French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Europe of a return to the 1930s because of the spread of a nationalist "leprosy" across the continent, in an interview published Thursday.

He also warned that Europe risked losing its sovereignty if it is "pushed around by foreign powers."

"I am struck by similarities between the times we live in and those of between the two world wars," he told the newspaper Ouest-France, urging people to be aware of the threats.

"In a Europe divided by fears, the return of nationalism, the consequences of economic crisis, one sees almost systematically everything that marked Europe between the end of World War I and the 1929 (economic) crisis," the paper quoted him as saying.

"You must bear that in mind, be clear-headed and know how to fight back," he added.

Macron, who is about to start a week-long visit to north and eastern France to mark the centenary of the end of World War I, has recently criticised fellow European Union members for giving up on EU principles.

'Europe faces a risk'

He has notably singled out Hungary and Poland whose nationalist governments have clashed with Brussels, as well as Italy which has a populist government including the far-right League party figures.

Looking ahead to his tour of World War I battlefields, the president said he was looking for the lessons of history, while seeking to promote "a more sovereign and multilateral" Europe.

"Europe faces a risk -- that of being broken up by nationalist leprosy and of being pushed around by foreign powers. And thereby losing its sovereignty," he said.&nbsp;

"That is to say having its security depend on US choices, having China play an ever greater role when it comes to essential infrastructures, and Russia sometimes tempted to try its hand at manipulation, and have financial interests and markets sometimes play greater roles than that of states."

Macron, who has been losing ground in the opinion polls, is attempting to position himself as the champion of centrist politics and multilateralism in the run-up to European parliamentary elections in seven months' time, saying he expects the duel to be one between "progressives" and "nationalists".

According to the latest Vivavoice poll, released on Tuesday, Macron has lost 10 points since August with his approval rating now at 26 per cent.

The poll, carried out between October 19 and 22, with a margin of error of between 1.4 and 3.1 per cent, also suggested that nearly two out of three people have a "poor opinion" of him.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Europe of a return to the 1930s because of the spread of a nationalist "leprosy" across the continent, in an interview published Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Europe of a return to the 1930s because of the spread of a nationalist "leprosy" across the continent, in an interview published Thursday. He also warned that Europe risked losing its sovereignty if it is "pushed around by foreign powers." "I am struck by similarities between the times we live in and those of between the two world wars," he told the newspaper Ouest-France, urging people to be aware of the threats. "In a Europe divided by fears, the return of nationalism, the consequences of economic crisis, one sees almost systematically everything that marked Europe between the end of World War I and the 1929 (economic) crisis," the paper quoted him as saying. "You must bear that in mind, be clear-headed and know how to fight back," he added. Macron, who is about to start a week-long visit to north and eastern France to mark the centenary of the end of World War I, has recently criticised fellow European Union members for giving up on EU principles. 'Europe faces a risk' He has notably singled out Hungary and Poland whose nationalist governments have clashed with Brussels, as well as Italy which has a populist government including the far-right League party figures. Looking ahead to his tour of World War I battlefields, the president said he was looking for the lessons of history, while seeking to promote "a more sovereign and multilateral" Europe. "Europe faces a risk -- that of being broken up by nationalist leprosy and of being pushed around by foreign powers. And thereby losing its sovereignty," he said. "That is to say having its security depend on US choices, having China play an ever greater role when it comes to essential infrastructures, and Russia sometimes tempted to try its hand at manipulation, and have financial interests and markets sometimes play greater roles than that of states." Macron, who has been losing ground in the opinion polls, is attempting to position himself as the champion of centrist politics and multilateralism in the run-up to European parliamentary elections in seven months' time, saying he expects the duel to be one between "progressives" and "nationalists". According to the latest Vivavoice poll, released on Tuesday, Macron has lost 10 points since August with his approval rating now at 26 per cent. The poll, carried out between October 19 and 22, with a margin of error of between 1.4 and 3.1 per cent, also suggested that nearly two out of three people have a "poor opinion" of him.

France's Macron warns Europe of a return to 1930s because of nationalist 'leprosy'

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has called on the Anfield crowd to make the difference during his side's Champions League clash at home to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

Liverpool won their opening Group C encounter 3-2 at home to Paris St-Germain but suffered a late away defeat by Napoli in their last match in Europe's elite club competition.

The Merseyside club sit second in the group on three points along with PSG and a point behind Napoli with only the top two teams going through to the knockout stage.

In his news conference on Tuesday, Klopp said the atmosphere at Anfield -- where the fans in the Kop stand are famous for getting behind the team -- could be Liverpool's secret weapon.

"We need to be ready for a really hard fight," he told reporters. "We need to be ready to fight for every little square of space with all we have and we need the crowd.

"We learned last year that the atmosphere can make the difference and we have to make sure of that again. It's a really hard group for all the teams and we have to make sure we make the next step against a really good side."

Red Star are bottom of the section but held Napoli 0-0 in their opener. Liverpool face the 1991 European Cup winners twice in the next two weeks looking to steal a march on their rivals.

Despite Liverpool's favourites tag in those games, Klopp did not expect an easy task against a club making their first bow in the group stage since going out as holders 26 years ago.

"They are the top team in Serbia and they bring confidence with them. They are used to winningfootball&nbsp;games and we have to make sure they cannot come in that mood," the German said.

"You can see that they live their big dream... this generation has come through (to the group stage) like a miracle and now they want to extend it. That's how I would motivate my boys if it was about that and that's what makes them dangerous."

Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita will not feature in Wednesday's clash due to injury but forward Sadio Mane is available after recovering from surgery on a hand injury picked up on international duty with Senegal.

"Sadio looked good in training in the last two days. So if nothing happens he is in contention," he said.

Captain Henderson came off at halftime in Saturday's Premier League win at Huddersfield Town with a hamstring problem and Keita suffered a similar issue this month on duty with Guinea.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has called on the Anfield crowd to make the difference during his side's Champions League clash at home to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has called on the Anfield crowd to make the difference during his side's Champions League clash at home to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday. Liverpool won their opening Group C encounter 3-2 at home to Paris St-Germain but suffered a late away defeat by Napoli in their last match in Europe's elite club competition. The Merseyside club sit second in the group on three points along with PSG and a point behind Napoli with only the top two teams going through to the knockout stage. In his news conference on Tuesday, Klopp said the atmosphere at Anfield -- where the fans in the Kop stand are famous for getting behind the team -- could be Liverpool's secret weapon. "We need to be ready for a really hard fight," he told reporters. "We need to be ready to fight for every little square of space with all we have and we need the crowd. "We learned last year that the atmosphere can make the difference and we have to make sure of that again. It's a really hard group for all the teams and we have to make sure we make the next step against a really good side." Red Star are bottom of the section but held Napoli 0-0 in their opener. Liverpool face the 1991 European Cup winners twice in the next two weeks looking to steal a march on their rivals. Despite Liverpool's favourites tag in those games, Klopp did not expect an easy task against a club making their first bow in the group stage since going out as holders 26 years ago. "They are the top team in Serbia and they bring confidence with them. They are used to winningfootball games and we have to make sure they cannot come in that mood," the German said. "You can see that they live their big dream... this generation has come through (to the group stage) like a miracle and now they want to extend it. That's how I would motivate my boys if it was about that and that's what makes them dangerous." Liverpool midfielders Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita will not feature in Wednesday's clash due to injury but forward Sadio Mane is available after recovering from surgery on a hand injury picked up on international duty with Senegal. "Sadio looked good in training in the last two days. So if nothing happens he is in contention," he said. Captain Henderson came off at halftime in Saturday's Premier League win at Huddersfield Town with a hamstring problem and Keita suffered a similar issue this month on duty with Guinea.

Juergen Klopp looks to Kop to inspire his players in Europe

Ryanair on Friday said it has reached agreements with more unions across Europe, as the no-frills Irish airline looks to avoid further strike action threatened by pilots and cabin crew.

But UK pilots union BALPA hit back, saying Ryanair had got ahead of itself, while on Thursday Belgian unions representing cabin crew threatened "several strike days before the end of the year" by Europe-wide employees.

Ryanair's head of human resources Eddie Wilson said in a company statement Friday:&nbsp;

"These signed agreements with our pilot unions in Portugal, the UK, Italy and shortly in Spain, demonstrate the considerable progress we're making in concluding union agreements with our people in our major EU markets."&nbsp;

However BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said the union "has not reached agreement with Ryanair on seniority and base transfers" as Ryanair had claimed.

"We have a joint proposal that will go to consultation with members, until the members vote there is no agreement," he said in a BALPA statement.&nbsp;

"This is standard trade union procedure. What's happened I think is that Ryanair has got itself a little bit over-excited at the thought of a potential agreement.&nbsp;

"They should calm down until we've put the proposal to the members to vote which we will do over the next few weeks," Strutton added.

The latest "agreements" announced by Ryanair are meanwhile only a stepping stone toward the key demand of the airline's staff based outside Ireland that the Dublin-based carrier stops employing them under Irish legislation.

Employees argue that the status quo creates huge insecurity for them, blocking access to state benefits in their own countries.

Ryanair pilots across Europe staged a 24-hour stoppage in September to push their demands for better pay and conditions, plunging tens of thousands of passengers into transport chaos at the peak of the busy summer season.

In July meanwhile, strikes by cockpit and cabin crew disrupted 600 flights in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, affecting 100,000 travellers.

Earlier this month, Ryanair slashed its profits forecast and signalled job losses in the Netherlands and Germany as it reported on the fallout of the pan-European strikes.

An update on its earnings outlook and past performance is due Monday when Ryanair publishes half-year results.

Ryanair on Friday said it has reached agreements with more unions across Europe, as the no-frills Irish airline looks to avoid further strike action threatened by pilots and cabin crew.

Ryanair on Friday said it has reached agreements with more unions across Europe, as the no-frills Irish airline looks to avoid further strike action threatened by pilots and cabin crew. But UK pilots union BALPA hit back, saying Ryanair had got ahead of itself, while on Thursday Belgian unions representing cabin crew threatened "several strike days before the end of the year" by Europe-wide employees. Ryanair's head of human resources Eddie Wilson said in a company statement Friday: "These signed agreements with our pilot unions in Portugal, the UK, Italy and shortly in Spain, demonstrate the considerable progress we're making in concluding union agreements with our people in our major EU markets." However BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said the union "has not reached agreement with Ryanair on seniority and base transfers" as Ryanair had claimed. "We have a joint proposal that will go to consultation with members, until the members vote there is no agreement," he said in a BALPA statement. "This is standard trade union procedure. What's happened I think is that Ryanair has got itself a little bit over-excited at the thought of a potential agreement. "They should calm down until we've put the proposal to the members to vote which we will do over the next few weeks," Strutton added. The latest "agreements" announced by Ryanair are meanwhile only a stepping stone toward the key demand of the airline's staff based outside Ireland that the Dublin-based carrier stops employing them under Irish legislation. Employees argue that the status quo creates huge insecurity for them, blocking access to state benefits in their own countries. Ryanair pilots across Europe staged a 24-hour stoppage in September to push their demands for better pay and conditions, plunging tens of thousands of passengers into transport chaos at the peak of the busy summer season. In July meanwhile, strikes by cockpit and cabin crew disrupted 600 flights in Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, affecting 100,000 travellers. Earlier this month, Ryanair slashed its profits forecast and signalled job losses in the Netherlands and Germany as it reported on the fallout of the pan-European strikes. An update on its earnings outlook and past performance is due Monday when Ryanair publishes half-year results.

Ryanair announces more deals with unions in Europe

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan'&nbsp;initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years.

He formally launched the programme on Saturday by picking up a broom and sweeping a ground and interacting with school children.

Speaking after launching the initiative, Geo News quoted Khan as saying, "Pakistan ranks seventh among countries affected by global warming, [while] Lahore is among the cities with the highest pollution level. There is no litter in Europe. We litter our country, our lakes and are destroying the future of our country. Pollution decreases 11 years of a person`s life. We need to get out of this mindset that Pakistan will remain same as before."

The cricketer-turned-politician further informed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during its tenure. He said that his administration is planning to plant 10 billion trees across the country.

Khan underlined that Pakistan would serve as an example to others by becoming a clean country for the next few years.

The 66-year-old leader also took to his Twitter handle and invited the youth of the country to become actively involved in the cleanliness drive.

He wrote, "Today I launched our #CleanGreenPakistan campaign - a 4-pronged strategy for next 5 years: clean our air, our rivers, our land &amp; make Pak green through tree plantation drive. I want all our nation to be involved, especially youth and children to lead from the front &amp; change people`s mindsets."

