US claimed Myanmar military's attacks on Rohingya in 2016 and 2017 was a GENOCIDE. Antony Blinken said there was 'clear intent' to destroy Muslim minority. As US called out mass atrocities against Rohingya" and delared it as genocide, the question is - what is a genocide?

Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya, says US. But what is genocide?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas: Global Headlines: Joe Biden to travel to Poland; US on Rohingya genocide

From Armenia to Myanmar: Accusations of genocide in the past

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to&nbsp;genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority.

Citing the killings of thousands and forcing close to a million to flee the country in 2016 and 2017, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had "determined that members of the Burmese military committed&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;and crimes against humanity against Rohingya."

"The military's intent went beyond ethnic cleansing to the actual destruction of Rohingya," Blinken said at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

"The attack against Rohingya was widespread and systematic, which is crucial for reaching a determination of crimes against humanity."

Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression.

Rohingya welcome move&nbsp;

The move was cautiously welcomed by activists and members of the beleaguered community.

"This should have been done way before, however I believe the US decision will help the ICJ (International Court of Justice) process for the Rohingya," said a Rohingya at a camp for those displaced by the crisis near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine.

Thin Thin Hlaing, a Rohingya rights activist, also welcomed the US move.

"I feel like we were living through a blackout but now we see a light, because they recognize our suffering," she told AFP.

Blinken noted 2017 remarks by Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, that the government was "solving" an "unfinished job" in its destruction of Rohingya communities.

Blinken added that Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 coup overthrowing the elected government of Myanmar.

The Holocaust Museum prepared its own report in late 2017 with the group Fortify Rights that concluded there was compelling evidence of crimes against humanity in Myanmar.

The State Department released a report in 2018 that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents."

A legal designation of&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;-- defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" -- could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta.

A case opened against Myanmar at the ICJ in 2019 has been complicated by last year's coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, triggering mass protests and a bloody crackdown.

The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the Rohingya case, is now under house arrest and on trial by the same generals she defended at The Hague.

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority.

The United States officially declared Monday that violence against the Rohingya committed by Myanmar's military amounted to genocide, saying there was clear evidence of an attempt to "destroy" the Muslim minority. Citing the killings of thousands and forcing close to a million to flee the country in 2016 and 2017, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had "determined that members of the Burmese military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya." "The military's intent went beyond ethnic cleansing to the actual destruction of Rohingya," Blinken said at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. "The attack against Rohingya was widespread and systematic, which is crucial for reaching a determination of crimes against humanity." Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Myanmar's Rakhine state where they report widespread oppression. Rohingya welcome move The move was cautiously welcomed by activists and members of the beleaguered community. "This should have been done way before, however I believe the US decision will help the ICJ (International Court of Justice) process for the Rohingya," said a Rohingya at a camp for those displaced by the crisis near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine. Thin Thin Hlaing, a Rohingya rights activist, also welcomed the US move. "I feel like we were living through a blackout but now we see a light, because they recognize our suffering," she told AFP. Blinken noted 2017 remarks by Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar military, that the government was "solving" an "unfinished job" in its destruction of Rohingya communities. Blinken added that Min Aung Hlaing led the 2021 coup overthrowing the elected government of Myanmar. The Holocaust Museum prepared its own report in late 2017 with the group Fortify Rights that concluded there was compelling evidence of crimes against humanity in Myanmar. The State Department released a report in 2018 that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as "extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents." A legal designation of genocide -- defined by the UN as acts "committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" -- could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta. A case opened against Myanmar at the ICJ in 2019 has been complicated by last year's coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, triggering mass protests and a bloody crackdown. The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the Rohingya case, is now under house arrest and on trial by the same generals she defended at The Hague.

US declares Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya

The United States has formally determined that violence committed against the Rohingya minority by Myanmar's military amounts to genocide and crimes against humanity.

