Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism.

Leader Jeremy Corbyn has a golden opportunity to capitalise on Prime Minister Theresa May's weakness after European Union leaders rejected her Brexit plans on Thursday.

But he must first ensure that his party's internal tensions take a back seat to bolster his image as a prime-minister-in-waiting.

"The sheer levels of animosity that exists between Corbyn and his opponents is quite remarkable," Anand Menon, political professor at King's College London, told AFP ahead of the four-day event in Liverpool.

Brexit is one of the fault lines, dividing even normal allies.&nbsp;

Most of Corbyn's MPs and his younger supporters are in favour of the EU, but many voters in the party's working-class heartlands back Brexit.

Corbyn has so far tried to avoid the divisive subject, instead sticking to promoting a domestic social agenda that helped him upset the odds at last year's general election and strip May of her parliamentary majority.

But with Brexit negotiations rapidly heading nowhere as the March 29 deadline looms, party members look set to force a debate and a vote on the conference floor pushing for a second referendum.

Corbyn said on Sunday he would "adhere" to whatever came out of conference, although he would prefer to hold a general election instead.

"This government doesn't look very strong," he told the BBC.

"We could well be looking towards a general election and you know what? We are ready for it."

Pro-EU supporters are due to hold a large march as the conference opens on Sunday, calling for a second vote.

Corbyn will likely stick to his tried-and-tested method when he delivers his keynote speech on Wednesday, according to experts, prioritising efforts to bring down the government rather than trying to stop Brexit.

Corbyn said on Sunday he voted to "remain and reform the EU" in the 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership.

'Abrasive language'&nbsp;

Another potential issue hampering Corbyn's designs on power is the anti-Semitism row that has dogged the party since he took over in 2015.

He recently admitted the party had a "real problem" with the issue, leading veteran MP Frank Field to quit last month. Field said the leadership was becoming "a force for anti-Semitism in British politics".

The National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's ruling body, agreed this month to adopt in full an international definition of anti-Semitism for its code of conduct, but only after fierce opposition from those in the party who believe it will limit criticism of Israel.

"I will die fighting racism in any form," Corbyn said when asked directly by the BBC whether he was an anti-Semite.

When pressed on his views on Israel, Corbyn added: "It's right that people should be able to discuss the establishment of the state of Israel but recognise the existence of the state of Israel, and not prevent that type of debate."

Labour's polling numbers have remained relatively stable throughout the scandal, although the chaos in the Tory party could mask any impact it has had, said Steven Fielding, professor at University of Nottingham.

But the row continues to reverberate through the party.

"There is a lot of resentment, a lot of bitterness which I don't think will be very easily dispelled and there may be some Labour MPs who eventually leave on the basis of anti-Semitism issues," Fielding said.

A group of Labour campaigners will hold a rally on Sunday to protest Corbyn's handling of the scandal.

"If they want this conference to work they are going to have to deal with anti-Semitism, rather than pretending that they have dealt with it already," said Menon.

The scandal has deepened the divisions between Corbyn's far-left supporters and the more centrist faction of MPs who held power in the party after Tony Blair took charge in 1994.

These centrist MPs now find themselves on the sidelines and battling for their political lives in the face of aggressive attempts by Corbyn's supporters to de-select them, another issue that could raise tensions during conference.

"The leadership might try and persuade Momentum activists not to make it (de-selection) a central plank of conference but the language is getting very, very abrasive," noted Menon.

Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism.

Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism. Leader Jeremy Corbyn has a golden opportunity to capitalise on Prime Minister Theresa May's weakness after European Union leaders rejected her Brexit plans on Thursday. But he must first ensure that his party's internal tensions take a back seat to bolster his image as a prime-minister-in-waiting. "The sheer levels of animosity that exists between Corbyn and his opponents is quite remarkable," Anand Menon, political professor at King's College London, told AFP ahead of the four-day event in Liverpool. Brexit is one of the fault lines, dividing even normal allies. Most of Corbyn's MPs and his younger supporters are in favour of the EU, but many voters in the party's working-class heartlands back Brexit. Corbyn has so far tried to avoid the divisive subject, instead sticking to promoting a domestic social agenda that helped him upset the odds at last year's general election and strip May of her parliamentary majority. But with Brexit negotiations rapidly heading nowhere as the March 29 deadline looms, party members look set to force a debate and a vote on the conference floor pushing for a second referendum. Corbyn said on Sunday he would "adhere" to whatever came out of conference, although he would prefer to hold a general election instead. "This government doesn't look very strong," he told the BBC. "We could well be looking towards a general election and you know what? We are ready for it." Pro-EU supporters are due to hold a large march as the conference opens on Sunday, calling for a second vote. Corbyn will likely stick to his tried-and-tested method when he delivers his keynote speech on Wednesday, according to experts, prioritising efforts to bring down the government rather than trying to stop Brexit. Corbyn said on Sunday he voted to "remain and reform the EU" in the 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership. 'Abrasive language' Another potential issue hampering Corbyn's designs on power is the anti-Semitism row that has dogged the party since he took over in 2015. He recently admitted the party had a "real problem" with the issue, leading veteran MP Frank Field to quit last month. Field said the leadership was becoming "a force for anti-Semitism in British politics". The National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's ruling body, agreed this month to adopt in full an international definition of anti-Semitism for its code of conduct, but only after fierce opposition from those in the party who believe it will limit criticism of Israel. "I will die fighting racism in any form," Corbyn said when asked directly by the BBC whether he was an anti-Semite. When pressed on his views on Israel, Corbyn added: "It's right that people should be able to discuss the establishment of the state of Israel but recognise the existence of the state of Israel, and not prevent that type of debate." Labour's polling numbers have remained relatively stable throughout the scandal, although the chaos in the Tory party could mask any impact it has had, said Steven Fielding, professor at University of Nottingham. But the row continues to reverberate through the party. "There is a lot of resentment, a lot of bitterness which I don't think will be very easily dispelled and there may be some Labour MPs who eventually leave on the basis of anti-Semitism issues," Fielding said. A group of Labour campaigners will hold a rally on Sunday to protest Corbyn's handling of the scandal. "If they want this conference to work they are going to have to deal with anti-Semitism, rather than pretending that they have dealt with it already," said Menon. The scandal has deepened the divisions between Corbyn's far-left supporters and the more centrist faction of MPs who held power in the party after Tony Blair took charge in 1994. These centrist MPs now find themselves on the sidelines and battling for their political lives in the face of aggressive attempts by Corbyn's supporters to de-select them, another issue that could raise tensions during conference. "The leadership might try and persuade Momentum activists not to make it (de-selection) a central plank of conference but the language is getting very, very abrasive," noted Menon.

UK's Labour hopes to paper over Brexit splits for united front

President Abdulla Yameen cast his ballot Sunday in a controversial election in the Maldives just hours after police raided the opposition's campaign headquarters, fuelling fears the vote has been rigged in the China-friendly strongman's favour.

Yameen is expected to retain power and has imprisoned or forced into exile almost all his main rivals in a crackdown his critics say is returning the honeymoon island nation to authoritarian rule.

The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair.

Yameen voted minutes after polling booths opened in the capital Male, where opposition campaign efforts had been frustrated by a media crackdown and police harassment.

Before polls opened, police raided the campaign headquarters of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and searched the building for several hours in a bid to stop what they called "illegal activities". There were no arrests.

Yameen's challenger, the relatively unknown Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, also cast his vote.

Solih has the backing of a united opposition trying to oust Yameen but struggled for visibility with the electorate because the media is fearful of falling foul of heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions.

Mohamed Nasheed, who was elected president of a newly-democratic Maldives in 2008 but now lives in exile, urged the international community to reject the results of the election.

There were long queues in Male and at embassies abroad, where the opposition had urged Maldivians to turn out and vote.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm," said MDP party worker Shauna Aminath.

Afrah Mohamed, one voter in Male, said voters had turned up in big numbers before voting even began.

"It shows how important the election is for the people. It shows no matter what happens, Maldivians still believe in democracy," he said.

Some 262,000 people in the archipelago -- famed for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- can vote in an election from which independent international monitors have been barred. Only a handful of foreign media have been allowed in.

Closely watched&nbsp;

The Asian Network for Free Elections, a foreign monitoring group that was denied access to the Maldives, said the campaign was heavily tilted in favour of the 59-year-old Yameen.

The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch.

There have been warnings that Yameen could try and hold onto power at any cost.

In February he declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution and ordered troops to storm the Supreme Court and arrest judges and other rivals to stave off impeachment.

Yameen, on the eve of the election, told supporters he had overcome "huge obstacles" since controversially winning power in a contested run-off in 2013 but had handled the challenges "with resilience".

The crackdown attracted international censure and fears the Maldives was slipping back into one-man rule just a decade after transitioning to democracy.

The US State Department this month said it would "consider appropriate measures" should the election fail to be free and fair.

The EU in July also threatened travel bans and asset freezes if the situation does not improve.

India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- also expressed hopes the election would represent a return to democratic norms.&nbsp;

However in recent years Yameen has drifted closer to Beijing, India's chief regional rival taking hundreds of millions of dollars for major infrastructure projects.

A candidate must secure 50 percent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a run off three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round.

President Abdulla Yameen cast his ballot Sunday in a controversial election in the Maldives just hours after police raided the opposition's campaign headquarters, fuelling fears the vote has been rigged in the China-friendly strongman's favour.

President Abdulla Yameen cast his ballot Sunday in a controversial election in the Maldives just hours after police raided the opposition's campaign headquarters, fuelling fears the vote has been rigged in the China-friendly strongman's favour. Yameen is expected to retain power and has imprisoned or forced into exile almost all his main rivals in a crackdown his critics say is returning the honeymoon island nation to authoritarian rule. The process is being closely watched by regional rivals India and China, who are jostling to influence Indian Ocean nations. The European Union and United States, meanwhile, have threatened sanctions if the vote is not free and fair. Yameen voted minutes after polling booths opened in the capital Male, where opposition campaign efforts had been frustrated by a media crackdown and police harassment. Before polls opened, police raided the campaign headquarters of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and searched the building for several hours in a bid to stop what they called "illegal activities". There were no arrests. Yameen's challenger, the relatively unknown Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, also cast his vote. Solih has the backing of a united opposition trying to oust Yameen but struggled for visibility with the electorate because the media is fearful of falling foul of heavy-handed decrees and reporting restrictions. Mohamed Nasheed, who was elected president of a newly-democratic Maldives in 2008 but now lives in exile, urged the international community to reject the results of the election. There were long queues in Male and at embassies abroad, where the opposition had urged Maldivians to turn out and vote. "There is a lot of enthusiasm," said MDP party worker Shauna Aminath. Afrah Mohamed, one voter in Male, said voters had turned up in big numbers before voting even began. "It shows how important the election is for the people. It shows no matter what happens, Maldivians still believe in democracy," he said. Some 262,000 people in the archipelago -- famed for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- can vote in an election from which independent international monitors have been barred. Only a handful of foreign media have been allowed in. Closely watched The Asian Network for Free Elections, a foreign monitoring group that was denied access to the Maldives, said the campaign was heavily tilted in favour of the 59-year-old Yameen. The government has used "vaguely worded laws to silence dissent and to intimidate and imprison critics", some of whom have been assaulted and even murdered, according to Human Rights Watch. There have been warnings that Yameen could try and hold onto power at any cost. In February he declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution and ordered troops to storm the Supreme Court and arrest judges and other rivals to stave off impeachment. Yameen, on the eve of the election, told supporters he had overcome "huge obstacles" since controversially winning power in a contested run-off in 2013 but had handled the challenges "with resilience". The crackdown attracted international censure and fears the Maldives was slipping back into one-man rule just a decade after transitioning to democracy. The US State Department this month said it would "consider appropriate measures" should the election fail to be free and fair. The EU in July also threatened travel bans and asset freezes if the situation does not improve. India, long influential in Maldives affairs -- it sent troops and warships in 1988 to stop a coup attempt -- also expressed hopes the election would represent a return to democratic norms. However in recent years Yameen has drifted closer to Beijing, India's chief regional rival taking hundreds of millions of dollars for major infrastructure projects. A candidate must secure 50 percent of the vote to win outright, failing which there would be a run off three days later, according to election laws, but since there are only two candidates there will be no second round.

Maldives president Yameen seeks second term amid fears of rigging

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday accused EU Council President Donald Tusk of "insulting the British people" by needling Prime Minister Theresa May in a viral social media post.

Tusk created a mini-sensation during a difficult EU summit on Brexit in Salzburg by posting a photo on Instagram of himself offering May a tray of cakes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-ideas-on-post-brexit-ties-are-pure-illusion-says-european-council-president-donald-tusk-33863">UK ideas on post-Brexit ties are 'pure illusion', says European Council President Donald Tusk</a>

"A piece of cake, perhaps?" Tusk wrote alongside the picture. "Sorry, no cherries."

The comment was a biting reference to accusations by Brussels that May was "cherry-picking" the best parts of EU membership while leaving the bloc.

Her divorce proposal envisions a UK-EU free trade area for goods through a common rulebook.

But it would abandon the bloc's right to the free movement of people and see Britain adopt its own migration policy.

The EU wants to make sure the remaining 27 members do not follow Britain's example by trying to leave while preserving the benefits of free trade.

May's plan was rebuffed in Salzburg on Thursday and Tusk's post only added to what several British newspapers called her "humiliation".

The prime minister tried to regain her footing by delivering a tough television address on Friday demanding that Britain be treated with "respect".

That message was picked up and taken a step further by Hunt in an appearance on the BBC's Today radio programme on Saturday.

"Don't mistake British politeness for weakness," Hunt said.

"We need to get the tone right and insulting her, insulting the British people on social media, getting into these standoffs where you're calling people liars and so on is not the way we are going to find a solution to this difficult situation."

Tusk issued a statement on Friday evening calling himself "a close friend of the UK and a true admirer of PM May". French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier mocked some pro-Brexit British politicians as "liars."

'Plan B'

How the two sides intend to move forward with the clock ticking down to the March 29 Brexit deadline remains unclear.

Pressure is mounting on May from eurosceptics in her Tory party to abandon the so-called "Chequers" proposal for a less ambitious one that would not maintain such close EU-UK ties.

The Daily Telegraph reported that ministers intended to use a cabinet meeting on Monday to call on May to develop a "Plan B" alternative to Chequers.