Last month, Khan had launched 'Plant for Pakistan'&nbsp;drive, a part of the PTI-led government`s 'Billion Tree Tsunami 2018'&nbsp;initiative.

In his previous speeches, Khan had emphasised on tackling climate change by planting trees and promoting renewable sources of energy. He had also called for a change in mindset among the people by keeping the country clean.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has flagged off the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' initiative, vowing to make his country cleaner than Europe in the next five years. He formally launched the programme on Saturday by picking up a broom and sweeping a ground and interacting with school children. Speaking after launching the initiative, Geo News quoted Khan as saying, "Pakistan ranks seventh among countries affected by global warming, [while] Lahore is among the cities with the highest pollution level. There is no litter in Europe. We litter our country, our lakes and are destroying the future of our country. Pollution decreases 11 years of a person`s life. We need to get out of this mindset that Pakistan will remain same as before." The cricketer-turned-politician further informed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government planted one billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during its tenure. He said that his administration is planning to plant 10 billion trees across the country. Khan underlined that Pakistan would serve as an example to others by becoming a clean country for the next few years. The 66-year-old leader also took to his Twitter handle and invited the youth of the country to become actively involved in the cleanliness drive. He wrote, "Today I launched our #CleanGreenPakistan campaign - a 4-pronged strategy for next 5 years: clean our air, our rivers, our land & make Pak green through tree plantation drive. I want all our nation to be involved, especially youth and children to lead from the front & change people`s mindsets." Last month, Khan had launched 'Plant for Pakistan' drive, a part of the PTI-led government`s 'Billion Tree Tsunami 2018' initiative. In his previous speeches, Khan had emphasised on tackling climate change by planting trees and promoting renewable sources of energy. He had also called for a change in mindset among the people by keeping the country clean.

Will make Pakistan cleaner than Europe: PM Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country.

Khan planted a sapling and participated in the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' drive at the Model College for Girls in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister urged the students and youth to lead the campaign as it is connected with the future of the country.

Khan vowed to make the country "cleaner than Europe" in five years.

"For this to happen, we will also have to bring a change in our mindset," he said.

He pointed out that "plantation is imperative to protect the environment and check global warming".

He said Pakistan is the seventh most vulnerable country to global warming. He mentioned that Lahore is among the cities where the pollution level is very high.

Khan claimed his party's government had planted a billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

He said his government has now set a target of planting 10 billion trees across the country which he said will change the weather pattern.

Khan said under the cleanliness drive, sewerage and sanitation systems will be improved not only in cities but also in slums and villages. He said as part of integrated solution, dumping sites would be identified from village to tehsil level for disposal of solid waste.

Khan said the country requires efforts from students to make Pakistan clean and green.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country. Khan planted a sapling and participated in the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' drive at the Model College for Girls in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister urged the students and youth to lead the campaign as it is connected with the future of the country. Khan vowed to make the country "cleaner than Europe" in five years. "For this to happen, we will also have to bring a change in our mindset," he said. He pointed out that "plantation is imperative to protect the environment and check global warming". He said Pakistan is the seventh most vulnerable country to global warming. He mentioned that Lahore is among the cities where the pollution level is very high. Khan claimed his party's government had planted a billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He said his government has now set a target of planting 10 billion trees across the country which he said will change the weather pattern. Khan said under the cleanliness drive, sewerage and sanitation systems will be improved not only in cities but also in slums and villages. He said as part of integrated solution, dumping sites would be identified from village to tehsil level for disposal of solid waste. Khan said the country requires efforts from students to make Pakistan clean and green.

PM Khan vows to make Pakistan 'cleaner than Europe'

A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions.

Western Europe: pioneers

In 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

Fifteen European countries have followed: Belgium, Britain (but not Northern Ireland, which only accepts civil partnerships), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, with Austria due to join next year.

In several of these countries, gay marriage had been preceded by civil partnerships, which come with fewer rights, Denmark being the pioneer in 1989.

Some European countries still only allow such partnerships, rather than marriage, including Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

Slovenians also allow civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalise gay marriage.

Bans in the east

In June 2018 the Czech government backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalise same-sex marriage.

But most Eastern European countries allow neither gay partnerships nor marriages, including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise same-sex civil unions.

In Russia homosexuality was considered a crime up to 1993 and a mental illness until 1999. Now legal, a 2013 law however punishes the promotion of homosexuality among minors.

West opens to gay adoption

Western Europe also leads the way on the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships.

This is allowed in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta and The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.&nbsp;

Other countries, like Finland and Slovenia, allow gay people to adopt their partner's children.

Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) is allowed for lesbian couples in Austria, Belgium, Britain, The Netherlands, Spain and the Nordic countries. France is examining whether to make such a move.

Most European countries, however, ban surrogacy although the use of surrogate mothers is allowed -- as long as they are not paid -- in Belgium, Britain and The Netherlands. In an exception, Greece in 2014 authorised paid surrogacy.

Further afield, homosexual couples can also marry in Canada since 2005 and in the United States since 2015, as well as in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.&nbsp;

South Africa in 2006 became the sole African nation to allow gay marriage.&nbsp;

A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions.

A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions. Western Europe: pioneers In 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony. Fifteen European countries have followed: Belgium, Britain (but not Northern Ireland, which only accepts civil partnerships), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, with Austria due to join next year. In several of these countries, gay marriage had been preceded by civil partnerships, which come with fewer rights, Denmark being the pioneer in 1989. Some European countries still only allow such partnerships, rather than marriage, including Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland. Slovenians also allow civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalise gay marriage. Bans in the east In June 2018 the Czech government backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalise same-sex marriage. But most Eastern European countries allow neither gay partnerships nor marriages, including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise same-sex civil unions. In Russia homosexuality was considered a crime up to 1993 and a mental illness until 1999. Now legal, a 2013 law however punishes the promotion of homosexuality among minors. West opens to gay adoption Western Europe also leads the way on the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships. This is allowed in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta and The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. Other countries, like Finland and Slovenia, allow gay people to adopt their partner's children. Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) is allowed for lesbian couples in Austria, Belgium, Britain, The Netherlands, Spain and the Nordic countries. France is examining whether to make such a move. Most European countries, however, ban surrogacy although the use of surrogate mothers is allowed -- as long as they are not paid -- in Belgium, Britain and The Netherlands. In an exception, Greece in 2014 authorised paid surrogacy. Further afield, homosexual couples can also marry in Canada since 2005 and in the United States since 2015, as well as in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. South Africa in 2006 became the sole African nation to allow gay marriage.

Gay marriage: Europe split in two

India approved imports of Brazilian pork, Brazil's government said on Wednesday, relieving pressure on the market amid the rapid spread of African swine fever in neighbouring China.

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said the Indian government had officially confirmed the decision a day earlier. Brazilian animal meat processing association ABPA celebrated the access to a market of 1.3 billion people.

ABPA head Francisco Turra highlighted that India's market is opening as African swine fever has rattled the global pork industry, sweeping through Asia after spreading from Europe into Russia.

"With a rising income, India is going through an intense urbanization trend that generates changes in food habits, boosting the presence of animal protein in the diet," said ABPA's head Francisco Turra.

He said Brazilian meatpackers will look at opportunities such as food service for hotels and restaurants.

The opportunity is a welcome relief for Brazilian pork exports, which are expected to fall as much as 12 per cent this year due to a Russian investigation into feed additives, fallout from a health inspection scandal and a disruptive trucker strike.

Brazil is the world's fourth-largest pork exporter after Europe, the United States and Canada.

India approved imports of Brazilian pork, Brazil's government said on Wednesday, relieving pressure on the market amid the rapid spread of African swine fever in neighbouring China.

India approved imports of Brazilian pork, Brazil's government said on Wednesday, relieving pressure on the market amid the rapid spread of African swine fever in neighbouring China. Brazil's Agriculture Ministry said the Indian government had officially confirmed the decision a day earlier. Brazilian animal meat processing association ABPA celebrated the access to a market of 1.3 billion people. ABPA head Francisco Turra highlighted that India's market is opening as African swine fever has rattled the global pork industry, sweeping through Asia after spreading from Europe into Russia. "With a rising income, India is going through an intense urbanization trend that generates changes in food habits, boosting the presence of animal protein in the diet," said ABPA's head Francisco Turra. He said Brazilian meatpackers will look at opportunities such as food service for hotels and restaurants. The opportunity is a welcome relief for Brazilian pork exports, which are expected to fall as much as 12 per cent this year due to a Russian investigation into feed additives, fallout from a health inspection scandal and a disruptive trucker strike. Brazil is the world's fourth-largest pork exporter after Europe, the United States and Canada.

India opens door to Brazilian pork as swine fever sweeps China

More than 3 million people died in 2016 due to drinking too much alcohol, meaning one in 20 deaths worldwide was linked to harmful drinking, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

More than three-quarters of these deaths were among men, the UN&nbsp;health agency said. And despite evidence of the health risks it carries, global consumption of alcohol is predicted to rise in the next 10 years.

"It's time to step up action to prevent this serious threat to the development of healthy societies," the WHO's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a report. "Far too many people, their families and communities suffer the consequences of the harmful use of alcohol."

In its "Global status report on alcohol and health 2018", the WHO said that globally, an estimated 237 million men and 46 million women are problem drinkers or alcohol abusers. The highest prevalence is in Europe and the Americas, and alcohol-use disorders are more common in wealthier countries.

Of all deaths attributable to alcohol, 28 per cent were due to injuries, such as traffic accidents, self-harm and interpersonal violence. Another 21 per cent were due to digestive disorders, and 19 per cent due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

An estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide drink alcohol, with average daily consumption of people at 33 grams of pure alcohol a day. This is roughly equivalent to two 150 ml glasses of wine, a large (750 ml) bottle of beer or two 40 ml shots of spirits.

Europe has the highest per person alcohol consumption in the world, even though it has dropped by around 10 per cent since 2010. Current trends point to a global rise in per capita consumption in the next 10 years, the report said, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific and the Americas.

"All countries can do much more to reduce the health and social costs of the harmful use of alcohol," said Vladimir Poznyak, of the WHO's substance abuse unit. He said proven, cost-effective steps included raising alcohol taxes, restricting advertising and limiting easy access to alcohol.

Worldwide, 45 per cent of total alcohol consumed is in the form of spirits. Beer is the second most popular, accounting for 34 per cent of consumption, followed by wine at 12 per cent.

The report found that almost all countries have alcohol excise taxes, but fewer than half of them use other pricing strategies such as banning below-cost sales or bulk buy discounts.

More than 3 million people died in 2016 due to drinking too much alcohol, meaning one in 20 deaths worldwide was linked to harmful drinking, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

More than 3 million people died in 2016 due to drinking too much alcohol, meaning one in 20 deaths worldwide was linked to harmful drinking, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. More than three-quarters of these deaths were among men, the UN health agency said. And despite evidence of the health risks it carries, global consumption of alcohol is predicted to rise in the next 10 years. "It's time to step up action to prevent this serious threat to the development of healthy societies," the WHO's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a report. "Far too many people, their families and communities suffer the consequences of the harmful use of alcohol." In its "Global status report on alcohol and health 2018", the WHO said that globally, an estimated 237 million men and 46 million women are problem drinkers or alcohol abusers. The highest prevalence is in Europe and the Americas, and alcohol-use disorders are more common in wealthier countries. Of all deaths attributable to alcohol, 28 per cent were due to injuries, such as traffic accidents, self-harm and interpersonal violence. Another 21 per cent were due to digestive disorders, and 19 per cent due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. An estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide drink alcohol, with average daily consumption of people at 33 grams of pure alcohol a day. This is roughly equivalent to two 150 ml glasses of wine, a large (750 ml) bottle of beer or two 40 ml shots of spirits. Europe has the highest per person alcohol consumption in the world, even though it has dropped by around 10 per cent since 2010. Current trends point to a global rise in per capita consumption in the next 10 years, the report said, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific and the Americas. "All countries can do much more to reduce the health and social costs of the harmful use of alcohol," said Vladimir Poznyak, of the WHO's substance abuse unit. He said proven, cost-effective steps included raising alcohol taxes, restricting advertising and limiting easy access to alcohol. Worldwide, 45 per cent of total alcohol consumed is in the form of spirits. Beer is the second most popular, accounting for 34 per cent of consumption, followed by wine at 12 per cent. The report found that almost all countries have alcohol excise taxes, but fewer than half of them use other pricing strategies such as banning below-cost sales or bulk buy discounts.

Alcohol abuse kills 3 million a year, most of them men: WHO

World stocks slipped on Friday as expectations of trade tensions dominating this weekend's summit of G7 countries, along with renewed talk of monetary tightening by major central banks, weighed on risk sentiment.