US determines Myanmar Junta committed genocide against Rohingya

Myanmar's junta is set to replace&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi&nbsp;at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a&nbsp;case&nbsp;over the alleged genocide of&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;Muslims.

Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;personally presented&nbsp;Myanmar's arguments at the&nbsp;International Court of Justice&nbsp;(ICJ) when the&nbsp;case&nbsp;was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year.

The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the&nbsp;case, is now under house arrest and trial by the same generals she defended in The Hague.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arson-attacks-and-raids-myanmar-military-has-destroyed-over-4500-homes-since-coup-454365">Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup</a>

In its "preliminary objections" on Monday,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;will argue that the court has no jurisdiction over the&nbsp;case, and must throw it out before it moves on to substantive hearings.

Local&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;media said the junta has a new delegation led by Ko Ko Hlaing, international cooperation minister, and Thida Oo, attorney general, who will attend virtually.&nbsp;

Both have been hit with US sanctions over the coup.

The&nbsp;case&nbsp;brought by the mainly Muslim African nation of The Gambia accuses predominantly Buddhist&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;of genocide against the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;minority over a bloody 2017 military crackdown.

The&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;made a provisional order in January 2020 that&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;must take "all measures" to prevent the alleged genocide of the&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;while the years-long proceedings are underway.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-asean-myanmar-envoy-says-wants-to-meet-junta-opponents-454056">New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents</a>

Bloody crackdown

Gambia will make its counter-arguments on Wednesday.

Around 850,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh while another 600,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;remain in&nbsp;Myanmar's southwestern Rakhine state.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between UN member states. Its judgments are binding but it has no real means to enforce them.

The&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;case&nbsp;at the&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;has been complicated by the coup that ousted&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;and her civilian government, and triggered mass protests and a bloody military crackdown. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group.

Suu&nbsp;Kyi&nbsp;now faces trial herself in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;on a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years.

Ahead of the hearing, the shadow "National Unity Government" dominated by lawmakers from&nbsp;Suu&nbsp;Kyi’s ousted party said it, not the junta, "is the proper representative of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;at the&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;in the&nbsp;case".

It also rejects&nbsp;Myanmar’s preliminary objections, saying the hearings for these should be cancelled and the court should quickly get down to the hearing of the substantive&nbsp;case.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar's military to challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ on Rohingya genocide

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmars-military-to-challenge-the-jurisdiction-of-the-icj-on-rohingya-genocide-444930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The NUG holds no territory and has not been recognised by any foreign government, and has been declared a "terrorist" organisation by the junta.

The Gambia accuses&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention.

Its&nbsp;case&nbsp;is backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

Myanmar's junta is set to replace Aung San Suu Kyi at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a case over the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi personally presented Myanmar's arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when the case was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year.

Myanmar's junta is set to replace Aung San Suu Kyi at the UN's top court Monday as it seeks to dismiss a case over the alleged genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi personally presented Myanmar's arguments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when the case was first heard in December 2019, but was ousted as civilian leader in a military coup last year. The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the case, is now under house arrest and trial by the same generals she defended in The Hague. Also read | Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup In its "preliminary objections" on Monday, Myanmar will argue that the court has no jurisdiction over the case, and must throw it out before it moves on to substantive hearings. Local Myanmar media said the junta has a new delegation led by Ko Ko Hlaing, international cooperation minister, and Thida Oo, attorney general, who will attend virtually. Both have been hit with US sanctions over the coup. The case brought by the mainly Muslim African nation of The Gambia accuses predominantly Buddhist Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya minority over a bloody 2017 military crackdown. The ICJ made a provisional order in January 2020 that Myanmar must take "all measures" to prevent the alleged genocide of the Rohingya while the years-long proceedings are underway. Also read | New ASEAN Myanmar envoy says wants to meet junta opponents Bloody crackdown Gambia will make its counter-arguments on Wednesday. Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighbouring Bangladesh while another 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar's southwestern Rakhine state. The ICJ was set up after World War II to rule on disputes between UN member states. Its judgments are binding but it has no real means to enforce them. The Rohingya case at the ICJ has been complicated by the coup that ousted Suu Kyi and her civilian government, and triggered mass protests and a bloody military crackdown. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed, according to a local monitoring group. Suu Kyi now faces trial herself in Myanmar on a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years. Ahead of the hearing, the shadow "National Unity Government" dominated by lawmakers from Suu Kyi’s ousted party said it, not the junta, "is the proper representative of Myanmar at the ICJ in the case". It also rejects Myanmar’s preliminary objections, saying the hearings for these should be cancelled and the court should quickly get down to the hearing of the substantive case. Watch | Myanmar's military to challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ on Rohingya genocide The NUG holds no territory and has not been recognised by any foreign government, and has been declared a "terrorist" organisation by the junta. The Gambia accuses Myanmar of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention. Its case is backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Canada and the Netherlands.