May continued to insist on Friday that there were only two options on the table: trying to find a compromise on her proposal or no deal at all.

She added that it was now the EU's turn to make a counter-proposal.

"We now need to hear from the EU what the real issues are and what their alternative is so that we can discuss them. Until we do, we cannot make progress," May said.

But Hunt refused to rule out looking into an alternative to Chequers such as the deal Canada signed with the EU in 2016.

"I'm not dismissive of anything," Hunt said.

"We have been clear that we are prepared to negotiate on the Chequers proposal, but we can't talk to a void."

Canada has a much looser free trade deal that does not remove non-tariff barriers to trade.

 
May said on Friday that a basic free trade agreement of that type would see Northern Ireland "permanently separated economically from the rest of the UK".

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday accused EU Council President Donald Tusk of "insulting the British people" by needling Prime Minister Theresa May in a viral social media post.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Saturday accused EU Council President Donald Tusk of "insulting the British people" by needling Prime Minister Theresa May in a viral social media post. Tusk created a mini-sensation during a difficult EU summit on Brexit in Salzburg by posting a photo on Instagram of himself offering May a tray of cakes. Also read: UK ideas on post-Brexit ties are 'pure illusion', says European Council President Donald Tusk "A piece of cake, perhaps?" Tusk wrote alongside the picture. "Sorry, no cherries." The comment was a biting reference to accusations by Brussels that May was "cherry-picking" the best parts of EU membership while leaving the bloc. Her divorce proposal envisions a UK-EU free trade area for goods through a common rulebook. But it would abandon the bloc's right to the free movement of people and see Britain adopt its own migration policy. The EU wants to make sure the remaining 27 members do not follow Britain's example by trying to leave while preserving the benefits of free trade. May's plan was rebuffed in Salzburg on Thursday and Tusk's post only added to what several British newspapers called her "humiliation". The prime minister tried to regain her footing by delivering a tough television address on Friday demanding that Britain be treated with "respect". That message was picked up and taken a step further by Hunt in an appearance on the BBC's Today radio programme on Saturday. "Don't mistake British politeness for weakness," Hunt said. "We need to get the tone right and insulting her, insulting the British people on social media, getting into these standoffs where you're calling people liars and so on is not the way we are going to find a solution to this difficult situation." Tusk issued a statement on Friday evening calling himself "a close friend of the UK and a true admirer of PM May". French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier mocked some pro-Brexit British politicians as "liars." 'Plan B' How the two sides intend to move forward with the clock ticking down to the March 29 Brexit deadline remains unclear. Pressure is mounting on May from eurosceptics in her Tory party to abandon the so-called "Chequers" proposal for a less ambitious one that would not maintain such close EU-UK ties. The Daily Telegraph reported that ministers intended to use a cabinet meeting on Monday to call on May to develop a "Plan B" alternative to Chequers. May continued to insist on Friday that there were only two options on the table: trying to find a compromise on her proposal or no deal at all. She added that it was now the EU's turn to make a counter-proposal. "We now need to hear from the EU what the real issues are and what their alternative is so that we can discuss them. Until we do, we cannot make progress," May said. But Hunt refused to rule out looking into an alternative to Chequers such as the deal Canada signed with the EU in 2016. "I'm not dismissive of anything," Hunt said. "We have been clear that we are prepared to negotiate on the Chequers proposal, but we can't talk to a void." Canada has a much looser free trade deal that does not remove non-tariff barriers to trade. May said on Friday that a basic free trade agreement of that type would see Northern Ireland "permanently separated economically from the rest of the UK".

Britain fumes at 'insulting' Tusk post about PM's Brexit plan

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out.

"Don't worry, be happy," joked EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker after telling reporters after a summit in Austria that the Europeans had full plans in place in the event there was no deal before Britain leaves next March.

May promised new proposals to reassure Dublin that it would not get a "hard border" with the British province of Northern Ireland but warned she too could live with a no-deal outcome -- though many round the summit table in picturesque Salzburg see that as more of a negotiating tactic than a credible threat.

She said her "Chequers" proposals for trade with the EU, intended also to resolve arguments over the borders of Northern Ireland, were the only way forward. EU leaders repeated their view the plans would undermine their cherished single market.

But leaders also tried to put a positive spin on their 24 hours of talks. Summit chair Donald Tusk said he was more optimistic about getting agreements both to ease Britain out gently and to sketch out a future free trade pact.

Tusk said a Brussels summit on October 18 would be a "moment of truth" to overcome remaining big problems and leaders pencilled in the weekend of Nov. 17-18 to formalise a final agreement.

But May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were among those who stressed there was still "a lot of work" to do.

May faces a fight with angry Conservatives at her party's conference in 10 days. They deride her willingness to bind Britain into much EU regulation in return for free trade; some would prefer a no-deal "hard Brexit" in March, despite warnings that would ravage the British economy.

EU leaders understand that she can give little away before the conference ends on Oct. 3. But they hope their negotiator, Michel Barnier, can secure her agreement next month to what will be new EU proposals. These will be fundamentally unchanged but may be politically more palatable, notably on Northern Ireland.

"Ritual dance is always a part of such negotiations," a senior adviser to one of May's summit peers told Reuters.

"It may be that they will just accept what we have proposed after the Tory conference."

Whether it can be done by mid-November, many doubt. Brussels is familiar with the theatre of diplomacy, where being seen to hold out to the bitter end can help sell the unpopular back home and some diplomats believe a deal could take until Christmas.

Any later, and there would be a risk of failing to get it ratified by both parliaments before Brexit Day on March 29.

"It was clear today that we need substantial progress by October and that we then aim to finalise everything in November," Merkel said. "But there is still a lot of work to do on the question of how future trade relations will look."

"You can't belong to the single market if you are not part of the single market, but you can develop a lot of creativity to find practical, good, close solutions."

French President Emmanuel Macron rammed home the message: "It was a good and brave step by the prime minister," he said of her trade plan. "But we all agreed on this today, the proposals in their current state are not acceptable.

"The Chequers plan cannot be 'take it or leave it'."

The EU also insists on a "backstop" clause in any withdrawal treaty. This would keep Northern Ireland under EU economic oversight if London and Brussels cannot agree a trade pact to keep UK-EU borders open after a transition period ends in 2020 -- an idea that May and a small party in the province that props up her minority government oppose.

"We need to ensure that nothing is done which effectively carves Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom," May told reporters after Tusk had briefed her on the discussions the other 27 had on Brexit over lunch.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said there was no chance the EU would compromise on its demands and rejected speculation the other countries would be tempted to fudge the Irish issue until later. But he also said he thought there would be a deal.

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out.

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out. "Don't worry, be happy," joked EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker after telling reporters after a summit in Austria that the Europeans had full plans in place in the event there was no deal before Britain leaves next March. May promised new proposals to reassure Dublin that it would not get a "hard border" with the British province of Northern Ireland but warned she too could live with a no-deal outcome -- though many round the summit table in picturesque Salzburg see that as more of a negotiating tactic than a credible threat. She said her "Chequers" proposals for trade with the EU, intended also to resolve arguments over the borders of Northern Ireland, were the only way forward. EU leaders repeated their view the plans would undermine their cherished single market. But leaders also tried to put a positive spin on their 24 hours of talks. Summit chair Donald Tusk said he was more optimistic about getting agreements both to ease Britain out gently and to sketch out a future free trade pact. Tusk said a Brussels summit on October 18 would be a "moment of truth" to overcome remaining big problems and leaders pencilled in the weekend of Nov. 17-18 to formalise a final agreement. But May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were among those who stressed there was still "a lot of work" to do. May faces a fight with angry Conservatives at her party's conference in 10 days. They deride her willingness to bind Britain into much EU regulation in return for free trade; some would prefer a no-deal "hard Brexit" in March, despite warnings that would ravage the British economy. EU leaders understand that she can give little away before the conference ends on Oct. 3. But they hope their negotiator, Michel Barnier, can secure her agreement next month to what will be new EU proposals. These will be fundamentally unchanged but may be politically more palatable, notably on Northern Ireland. "Ritual dance is always a part of such negotiations," a senior adviser to one of May's summit peers told Reuters. "It may be that they will just accept what we have proposed after the Tory conference." Whether it can be done by mid-November, many doubt. Brussels is familiar with the theatre of diplomacy, where being seen to hold out to the bitter end can help sell the unpopular back home and some diplomats believe a deal could take until Christmas. Any later, and there would be a risk of failing to get it ratified by both parliaments before Brexit Day on March 29. "It was clear today that we need substantial progress by October and that we then aim to finalise everything in November," Merkel said. "But there is still a lot of work to do on the question of how future trade relations will look." "You can't belong to the single market if you are not part of the single market, but you can develop a lot of creativity to find practical, good, close solutions." French President Emmanuel Macron rammed home the message: "It was a good and brave step by the prime minister," he said of her trade plan. "But we all agreed on this today, the proposals in their current state are not acceptable. "The Chequers plan cannot be 'take it or leave it'." The EU also insists on a "backstop" clause in any withdrawal treaty. This would keep Northern Ireland under EU economic oversight if London and Brussels cannot agree a trade pact to keep UK-EU borders open after a transition period ends in 2020 -- an idea that May and a small party in the province that props up her minority government oppose. "We need to ensure that nothing is done which effectively carves Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom," May told reporters after Tusk had briefed her on the discussions the other 27 had on Brexit over lunch. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said there was no chance the EU would compromise on its demands and rejected speculation the other countries would be tempted to fudge the Irish issue until later. But he also said he thought there would be a deal.

EU pushes October Brexit agreement, threatens no deal

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners.

The Court of Session decision means the ECJ should say whether it is legally possible for Britain to stay in the world's biggest trading bloc if its parliament so decides.

Petitioners argued that legal certainty about the process is needed in advance of any British parliamentary vote because no country has ever withdrawn from the European Union.

Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit are mired in doubt after EU leaders cautioned her on Thursday that unless she presented an alternative to her current proposal, Britain would crash out of the EU without a deal.

Friday's decision could now, theoretically, be appealed again before the UK Supreme Court, although legal sources close to the case believe that option is unlikely.

Pro-European petitioners argued that while there is no legal doubt that Britain could stop Brexit with the permission of the other 27 member states, it should seek to establish a legal right to do so unilaterally whether the rest of the bloc likes it or not.

Judges at the Court of Session said they had agreed to refer the case for advice on EU law from the ECJ.

British government officials were unavailable to comment.

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners.

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners. The Court of Session decision means the ECJ should say whether it is legally possible for Britain to stay in the world's biggest trading bloc if its parliament so decides. Petitioners argued that legal certainty about the process is needed in advance of any British parliamentary vote because no country has ever withdrawn from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit are mired in doubt after EU leaders cautioned her on Thursday that unless she presented an alternative to her current proposal, Britain would crash out of the EU without a deal. Friday's decision could now, theoretically, be appealed again before the UK Supreme Court, although legal sources close to the case believe that option is unlikely. Pro-European petitioners argued that while there is no legal doubt that Britain could stop Brexit with the permission of the other 27 member states, it should seek to establish a legal right to do so unilaterally whether the rest of the bloc likes it or not. Judges at the Court of Session said they had agreed to refer the case for advice on EU law from the ECJ. British government officials were unavailable to comment.

European court should say if UK alone can stop Brexit: Scottish judges

Parliament is finalising laws that will formally end Britain's membership of the European Union, a process which has forced the government to make some important concessions that will change the dynamic of Brexit negotiations.

Below is a summary of what has happened so far and what it means for Brexit.

The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is being finalised in parliament after more than 250 hours of debate. It repeals the 1972 laws which made Britain a member of the European Community and provides the basis for existing EU law to be transferred into British law.

Having been debated by both the lower house of parliament, the Commons, and the unelected upper house, the Lords, the bill is in its final stages.

The Commons is now debating whether to accept any of the 15 changes made by the Lords against the government's wishes.

The debate began&nbsp;on Tuesday, and will resume at around 1200 GMT&nbsp;Wednesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May was forced into promising a major concession to pro-EU lawmakers&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;which could give parliament a greater say over the exit deal Britain negotiates with the European Union.

May had to do this because she does not have a clear parliamentary majority and faced defeat. Her party is split between Brexiteers who want a clean break from the EU and a pro-European faction who want to retain close ties.

So far, the government has rejected all the other changes proposed by the Lords, including an attempt to remove the fixed Brexit date of&nbsp;March 29, 2019, from the bill.

The government has always promised to give lawmakers a vote on the final exit deal it negotiates with the EU. Ministers originally wanted to make this a vote to either accept the deal or to leave without a deal.

To avoid a rebellion, May proposed a plan whereby, if parliament rejected its deal, ministers would have 28 days to come up with a plan of action and present it to lawmakers.

This was not enough to convince the rebels. Ministers then agreed to discuss ways to add additional checks and balances to the process. The government said it would discuss a three-part alternative proposal put forward by one of the rebel lawmakers.

The government has agreed to consider ways to implement the first two parts of pro-European lawmaker Dominic Grieve's plan.

The first part of Grieve's plan means that if parliament votes against the government's deal, ministers have 21 days to come back with a plan of action, which must then be approved by a vote in parliament&nbsp;within seven days.

Compared to the government's proposal, this is a shorter time to respond, and gives parliament a vote to approve the response.

The second part of Grieve's plan specifies that if the government has not reached a deal with the EU by&nbsp;November 30, ministers must submit a plan of action to parliament. This plan of action must then be approved by parliament in a vote.

This adds an extra backstop in case the government's stalled negotiations with the EU are delayed. The government is aiming to have a deal agreed in October.

A third part of Grieve's amendment, which the government has not agreed to discuss and is likely to resist, would hand control of the Brexit negotiations to parliament if an exit deal has not been agreed by&nbsp;Feb. 15&nbsp;next year.

The final compromise has yet to be agreed and will be discussed in private over the coming days.

However, whatever form it takes it will give parliament a greater say over the final deal in the event that the government either fails to reach an exit deal, or proposes an exit agreement which parliament does not accept.

This is significant because a majority in parliament wishes to see a softer Brexit deal that would retain closer customs ties with the EU after Britain leaves.

If Brexit is softened in this way, an influential group of eurosceptics in May's party could challenge her leadership. Such an outcome, though far from certain, would cast the Brexit process into disarray.