The MSCI All-Country World index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was down nearly half a per cent in morning trade in Europe - though it was still set to break a three-week streak of losses.

Fears of a trade war, expectations of more rate hikes in the United States, and a wind-down of a massive monetary stimulus in Europe fuelled a risk-off tone in markets, investors said.

The US&nbsp;Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates for a second time this year next week. The focus is on whether it will hint at raising rates four times in 2018.

European Central Bank policymakers meeting on June 14 will debate whether to end bond purchases later this year, the bank's chief economist said this week, in a hawkish message that sent the euro to a three-week top, hit emerging markets, and spurred demand for safe-haven bonds.

Before those meetings, however, markets will have to digest fallout from the G7 summit in Quebec, where the mounting risk of a tariff war between the United States and its major trade partners will be in the spotlight.

An unprecedented US-North Korea summit scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, with Washington seeking to pressure Pyongyang into abandoning its nuclear weapons programme, is giving investors another reason for caution.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.1 per cent after six straight sessions of gains took it to its highest since mid-March. It was on track for a weekly gain of more than 1 per cent.

Chinese shares slipped, with the blue-chip Shangai-Shenzhen index down 1.7 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng.HSI declining 1.5 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei average and South Korea's KOSPI were off 0.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively, while Australian shares ended 0.1 per cent lower.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was on track for its third weekly loss in a row, with renewed strength in the euro also weighing. It was down 0.7 per cent.

Italy's government bonds faced renewed selling pressure, as the risk aversion in world markets and unease about Rome's spending plans set yields on short-dated debt up for their biggest weekly rise since 2012.

"A few things are contributing to nervousness today -- the trade issues are back on, then there is the Italy situation and we are not sure how the ECB will respond to that," said Salman Ahmed, chief investment strategist at Lombard Odier Investment Management.

"And in emerging markets, there are some idiosyncratic risks (Turkey, Argentina and Brazil) which are becoming worrying." He remained "cautious" on adding risk, as "none of these issues seems to have a clear short-term resolution."

The dollar rebounded 0.3 per cent from near three-week lows against a basket of currencies, helped by the strong jobless claims numbers in the US&nbsp;on Thursday.

The dollar has come under pressure this week as the euro bounced back from 10-month lows thanks to an ebbing of political concerns over Italy as well as the possible ECB moves over its bond purchases.

The dollar fell against the safe-haven Japanese yen to 109.35 but remained well below a four-month top of 111.39 touched in May.

The euro inched down to $1.1763 after four straight session of gains took it to its highest level since mid-May.

In commodities, copper came off from a 4-1/2-year high touched on Wednesday.

Oil prices fell as surging US&nbsp;output and signs of weakening demand in China output outweighed support from supply woes in Venezuela and OPEC's production cuts.

U.S. crude fell 0.5 per cent to $65.64 a barrel, while Brent dropped 0.5 per cent to $76.95.

Spot gold slipped 0.1 per cent at $1,298.47 an ounce.

Fears of a trade war, expectations of more rate hikes in the United States, and a wind-down of a massive monetary stimulus in Europe fuelled a risk-off tone in markets, investors said

World stocks slipped on Friday as expectations of trade tensions dominating this weekend's summit of G7 countries, along with renewed talk of monetary tightening by major central banks, weighed on risk sentiment. The MSCI All-Country World index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was down nearly half a per cent in morning trade in Europe - though it was still set to break a three-week streak of losses. Fears of a trade war, expectations of more rate hikes in the United States, and a wind-down of a massive monetary stimulus in Europe fuelled a risk-off tone in markets, investors said. The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates for a second time this year next week. The focus is on whether it will hint at raising rates four times in 2018. European Central Bank policymakers meeting on June 14 will debate whether to end bond purchases later this year, the bank's chief economist said this week, in a hawkish message that sent the euro to a three-week top, hit emerging markets, and spurred demand for safe-haven bonds. Before those meetings, however, markets will have to digest fallout from the G7 summit in Quebec, where the mounting risk of a tariff war between the United States and its major trade partners will be in the spotlight. An unprecedented US-North Korea summit scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, with Washington seeking to pressure Pyongyang into abandoning its nuclear weapons programme, is giving investors another reason for caution. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.1 per cent after six straight sessions of gains took it to its highest since mid-March. It was on track for a weekly gain of more than 1 per cent. Chinese shares slipped, with the blue-chip Shangai-Shenzhen index down 1.7 per cent and Hong Kong's Hang Seng.HSI declining 1.5 per cent. Japan's Nikkei average and South Korea's KOSPI were off 0.6 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively, while Australian shares ended 0.1 per cent lower. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was on track for its third weekly loss in a row, with renewed strength in the euro also weighing. It was down 0.7 per cent. Italy's government bonds faced renewed selling pressure, as the risk aversion in world markets and unease about Rome's spending plans set yields on short-dated debt up for their biggest weekly rise since 2012. "A few things are contributing to nervousness today -- the trade issues are back on, then there is the Italy situation and we are not sure how the ECB will respond to that," said Salman Ahmed, chief investment strategist at Lombard Odier Investment Management. "And in emerging markets, there are some idiosyncratic risks (Turkey, Argentina and Brazil) which are becoming worrying." He remained "cautious" on adding risk, as "none of these issues seems to have a clear short-term resolution." The dollar rebounded 0.3 per cent from near three-week lows against a basket of currencies, helped by the strong jobless claims numbers in the US on Thursday. The dollar has come under pressure this week as the euro bounced back from 10-month lows thanks to an ebbing of political concerns over Italy as well as the possible ECB moves over its bond purchases. The dollar fell against the safe-haven Japanese yen to 109.35 but remained well below a four-month top of 111.39 touched in May. The euro inched down to $1.1763 after four straight session of gains took it to its highest level since mid-May. In commodities, copper came off from a 4-1/2-year high touched on Wednesday. Oil prices fell as surging US output and signs of weakening demand in China output outweighed support from supply woes in Venezuela and OPEC's production cuts. U.S. crude fell 0.5 per cent to $65.64 a barrel, while Brent dropped 0.5 per cent to $76.95. Spot gold slipped 0.1 per cent at $1,298.47 an ounce.

Global Stocks: Stocks slip as central bank talk, trade, weigh on risk sentiment

The U.S.&nbspmilitary&nbsphas held preliminary discussions about moving a powerful missile defence&nbspsystem&nbspto Germany to boost European defences, according to two&nbspsources familiar with the issue, a move that experts said could trigger fresh tensions with Moscow.

The tentative proposal to send the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)&nbspsystem&nbspto Europe predates U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord and comes amid a broader push to strengthen Europe's air and missile defences.

While Europe and the United States are at odds over the fate of the nuclear agreement, they share concerns about Iran continued development of ballistic missiles.

Iran's Shahab 3 missiles can already travel 2,000 km, enough to reach southern Europe, and its Revolutionary Guards have said they will increase the range if threatened since the range is capped by strategic doctrine, not technology constraints.

U.S. European Command has been pushing for a THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspin Europe for years, but the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord has added urgency to the issue, said Riki Ellison, head of the non-profit Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance.

A senior German&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial cited the need to add more radars across Europe to better track and monitor potential threats, and cue interceptors if needed.

The U.S. Defense Dept said no such action had been decided.

"There are currently no plans to station THAAD&nbspsystems in Germany. We do not discuss potential future&nbspmilitary&nbspplanning, as we would not want to signal our intent to potential adversaries. Germany remains among our closest partners and strongest allies," said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon.

Deploying&nbspanother U.S. defensive&nbspsystem&nbspto Europe could reassure NATO allies in southern Europe already within striking range of Iran's missiles, said one&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial from that region.

Talk of&nbspdeploying&nbspa THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspin Europe also comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between the West and Russia.

NATO has long insisted that its missile defence programme is not directed at Russia, but the alliance has adopted a tougher tone toward Moscow in the wake of the poisoning of a Russian former spy in England.

Moscow denies any involvement in the poisoning and blames the tensions on NATO's&nbspmilitary expansion eastward, and its assembly of a ballistic missile shield with a key site in Romania that was declared combat-ready in 2016.

Moving THAAD to Germany could plug a radar gap caused by a two-year delay in completion of a second Aegis Ashore missile defence site in Poland that was initially due to open this year.

The issue may be raised in a new Pentagon missile defence review expected in early June.

The review may draw a closer connection between missile defence and a need to deter Russia that was highlighted in the new U.S. national defence strategy, said Tom Karako, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

MESSAGE TO EUROPEAN ALLIES

One U.S.&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial said there had been preliminary talks with German&nbspmilitary&nbspofficials on moving a THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspto Ramstein Air Base in Germany, headquarters for the U.S. Air Force in Europe and NATO Allied Air Command.

"It would be a further political message to the Europeans that we're serious&nbspabout protecting our allies," said the official. "The initial assessment is that Germany would very likely not have a problem with a THAAD deployment," U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti, head of U.S. European command, last week said he was seeking more troops and equipment to deter Russia, but declined further comment.

A second source said German officials were open to the move as a way to better protect civilian populations.

The German defence ministry is working to rebuild its own short- and medium-range missile defences after years of cuts.

Starting later this year, it also plans to review territorial missile defence needs in a conceptual study that will also look at THAAD and the Arrow 3 anti-missile&nbspsystem&nbspbuilt by Israel and the United States, a spokesman said.

The German foreign ministry, which oversees foreign troops stationed in Germany, said it could not confirm sending any signals about a possible THAAD deployment to the United States.

Washington does not need Germany's permission to move such equipment under existing basing contracts, but the&nbspsources&nbspsaid a formal notification would be sent before any move to proceed.

The THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspis built by Lockheed Martin Corp with a powerful Raytheon Co AN/TPY-2 radar, to shootdown short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

While Europe and the United States are at odds over the fate of the nuclear agreement, they share concerns about Iran continued development of ballistic missiles.

The U.S.&nbspmilitary&nbsphas held preliminary discussions about moving a powerful missile defence&nbspsystem&nbspto Germany to boost European defences, according to two&nbspsources familiar with the issue, a move that experts said could trigger fresh tensions with Moscow. The tentative proposal to send the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)&nbspsystem&nbspto Europe predates U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord and comes amid a broader push to strengthen Europe's air and missile defences. While Europe and the United States are at odds over the fate of the nuclear agreement, they share concerns about Iran continued development of ballistic missiles. Iran's Shahab 3 missiles can already travel 2,000 km, enough to reach southern Europe, and its Revolutionary Guards have said they will increase the range if threatened since the range is capped by strategic doctrine, not technology constraints. U.S. European Command has been pushing for a THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspin Europe for years, but the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord has added urgency to the issue, said Riki Ellison, head of the non-profit Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. A senior German&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial cited the need to add more radars across Europe to better track and monitor potential threats, and cue interceptors if needed. The U.S. Defense Dept said no such action had been decided. "There are currently no plans to station THAAD&nbspsystems in Germany. We do not discuss potential future&nbspmilitary&nbspplanning, as we would not want to signal our intent to potential adversaries. Germany remains among our closest partners and strongest allies," said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon. Deploying&nbspanother U.S. defensive&nbspsystem&nbspto Europe could reassure NATO allies in southern Europe already within striking range of Iran's missiles, said one&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial from that region. Talk of&nbspdeploying&nbspa THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspin Europe also comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between the West and Russia. NATO has long insisted that its missile defence programme is not directed at Russia, but the alliance has adopted a tougher tone toward Moscow in the wake of the poisoning of a Russian former spy in England. Moscow denies any involvement in the poisoning and blames the tensions on NATO's&nbspmilitary expansion eastward, and its assembly of a ballistic missile shield with a key site in Romania that was declared combat-ready in 2016. Moving THAAD to Germany could plug a radar gap caused by a two-year delay in completion of a second Aegis Ashore missile defence site in Poland that was initially due to open this year. The issue may be raised in a new Pentagon missile defence review expected in early June. The review may draw a closer connection between missile defence and a need to deter Russia that was highlighted in the new U.S. national defence strategy, said Tom Karako, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. MESSAGE TO EUROPEAN ALLIES One U.S.&nbspmilitary&nbspofficial said there had been preliminary talks with German&nbspmilitary&nbspofficials on moving a THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspto Ramstein Air Base in Germany, headquarters for the U.S. Air Force in Europe and NATO Allied Air Command. "It would be a further political message to the Europeans that we're serious&nbspabout protecting our allies," said the official. "The initial assessment is that Germany would very likely not have a problem with a THAAD deployment," U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti, head of U.S. European command, last week said he was seeking more troops and equipment to deter Russia, but declined further comment. A second source said German officials were open to the move as a way to better protect civilian populations. The German defence ministry is working to rebuild its own short- and medium-range missile defences after years of cuts. Starting later this year, it also plans to review territorial missile defence needs in a conceptual study that will also look at THAAD and the Arrow 3 anti-missile&nbspsystem&nbspbuilt by Israel and the United States, a spokesman said. The German foreign ministry, which oversees foreign troops stationed in Germany, said it could not confirm sending any signals about a possible THAAD deployment to the United States. Washington does not need Germany's permission to move such equipment under existing basing contracts, but the&nbspsources&nbspsaid a formal notification would be sent before any move to proceed. The THAAD&nbspsystem&nbspis built by Lockheed Martin Corp with a powerful Raytheon Co AN/TPY-2 radar, to shootdown short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

Exclusive: US military looking at deploying anti-missile system in Germany: sources

By: Claire Pierson*

The Republic of Ireland is holding a referendum on May 25 that could dramatically change its stance on abortion. Here’s a rundown of what is happening, when and why.

