The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks.

"We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc.

"They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added.

Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us".

"They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added.

European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement.

It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels.

But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside.

Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23.

Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on.

"Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said.

However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then.

"Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit.

She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment.

"I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border. Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks. "We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc. "They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added. Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us". "They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added. European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement. It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels. But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside. Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23. Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on. "Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said. However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then. "Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added. Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit. She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment. "I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

UK PM contenders say European Union will drop Irish backstop for Brexit deal

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

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

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

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

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas.

Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Paraskevi MICHOU, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission co-chaired the talks, according to a statement put out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Besides the two delegations led by the co-chairs, the dialogue was attended by heads of mission and other representatives of the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in New Delhi, who were invited as observers for the first time.

"The discussions at the 5th India-EU HLDMM were held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit, and encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor," the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are an important dimension of the strategic partnership between India and the EU, it added.

On July 10, the co-chairs of the 5th HLDMM addressed the opening session of an India-EU Seminar on 'Sharing of Good Practices on Migration Governance'&nbsp;held in New Delhi.

The programme was held under the Technical Support Project for undertaking collaborative activities in the framework of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between India and the EU and its member states, signed on March 29, 2016, the statement further said.&nbsp;

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas.

India and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the fifth high-level dialogue on migration and mobility (HLDMM) and discussed steps aimed at realising the full potential of "further strengthening" cooperation in the key areas. Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Paraskevi MICHOU, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission co-chaired the talks, according to a statement put out by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Besides the two delegations led by the co-chairs, the dialogue was attended by heads of mission and other representatives of the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in New Delhi, who were invited as observers for the first time. "The discussions at the 5th India-EU HLDMM were held in a highly friendly and constructive spirit, and encompassed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor," the statement said. Both sides reaffirmed that migration and mobility are an important dimension of the strategic partnership between India and the EU, it added. On July 10, the co-chairs of the 5th HLDMM addressed the opening session of an India-EU Seminar on 'Sharing of Good Practices on Migration Governance' held in New Delhi. The programme was held under the Technical Support Project for undertaking collaborative activities in the framework of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between India and the EU and its member states, signed on March 29, 2016, the statement further said.

India, European Union hold high-level talks on migration, mobility

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commission-could-slap-3-billion-euro-fine-on-italy-for-excessive-debt-deputy-pm-salvini-222359">European Commission</a> lowered its estimates on Wednesday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eurozone-inflation-falls-sharply-amid-slowdown-fears-224221">eurozone growth</a> and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc.

In its quarterly economic forecasts, the European Union's executive arm said prices would grow less than previously predicted, pushing the inflation rate further off the European Central Bank's target of close to but less than 2 per cent.

The commission confirmed its prediction that economic growth in the euro zone would slow this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2018. It also revised down its estimate for next year's growth, which is now seen at 1.4 per cent instead of the 1.5 per cent forecast in May.

Risks for the bloc have increased, the commission said, and mostly come from "the elevated uncertainty" around United States' trade policy, as Washington keeps threatening punitive tariffs on a broad range of EU products.

Fears of increased trade tensions "could also trigger a shift in global risk sentiment at times when valuations appear stretched across many asset classes", the EU economics commissioner Pierre Moscovici told a news conference

"This could lead to rapid tightening of global financial conditions," he added.

The weaker economic outlook contributed to a downward revision of inflation expectations, the commission said, cutting its estimate to 1.3 per cent for this year and next from the 1.4 per cent it previously estimated for both years.

This year's forecast matches the ECB's projection, but for 2020 the commission's estimate is lower than the 1.4 per cent rate forecast by the central bank in its latest projections, released in June. That could give the ECB a reason to push ahead with fresh stimulus.

The commission confirmed the economic slowdown in the euro zone was mostly caused by weaker growth in Germany, the euro zone's largest economy, and Italy, its third largest.

German growth will slow to 0.5 per cent this year, in line with earlier predictions, after reaching 1.4 per cent in 2018. Growth is expected to return to 1.4 per cent next year, less than the 1.5 per cent the commission predicted earlier.

Forecasts for Italy remained unchanged, reiterating its economy will barely grow this year, seeing the worst growth rate in the whole EU. Next year's growth is expected to accelerate to 0.7 per cent but remain the slowest in the bloc.

France's economy will expand 1.3 per cent this year and 1.4 per cent in 2020, the commission estimated, leaving unchanged its forecast for this year but lowering the estimate for the next, earlier seen at 1.5 per cent.

The commission maintained unchanged its forecasts for Britain, whose economy is foreseen growing 1.3 per cent this year and next. However, the projection does not take into account possible trade disruptions caused by a no-deal Brexit.

The European Commission lowered its estimates on Wednesday for eurozone growth and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc.

The European Commission lowered its estimates on Wednesday for eurozone growth and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc. In its quarterly economic forecasts, the European Union's executive arm said prices would grow less than previously predicted, pushing the inflation rate further off the European Central Bank's target of close to but less than 2 per cent. The commission confirmed its prediction that economic growth in the euro zone would slow this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2018. It also revised down its estimate for next year's growth, which is now seen at 1.4 per cent instead of the 1.5 per cent forecast in May. Risks for the bloc have increased, the commission said, and mostly come from "the elevated uncertainty" around United States' trade policy, as Washington keeps threatening punitive tariffs on a broad range of EU products. Fears of increased trade tensions "could also trigger a shift in global risk sentiment at times when valuations appear stretched across many asset classes", the EU economics commissioner Pierre Moscovici told a news conference "This could lead to rapid tightening of global financial conditions," he added. The weaker economic outlook contributed to a downward revision of inflation expectations, the commission said, cutting its estimate to 1.3 per cent for this year and next from the 1.4 per cent it previously estimated for both years. This year's forecast matches the ECB's projection, but for 2020 the commission's estimate is lower than the 1.4 per cent rate forecast by the central bank in its latest projections, released in June. That could give the ECB a reason to push ahead with fresh stimulus. The commission confirmed the economic slowdown in the euro zone was mostly caused by weaker growth in Germany, the euro zone's largest economy, and Italy, its third largest. German growth will slow to 0.5 per cent this year, in line with earlier predictions, after reaching 1.4 per cent in 2018. Growth is expected to return to 1.4 per cent next year, less than the 1.5 per cent the commission predicted earlier. Forecasts for Italy remained unchanged, reiterating its economy will barely grow this year, seeing the worst growth rate in the whole EU. Next year's growth is expected to accelerate to 0.7 per cent but remain the slowest in the bloc. France's economy will expand 1.3 per cent this year and 1.4 per cent in 2020, the commission estimated, leaving unchanged its forecast for this year but lowering the estimate for the next, earlier seen at 1.5 per cent. The commission maintained unchanged its forecasts for Britain, whose economy is foreseen growing 1.3 per cent this year and next. However, the projection does not take into account possible trade disruptions caused by a no-deal Brexit.

Euro zone growth, inflation outlook cut as risks from US trade grow

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> met with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134">European Union's representative</a> to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote.

The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".

President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator".

Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups.

Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation. The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote. The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government". President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator". Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups. Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Nicolas Maduro meets European Union's special envoy ahead of opposition talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-rescue-sailboat-defies-italys-salvini-docks-in-italy-233653">Migrants on board</a> a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-enters-migrant-ships-dispute-with-appeal-for-safe-ports-188565">Maltese port</a> before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday.

The German-flagged Alan Kurdi, which has 65 migrants on board, decided on Saturday to change course for Malta after a standoff with the Italian government.

It is the latest of several vessels carrying migrants that have faced problems trying to dock in an Italian port in the past couple of weeks.

Italy's migration policy has led to clashes between NGOs and Italian authorities over rules that effectively close off the country's ports to their boats.

In a tweet on Sunday, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said following talks with the European Commission and Germany the 65 migrants on the ship would be transferred to one of its boats and brought to a Maltese port.

"All rescued persons on board will be immediately relocated to other EU member states," he said, adding that none of the migrants would remain in Malta.

German interior minister Horst Seehofer welcomed the development in a statement, saying 94 of 123 migrants from ships that were allowed to land in Malta would be shared among EU member states. "In the spirit of European solidarity, we will take up to 40 of them."

Italy's coalition government, which includes the right-wing League, has been blaming European partners for leaving it to deal with sea arrivals alone.

New rules were adopted last month threatening NGO ships entering Italian waters without permission with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and the impounding of their vessels.

On June 29, Italian police arrested the German captain of the Dutch-flagged Sea-Watch 3, operated by a German charity, after the vessel docked at the island port of Lampedusa though she was later released.

Lonely

Earlier on Sunday, 41 migrants on another rescue boat were taken ashore at Lampedusa despite repeated warnings from Italy's interior minister Matteo Salvini they would not be allowed to disembark.

Salvini, head of the ruling League party and also deputy prime minister, has taken a tough line against migrant rescue ships and accuses other EU countries of not doing their share.

Salvini responded angrily when Germany's Seehofer asked him in a letter to rethink his closed ports policy.

"Dear German government, I'm not reopening the ports ... if anything we're going to put ... (the migrants) in a car and take them to the German embassy," Salvini said in a video on his Facebook page.

In a tweet on Sunday Germany’s Europe minister Michael Roth thanked Malta over the Alan Kurdi. "What we need is a sustainable European solution based on solidarity, humanity &amp; efficiency. We must act right now,” Roth said.

Italy has been one of the main targets for migrants looking to get to Europe through North Africa, especially from Libya.

Salvini's hardline stance on migrants and rescue ships has helped boost his party's popularity.

A poll published in Italy's Corriere Della Sera on Saturday said 59% of Italians were in favor of shutting Italian ports to migrants and NGO vessels.

But there are signs of tension in the ruling coalition, where the League governs alongside the populist 5-Star Movement.

On Saturday, Salvini said on his Facebook page he "felt lonely" and called on fellow ministers to help more over migrants, singling out the Defense Ministry and the Treasury.

The Treasury said it had been closely following things and had done everything to try and impose the ban on vessels entering Italian waters and docking.

The Defense Ministry, which oversees the navy, was reported by the Italian media as saying it had offered Salvini's ministry assistance in recent days.

Migrants on board a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a Maltese port before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday.