Talks with rebels will take place over coming days to negotiate a new form of words defining what say parliament will have over the process and will reveal how much ground May has given to the pro-Europeans.

This new form of words will then be presented to the Lords on&nbsp;June 18. Both houses must then agree the final wording before it becomes law. A final end-date for the process has not been fixed, but is likely to come within weeks rather than months.

The Commons is now debating whether to accept any of the 15 changes made by the Lords against the government's wishes

Parliament is finalising laws that will formally end Britain's membership of the European Union, a process which has forced the government to make some important concessions that will change the dynamic of Brexit negotiations. Below is a summary of what has happened so far and what it means for Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is being finalised in parliament after more than 250 hours of debate. It repeals the 1972 laws which made Britain a member of the European Community and provides the basis for existing EU law to be transferred into British law. Having been debated by both the lower house of parliament, the Commons, and the unelected upper house, the Lords, the bill is in its final stages. The Commons is now debating whether to accept any of the 15 changes made by the Lords against the government's wishes. The debate began on Tuesday, and will resume at around 1200 GMT Wednesday. Prime Minister Theresa May was forced into promising a major concession to pro-EU lawmakers on Tuesday which could give parliament a greater say over the exit deal Britain negotiates with the European Union. May had to do this because she does not have a clear parliamentary majority and faced defeat. Her party is split between Brexiteers who want a clean break from the EU and a pro-European faction who want to retain close ties. So far, the government has rejected all the other changes proposed by the Lords, including an attempt to remove the fixed Brexit date of March 29, 2019, from the bill. The government has always promised to give lawmakers a vote on the final exit deal it negotiates with the EU. Ministers originally wanted to make this a vote to either accept the deal or to leave without a deal. To avoid a rebellion, May proposed a plan whereby, if parliament rejected its deal, ministers would have 28 days to come up with a plan of action and present it to lawmakers. This was not enough to convince the rebels. Ministers then agreed to discuss ways to add additional checks and balances to the process. The government said it would discuss a three-part alternative proposal put forward by one of the rebel lawmakers. The government has agreed to consider ways to implement the first two parts of pro-European lawmaker Dominic Grieve's plan. The first part of Grieve's plan means that if parliament votes against the government's deal, ministers have 21 days to come back with a plan of action, which must then be approved by a vote in parliament within seven days. Compared to the government's proposal, this is a shorter time to respond, and gives parliament a vote to approve the response. The second part of Grieve's plan specifies that if the government has not reached a deal with the EU by November 30, ministers must submit a plan of action to parliament. This plan of action must then be approved by parliament in a vote. This adds an extra backstop in case the government's stalled negotiations with the EU are delayed. The government is aiming to have a deal agreed in October. A third part of Grieve's amendment, which the government has not agreed to discuss and is likely to resist, would hand control of the Brexit negotiations to parliament if an exit deal has not been agreed by Feb. 15 next year. The final compromise has yet to be agreed and will be discussed in private over the coming days. However, whatever form it takes it will give parliament a greater say over the final deal in the event that the government either fails to reach an exit deal, or proposes an exit agreement which parliament does not accept. This is significant because a majority in parliament wishes to see a softer Brexit deal that would retain closer customs ties with the EU after Britain leaves. If Brexit is softened in this way, an influential group of eurosceptics in May's party could challenge her leadership. Such an outcome, though far from certain, would cast the Brexit process into disarray. Talks with rebels will take place over coming days to negotiate a new form of words defining what say parliament will have over the process and will reveal how much ground May has given to the pro-Europeans. This new form of words will then be presented to the Lords on June 18. Both houses must then agree the final wording before it becomes law. A final end-date for the process has not been fixed, but is likely to come within weeks rather than months.

Britain's Brexit laws: What's changed and what happens next?

The UN refugee agency on Monday called on Italy and Malta to immediately allow a boat carrying hundreds of migrants to dock, describing the situation as "an urgent humanitarian imperative."

Some 629 people, including pregnant women and scores of children, were saved by SOS Mediterranean Saturday and are stuck aboard the French NGO's ship Aquarius, which is currently between Malta and Sicily waiting for a secure port.

In a statement, UNHCR "appealed to concerned governments to allow the immediate disembarkation of hundreds of people stranded in the Mediterranean since Saturday.

The agency's special envoy for migrants in the Mediterranean, Vincent Cochetel, underscored that "people are in distress, are running out of provisions and need help quickly."

"Broader issues such as who has responsibility and how these responsibilities can best be shared between States should be looked at later," he said in the statement.

Malta on Sunday reiterated its refusal to accept the ship, ignoring calls from Rome.

A Maltese government spokesman told AFP that the rescue of the migrants took place in the Libyan search and rescue area and was headed up by the rescue coordination centre in Rome, meaning Malta has no legal obligation to take in the migrants.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">Italy shuts ports to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680">migrant</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-shuts-ports-to-migrant-boat-asks-malta-to-open-its-doors-143680"> boat, asks Malta to open its doors</a>

In a statement, UNHCR "appealed to concerned governments to allow the immediate disembarkation of hundreds of people stranded in the Mediterranean since Saturday

The UN refugee agency on Monday called on Italy and Malta to immediately allow a boat carrying hundreds of migrants to dock, describing the situation as "an urgent humanitarian imperative." Some 629 people, including pregnant women and scores of children, were saved by SOS Mediterranean Saturday and are stuck aboard the French NGO's ship Aquarius, which is currently between Malta and Sicily waiting for a secure port. In a statement, UNHCR "appealed to concerned governments to allow the immediate disembarkation of hundreds of people stranded in the Mediterranean since Saturday. The agency's special envoy for migrants in the Mediterranean, Vincent Cochetel, underscored that "people are in distress, are running out of provisions and need help quickly." "Broader issues such as who has responsibility and how these responsibilities can best be shared between States should be looked at later," he said in the statement. Malta on Sunday reiterated its refusal to accept the ship, ignoring calls from Rome. A Maltese government spokesman told AFP that the rescue of the migrants took place in the Libyan search and rescue area and was headed up by the rescue coordination centre in Rome, meaning Malta has no legal obligation to take in the migrants. Also read: Italy shuts ports to migrant boat, asks Malta to open its doors

Italy, Malta must allow 'immediate disembarkation' of stranded migrants: UN

Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday.

Malta brushed off the request, saying it had nothing to do with the rescue operation, opening the prospect of a diplomatic rift between the two European Union allies.

The move by Italy's new interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who is also head of the far-right League, represents an opening gambit to make good on his electoral promises to halt the flow of migrants into the country.

"Malta takes in nobody. France pushes people back at the border, Spain defends its frontier with weapons," Salvini wrote on Facebook. "From today, Italy will also start to say no to human trafficking, no to the business of illegal immigration."

More than 600,000 migrants have reached Italy by boat from Africa in the past five years. Numbers have dropped dramatically in recent months, but rescues have increased in recent days, presenting Salvini with his first test as minister.

"My aim is to guarantee a peaceful life for these youths in Africa and for our children in Italy," Salvini said, using the Twitter hashtag "We are shutting the ports".

However, Salvini does not have authority over the ports and it was not immediately clear if his line would hold. The mayor of Naples, who has repeatedly clashed with the League leader, said he would welcome in the humanitarian boat.

"Naples is ready, without funds, to save lives," he said.

European charity SOS Mediterranee said on Twitter earlierT on Sunday that its rescue boat Aquarius had taken on board 629 migrants, including 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 other children and seven pregnant women.

The charity said the group of mainly sub-Saharan Africans were picked up in six different rescue operations off the coast of Libya and included hundreds who were plucked from the sea by Italian naval units and then transferred to the Aquarius.

"The boat is now heading north towards a secure port," SOS Mediterranee tweeted on Sunday without specifying its destination, though virtually every such migrant boat over the past five years has ended up in Italy.

Italian coordination

Its route north will take it past Malta, and the Italian government said its port authorities had written to the small island state asking it to let the Aquarius dock there.

"The island cannot continue looking the other way when it comes to respecting international conventions," said the statement, which was signed by Salvini and Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who is nominally in charge of the ports.

Malta said the rescue operations took place in international waters off Libya and were coordinated by Italy.

"Malta is neither the competent nor the coordinating authority in this case. Malta will observe prevailing laws," its government said in a brief statement.

SOS Mediterranee spokesperson Mathilde Auvillain said the Aquarius had received orders to head north after a series of sea rescues and was now was awaiting "definitive instructions".

"Our objective is the disembarkation in a port of safety of the 629 people now on board the Aquarius - some we rescued yesterday night in difficult conditions," she said.

Charity boats operating off the Libyan coast have played an increasingly important role in rescuing migrants who often put to sea in flimsy inflatable boats not designed for the open sea.

The United Nations estimates that at least 500 people have died in 2018 trying to cross the central Mediterranean, following some 2,853 fatalities last year.

Salvini has accused the charities of acting as a "taxi service" for the migrants. On Friday, he called on NATO to help Italy defend its southern shores.

Malta brushed off the request, saying it had nothing to do with the rescue operation, opening the prospect of a diplomatic rift between the two European Union allies

Italy will refuse to let a humanitarian ship carrying more than 600 migrants dock at its ports and has asked the Mediterranean island of Malta to open its doors to the vessel, government officials said on Sunday. Malta brushed off the request, saying it had nothing to do with the rescue operation, opening the prospect of a diplomatic rift between the two European Union allies. The move by Italy's new interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who is also head of the far-right League, represents an opening gambit to make good on his electoral promises to halt the flow of migrants into the country. "Malta takes in nobody. France pushes people back at the border, Spain defends its frontier with weapons," Salvini wrote on Facebook. "From today, Italy will also start to say no to human trafficking, no to the business of illegal immigration." More than 600,000 migrants have reached Italy by boat from Africa in the past five years. Numbers have dropped dramatically in recent months, but rescues have increased in recent days, presenting Salvini with his first test as minister. "My aim is to guarantee a peaceful life for these youths in Africa and for our children in Italy," Salvini said, using the Twitter hashtag "We are shutting the ports". However, Salvini does not have authority over the ports and it was not immediately clear if his line would hold. The mayor of Naples, who has repeatedly clashed with the League leader, said he would welcome in the humanitarian boat. "Naples is ready, without funds, to save lives," he said. European charity SOS Mediterranee said on Twitter earlierT on Sunday that its rescue boat Aquarius had taken on board 629 migrants, including 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 other children and seven pregnant women. The charity said the group of mainly sub-Saharan Africans were picked up in six different rescue operations off the coast of Libya and included hundreds who were plucked from the sea by Italian naval units and then transferred to the Aquarius. "The boat is now heading north towards a secure port," SOS Mediterranee tweeted on Sunday without specifying its destination, though virtually every such migrant boat over the past five years has ended up in Italy. Italian coordination Its route north will take it past Malta, and the Italian government said its port authorities had written to the small island state asking it to let the Aquarius dock there. "The island cannot continue looking the other way when it comes to respecting international conventions," said the statement, which was signed by Salvini and Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who is nominally in charge of the ports. Malta said the rescue operations took place in international waters off Libya and were coordinated by Italy. "Malta is neither the competent nor the coordinating authority in this case. Malta will observe prevailing laws," its government said in a brief statement. SOS Mediterranee spokesperson Mathilde Auvillain said the Aquarius had received orders to head north after a series of sea rescues and was now was awaiting "definitive instructions". "Our objective is the disembarkation in a port of safety of the 629 people now on board the Aquarius - some we rescued yesterday night in difficult conditions," she said. Charity boats operating off the Libyan coast have played an increasingly important role in rescuing migrants who often put to sea in flimsy inflatable boats not designed for the open sea. The United Nations estimates that at least 500 people have died in 2018 trying to cross the central Mediterranean, following some 2,853 fatalities last year. Salvini has accused the charities of acting as a "taxi service" for the migrants. On Friday, he called on NATO to help Italy defend its southern shores.

Italy shuts ports to migrant boat, asks Malta to open its doors

Spider-Man Star Tom Holland Makes Sure He’s the First to Wish Jake Gyllenhaal a Happy Birthday

 
Tom Holland is the first one of&nbsp;Jake Gyllenhaal's friends to wish him on his birthday. The two actors starred in Spider-Man: Far From Home together last year and spent a lot of time professing their love for each other. The Mysterio actor turns 41 today.&nbsp; 
 
Taking to his Instagram, Holland wrote, "I had to be the first. Happy birthday mate miss you ♥️,"&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

 
 
Gyllenhaal and Holland shared a warm camaraderie on the sets of Spider-Man: Far from Home.&nbsp;Gyllenhall even joked that&nbsp;he wants to marry Holland and Holland has referred to his co-star as his husband in posts. 
 
One of the last times the two men had fun together on social media was back in April for the shirtless handstand challenge. 
 
In recent weeks, many actors have been confirmed for the upcoming Marvel's 'Spider-Man 3'. That list does not (yet) include Gyllenhaal. Though Gyllenhaal's Mysterio presumably died on-screen during the events of Far From Home, Marvel producer Eric Carroll previously teased otherwise, suggesting the character could end up with a story arc similar to that of an iconic Doctor Strange villain. "We wanted to find our 'in' and similar to what we did with Mordo in Doctor Strange," Carroll said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/yearender-2020-how-the-uncertainty-of-2020-affected-films-from-marvel-and-dc-universe-346730">Also read: How the uncertainty of 2020 affected films from Marvel and DC Universe</a>

Gyllenhaal may remain a question mark, but we recently learned the movie will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-tobey-maguire-andrew-garfield-to-feature-in-tom-hollands-spider-man-3-348698">feature Andrew Garfield as The Amazing Spider-Man's Spider-Man</a>, Kirsten Dunst as MJ from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, and potentially more. 
 
Another big name that was dropped last week is Charlie Cox, who played Daredevil/Matt Murdock on Netflix's slate of Marvel shows. While Tobey Maguire (Sam Raimi's Spider-Man) hasn't been officially announced for the movie, fans are pretty sure he's going to be making an appearance, too. The new movie is also expected to feature Jamie Foxx as Electro from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.

