue specialists and improvised explosive device (IED) experts who can not only secure the complex but also guard diplomats who venture out, they said. The commandos have been picked from the highly motivated and disciplined units of the force that have worked in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and the force's special jungle warfare squad, CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action). The over 3 lakh personnel strong CRPF is the country's lead internal security force that is tasked with combating the Left Wing Extremism and counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Sone other CAPFs render a similar task of guarding Indian assets abroad. While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) contingents respectively.

India deploys CRPF commando squad to guard embassy in Baghdad

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition.

Republican and Democratic senators and representatives said on Wednesday they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

The lawmakers - an alliance of progressive Democrats and Republican constitutional conservatives - deplored the "humanitarian disaster" in Yemen but also said they wanted Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to decide whether the United States should be involved in military conflict.

"That decision has never been debated and discussed and voted on and approved by Congress," Republican Senator Mike Lee, one of the measure's sponsors, told a news conference.

The United States has supported the Saudi-led air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with mid-air refuelling support, intelligence and targeting assistance.

Opponents of the resolution are reluctant to risk disrupting the strategic US relationship with Saudi Arabia, seen as an essential counterweight in the Middle East to Iran, the arch-enemy of close US ally Israel.

The embassy of Yemen in Washington issued a statement opposing the resolution, saying it would "deliver a massive victory to Iran" if Washington were to stop supporting the coalition.

December's Senate vote was the first time either chamber of Congress backed a resolution to withdraw US forces from a military engagement under the War Powers Act. That law, passed in 1973, limits the president's ability to commit US forces to potential hostilities without congressional approval.

The measure never went further in December because the Republicans who then controlled the House of Representatives did not allow a vote in that chamber before the end of the year.

However, the measure's sponsors insisted it had helped lead to a ceasefire in Yemen that began in December. "Sometimes we underestimate how much influence we have," Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said.

Democrats now have a House majority, but Trump's fellow Republicans have increased their edge in the Senate by two seats to hold a 53-47 margin.

It would take a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to overcome a Trump veto. Trump had threatened a veto in December. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he still intended to do so.

"President Trump is going to have to make a decision," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition.

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition. Republican and Democratic senators and representatives said on Wednesday they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. The lawmakers - an alliance of progressive Democrats and Republican constitutional conservatives - deplored the "humanitarian disaster" in Yemen but also said they wanted Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to decide whether the United States should be involved in military conflict. "That decision has never been debated and discussed and voted on and approved by Congress," Republican Senator Mike Lee, one of the measure's sponsors, told a news conference. The United States has supported the Saudi-led air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with mid-air refuelling support, intelligence and targeting assistance. Opponents of the resolution are reluctant to risk disrupting the strategic US relationship with Saudi Arabia, seen as an essential counterweight in the Middle East to Iran, the arch-enemy of close US ally Israel. The embassy of Yemen in Washington issued a statement opposing the resolution, saying it would "deliver a massive victory to Iran" if Washington were to stop supporting the coalition. December's Senate vote was the first time either chamber of Congress backed a resolution to withdraw US forces from a military engagement under the War Powers Act. That law, passed in 1973, limits the president's ability to commit US forces to potential hostilities without congressional approval. The measure never went further in December because the Republicans who then controlled the House of Representatives did not allow a vote in that chamber before the end of the year. However, the measure's sponsors insisted it had helped lead to a ceasefire in Yemen that began in December. "Sometimes we underestimate how much influence we have," Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said. Democrats now have a House majority, but Trump's fellow Republicans have increased their edge in the Senate by two seats to hold a 53-47 margin. It would take a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to overcome a Trump veto. Trump had threatened a veto in December. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he still intended to do so. "President Trump is going to have to make a decision," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

US lawmakers seek to force Trump decision on Saudi-Yemen war

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise.

"The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess."

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise. "The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess." His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil's president, inaugurates far-right firebrand

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.

The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists.

An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track".

It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences".

Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building.

A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation.

Pariah no more?

Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise.

The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people.

Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around.

Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country.

The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March.

"Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday.

"This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added.

Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit.

With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation.

Saudi money

Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years.

A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011.

"This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP.

It is not yet clear if other Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps.

The UAE is one of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria.&nbsp;

Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran.

"An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.

Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict.

Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional archfoe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs.

"Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media.

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.