Migrants on board a German rescue ship refused entry into Italy will be taken to a Maltese port before being relocated to other European states, Malta's prime minister said on Sunday. The German-flagged Alan Kurdi, which has 65 migrants on board, decided on Saturday to change course for Malta after a standoff with the Italian government. It is the latest of several vessels carrying migrants that have faced problems trying to dock in an Italian port in the past couple of weeks. Italy's migration policy has led to clashes between NGOs and Italian authorities over rules that effectively close off the country's ports to their boats. In a tweet on Sunday, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said following talks with the European Commission and Germany the 65 migrants on the ship would be transferred to one of its boats and brought to a Maltese port. "All rescued persons on board will be immediately relocated to other EU member states," he said, adding that none of the migrants would remain in Malta. German interior minister Horst Seehofer welcomed the development in a statement, saying 94 of 123 migrants from ships that were allowed to land in Malta would be shared among EU member states. "In the spirit of European solidarity, we will take up to 40 of them." Italy's coalition government, which includes the right-wing League, has been blaming European partners for leaving it to deal with sea arrivals alone. New rules were adopted last month threatening NGO ships entering Italian waters without permission with a fine of up to 50,000 euros and the impounding of their vessels. On June 29, Italian police arrested the German captain of the Dutch-flagged Sea-Watch 3, operated by a German charity, after the vessel docked at the island port of Lampedusa though she was later released. Lonely Earlier on Sunday, 41 migrants on another rescue boat were taken ashore at Lampedusa despite repeated warnings from Italy's interior minister Matteo Salvini they would not be allowed to disembark. Salvini, head of the ruling League party and also deputy prime minister, has taken a tough line against migrant rescue ships and accuses other EU countries of not doing their share. Salvini responded angrily when Germany's Seehofer asked him in a letter to rethink his closed ports policy. "Dear German government, I'm not reopening the ports ... if anything we're going to put ... (the migrants) in a car and take them to the German embassy," Salvini said in a video on his Facebook page. In a tweet on Sunday Germany’s Europe minister Michael Roth thanked Malta over the Alan Kurdi. "What we need is a sustainable European solution based on solidarity, humanity & efficiency. We must act right now,” Roth said. Italy has been one of the main targets for migrants looking to get to Europe through North Africa, especially from Libya. Salvini's hardline stance on migrants and rescue ships has helped boost his party's popularity. A poll published in Italy's Corriere Della Sera on Saturday said 59% of Italians were in favor of shutting Italian ports to migrants and NGO vessels. But there are signs of tension in the ruling coalition, where the League governs alongside the populist 5-Star Movement. On Saturday, Salvini said on his Facebook page he "felt lonely" and called on fellow ministers to help more over migrants, singling out the Defense Ministry and the Treasury. The Treasury said it had been closely following things and had done everything to try and impose the ban on vessels entering Italian waters and docking. The Defense Ministry, which oversees the navy, was reported by the Italian media as saying it had offered Salvini's ministry assistance in recent days.

Malta to relocate migrants on German rescue ship

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October.

"We do need to look at it again," he said of the deal agreed by May and European Union leaders last year which British lawmakers have since voted down three times.

"It is in both sides interest to avoid no deal and to look at how we get a deal through parliament," the minister added at a briefing for foreign media in London.

He was speaking on the eve of fresh talks with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels which has repeatedly insisted it will not reopen the accord reached with May.

The pair last met in March, with the issue of citizens' rights in a no-deal scenario reportedly set to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting.

Barclay insisted Britain "needs to leave" the bloc on the latest deadline of October 31, after May twice delayed departure amid MPs' implacable opposition to her divorce deal.

She resigned last month following her repeated failure to get it approved.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the frontrunner to replace her when Conservative Party members select a new leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- later this month.

Both he and his opponent Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign secretary, have vowed to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal.

"Boris Johnson has been very clear that the UK needs to leave on the 31st of October," Barclay said.

"The EU 27 has also been clear that any further extension without a purpose is not desirable," he added, noting "Brexit fatigue" was now apparent in Brussels as well as in London.

Barclay argued a no-deal departure "would be disruptive to the UK but it also very clearly would be disruptive within the EU" as he called for "continued dialogue".

"The impact of a no deal is asymmetric across Europe," he said.

"For example, the impact of no deal in Ireland, according to our analysis, is greater than the impact on the United Kingdom."

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October.

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October. "We do need to look at it again," he said of the deal agreed by May and European Union leaders last year which British lawmakers have since voted down three times. "It is in both sides interest to avoid no deal and to look at how we get a deal through parliament," the minister added at a briefing for foreign media in London. He was speaking on the eve of fresh talks with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels which has repeatedly insisted it will not reopen the accord reached with May. The pair last met in March, with the issue of citizens' rights in a no-deal scenario reportedly set to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting. Barclay insisted Britain "needs to leave" the bloc on the latest deadline of October 31, after May twice delayed departure amid MPs' implacable opposition to her divorce deal. She resigned last month following her repeated failure to get it approved. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the frontrunner to replace her when Conservative Party members select a new leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- later this month. Both he and his opponent Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign secretary, have vowed to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal. "Boris Johnson has been very clear that the UK needs to leave on the 31st of October," Barclay said. "The EU 27 has also been clear that any further extension without a purpose is not desirable," he added, noting "Brexit fatigue" was now apparent in Brussels as well as in London. Barclay argued a no-deal departure "would be disruptive to the UK but it also very clearly would be disruptive within the EU" as he called for "continued dialogue". "The impact of a no deal is asymmetric across Europe," he said. "For example, the impact of no deal in Ireland, according to our analysis, is greater than the impact on the United Kingdom."

UK Brexit minister urges European Union to reopen withdrawal deal talks

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-donald-tusk-asks-european-parliament-to-approve-von-der-leyen-233027"> European Union</a> said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course.

Iran said Sunday it would breach the cap "in a few hours" and on Monday announced it had passed 4.5 percent enrichment well above the 3.7 percent limit.

It first announced its intention to reduce compliance with the deal in May, a year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> unilaterally withdrew from the pact and reimposed crippling sanctions.

"We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities that are inconsistent with the commitments made under the JCPOA," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.&nbsp;

The JCPOA or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action gave Iran relief from punishing sanctions in return for setting strict limits on its nuclear activities.

The remaining signatories &nbsp;Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and orld say the deal is the best way to stop Iran developing atomic weapons.

"We are extremely concerned by the announcement made over the weekend by Iran regarding the start of the uranium enrichment above the limit of 3.7 percent," Kocijancic said.

The EU will await a report from the UN's atomic energy authority and consult other signatories to the deal before deciding on future steps, Kocijancic said.

Britain, France, and Germany have sought to save the deal by creating a special mechanism called INSTEX to sidestep US sanctions so Iran can keep trading.

But the mechanism is still not operational six months after its launch and Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated at Europe's failure to act effectively.

Brussels officials see the latest announcements from Iran as a bid to pressure the West into doing more to help.

"The situation is extremely difficult for them domestically they are running out of humanitarian supplies," an EU source told AFP.

"They want to preserve the agreement, but they want the benefits they were promised."

The steps Iran has taken so far increasing enrichment and breaching a limit on uranium reserves can be reversed, the source said.

However, if Iran went above five percent of enrichment, the situation would be more serious, officials warn.

The European Union said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course.

The European Union said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course. Iran said Sunday it would breach the cap "in a few hours" and on Monday announced it had passed 4.5 percent enrichment well above the 3.7 percent limit. It first announced its intention to reduce compliance with the deal in May, a year after US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact and reimposed crippling sanctions. "We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities that are inconsistent with the commitments made under the JCPOA," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters. The JCPOA or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action gave Iran relief from punishing sanctions in return for setting strict limits on its nuclear activities. The remaining signatories Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and orld say the deal is the best way to stop Iran developing atomic weapons. "We are extremely concerned by the announcement made over the weekend by Iran regarding the start of the uranium enrichment above the limit of 3.7 percent," Kocijancic said. The EU will await a report from the UN's atomic energy authority and consult other signatories to the deal before deciding on future steps, Kocijancic said. Britain, France, and Germany have sought to save the deal by creating a special mechanism called INSTEX to sidestep US sanctions so Iran can keep trading. But the mechanism is still not operational six months after its launch and Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated at Europe's failure to act effectively. Brussels officials see the latest announcements from Iran as a bid to pressure the West into doing more to help. "The situation is extremely difficult for them domestically they are running out of humanitarian supplies," an EU source told AFP. "They want to preserve the agreement, but they want the benefits they were promised." The steps Iran has taken so far increasing enrichment and breaching a limit on uranium reserves can be reversed, the source said. However, if Iran went above five percent of enrichment, the situation would be more serious, officials warn.

European Union 'strongly urges' Iran to stop nuclear enrichment

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">UK ambassador</a> called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> "inept".

The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure".

Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family.

They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dysfunctional-inept-britains-trade-minister-liam-fox-to-apologise-to-ivanka-over-leaked-memo-233969">Washington</a> that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington.

"The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday.

"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

Very serious consequences

UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House.

"We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday.

"I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party.

British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year.

But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does".

Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept". The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure". Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family. They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with Washington that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington. "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." Very serious consequences UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House. "We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday. "I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party. British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year. But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does". Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain hunts for leaker of cables calling Donald Trump 'inept'

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-decision-excellent-supertanker-was-laden-with-iran-oil-bound-for-syria-us-233122">oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar</a>, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States.

A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement.

He "called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on the information currently available", the statement added.

Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

The detention of the 330-metre Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal.

The Grace 1 tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines.

The ship was detained four kilometres&nbsp;south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish.

It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels.

"We have reason to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

"That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.

"We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said.

At US request

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States.

In a statement, Britain's Foreign Office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime".

European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011.

The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians.

It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU.

The tanker's detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead.

Tehran took the action in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

The unilateral move has sent tensions in the Gulf soaring as the administration of President Donald Trump forges ahead with a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran in coordination with its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia.

White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a champion of the hawkish policy towards Tehran, applauded the interception of the supertanker.

"Excellent news: UK has detained the supertanker Grace I laden with Iranian oil bound for Syria in violation of EU sanctions," Bolton tweeted.&nbsp;

According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analyses vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil.

It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement.