Arron Banks, the outspoken founder of the Leave.eu campaign, was introduced to London envoy Alexander Yakovenko by Alexander Udod, a 'suspected Russian intelligence officer', the report said

Spider-Man Star Tom Holland Makes Sure He’s the First to Wish Jake Gyllenhaal a Happy Birthday Tom Holland is the first one of Jake Gyllenhaal's friends to wish him on his birthday. The two actors starred in Spider-Man: Far From Home together last year and spent a lot of time professing their love for each other. The Mysterio actor turns 41 today. Taking to his Instagram, Holland wrote, "I had to be the first. Happy birthday mate miss you ♥️," View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) × Gyllenhaal and Holland shared a warm camaraderie on the sets of Spider-Man: Far from Home. Gyllenhall even joked that he wants to marry Holland and Holland has referred to his co-star as his husband in posts. One of the last times the two men had fun together on social media was back in April for the shirtless handstand challenge. In recent weeks, many actors have been confirmed for the upcoming Marvel's 'Spider-Man 3'. That list does not (yet) include Gyllenhaal. Though Gyllenhaal's Mysterio presumably died on-screen during the events of Far From Home, Marvel producer Eric Carroll previously teased otherwise, suggesting the character could end up with a story arc similar to that of an iconic Doctor Strange villain. "We wanted to find our 'in' and similar to what we did with Mordo in Doctor Strange," Carroll said. Also read: How the uncertainty of 2020 affected films from Marvel and DC Universe Gyllenhaal may remain a question mark, but we recently learned the movie will feature Andrew Garfield as The Amazing Spider-Man's Spider-Man, Kirsten Dunst as MJ from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, and potentially more. Another big name that was dropped last week is Charlie Cox, who played Daredevil/Matt Murdock on Netflix's slate of Marvel shows. While Tobey Maguire (Sam Raimi's Spider-Man) hasn't been officially announced for the movie, fans are pretty sure he's going to be making an appearance, too. The new movie is also expected to feature Jamie Foxx as Electro from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.

Brexit donor held undisclosed meetings with Russian envoy: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said he was ready to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump as soon as Washington was ready, adding <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-being-considered-as-venue-for-possible-putin-trump-summit-kremlin-143280">Vienna could be a possible venue for such a summit</a>.

"As soon as the American side is ready this meeting would take place depending on my working schedule of course," Putin told reporters in the Chinese city of Qingdao.

"The US president himself repeatedly said that he would consider such a meeting helpful. I can confirm this. It's true," Putin said.

He said he did not discuss a possible meeting venue with Trump but "many" countries including Austria were keen to help in organising such a summit.&nbsp

"But I believe it's a technical issue," he said.

"It's important for such meetings -- if they take place -- to have concrete contents."

The Wall Street Journal, citing a senior European official, reported that Putin asked Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on a visit to Vienna earlier this week to help organise such a meeting and that Washington was considering it.

Under the conservative Kurz, Austria has strived to act as a mediator between Russia and the West.

While the EU-state imposed sanctions on Russia over Crimea along with the rest of the bloc, Austria did not expel Russian diplomats like other Western nations following the March poisoning of a Russian former double agent and his daughter in Britain, an attack London has accused Moscow of being behind.

'As soon as the American side is ready this meeting would take place depending on my working schedule of course,' Putin said

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said he was ready to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump as soon as Washington was ready, adding Vienna could be a possible venue for such a summit. "As soon as the American side is ready this meeting would take place depending on my working schedule of course," Putin told reporters in the Chinese city of Qingdao. "The US president himself repeatedly said that he would consider such a meeting helpful. I can confirm this. It's true," Putin said. He said he did not discuss a possible meeting venue with Trump but "many" countries including Austria were keen to help in organising such a summit. "But I believe it's a technical issue," he said. "It's important for such meetings -- if they take place -- to have concrete contents." The Wall Street Journal, citing a senior European official, reported that Putin asked Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on a visit to Vienna earlier this week to help organise such a meeting and that Washington was considering it. Under the conservative Kurz, Austria has strived to act as a mediator between Russia and the West. While the EU-state imposed sanctions on Russia over Crimea along with the rest of the bloc, Austria did not expel Russian diplomats like other Western nations following the March poisoning of a Russian former double agent and his daughter in Britain, an attack London has accused Moscow of being behind.

Putin says ready to meet Trump 'as soon as' Washington is ready

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues.

Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, resumed his tirade against Canada early Friday morning and appeared prepared to exit talks early without a consensus agreement among all seven countries.

"Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!" Trump tweeted early Friday morning ahead of his planned departure from Washington to Quebec.

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Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!
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Officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense.

"There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday.

Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US&nbsp;industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump in a rare rebuke on Thursday that the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary, adding that "no leader was forever."

British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US&nbsp;tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal.

Trump showed no sign of backing down on Friday, after earlier accusing both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US&nbsp;goods and then accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of "being so indignant."

In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added.

The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans.

The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

In Germany, top officials called for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States even as they maintained that America remained its closest partner outside of the continent.

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminum they fear could lead to a trade war. The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues. Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, resumed his tirade against Canada early Friday morning and appeared prepared to exit talks early without a consensus agreement among all seven countries. "Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better!" Trump tweeted early Friday morning ahead of his planned departure from Washington to Quebec. Looking forward to straightening out unfair Trade Deals with the G-7 countries. If it doesn’t happen, we come out even better! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2018 × Officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense. "There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday. Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures. French President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump in a rare rebuke on Thursday that the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary, adding that "no leader was forever." British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal. Trump showed no sign of backing down on Friday, after earlier accusing both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of "being so indignant." In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added. The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions. The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans. The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection. In Germany, top officials called for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States even as they maintained that America remained its closest partner outside of the continent.

G7 leaders set to clash with combative Trump over tariffs, trade

Britain's markets watchdog will press ahead with a new premium listing next month aimed at attracting companies like state-controlled Saudi Aramco to London, although the rules have been "refined" following investor criticism.

The Financial Conduct Authority's initial proposal last year led to suggestions the British government had influenced the watchdog to try to secure the Saudi energy company's planned initial public offering (IPO).

Saudi Arabia is expected to float up to 5 per cent of Aramco in Riyadh and an international venue such as London or New York in what is expected to be the biggest ever IPO and would boost the reputation of its chosen listing venue.

Britain is keen to promote London's leading position as a financial centre as it leaves the European Union but some lawmakers had questioned if the original proposal for listings by sovereign-controlled firms could weaken investor protection.

The FCA said it was pressing ahead, despite criticism of its plans by major institutional investors when they were first circulated in July last year.

"The FCA thinks there is considerable benefit to investors if corporate issuers agree to meet these additional premium requirements," the watchdog said in a statement accompanying an 83-page document outlining the new rules on Friday.

The FCA said it had made some changes following feedback, including the requirement that the election of independent directors be subject to approval from independent shareholders.

There would also be a requirement for "timely disclosures" on transactions between the sovereign and the issuer.

But there will not be a requirement for a controlling shareholder agreement, and no need for an advance sponsor opinion or advance approval by independent shareholders of certain transactions with the sovereign or its associates.

"These rules mean when a sovereign controlled company lists here, investors can benefit from the protections offered by a premium listing," FCA Chief Executive Andrew Bailey said.

The watchdog said responses to its consultation were "polarised", with big investors mostly against, and all others generally supportive.

The Investment Association, which represents big shareholders, said it was disappointed by the lack of a requirement for independent votes on the changes made. It also wants a review of the new listing category after two years to check for any unintended consequences.

"We continue to oppose the inclusion of companies in this new segment in all major equity indices as this would force UK savers to invest in these companies despite the loss of valuable and hard-won investor protections," the IA's chief executive Chris Cummings said in a statement.

Nick O'Donnell, a partner at law firm Baker McKenzie, said that overall the FCA had stuck to its guns while central planks of corporate governance standards, such as being part of a FTSE index not being automatic, remain intact.

"Although the proposal has often been linked with the possible Saudi Aramco IPO, the reality is this is much wider than that. There are a lot of other companies that have been looking at this segment," O'Donnell said.

A premium listing in London would typically require a float of at least 25 per cent of a company's shares, but the new category could allow a smaller float, the FCA said.

"Some very large companies can make a credible case for a liquid market at a free float of less than 25 per cent," it said.

The FCA said it was pressing ahead, despite criticism of its plans by major institutional investors when they were first circulated in July last year

Britain's markets watchdog will press ahead with a new premium listing next month aimed at attracting companies like state-controlled Saudi Aramco to London, although the rules have been "refined" following investor criticism. The Financial Conduct Authority's initial proposal last year led to suggestions the British government had influenced the watchdog to try to secure the Saudi energy company's planned initial public offering (IPO). Saudi Arabia is expected to float up to 5 per cent of Aramco in Riyadh and an international venue such as London or New York in what is expected to be the biggest ever IPO and would boost the reputation of its chosen listing venue. Britain is keen to promote London's leading position as a financial centre as it leaves the European Union but some lawmakers had questioned if the original proposal for listings by sovereign-controlled firms could weaken investor protection. The FCA said it was pressing ahead, despite criticism of its plans by major institutional investors when they were first circulated in July last year. "The FCA thinks there is considerable benefit to investors if corporate issuers agree to meet these additional premium requirements," the watchdog said in a statement accompanying an 83-page document outlining the new rules on Friday. The FCA said it had made some changes following feedback, including the requirement that the election of independent directors be subject to approval from independent shareholders. There would also be a requirement for "timely disclosures" on transactions between the sovereign and the issuer. But there will not be a requirement for a controlling shareholder agreement, and no need for an advance sponsor opinion or advance approval by independent shareholders of certain transactions with the sovereign or its associates. "These rules mean when a sovereign controlled company lists here, investors can benefit from the protections offered by a premium listing," FCA Chief Executive Andrew Bailey said. The watchdog said responses to its consultation were "polarised", with big investors mostly against, and all others generally supportive. The Investment Association, which represents big shareholders, said it was disappointed by the lack of a requirement for independent votes on the changes made. It also wants a review of the new listing category after two years to check for any unintended consequences. "We continue to oppose the inclusion of companies in this new segment in all major equity indices as this would force UK savers to invest in these companies despite the loss of valuable and hard-won investor protections," the IA's chief executive Chris Cummings said in a statement. Nick O'Donnell, a partner at law firm Baker McKenzie, said that overall the FCA had stuck to its guns while central planks of corporate governance standards, such as being part of a FTSE index not being automatic, remain intact. "Although the proposal has often been linked with the possible Saudi Aramco IPO, the reality is this is much wider than that. There are a lot of other companies that have been looking at this segment," O'Donnell said. A premium listing in London would typically require a float of at least 25 per cent of a company's shares, but the new category could allow a smaller float, the FCA said. "Some very large companies can make a credible case for a liquid market at a free float of less than 25 per cent," it said.

Britain's FCA goes ahead with disputed 'Aramco' listing rule

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called on Friday for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States, saying it was unclear how a summit of the Group of Seven rich nations would end.

"We have a serious situation, not just since last night or this morning, but rather the entire last few weeks," Altmaier told broadcaster ZDF.

He underlined the importance of European unity on free trade and economic interests, especially since domestic debate was continuing in the United States about punitive sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump on G7 allies like Canada, Japan and the European Union.

Leaders of G7 nations meeting in Canada from Friday are more divided than at any time in the group's 42-year history, with Trump's "America First" policies at risk of causing a global trade war and deep diplomatic schisms.

Trump has already imposed hefty tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and threatened to do the same for cars. His decisions to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and a global climate change accord have also fueled tensions.

Altmaier said the EU had long resisted imposing tariffs of its own but had shown it would do so if left with no other choice.

European leaders remained committed to continuing the dialogue with the United States if both sides were willing to make concessions, he said, although there was no sign of that at the moment.

A business leader also expressed concern. Joe Kaeser, chief executive of the engineering group Siemens, warned against deepening the transatlantic trade dispute. "Escalation was never a good answer. That's why we must try to find areas of agreement," he said in Munich.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the United States remained Germany's closest partner outside Europe. However, there were significant differences that could not be ignored, and Europe needed new partnerships, he told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

He took aim at Trump's actions on the Iran deal, trade and climate change, saying the president was willfully ignoring the negative consequences that his decisions would have on Europe and focusing solely on U.S. interests.

"None of that will make the world better, safer or more peaceful," he told the newspaper. "We were used to relying on what had been agreed. That has fundamentally changed."

Maas called for creation of a European security council, an idea backed by Chancellor Angela Merkel, and said ending the current requirement for unanimous decisions on foreign policy and security issues would make the EU more agile.

Maas also called for Europe to forge alliances with other regions, including countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

"We have a serious situation, not just since last night or this morning, but rather the entire last few weeks," Altmaier told

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called on Friday for Europe to remain unified in the face of rising trade tensions with the United States, saying it was unclear how a summit of the Group of Seven rich nations would end. "We have a serious situation, not just since last night or this morning, but rather the entire last few weeks," Altmaier told broadcaster ZDF. He underlined the importance of European unity on free trade and economic interests, especially since domestic debate was continuing in the United States about punitive sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump on G7 allies like Canada, Japan and the European Union. Leaders of G7 nations meeting in Canada from Friday are more divided than at any time in the group's 42-year history, with Trump's "America First" policies at risk of causing a global trade war and deep diplomatic schisms. Trump has already imposed hefty tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and threatened to do the same for cars. His decisions to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and a global climate change accord have also fueled tensions. Altmaier said the EU had long resisted imposing tariffs of its own but had shown it would do so if left with no other choice. European leaders remained committed to continuing the dialogue with the United States if both sides were willing to make concessions, he said, although there was no sign of that at the moment. A business leader also expressed concern. Joe Kaeser, chief executive of the engineering group Siemens, warned against deepening the transatlantic trade dispute. "Escalation was never a good answer. That's why we must try to find areas of agreement," he said in Munich. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the United States remained Germany's closest partner outside Europe. However, there were significant differences that could not be ignored, and Europe needed new partnerships, he told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. He took aim at Trump's actions on the Iran deal, trade and climate change, saying the president was willfully ignoring the negative consequences that his decisions would have on Europe and focusing solely on U.S. interests. "None of that will make the world better, safer or more peaceful," he told the newspaper. "We were used to relying on what had been agreed. That has fundamentally changed." Maas called for creation of a European security council, an idea backed by Chancellor Angela Merkel, and said ending the current requirement for unanimous decisions on foreign policy and security issues would make the EU more agile. Maas also called for Europe to forge alliances with other regions, including countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Germany urges European unity in face of trade tensions with US

The European Union ambassador to Myanmar on Wednesday warned the Southeast Asian country that receiving aid from the bloc was conditional on the protection of human and social rights.