Myanmar to contest ICJ Rohingya case, without Aung San Suu Kyi

Russian lawmakers have called on Vladimir Putin to recognize rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine as independent states. Putin has called for the conflict in Donbass to be resolved through the Minsk peace process while also describing the situation in the region as a genocide.

'Kyiv's actions in Donbass genocide,' says Russian president Vladimir Putin

Ukraine crisis: 'Donbass is committing genocide,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

Despite all the calls for a boycott, China's ongoing human rights abuses, protests by Chinese citizens living in exile, the 2022 Beijing Olympics have kicked off. The games were inaugurated in a lavish ceremony attended by at least 20 heads of state, including the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Emir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.&nbsp;

This comes as 308 positive cases have been reported so far linked to the Winter Olympics inside the Chinese closed loop. However, the organisers continue to ensure that the games are safe.&nbsp;

From Japan, Switzerland, to the US and India, demonstrations are being held all over. In Tokyo, demonstrators were seen rallying outside the Chinese embassy slamming China for the persecution of the Uyghur Muslims, Hong Kongers, Mongolians and Tibetans.&nbsp;

In the Indian capital city New Delhi, Tibetans living in exile staged similar protests outside the Chinese embassy. People were seen holding placards denouncing the Genocide Games.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recognises-taiwan-as-part-of-china-opposes-islands-independence-450437">Also read |&nbsp;Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence</a>

They also burnt the Chinese flag.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, demonstrators urged people to not watch the games and asked athletes to decline the medal.&nbsp;

In Switzerland, Tibetans marched outside the office of the International Olympic Committee as they accused the Swiss-based organisation of complicity in China's crimes.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, an Uyghur, who was a part of the group of students chosen to help carry the Olympic flame before the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, has been calling for a boycott of the upcoming Winter Games over China's treatment of the Uyghur ethnic community. &nbsp;

Kamalturk Yalqun, who was one of the torchbearers at the age of 17, is an activist in the United States now. He is currently living in exile in Boston.&nbsp;

In an interview, Yalqun said, "It seems to me that our sense of global citizenship and sportsmanship is not moving forward with these Olympic Games anymore." &nbsp;

Yalqun is disappointed with only the diplomatic boycott as he wants a full boycott of these games.&nbsp;

"It should be a collective responsibility when such kind of atrocities are happening. It's heartbreaking for me to see such a cold response from people," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-voa-co-production-2022-beijing-winter-games-dubbed-as-genocide-olympics-450536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Despite all the calls for a boycott, China's ongoing human rights abuses, protests by Chinese citizens living in exile, the 2022 Beijing Olympics have kicked off.