Iran demanded Friday that Britain immediately release an oil tanker it has detained in Gibraltar, accusing it of acting at the bidding of the United States. A senior foreign ministry official "described the UK move as unacceptable" in a meeting with British ambassador Rob Macaire, who had been summoned to hear a formal protest, the ministry said in a statement. He "called for the immediate release of the oil tanker, given that it has been seized at the request of the US, based on the information currently available", the statement added. Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip at the western entrance to the Mediterranean, said they suspected the tanker was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The detention of the 330-metre Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it is poised to breach the uranium enrichment limit it agreed to in a troubled 2015 nuclear deal. The Grace 1 tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines. The ship was detained four kilometres south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish. It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels. "We have reason to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement. "That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria. "We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said. At US request Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States. In a statement, Britain's Foreign Office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime". European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011. The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians. It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the EU. The tanker's detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead. Tehran took the action in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions. The unilateral move has sent tensions in the Gulf soaring as the administration of President Donald Trump forges ahead with a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran in coordination with its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a champion of the hawkish policy towards Tehran, applauded the interception of the supertanker. "Excellent news: UK has detained the supertanker Grace I laden with Iranian oil bound for Syria in violation of EU sanctions," Bolton tweeted. According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analyses vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil. It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Iran demands Britain release oil tanker held in Gibraltar

&nbsp;British Royal Marines seized an oil tanker in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-deal-clears-way-for-sunday-brexit-summit-179184">Gibraltar</a> on Thursday accused of bringing oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that could escalate confrontation between the West and Iran.

The Grace 1 tanker was impounded in the British territory at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, after sailing around Africa from the Gulf. Shipping data reviewed by Reuters suggests it had been loaded with Iranian oil off the coast of Iran, although its documents say the oil is from neighbouring Iraq.

The Gibraltar authorities who seized it did so under the authority of European sanctions against Syria that have been in place for years, with no reference to the source of the oil.

But the likelihood that the cargo was Iranian draws a link between this incident and a new US effort to halt all global sales of Iranian crude, in what Tehran has described as an illegal "economic war" against it.

European countries have tried to stay neutral in that confrontation, which saw the United States call off air strikes against Iran just minutes before impact last month, and Tehran amasses stocks of enriched uranium banned under a nuclear deal.

In a statement, the Gibraltar government said it had reasonable grounds to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria.

"That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria," Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said. "With my consent, our port and law enforcement agencies sought the assistance of the Royal Marines in carrying out this operation."

"So, public, so aggressive"

The incident appears to be the first in which European authorities have seized a tanker for allegedly violating Syria sanctions, which have been in place since 2011.

"This is the first time that the EU has done something so public and so aggressive. I imagine it was also coordinated in some manner with the US given that NATO member forces have been involved," said Matthew Oresman, a partner with law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman who advises firms on sanctions.

"This is likely to have been meant as a signal to Syria and Iran - as well as the US - that Europe takes sanctions enforcement seriously and that the EU can also respond to Iranian brinkmanship related to ongoing nuclear negotiations."

Iran has long been supplying its allies in Syria with oil despite such sanctions. What is new now is the US. sanctions on Iran itself. They were imposed last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of an agreement that guaranteed Tehran access to world trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Those sanctions have been tightened sharply since May, effectively forcing Iran off of mainstream crude markets, making it desperate for alternative ways to sell oil and more reliant on its own tanker fleet to store supplies it cannot sell.

The US-Iranian confrontation has escalated in recent weeks, taking on a military dimension after Washington accused Tehran of attacking tankers in the Gulf and Iran shot down a US drone. Trump ordered air strikes but called them off at the last minute, later saying too many people would have died.

European countries opposed Trump's decision to exit the nuclear deal last year, and they have promised to help Iran find alternative ways to export. But they have so far failed to ease the impact of US sanctions, with all major companies halting plans to invest.

Iran has said it wants to keep the nuclear deal alive but cannot do so indefinitely unless it receives some of the promised economic benefits. In the past week, it announced that it had accumulated more low-enriched uranium than allowed under the deal, and it says it will refine uranium to greater purity than the deal allows from July 7.

By restricting Iran's ability to move oil around the globe, the US sanctions have choked off Tehran's Syrian allies.

Government-controlled areas of Syria suffered acute fuel shortages earlier this year resulting from what Assad described as an economic siege. In May, Syria received its first foreign oil supplies for six months with the arrival of two shipments including one from Iran, a source familiar with the shipment said at the time.

Earlier this year, Reuters revealed that the Grace 1 supertanker was one of four tankers involved in shipping Iranian fuel oil to Singapore and China, in violation of US sanctions.

Ship mapping information from data firm Definitive shows that in the latest case, the Grace 1 sailed a long route to the mouth of the Mediterranean around the southern tip of Africa instead of via Egypt's Suez Canal.

The 300,000-tonne, Panamanian-flagged tanker is managed by Singapore-based IShips Management Pte Ltd. It was documented as loading fuel oil in the Iraqi port of Basra in December, though Basra did not list it as being in port and its tracking system was switched off. The tanker then reappeared on tracking maps near Iran's port of Bandar Assalyeh, fully loaded.

A maritime intelligence source said the ship may have made the long journey around Africa to avoid having to transit the Suez canal, where such a large super-tanker would have had to unload its oil and refill after passing through, potentially exposing its cargo to seizure by Egyptian authorities.

"We welcome this firm action to enforce EU sanctions against the Syrian regime and commend those Gibraltarian authorities involved in successfully carrying out this morning's operation," a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said.

"This sends a clear message that the violation of the sanctions is unacceptable."

Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal.

British Royal Marines seized an oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday accused of bringing oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that could escalate confrontation between the West and Iran.

British Royal Marines seized an oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday accused of bringing oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that could escalate confrontation between the West and Iran. The Grace 1 tanker was impounded in the British territory at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, after sailing around Africa from the Gulf. Shipping data reviewed by Reuters suggests it had been loaded with Iranian oil off the coast of Iran, although its documents say the oil is from neighbouring Iraq. The Gibraltar authorities who seized it did so under the authority of European sanctions against Syria that have been in place for years, with no reference to the source of the oil. But the likelihood that the cargo was Iranian draws a link between this incident and a new US effort to halt all global sales of Iranian crude, in what Tehran has described as an illegal "economic war" against it. European countries have tried to stay neutral in that confrontation, which saw the United States call off air strikes against Iran just minutes before impact last month, and Tehran amasses stocks of enriched uranium banned under a nuclear deal. In a statement, the Gibraltar government said it had reasonable grounds to believe that the Grace 1 was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas refinery in Syria. "That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria," Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said. "With my consent, our port and law enforcement agencies sought the assistance of the Royal Marines in carrying out this operation." "So, public, so aggressive" The incident appears to be the first in which European authorities have seized a tanker for allegedly violating Syria sanctions, which have been in place since 2011. "This is the first time that the EU has done something so public and so aggressive. I imagine it was also coordinated in some manner with the US given that NATO member forces have been involved," said Matthew Oresman, a partner with law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman who advises firms on sanctions. "This is likely to have been meant as a signal to Syria and Iran - as well as the US - that Europe takes sanctions enforcement seriously and that the EU can also respond to Iranian brinkmanship related to ongoing nuclear negotiations." Iran has long been supplying its allies in Syria with oil despite such sanctions. What is new now is the US. sanctions on Iran itself. They were imposed last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of an agreement that guaranteed Tehran access to world trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Those sanctions have been tightened sharply since May, effectively forcing Iran off of mainstream crude markets, making it desperate for alternative ways to sell oil and more reliant on its own tanker fleet to store supplies it cannot sell. The US-Iranian confrontation has escalated in recent weeks, taking on a military dimension after Washington accused Tehran of attacking tankers in the Gulf and Iran shot down a US drone. Trump ordered air strikes but called them off at the last minute, later saying too many people would have died. European countries opposed Trump's decision to exit the nuclear deal last year, and they have promised to help Iran find alternative ways to export. But they have so far failed to ease the impact of US sanctions, with all major companies halting plans to invest. Iran has said it wants to keep the nuclear deal alive but cannot do so indefinitely unless it receives some of the promised economic benefits. In the past week, it announced that it had accumulated more low-enriched uranium than allowed under the deal, and it says it will refine uranium to greater purity than the deal allows from July 7. By restricting Iran's ability to move oil around the globe, the US sanctions have choked off Tehran's Syrian allies. Government-controlled areas of Syria suffered acute fuel shortages earlier this year resulting from what Assad described as an economic siege. In May, Syria received its first foreign oil supplies for six months with the arrival of two shipments including one from Iran, a source familiar with the shipment said at the time. Earlier this year, Reuters revealed that the Grace 1 supertanker was one of four tankers involved in shipping Iranian fuel oil to Singapore and China, in violation of US sanctions. Ship mapping information from data firm Definitive shows that in the latest case, the Grace 1 sailed a long route to the mouth of the Mediterranean around the southern tip of Africa instead of via Egypt's Suez Canal. The 300,000-tonne, Panamanian-flagged tanker is managed by Singapore-based IShips Management Pte Ltd. It was documented as loading fuel oil in the Iraqi port of Basra in December, though Basra did not list it as being in port and its tracking system was switched off. The tanker then reappeared on tracking maps near Iran's port of Bandar Assalyeh, fully loaded. A maritime intelligence source said the ship may have made the long journey around Africa to avoid having to transit the Suez canal, where such a large super-tanker would have had to unload its oil and refill after passing through, potentially exposing its cargo to seizure by Egyptian authorities. "We welcome this firm action to enforce EU sanctions against the Syrian regime and commend those Gibraltarian authorities involved in successfully carrying out this morning's operation," a spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said. "This sends a clear message that the violation of the sanctions is unacceptable." Iranian crude exports were around 300,000 barrels per day or less in late June, industry sources said, a fraction of the more than 2.5 million bpd Iran shipped in April 2018, the month before Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal.

Oil tanker bound for Syria seized in Gibraltar for sanctions-busting

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-broken-enriched-uranium-stockpile-limit-set-by-2015-nuclear-deal-232067">breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves</a> under a 2015 nuclear deal.

"We urge Iran to reverse this step and to refrain from further measures that undermine the nuclear deal," said the joint statement signed by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the three countries' foreign ministers -- France's Jean-Yves Le Drian, Germany's Heiko Maas and Britain's Jeremy Hunt.&nbsp;

Tehran said Monday that it had made good on its warning that it would breach the limit in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran, which has sought to pressure the remaining parties to save the deal, announced on May 8 that it would no longer respect the limit set on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles.