The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. Nearly seven years later, the Emirati flag was raised again during a ceremony attended by diplomats and journalists. An acting charge d'affaires has already started working, an Emirati statement said, stressing that the UAE was "keen to put relations back on their normal track". It said that the resumption of ties aimed to "support the sovereignty and independence of Syria" and face "the dangers of regional interferences". Rumours of the Emirati embassy reopening had circulated in recent days as renovation work was spotted getting under way at the building. A visit to Damascus by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir earlier this month had been interpreted by some observers as a sign of regional efforts to end Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's diplomatic isolation. Pariah no more? Syria was suspended from the Arab League in November 2011, as the death toll was escalating and several regional powers bet on Assad's demise. The conflict has now killed more than 360,000 people. Assad's seat at the helm, which he inherited from his father in 2000, appeared to be hanging by a thread until Russia's 2015 military intervention turned things around. Government forces and allied militia have since steadily regained significant ground. They now firmly control the Damascus region and several key trade routes in the country. The past few days have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity that looks set to continue until the next summit of the Arab League, due in Tunis in March. "Recent discussions on this issue have not yielded a consensus," Hossam Zaki, the League's deputy secretary general, told reporters in Cairo on Monday. "This does not rule out a possible change of the Arab position in the future," he added. Ali Mamluk, Syria's intelligence chief and a key figure in the Assad regime, travelled to Egypt last week on an official visit. With military operations winding down in several parts of the country and the capital fully secure, Damascus is also working on breaking its physical isolation. Saudi money Trade with Jordan resumed in recent weeks after the reopening of a border crossing and Thursday saw the first commercial flight to Tunisia in years. A Cham Wings Airlines jet completed the first flight between the two countries since 2011. "This trip is the reopening of tourism links between Syria and Tunisia," Moataz Tarbin, the head of the tourism firm that organised the flight, told AFP. It is not yet clear if other Arab countries, several of which were accused by Assad of once supporting jihadists and rebels, will follow in the UAE's footsteps. The UAE is one of six Gulf Cooperation Council nations that took a tough stance on Damascus in 2012 and eventually recognised an opposition umbrella group as the representative of Syria. Warming up to Assad is seen by some regional powers as a way of luring Syria away from the exclusive regional influence of Iran. "An Arab role in Syria has become even more necessary to face the regional expansionism of Iran and Turkey," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. Tehran has been a staunch supporter of Assad's government and has expanded its military footprint in Syria throughout the course of the conflict. Last week's announcement by the White House that US troops would be pulled out also cleared the path for Turkey to muscle in on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria. US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional archfoe, had agreed to finance Syria's huge reconstruction needs. "Saudi Arabia has now agreed to spend the necessary money needed to help rebuild Syria, instead of the United States," Trump said on social media.

UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years

Ecuador puts up pressure on Assange to leave Embassy

The United States unveiled a new $256 million representative office in Taiwan’s capital on Tuesday, a de facto embassy that underscores Washington’s strategic ties with the democratic, self-ruled island as it faces escalating tensions with China.

Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties.

In comments certain to rile Beijing, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the new complex was a reaffirmation of both sides commitment to a “vital relationship.”

“The friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. has never been more promising. The great story of Taiwan-U.S. relations remains to be filled with the efforts of those that will one day occupy this building,” Tsai said.

So long as both sides stood together, nothing could come between them, she added.

The new complex, a significant upgrade from the low-key military building the AIT had used for decades, will serve as the representative office later this summer, said AIT Director Kin Moy.

Marie Royce, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, said at a ceremony to mark the unveiling that the complex was a symbol of the strength and vibrancy of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.

“We have faced many trials along this journey, but we have risen to the challenge at every turn, knowing that our shared commitment to democracy would see us through,” said Royce, who is the highest-ranking State Department official to visit Taiwan since 2015.

The sprawling new site occupies 6.5 hectares, including Chinese gardens, in Taipei’s Neihu district. AIT’s Taipei office has nearly 500 American and local employees, while its Kaohsiung branch has more than 30 staff.

The ceremony was attended by scores of high-ranking Taiwan officials as well as senior business executives, including Morris Chang, the former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s biggest contract chip maker.

China claims self-ruled Taiwan under its “one China” policy and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring what it sees as a wayward province under its control.

China’s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since President Tsai was elected in 2016. Beijing suspects Tsai wants to push for formal independence, which would cross a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Widely read Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times said on Tuesday China needed to warn Taiwan and the United States against provocation.

“The mainland must continue to build up its deterrence against Taiwanese authorities, making them know that the U.S. cannot be their savior,” it said in an editorial on the opening of the new office.