What is Ireland voting on?

The referendum is about taking action that would result in the repeal of article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution (commonly referred to as the 8th amendment), allowing the Irish government to change the law on abortion, which is currently illegal unless a woman’s life is at substantial risk. Voting yes would repeal the amendment, while voting no would keep it in place.

What is the 8th amendment?

The eighth amendment was passed by referendum in 1983. It says that "the state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right."

It is commonly viewed to equate the life of a pregnant woman with the fetus, making abortion unavailable in almost all circumstances. It is also seen as affecting maternal healthcare because a woman loses her right to refuse consent to medical treatment in pregnancy.

Why does Ireland have this clause in its constitution?

When contraception was legalised in Ireland in 1974, there was a widespread belief that liberal abortion laws would inevitably follow. An amendment campaign emerged in 1981, brought together various "pro-life" groups to lobby for constitutional protection of the "unborn". Their campaign was helped by the fact that in the political instability of the early 1980s, successive Taoisigh (prime ministers) were conscious of alienating the dominant conservative vote.

Ireland’s attorney general warned at the time that the wording of the amendment was too ambiguous and could have potentially negative consequences for women’s healthcare. But momentum had gathered and the referendum resulted in a two-to-one majority in favour of the amendment.

Is Ireland unusual in having an amendment of this kind?

Yes. Regulation of abortion through a constitution is rare (because constitutions are difficult to change). It has left Ireland with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, which have been regularly criticised by a number of international human rights bodies.

Why is this vote happening now?

There have been a number of high profile, distressing cases in the recent past which have highlighted the inadequacy of the current law. Just two examples (there are many more) are the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012 from sepsis after being refused an abortion during miscarriage and the case of Amanda Mellet, who was forced to travel to England to terminate a pregnancy with a fatal fetal anomaly.

Mellet's case reached the UN Human Rights Committee, which concluded that Ireland's near-total abortion ban was discriminatory and amounted to "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment."

In 2017 the Irish government convened a Citizens Assembly to consider evidence on abortion law reform. The 99 randomly selected citizens, after hearing extensive evidence, voted 64 per cent to 36 per cent in favour of having no restrictions on termination in early pregnancy.

What is the Irish government’s official position on the vote?

The government is split on the vote, with many undeclared. However, it appears that more support "yes."&nbsp;Party leaders are supportive – Leo Varadkar (the Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael) is openly pro-repeal, however, his party is allowing a free vote. Micheal Martin, leader of the opposition party Fianna Fail, has also backed repeal, although many in his party think differently.

Sinn Fein supports repeal but not abortion without restriction. Members of parliament for Labour, the Green party, Social Democrats and Solidarity-People Before Profit support both repeal and access to abortion up until 12 weeks into a pregnancy. Independents are mixed.

What happens if the 8th amendment is repealed?

Repeal of the 8th amendment would allow the government to legislate on abortion. The proposed legislation will bring Ireland into line with the majority of European countries, allowing for abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy (subject to medical regulation). After 12 weeks abortion would only be available in cases of a fatal foetal anomaly, if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk or if her health was at risk of serious harm. Cases after 12 weeks would have to be approved by two doctors.

What happens if Ireland votes to keep the 8th amendment?

Nothing would change. The constitution, in conjunction with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, only allows for abortion where there is real and substantial risk to the life - as distinct from the health - of the pregnant woman. She can only access abortion when doctors deem that her life is at risk due to medical complications, or she is at risk of taking her life.

Women in their thousands would continue to travel to England and further afield to access abortion or procure abortion pills online illegally, risking criminality. The impact of Brexit on women's ability to travel freely remains unknown.

Who is opposed to repealing the 8th amendment and why?

Groups who describe themselves as "pro-life" say they are protecting the foetus through their opposition to any change to Irish abortion law. Many of these groups are supported from abroad, in particular from America, and often align themselves with religious views, in particular, the Catholic Church.

What is the main argument for repealing the 8th amendment?

The main argument is that criminalising abortion does not prevent abortion. In fact countries with liberal abortion laws usually have lower rates of abortion. Women living in Ireland have abortions, either abroad and at their own cost, or illegally in Ireland with the abortion pill. All a "yes" vote will do is allow the government to legislate for women to access healthcare legally in Ireland.

Is it likely that the vote will result in repeal?

Polls have indicated that marginally more people support a "yes" vote. There has been concern over voter manipulation, in particular foreign interference with both Google and Facebook changing the rules on political advertising in Ireland in advance of the referendum.

*Claire Pierson is a&nbsp;Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Republic of Ireland is holding a referendum on May 25 that could dramatically change its stance on abortion

By: Claire Pierson* The Republic of Ireland is holding a referendum on May 25 that could dramatically change its stance on abortion. Here’s a rundown of what is happening, when and why. What is Ireland voting on? The referendum is about taking action that would result in the repeal of article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution (commonly referred to as the 8th amendment), allowing the Irish government to change the law on abortion, which is currently illegal unless a woman’s life is at substantial risk. Voting yes would repeal the amendment, while voting no would keep it in place. What is the 8th amendment? The eighth amendment was passed by referendum in 1983. It says that "the state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right." It is commonly viewed to equate the life of a pregnant woman with the fetus, making abortion unavailable in almost all circumstances. It is also seen as affecting maternal healthcare because a woman loses her right to refuse consent to medical treatment in pregnancy. Why does Ireland have this clause in its constitution? When contraception was legalised in Ireland in 1974, there was a widespread belief that liberal abortion laws would inevitably follow. An amendment campaign emerged in 1981, brought together various "pro-life" groups to lobby for constitutional protection of the "unborn". Their campaign was helped by the fact that in the political instability of the early 1980s, successive Taoisigh (prime ministers) were conscious of alienating the dominant conservative vote. Ireland’s attorney general warned at the time that the wording of the amendment was too ambiguous and could have potentially negative consequences for women’s healthcare. But momentum had gathered and the referendum resulted in a two-to-one majority in favour of the amendment. Is Ireland unusual in having an amendment of this kind? Yes. Regulation of abortion through a constitution is rare (because constitutions are difficult to change). It has left Ireland with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, which have been regularly criticised by a number of international human rights bodies. Why is this vote happening now? There have been a number of high profile, distressing cases in the recent past which have highlighted the inadequacy of the current law. Just two examples (there are many more) are the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012 from sepsis after being refused an abortion during miscarriage and the case of Amanda Mellet, who was forced to travel to England to terminate a pregnancy with a fatal fetal anomaly. Mellet's case reached the UN Human Rights Committee, which concluded that Ireland's near-total abortion ban was discriminatory and amounted to "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment." In 2017 the Irish government convened a Citizens Assembly to consider evidence on abortion law reform. The 99 randomly selected citizens, after hearing extensive evidence, voted 64 per cent to 36 per cent in favour of having no restrictions on termination in early pregnancy. What is the Irish government’s official position on the vote? The government is split on the vote, with many undeclared. However, it appears that more support "yes." Party leaders are supportive – Leo Varadkar (the Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael) is openly pro-repeal, however, his party is allowing a free vote. Micheal Martin, leader of the opposition party Fianna Fail, has also backed repeal, although many in his party think differently. Sinn Fein supports repeal but not abortion without restriction. Members of parliament for Labour, the Green party, Social Democrats and Solidarity-People Before Profit support both repeal and access to abortion up until 12 weeks into a pregnancy. Independents are mixed. What happens if the 8th amendment is repealed? Repeal of the 8th amendment would allow the government to legislate on abortion. The proposed legislation will bring Ireland into line with the majority of European countries, allowing for abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy (subject to medical regulation). After 12 weeks abortion would only be available in cases of a fatal foetal anomaly, if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk or if her health was at risk of serious harm. Cases after 12 weeks would have to be approved by two doctors. What happens if Ireland votes to keep the 8th amendment? Nothing would change. The constitution, in conjunction with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, only allows for abortion where there is real and substantial risk to the life - as distinct from the health - of the pregnant woman. She can only access abortion when doctors deem that her life is at risk due to medical complications, or she is at risk of taking her life. Women in their thousands would continue to travel to England and further afield to access abortion or procure abortion pills online illegally, risking criminality. The impact of Brexit on women's ability to travel freely remains unknown. Who is opposed to repealing the 8th amendment and why? Groups who describe themselves as "pro-life" say they are protecting the foetus through their opposition to any change to Irish abortion law. Many of these groups are supported from abroad, in particular from America, and often align themselves with religious views, in particular, the Catholic Church. What is the main argument for repealing the 8th amendment? The main argument is that criminalising abortion does not prevent abortion. In fact countries with liberal abortion laws usually have lower rates of abortion. Women living in Ireland have abortions, either abroad and at their own cost, or illegally in Ireland with the abortion pill. All a "yes" vote will do is allow the government to legislate for women to access healthcare legally in Ireland. Is it likely that the vote will result in repeal? Polls have indicated that marginally more people support a "yes" vote. There has been concern over voter manipulation, in particular foreign interference with both Google and Facebook changing the rules on political advertising in Ireland in advance of the referendum. *Claire Pierson is a Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Here's what you need to know about Ireland's abortion referendum

By: Claire Pierson*

The Republic of Ireland is holding a referendum on May 25 that could dramatically change its stance on abortion. Here’s a rundown of what is happening, when and why.

What is Ireland voting on?

The referendum is about taking action that would result in the repeal of article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution (commonly referred to as the 8th amendment), allowing the Irish government to change the law on abortion, which is currently illegal unless a woman’s life is at substantial risk. Voting yes would repeal the amendment, while voting no would keep it in place.

What is the 8th amendment?

The eighth amendment was passed by referendum in 1983. It says that “the state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right”.

It is commonly viewed to equate the life of a pregnant woman with the foetus, making abortion unavailable in almost all circumstances. It is also seen as affecting maternal healthcare because a woman loses her right to refuse consent to medical treatment in pregnancy.

Why does Ireland have this clause in its constitution?

When contraception was legalised in Ireland in 1974, there was a widespread belief that liberal abortion laws would inevitably follow. An amendment campaign emerged in 1981, brought together various “pro-life” groups to lobby for constitutional protection of the “unborn”. Their campaign was helped by the fact that in the political instability of the early 1980s, successive Taoisigh (prime ministers) were conscious of alienating the dominant conservative vote.

Ireland’s attorney general warned at the time that the wording of the amendment was too ambiguous and could have potentially negative consequences for women’s healthcare. But momentum had gathered and the referendum resulted in a two-to-one majority in favour of the amendment.

Is Ireland unusual in having an amendment of this kind?

Yes. Regulation of abortion through a constitution is rare (because constitutions are difficult to change). It has left Ireland with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, which have been regularly criticised by a number of international human rights bodies.

Why is this vote happening now?

There have been a number of high profile, distressing cases in the recent past which have highlighted the inadequacy of the current law. Just two examples (there are many more) are the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012 from sepsis after being refused an abortion during miscarriage and the case of Amanda Mellet, who was forced to travel to England to terminate a pregnancy with fatal foetal anomaly. Mellet’s case reached the UN Human Rights Committee, which concluded that Ireland’s near total abortion ban was discriminatory and amounted to “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”.

In 2017 the Irish government convened a Citizens Assembly to consider evidence on abortion law reform. The 99 randomly selected citizens, after hearing extensive evidence, voted voted 64% to 36% in favour of having no restrictions on termination in early pregnancy.

What is the Irish government’s official position on the vote?

The government is split on the vote, with many undeclared. However, it appears that more support “yes”. Party leaders are supportive – Leo Varadkar (the Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael) is openly pro-repeal, however his party is allowing a free vote. Micheál Martin, leader of the opposition party Fianna Fáil, has also backed repeal, although many in his party think differently. Sinn Féin supports repeal but not abortion without restriction. Members of parliament for Labour, the Green party, Social Democrats and Solidarity-People Before Profit support both repeal and access to abortion up until 12 weeks into a pregnancy. Independents are mixed.