It threatened to abandon further nuclear commitments unless the deal's remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- helped it circumvent sanctions, especially to sell its oil.

"We have been consistent and clear that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," said the joint statement on Tuesday.

"We regret this decision by Iran, which calls into question an essential instrument of nuclear nonproliferation."

It added that the group was "urgently considering next steps under the terms" of the deal, which saw Iran commit to never acquiring an atomic bomb, accept drastic limits on its nuclear programme and submit to IAEA inspections in exchange for a partial lifting of international sanctions.

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal.

The diplomatic chiefs of the EU, France, Germany and Britain said Tuesday they were "extremely concerned" and urged Iran to reverse its decision to breach a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal. "We urge Iran to reverse this step and to refrain from further measures that undermine the nuclear deal," said the joint statement signed by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the three countries' foreign ministers -- France's Jean-Yves Le Drian, Germany's Heiko Maas and Britain's Jeremy Hunt. Tehran said Monday that it had made good on its warning that it would breach the limit in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions. Iran, which has sought to pressure the remaining parties to save the deal, announced on May 8 that it would no longer respect the limit set on its enriched uranium and heavy water stockpiles. It threatened to abandon further nuclear commitments unless the deal's remaining partners -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- helped it circumvent sanctions, especially to sell its oil. "We have been consistent and clear that our commitment to the nuclear deal depends on full compliance by Iran," said the joint statement on Tuesday. "We regret this decision by Iran, which calls into question an essential instrument of nuclear nonproliferation." It added that the group was "urgently considering next steps under the terms" of the deal, which saw Iran commit to never acquiring an atomic bomb, accept drastic limits on its nuclear programme and submit to IAEA inspections in exchange for a partial lifting of international sanctions.

European Union, France, Germany and UK urge Iran to reverse uranium decision

Belgian liberal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-one-flag-two-belgiums-seek-one-government-after-vote-222028">Charles Michel</a>, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around.

He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years.

Michel became his country's youngest prime minister in 2014 when he took office aged 38 as only Belgium's second premier from the French-speaking liberals.

He was also the first Belgian leader to become a father while in office, his partner's first pregnancy effectively divulged by Barack Obama during a visit to the White House in 2015. He has an older son from a previous relationship.

A lawyer by training, studying in Brussels and Amsterdam, he entered politics as a provincial counsellor aged 18 and then entered the national parliament at 23.

Michel is currently heading a caretaker administration in Belgium after an inconclusive election in May, with talks on forming a new government continuing.

He is the oldest son of Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid from 2004-2009.

Aides say Michel enjoys reading and cooking on a barbecue but his chief passion outside the office is biking, initially doing moto-cross with a friend and is now still hooked on bike road trips, saying a more direct connection with nature gives them a "sensual dimension".

Belgian liberal Charles Michel, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around. He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years.

Belgian liberal Charles Michel, who was elected by EU leaders on Tuesday as the next chair of EU summits, does not believe in hanging around. He will replace Poland's Donald Tusk in the role of European Council president for the next five years. Michel became his country's youngest prime minister in 2014 when he took office aged 38 as only Belgium's second premier from the French-speaking liberals. He was also the first Belgian leader to become a father while in office, his partner's first pregnancy effectively divulged by Barack Obama during a visit to the White House in 2015. He has an older son from a previous relationship. A lawyer by training, studying in Brussels and Amsterdam, he entered politics as a provincial counsellor aged 18 and then entered the national parliament at 23. Michel is currently heading a caretaker administration in Belgium after an inconclusive election in May, with talks on forming a new government continuing. He is the oldest son of Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid from 2004-2009. Aides say Michel enjoys reading and cooking on a barbecue but his chief passion outside the office is biking, initially doing moto-cross with a friend and is now still hooked on bike road trips, saying a more direct connection with nature gives them a "sensual dimension".

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel named European Union Council chief

US stock index futures indicated to a flat opening on Tuesday, a day after the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index hit a record high, as optimism sparked by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-creep-higher-on-hopes-of-us-china-trade-truce-230724">US-China trade truce</a> waned and a fresh threat of tariffs on Europe kept investors on edge.

A clutch of discouraging manufacturing surveys in the past 24 hours from around the world that rekindled fears of a global economic slowdown added to the cautious mood.

US markets rose on Monday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-to-hold-more-trade-talks-with-us-in-beijing-217628">Washington and Beijing </a>agreed to resume trade talks and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/feisty-trump-sets-tone-as-stormy-g20-looms-230804">President Donald Trump</a> offered concessions including no new tariffs and an easing of curbs on Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

However, Washington threatened to slap tariffs on $4 billion of additional EU goods, ratcheting up pressure on Europe in a long-running dispute over aircraft subsidies.

"While the threat of additional tariffs on EU imports is still an overhang for investors, the market is more likely taking a breather until new macro-economic data comes out," Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities said.

Investors are waiting for the monthly jobs report on Friday, which is expected to show that the private sector added 160,000 jobs in June, after a sharp slowdown in jobs growth in May.

At 8:39 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were down 18 points, or 0.07%. S&amp;P 500 e-minis were down 0.75 points, or 0.03% and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 3.75 points, or 0.05%.

The S&amp;P 500 and the Dow Jones indexes posted their best June performance in decades, on hopes that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates to preserve a decade-long US expansion, after a breakdown in trade talks in May sent markets into a tailspin.

Market participants still expect a rate cut by the Fed of at least a quarter of a percentage point at its July 30-31 policy meeting, despite the latest developments in trade talks.

Among stocks, Western Digital Corp fell 3% in premarket trading after Benchmark cut its rating on the hard-disk drive maker's stock to "sell."

Coty Inc dropped 4.1% as multiple brokerages cut price targets on the cosmetics maker's shares, a day after the company said it would restructure and write down about $3 billion in value of brands acquired from Procter &amp; Gamble Co.

Gilead Sciences Inc rose 1% after the drugmaker said it will submit a new drug application for its arthritis drug to the US FDA this year.

US stock index futures indicated to a flat opening on Tuesday, a day after the benchmark S&P 500 index hit a record high, as optimism sparked by the US-China trade truce waned and a fresh threat of tariffs on Europe kept investors on edge.

US stock index futures indicated to a flat opening on Tuesday, a day after the benchmark S&P 500 index hit a record high, as optimism sparked by the US-China trade truce waned and a fresh threat of tariffs on Europe kept investors on edge. A clutch of discouraging manufacturing surveys in the past 24 hours from around the world that rekindled fears of a global economic slowdown added to the cautious mood. US markets rose on Monday as Washington and Beijing agreed to resume trade talks and President Donald Trump offered concessions including no new tariffs and an easing of curbs on Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. However, Washington threatened to slap tariffs on $4 billion of additional EU goods, ratcheting up pressure on Europe in a long-running dispute over aircraft subsidies. "While the threat of additional tariffs on EU imports is still an overhang for investors, the market is more likely taking a breather until new macro-economic data comes out," Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities said. Investors are waiting for the monthly jobs report on Friday, which is expected to show that the private sector added 160,000 jobs in June, after a sharp slowdown in jobs growth in May. At 8:39 a.m. ET, Dow e-minis were down 18 points, or 0.07%. S&P 500 e-minis were down 0.75 points, or 0.03% and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 3.75 points, or 0.05%. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones indexes posted their best June performance in decades, on hopes that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates to preserve a decade-long US expansion, after a breakdown in trade talks in May sent markets into a tailspin. Market participants still expect a rate cut by the Fed of at least a quarter of a percentage point at its July 30-31 policy meeting, despite the latest developments in trade talks. Among stocks, Western Digital Corp fell 3% in premarket trading after Benchmark cut its rating on the hard-disk drive maker's stock to "sell." Coty Inc dropped 4.1% as multiple brokerages cut price targets on the cosmetics maker's shares, a day after the company said it would restructure and write down about $3 billion in value of brands acquired from Procter & Gamble Co. Gilead Sciences Inc rose 1% after the drugmaker said it will submit a new drug application for its arthritis drug to the US FDA this year.

Wall Street set to open flat as trade talk euphoria fades

Conservative leadership candidate Boris Johnson said on Friday he took full responsibility for the role he played during the campaigning leading up to the 2016 referendum in which Britain voted to leave the European Union and for the political impasse that followed.

Boris Johnson: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU'

European Union leaders met on Sunday to decide who wins the bloc's top posts, with Dutch socialist Frans Timmermans in pole position to be named the EU's next chief executive, diplomats and officials said. EU leaders were also meant to choose the next president of the European Central Bank (ECB), but that decision seems now likely to be postponed for lack of consensus. The other main jobs up for grabs are the presidency of the European Council - grouping the EU governments - the EU's foreign policy chief. Leaders are seeking a balance of men and women in the top positions, and also a balance between eastern and western member states.

European Union leaders meet to decide on bloc's top jobs

The European Union and South American bloc Mercosur agreed a free-trade treaty on Friday, concluding two decades of talks and signalling their push for opening markets at a time of increased protectionism. The two regions launched negotiations exactly 20 years ago and intensified efforts to reach an accord after Donald Trump's presidential victory prompted the European Union to freeze talks with the United States and look for other global trading allies.

EU, Mercosur agree on draft free trade treaty after 20 years of talks

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said.

The agreement came after two decades of often tough negotiations between the EU and the countries of Mercosur -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- which had repeatedly stalled because of European farmer sensitivities over the beef market.

The deal was announced as the US administration of President Donald Trump faced several bilateral disputes, including trade tensions with China and disagreements with EU countries.

"I measure my words carefully when I say that this is a historical moment," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement.

"In the midst of international trade tensions, we are sending today a strong signal with our Mercosur partners that we stand for rules-based trade."&nbsp;

European farmers concerned

The trade pact is the largest ever concluded by the EU, he said and would save European companies more than four billion euros ($4.5 billion) worth of trade duties every year.

It covers markets that total approximately 780 million consumers, an EU statement said.

Brazil welcomed a "historic" agreement with the EU, while Argentina called the deal "unprecedented".&nbsp;

The announcement of the deal, details of which were not revealed and which must be approved by the 28 EU member states, comes as leaders of the world's most powerful economies gather in Osaka, Japan, for a G20 summit.