Kristian Schmidt was addressing the opening of the Myanmar-EU Economic Forum in the capital city Naypyidaw, which was also attended by Myanmar's vice president, U Myint Swe.

The two held a bilateral meet and were also due to participate in a series of panel discussions on trade and investment.

The pair discussed "friendly matters", Myanmar's Ministry of Information said, relating to aid from the European Union with regard to the Myanmar Police Force transition and "assisting in national peace".

Schmidt was more explicit in his keynote address, pointing out that receiving European assistance was conditional on "human rights and fundamental freedoms" being respected.

"We are monitoring developments in Myanmar, including the freedom of the media, the right to peaceful assembly, the peace process, respect for the rights of ethnic minorities and the situation in Rakhine State."

Schmidt concluded that trade and investments would "suffer" if the country "starts sliding backwards on democracy, human and social rights".

Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces.

Last month, the United Nations reported that thousands of ethnic Kachin villagers had been displaced from villages near the northern Chinese border.

"What we are seeing in Kachin State over the past few weeks is wholly unacceptable, and must stop immediately. Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said.

She added that there were reports that the military had carried out aerial bombings and used heavy weapons and artillery fire in civilian areas close to the border with China.

Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces.

The European Union ambassador to Myanmar on Wednesday warned the Southeast Asian country that receiving aid from the bloc was conditional on the protection of human and social rights. Kristian Schmidt was addressing the opening of the Myanmar-EU Economic Forum in the capital city Naypyidaw, which was also attended by Myanmar's vice president, U Myint Swe. The two held a bilateral meet and were also due to participate in a series of panel discussions on trade and investment. The pair discussed "friendly matters", Myanmar's Ministry of Information said, relating to aid from the European Union with regard to the Myanmar Police Force transition and "assisting in national peace". Schmidt was more explicit in his keynote address, pointing out that receiving European assistance was conditional on "human rights and fundamental freedoms" being respected. "We are monitoring developments in Myanmar, including the freedom of the media, the right to peaceful assembly, the peace process, respect for the rights of ethnic minorities and the situation in Rakhine State." Schmidt concluded that trade and investments would "suffer" if the country "starts sliding backwards on democracy, human and social rights". Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces. Last month, the United Nations reported that thousands of ethnic Kachin villagers had been displaced from villages near the northern Chinese border. "What we are seeing in Kachin State over the past few weeks is wholly unacceptable, and must stop immediately. Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said. She added that there were reports that the military had carried out aerial bombings and used heavy weapons and artillery fire in civilian areas close to the border with China.

EU trade, aid conditional on Myanmar respecting rights, ambassador says

President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;downplayed suggestions Russia was seeking to disrupt the European Union’s cohesion, saying it was in his country’s interests for the bloc to remain “united and prosperous”.

“We have an interest in an EU that’s united and prosperous since the EU is our most important commercial and economic partner,” Putin told Austria’s ORF television a day before an official visit to Vienna.

“The more problems at the heart of the EU, the more risks and problems there are for us. We need to build cooperation with the EU,” he said.

“We don’t have a goal of dividing anything or anyone in the EU.”

Putin, who was recently re-elected to a fourth Kremlin term, also played down reported links between his United Russia party and Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), which is now part of the governing coalition in Vienna.

The FPOe — the junior partner to Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s People’s Party — supports Russia’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea and advocates the easing of economic sanctions levied against Moscow over its role in the Ukrainian crisis.

Austria was one of the few EU nations not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March.

Putin will meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen as well as Kurz&nbsp;on Tuesday.

“We have an interest in an EU that’s united and prosperous since the EU is our most important commercial and economic partner,” Putin said

President Vladimir Putin on Monday downplayed suggestions Russia was seeking to disrupt the European Union’s cohesion, saying it was in his country’s interests for the bloc to remain “united and prosperous”. “We have an interest in an EU that’s united and prosperous since the EU is our most important commercial and economic partner,” Putin told Austria’s ORF television a day before an official visit to Vienna. “The more problems at the heart of the EU, the more risks and problems there are for us. We need to build cooperation with the EU,” he said. “We don’t have a goal of dividing anything or anyone in the EU.” Putin, who was recently re-elected to a fourth Kremlin term, also played down reported links between his United Russia party and Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), which is now part of the governing coalition in Vienna. The FPOe — the junior partner to Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s People’s Party — supports Russia’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea and advocates the easing of economic sanctions levied against Moscow over its role in the Ukrainian crisis. Austria was one of the few EU nations not to expel Russian diplomats following the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain in March. Putin will meet Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen as well as Kurz on Tuesday.

Russia wants ‘united and prosperous EU’: Putin

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project.

“Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday.

“Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said.

“Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes.

Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion).

Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo.

“I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes.

The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies.

Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs.

“The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said.

Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers. A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project. “Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday. “Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said. “Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes. Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion). Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo. “I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes. The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies. Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs. “The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said. Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

France doubts UK would develop own satnav rival to Galileo

Italy's new prime minister Giuseppe Conte mostly kept quiet on his full first day in office Saturday, while his two powerful deputies took centre stage in setting the tone of the populist government's policy.

Conte, a political novice, was finally sworn in on Friday as the head of a government of ministers from the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League, ending months of uncertainty since elections in March.

But Conte was a compromise candidate between Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio and the League's Matteo Salvini -- both of whom are now his deputy prime ministers -- and he will have to walk a delicate line to push through the anti-austerity and pro-security promises their populist parties campaigned on.

The 53-year-old academic also inherited a daunting list of issues from his predecessor Paolo Gentiloni, including the financial travails of companies such as Ilva and Alitalia, a Group of Seven summit in Canada and a key EU summit at the end of the month, as well as the thorny question of immigration.

Immigration is the bugbear of Conte's interior minister, Salvini, the 45-year-old leader of the anti-immigrant, anti-Islam League.&nbsp

Salvini announced Friday that he would visit Sicily to see the situation for himself at one of the main landing points for refugees fleeing war, persecution and famine across North Africa and the Middle East.

"The good times for illegals is over -- get ready to pack your bags," Salvini said at a rally in Italy's north on Saturday, adding however that he wants to economically assist migrants' countries of origin.

His comments come after more than 150 migrants, including nine children, disembarked from a rescue ship late Friday in Sicily.

From today, the state is us

Conte attended a military parade alongside President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday, marking Republic Day for the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946.

However the new prime minister has issued few public statements since being appointed.

On Saturday he did post on Facebook that he had spoken with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron and would meet the two leaders at the G7 summit, where he will be a "spokesman for the interests of Italian citizens".

Conte has also opted to keep the country's intelligence services under his personal control.&nbsp

Deputy premier Di Maio, who is serving as economic development minister, also took to Facebook, calling for "entrepreneurs to be left alone".

"Employers and employees in Italy must not be enemies," he said, promising "I will not disappoint you".

On Saturday evening Five Star held a rally in the centre of Rome with thousands of supporters and all its ministers to celebrate "the government of change".

Di Maio told the crowd that "from today, the state is us".

Five Star's founder, former comic Beppe Grillo, rang a bell in front of the crowd, saying the sound "marks the fracture between a world that is going away and a new one that is arriving".

EU and the eurosceptics

The world will be carefully watching power relations between Conte and his two influential deputies -- particularly the European Union, given the eurosceptic government is the first populist coalition in a founding EU member.

EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called Saturday for Conte's new government to be treated with respect, having earlier sparked controversy by telling Italians to work harder and stop blaming the EU for the country's problems.&nbsp

"We should show respect towards Italy," Juncker said in an interview with the German press group Funke Mediengruppe.

Juncker said Italy must not suffer the same fate as thrice-bailed out Greece whose dignity was "trodden under foot" by its creditors when left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took office in 2015.

"That must not happen again in the present case with Italy," Juncker said.

"Italians have a clear understanding of what is good for their country. They will sort it out."

Italy's new prime minister Giuseppe Conte mostly kept quiet on his full first day in office Saturday, while his two powerful deputies took centre stage in setting the tone of the populist government's policy

Italy's new prime minister Giuseppe Conte mostly kept quiet on his full first day in office Saturday, while his two powerful deputies took centre stage in setting the tone of the populist government's policy. Conte, a political novice, was finally sworn in on Friday as the head of a government of ministers from the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League, ending months of uncertainty since elections in March. But Conte was a compromise candidate between Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio and the League's Matteo Salvini -- both of whom are now his deputy prime ministers -- and he will have to walk a delicate line to push through the anti-austerity and pro-security promises their populist parties campaigned on. The 53-year-old academic also inherited a daunting list of issues from his predecessor Paolo Gentiloni, including the financial travails of companies such as Ilva and Alitalia, a Group of Seven summit in Canada and a key EU summit at the end of the month, as well as the thorny question of immigration. Immigration is the bugbear of Conte's interior minister, Salvini, the 45-year-old leader of the anti-immigrant, anti-Islam League. Salvini announced Friday that he would visit Sicily to see the situation for himself at one of the main landing points for refugees fleeing war, persecution and famine across North Africa and the Middle East. "The good times for illegals is over -- get ready to pack your bags," Salvini said at a rally in Italy's north on Saturday, adding however that he wants to economically assist migrants' countries of origin. His comments come after more than 150 migrants, including nine children, disembarked from a rescue ship late Friday in Sicily. From today, the state is us Conte attended a military parade alongside President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday, marking Republic Day for the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946. However the new prime minister has issued few public statements since being appointed. On Saturday he did post on Facebook that he had spoken with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron and would meet the two leaders at the G7 summit, where he will be a "spokesman for the interests of Italian citizens". Conte has also opted to keep the country's intelligence services under his personal control. Deputy premier Di Maio, who is serving as economic development minister, also took to Facebook, calling for "entrepreneurs to be left alone". "Employers and employees in Italy must not be enemies," he said, promising "I will not disappoint you". On Saturday evening Five Star held a rally in the centre of Rome with thousands of supporters and all its ministers to celebrate "the government of change". Di Maio told the crowd that "from today, the state is us". Five Star's founder, former comic Beppe Grillo, rang a bell in front of the crowd, saying the sound "marks the fracture between a world that is going away and a new one that is arriving". EU and the eurosceptics The world will be carefully watching power relations between Conte and his two influential deputies -- particularly the European Union, given the eurosceptic government is the first populist coalition in a founding EU member. EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called Saturday for Conte's new government to be treated with respect, having earlier sparked controversy by telling Italians to work harder and stop blaming the EU for the country's problems. "We should show respect towards Italy," Juncker said in an interview with the German press group Funke Mediengruppe. Juncker said Italy must not suffer the same fate as thrice-bailed out Greece whose dignity was "trodden under foot" by its creditors when left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took office in 2015. "That must not happen again in the present case with Italy," Juncker said. "Italians have a clear understanding of what is good for their country. They will sort it out."

New Italy PM starts off in shadow of his powerful deputies

Thousands of supporters of Macedonia's rightwing opposition VMRO-DPMNE party took to the streets of the capital Skopje on Saturday to protest against plans to change their country's name, which has been at the centre of dispute with neighbouring Greece.

Zoran Zaev, prime minister of the former Yugoslav republic, said Wednesday that negotiations with Athens to resolve the 27-year-old dispute were in "the final stages".&nbsp

Athens objects to the neighbouring state's constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, because Greece has its own northern province called Macedonia, and fears it may imply territorial ambitions.

The contentious issue has stymied Macedonia's hopes of joining the European Union and NATO, as Greece can veto its membership bids.

The VMRO-DPMNE will not support any constitutional bid to change the name of the country, said Hristijan Mickoski, new leader of the opposition party.

"We are very clear on this subject," he added during the protest march.

Former prime minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, who governed Macedonia from 2006 to 2016, was absent from the rally after being sentenced on Wednesday to two years in jail by a Skopje court for abuse of power over the purchase of a luxury Mercedes.&nbsp

Hungary's firebrand nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a video message of support in which he hailed the party's "wise and courageous leaders... who won't bend under pressure from foreign powers".

Protests are also being organised for next week in northern Greece where some oppose what they see as a compromise solution being finalised between the Greek and Macedonian leaders.

The agreed new name will almost certainly contain "Macedonia", an outcome ardently opposed by many Greeks protective over their won northern province of Macedonia -- the cradle of the ancient empire of Alexander the Great.

Names in discussion have included "New Macedonia" and "Upper Macedonia".

According to a senior Macedonian official any name change agreed with Greece would have to be ratified by parliament and then put to a referendum.

In light of Greece's objections, the country joined the United Nations in 1993 with the unwieldy name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM for short.

But dozens of countries including the United States and Russia have already recognised the country as "Macedonia".

Zoran Zaev, prime minister of the former Yugoslav republic, said Wednesday that negotiations with Athens to resolve the 27-year-old dispute were in 'the final stages'

Thousands of supporters of Macedonia's rightwing opposition VMRO-DPMNE party took to the streets of the capital Skopje on Saturday to protest against plans to change their country's name, which has been at the centre of dispute with neighbouring Greece. Zoran Zaev, prime minister of the former Yugoslav republic, said Wednesday that negotiations with Athens to resolve the 27-year-old dispute were in "the final stages". Athens objects to the neighbouring state's constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, because Greece has its own northern province called Macedonia, and fears it may imply territorial ambitions. The contentious issue has stymied Macedonia's hopes of joining the European Union and NATO, as Greece can veto its membership bids. The VMRO-DPMNE will not support any constitutional bid to change the name of the country, said Hristijan Mickoski, new leader of the opposition party. "We are very clear on this subject," he added during the protest march. Former prime minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, who governed Macedonia from 2006 to 2016, was absent from the rally after being sentenced on Wednesday to two years in jail by a Skopje court for abuse of power over the purchase of a luxury Mercedes. Hungary's firebrand nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a video message of support in which he hailed the party's "wise and courageous leaders... who won't bend under pressure from foreign powers". Protests are also being organised for next week in northern Greece where some oppose what they see as a compromise solution being finalised between the Greek and Macedonian leaders. The agreed new name will almost certainly contain "Macedonia", an outcome ardently opposed by many Greeks protective over their won northern province of Macedonia -- the cradle of the ancient empire of Alexander the Great. Names in discussion have included "New Macedonia" and "Upper Macedonia". According to a senior Macedonian official any name change agreed with Greece would have to be ratified by parliament and then put to a referendum. In light of Greece's objections, the country joined the United Nations in 1993 with the unwieldy name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM for short. But dozens of countries including the United States and Russia have already recognised the country as "Macedonia".

