In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Iran have mutually decided to restore their respective ambassadors by January 26. The agreement follows a constructive telephone conversation between Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The joint press statement on Monday (Jan 22) revealed this positive development, indicating a step towards normalisation.

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🔊: PR NO. 2️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ 
 
Joint Press Statement of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran 
 
🔗⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/4ScCGZJKPz">https://t.co/4ScCGZJKPz</a> <a href="https://t.co/7ajcpnkZrz">pic.twitter.com/7ajcpnkZrz</a>
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1749371484248646050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Further reinforcing diplomatic ties, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian is set to visit Pakistan on January 29, responding to an invitation extended by Jilani.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-why-did-iran-attack-pakistan-what-is-jaish-al-adl-680852">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Why did Iran attack Pakistan? What is Jaish al-Adl group targeted by Tehran?</a>

<h2>Escalation and de-escalation: Background of recent tensions</h2>

The recent diplomatic tensions arose when Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and suspended high-level visits following the killing of Pakistani children in airstrikes following Iran's violation of Pakistani airspace.

However, both countries are now signalling a commitment to restoring relations to their previous amicable state.

Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasised the mutual interest of both nations in taking steps to restore relations, acknowledging the importance of positive measures from Iran.

Kakar expressed Pakistan's readiness to reciprocate such measures, indicating a desire for cooperation and reconciliation.

Underneath the surface of "friendly and brotherly" relations lie concerns about the use of each other's soil by certain terrorist groups.

Both countries have pointed fingers regarding terrorist outfits finding refuge across the border. To prevent such incidents in the future, Pakistan and Iran are considering a new mechanism, with proposals including strengthening existing mechanisms and deepening intelligence cooperation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan gears up for national elections | Inside South Asia

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The proposed solutions aim to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism instead of violating each other's sovereignty. These suggestions will be discussed during diplomatic engagements between the two nations, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address security concerns.

The National Security Committee in Pakistan's meeting referred to the recent events as "minor irritants," indicating a desire to de-escalate tensions. Iran, in response to Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, stressed on its commitment to friendly ties and cooperation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Iran have mutually decided to restore their respective ambassadors by January 26. The agreement follows a constructive telephone conversation between Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Iran have mutually decided to restore their respective ambassadors by January 26. The agreement follows a constructive telephone conversation between Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The joint press statement on Monday (Jan 22) revealed this positive development, indicating a step towards normalisation. 🔊: PR NO. 2️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ Joint Press Statement of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran 🔗⬇️ https://t.co/4ScCGZJKPz pic.twitter.com/7ajcpnkZrz — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 22, 2024 × Further reinforcing diplomatic ties, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian is set to visit Pakistan on January 29, responding to an invitation extended by Jilani. Also read | Explained | Why did Iran attack Pakistan? What is Jaish al-Adl group targeted by Tehran? Escalation and de-escalation: Background of recent tensions The recent diplomatic tensions arose when Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran and suspended high-level visits following the killing of Pakistani children in airstrikes following Iran's violation of Pakistani airspace. However, both countries are now signalling a commitment to restoring relations to their previous amicable state. Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar emphasised the mutual interest of both nations in taking steps to restore relations, acknowledging the importance of positive measures from Iran. Kakar expressed Pakistan's readiness to reciprocate such measures, indicating a desire for cooperation and reconciliation. Underneath the surface of "friendly and brotherly" relations lie concerns about the use of each other's soil by certain terrorist groups. Both countries have pointed fingers regarding terrorist outfits finding refuge across the border. To prevent such incidents in the future, Pakistan and Iran are considering a new mechanism, with proposals including strengthening existing mechanisms and deepening intelligence cooperation. Also watch | Pakistan gears up for national elections | Inside South Asia The proposed solutions aim to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism instead of violating each other's sovereignty. These suggestions will be discussed during diplomatic engagements between the two nations, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address security concerns. The National Security Committee in Pakistan's meeting referred to the recent events as "minor irritants," indicating a desire to de-escalate tensions. Iran, in response to Pakistan's retaliatory strikes, stressed on its commitment to friendly ties and cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts days after tit-for-tat cross-border strikes, easing tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (Dec 29) appealed to a conference of Chinese ambassadors to make a "diplomatic iron army" which is loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In what is being seen as China's renewed intent to revive the "Wolf Warrior" rhetoric amid the country's increasingly assertive foreign policy.