Once implemented, it is tipped to eliminate 99 per cent of agricultural and industrial tariffs on both sides and facilitate exchanges in services and government procurement, reduce technical barriers, and effect sanitary and phytosanitary measures and intellectual property.

The agreement has nonetheless raised concerns of European farmers who fear unfair competition, as well as NGOs concerned about consequences for the climate.

Challenges to EU farmers

"Today’s agreement also presents some challenges to European farmers and the European Commission will be available to help farmers meet these challenges," the EU's agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said in a statement.

"For this agreement to be a win-win... carefully managed quotas will ensure that there is no risk that any product will flood the EU market and thereby threaten the livelihood of EU farmers."

The 28-member EU currently accounts for about one-quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) at 18 trillion euros ($20 trillion).

Finalisation of the talks had been complicated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who threatened to scrub the deal if Brazil withdrew from the Paris climate accord that commits signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and which Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to leave.

"If Brazil leaves the Paris accord, we could not sign trade deals with them," Macron said Thursday night in Japan en route to Osaka for the G20 summit.

"The reason is simple, we are requiring our farmers to stop using pesticides... our businesses to reduce emissions. That has a competitive cost," Macron added.

Cognac and Manchego cheese

Activists had urged the EU to halt the Mercosur trade talks over Brazil's alleged harm to its rainforests and indigenous peoples in order to benefit influential agribusinesses.

For Europe, the deal would mean greater access to large South American automobile markets and respect for so-called protected geographical indications such as Cognac or Manchego cheese.

The EU is also counting on the agreement to improve access to the South American market for telecommunications, transport or financial services.

Mercosur countries in return hope to export up to 99,000 tonnes of beef to Europe a year before they have to pay tariffs, alongside stronger exports of ethanol, sugar and poultry.

The EU and Mercosur exchange 88 billion euros in goods annually, with a balance very slightly in favour of the Europeans (+2.5 billion euros).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said.

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said. The agreement came after two decades of often tough negotiations between the EU and the countries of Mercosur -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- which had repeatedly stalled because of European farmer sensitivities over the beef market. The deal was announced as the US administration of President Donald Trump faced several bilateral disputes, including trade tensions with China and disagreements with EU countries. "I measure my words carefully when I say that this is a historical moment," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement. "In the midst of international trade tensions, we are sending today a strong signal with our Mercosur partners that we stand for rules-based trade." European farmers concerned The trade pact is the largest ever concluded by the EU, he said and would save European companies more than four billion euros ($4.5 billion) worth of trade duties every year. It covers markets that total approximately 780 million consumers, an EU statement said. Brazil welcomed a "historic" agreement with the EU, while Argentina called the deal "unprecedented". The announcement of the deal, details of which were not revealed and which must be approved by the 28 EU member states, comes as leaders of the world's most powerful economies gather in Osaka, Japan, for a G20 summit. Once implemented, it is tipped to eliminate 99 per cent of agricultural and industrial tariffs on both sides and facilitate exchanges in services and government procurement, reduce technical barriers, and effect sanitary and phytosanitary measures and intellectual property. The agreement has nonetheless raised concerns of European farmers who fear unfair competition, as well as NGOs concerned about consequences for the climate. Challenges to EU farmers "Today’s agreement also presents some challenges to European farmers and the European Commission will be available to help farmers meet these challenges," the EU's agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said in a statement. "For this agreement to be a win-win... carefully managed quotas will ensure that there is no risk that any product will flood the EU market and thereby threaten the livelihood of EU farmers." The 28-member EU currently accounts for about one-quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) at 18 trillion euros ($20 trillion). Finalisation of the talks had been complicated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who threatened to scrub the deal if Brazil withdrew from the Paris climate accord that commits signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and which Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to leave. "If Brazil leaves the Paris accord, we could not sign trade deals with them," Macron said Thursday night in Japan en route to Osaka for the G20 summit. "The reason is simple, we are requiring our farmers to stop using pesticides... our businesses to reduce emissions. That has a competitive cost," Macron added. Cognac and Manchego cheese Activists had urged the EU to halt the Mercosur trade talks over Brazil's alleged harm to its rainforests and indigenous peoples in order to benefit influential agribusinesses. For Europe, the deal would mean greater access to large South American automobile markets and respect for so-called protected geographical indications such as Cognac or Manchego cheese. The EU is also counting on the agreement to improve access to the South American market for telecommunications, transport or financial services. Mercosur countries in return hope to export up to 99,000 tonnes of beef to Europe a year before they have to pay tariffs, alongside stronger exports of ethanol, sugar and poultry. The EU and Mercosur exchange 88 billion euros in goods annually, with a balance very slightly in favour of the Europeans (+2.5 billion euros).

European Union, South America bloc reach trade deal after 20 years of talks

Sri Lanka has hired two hangmen as it prepares for executions of four prisoners convicted of drug offences in what would be the country's first use of the death penalty for over 40 years, prison authorities said on Friday.

The Prisons Department began the recruitment process in March after the last hangman quit in 2014, citing stress after seeing the gallows for the first time. Another, hired last year, never turned up for work.

President Maithripala Sirisena announced on Wednesday an end to a moratorium on the death penalty in force since 1976, a move political analysts said was meant to boost his chances of re-election if he stands again later this year.

Local and international rights groups, along with former colonial master Britain, Canada, the European Union and United Nations have raised concerns about the South Asian nation's restoration of capital punishment.

"The recruitment process is finalised and two (hangmen) have been selected. The two need to go through final training which will take about two weeks," prisons spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said.

The two were picked from among 100 applicants who responded to an advertisement calling for male Sri Lankans aged between 18 and 45 with “excellent moral character” and “mental strength”.

Prisons Commissioner TMJW Thennakoon declined to provide details of the four convicts whose death penalties were approved by the president.

On Friday, a petitioner - a Sri Lankan journalist - filed public interest litigation seeking to stop any executions, arguing that people's rights were being violated. A court hearing will be held on July 2, and Thennakoon pledged that there would be no executions for the next seven days.

A spokesman for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said on Thursday international drug control conventions cannot be used to justify the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences alone.

"Application of the death penalty may also impede international cooperation in fighting drug trafficking as there are national laws that (bar) the exchange of information and extradition with countries which may impose capital punishment for the offences concerned," the UNODC spokesman said.

Sri Lanka has hired two hangmen as it prepares for executions of four prisoners convicted of drug offences in what would be the country's first use of the death penalty for over 40 years, prison authorities said on Friday.

Sri Lanka has hired two hangmen as it prepares for executions of four prisoners convicted of drug offences in what would be the country's first use of the death penalty for over 40 years, prison authorities said on Friday. The Prisons Department began the recruitment process in March after the last hangman quit in 2014, citing stress after seeing the gallows for the first time. Another, hired last year, never turned up for work. President Maithripala Sirisena announced on Wednesday an end to a moratorium on the death penalty in force since 1976, a move political analysts said was meant to boost his chances of re-election if he stands again later this year. Local and international rights groups, along with former colonial master Britain, Canada, the European Union and United Nations have raised concerns about the South Asian nation's restoration of capital punishment. "The recruitment process is finalised and two (hangmen) have been selected. The two need to go through final training which will take about two weeks," prisons spokesman Thushara Upuldeniya said. The two were picked from among 100 applicants who responded to an advertisement calling for male Sri Lankans aged between 18 and 45 with “excellent moral character” and “mental strength”. Prisons Commissioner TMJW Thennakoon declined to provide details of the four convicts whose death penalties were approved by the president. On Friday, a petitioner - a Sri Lankan journalist - filed public interest litigation seeking to stop any executions, arguing that people's rights were being violated. A court hearing will be held on July 2, and Thennakoon pledged that there would be no executions for the next seven days. A spokesman for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said on Thursday international drug control conventions cannot be used to justify the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences alone. "Application of the death penalty may also impede international cooperation in fighting drug trafficking as there are national laws that (bar) the exchange of information and extradition with countries which may impose capital punishment for the offences concerned," the UNODC spokesman said.

Sri Lanka picks two hangmen for first prisoner executions since 1970s

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">Boris Johnson</a> make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both.

When Johnson was given the foreign job in 2016, after Britain voted to leave the EU, he was viewed as an unlikely choice by politicians and public alike given his tendency to court controversy with gaffes, oddball jokes and off-the-cuff remarks.

The early days seemed to confirm the worst fears of those who saw the Conservative lawmaker as an unsuitable diplomat, at a critical time when Britain needed to forge new political and commercial ties with a slew of countries.

What should have been a routine conference in Italy, the "Mediterranean Dialogues Forum" aimed at building relations with leading envoys from the West and Middle East, instead turned into something of a diplomatic incident.

Johnson made headlines by going off-script and accusing Saudi Arabia, an important regional ally, of acting as a puppeteer in proxy wars under the guise of religion.

The backlash was swift from Prime Minister Theresa May, who said his comments did not reflect "actual policy", dishing out what a government source described as a shocking and very public "cuffing" for a senior minister.

Now May is stepping down over her failure to extract Britain from the European Union. Johnson, a leader of the Brexit campaign, is the overwhelming favourite to become leader of the governing Conservative Party next month, which would also make him prime minister.

The 55-year-old, famous for his messy mop of blond hair and dishevelled style, has turned upper-class English eccentricity into a political asset in Britain and perfected a personal brand based on a comic talent and a seemingly shambolic style.

His critics say this robs him of statesman-like gravity, arguing that it's difficult to take seriously a man who once said the chance of him becoming prime minister was about as likely as finding Elvis on Mars.

However, two of Johnson's aides and another veteran Conservative who knows him said that he was often misunderstood and that beneath his blustering, self-confident demeanour was a shy, serious man focused on his goals.

He is a natural introvert, two sources close his team told Reuters, adding that his shyness is often construed as arrogance, and he needs a lot of time alone before speaking in public - distinctively at odds with the public perception of Johnson being a natural, unscripted showman.

"Before speaking to a room, he needs to corral himself," said the veteran Conservative. "It's not a performance but it saps him of energy. He just needs to summon up the energy."

One aide, a government source and an EU diplomat also pointed to an influential, but behind-the-scenes, role he played as foreign secretary following the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, by a nerve agent last year in England.