Taiwan recently lost two diplomatic allies after they switched ties to China, while some international companies have changed their websites to show the island’s designation as being part of China.

China has also stepped up military drills, sending bombers and jet fighters on exercises near the island that Taipei has denounced as intimidation.

Taiwan has lobbied Washington to sell it more advanced equipment, including new fighter jets, to bolster its defenses.

&nbsp

Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties

The United States unveiled a new $256 million representative office in Taiwan’s capital on Tuesday, a de facto embassy that underscores Washington’s strategic ties with the democratic, self-ruled island as it faces escalating tensions with China. Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979 but remains the island’s strongest ally and sole foreign arms supplier. It opened the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) to conduct relations between the two sides after severing ties. In comments certain to rile Beijing, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the new complex was a reaffirmation of both sides commitment to a “vital relationship.” “The friendship between Taiwan and the U.S. has never been more promising. The great story of Taiwan-U.S. relations remains to be filled with the efforts of those that will one day occupy this building,” Tsai said. So long as both sides stood together, nothing could come between them, she added. The new complex, a significant upgrade from the low-key military building the AIT had used for decades, will serve as the representative office later this summer, said AIT Director Kin Moy. Marie Royce, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, said at a ceremony to mark the unveiling that the complex was a symbol of the strength and vibrancy of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. “We have faced many trials along this journey, but we have risen to the challenge at every turn, knowing that our shared commitment to democracy would see us through,” said Royce, who is the highest-ranking State Department official to visit Taiwan since 2015. The sprawling new site occupies 6.5 hectares, including Chinese gardens, in Taipei’s Neihu district. AIT’s Taipei office has nearly 500 American and local employees, while its Kaohsiung branch has more than 30 staff. The ceremony was attended by scores of high-ranking Taiwan officials as well as senior business executives, including Morris Chang, the former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s biggest contract chip maker. China claims self-ruled Taiwan under its “one China” policy and Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring what it sees as a wayward province under its control. China’s hostility towards Taiwan has grown since President Tsai was elected in 2016. Beijing suspects Tsai wants to push for formal independence, which would cross a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Widely read Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times said on Tuesday China needed to warn Taiwan and the United States against provocation. “The mainland must continue to build up its deterrence against Taiwanese authorities, making them know that the U.S. cannot be their savior,” it said in an editorial on the opening of the new office. Taiwan recently lost two diplomatic allies after they switched ties to China, while some international companies have changed their websites to show the island’s designation as being part of China. China has also stepped up military drills, sending bombers and jet fighters on exercises near the island that Taipei has denounced as intimidation. Taiwan has lobbied Washington to sell it more advanced equipment, including new fighter jets, to bolster its defenses.

US unveils de facto embassy in Taiwan amid China tensions

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

The opening ceremony is at an existing US&nbsp;consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found.

But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since.

The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US&nbsp;policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem."

But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US&nbsp;can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table."

There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US&nbsp;embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign.

Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation.

It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city.

Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers.

Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering."

Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy".

But the city's significance goes further.

At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews.

Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected.

In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations.

That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally.

In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places.

Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month.

Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US&nbsp;lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution calling on the US&nbsp;to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest.

That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US&nbsp;Embassy move.

Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion.

In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world.

In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada.

Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen.

Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US&nbsp;efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that 'the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem'