What happens if the 8th amendment is repealed?

Repeal of the 8th amendment would allow the government to legislate on abortion. The proposed legislation will bring Ireland into line with the majority of European countries, allowing for abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy (subject to medical regulation). After 12 weeks abortion would only be available in cases of fatal foetal anomaly, if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk or if her health was at risk of serious harm. Cases after 12 weeks would have to be approved by two doctors.

What happens if Ireland votes to keep the 8th amendment?

Nothing would change. The constitution, in conjunction with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, only allows for abortion where there is real and substantial risk to the life – as distinct from the health – of the pregnant woman. She can only access abortion when doctors deem that her life is at risk due to medical complications, or she is at risk of taking her life.

Women in their thousands would continue to travel to England and further afield to access abortion or procure abortion pills online illegally, risking criminality. The impact of Brexit on women’s ability to travel freely remains unknown.

Who is opposed to repealing the 8th amendment and why?

Groups who describe themselves as “pro-life” say they are protecting the foetus through their opposition to any change to Irish abortion law. Many of these groups are supported from abroad, in particular from America, and often align themselves with religious views, in particular the Catholic Church.

What is the main argument for repealing the 8th amendment?

The main argument is that criminalising abortion does not prevent abortion. In fact countries with liberal abortion laws usually have lower rates of abortion. Women living in Ireland have abortions, either abroad and at their own cost, or illegally in Ireland with the abortion pill. All a “yes” vote will do is allow the government to legislate for women to access healthcare legally in Ireland.

Is it likely that the vote will result in repeal?

Polls have indicated that marginally more people support a “yes” vote. There has been concern over voter manipulation, in particular foreign interference with both Google and Facebook changing the rules on political advertising in Ireland in advance of the referendum.

*Claire Pierson is a&nbsp;Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By: Claire Pierson* The Republic of Ireland is holding a referendum on May 25 that could dramatically change its stance on abortion. Here’s a rundown of what is happening, when and why. What is Ireland voting on? The referendum is about taking action that would result in the repeal of article 40.3.3 of the Irish Constitution (commonly referred to as the 8th amendment), allowing the Irish government to change the law on abortion, which is currently illegal unless a woman’s life is at substantial risk. Voting yes would repeal the amendment, while voting no would keep it in place. What is the 8th amendment? The eighth amendment was passed by referendum in 1983. It says that “the state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right”. It is commonly viewed to equate the life of a pregnant woman with the foetus, making abortion unavailable in almost all circumstances. It is also seen as affecting maternal healthcare because a woman loses her right to refuse consent to medical treatment in pregnancy. Why does Ireland have this clause in its constitution? When contraception was legalised in Ireland in 1974, there was a widespread belief that liberal abortion laws would inevitably follow. An amendment campaign emerged in 1981, brought together various “pro-life” groups to lobby for constitutional protection of the “unborn”. Their campaign was helped by the fact that in the political instability of the early 1980s, successive Taoisigh (prime ministers) were conscious of alienating the dominant conservative vote. Ireland’s attorney general warned at the time that the wording of the amendment was too ambiguous and could have potentially negative consequences for women’s healthcare. But momentum had gathered and the referendum resulted in a two-to-one majority in favour of the amendment. Is Ireland unusual in having an amendment of this kind? Yes. Regulation of abortion through a constitution is rare (because constitutions are difficult to change). It has left Ireland with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, which have been regularly criticised by a number of international human rights bodies. Why is this vote happening now? There have been a number of high profile, distressing cases in the recent past which have highlighted the inadequacy of the current law. Just two examples (there are many more) are the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012 from sepsis after being refused an abortion during miscarriage and the case of Amanda Mellet, who was forced to travel to England to terminate a pregnancy with fatal foetal anomaly. Mellet’s case reached the UN Human Rights Committee, which concluded that Ireland’s near total abortion ban was discriminatory and amounted to “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment”. In 2017 the Irish government convened a Citizens Assembly to consider evidence on abortion law reform. The 99 randomly selected citizens, after hearing extensive evidence, voted voted 64% to 36% in favour of having no restrictions on termination in early pregnancy. What is the Irish government’s official position on the vote? The government is split on the vote, with many undeclared. However, it appears that more support “yes”. Party leaders are supportive – Leo Varadkar (the Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael) is openly pro-repeal, however his party is allowing a free vote. Micheál Martin, leader of the opposition party Fianna Fáil, has also backed repeal, although many in his party think differently. Sinn Féin supports repeal but not abortion without restriction. Members of parliament for Labour, the Green party, Social Democrats and Solidarity-People Before Profit support both repeal and access to abortion up until 12 weeks into a pregnancy. Independents are mixed. What happens if the 8th amendment is repealed? Repeal of the 8th amendment would allow the government to legislate on abortion. The proposed legislation will bring Ireland into line with the majority of European countries, allowing for abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy (subject to medical regulation). After 12 weeks abortion would only be available in cases of fatal foetal anomaly, if the pregnant woman’s life was at risk or if her health was at risk of serious harm. Cases after 12 weeks would have to be approved by two doctors. What happens if Ireland votes to keep the 8th amendment? Nothing would change. The constitution, in conjunction with the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013, only allows for abortion where there is real and substantial risk to the life – as distinct from the health – of the pregnant woman. She can only access abortion when doctors deem that her life is at risk due to medical complications, or she is at risk of taking her life. Women in their thousands would continue to travel to England and further afield to access abortion or procure abortion pills online illegally, risking criminality. The impact of Brexit on women’s ability to travel freely remains unknown. Who is opposed to repealing the 8th amendment and why? Groups who describe themselves as “pro-life” say they are protecting the foetus through their opposition to any change to Irish abortion law. Many of these groups are supported from abroad, in particular from America, and often align themselves with religious views, in particular the Catholic Church. What is the main argument for repealing the 8th amendment? The main argument is that criminalising abortion does not prevent abortion. In fact countries with liberal abortion laws usually have lower rates of abortion. Women living in Ireland have abortions, either abroad and at their own cost, or illegally in Ireland with the abortion pill. All a “yes” vote will do is allow the government to legislate for women to access healthcare legally in Ireland. Is it likely that the vote will result in repeal? Polls have indicated that marginally more people support a “yes” vote. There has been concern over voter manipulation, in particular foreign interference with both Google and Facebook changing the rules on political advertising in Ireland in advance of the referendum. *Claire Pierson is a Lecturer in Politics, University of Liverpool (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been honored by European Union for strengthening Europe-India cultural ties.

 
The 75-year-old actor took to Twitter to share the pictures from the award ceremony and thanked EU Ambassador Tomasz Kozlowski for bestowing him with the honor.&nbsp;

 
"Thanks to #EU Ambassador Kozlowski @EU_Amb_India #EUIndiaEkSaath, for bestowing a prestigious award on me from the EU for being a bridge builder between India and Europe," Bachchan tweeted.&nbsp;

 
Kozlowski responded to the actor's post on the microblogging site saying his films bring European cinema lovers close to the Indian culture. ? "Thank you @SrBachchan for celebrating with us Europe Day and European Year of Cultural Heritage.&nbsp;Your artistic accomplishments & contributions to Europe-India cultural ties are unique. You bring Indian culture closer to European film lovers. We honor you for that! @EU_in_India," Kozlowski wrote.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Daughter Shweta accompanied Bachchan for the award ceremony.&nbsp;

 
Bachchan, whose last release "102 Not Out", co-starring Rishi Kapoor, was well-received by critics as well as audiences, will next be seen in "Thugs of Hindostan".&nbsp;

The 75-year-old actor took to Twitter to share the pictures from the award ceremony

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been honored by European Union for strengthening Europe-India cultural ties. The 75-year-old actor took to Twitter to share the pictures from the award ceremony and thanked EU Ambassador Tomasz Kozlowski for bestowing him with the honor. "Thanks to #EU Ambassador Kozlowski @EU_Amb_India #EUIndiaEkSaath, for bestowing a prestigious award on me from the EU for being a bridge builder between India and Europe," Bachchan tweeted. Kozlowski responded to the actor's post on the microblogging site saying his films bring European cinema lovers close to the Indian culture. ? "Thank you @SrBachchan for celebrating with us Europe Day and European Year of Cultural Heritage. Your artistic accomplishments & contributions to Europe-India cultural ties are unique. You bring Indian culture closer to European film lovers. We honor you for that! @EU_in_India," Kozlowski wrote. Daughter Shweta accompanied Bachchan for the award ceremony. Bachchan, whose last release "102 Not Out", co-starring Rishi Kapoor, was well-received by critics as well as audiences, will next be seen in "Thugs of Hindostan".

Amitabh Bachchan honored for being 'bridge builder between India and Europe'.

If New York and London have been on your travel wishlist for long, then good news awaits you.&nbsp;

Iceland's WOW air will soon launch its service in India with direct flights from Delhi to North America and Europe.

According to reports, the airline is expected to start its service in India by the end of this year. One-way travel to countries like the US may cost as low as low as Rs 13,000.

Skúli Mogensen, chief executive officer and founder of WOW air, noted India's aviation growth to be in sync with the launch of WOW air services.

The airline is likely to get operational in India with Airbus A-330 neos offering trips to North America and Europe at affordable prices.&nbsp;

Delhi will be the first city from where the airline will initially start its operations later expanding to other Indian cities.

There will be five direct flights in a week between India and Iceland that will then connect to destinations across North America and Europe.&nbsp;

The airline plans to launch with a base fare of Rs 13,500, however, the overall fare, including the check-in baggage, meal charges, taxes, among other charges, is likely to amount to Rs 30,000. Fares will also depend on the surge in demand and seasonality.

The airline offers four fare classes -- Wow basic,&nbsp;Wow plus, Wow comfy and Wow premium. Flying to North America from India will take around 20 hours via Iceland.&nbsp;

At present, WOW airline flies to around 15 cities in the United States and around 39 destinations across North America and Europe.

WOW air carrier will have 365 seats in total, 42 will be reserved for the Premium class.

&nbsp;

Flights will be operational between North America, Europe and India via Iceland

If New York and London have been on your travel wishlist for long, then good news awaits you. Iceland's WOW air will soon launch its service in India with direct flights from Delhi to North America and Europe. According to reports, the airline is expected to start its service in India by the end of this year. One-way travel to countries like the US may cost as low as low as Rs 13,000. Skúli Mogensen, chief executive officer and founder of WOW air, noted India's aviation growth to be in sync with the launch of WOW air services. The airline is likely to get operational in India with Airbus A-330 neos offering trips to North America and Europe at affordable prices. Delhi will be the first city from where the airline will initially start its operations later expanding to other Indian cities. There will be five direct flights in a week between India and Iceland that will then connect to destinations across North America and Europe. The airline plans to launch with a base fare of Rs 13,500, however, the overall fare, including the check-in baggage, meal charges, taxes, among other charges, is likely to amount to Rs 30,000. Fares will also depend on the surge in demand and seasonality. The airline offers four fare classes -- Wow basic, Wow plus, Wow comfy and Wow premium. Flying to North America from India will take around 20 hours via Iceland. At present, WOW airline flies to around 15 cities in the United States and around 39 destinations across North America and Europe. WOW air carrier will have 365 seats in total, 42 will be reserved for the Premium class.

Flying to US may get as cheap as Rs 13,000, thanks to Iceland’s WOW air

Europe and Iran sought a united front on Tuesday to save the nuclear deal US&nbspPresident Donald Trump abandoned last week, with Britain warning against regime change and Tehran expressing hope it could keep the economic benefits of the accord.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Brussels ahead of a meeting with his British, French and German counterparts later on Tuesday, holding "good and constructive" talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.

"We are on the right path to move forward ... Whatever (is) decided should preserve and guarantee Iran's rights ... Our talks (with the E3) will continue in the next two weeks," he said, referring to Britain, France and Germany.

Many European diplomats doubt privately that the 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers can survive the reimposition of US&nbspsanctions ordered by Trump, but the European powers will say that they stick by the terms of the 2015 pact giving Iran sanctions relief in return for an end to its nuclear ambitions.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asked the European Union to stand against the United States' "illegal and illogical" actions, saying that Tehran could stay in the accord only if it fully benefits from it.

The accord lifted international sanctions on Iran in 2016 in return for Tehran shutting down its capacity, under strict surveillance by the UN&nbspnuclear watchdog, to stockpile enriched uranium for a possible atomic bomb.