Despite all the calls for a boycott, China's ongoing human rights abuses, protests by Chinese citizens living in exile, the 2022 Beijing Olympics have kicked off. The games were inaugurated in a lavish ceremony attended by at least 20 heads of state, including the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Emir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. This comes as 308 positive cases have been reported so far linked to the Winter Olympics inside the Chinese closed loop. However, the organisers continue to ensure that the games are safe. From Japan, Switzerland, to the US and India, demonstrations are being held all over. In Tokyo, demonstrators were seen rallying outside the Chinese embassy slamming China for the persecution of the Uyghur Muslims, Hong Kongers, Mongolians and Tibetans. In the Indian capital city New Delhi, Tibetans living in exile staged similar protests outside the Chinese embassy. People were seen holding placards denouncing the Genocide Games. Also read | Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence They also burnt the Chinese flag. In San Francisco, demonstrators urged people to not watch the games and asked athletes to decline the medal. In Switzerland, Tibetans marched outside the office of the International Olympic Committee as they accused the Swiss-based organisation of complicity in China's crimes. Meanwhile, an Uyghur, who was a part of the group of students chosen to help carry the Olympic flame before the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, has been calling for a boycott of the upcoming Winter Games over China's treatment of the Uyghur ethnic community. Kamalturk Yalqun, who was one of the torchbearers at the age of 17, is an activist in the United States now. He is currently living in exile in Boston. In an interview, Yalqun said, "It seems to me that our sense of global citizenship and sportsmanship is not moving forward with these Olympic Games anymore." Yalqun is disappointed with only the diplomatic boycott as he wants a full boycott of these games. "It should be a collective responsibility when such kind of atrocities are happening. It's heartbreaking for me to see such a cold response from people," he said.

Beijing's 'Genocide Games' kick off amid backlash from all across the world

Athletes warned against speaking up on human rights Olympics app found to have security flaws Diplomatic boycott of Olympics irks China How safe is the Beijing Bubble? From Genocide to Omicron, watch the story of China's controversial Olympics

From Genocide to Omicron: The story of China's controversial Olympics

In a fresh blow to China and its alleged atrocities in Xinjiang province, French parliament has now passed a resolution declaring China's treatment of Uighur Muslims a genocide.

French parliament condemns China's Uighur abuse, passes a resolution declaring it as 'Genocide'

WHO chief Dr Tedros's home-country Ethiopia has slammed him for compromising the global health body's credibility. Palki Sharma tells you how the WHO chief faces accusations of cover-up & genocide in Ethiopia.

Gravitas: Home country Ethiopia slams Dr. Tedros for 'misconduct'

Myanmar's military is expected to challenge the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice on allegations of a Rohingya genocide.

Myanmar's military to challenge the jurisdiction of the ICJ on Rohingya genocide

Republicans and Democrats have united to punish China. They've passed a bill to ban all goods that are made through the forced labour of Uighur Muslims. Which brands could this bill spell trouble for? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Republicans and Democrats unite, pass law to 'punish china'

An investigation conducted by an independent panel in London held Chinese President Xi Jinping responsible for the Uighur genocide in the Xinjiang Region. Meanwhile, China discredits the report.

UK Tribunal: China committed genocide in the Xinjiang region

After the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games. This comes after the IOC said it can't provide "any certainties" regarding the well-being of Peng Shuai. Palki Sharma asks: Why is India backing the tainted event?

Gravitas: #GencoideOlympics: Why India should boycott the Winter Games

A major leak from Beijing has exposed Chinese President Xi Jinping. Files bearing the classification "secret" and "top secret" reveal how the Chinese President ordered the genocide against the Uighurs in Xinjiang. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping ordered the Genocide against Uighurs

Beijing, the host of winter Olympics, is orchestrating a genocide. Qatar, the host of 2022 FIFA World Cup, is accused of human rights abuses. Both countries are now being called out for sportswashing. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: China, Qatar fail in their sportswashing campaign

International Olympic Committee has refused to pull up China for its rights abuses in Xinjiang. Olympic officials say it's not part of their remit. How does genocide fit into the Olympic brand? Why is the IOC eager to not hurt China? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Olympic officials ignore China's rights abuses