Thousands join rightwing protest against Macedonia name change

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts.

On Friday, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella swore in an anti-establishment and eurosceptic government comprising the Five Star Movement and the far-right League.

Their agenda -- increased public spending in the EU's most indebted nation, coupled with anti-German rhetoric -- has led to concerns for the bloc's future and its single currency, the euro.

Also&nbsp;Friday, Spain's parliament ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.

"In Spain, it's a localised issue about corruption, but Italy is obviously very serious," John Springford of the London-based Centre for European Reform (CER) think-tank said.

"It is too big to fail in terms of the eurozone and too big to save."

While Italy is clearly the most pressing danger facing the 28-member bloc, it is not the only one.

Asked this week if Rome had become Europe's Achilles Heel, Gianni Riotta from the Council on Foreign Relations joked: "How many heels can Europe sport? Greece, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary -— too many, I'd say."

In eastern Europe, European Union officials fret that nationalist governments in Poland and Hungary are undermining democratic standards such as the independence of the judiciary and media freedom.

Brussels launched unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December over "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary.

Britain, meanwhile, is engaged in the painful and at times bitter negotiations to leave the European Union, having decided to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum.

And Greece is still recovering from its economic depression caused by a sovereign debt crisis which led to multiple bailouts by its EU partners since 2010 that exposed deep tensions in the bloc.

"Europe makes me think of someone that is on the edge of a precipice, even a little bit further along. Its nails are already in the air," former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer said this week.

Veteran financier George Soros, an outspoken proponent of greater EU integration, also warned in recent days that the project was facing "an existential crisis -- everything that could go wrong has gone wrong".

Along with its internal issues, the EU faces some of the most serious problems in transatlantic relations since World War II sparked by a series of combative decisions by US President Donald Trump

From scrapping the 2015 Iran deal against the wishes of his EU partners to imposing trade tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Trump has pursued his "American First" agenda with little regard for America's traditional allies.&nbsp;

Some analysts say they believe Trump could be the catalyst Europe needs to finally become a more cohesive bloc that comes together to act more forcefully in the face of external threats.

"Trump will perhaps succeed where no one has succeeded before him: by uniting the Europeans," said Pascale Joannin, director of the Robert Schuman think-tank.

This was French President Emmanuel Macron's hope after his election last May when he came to power promising to reform the EU and arguing that its members needed to club together in an increasingly dangerous world.

He has pitched a vision for the future in which the bloc goes further in linking its economies, political systems and armies to face a range of contemporary threats, from trade and migration to international terrorism and climate change.

A key part of his vision is wealthy northern EU members, particularly Germany, showing more solidarity towards weaker and indebted southern nations such as Italy where economies and wages have stagnated.

"I personally think that President Macron plays a vital role in brokering a new north-south settlement in the eurozone," former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg told AFP this week.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has so far failed to respond to Macron's ideas, and the new populist government in Rome makes a positive reaction even less likely, said Springford of the CER.

"My sense is that Italy is probably the nail in the coffin for Macron's reforms," he said.

Timothy Garton Ash, a British historian and author, depicted Macron as the only hope for Europe in a column published by the Guardian newspaper&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;-- but he was pessimistic about his chances.

"Italy is having a nervous breakdown, Spain weighed down by trouble at home, Poland throwing a massive wobbly, Britain hovering near the exit, and Germany slumped on the sofa. Talk about a dysfunctional family," he wrote.

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts. On Friday, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella swore in an anti-establishment and eurosceptic government comprising the Five Star Movement and the far-right League. Their agenda -- increased public spending in the EU's most indebted nation, coupled with anti-German rhetoric -- has led to concerns for the bloc's future and its single currency, the euro. Also Friday, Spain's parliament ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. "In Spain, it's a localised issue about corruption, but Italy is obviously very serious," John Springford of the London-based Centre for European Reform (CER) think-tank said. "It is too big to fail in terms of the eurozone and too big to save." While Italy is clearly the most pressing danger facing the 28-member bloc, it is not the only one. Asked this week if Rome had become Europe's Achilles Heel, Gianni Riotta from the Council on Foreign Relations joked: "How many heels can Europe sport? Greece, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary -— too many, I'd say." In eastern Europe, European Union officials fret that nationalist governments in Poland and Hungary are undermining democratic standards such as the independence of the judiciary and media freedom. Brussels launched unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December over "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary. Britain, meanwhile, is engaged in the painful and at times bitter negotiations to leave the European Union, having decided to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. And Greece is still recovering from its economic depression caused by a sovereign debt crisis which led to multiple bailouts by its EU partners since 2010 that exposed deep tensions in the bloc. "Europe makes me think of someone that is on the edge of a precipice, even a little bit further along. Its nails are already in the air," former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer said this week. Veteran financier George Soros, an outspoken proponent of greater EU integration, also warned in recent days that the project was facing "an existential crisis -- everything that could go wrong has gone wrong". Along with its internal issues, the EU faces some of the most serious problems in transatlantic relations since World War II sparked by a series of combative decisions by US President Donald Trump From scrapping the 2015 Iran deal against the wishes of his EU partners to imposing trade tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Trump has pursued his "American First" agenda with little regard for America's traditional allies. Some analysts say they believe Trump could be the catalyst Europe needs to finally become a more cohesive bloc that comes together to act more forcefully in the face of external threats. "Trump will perhaps succeed where no one has succeeded before him: by uniting the Europeans," said Pascale Joannin, director of the Robert Schuman think-tank. This was French President Emmanuel Macron's hope after his election last May when he came to power promising to reform the EU and arguing that its members needed to club together in an increasingly dangerous world. He has pitched a vision for the future in which the bloc goes further in linking its economies, political systems and armies to face a range of contemporary threats, from trade and migration to international terrorism and climate change. A key part of his vision is wealthy northern EU members, particularly Germany, showing more solidarity towards weaker and indebted southern nations such as Italy where economies and wages have stagnated. "I personally think that President Macron plays a vital role in brokering a new north-south settlement in the eurozone," former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg told AFP this week. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has so far failed to respond to Macron's ideas, and the new populist government in Rome makes a positive reaction even less likely, said Springford of the CER. "My sense is that Italy is probably the nail in the coffin for Macron's reforms," he said. Timothy Garton Ash, a British historian and author, depicted Macron as the only hope for Europe in a column published by the Guardian newspaper on Thursday -- but he was pessimistic about his chances. "Italy is having a nervous breakdown, Spain weighed down by trouble at home, Poland throwing a massive wobbly, Britain hovering near the exit, and Germany slumped on the sofa. Talk about a dysfunctional family," he wrote.

The European Union counts its crises as problems mount

The United States'&nbspclosest allies attacked the Trump administration on Friday for imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and mounted challenges with the world`s top trade body, fouling the mood at a G7 finance leaders meeting.

US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was the prime target of the criticism at the meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors in Canada, with the six other G7 member countries subject to the US&nbspmetals tariffs, which were imposed on national security grounds.

Their complaints also complicated US&nbspefforts to gain cooperation to challenge China's trade practices.&nbsp

The European Union and Canada both filed challenges with the World Trade Organization.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that the tariffs were "imposed under a false pretext of safeguarding US&nbspnational security."&nbsp

Canada's finance minister, Bill Morneau, told reporters that in a meeting with Mnuchin, "I expressed in strong terms our opposition to these tariffs in the steel and aluminium sector, our absolute view that this is absurd that Canada could in any way be a security risk."

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Mnuchin was clearly isolated on the issue, though France, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy and Canada were trying to talk the Trump administration "back to good reason."

"Unfortunately, we are going to have a G6 plus-one with the United States alone against everyone and running the risk of economic destabilisation," Le Maire told reporters.

British finance minister Philip Hammond told reporters that the US&nbspaction "worries" the G7 members, but he hoped that Friday`s discussions could lay the groundwork for G7 leaders to reach an understanding with President Donald Trump on tariffs next week at the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Quebec

"We know that the president has a very personal style. He likes to deal personally with issues," Hammond said.

Mnuchin, regarded as one of the more moderate trade voices in Trump`s cabinet, took a low profile during the G7 discussion of tariffs but was clearly "isolated," two officials participating in the talks said.

"He said it may need to be solved at the summit level," one of the officials said.

The US&nbsptariffs of 25 per cent on imports of steel and 10 percent on aluminium were imposed early on Friday on Canada, Mexico and the European Union after they refused to accept steel and aluminium quotas in negotiations with US&nbspCommerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

Trump's Twitter tirade

Trump took to Twitter again on Friday to castigate Canada after his testy exchange with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday over rocky negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Trump tweeted that Canada had treated US&nbspfarmers "very poorly for a very long period of time."

"Highly restrictive on Trade! They must open their markets and take down their trade barriers! They report a really high surplus on trade with us," he wrote. 
 
Later on Friday, Trump told reporters that he might prefer separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico instead of a revamped NAFTA.

The White House said Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron of the need to "rebalance trade with Europe."

Trump's words followed swift responses to the tariffs by Canada, Mexico and the EU, which plan to retaliate with levies on billions of dollars of US&nbspgoods, including orange juice, whiskey, blue jeans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson's stock dropped about 1 per cent on Friday, while shares of steelmakers US&nbspSteel and AK Steel both rose 2.2 per cent. The broader stock market rebounded on strong monthly jobs data.

Canada, the largest supplier of steel to the United States, said it will impose tariffs covering C$16.6 billion ($12.8 billion) on US&nbspimports, including whiskey, orange juice, steel, aluminum and other products.

Mexico announced "equivalent" measures on a wide range of US&nbspfarm and industrial products, including pork legs, apples, grapes, cheese, steel and other goods.

The EU plans tariffs on US&nbspexports running the gamut from canoes to "manicure or pedicure preparations."

"We are determined to protect the multilateral system," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said of the WTO challenge. "We are expecting everybody to play by the rules.

China complications

The complaints came on the eve of a visit by Ross to China to try to secure long-term purchases of US farm and energy commodities to help shrink the US&nbsptrade deficit and avert a looming tariff war between the world`s two largest economies. The

US&nbspteam also wants to secure greater intellectual property protections and an end to Chinese subsidies that have contributed to overproduction of steel and aluminium.

Officials at the G7 meeting said the tariffs made it more difficult for the group to work together to confront China`s trade practices, especially when Beijing, like most G7 members, supports the current World Trade Organization-based trade rules and the United States is seeking to go around them.&nbsp

Le Maire asked Mnuchin, "How can you get the Chinese to respect the international law if you don't?" one meeting participant said.

A US Treasury spokesman was not immediately available to comment on the G7 discussions.

For the EU, a decision on how far to push back will require agreement among the 28 member states that make up the world`s biggest trade bloc.

Germany, by far the biggest exporter to the United States, is keen to avoid a wider trade war, especially as the Trump administration has floated the prospect of tariffs on cars, which would potentially be devastating to German exporters. 
 
Other EU countries such as France favour a more robust stance against what they see as American bullying.&nbsp

The United States' closest allies attacked the Trump administration on Friday for imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and mounted challenges with the world`s top trade body, fouling the mood at a G7 finance leaders meeting

The United States'&nbspclosest allies attacked the Trump administration on Friday for imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and mounted challenges with the world`s top trade body, fouling the mood at a G7 finance leaders meeting. US&nbspTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was the prime target of the criticism at the meeting of Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors in Canada, with the six other G7 member countries subject to the US&nbspmetals tariffs, which were imposed on national security grounds. Their complaints also complicated US&nbspefforts to gain cooperation to challenge China's trade practices. The European Union and Canada both filed challenges with the World Trade Organization. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement that the tariffs were "imposed under a false pretext of safeguarding US&nbspnational security." Canada's finance minister, Bill Morneau, told reporters that in a meeting with Mnuchin, "I expressed in strong terms our opposition to these tariffs in the steel and aluminium sector, our absolute view that this is absurd that Canada could in any way be a security risk." French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Mnuchin was clearly isolated on the issue, though France, Germany, Japan, Britain, Italy and Canada were trying to talk the Trump administration "back to good reason." "Unfortunately, we are going to have a G6 plus-one with the United States alone against everyone and running the risk of economic destabilisation," Le Maire told reporters. British finance minister Philip Hammond told reporters that the US&nbspaction "worries" the G7 members, but he hoped that Friday`s discussions could lay the groundwork for G7 leaders to reach an understanding with President Donald Trump on tariffs next week at the G7 summit in Charlevoix, Quebec "We know that the president has a very personal style. He likes to deal personally with issues," Hammond said. Mnuchin, regarded as one of the more moderate trade voices in Trump`s cabinet, took a low profile during the G7 discussion of tariffs but was clearly "isolated," two officials participating in the talks said. "He said it may need to be solved at the summit level," one of the officials said. The US&nbsptariffs of 25 per cent on imports of steel and 10 percent on aluminium were imposed early on Friday on Canada, Mexico and the European Union after they refused to accept steel and aluminium quotas in negotiations with US&nbspCommerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Trump's Twitter tirade Trump took to Twitter again on Friday to castigate Canada after his testy exchange with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday over rocky negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump tweeted that Canada had treated US&nbspfarmers "very poorly for a very long period of time." "Highly restrictive on Trade! They must open their markets and take down their trade barriers! They report a really high surplus on trade with us," he wrote. Later on Friday, Trump told reporters that he might prefer separate trade deals with Canada and Mexico instead of a revamped NAFTA. The White House said Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron of the need to "rebalance trade with Europe." Trump's words followed swift responses to the tariffs by Canada, Mexico and the EU, which plan to retaliate with levies on billions of dollars of US&nbspgoods, including orange juice, whiskey, blue jeans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson's stock dropped about 1 per cent on Friday, while shares of steelmakers US&nbspSteel and AK Steel both rose 2.2 per cent. The broader stock market rebounded on strong monthly jobs data. Canada, the largest supplier of steel to the United States, said it will impose tariffs covering C$16.6 billion ($12.8 billion) on US&nbspimports, including whiskey, orange juice, steel, aluminum and other products. Mexico announced "equivalent" measures on a wide range of US&nbspfarm and industrial products, including pork legs, apples, grapes, cheese, steel and other goods. The EU plans tariffs on US&nbspexports running the gamut from canoes to "manicure or pedicure preparations." "We are determined to protect the multilateral system," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said of the WTO challenge. "We are expecting everybody to play by the rules. China complications The complaints came on the eve of a visit by Ross to China to try to secure long-term purchases of US farm and energy commodities to help shrink the US&nbsptrade deficit and avert a looming tariff war between the world`s two largest economies. The US&nbspteam also wants to secure greater intellectual property protections and an end to Chinese subsidies that have contributed to overproduction of steel and aluminium. Officials at the G7 meeting said the tariffs made it more difficult for the group to work together to confront China`s trade practices, especially when Beijing, like most G7 members, supports the current World Trade Organization-based trade rules and the United States is seeking to go around them. Le Maire asked Mnuchin, "How can you get the Chinese to respect the international law if you don't?" one meeting participant said. A US Treasury spokesman was not immediately available to comment on the G7 discussions. For the EU, a decision on how far to push back will require agreement among the 28 member states that make up the world`s biggest trade bloc. Germany, by far the biggest exporter to the United States, is keen to avoid a wider trade war, especially as the Trump administration has floated the prospect of tariffs on cars, which would potentially be devastating to German exporters. Other EU countries such as France favour a more robust stance against what they see as American bullying.