Trump denounced the accord, completed under his predecessor Barack Obama, as a "horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made" as it did not cover Iran's ballistic missile programme or its role in Middle East conflicts.

The deal's proponents say it is crucial to forestalling a nuclear Iran and preventing wider war in the Middle East.

Mogherini, who as the EU's top diplomat chaired the final stretch of 12 years of negotiations to clinch the Iran accord in July 2015 in Vienna, said: "We will all save it together."

Zarif said talks would go on for the next two weeks and EU diplomats said they needed some time to understand the US&nbspposition.

"One of the questions that we need to ask the Americans is whether their final objective is to make the Iranians yield on its nuclear programme or to get rid of the regime," said a senior French official, acknowledging that Paris was concerned by the ideological shift in Washington since John Bolton was appointed US&nbspNational Security Advisor.

Those comments were echoed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who told parliament that regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue.

French diplomats said they also wanted to assess Iran's intentions in sticking to the deal, but also to see how open it was to serious talks on other Western concerns.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to secure a wider deal after the US&nbspwithdrawal with four pillars: limiting Iran's nuclear program in the short and the long term, restraining its ballistic missile program and curbing what the West views as its destabilising behaviour in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

Sanctions dilemma

European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic that will hit European companies investing in Iran.

The EU, which with Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and the United States, signed the nuclear accord with Iran, does have some steps it can take to shield European business in Iran.

They include retaliatory sanctions, allowing the European Investment Bank to invest directly in Iran and coordinating euro-denominated credit lines from European governments. In the past, the European Union has also lodged complaints at the World Trade Organisation.

But the reach of the US&nbspfinancial system, the dominance of the US&nbspdollar, Trump's efforts to weaken the WTO and the presence of European companies' operations in the United States all weaken any potential EU measures.

"It is going to be very difficult for us to preserve the economic benefits of the Iran deal," one senior European diplomat said. "We will try to uphold our side of the bargain."

Following Tuesday's evening talks in Brussels, all 28 EU leaders are expected to discuss their next steps at a summit in Sofia on Wednesday, but no decisions are expected.

They could consider retaliatory sanctions using the EU's so-called blocking statute that bans any EU company from complying with US&nbspsanctions and does not recognise any court rulings that enforce American penalties.

But the measures have never been used and may be difficult to enforce, while EU companies could still face asset seizures, fines and possibly criminal charges in the United States.

"Let's not fool ourselves that there are dozens of things we can do," said a second senior European diplomat. "We don't have much to threaten the Americans. Optimism doesn't abound."

European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic

Europe and Iran sought a united front on Tuesday to save the nuclear deal US&nbspPresident Donald Trump abandoned last week, with Britain warning against regime change and Tehran expressing hope it could keep the economic benefits of the accord. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Brussels ahead of a meeting with his British, French and German counterparts later on Tuesday, holding "good and constructive" talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. "We are on the right path to move forward ... Whatever (is) decided should preserve and guarantee Iran's rights ... Our talks (with the E3) will continue in the next two weeks," he said, referring to Britain, France and Germany. Many European diplomats doubt privately that the 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers can survive the reimposition of US&nbspsanctions ordered by Trump, but the European powers will say that they stick by the terms of the 2015 pact giving Iran sanctions relief in return for an end to its nuclear ambitions. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani asked the European Union to stand against the United States' "illegal and illogical" actions, saying that Tehran could stay in the accord only if it fully benefits from it. The accord lifted international sanctions on Iran in 2016 in return for Tehran shutting down its capacity, under strict surveillance by the UN&nbspnuclear watchdog, to stockpile enriched uranium for a possible atomic bomb. Trump denounced the accord, completed under his predecessor Barack Obama, as a "horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made" as it did not cover Iran's ballistic missile programme or its role in Middle East conflicts. The deal's proponents say it is crucial to forestalling a nuclear Iran and preventing wider war in the Middle East. Mogherini, who as the EU's top diplomat chaired the final stretch of 12 years of negotiations to clinch the Iran accord in July 2015 in Vienna, said: "We will all save it together." Zarif said talks would go on for the next two weeks and EU diplomats said they needed some time to understand the US&nbspposition. "One of the questions that we need to ask the Americans is whether their final objective is to make the Iranians yield on its nuclear programme or to get rid of the regime," said a senior French official, acknowledging that Paris was concerned by the ideological shift in Washington since John Bolton was appointed US&nbspNational Security Advisor. Those comments were echoed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who told parliament that regime change in Iran was not a policy Britain should pursue. French diplomats said they also wanted to assess Iran's intentions in sticking to the deal, but also to see how open it was to serious talks on other Western concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to secure a wider deal after the US&nbspwithdrawal with four pillars: limiting Iran's nuclear program in the short and the long term, restraining its ballistic missile program and curbing what the West views as its destabilising behaviour in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon. Sanctions dilemma European diplomats acknowledged that the EU support, however sincere, risked looking hollow after Trump last week reimposed an array of wide sanctions on the Islamic Republic that will hit European companies investing in Iran. The EU, which with Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and the United States, signed the nuclear accord with Iran, does have some steps it can take to shield European business in Iran. They include retaliatory sanctions, allowing the European Investment Bank to invest directly in Iran and coordinating euro-denominated credit lines from European governments. In the past, the European Union has also lodged complaints at the World Trade Organisation. But the reach of the US&nbspfinancial system, the dominance of the US&nbspdollar, Trump's efforts to weaken the WTO and the presence of European companies' operations in the United States all weaken any potential EU measures. "It is going to be very difficult for us to preserve the economic benefits of the Iran deal," one senior European diplomat said. "We will try to uphold our side of the bargain." Following Tuesday's evening talks in Brussels, all 28 EU leaders are expected to discuss their next steps at a summit in Sofia on Wednesday, but no decisions are expected. They could consider retaliatory sanctions using the EU's so-called blocking statute that bans any EU company from complying with US&nbspsanctions and does not recognise any court rulings that enforce American penalties. But the measures have never been used and may be difficult to enforce, while EU companies could still face asset seizures, fines and possibly criminal charges in the United States. "Let's not fool ourselves that there are dozens of things we can do," said a second senior European diplomat. "We don't have much to threaten the Americans. Optimism doesn't abound."

With few options, Iran, Europe try to save nuclear deal

Europe needs to do more to end the war in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday as she received a peace award from Franciscan monks in the birthplace of St. Francis.

Merkel was given the Franciscan order's "Lamp of Peace," joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa, the Dalai Lama, the late Israeli president Shimon Peres and Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos.

In an acceptance speech in the basilica, its walls lined with frescoes by the 13th-century master Giotto, Merkel called Syria "one of the biggest humanitarian tragedies of our time" and said politicians had to work harder to end it.

"This conflict has become a conflict of regional interests, a conflict of religions … and that's why today's award reminds me and many other European leaders that we should be more involved in solving this conflict," she said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, says more than half a million people have been killed in the Syrian war since it erupted seven years ago. About 85 percent of the dead were civilians killed by the forces of the Syrian government and its allies, according to the Observatory.

Speaking of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Merkel said "Those who thought that the end of the Cold War would bring peace to Europe were wrong".

More than 10,000 people have been killed since April 2014 in a conflict that pits Ukrainian forces against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Intermittent clashes continue despite a notional ceasefire and diplomatic peace efforts.

Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran minister in what was then East Germany, lit a candle on the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century saint of preached peace and defence of nature.

The head of the Assisi convent, Father Mauro Gambetti, said the Franciscans had decided to give the award to Merkel, who has defended the rights of refugees trying to find a better life in Europe, because of her "commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among peoples."

"This lamp is an inspiration for me. I will keep it on my desk," she said.

Merkel was given the Franciscan order's 'Lamp of Peace,' joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa

Europe needs to do more to end the war in Syria, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday as she received a peace award from Franciscan monks in the birthplace of St. Francis. Merkel was given the Franciscan order's "Lamp of Peace," joining previous recipients such as former Polish president Lech Walesa, the Dalai Lama, the late Israeli president Shimon Peres and Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos. In an acceptance speech in the basilica, its walls lined with frescoes by the 13th-century master Giotto, Merkel called Syria "one of the biggest humanitarian tragedies of our time" and said politicians had to work harder to end it. "This conflict has become a conflict of regional interests, a conflict of religions … and that's why today's award reminds me and many other European leaders that we should be more involved in solving this conflict," she said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, says more than half a million people have been killed in the Syrian war since it erupted seven years ago. About 85 percent of the dead were civilians killed by the forces of the Syrian government and its allies, according to the Observatory. Speaking of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Merkel said "Those who thought that the end of the Cold War would bring peace to Europe were wrong". More than 10,000 people have been killed since April 2014 in a conflict that pits Ukrainian forces against Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Intermittent clashes continue despite a notional ceasefire and diplomatic peace efforts. Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran minister in what was then East Germany, lit a candle on the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th century saint of preached peace and defence of nature. The head of the Assisi convent, Father Mauro Gambetti, said the Franciscans had decided to give the award to Merkel, who has defended the rights of refugees trying to find a better life in Europe, because of her "commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among peoples." "This lamp is an inspiration for me. I will keep it on my desk," she said.

Merkel says Europe should do more to stop Syria war

The European Commission on Wednesday announced plans to increase their post-Brexit budget to 1.279-trillion-euro that will trigger battles among member states over how to fill the funding gap left by Britain’s exit next year.

Bureaucrats have published the first draft Multiannual Financial Framework, which will run from 2021 to 2027 - the first directly affected by Brexit - and it is thought the loss of the UK’s contribution will have a major impact on the scope of the EU’s spending power from 2021.

During the 2021-27 period it would trim the biggest single item, farm subsidies, by 5 per cent and wants a new plastics tax. It would spend more on research and technology, foreign aid, euro zone stability, compensation for job losses from open trade and on joint defense and frontier guards.

It also introduces a new mechanism to penalize countries — notably in the ex-communist east — where governments breach EU rules on ensuring judicial freedom and the rule of law. These could find some of their important EU funding being withheld.

“With today’s proposal we have put forward a pragmatic plan for how to do more with less,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

“A budget for a Europe that protects, empowers and defends,” declared the Commission, urging the remaining 27 member states to make up the shortfall of at least 10 billion euros ($12 billion) a year to be caused by Brexit after 2020.

That language reflects a campaign from Brussels to persuade voters the bloc remains relevant after a decade of crisis that has seen ferocious austerity in countries hit by the euro zone debt crisis and uproar over the arrival of more than a million irregular migrants across the Mediterranean in 2015 alone.

“A Europe that protects,” has also become a familiar demand from French President Emmanuel Macron, as he tries to work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to tighten integration after the ever-skeptical British have left, while easing fears among voters that the EU means open borders and jobs exported abroad.

The German government reacted cautiously but the priorities it set out echoed many of those from the EU executive — tougher border control, more EU defense cooperation, tech innovation and a stronger defense of democratic values in Europe.

While, the EU’s largest budget contributor, Germany, has said it stands ready to pump in more cash to the Brussels machine, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Sweden have raised concerns over stumping up any more cash to prop up the bloc in the wake of the UK’s departure.

For the first time, the Commission will create a “rule of law” mechanism that ties budget payments to a country’s respect for EU values. Brussels insists the rules will not be used to target the likes of Hungary and Poland with whom it has tussled over independent judiciaries.

It repeated its readiness, like France, to pick up a bigger bill if the budget strengthens the Union: “But that,” it added, “includes fair burden-sharing among all member states.”

The proposed budget of 1.28 trillion euros in inflation-adjusted future prices — or 1.14 trillion euros at 2018 prices — would be greater in real terms than the 1.09 trillion euros in the 2014-20 Multiannual Financial Framework.