One government source said Johnson had put his "shoulder to the wheel" to win international support for sanctions and Russian diplomatic expulsions from a long list of countries.

A senior European diplomat agreed that he was "professional" in this role, which attracted little publicity.

"People in Brussels didn't take Boris seriously back then," the diplomat said. "In March last year, he showed he could drop the clownish personality, he showed a will to discuss the Skripal affair in the most serious terms and to make the point to his counterparts that they needed to back Britain on this."

Irreverent insurgent

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, to give his full name, is something of an enigma at home and abroad.

He is man of apparent contradictions, with his privileged background and bursts of Latin phrases seemingly at odds with his popular appeal when elected mayor of left-leaning London in 2008 with the biggest personal mandate in British history.

He is one of those rare politicians to be most commonly referred to by most members of the public by their first names.

Like US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, he can emerge unscathed from gaffes and scandals that would sink any normal public figure. Other offensive remarks he has made include calling black people "piccaninnies" and saying Muslim women wearing burkas "look like letter boxes".

"Boris is a flawed character and flaky but most politicians are underneath," said Ed Costelloe, chair of the campaign group Conservative Grassroots. "It would be lovely to have Mother Theresa as prime minister, but it ain't going to happen."

In fact, some people love him all the more because he appears to be an irreverent insurgent who defies the media training of polished politics, shooting from the hip with comic timing and flair. Others seem to give him more leeway.

After his incendiary comments on Saudi Arabia, for example, two British officials said his words had not in fact gone down badly in Riyadh. "The Saudis appreciated his buffoonery, they understand his kind of humour," said one of the officials.

The biggest task ahead, should he become leader, would be withdrawal talks with the EU, which has said it will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by May in November - a deal that was repeatedly rejected by British lawmakers and led to the original Brexit date of March 29 being pushed back.

Johnson has offended many in Europe, with remarks such as suggesting Italy should help with a Brexit deal to avoid losing out on sales of Prosecco sparkling wine and declaring it was "bollocks" to say that freedom of movement was a founding principle of the EU.

Yet the British government sources said his ability to wrestle changes to the deal from Brussels, as he has demanded, would come down to whether he can carry the support of British lawmakers and end a stalemate that has incensed EU officials.

"His success depends on whether the EU believes he can actually command a majority," said one of the sources. "The thing about the PM was that they just didn't believe she could ever get it through so were never going to give any more ground. If they think Boris can get it through, they might shift."

It's all about Brexit

Johnson has cast himself as the only leadership candidate who can deliver Brexit on the next deadline of Oct. 31 - with or without a deal.

The sources close his team said he was approaching his bid in a similarly quiet way to the Skripal manoeuvring. He has built support through behind-the-scenes talks with lawmakers rather through media appearances and speeches - and had been conspicuously absent from public sight until this week.

He has been listening closely to the counsel of his closest aides and veteran election strategist Lynton Crosby, who is not officially on the payroll but is offering advice.

Johnson's strategy of steering clear of the airwaves and avoiding public head-to-head debates has been carefully thought through as part of a leadership campaign in the works for months in anticipation of May's announcement five weeks ago that she would step down, said the sources.

The plan appeared uncharacteristic for a man who made his name by being highly visible, including appearing in comedy shows and one of Britain's best-loved TV soap operas.

He even drew accusations from his only remaining leadership rival, Jeremy Hunt, of being a coward for avoiding head-to-head debates. Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she found Johnson's decision to ignore live TV debates "very odd".

The strategy was partly borne of the fact that Johnson is widely viewed as a near-certainty to win the party leadership, and become prime minister, barring an unforeseen catastrophe.

Foreign Secretary Hunt voted to stay in the European Union in 2016, which is likely to count against him among the around 160,000 party members who will choose the winner and are mainly pro-Brexit.

However, Johnson was forced to veer from the gameplan and break cover this week when he was faced with exactly the kind of negative publicity his team had hoped to avoid, after a neighbour called the police upon hearing Johnson and his girlfriend shouting and smashing plates.

Police found no cause for action, but the story dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers, with some questioning Johnson's character and past - he is divorcing his second wife and has had several reported affairs.

Following the furore, he changed gear and launched into a media blitz on TV and radio.

Nonetheless, few in his party believe anything can seriously impede his cruise to 10 Downing Street.

"Boris is still well ahead with the membership who will ultimately decide who the next prime minister is," said Conservative lawmaker and Johnson supporter Andrew Bridgen.

"The overriding issue is Brexit and unfortunately Jeremy voted remain." 
&nbsp;

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would Boris Johnson make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both.

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would Boris Johnson make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both. When Johnson was given the foreign job in 2016, after Britain voted to leave the EU, he was viewed as an unlikely choice by politicians and public alike given his tendency to court controversy with gaffes, oddball jokes and off-the-cuff remarks. The early days seemed to confirm the worst fears of those who saw the Conservative lawmaker as an unsuitable diplomat, at a critical time when Britain needed to forge new political and commercial ties with a slew of countries. What should have been a routine conference in Italy, the "Mediterranean Dialogues Forum" aimed at building relations with leading envoys from the West and Middle East, instead turned into something of a diplomatic incident. Johnson made headlines by going off-script and accusing Saudi Arabia, an important regional ally, of acting as a puppeteer in proxy wars under the guise of religion. The backlash was swift from Prime Minister Theresa May, who said his comments did not reflect "actual policy", dishing out what a government source described as a shocking and very public "cuffing" for a senior minister. Now May is stepping down over her failure to extract Britain from the European Union. Johnson, a leader of the Brexit campaign, is the overwhelming favourite to become leader of the governing Conservative Party next month, which would also make him prime minister. The 55-year-old, famous for his messy mop of blond hair and dishevelled style, has turned upper-class English eccentricity into a political asset in Britain and perfected a personal brand based on a comic talent and a seemingly shambolic style. His critics say this robs him of statesman-like gravity, arguing that it's difficult to take seriously a man who once said the chance of him becoming prime minister was about as likely as finding Elvis on Mars. However, two of Johnson's aides and another veteran Conservative who knows him said that he was often misunderstood and that beneath his blustering, self-confident demeanour was a shy, serious man focused on his goals. He is a natural introvert, two sources close his team told Reuters, adding that his shyness is often construed as arrogance, and he needs a lot of time alone before speaking in public - distinctively at odds with the public perception of Johnson being a natural, unscripted showman. "Before speaking to a room, he needs to corral himself," said the veteran Conservative. "It's not a performance but it saps him of energy. He just needs to summon up the energy." One aide, a government source and an EU diplomat also pointed to an influential, but behind-the-scenes, role he played as foreign secretary following the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, by a nerve agent last year in England. One government source said Johnson had put his "shoulder to the wheel" to win international support for sanctions and Russian diplomatic expulsions from a long list of countries. A senior European diplomat agreed that he was "professional" in this role, which attracted little publicity. "People in Brussels didn't take Boris seriously back then," the diplomat said. "In March last year, he showed he could drop the clownish personality, he showed a will to discuss the Skripal affair in the most serious terms and to make the point to his counterparts that they needed to back Britain on this." Irreverent insurgent Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, to give his full name, is something of an enigma at home and abroad. He is man of apparent contradictions, with his privileged background and bursts of Latin phrases seemingly at odds with his popular appeal when elected mayor of left-leaning London in 2008 with the biggest personal mandate in British history. He is one of those rare politicians to be most commonly referred to by most members of the public by their first names. Like US President Donald Trump, he can emerge unscathed from gaffes and scandals that would sink any normal public figure. Other offensive remarks he has made include calling black people "piccaninnies" and saying Muslim women wearing burkas "look like letter boxes". "Boris is a flawed character and flaky but most politicians are underneath," said Ed Costelloe, chair of the campaign group Conservative Grassroots. "It would be lovely to have Mother Theresa as prime minister, but it ain't going to happen." In fact, some people love him all the more because he appears to be an irreverent insurgent who defies the media training of polished politics, shooting from the hip with comic timing and flair. Others seem to give him more leeway. After his incendiary comments on Saudi Arabia, for example, two British officials said his words had not in fact gone down badly in Riyadh. "The Saudis appreciated his buffoonery, they understand his kind of humour," said one of the officials. The biggest task ahead, should he become leader, would be withdrawal talks with the EU, which has said it will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by May in November - a deal that was repeatedly rejected by British lawmakers and led to the original Brexit date of March 29 being pushed back. Johnson has offended many in Europe, with remarks such as suggesting Italy should help with a Brexit deal to avoid losing out on sales of Prosecco sparkling wine and declaring it was "bollocks" to say that freedom of movement was a founding principle of the EU. Yet the British government sources said his ability to wrestle changes to the deal from Brussels, as he has demanded, would come down to whether he can carry the support of British lawmakers and end a stalemate that has incensed EU officials. "His success depends on whether the EU believes he can actually command a majority," said one of the sources. "The thing about the PM was that they just didn't believe she could ever get it through so were never going to give any more ground. If they think Boris can get it through, they might shift." It's all about Brexit Johnson has cast himself as the only leadership candidate who can deliver Brexit on the next deadline of Oct. 31 - with or without a deal. The sources close his team said he was approaching his bid in a similarly quiet way to the Skripal manoeuvring. He has built support through behind-the-scenes talks with lawmakers rather through media appearances and speeches - and had been conspicuously absent from public sight until this week. He has been listening closely to the counsel of his closest aides and veteran election strategist Lynton Crosby, who is not officially on the payroll but is offering advice. Johnson's strategy of steering clear of the airwaves and avoiding public head-to-head debates has been carefully thought through as part of a leadership campaign in the works for months in anticipation of May's announcement five weeks ago that she would step down, said the sources. The plan appeared uncharacteristic for a man who made his name by being highly visible, including appearing in comedy shows and one of Britain's best-loved TV soap operas. He even drew accusations from his only remaining leadership rival, Jeremy Hunt, of being a coward for avoiding head-to-head debates. Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she found Johnson's decision to ignore live TV debates "very odd". The strategy was partly borne of the fact that Johnson is widely viewed as a near-certainty to win the party leadership, and become prime minister, barring an unforeseen catastrophe. Foreign Secretary Hunt voted to stay in the European Union in 2016, which is likely to count against him among the around 160,000 party members who will choose the winner and are mainly pro-Brexit. However, Johnson was forced to veer from the gameplan and break cover this week when he was faced with exactly the kind of negative publicity his team had hoped to avoid, after a neighbour called the police upon hearing Johnson and his girlfriend shouting and smashing plates. Police found no cause for action, but the story dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers, with some questioning Johnson's character and past - he is divorcing his second wife and has had several reported affairs. Following the furore, he changed gear and launched into a media blitz on TV and radio. Nonetheless, few in his party believe anything can seriously impede his cruise to 10 Downing Street. "Boris is still well ahead with the membership who will ultimately decide who the next prime minister is," said Conservative lawmaker and Johnson supporter Andrew Bridgen. "The overriding issue is Brexit and unfortunately Jeremy voted remain."