US isolated at G7 meeting as tariffs prompt retaliation

President Donald Trump intends to impose steep import duties on steel and aluminium imports from Europe starting Friday, after weeks of talks failed to reach a compromise, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Trade officials from Washington and Brussels had continued discussions to find a solution, such as import quotas, that would convince Trump to extend the exemption for the European Union from the 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium.

But The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter saying a last-minute deal appeared unlikely, and the tariff announcement could come as early as Thursday.

Trump imposed the tariffs in March to address the global oversupply of the metals but thought it was largely aimed at China it hit US allies as well.

Washington exempted Canada and Mexico from the tariffs while negotiations continue to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, and South Korea agreed to quotas instead of tariffs.

The EU has vowed to hit back at the US with tariffs on American goods, including iconic items such as Harley-Davidson motorbikes, blue jeans and bourbon whiskey.

The metals dispute is just one front in Trump's multi-sided trade confrontation that has hit economic partners and adversaries alike. He has veered from threats to compromise and back again, sowing confusion in global capitals.

He is pressing ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods, even after last week saying that dispute was "on hold," and 25 per cent tariffs on auto imports, which is likely to spark a fierce reaction from the EU as well.

The EU has vowed to hit back at the US with tariffs on American goods, including iconic items such as Harley-Davidson motorbikes, blue jeans and bourbon whiskey

President Donald Trump intends to impose steep import duties on steel and aluminium imports from Europe starting Friday, after weeks of talks failed to reach a compromise, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. Trade officials from Washington and Brussels had continued discussions to find a solution, such as import quotas, that would convince Trump to extend the exemption for the European Union from the 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium. But The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter saying a last-minute deal appeared unlikely, and the tariff announcement could come as early as Thursday. Trump imposed the tariffs in March to address the global oversupply of the metals but thought it was largely aimed at China it hit US allies as well. Washington exempted Canada and Mexico from the tariffs while negotiations continue to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, and South Korea agreed to quotas instead of tariffs. The EU has vowed to hit back at the US with tariffs on American goods, including iconic items such as Harley-Davidson motorbikes, blue jeans and bourbon whiskey. The metals dispute is just one front in Trump's multi-sided trade confrontation that has hit economic partners and adversaries alike. He has veered from threats to compromise and back again, sowing confusion in global capitals. He is pressing ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods, even after last week saying that dispute was "on hold," and 25 per cent tariffs on auto imports, which is likely to spark a fierce reaction from the EU as well.

United States to impose steel tariffs on European Union: Report

The bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, the European Union (EU) wants to preserve the landmark Iran nuclear deal for security interests.

"For us, this is not about economic interest this is about security interests for the EU," Xinhua quoted Mogherini as saying.

The remark was made at a press conference following the EU's monthly Foreign Affairs Council.

Since the day the United States (US) pulled out of the deal, Mogherini, on different occasions, assured Iran saying, as long as Iran abides by all its nuclear-related commitments, the EU will stick to the deal.

Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US will "crush" Iran with military pressure and by imposing sanctions till the time it changes its behaviour in the Middle East.

Pompeo also said the US will monitor Tehran's regional activities, restrict its influence in the Middle East and ensure that it never acquires a nuclear weapon.

On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced the Washington withdrawal from the JCPOA or the Iran nuclear deal which limited the country's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme.

The remark was made at a press conference following the EU's monthly Foreign Affairs Council

The bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, the European Union (EU) wants to preserve the landmark Iran nuclear deal for security interests. "For us, this is not about economic interest this is about security interests for the EU," Xinhua quoted Mogherini as saying. The remark was made at a press conference following the EU's monthly Foreign Affairs Council. Since the day the United States (US) pulled out of the deal, Mogherini, on different occasions, assured Iran saying, as long as Iran abides by all its nuclear-related commitments, the EU will stick to the deal. Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US will "crush" Iran with military pressure and by imposing sanctions till the time it changes its behaviour in the Middle East. Pompeo also said the US will monitor Tehran's regional activities, restrict its influence in the Middle East and ensure that it never acquires a nuclear weapon. On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced the Washington withdrawal from the JCPOA or the Iran nuclear deal which limited the country's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme.

European Union to preserve Iran nuclear deal for security concerns

The European Union on Monday presented a directive aimed at curbing the use of plastic in cities and oceans by banning several single-use plastic products, found mostly on beaches.&nbsp

Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025.

The commission vice president said that the products won't be off the market but will be made by different materials. The commissioners have warned that if nothing is done, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.

"Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem," EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said.

"Today's proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures," Timmermans added.

Member states must reduce the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups, by promoting alternatives for sale or ensuring they are not offered free.

Under the plan, producers must contribute to the costs of waste management and will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives.

For example, it calls for producers of plastic fishing gear to cover the cost of waste collection from port reception facilities.

The plan calls for producers to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said businesses will benefit from one set of rules for an EU market of around 500 million people. 
&nbsp

Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025

The European Union on Monday presented a directive aimed at curbing the use of plastic in cities and oceans by banning several single-use plastic products, found mostly on beaches. Single-use plastic products such as straws, cutlery, cotton buds will be banned while urging the collection of most plastic drinks bottles by 2025. The commission vice president said that the products won't be off the market but will be made by different materials. The commissioners have warned that if nothing is done, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050. "Plastic waste is undeniably a big issue and Europeans need to act together to tackle this problem," EU First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said. "Today's proposals will reduce single-use plastics on our supermarket shelves through a range of measures," Timmermans added. Member states must reduce the use of plastic food containers and drinks cups, by promoting alternatives for sale or ensuring they are not offered free. Under the plan, producers must contribute to the costs of waste management and will be offered incentives to develop less polluting alternatives. For example, it calls for producers of plastic fishing gear to cover the cost of waste collection from port reception facilities. The plan calls for producers to clearly label products and inform consumers how the waste should be disposed of. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said businesses will benefit from one set of rules for an EU market of around 500 million people.

European Union proposes ban on single-use plastic products

Germany's biggest lenders have shied away from business with Iran after past penalties for breaching US sanctions, but smaller banks have leapt on opportunities afforded by the nuclear deal rejected by Donald Trump.

There are just months to go until a November deadline issued by Washington after the US president abandoned a hard-fought agreement that loosened business restrictions on the Islamic Republic in exchange for Tehran giving up its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

But some firms plan to press on in their dealings with Iran despite the looming threat of penalties.

"We will continue to serve our clients," for now, said Patrizia Melfi, a director at the "international competence centre" (KCI) founded by six cooperative savings banks in the small town of Tuttlingen in southwest Germany.

The centre, which supports companies operating in sensitive markets like Iran or Sudan, has seen demand "rising sharply in the last few years, from firms listed on the Dax (Germany's index of blue-chip firms), from all over Germany and from Switzerland," she added.

German exports to Iran have grown since the nuclear deal was signed in 2015, adding 15.5 percent last year to reach almost 2.6 billion euros ($3.0 billion) after 22-percent growth in 2016.

Such figures remain vanishingly small compared with Germany's 111.5 billion euros in exports to the US -- its top customer.

Nevertheless, the KCI will "wait and see what the sanctions look like" before turning away from Iran, Melfi said.

Walking on eggshells

Already, firms dealing with Tehran must take great care not to fall foul of US restrictions.

Transactions are carried out in euros, and the KCI does not deal with businesses that have American citizens or green card resident holders on their boards.

What's more, products sold to Iran cannot contain more than 10 percent of parts manufactured in the US.

One of the most important inputs for the business is "courage among our managers" given the high risks involved, Melfi said.

Germany's two biggest banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, avoid Iran completely after being slapped with harsh fines in 2015 over their dealings there, with Deutsche alone paying $258 million in penalties.

DZ Bank, which operates as a central bank for more than 1,000 local co-op lenders, is withdrawing completely from payment services there, a spokesman told AFP.

That left KCI to seek out the German branch of Iranian state-owned bank Melli in Hamburg.

Even that linkage could break if Iran's biggest business bank appears on a US list of barred businesses as it has before.

Meanwhile, among Germany's roughly 390 Sparkasse savings banks, business with the regime is mostly limited to producing documents linked to export contracts.

"We will be looking even more closely at those" in the future, a person familiar with the trade told AFP.

Elsewhere in the German economy, the European-Iranian Trade Bank (EIH) founded in 1971 is another conduit to Tehran.

Also based in Hamburg, it for now remains "fully available to you with our products and services", the bank assures clients on its website, although "business policy decisions by European banks may result in short term or medium term restrictions on payments".

Effectively protected

Neither does the Bundesbank (German central bank) believe that much has so far changed for business with Iran.

"Only the European Union's sanctions regime will be decisive", if and when it is changed, the institution told AFP.

Any payment involving an Iranian party would have to be approved by the Bundesbank if things return to their pre-January 2016 state.

German banking lobby group Kreditwirtschaft has called on Berlin and other EU nations to clarify their stance -- and to make sure banks and their clients are "effectively protected against possible American sanctions".

KCI's Melfi said time is running out for EU governments to act.

"Many firms just want to stop anything with Iran, since they can't calculate the risk of staying," she noted.

On Friday for the first time since the Iran nuclear deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany gathered in Vienna -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, to discuss how to save the agreement.

Germany's biggest lenders have shied away from business with Iran after past penalties for breaching US sanctions

Germany's biggest lenders have shied away from business with Iran after past penalties for breaching US sanctions, but smaller banks have leapt on opportunities afforded by the nuclear deal rejected by Donald Trump. There are just months to go until a November deadline issued by Washington after the US president abandoned a hard-fought agreement that loosened business restrictions on the Islamic Republic in exchange for Tehran giving up its pursuit of nuclear weapons. But some firms plan to press on in their dealings with Iran despite the looming threat of penalties. "We will continue to serve our clients," for now, said Patrizia Melfi, a director at the "international competence centre" (KCI) founded by six cooperative savings banks in the small town of Tuttlingen in southwest Germany. The centre, which supports companies operating in sensitive markets like Iran or Sudan, has seen demand "rising sharply in the last few years, from firms listed on the Dax (Germany's index of blue-chip firms), from all over Germany and from Switzerland," she added. German exports to Iran have grown since the nuclear deal was signed in 2015, adding 15.5 percent last year to reach almost 2.6 billion euros ($3.0 billion) after 22-percent growth in 2016. Such figures remain vanishingly small compared with Germany's 111.5 billion euros in exports to the US -- its top customer. Nevertheless, the KCI will "wait and see what the sanctions look like" before turning away from Iran, Melfi said. Walking on eggshells Already, firms dealing with Tehran must take great care not to fall foul of US restrictions. Transactions are carried out in euros, and the KCI does not deal with businesses that have American citizens or green card resident holders on their boards. What's more, products sold to Iran cannot contain more than 10 percent of parts manufactured in the US. One of the most important inputs for the business is "courage among our managers" given the high risks involved, Melfi said. Germany's two biggest banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, avoid Iran completely after being slapped with harsh fines in 2015 over their dealings there, with Deutsche alone paying $258 million in penalties. DZ Bank, which operates as a central bank for more than 1,000 local co-op lenders, is withdrawing completely from payment services there, a spokesman told AFP. That left KCI to seek out the German branch of Iranian state-owned bank Melli in Hamburg. Even that linkage could break if Iran's biggest business bank appears on a US list of barred businesses as it has before. Meanwhile, among Germany's roughly 390 Sparkasse savings banks, business with the regime is mostly limited to producing documents linked to export contracts. "We will be looking even more closely at those" in the future, a person familiar with the trade told AFP. Elsewhere in the German economy, the European-Iranian Trade Bank (EIH) founded in 1971 is another conduit to Tehran. Also based in Hamburg, it for now remains "fully available to you with our products and services", the bank assures clients on its website, although "business policy decisions by European banks may result in short term or medium term restrictions on payments". Effectively protected Neither does the Bundesbank (German central bank) believe that much has so far changed for business with Iran. "Only the European Union's sanctions regime will be decisive", if and when it is changed, the institution told AFP. Any payment involving an Iranian party would have to be approved by the Bundesbank if things return to their pre-January 2016 state. German banking lobby group Kreditwirtschaft has called on Berlin and other EU nations to clarify their stance -- and to make sure banks and their clients are "effectively protected against possible American sanctions". KCI's Melfi said time is running out for EU governments to act. "Many firms just want to stop anything with Iran, since they can't calculate the risk of staying," she noted. On Friday for the first time since the Iran nuclear deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany gathered in Vienna -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, to discuss how to save the agreement.

Iran sanctions shadow falls on smaller German banks

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal.

For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;

He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria.

Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat.

According to a report seen by AFP&nbsp;Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions.

The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based.&nbsp;

Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not.

The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text.