It will be around 1.11 percent of the bloc’s economic output, the Commission said, up from the current 1.03 per cent. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The proposed budget of 1.28 trillion euros in inflation-adjusted future prices — or 1.14 trillion euros at 2018 prices — would be greater in real terms than the 1.09 trillion euros in the 2014-20 Multiannual Financial Framework

The European Commission on Wednesday announced plans to increase their post-Brexit budget to 1.279-trillion-euro that will trigger battles among member states over how to fill the funding gap left by Britain’s exit next year. Bureaucrats have published the first draft Multiannual Financial Framework, which will run from 2021 to 2027 - the first directly affected by Brexit - and it is thought the loss of the UK’s contribution will have a major impact on the scope of the EU’s spending power from 2021. During the 2021-27 period it would trim the biggest single item, farm subsidies, by 5 per cent and wants a new plastics tax. It would spend more on research and technology, foreign aid, euro zone stability, compensation for job losses from open trade and on joint defense and frontier guards. It also introduces a new mechanism to penalize countries — notably in the ex-communist east — where governments breach EU rules on ensuring judicial freedom and the rule of law. These could find some of their important EU funding being withheld. “With today’s proposal we have put forward a pragmatic plan for how to do more with less,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. “A budget for a Europe that protects, empowers and defends,” declared the Commission, urging the remaining 27 member states to make up the shortfall of at least 10 billion euros ($12 billion) a year to be caused by Brexit after 2020. That language reflects a campaign from Brussels to persuade voters the bloc remains relevant after a decade of crisis that has seen ferocious austerity in countries hit by the euro zone debt crisis and uproar over the arrival of more than a million irregular migrants across the Mediterranean in 2015 alone. “A Europe that protects,” has also become a familiar demand from French President Emmanuel Macron, as he tries to work with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to tighten integration after the ever-skeptical British have left, while easing fears among voters that the EU means open borders and jobs exported abroad. The German government reacted cautiously but the priorities it set out echoed many of those from the EU executive — tougher border control, more EU defense cooperation, tech innovation and a stronger defense of democratic values in Europe. While, the EU’s largest budget contributor, Germany, has said it stands ready to pump in more cash to the Brussels machine, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Sweden have raised concerns over stumping up any more cash to prop up the bloc in the wake of the UK’s departure. For the first time, the Commission will create a “rule of law” mechanism that ties budget payments to a country’s respect for EU values. Brussels insists the rules will not be used to target the likes of Hungary and Poland with whom it has tussled over independent judiciaries. It repeated its readiness, like France, to pick up a bigger bill if the budget strengthens the Union: “But that,” it added, “includes fair burden-sharing among all member states.” The proposed budget of 1.28 trillion euros in inflation-adjusted future prices — or 1.14 trillion euros at 2018 prices — would be greater in real terms than the 1.09 trillion euros in the 2014-20 Multiannual Financial Framework. It will be around 1.11 percent of the bloc’s economic output, the Commission said, up from the current 1.03 per cent. (With inputs from Reuters)

EU announces plans to boost post-Brexit budget to Euro 1.25 trillion

Instant messaging application WhatsApp is raising the lower limit of age to use its services to 16 from 13 in Europe.

The rule is coming ahead of the introduction of new data privacy rules in the EU next month.

WhatsApp will ask European users to confirm they are at least 16 years old when they are prompted to agree on new terms of service and a privacy policy provided by a new WhatsApp Ireland Ltd entity in the next few weeks.

It is not clear how or if the age limit will be checked given the limited data requested and held by the service.

Facebook, which has a separate data policy, is taking a different approach to teens aged between 13 and 15 in order to comply with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law.&nbsp;

It is asking them to nominate a parent or guardian to give permission for them to share information on the platform, otherwise, they will not see a fully personalised version of the social media platform.

But WhatsApp, which had more than 1.5 billion users in January according to Facebook, said in a blog post it was not asking for any new rights to collect personal information in the agreement it has created for the European Union.

“Our goal is simply to explain how we use and protect the limited information we have about you,” it said.&nbsp;

The company also added that they do not share information with Facebook. “We are not currently sharing account information to improve your product and ads experience on Facebook. As we have said in the past, we want to work closely with other Facebook companies in the future and we will keep you updated as we develop our plans,” it said.&nbsp;

WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Facebook Inc, is raising its minimum age from 13 to 16 in Europe to help it comply with new data privacy rules coming into force next month.

Instant messaging application WhatsApp is raising the lower limit of age to use its services to 16 from 13 in Europe. The rule is coming ahead of the introduction of new data privacy rules in the EU next month. WhatsApp will ask European users to confirm they are at least 16 years old when they are prompted to agree on new terms of service and a privacy policy provided by a new WhatsApp Ireland Ltd entity in the next few weeks. It is not clear how or if the age limit will be checked given the limited data requested and held by the service. Facebook, which has a separate data policy, is taking a different approach to teens aged between 13 and 15 in order to comply with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law. It is asking them to nominate a parent or guardian to give permission for them to share information on the platform, otherwise, they will not see a fully personalised version of the social media platform. But WhatsApp, which had more than 1.5 billion users in January according to Facebook, said in a blog post it was not asking for any new rights to collect personal information in the agreement it has created for the European Union. “Our goal is simply to explain how we use and protect the limited information we have about you,” it said. The company also added that they do not share information with Facebook. “We are not currently sharing account information to improve your product and ads experience on Facebook. As we have said in the past, we want to work closely with other Facebook companies in the future and we will keep you updated as we develop our plans,” it said.

WhatsApp raises minimum age to use the service to 16 in Europe

The global pressure mounting on the Maldivian government seems to escalate further with reports suggesting that European airlines may halt flights to the island country. Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same.&nbsp;

In his tweet, Joern Rohde noted, "We hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season.” Rohde reasoned that despite the lifting of the state of emergency by the Yameen government, “democratic rights remain curtailed as MPs remain jailed on politically motivated prosecutions. The economy and thus the people suffer since tourists continue to stay away.”&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
...we hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season. 
 
Solution: Only a return to Democracy will bring back stability and the positive image of the wonderful Maldives now tarnished by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights
— Joern Rohde (@joern_rohde) <a href="https://twitter.com/joern_rohde/status/979300973247045632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rohde further added that the only way for the Maldives to return to a state of stability is by turning back to democracy. He added that the country's otherwise "wonderful" and "positive" image has now been tarnished "by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights.”

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday lifted the 45-day State of Emergency that he imposed on February 5.

Yameen imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison.&nbsp;

He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition.&nbsp;

Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.&nbsp;

Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same

The global pressure mounting on the Maldivian government seems to escalate further with reports suggesting that European airlines may halt flights to the island country. Germany's ambassador's to Sri Lanka tweeted out suggesting the same. In his tweet, Joern Rohde noted, "We hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season.” Rohde reasoned that despite the lifting of the state of emergency by the Yameen government, “democratic rights remain curtailed as MPs remain jailed on politically motivated prosecutions. The economy and thus the people suffer since tourists continue to stay away.” ...we hear big airline carriers from Europe will suspend their Maldives flight for the summer season. Solution: Only a return to Democracy will bring back stability and the positive image of the wonderful Maldives now tarnished by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights — Joern Rohde (@joern_rohde) March 29, 2018 × Rohde further added that the only way for the Maldives to return to a state of stability is by turning back to democracy. He added that the country's otherwise "wonderful" and "positive" image has now been tarnished "by the ongoing undermining of democratic rights.” Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday lifted the 45-day State of Emergency that he imposed on February 5. Yameen imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition. Under the emergency, Yameen’s administration arrested former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge, and a Supreme Court administrator on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government. They have all rejected the charges.

Europe likely to halt flights to Maldives to ensure return to democracy

Europe and China must unite against protectionism, said Chinese Ambassador&nbsp;Liu Xiaoming to Britain on Thursday.

In an article published by the "Financial Times", Liu said Europe and China should stand together against protectionism, stressing that recent measures by the United States risk triggering a trade war and hampering global growth.

He also pointed out that the world is at a crossroad between cooperation and confrontation at a critical time when the international community should be upholding the global trading system.

Throughout the history of international trade, protectionism has been a spectre stalking the world, Liu remarked.

China has been the powerhouse for global growth and the main contributor to an open world economy in recent years, he said.

Liu noted that Britain and Europe have been advocates of trade liberalization and firm supporters of the multilateral trade system.

The leaders of the UK, France and Germany have expressed their concerns over US protectionism and stressed that the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules should be the basis for solving trade disputes, he said, and this clearly points to shared interests for China and Europe in safeguarding the multilateral trade regime.

Quoting a saying in Europe that "a single tree cannot block the chilly wind", the ambassador stressed that only if the UK, Europe and China stand shoulder to shoulder, will they be able to uphold openness and cooperation and safeguard the international trade regime from the dangers of protectionism.

The article was published in the hard copy, online version and the Chinese online version of the "Financial Times", one of the mainstream media in the world. 
&nbsp;

In an article published by the 'Financial Times,' Liu stressed that recent measures by the United States risk triggering a trade war and hampering global growth

Europe and China must unite against protectionism, said Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming to Britain on Thursday. In an article published by the "Financial Times", Liu said Europe and China should stand together against protectionism, stressing that recent measures by the United States risk triggering a trade war and hampering global growth. He also pointed out that the world is at a crossroad between cooperation and confrontation at a critical time when the international community should be upholding the global trading system. Throughout the history of international trade, protectionism has been a spectre stalking the world, Liu remarked. China has been the powerhouse for global growth and the main contributor to an open world economy in recent years, he said. Liu noted that Britain and Europe have been advocates of trade liberalization and firm supporters of the multilateral trade system. The leaders of the UK, France and Germany have expressed their concerns over US protectionism and stressed that the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules should be the basis for solving trade disputes, he said, and this clearly points to shared interests for China and Europe in safeguarding the multilateral trade regime. Quoting a saying in Europe that "a single tree cannot block the chilly wind", the ambassador stressed that only if the UK, Europe and China stand shoulder to shoulder, will they be able to uphold openness and cooperation and safeguard the international trade regime from the dangers of protectionism. The article was published in the hard copy, online version and the Chinese online version of the "Financial Times", one of the mainstream media in the world.

Europe, China must unite against protectionism: Chinese ambassador to Britain

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologised on Wednesday for mistakes his company made in how it handled data belonging to 50 million of its users and promised tougher steps to restrict developers&#39; access to such information.

The world&#39;s largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States about a whistleblower&#39;s allegations that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed user information to build profiles on American voters that were later used to help elect US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in 2016.

&quot;This was a major breach of trust. I&#39;m really sorry this happened. We have a basic responsibility to protect people&#39;s data,&quot; Zuckerberg said in an interview with CNN, breaking a public silence since the scandal erupted at the weekend.

Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook the company &quot;made mistakes, there&#39;s more to do, and we need to step up and do it.&quot;&nbsp;

He said the social network planned to conduct an investigation of thousands of apps that have used Facebook&#39;s platform, restrict developer access to data, and give members a tool that lets them to disable access to their Facebook data more easily.

His plans did not represent a big reduction of advertisers&#39; ability to use Facebook data, which is the company&#39;s lifeblood.

Zuckerberg said he was open to additional government regulation and happy to testify before the U.S. Congress if he was the right person.

&quot;I&#39;m not sure we shouldn&#39;t be regulated,&quot; he told CNN. &quot;I actually think the question is more what is the right regulation rather than yes or no, should it be regulated? ... People should know who is buying the ads that they see on Facebook.&quot;

Zuckerberg said Facebook was committed to stopping interference in the U.S. midterm election in November and elections in India and Brazil.

INVESTOR FEARS

Facebook shares pared gains on Wednesday after Zuckerberg&#39;s post, closing up 0.7 percent. The company has lost more than $45 billion of its stock market value over the past three days on investor fears that any failure by big tech firms to protect personal data could deter advertisers and users and invite tougher regulation.

Zuckerberg told the New York Times in an interview published on Wednesday he had not seen a &quot;meaningful number of people&quot; deleting their accounts over the scandal.

Facebook representatives, including Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman, met US&nbsp;congressional staff for nearly two hours on Wednesday and planned to continue meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Facebook was unable to answer many questions, two aides who attended the briefing said.

Zuckerberg told the website Recode that fixes to protect users&#39; data would cost &quot;many millions of dollars.&quot;&nbsp;

The whistleblower who launched the scandal, Christopher Wylie, formerly of Cambridge Analytica, said on Twitter he had accepted invitations to testify before U.S. and UK lawmakers.

The German government said Facebook must explain whether the personal data of the country&#39;s 30 million users were protected from unlawful use by third parties, according to a report in the Funke group of German regional newspapers.

&#39;SCAPEGOAT&#39;

On Tuesday, the board of Cambridge Analytica suspended its Chief Executive Alexander Nix, who was caught in a secret recording boasting that his company played a decisive role in Trump&#39;s victory.

However, the academic who provided the data disputed that on Wednesday.

&quot;I think what Cambridge Analytica has tried to sell is magic, and they&#39;ve made claims that this is incredibly accurate and it tells you everything there is to tell you. But I think the reality is it&#39;s not that,&quot; psychologist Aleksandr Kogan, an academic at Cambridge University, told the BBC in an interview.

Kogan, who gathered the data by running a survey app on Facebook, also said he was being made a scapegoat by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. Both companies have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse.

Only 300,000 Facebook users responded to Kogan&#39;s quiz, but that gave the researcher access to those people&#39;s Facebook friends as well, who had not agreed to share information, producing details on 50 million users.

Facebook has said it subsequently made changes that prevent people from sharing data about friends and maintains that no breach occurred because the original users gave permission. Critics say that it essentially was a breach because data of unsuspecting friends were taken.