"Dare to be good at struggle and to become defenders of the national interest. It is necessary to... resolutely safeguard the interests of national sovereignty, security and development with a posture of readiness and a firm will to defy strong powers," said President Xi to Chinese envoys gathered at the work conference for overseas envoys&nbsp;in Beijing.

Xi's assertive remarks are being considered to be similar to the confrontational stance taken by Chinese diplomats since the year 2020, though the tone softened somewhat in later years as China sought to attract investment for its weakened economy.

Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink

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During his speech, Xi Jinping also urged Chinese envoys to follow party discipline. And as he made his point clear, he used the word 'strict' seven times.

Xi's address to the ambassadors came after the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference. The secretive high-level foreign policy planning meeting of the Communist Party takes place once every five years. The conference concluded on Thursday.

"It is necessary to put rules and discipline in front, strictly discipline oneself, take strict responsibility... and create a diplomatic iron army that is loyal to the Party... dares to and is good at struggle, and observes strict discipline," Xi said during the envoys' conference at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

<h2>'Rules and discipline'</h2>

The Chinese president's remarks have followed a strict disciplinary push in the Chinese diplomatic corps that came after China's previous foreign minister Qin Gang's removal from his post in July. At the time of his removal, he had served for only seven months amid rumours of an affair.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-burst-or-not-to-burst-chinas-ban-on-fireworks-sparks-debate-ahead-of-lunar-new-year-674804">To burst or not to burst: China's ban on fireworks sparks debate ahead of Lunar New Year</a>

"Loyalty to the Party, the country and the people is the glorious tradition of the diplomatic front," said Xi.

"It is necessary to build a strong line of ideological defence... and be an astute person with firm political beliefs who strictly complies with rules and discipline," he further said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-2023-when-chinas-bri-dream-faced-an-italian-reality-check-674821">Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'</a>

Xi also underlined the need for China to increase its international influence

"We must make broad and deep friendships, and the fight to win people's hearts must not only be carried out in temples but deeply among the masses. We must use foreign language and methods to tell the China story well," said Xi, echoing a June 2021 speech in which he urged officials to create a "trustworthy, lovable and respectable" image of China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (Dec 29) appealed to a conference of Chinese ambassadors to make a "diplomatic iron army" which is loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (Dec 29) appealed to a conference of Chinese ambassadors to make a "diplomatic iron army" which is loyal to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In what is being seen as China's renewed intent to revive the "Wolf Warrior" rhetoric amid the country's increasingly assertive foreign policy. "Dare to be good at struggle and to become defenders of the national interest. It is necessary to... resolutely safeguard the interests of national sovereignty, security and development with a posture of readiness and a firm will to defy strong powers," said President Xi to Chinese envoys gathered at the work conference for overseas envoys in Beijing. Xi's assertive remarks are being considered to be similar to the confrontational stance taken by Chinese diplomats since the year 2020, though the tone softened somewhat in later years as China sought to attract investment for its weakened economy. Gravitas | Space wars: China's counter to Musk's Starlink × During his speech, Xi Jinping also urged Chinese envoys to follow party discipline. And as he made his point clear, he used the word 'strict' seven times. Xi's address to the ambassadors came after the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference. The secretive high-level foreign policy planning meeting of the Communist Party takes place once every five years. The conference concluded on Thursday. "It is necessary to put rules and discipline in front, strictly discipline oneself, take strict responsibility... and create a diplomatic iron army that is loyal to the Party... dares to and is good at struggle, and observes strict discipline," Xi said during the envoys' conference at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. 'Rules and discipline' The Chinese president's remarks have followed a strict disciplinary push in the Chinese diplomatic corps that came after China's previous foreign minister Qin Gang's removal from his post in July. At the time of his removal, he had served for only seven months amid rumours of an affair. Also Read | To burst or not to burst: China's ban on fireworks sparks debate ahead of Lunar New Year "Loyalty to the Party, the country and the people is the glorious tradition of the diplomatic front," said Xi. "It is necessary to build a strong line of ideological defence... and be an astute person with firm political beliefs who strictly complies with rules and discipline," he further said. Also Read | Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check' Xi also underlined the need for China to increase its international influence "We must make broad and deep friendships, and the fight to win people's hearts must not only be carried out in temples but deeply among the masses. We must use foreign language and methods to tell the China story well," said Xi, echoing a June 2021 speech in which he urged officials to create a "trustworthy, lovable and respectable" image of China. (With inputs from agencies)

Create 'diplomatic iron army', Xi Jinping tells Chinese envoys

As per a WSJ report, Beijing-based hackers gained access to the email account of the US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. State Department says that the investigation is going on. The account of Daniel Kritenbrink, who is the assistant secretary of state for East Asia was also hacked earlier. With this, Burns and Kritenbrink join US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, as the publicly named victims of espionage from China. Raimondo's account was targeted weeks before Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in June. This in turn has thrown Microsoft’s security practices under scrutiny. The federal government uses the tech giant's software for its e-mail. Microsoft last week said that Chinese hackers misappropriated one of its digital keys and used a flaw in its code to steal emails from US Government agencies and other clients.