Genius or joker? British prime minister favourite Boris Johnson set to face the world

Aid workers sounded the alarm on Wednesday about health and hygiene conditions in a makeshift forest camp in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karadzic-handed-life-sentence-for-bosnia-war-crimes-204596">Bosnia</a> for hundreds of migrants as they face the spread of scabies and other diseases as well as food shortages.

Over the past 10 days, municipal authorities in Bihac have moved up to 700 migrants from Asia and North Africa who had been sleeping rough in the town to an improvised tent settlement at a former landfill some 8 km (5 miles) from the Croatian border.

The Red Cross is the only relief agency providing hot meals and hygiene items to the migrants at the site at Vucjak and has erected about 50 tents so far as well as improvised quarantine arrangements for the sick.

The European Union and UN agencies have criticised sanitary conditions at the site, which they also say is located in an area still peppered with landmines left over from the 1990s wars in Bosnia.

"The health situation is alarming. Many people are already infected with scabies and there are other health problems too," said Katarina Zoric, a spokeswoman for the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).

Scabies is a highly infectious skin disease.

Zoric said the Red Cross could provide only basic medical aid but said some people at the camp were reportedly suffering from tuberculosis and hepatitis. Some had been brought to the camp after surgery.

Snakes

Bosnia, which is not an EU member and was largely bypassed by refugees and asylum seekers during Europe's 2015 migrant crisis, has seen an increase in migrant arrivals since EU members Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia closed their borders.

More than 33,300 migrants have entered Bosnia since last year, of whom around 9,000 have settled in the Bihac area hoping to cross the border into Croatia and thence to western Europe.

The tents at Vucjak are pitched among piles of garbage and muddy pools following recent rainfall. The people used water from tanks to wash in the scorching heat.

"This is a jungle camp," said Mohammad Kamran Khan from Pakistan. "Every day I kill one snake, two snakes, or other animals (that pose a risk to the migrants)."

Zoric said the camp was running out of some food supplies and called for international aid.

The EU said on Tuesday it would provide 14.8 million euros ($16.8 million) to address the needs of migrants and refugees stranded in Bosnia.

The mayor of Bihac, Suhret Fazlic, said he hoped the EU would press state institutions, which are in charge of migration and asylum policies, to take responsibility for the migrants.

"Bihac was literally invaded by migrants," Fazlic told Reuters, adding that the town of 50,000 had provided shelter for at least 5,000 people. He said he was not happy with the Vucjak site and stressed it was just a temporary transit centre.

"A migrant crisis, which is a global problem, cannot be solved in Bihac. It must be solved at the state level, at the regional level and in cooperation with the European Union."

Police sent back to the camp on Wednesday three groups of people who had been found exhausted in the woods. Croatian police had returned them to Bosnia after they walked over a nearby mountain.

"The Croatian police beat us as if we were animals," said Hasnen Arshad, 17, from Pakistan.

Arshad and other migrants also said the Croatian police had smashed their mobile phones and had taken money from them.

"What to do now?", he asked. "No money, no mobile."

Croatian police have repeatedly denied using strongarm tactics against migrants.

Aid workers sounded the alarm on Wednesday about health and hygiene conditions in a makeshift forest camp in Bosnia for hundreds of migrants as they face the spread of scabies and other diseases as well as food shortages.

Aid workers sounded the alarm on Wednesday about health and hygiene conditions in a makeshift forest camp in Bosnia for hundreds of migrants as they face the spread of scabies and other diseases as well as food shortages. Over the past 10 days, municipal authorities in Bihac have moved up to 700 migrants from Asia and North Africa who had been sleeping rough in the town to an improvised tent settlement at a former landfill some 8 km (5 miles) from the Croatian border. The Red Cross is the only relief agency providing hot meals and hygiene items to the migrants at the site at Vucjak and has erected about 50 tents so far as well as improvised quarantine arrangements for the sick. The European Union and UN agencies have criticised sanitary conditions at the site, which they also say is located in an area still peppered with landmines left over from the 1990s wars in Bosnia. "The health situation is alarming. Many people are already infected with scabies and there are other health problems too," said Katarina Zoric, a spokeswoman for the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC). Scabies is a highly infectious skin disease. Zoric said the Red Cross could provide only basic medical aid but said some people at the camp were reportedly suffering from tuberculosis and hepatitis. Some had been brought to the camp after surgery. Snakes Bosnia, which is not an EU member and was largely bypassed by refugees and asylum seekers during Europe's 2015 migrant crisis, has seen an increase in migrant arrivals since EU members Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia closed their borders. More than 33,300 migrants have entered Bosnia since last year, of whom around 9,000 have settled in the Bihac area hoping to cross the border into Croatia and thence to western Europe. The tents at Vucjak are pitched among piles of garbage and muddy pools following recent rainfall. The people used water from tanks to wash in the scorching heat. "This is a jungle camp," said Mohammad Kamran Khan from Pakistan. "Every day I kill one snake, two snakes, or other animals (that pose a risk to the migrants)." Zoric said the camp was running out of some food supplies and called for international aid. The EU said on Tuesday it would provide 14.8 million euros ($16.8 million) to address the needs of migrants and refugees stranded in Bosnia. The mayor of Bihac, Suhret Fazlic, said he hoped the EU would press state institutions, which are in charge of migration and asylum policies, to take responsibility for the migrants. "Bihac was literally invaded by migrants," Fazlic told Reuters, adding that the town of 50,000 had provided shelter for at least 5,000 people. He said he was not happy with the Vucjak site and stressed it was just a temporary transit centre. "A migrant crisis, which is a global problem, cannot be solved in Bihac. It must be solved at the state level, at the regional level and in cooperation with the European Union." Police sent back to the camp on Wednesday three groups of people who had been found exhausted in the woods. Croatian police had returned them to Bosnia after they walked over a nearby mountain. "The Croatian police beat us as if we were animals," said Hasnen Arshad, 17, from Pakistan. Arshad and other migrants also said the Croatian police had smashed their mobile phones and had taken money from them. "What to do now?", he asked. "No money, no mobile." Croatian police have repeatedly denied using strongarm tactics against migrants.

Diseases, food shortages plague migrant 'jungle camp' in Bosnia

Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler could face penalties of up to 1.83 billion euros and 746 million euros respectively, if they fail to meet the European Union's emissions targets set for 2021, according to a study.

Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler could face 2021 EU emissions fines: Study

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said.

The driver ignored an order by a security official to halt, speeding up instead and crashing into a shop near the Greek border, the office of the governor of Edirne province said in a statement.&nbsp;

The private DHA news agency said there were 40 people in the minibus. All 30 survivors were injured.&nbsp;

The nationality of illegal immigrants was not known.&nbsp;

Migrants fleeing war and poverty use Turkey as a transit country to try and reach Europe, although the numbers have dropped since the influx hit a peak in 2015.

That year saw over a million people arrive in Greece from Turkey, mostly in boats, during the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.

But a March 2016, a deal between Ankara and the European Union helped staunch the flow.

Turkey has about four million refugees -- the highest number in the world -- most of them Syrians.

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said.

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said. The driver ignored an order by a security official to halt, speeding up instead and crashing into a shop near the Greek border, the office of the governor of Edirne province said in a statement. The private DHA news agency said there were 40 people in the minibus. All 30 survivors were injured. The nationality of illegal immigrants was not known. Migrants fleeing war and poverty use Turkey as a transit country to try and reach Europe, although the numbers have dropped since the influx hit a peak in 2015. That year saw over a million people arrive in Greece from Turkey, mostly in boats, during the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. But a March 2016, a deal between Ankara and the European Union helped staunch the flow. Turkey has about four million refugees -- the highest number in the world -- most of them Syrians.

10 migrants dead, 30 hurt in Turkey bus crash: Official

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

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

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

China halts Canadian meat exports over fake certificates

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promotes-hard-brexit-must-clarify-his-position-on-europe-macron-230076">deal with the bloc had not been reached</a>.

The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home.

His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him.

Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies.

"My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said.

"And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome."

Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted.

He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels.

Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble'

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"I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said.

On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward.

"Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said.

Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term.

Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached.

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached. The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home. His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him. Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies. "My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said. "And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome." Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted. He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels. Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble' × "I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said. On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward. "Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said. Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term. Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Boris Johnson says he is serious about 'no-deal' Brexit threat

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a>, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said.

"I think it would be very bizarre if the EU should decide on their own ... if they decided to impose tariffs on goods coming from the UK it would be ... a return to Napoleon's continental system," Johnson told LBC radio on Tuesday.

Boris Johnson, the favourite to become British prime minister, said he will seek a new Brexit deal with the European Union but if the bloc refuses his demands then he will lead the world's fifth largest economy out without agreement on Oct. 31.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis</a> could be about to deepen as Johnson's pledge to leave the EU with or without a deal on Halloween could provoke a standoff with the British parliament which has indicated its opposition to a no-deal exit.

No-deal means there would be no transition period so the exit would be abrupt, the nightmare scenario for many business leaders and the dream of hard Brexiteers who want a decisive split.

Seeking to turn the public discourse away from a discussion about an argument with his girlfriend, Johnson told the BBC he would pick the bits of Theresa May's "dead" Withdrawal Agreement that he likes and seek a new deal with the EU.

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said.