However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions

Signatories of the Iran nuclear deal meet with the Islamic republic in Vienna on Friday in a bid to save the agreement two weeks after Washington's dramatic withdrawal. For the first time since the deal came into force in 2015, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany will gather -- at Iran's request -- without the United States, which pulled out on May 8. US President Donald Trump has long trashed the deal with Iran -- concluded under his predecessor Barack Obama -- saying it did not do enough to curtail Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He also said it did not go far enough in restricting Iran's ballistic missile programme, or its intervention in regional conflicts from Yemen to Iraq and Syria. Since the US's pull out, the other signatories have since embarked on a diplomatic marathon to try to keep the agreement afloat. According to a report seen by AFP Thursday, an International Atomic Energy Agency report shows Iran is still abiding by the deal's key restrictions on its nuclear facilities in return for relief from damaging economic sanctions. The IAEA, however, is "encouraging (Iran) to go above and beyond the requirements" of the deal in order to boost confidence, said a senior diplomat in Vienna, where the IAEA is based. Iran said it is waiting for concrete measures from the EU nations before it decides whether the deal can be saved while threatening to restart its uranium enrichment programme at an "industrial level" if not. The five signatories still committed to the agreement have said they want Iran to stay in the deal, with the European countries saying they would not rule out further talks with the Islamic Republic on an expanded text. However, several Iranian officials warned that the Vienna meeting would be devoted to the existing agreement only, implying that there was no question of broadening the discussions.

Iran nuclear deal signatories meet for the first time since US pullout

Irish voters are heading to the polls on Friday to vote in a landmark referendum on whether the country should liberalise some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe.

The campaign has dominated public debate in Ireland over recent months and has forced its nearly 3.5 million voters to decide if the constitutional ban on abortion should stay or go.

Opinion polls have suggested the result could be close, with large numbers of undecided voters hanging in the balance.

Ireland was traditionally one of the most staunchly Roman Catholic countries in Europe. However, the church's influence has waned in recent years following a series of child sex abuse scandals.

The referendum comes three years after Ireland voted to legalise same-sex marriage, in a seismic change for the EU nation.

Voters have from 7:00 am (0600 GMT) until 10:00 pm on Friday to cast their ballots.

The count is to begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, with the result expected to be announced at Dublin Castle later in the day.

Early votes on remote isles

Voters on 12 remote islands in the Atlantic Ocean went to the polls a day early on Thursday to ensure the ballot boxes could be shipped or flown to count centres on the mainland in case of poor weather.

After voters on Gola -- total electorate 29 -- off the Donegal northwest coast cast their ballots, the sealed ballot box was taken back to the mainland on a 10-minute ferry ride by a policeman and an election official.

The eighth amendment to the Irish constitution was installed following a 1983 referendum which approved outlawing abortion.

Subsequent legislation ruled anyone having an abortion could face up to 14 years in jail.

The ban has led to thousands of women travelling each year to neighbouring Britain where terminations are legal, or increasingly turning to abortion pills sold online.

The law was tweaked in 2013 to allow terminations if the mother's life is at risk, following the death of Savita Halappanavar, a pregnant woman originally from India who was refused an abortion.

The Irish government has proposed that if the eighth amendment is repealed, abortion will be allowed up to 12 weeks and between 12 and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.

Split views

The debate has split the country.

Gavin Boyne, 20, a philosophy student wearing a pink hoodie from the Love Both pro-life movement, said he owed his life to the eighth amendment.

His mother had accidentally got pregnant and had been sent to England by her parents for a termination, before they had a change of heart.

"My grandparents recognised that I was a unique human being with value and so they couldn't have had me killed. If the eighth amendment wasn't there in 1998, I wouldn't be here today," he said.

Meanwhile Ciara Grealy, 21, from Dublin, said: "I don't know see we should export women to another country to have something that should be done safely and legally here.

"One of my best friends had to do it. She found out she was pregnant the doctors said 'our hands are tied'. She had to get a flight to Liverpool with her parents." She said her friend had found seeing the omnipresent referendum placards distressing.

Activists were out on a final push for votes on Thursday, attempting to convince wavering voters in what has been an emotionally-charged campaign.

Meanwhile city streets are filled with people wearing campaign badges, stickers and tops.

Cian Flaherty, 22, a history student at Dublin's Trinity College, said it was a matter of human rights and "the unborn is a human being".

"Often times, the narrative of choice is a false narrative. A lot of the time, if you feel you've got no support and the only option you have is a termination, I don't think that's a genuine choice," he said.

Caoimhe Mulcahy, 27, an actor from County Clare in western Ireland, said it was a question of women's health and many had "really suffered" with unregulated, unsafe and illegal abortions.

"There isn't one easy solution but people are suffering and we need to change it," she said.

The campaign has dominated public debate in Ireland over recent months and has forced its nearly 3.5 million voters to decide if the constitutional ban on abortion should stay or go

Irish voters are heading to the polls on Friday to vote in a landmark referendum on whether the country should liberalise some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe. The campaign has dominated public debate in Ireland over recent months and has forced its nearly 3.5 million voters to decide if the constitutional ban on abortion should stay or go. Opinion polls have suggested the result could be close, with large numbers of undecided voters hanging in the balance. Ireland was traditionally one of the most staunchly Roman Catholic countries in Europe. However, the church's influence has waned in recent years following a series of child sex abuse scandals. The referendum comes three years after Ireland voted to legalise same-sex marriage, in a seismic change for the EU nation. Voters have from 7:00 am (0600 GMT) until 10:00 pm on Friday to cast their ballots. The count is to begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, with the result expected to be announced at Dublin Castle later in the day. Early votes on remote isles Voters on 12 remote islands in the Atlantic Ocean went to the polls a day early on Thursday to ensure the ballot boxes could be shipped or flown to count centres on the mainland in case of poor weather. After voters on Gola -- total electorate 29 -- off the Donegal northwest coast cast their ballots, the sealed ballot box was taken back to the mainland on a 10-minute ferry ride by a policeman and an election official. The eighth amendment to the Irish constitution was installed following a 1983 referendum which approved outlawing abortion. Subsequent legislation ruled anyone having an abortion could face up to 14 years in jail. The ban has led to thousands of women travelling each year to neighbouring Britain where terminations are legal, or increasingly turning to abortion pills sold online. The law was tweaked in 2013 to allow terminations if the mother's life is at risk, following the death of Savita Halappanavar, a pregnant woman originally from India who was refused an abortion. The Irish government has proposed that if the eighth amendment is repealed, abortion will be allowed up to 12 weeks and between 12 and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances. Split views The debate has split the country. Gavin Boyne, 20, a philosophy student wearing a pink hoodie from the Love Both pro-life movement, said he owed his life to the eighth amendment. His mother had accidentally got pregnant and had been sent to England by her parents for a termination, before they had a change of heart. "My grandparents recognised that I was a unique human being with value and so they couldn't have had me killed. If the eighth amendment wasn't there in 1998, I wouldn't be here today," he said. Meanwhile Ciara Grealy, 21, from Dublin, said: "I don't know see we should export women to another country to have something that should be done safely and legally here. "One of my best friends had to do it. She found out she was pregnant the doctors said 'our hands are tied'. She had to get a flight to Liverpool with her parents." She said her friend had found seeing the omnipresent referendum placards distressing. Activists were out on a final push for votes on Thursday, attempting to convince wavering voters in what has been an emotionally-charged campaign. Meanwhile city streets are filled with people wearing campaign badges, stickers and tops. Cian Flaherty, 22, a history student at Dublin's Trinity College, said it was a matter of human rights and "the unborn is a human being". "Often times, the narrative of choice is a false narrative. A lot of the time, if you feel you've got no support and the only option you have is a termination, I don't think that's a genuine choice," he said. Caoimhe Mulcahy, 27, an actor from County Clare in western Ireland, said it was a question of women's health and many had "really suffered" with unregulated, unsafe and illegal abortions. "There isn't one easy solution but people are suffering and we need to change it," she said.

Ireland heads to vote in historic abortion referendum

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border.

In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition.&nbsp

Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures.

The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. &nbsp&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters".

UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations.

Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel.

With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30.

Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period.

Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators.

The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks.

It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border. In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition. Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures. The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters". UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland. Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations. Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel. With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30. Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period. Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators. The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks. It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Gaza violence: Israel's Supreme Court upholds open-fire rules on Gaza border

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons'&nbsp(PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week.

The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds.

The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain.

The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. 
 
It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU).

The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries.

"We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week. The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds. The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain. The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU). The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries. "We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

Pakistan key source of money laundering in UK: Report

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Bosnia on Sunday to hold his only election rally outside Turkey, while other EU countries have banned such events ahead of Ankara's presidential and parlimentary elections next month.

The capital Sarajevo was chosen for the event after countries such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have barred Turkish politicians from holding such rallies, stoking tensions between Ankara and Brussels.

Turkey is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, with three million expatriate Turks allowed to vote, including 1.4 million in Germany.&nbsp;

Thousands of people, many wearing scarves and banners carrying pictures of the Turkish leader, and waving Turkish flags, converged on Sarajevo's largest sports venue, Zetra, where the rally was to be held.&nbsp;

And giant billboards welcomed Erdogan in Turkish and Bosnian.

Security was tight, with local media reporting that crowds of up to 20,000 were expected.&nbsp;

Rally for "Sultan Erdogan"

Despite the ban in other European countries, Bosnia had not been expected to stop Turkish politicians from campaigning on its soil, given the close ties between Bosnian Muslim leader Bakir Izetbegovic and his SDA party and Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).&nbsp;

According to Bosnian media, the AKP is planning to open a representative office in Bosnia soon.

"We will show that he (Erdogan) has friends and that there are those who are proud of him," Izetbegovic, the Muslim member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, told his supporters last week.

The Turkish leader was not liked in the West and there were many "who do not like him in this country", because "he is a powerful Muslim leader that we have not had for a long time," Izetbegovic argued.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, support was not unanimous.

In an ironic front page article, the daily newspaper Vecernji list asked whether, after the rally for "Sultan" Erdogan, Sarajevo might not soon be welcoming Russian leader Vladimir Putin or even Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

We will die for him

"Why hold a rally in Bosnia rather than in Turkey. Of course, I mind," pensioner Spomenka Beus, 74, told AFP.

But, Muhamed Yanik, a 20-year-old student, said he had travelled 28 hours by bus from Germany to see Erdogan.

"If he says so, we will die for him," Yanik said.&nbsp;

But others, such as theatre director Dino Mustafic, felt Erdogan's visit harked back to the colonial times of the Ottoman Empire, when the Balkans, notably Bosnia, were ruled by the Ottomans for more than four centuries until 1878.

The event would be an occasion for "poor local people to euphorically applaud their sultan," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Bosnian Serb leader Milord Dodik accused the Turkish leader of "interfering" in Bosnia's affairs.

Turkey has excellent relations with Bosnia and Turkish companies have played a major role in the country's reconstruction following its 1990s inter-ethnic war.

Erdogan has called snap presidential and parliamentary elections for June 24, bringing the polls forward by a year-and a half.&nbsp;

Half of Bosnia's 3.5 million citizens are Muslims, a third are Serbs, while Croats make some 15 percent of the population.

The rally, the only one Erdogan will attend outside Turkey, is due to start around 3:00 pm (1300 GMT).

His supporters are expected to arrive from all over Europe, from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Scandinavia, the Netherlands Switzerland, Italy or Hungary.

The expatriate European vote is generally a source of support Erdogan's AKP and officials are keen to rouse a strong turnout in Europe.

The early election in Turkey is set to accelerate its transition to the new presidential system with full executive powers which critics fear will lead to a one-man rule.

The capital Sarajevo was chosen for the event after countries such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have barred Turkish politicians from holding such rallies, stoking tensions between Ankara and Brussels

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Bosnia on Sunday to hold his only election rally outside Turkey, while other EU countries have banned such events ahead of Ankara's presidential and parlimentary elections next month. The capital Sarajevo was chosen for the event after countries such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have barred Turkish politicians from holding such rallies, stoking tensions between Ankara and Brussels. Turkey is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, with three million expatriate Turks allowed to vote, including 1.4 million in Germany. Thousands of people, many wearing scarves and banners carrying pictures of the Turkish leader, and waving Turkish flags, converged on Sarajevo's largest sports venue, Zetra, where the rally was to be held. And giant billboards welcomed Erdogan in Turkish and Bosnian. Security was tight, with local media reporting that crowds of up to 20,000 were expected. Rally for "Sultan Erdogan" Despite the ban in other European countries, Bosnia had not been expected to stop Turkish politicians from campaigning on its soil, given the close ties between Bosnian Muslim leader Bakir Izetbegovic and his SDA party and Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). According to Bosnian media, the AKP is planning to open a representative office in Bosnia soon. "We will show that he (Erdogan) has friends and that there are those who are proud of him," Izetbegovic, the Muslim member of Bosnia's tripartite presidency, told his supporters last week. The Turkish leader was not liked in the West and there were many "who do not like him in this country", because "he is a powerful Muslim leader that we have not had for a long time," Izetbegovic argued. Nevertheless, support was not unanimous. In an ironic front page article, the daily newspaper Vecernji list asked whether, after the rally for "Sultan" Erdogan, Sarajevo might not soon be welcoming Russian leader Vladimir Putin or even Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. We will die for him "Why hold a rally in Bosnia rather than in Turkey. Of course, I mind," pensioner Spomenka Beus, 74, told AFP. But, Muhamed Yanik, a 20-year-old student, said he had travelled 28 hours by bus from Germany to see Erdogan. "If he says so, we will die for him," Yanik said. But others, such as theatre director Dino Mustafic, felt Erdogan's visit harked back to the colonial times of the Ottoman Empire, when the Balkans, notably Bosnia, were ruled by the Ottomans for more than four centuries until 1878. The event would be an occasion for "poor local people to euphorically applaud their sultan," he tweeted. Bosnian Serb leader Milord Dodik accused the Turkish leader of "interfering" in Bosnia's affairs. Turkey has excellent relations with Bosnia and Turkish companies have played a major role in the country's reconstruction following its 1990s inter-ethnic war. Erdogan has called snap presidential and parliamentary elections for June 24, bringing the polls forward by a year-and a half. Half of Bosnia's 3.5 million citizens are Muslims, a third are Serbs, while Croats make some 15 percent of the population. The rally, the only one Erdogan will attend outside Turkey, is due to start around 3:00 pm (1300 GMT). His supporters are expected to arrive from all over Europe, from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Scandinavia, the Netherlands Switzerland, Italy or Hungary. The expatriate European vote is generally a source of support Erdogan's AKP and officials are keen to rouse a strong turnout in Europe. The early election in Turkey is set to accelerate its transition to the new presidential system with full executive powers which critics fear will lead to a one-man rule.

Erdogan arrives for controversial election rally in Bosnia

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