Chinese hackers strike the US again

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped back from a threat to expel the ambassadors of 10 Western nations over their support for a jailed activist, defusing a potential diplomatic crisis.

Turkish Prez Erdogan lifts threat to expel Western envoys for supporting jailed activist

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results.

State broadcaster MRTV showed Senior Gen&nbsp;Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, but provided only a broad outline of their discussions.

Earlier this week, an Indonesian diplomat said the delegation's purpose was to seek Myanmar's approval of an ASEAN special envoy for the crisis, who is yet to be named. He said the choice of the envoy involved both sides, making progress slow.

Friday's meeting received a cool response from members of Myanmar's opposition shadow government. The National Unity Government said at a rare online news conference that ASEAN should meet with them as well, not just the military. "Any discussions, any meeting about the future of the people of Myanmar must include the people of Myanmar, (their) voices must be heard," said spokesperson Sa Sa.

The appointment of an ASEAN envoy was one of five points agreed at the regional summit in Jakarta in April, which Min Aung Hlaing attended over the objection of opponents, who said the invitation legitimised his power grab.

Shortly afterwards, a spokesperson for the military government said it would only allow the envoy to visit after it had achieved security and stability in the country.

The military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, saying her party's landslide victory in elections last November resulted from massive voter fraud. It has not produced credible evidence to back its claim.

Security forces have brutally suppressed widespread popular protests against the military takeover, firing live ammunition into crowds and carrying out waves of arrests. As of Friday, 845 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners.

UN&nbsp;Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York highlighted the impact of violence on public health workers. He said there have been at least 212 reported attacks on patients, health workers, ambulances and health care facilities, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 51 injuries since the coup.

"Our colleagues on the ground stress that hospitals are, and must remain, a place of sanctuary and unequivocal neutrality so that patients can seek care and health professionals can provide care safely and without fear," he said.

The Jakarta summit also reached an agreement to immediately end the violence and start a dialogue between the contending parties with the help of the special envoy. Brunei is taking the lead in negotiating with the Myanmar junta because it currently holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In the online news conference, Sa Sa also said the number of people's militias taking up arms against the military government is set to rise rapidly in response to what he called a 'reign of terror'.&nbsp;

"Many more forces will appear in the coming months," he said. "It will be out of control. That's why we say to the international community to help us to stop this coup. We need stability in Myanmar."&nbsp;

In recent weeks, civilian armed groups have appeared in several regions of the country, often using homemade weapons or old hunting rifles to engage the army and police, with some success. Some groups of pro-democracy activists have fled to the jungles to receive combat training from battle-hardened ethnic armed groups, who have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results.

Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met with Myanmar's junta leader on Friday, six weeks after an emergency regional summit on the coup in the country drew promises of progress towards a solution but produced no tangible results. State broadcaster MRTV showed Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, but provided only a broad outline of their discussions. Earlier this week, an Indonesian diplomat said the delegation's purpose was to seek Myanmar's approval of an ASEAN special envoy for the crisis, who is yet to be named. He said the choice of the envoy involved both sides, making progress slow. Friday's meeting received a cool response from members of Myanmar's opposition shadow government. The National Unity Government said at a rare online news conference that ASEAN should meet with them as well, not just the military. "Any discussions, any meeting about the future of the people of Myanmar must include the people of Myanmar, (their) voices must be heard," said spokesperson Sa Sa. The appointment of an ASEAN envoy was one of five points agreed at the regional summit in Jakarta in April, which Min Aung Hlaing attended over the objection of opponents, who said the invitation legitimised his power grab. Shortly afterwards, a spokesperson for the military government said it would only allow the envoy to visit after it had achieved security and stability in the country. The military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, saying her party's landslide victory in elections last November resulted from massive voter fraud. It has not produced credible evidence to back its claim. Security forces have brutally suppressed widespread popular protests against the military takeover, firing live ammunition into crowds and carrying out waves of arrests. As of Friday, 845 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in New York highlighted the impact of violence on public health workers. He said there have been at least 212 reported attacks on patients, health workers, ambulances and health care facilities, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 51 injuries since the coup. "Our colleagues on the ground stress that hospitals are, and must remain, a place of sanctuary and unequivocal neutrality so that patients can seek care and health professionals can provide care safely and without fear," he said. The Jakarta summit also reached an agreement to immediately end the violence and start a dialogue between the contending parties with the help of the special envoy. Brunei is taking the lead in negotiating with the Myanmar junta because it currently holds ASEAN's rotating chairmanship. ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In the online news conference, Sa Sa also said the number of people's militias taking up arms against the military government is set to rise rapidly in response to what he called a 'reign of terror'. "Many more forces will appear in the coming months," he said. "It will be out of control. That's why we say to the international community to help us to stop this coup. We need stability in Myanmar." In recent weeks, civilian armed groups have appeared in several regions of the country, often using homemade weapons or old hunting rifles to engage the army and police, with some success. Some groups of pro-democracy activists have fled to the jungles to receive combat training from battle-hardened ethnic armed groups, who have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades. (With inputs from agencies)

ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden dispatched US envoys, including White House border coordinator Roberta Jacobson, to the two countries on Monday for talks on how to manage the increase in the number of migrants heading for the US-Mexican border.&nbsp;

When asked if the US delegation would seek support from local officials, Psaki told a news briefing, "Absolutely, part of our objective as Roberta Jacobson...conveyed when she was in here just a few weeks ago, was that we need to work in partnership with these countries to address the root causes in their countries to convey clearly and systematically that this is not the time to travel."&nbsp;

Jacobson was joined by Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere, and Honduran-born diplomat Ricardo Zuniga, just appointed by the State Department as the Northern Triangle special envoy.&nbsp;

Gonzalez will continue to Guatemala to meet Guatemalan officials, as well as representatives from civil society and non-governmental organisations.&nbsp;

Biden’s promise to end former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies has been complicated by a recent spike in the number of migrants crossing the border illegally.&nbsp;

The increase in the number of migrants fleeing violence, natural disasters and economic hardship in Central America is testing Biden’s commitment to a more humane immigration policy.&nbsp;

White House spokeswoman Emily Horne said Jacobson's goal in Mexico is developing 'an effective and humane plan of action to manage migration'.&nbsp;

The visit was also announced by Mexico's foreign ministry, which said the talks would take place on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Gonzalez' aim in Guatemala is to ''address root causes of migration in the region and build a more hopeful future in the region," Horne said.&nbsp;

US officials are struggling to house and process an increasing number of unaccompanied children, many of whom have been stuck in jail-like border stations for days while they await placement in overwhelmed government-run shelters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico.

US officials will ask authorities in Mexico and Guatemala to help stem migrant traffic, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday, as the Biden administration struggles to contain a burgeoning humanitarian challenge along the US border with Mexico. President Joe Biden dispatched US envoys, including White House border coordinator Roberta Jacobson, to the two countries on Monday for talks on how to manage the increase in the number of migrants heading for the US-Mexican border. When asked if the US delegation would seek support from local officials, Psaki told a news briefing, "Absolutely, part of our objective as Roberta Jacobson...conveyed when she was in here just a few weeks ago, was that we need to work in partnership with these countries to address the root causes in their countries to convey clearly and systematically that this is not the time to travel." Jacobson was joined by Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council’s senior director for the Western Hemisphere, and Honduran-born diplomat Ricardo Zuniga, just appointed by the State Department as the Northern Triangle special envoy. Gonzalez will continue to Guatemala to meet Guatemalan officials, as well as representatives from civil society and non-governmental organisations. Biden’s promise to end former President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies has been complicated by a recent spike in the number of migrants crossing the border illegally. The increase in the number of migrants fleeing violence, natural disasters and economic hardship in Central America is testing Biden’s commitment to a more humane immigration policy. White House spokeswoman Emily Horne said Jacobson's goal in Mexico is developing 'an effective and humane plan of action to manage migration'. The visit was also announced by Mexico's foreign ministry, which said the talks would take place on Tuesday. Gonzalez' aim in Guatemala is to ''address root causes of migration in the region and build a more hopeful future in the region," Horne said. US officials are struggling to house and process an increasing number of unaccompanied children, many of whom have been stuck in jail-like border stations for days while they await placement in overwhelmed government-run shelters. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden sends envoys to Mexico, Guatemala for help on migrant flow 

India will be taking the second set of foreign envoys to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir later this week.