The United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, a move that has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. The opening ceremony is at an existing US consular building in the mostly Jewish Arnona neighbourhood of the city, inside which an interim embassy with a small staff will operate until a larger site is found. But the location is controversial - the compound cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line separating West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six Day War and has held under occupation ever since. The embassy move is the most tangible result so far of US President Donald Trump's decision last December to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, saying it reflected that "the Jewish people have had a capital for 3,000 years, and that it is called Jerusalem." But the move upset the Arab world and Western allies, and protests are expected. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called it a "slap in the face" and said the US can no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel. Trump said that his administration has a peace proposal in the works, and that by recognising Jerusalem as the capital of America's closest ally he had "taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table." There has long been pressure from pro-Israel politicians in Washington to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and Trump made it a signature promise of his 2016 election campaign. Vice-President Mike Pence and David Friedman, the ambassador to Israel appointed by Trump, are thought to have pushed hard for both recognition and embassy relocation. It is a decision that was popular with many conservative and evangelical Christians who voted for Trump and Pence. Many of them support political recognition of Israel's claim to the city. Trump acted under a 1995 law that requires the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama consistently signed waivers. Announcing his decision on December 6, Trump cited the Jerusalem Embassy Act and suggested that his predecessors had "lacked courage." He said: "They failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering." Jerusalem is a city that is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and each religion has sites of great significance there. Jerusalem has been fought over for millennia by its inhabitants, and by regional powers and invaders including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, early Muslim rulers, Crusaders, Ottomans, the British Empire, and by the modern states of Israel and its Arab neighbours. Israel's government regards Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the country, although that is not recognized internationally. Palestinians feel equally strongly, saying that East Jerusalem must be the capital of a future Palestinian state. The city even has different names. Jews call it Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, and Arabs call it Al-Quds, which means "The Holy". But the city's significance goes further. At the heart of Jerusalem's Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Har ha-Bayit, or Temple Mount, and to Muslims internationally as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity but all that remains of them above ground is a restraining wall for the foundations built by Herod the Great. Known as the Western Wall, this is a sacred place of prayer for Jews. Within yards of the wall, and overlooking it, are two Muslim holy places, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was built in the 8th century. Muslims regard the site as the third holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The city is also an important pilgrimage site for Christians, who revere it as the place where they believe that Jesus Christ preached, died and was resurrected. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the then British-ruled Palestine should be partitioned into an Arab state and a Jewish state. But it recognized that Jerusalem had special status and proposed international rule for the city, along with nearby Bethlehem, as a 'corpus separatum' to be administered by the United Nations. That never happened. When British rule ended in 1948, Jordanian forces occupied the Old City and Arab East Jerusalem. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. In 1980 the Israeli parliament passed a law declaring the "complete and united" city of Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. But the United Nations regards East Jerusalem as occupied, and the city's status as disputed until resolved by negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. The King of Jordan retains a role in ensuring the upkeep of the Muslim holy places. Guatemala will move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the American move, and Paraguay later this month. Guatemala and a dozen other countries maintained embassies in Jerusalem in the past. All moved them out of the city years ago, after a UN Security Council resolution calling on countries to relocate to Tel Aviv. Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the US lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding UN General Assembly resolution calling on the US to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Since the announcement, there has been tension, with Palestinian protests in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week border protest. That protest culminates on May 15, a day that Palestinians traditionally lament homes and land lost as Israel was created in 1948, given extra significance this year because it falls on the day after the US Embassy move. Although the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces have not been on the scale of the first and second Palestinian intifadas in 1987-1993 and 2000-2005, violence has erupted before over matters of sovereignty and religion. In 1969 an Australian Messianic Christian tried to burn down the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He failed, but caused damage. So charged was the Middle East's political climate - just two years after the Six Day War - that there was fury across the Arab world. In 2000, the Israeli politician Ariel Sharon, then opposition leader, led a group of Israeli lawmakers onto the Temple Mount/al-Haram al-Sharif complex. Palestinians protested, and there were violent clashes that quickly escalated into the second Palestinian uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Deadly confrontations also took place last July after Israel installed metal detectors at the entrance to the complex following the killing of two Israeli policemen thereby Arab-Israeli gunmen. Arab leaders across the Middle East have warned that a unilateral American move could lead to turmoil, and hamper US efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Why is US moving its embassy to Jerusalem?

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, his wife, White House adviser Ivanka Trump and US. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, arrived in Israel along with a US&nbsppresidential delegation on Sunday to attend the official opening ceremony of the US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem.

A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. A larger site will be found later when the rest of the embassy relocates from Tel Aviv.

The embassy move was driven by President Donald Trump, and comes less than six months after his decision last year to break with decades of US&nbsppolicy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Trump says his Jerusalem decisions, which break with decades of American policy, make good on US&nbsplegislation and presidential pledges dating back decades.

They were greeted with delight by Israel's government, which said it recognises the "reality" of the Jewish people's historic connection to the city.

But it infuriated Palestinians, whose president, Mahmoud Abbas, called it a "slap in the face" and said Washington could no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, his wife, White House adviser Ivanka Trump and US. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, arrived in Israel along with a US&nbsppresidential delegation on Sunday to attend the official opening ceremony of the US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem. A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. A larger site will be found later when the rest of the embassy relocates from Tel Aviv. The embassy move was driven by President Donald Trump, and comes less than six months after his decision last year to break with decades of US&nbsppolicy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Trump says his Jerusalem decisions, which break with decades of American policy, make good on US&nbsplegislation and presidential pledges dating back decades. They were greeted with delight by Israel's government, which said it recognises the "reality" of the Jewish people's historic connection to the city. But it infuriated Palestinians, whose president, Mahmoud Abbas, called it a "slap in the face" and said Washington could no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner arrive in Israel ahead of embassy move

Paramilitary commandos may soon be deployed to guard the Indian Embassy and diplomatic staff in war-ravaged Iraq, following threats from the banned Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, officials said.