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said. "I think it would be very bizarre if the EU should decide on their own ... if they decided to impose tariffs on goods coming from the UK it would be ... a return to Napoleon's continental system," Johnson told LBC radio on Tuesday. Boris Johnson, the favourite to become British prime minister, said he will seek a new Brexit deal with the European Union but if the bloc refuses his demands then he will lead the world's fifth largest economy out without agreement on Oct. 31. The United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis could be about to deepen as Johnson's pledge to leave the EU with or without a deal on Halloween could provoke a standoff with the British parliament which has indicated its opposition to a no-deal exit. No-deal means there would be no transition period so the exit would be abrupt, the nightmare scenario for many business leaders and the dream of hard Brexiteers who want a decisive split. Seeking to turn the public discourse away from a discussion about an argument with his girlfriend, Johnson told the BBC he would pick the bits of Theresa May's "dead" Withdrawal Agreement that he likes and seek a new deal with the EU.

Would be bizarre for EU to impose post-Brexit tariffs on UK: Boris Johnson

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship.

"The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities,"&nbsp;the report said.

"There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here,"&nbsp;it noted.

On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China.

"There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists "&nbsp;who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties.

"The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China."

While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi.

"As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership,"&nbsp;it said.

The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

"The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India,"&nbsp;it warned.

Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity"&nbsp;which was missed.

He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system,&nbsp;these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership.

"The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last."

The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday. The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship. "The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities," the report said. "There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here," it noted. On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China. "There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists " who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties. "The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China." While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi. "As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership," it said. The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU). Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement. The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries. "The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India," it warned. Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity" which was missed. He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system, these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership. "The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last." The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

UK falling behind in race to engage with India, warns British Parliament report

Huge crowds flooded central Prague on Sunday demanding Prime Minister Andrej Babis step down over allegations of graft in a protest that organisers and local media claim drew around 250,000 people, making it the largest since the fall of communism in 1989.

The 64-year-old billionaire was charged last year in connection with a two million euro ($2.25 million) EU subsidy scam, while an audit by the European Commission ruled that he has a conflict of interest as a politician and entrepreneur.

The Czech government said earlier this month there were "errors" in the audit from Brussels and Babis has refused to budge.

"Judging from the aerial photos, it looks like we're about 250,000. We'll see how many more people will still arrive," said Mikulas Minar, head of Million Moments for Democracy, the NGO organising the protest, as it got underway.

Police estimates of the size of the crowd were not immediately available.

"We're fed up with what Babis is doing, how he manages the country," Mila Stiburkova, a 39-year-old sales manager from the central Czech town of Sazava, told AFP.

"We don't like him pocketing money and fooling people who trust him," added Stiburkova, who like many protesters, travelled to Prague for the event.

Watch:&nbsp;Biggest protest since fall of communism in Czech

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Country plagued with graft

Babis, the second wealthiest Czech according to Forbes, leads the centrist populist ANO movement, which, despite the controversy, won May's elections to the European Parliament. &nbsp;

ANO took office after winning the 2017 general election campaigning on an anti-corruption ticket in the country plagued by graft.

It teamed up with the leftwing Social Democrats to form a minority coalition with tacit backing from the Communists for a parliamentary majority.

Babis, a former Communist, is the first politician since the 1989 fall of Communism in former Czechoslovakia to let the Communists have a role in government.

The Slovak-born 64-year-old is facing charges over EU subsidy fraud after allegedly taking his farm out of his sprawling Agrofert holding to make it eligible for an EU subsidy.

The EU is probing his dual role as a politician and entrepreneur, and Babis also faces allegations that he served as a secret Communist police agent in the 1980s.

Despite the allegations, which Babis fervently denies, ANO -- described as a one-man party by critics -- enjoys steady 30-per cent voter support in opinion polls.

Sunday's rally is the latest in a series of protests against Babis and new Justice Minister Marie Benesova, which started as Benesova was appointed in April.

The organisers, who fear Benesova was appointed to clear Babis of his charges, brought about 100,000 protesters to Prague's central Wenceslas Square in early June as the protests gradually increased.

On its Facebook page, the Million Moments for Democracy group said Babis's "multiple conflicts of interest" were unacceptable.

Besides the resignation of Babis and Benesova, the group also wants Agrofert to return all EU subsidies it received while Babis was involved in the alleged conflict of interest.

Huge crowds flooded central Prague on Sunday demanding Prime Minister Andrej Babis step down over allegations of graft in a protest that organisers and local media claim drew around 250,000 people, making it the largest since the fall of communism in 1989.

Huge crowds flooded central Prague on Sunday demanding Prime Minister Andrej Babis step down over allegations of graft in a protest that organisers and local media claim drew around 250,000 people, making it the largest since the fall of communism in 1989. The 64-year-old billionaire was charged last year in connection with a two million euro ($2.25 million) EU subsidy scam, while an audit by the European Commission ruled that he has a conflict of interest as a politician and entrepreneur. The Czech government said earlier this month there were "errors" in the audit from Brussels and Babis has refused to budge. "Judging from the aerial photos, it looks like we're about 250,000. We'll see how many more people will still arrive," said Mikulas Minar, head of Million Moments for Democracy, the NGO organising the protest, as it got underway. Police estimates of the size of the crowd were not immediately available. "We're fed up with what Babis is doing, how he manages the country," Mila Stiburkova, a 39-year-old sales manager from the central Czech town of Sazava, told AFP. "We don't like him pocketing money and fooling people who trust him," added Stiburkova, who like many protesters, travelled to Prague for the event. Watch: Biggest protest since fall of communism in Czech × Country plagued with graft Babis, the second wealthiest Czech according to Forbes, leads the centrist populist ANO movement, which, despite the controversy, won May's elections to the European Parliament. ANO took office after winning the 2017 general election campaigning on an anti-corruption ticket in the country plagued by graft. It teamed up with the leftwing Social Democrats to form a minority coalition with tacit backing from the Communists for a parliamentary majority. Babis, a former Communist, is the first politician since the 1989 fall of Communism in former Czechoslovakia to let the Communists have a role in government. The Slovak-born 64-year-old is facing charges over EU subsidy fraud after allegedly taking his farm out of his sprawling Agrofert holding to make it eligible for an EU subsidy. The EU is probing his dual role as a politician and entrepreneur, and Babis also faces allegations that he served as a secret Communist police agent in the 1980s. Despite the allegations, which Babis fervently denies, ANO -- described as a one-man party by critics -- enjoys steady 30-per cent voter support in opinion polls. Sunday's rally is the latest in a series of protests against Babis and new Justice Minister Marie Benesova, which started as Benesova was appointed in April. The organisers, who fear Benesova was appointed to clear Babis of his charges, brought about 100,000 protesters to Prague's central Wenceslas Square in early June as the protests gradually increased. On its Facebook page, the Million Moments for Democracy group said Babis's "multiple conflicts of interest" were unacceptable. Besides the resignation of Babis and Benesova, the group also wants Agrofert to return all EU subsidies it received while Babis was involved in the alleged conflict of interest.

Huge crowds of protesters demand Czech PM step down

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-fends-off-dwindling-british-pm-rivals-in-tv-debate-228529">Britain's prime minister,</a> repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

"We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader.

"Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust. "We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader. "Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Britain must leave European Union by October 31 or pay the price: Boris Johnson

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-tops-second-ballot-ex-brexit-minister-dominic-raab-eliminated-228505">Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson </a>said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-ministerial-rivals-clash-over-brexit-strategy-227842">leadership race rivals in his first TV debate</a>.

The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons.

Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose.

He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago.

"We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters.

"I think the British people are thoroughly fed up."

But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31.

Frantic search for leader

The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage.

The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible".

Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brexit-claims-another-pm-may-steps-down-225343/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote.

Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold.

Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41.

Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37.

Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33.

Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time.

Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister.

'Not credible'

Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government.

Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat".

Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach.

"If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said.

Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight.

But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what.

"We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid.

UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc.

Moderate &nbsp;Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners.

Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline.

But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border.

EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year.

Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt.

The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate. The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons. Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose. He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago. "We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters. "I think the British people are thoroughly fed up." But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31. Frantic search for leader The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage. The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible". Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down "Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold. Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41. Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37. Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33. Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time. Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister. 'Not credible' Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government. Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat". Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach. "If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said. Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight. But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what. "We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid. UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc. Moderate Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners. Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline. But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border. EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year. Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt. The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Boris Johnson fends off dwindling British PM rivals in TV debate

The European Union's second highest court ruled on Wednesday that Adidas's three-stripe branding was invalid as a trademark as it lacked a distinctive character.

The General Court of the European Union said it upheld a decision of the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in 2016 to annul a previous decision to accept the mark.

The German sports goods company registered the trademark in 2014 for clothing, footwear and headgear, saying it consisted of "three parallel equidistant stripes of equal width applied to the product in whichever direction."

However, it was challenged by Belgian company Shoe Branding Europe, with which Adidas has been in a decade-long dispute.

An EU court rendered Shoe Branding's two-stripe trademark invalid last year saying the stripes were too similar to the trademark of Adidas.

Adidas needed to show the mark had acquired a "distinctive character" throughout the European Union based on its use so that consumers inherently knew a product was from Adidas and could distinguish it from products of another company.

The court said the mark was not a pattern but an "ordinary figurative mark" and it was not relevant to take into account specific uses involving colours.

It also said Adidas had provided evidence related to the mark's use in five EU countries but not throughout the bloc.

Adidas can still appeal to the European Court of Justice.

The European Union's second highest court ruled on Wednesday that Adidas's three-stripe branding was invalid as a trademark as it lacked a distinctive character.

The European Union's second highest court ruled on Wednesday that Adidas's three-stripe branding was invalid as a trademark as it lacked a distinctive character. The General Court of the European Union said it upheld a decision of the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in 2016 to annul a previous decision to accept the mark. The German sports goods company registered the trademark in 2014 for clothing, footwear and headgear, saying it consisted of "three parallel equidistant stripes of equal width applied to the product in whichever direction." However, it was challenged by Belgian company Shoe Branding Europe, with which Adidas has been in a decade-long dispute. An EU court rendered Shoe Branding's two-stripe trademark invalid last year saying the stripes were too similar to the trademark of Adidas. Adidas needed to show the mark had acquired a "distinctive character" throughout the European Union based on its use so that consumers inherently knew a product was from Adidas and could distinguish it from products of another company. The court said the mark was not a pattern but an "ordinary figurative mark" and it was not relevant to take into account specific uses involving colours. It also said Adidas had provided evidence related to the mark's use in five EU countries but not throughout the bloc. Adidas can still appeal to the European Court of Justice.

EU court declares Adidas three-stripe trademark invalid

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