According to a source, "A group of envoys from different geographical regions will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir this week".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/envoys-visit-is-to-see-first-hand-efforts-to-normalise-the-situation-in-kashmir-mea-spokesperson-raveesh-kumar-273208">India had taken the first batch of 15 envoys on January 9 and 10</a>. These envoys included diplomats from countries of Latin America, Africa, ASEAN along with the envoy of the United States.&nbsp;

The demand for statehood, restoration of internet and development dominated the discourse during the envoy's meet with civil society in Srinagar last month.

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The US had called the visit an important step but raised concern over the detention of political leaders.

US State Department's Alice Wells, in a tweet, said, "Closely following @USAmbIndia &amp; other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by the detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy."

Last year in October, a group of European parliamentarians were taken on a visit but that was in their private capacity.

India will be taking the second set of foreign envoys to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir later this week. According to a source, "A group of envoys from different geographical regions will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir this week".

India will be taking the second set of foreign envoys to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir later this week. According to a source, "A group of envoys from different geographical regions will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir this week". India had taken the first batch of 15 envoys on January 9 and 10. These envoys included diplomats from countries of Latin America, Africa, ASEAN along with the envoy of the United States. The demand for statehood, restoration of internet and development dominated the discourse during the envoy's meet with civil society in Srinagar last month. × The US had called the visit an important step but raised concern over the detention of political leaders. US State Department's Alice Wells, in a tweet, said, "Closely following @USAmbIndia & other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by the detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy." Last year in October, a group of European parliamentarians were taken on a visit but that was in their private capacity.

India to take second batch of envoys to Jammu and Kashmir 

"There are no takers for your malware" were the words of Indian ambassador to the United Nations as he gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the country raised the issue of Kashmir yet again.&nbsp;

"One delegation that epitomizes the dark arts has, yet again, displayed its wares by peddling falsehoods earlier today. These we dismiss with disdain. My simple response to Pakistan is even though it is late, neighbour, heal thyself of your malaise. There are no takers here for your malware," India’s Ambassador &amp; Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday while addressing UN Security Council in a open debate.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-review-on-all-restrictive-orders-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-article-370-abrogation-273307">Supreme Court orders review on all restrictive orders in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation</a>

Akbaruddin's strong response came after Pakistan's ambassador to the UN Munir Akram raised the Kashmir issue during an open debate of the UN council. Akram also spoke on abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, communication restrictions in the valley and the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman last year by Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-15-foreign-envoys-to-tour-jammu-and-kashmir-on-thursday-eu-envoys-next-273050">Around 15 foreign envoys to tour Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday; EU envoys next</a>&nbsp;

The Pakistani envoy urged the UN to take decisive measure for preventing a war between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy also said that the UN council is facing "identity" and "relevance" crisis among others.&nbsp;

"It is increasingly acknowledged that the Council faces crises of identity and legitimacy, as well as relevance and performance. The globalisation of terror networks; the weaponisation of new technologies; the inability to counter those resorting to subversive statecraft are showing up the shortcomings of the Council," Akbaruddin said.

(with inputs from agencies)

"There are no takers for your malware" were the words of Indian ambassador to the United Nations as he gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the country raised the issue of Kashmir yet again.

"There are no takers for your malware" were the words of Indian ambassador to the United Nations as he gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after the country raised the issue of Kashmir yet again. "One delegation that epitomizes the dark arts has, yet again, displayed its wares by peddling falsehoods earlier today. These we dismiss with disdain. My simple response to Pakistan is even though it is late, neighbour, heal thyself of your malaise. There are no takers here for your malware," India’s Ambassador & Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday while addressing UN Security Council in a open debate. Also read: Supreme Court orders review on all restrictive orders in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation Akbaruddin's strong response came after Pakistan's ambassador to the UN Munir Akram raised the Kashmir issue during an open debate of the UN council. Akram also spoke on abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, communication restrictions in the valley and the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman last year by Pakistan. Also read: Around 15 foreign envoys to tour Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday; EU envoys next The Pakistani envoy urged the UN to take decisive measure for preventing a war between India and Pakistan. The Indian envoy also said that the UN council is facing "identity" and "relevance" crisis among others. "It is increasingly acknowledged that the Council faces crises of identity and legitimacy, as well as relevance and performance. The globalisation of terror networks; the weaponisation of new technologies; the inability to counter those resorting to subversive statecraft are showing up the shortcomings of the Council," Akbaruddin said. (with inputs from agencies)

'There are no takers for your malware': India blasts Pakistan at UN debate

President Maduro to give a UNGA a miss, He said he will not attend the meeting of UNGA but that two of his envoys would attend to denounce US sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Mary Triny, Correspondent on Maduro to skip meeting of UNGA

Nepal&#39;s Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda sent one of his trusted lieutenants from the insurgency period as a special envoy to China on Monday, seeking to clear confusion over the future of agreements signed by his predecessor.