Analysts have raised concerns that the incident will reduce user engagement with Facebook, potentially lessening its clout with advertisers. Three Wall Street brokerages cut their price targets.

&quot;Investors now have to consider whether or not the company will conclude that it has grown in a manner that has proven to be untenable,&quot; said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser.

The company has risen more than 550 percent in value in the past five years.

Zuckerberg, in his first public comments since the scandal erupted at the weekend, said in a post on Facebook that the company 'made mistakes, there's more to do, and we need to step up and do it'

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg apologised on Wednesday for mistakes his company made in how it handled data belonging to 50 million of its users and promised tougher steps to restrict developers' access to such information. The world's largest social media network is facing growing government scrutiny in Europe and the United States about a whistleblower's allegations that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed user information to build profiles on American voters that were later used to help elect US President Donald Trump in 2016. "This was a major breach of trust. I'm really sorry this happened. We have a basic responsibility to protect people's data," Zuckerberg said in an interview with CNN, breaking a public silence since the scandal erupted at the weekend. Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook the company "made mistakes, there's more to do, and we need to step up and do it." He said the social network planned to conduct an investigation of thousands of apps that have used Facebook's platform, restrict developer access to data, and give members a tool that lets them to disable access to their Facebook data more easily. His plans did not represent a big reduction of advertisers' ability to use Facebook data, which is the company's lifeblood. Zuckerberg said he was open to additional government regulation and happy to testify before the U.S. Congress if he was the right person. "I'm not sure we shouldn't be regulated," he told CNN. "I actually think the question is more what is the right regulation rather than yes or no, should it be regulated? ... People should know who is buying the ads that they see on Facebook." Zuckerberg said Facebook was committed to stopping interference in the U.S. midterm election in November and elections in India and Brazil. INVESTOR FEARS Facebook shares pared gains on Wednesday after Zuckerberg's post, closing up 0.7 percent. The company has lost more than $45 billion of its stock market value over the past three days on investor fears that any failure by big tech firms to protect personal data could deter advertisers and users and invite tougher regulation. Zuckerberg told the New York Times in an interview published on Wednesday he had not seen a "meaningful number of people" deleting their accounts over the scandal. Facebook representatives, including Deputy Chief Privacy Officer Rob Sherman, met US congressional staff for nearly two hours on Wednesday and planned to continue meetings on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Facebook was unable to answer many questions, two aides who attended the briefing said. Zuckerberg told the website Recode that fixes to protect users' data would cost "many millions of dollars." The whistleblower who launched the scandal, Christopher Wylie, formerly of Cambridge Analytica, said on Twitter he had accepted invitations to testify before U.S. and UK lawmakers. The German government said Facebook must explain whether the personal data of the country's 30 million users were protected from unlawful use by third parties, according to a report in the Funke group of German regional newspapers. 'SCAPEGOAT' On Tuesday, the board of Cambridge Analytica suspended its Chief Executive Alexander Nix, who was caught in a secret recording boasting that his company played a decisive role in Trump's victory. However, the academic who provided the data disputed that on Wednesday. "I think what Cambridge Analytica has tried to sell is magic, and they've made claims that this is incredibly accurate and it tells you everything there is to tell you. But I think the reality is it's not that," psychologist Aleksandr Kogan, an academic at Cambridge University, told the BBC in an interview. Kogan, who gathered the data by running a survey app on Facebook, also said he was being made a scapegoat by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. Both companies have blamed Kogan for alleged data misuse. Only 300,000 Facebook users responded to Kogan's quiz, but that gave the researcher access to those people's Facebook friends as well, who had not agreed to share information, producing details on 50 million users. Facebook has said it subsequently made changes that prevent people from sharing data about friends and maintains that no breach occurred because the original users gave permission. Critics say that it essentially was a breach because data of unsuspecting friends were taken. Analysts have raised concerns that the incident will reduce user engagement with Facebook, potentially lessening its clout with advertisers. Three Wall Street brokerages cut their price targets. "Investors now have to consider whether or not the company will conclude that it has grown in a manner that has proven to be untenable," said Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser. The company has risen more than 550 percent in value in the past five years.

Mark Zuckerberg apologises for Facebook mistakes with user data, vows curbs

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday pledged to overcome differences in order to formulate a roadmap for a reform of the euro zone which they will seek to get approved by their European peers in June.

Merkel, who was narrowly re-elected to a fourth term as chancellor, wants to fulfil her incoming government&#39;s pledge to deliver a &quot;new start&quot; for Europe. Macron, too, has made euro zone overhaul a central goal since taking power last May.

However, members of Merkel&#39;s conservative bloc are wary of more comprehensive European integration, especially if it means that Germany, Europe&#39;s economic powerhouse, would be pooling risks and debts with other, less financially stable countries.

&quot;We are not always on the same page. But Germany and France have also achieved a lot in the past and now we have the firm intention to do that again,&quot; Merkel said as she met Macron for the first time since she formed a new coalition government.

The goal of the reform push has to be to stabilise the 19-country euro zone and improve its competitiveness of the single currency bloc, Merkel said, adding that it must also provide for more convergence on asylum policies.

&quot;We&#39;ll put forward a clear, ambitious roadmap by June for this overhaul,&quot; Macron said, adding that the plan should also address further integration of the bloc on migration, defence and trade.

The roadmap will also touch on the banking union, budgetary issues, Europe&#39;s Stability Mechanism and tax convergence, a source in Macron&#39;s office said.

&quot;Our aim is that the Europeans - at 27 for some issues, at 19 for what is euro zone-related - agree on a roadmap for euro zone reform and more broadly for growth and innovation,&quot; the source said after their meeting.

There is already substantial reform under way in the euro zone, including plans for a single deposit insurance scheme that would protect individuals&#39; savings.

However, the appetite for deeper integration, such as Macron&#39;s grand ideas for a standalone euro zone budget, a single euro zone finance minister and a dedicated fund that would help countries facing external shocks, is limited.

The Netherlands and seven other EU states issued a joint statement in early March saying the first priority should be to ensure countries implement measures that have already been decided.

Macron, 40, has waited impatiently for the Germans to form a government and is itching to press ahead.

The chancellor, 63, knows that Macron, in his first term, needs to deliver on his promises, well aware that a large proportion of France&#39;s electorate remains susceptible to far-right and far-left populists who are sceptical about the EU.

In January, when they last met for formal discussions on the eurozone and Merkel was still negotiating over a coalition, the pair said they hoped to present their plans to member states at an EU summit in March.

But the next EU leaders&#39; meeting in June now the new deadline.

&quot;We must agree by June a Franco-German roadmap for the whole euro zone. It&#39;ll be very tough work,&quot; French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said after talks with his German counterpart, Olaf Scholz.

Yet, even if they can get the 17 other euro zone members to agree to further reforms -- how better to deploy their 500 billion euro ESM rescue fund -- there will be a tight schedule to implement those changes before the EU has to tackle its next big challenges: Britain&#39;s formal exit from the union in March 2019 and European Parliament elections shortly afterwards.

Merkel, who was narrowly re-elected to a fourth term as chancellor, wants to fulfil her incoming government's pledge to deliver a "new start" for Europe. Macron, too, has made eurozone overhaul a central goal since taking power last May.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday pledged to overcome differences in order to formulate a roadmap for a reform of the euro zone which they will seek to get approved by their European peers in June. Merkel, who was narrowly re-elected to a fourth term as chancellor, wants to fulfil her incoming government's pledge to deliver a "new start" for Europe. Macron, too, has made euro zone overhaul a central goal since taking power last May. However, members of Merkel's conservative bloc are wary of more comprehensive European integration, especially if it means that Germany, Europe's economic powerhouse, would be pooling risks and debts with other, less financially stable countries. "We are not always on the same page. But Germany and France have also achieved a lot in the past and now we have the firm intention to do that again," Merkel said as she met Macron for the first time since she formed a new coalition government. The goal of the reform push has to be to stabilise the 19-country euro zone and improve its competitiveness of the single currency bloc, Merkel said, adding that it must also provide for more convergence on asylum policies. "We'll put forward a clear, ambitious roadmap by June for this overhaul," Macron said, adding that the plan should also address further integration of the bloc on migration, defence and trade. The roadmap will also touch on the banking union, budgetary issues, Europe's Stability Mechanism and tax convergence, a source in Macron's office said. "Our aim is that the Europeans - at 27 for some issues, at 19 for what is euro zone-related - agree on a roadmap for euro zone reform and more broadly for growth and innovation," the source said after their meeting. There is already substantial reform under way in the euro zone, including plans for a single deposit insurance scheme that would protect individuals' savings. However, the appetite for deeper integration, such as Macron's grand ideas for a standalone euro zone budget, a single euro zone finance minister and a dedicated fund that would help countries facing external shocks, is limited. The Netherlands and seven other EU states issued a joint statement in early March saying the first priority should be to ensure countries implement measures that have already been decided. Macron, 40, has waited impatiently for the Germans to form a government and is itching to press ahead. The chancellor, 63, knows that Macron, in his first term, needs to deliver on his promises, well aware that a large proportion of France's electorate remains susceptible to far-right and far-left populists who are sceptical about the EU. In January, when they last met for formal discussions on the eurozone and Merkel was still negotiating over a coalition, the pair said they hoped to present their plans to member states at an EU summit in March. But the next EU leaders' meeting in June now the new deadline. "We must agree by June a Franco-German roadmap for the whole euro zone. It'll be very tough work," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said after talks with his German counterpart, Olaf Scholz. Yet, even if they can get the 17 other euro zone members to agree to further reforms -- how better to deploy their 500 billion euro ESM rescue fund -- there will be a tight schedule to implement those changes before the EU has to tackle its next big challenges: Britain's formal exit from the union in March 2019 and European Parliament elections shortly afterwards.

Merkel, Macron plan roadmap by June on euro zone reform

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, &quot;Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan&quot;.

He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities.

&quot;Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan),&quot; Fulvio added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Europeans aren&#39;t ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/V2qFxwZvrK">pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793466499747841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist.

Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body&#39;s next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps.

However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan.

Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, &quot;There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act&quot;.

He added, &quot;As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan&#39;s existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It&#39;s not a country, its an acronym&quot;.

Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan&#39;s oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, &quot;Chief justices of Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It&#39;s a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer <a href="https://t.co/LyGzlCofHZ">pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793470308159488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan&#39;s double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism.

Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, &quot;I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it&#39;s not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation.&quot;

He added, &quot;Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan.&quot;

Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.&nbsp;

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, 'Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan'

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, "Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan". He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities. "Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan)," Fulvio added. Europeans aren't ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist. Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body's next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps. However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan. Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, "There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act". He added, "As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan's existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It's not a country, its an acronym". Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan's oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, "Chief justices of Pakistan's Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It's a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country." There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan's double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism. Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, "I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it's not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation." He added, "Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan." Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.

European parliamentarian, experts lambast Pakistan for sheltering terrorists

A man stabbed six bystanders in a series of apparently unprovoked attacks in northern Paris on Tuesday night before being arrested by police in a drunken state, a security source told AFP.

The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime and homelessness to the north of the Gare du Nord train station in the 18th district.

The injured were admitted to hospital but none suffered life-threatening wounds, the police source told AFP on condition of anonymity, confirming a report in the Parisien newspaper.

The attacker was arrested two hours later in the neighbouring 10th district and was &quot;very drunk&quot;, according to the police source who said the knife was found nearby.

Paris is still on its highest level of alert after a string of Islamist attacks over the last two years, but there appeared to be no terrorism link to the violence on Tuesday night. 
&nbsp;

The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime

A man stabbed six bystanders in a series of apparently unprovoked attacks in northern Paris on Tuesday night before being arrested by police in a drunken state, a security source told AFP. The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime and homelessness to the north of the Gare du Nord train station in the 18th district. The injured were admitted to hospital but none suffered life-threatening wounds, the police source told AFP on condition of anonymity, confirming a report in the Parisien newspaper. The attacker was arrested two hours later in the neighbouring 10th district and was "very drunk", according to the police source who said the knife was found nearby. Paris is still on its highest level of alert after a string of Islamist attacks over the last two years, but there appeared to be no terrorism link to the violence on Tuesday night.

Paris: Six hurt in stabbing spree

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Europe likely to halt flights to Maldives to ensure return to democracy

Europe, China must unite against protectionism: Chinese ambassador to Britain

Mark Zuckerberg apologises for Facebook mistakes with user data, vows curbs

Merkel, Macron plan roadmap by June on euro zone reform

European parliamentarian, experts lambast Pakistan for sheltering terrorists

Paris: Six hurt in stabbing spree