An in-principle approval for the deployment of an armed squad at the complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has been accorded by the Union ministries of home and external affairs, they said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been tasked to provide its best combat personnel for the job.

They said that the commandos will have a specific task of securing the Embassy, its diplomatic staff and their families against terror threats.

&quot;Given the constant threat of the ISIS terror group in Iraq, it was being discussed for a long time that the Indian Embassy there should have a professional security cover,&quot; a senior official privy to the development said.

&quot;The effort to send the paramilitary commandos is a move in that direction. However, the final approval for stationing the squad in Baghdad is yet to be given by the government,&quot; the official said.

While there has be no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists.

The proposed contingent would not only guard the Embassy complex, but also provide a proximate security cover to senior diplomats and staffers every time they move out of the facility, he said.

Once cleared, the proposed contingent will be about 45-50 personnel strong and headed by a deputy commandant (DC) rank officer of the CRPF.

The commandos, who are highly motivated, having done a stint in the anti-Naxal operations, the forces&#39; elite commando squad for jungle warfare CoBRA and who have been the &quot;best performers&quot; will be part of the proposed contingent, the official said.

The personnel will have to be adept in handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and in conducting special operations and hostage rescue tasks, it said.

This will be the first such overseas task for the about 3-lakh personnel strong paramilitary force. While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BF) contingents respectively.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country&#39;s largest paramilitary and is primarily designated as the lead internal security and anti-Maoist operations conducting force.&nbsp;

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been tasked to provide its best combat personnel for the job

Paramilitary commandos may soon be deployed to guard the Indian Embassy and diplomatic staff in war-ravaged Iraq, following threats from the banned Islamic State (ISIS) terror group, officials said. An in-principle approval for the deployment of an armed squad at the complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has been accorded by the Union ministries of home and external affairs, they said. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been tasked to provide its best combat personnel for the job. They said that the commandos will have a specific task of securing the Embassy, its diplomatic staff and their families against terror threats. "Given the constant threat of the ISIS terror group in Iraq, it was being discussed for a long time that the Indian Embassy there should have a professional security cover," a senior official privy to the development said. "The effort to send the paramilitary commandos is a move in that direction. However, the final approval for stationing the squad in Baghdad is yet to be given by the government," the official said. While there has be no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists. The proposed contingent would not only guard the Embassy complex, but also provide a proximate security cover to senior diplomats and staffers every time they move out of the facility, he said. Once cleared, the proposed contingent will be about 45-50 personnel strong and headed by a deputy commandant (DC) rank officer of the CRPF. The commandos, who are highly motivated, having done a stint in the anti-Naxal operations, the forces' elite commando squad for jungle warfare CoBRA and who have been the "best performers" will be part of the proposed contingent, the official said. The personnel will have to be adept in handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and in conducting special operations and hostage rescue tasks, it said. This will be the first such overseas task for the about 3-lakh personnel strong paramilitary force. While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BF) contingents respectively. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country's largest paramilitary and is primarily designated as the lead internal security and anti-Maoist operations conducting force.

India may send commandos to guard its embassy in Iraq

Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump&#39;s change of stance on the holy city of Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Under Morales&#39; leadership, Guatemala is all set to move its embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The move came shortly after Morales spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

&quot;One of the most important topics was the return of Guatemala&#39;s embassy to Jerusalem,&quot; Morales shared on his Facebook page. &nbsp;

Necessary instructions have already been given to the foreign ministry to ensure speedy and seamless shift of the embassy, Morales noted.&nbsp;

Guatemala had last week voted against the UN resolution rejecting Trump&#39;s decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

The announcement came shortly after Guatemala President Jimmy Morales spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Jimmy Morales, president of Guatemala, has become the first leader to back US President Donald Trump's change of stance on the holy city of Jerusalem. Under Morales' leadership, Guatemala is all set to move its embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem. The move came shortly after Morales spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. "One of the most important topics was the return of Guatemala's embassy to Jerusalem," Morales shared on his Facebook page. Necessary instructions have already been given to the foreign ministry to ensure speedy and seamless shift of the embassy, Morales noted. Guatemala had last week voted against the UN resolution rejecting Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. (With inputs from AFP)

Following Trump's lead, Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem

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