The envoy, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is a deputy premier in charge of finance and a China expert, will carry a message from Prachanda that his new government is keen to develop cordial relations with China despite recent political changes.

Prachanda, 61, who led a decade-long insurgency that ended a feudal monarchy, replaced communist KP&nbsp;Oli this month amid uncertainty about a slew of deals made by Oli during a visit to Beijing in March, including allowing Nepal to use Chinese railways, roads and ports to trade with third countries.

Those deals signaled a shift by the landlocked Himalayan nation away from its traditional reliance on overland trade with its southern neighbor India, which grew increasingly frustrated with Oli&#39;s rule.

&quot;There is no doubt that the new government will continue all positive agreements signed by the previous government,&quot; Mahara said before his departure.

Prachanda led the uprising in the name of the Chinese revolutionary leader, but it did not enjoy the overt backing of Beijing. The conflict ended in 2006 when the rebels laid down their arms under a peace deal.

Instability in the young republic - Prachanda is the eighth prime minister in as many years - has also raised doubts over a planned visit by Xi Jinping in October, which would be the first by a Chinese president in two decades.

Mahara said he was carrying an invitation from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to the Chinese leader to come as planned.

Officials said Prachanda would send another deputy, Bimelandra Nidhi, a member of the Madhesi minority community, as an emissary to India this week to give reassurances that closer ties with Beijing would not come at the cost of New Delhi. 
 
Nepal&#39;s relations with India have remained frosty since it adopted its first republican constitution in September, triggering deadly protests by minority Madhesis in the south and leading to a border blockade the caused acute fuel shortages.

Officials said Nidhi would extend an invitation to President Pranab Mukherjee of India to visit Nepal before Xi is due to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited twice in 2014 but no Indian president has come since 1997.

&quot;Prachanda wants to balance ties with neighbors at the same time show to India that Nepal has not slipped out of its hands,&quot; said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the Nagarik daily. 
 
(Reuters)

Prachanda engages in deft diplomacy to ensure clarity in China deal and erase the frostiness in India relations

Nepal's Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda sent one of his trusted lieutenants from the insurgency period as a special envoy to China on Monday, seeking to clear confusion over the future of agreements signed by his predecessor. The envoy, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is a deputy premier in charge of finance and a China expert, will carry a message from Prachanda that his new government is keen to develop cordial relations with China despite recent political changes. Prachanda, 61, who led a decade-long insurgency that ended a feudal monarchy, replaced communist KP Oli this month amid uncertainty about a slew of deals made by Oli during a visit to Beijing in March, including allowing Nepal to use Chinese railways, roads and ports to trade with third countries. Those deals signaled a shift by the landlocked Himalayan nation away from its traditional reliance on overland trade with its southern neighbor India, which grew increasingly frustrated with Oli's rule. "There is no doubt that the new government will continue all positive agreements signed by the previous government," Mahara said before his departure. Prachanda led the uprising in the name of the Chinese revolutionary leader, but it did not enjoy the overt backing of Beijing. The conflict ended in 2006 when the rebels laid down their arms under a peace deal. Instability in the young republic - Prachanda is the eighth prime minister in as many years - has also raised doubts over a planned visit by Xi Jinping in October, which would be the first by a Chinese president in two decades. Mahara said he was carrying an invitation from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to the Chinese leader to come as planned. Officials said Prachanda would send another deputy, Bimelandra Nidhi, a member of the Madhesi minority community, as an emissary to India this week to give reassurances that closer ties with Beijing would not come at the cost of New Delhi. Nepal's relations with India have remained frosty since it adopted its first republican constitution in September, triggering deadly protests by minority Madhesis in the south and leading to a border blockade the caused acute fuel shortages. Officials said Nidhi would extend an invitation to President Pranab Mukherjee of India to visit Nepal before Xi is due to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited twice in 2014 but no Indian president has come since 1997. "Prachanda wants to balance ties with neighbors at the same time show to India that Nepal has not slipped out of its hands," said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the Nagarik daily. (Reuters)

Newly elected Nepalese PM sends envoys to balance ties with China, India

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