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday. &nbsp;

During her final visit to Israel, Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. &nbsp;

The German leader’s 16-year term is coming to an end. Merkel said the coming weeks would be decisive for the future of a nuke deal with Iran. Israel sees it as a crucial issue to its security. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-president-zeman-taken-to-hospital-at-key-post-election-time-419663" hreflang="en">Czech President Zeman taken to hospital at key post-election time</a>

Though Merkel has differed with Israel over Palestinians and Iran, the leader has sought to cultivate close ties as Germany has been a leading ally of Israel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to a transcript issued by the Israeli PM’s office, Merkel told Bennett during a private meeting, "I want to use this opportunity to emphasise that the topic of Israel's security will always be of central importance and a central topic of every German government." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Attending a session of the Israeli PM’s cabinet, Merkel said, "The history of the Shoah (Holocaust) is a singular event for which we continue to bear responsibility in every phase of history, including in the future". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-head-to-early-vote-with-little-hope-for-change-419564" hreflang="en">Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change</a>

Merkel rekindled an eternal flame in Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem. It is Israel's memorial to the millions of Jews killed by the Nazis. &nbsp;

The leader also placed a wreath on a slab under which ashes from extermination camps, death camps and other killing fields are buried and stood in silence with her head bowed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday. During her final visit to Israel, Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The German leader’s 16-year term is coming to an end. Merkel said the coming weeks would be decisive for the future of a nuke deal with Iran. Israel sees it as a crucial issue to its security. Also Read: Czech President Zeman taken to hospital at key post-election time Though Merkel has differed with Israel over Palestinians and Iran, the leader has sought to cultivate close ties as Germany has been a leading ally of Israel. According to a transcript issued by the Israeli PM’s office, Merkel told Bennett during a private meeting, "I want to use this opportunity to emphasise that the topic of Israel's security will always be of central importance and a central topic of every German government." Attending a session of the Israeli PM’s cabinet, Merkel said, "The history of the Shoah (Holocaust) is a singular event for which we continue to bear responsibility in every phase of history, including in the future". Also Read: Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change Merkel rekindled an eternal flame in Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem. It is Israel's memorial to the millions of Jews killed by the Nazis. The leader also placed a wreath on a slab under which ashes from extermination camps, death camps and other killing fields are buried and stood in silence with her head bowed. (With inputs from agencies)

Honouring genocide victims, Merkel vows German support to Israel's security

A former&nbsp;Rwandan&nbsp;army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994&nbsp;genocide&nbsp;has died in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in&nbsp;Mali,&nbsp;Malian officials said on Saturday.

Theoneste&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;was serving a 35-year sentence after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by the then International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). His sentence had been reduced from life in&nbsp;prison.

"It is confirmed. He was over 80 years old, he was seriously ill, with heart troubles. He was hospitalised several times and had three surgeries. He died today in a clinic," a source in&nbsp;Mali's&nbsp;prison&nbsp;administration who sought anonymity told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lavrov-says-mali-asked-private-russian-military-company-for-help-416082">Also read |&nbsp;Lavrov says Mali asked private Russian military company for help</a>

A second source at Bamako's Court of Appeal confirmed the death.

Prosecutors accused&nbsp;Bagosora, then cabinet director in the defence ministry, of taking control of military and political affairs in the central African country after President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down in 1994.

The Tanzania-based tribunal accused&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;of being in charge of the troops and Interahamwe Hutu militia who killed some 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 100 days.

Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, head of United Nations peacekeepers during the&nbsp;genocide, described&nbsp;Bagosora&nbsp;as the "kingpin" behind the killings and said the former colonel had threatened to kill him.

A former Rwandan army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994 genocide has died in prison in Mali, Malian officials said on Saturday.

A former Rwandan army colonel who was accused of masterminding the slaughter of 800,000 people during the 1994 genocide has died in prison in Mali, Malian officials said on Saturday. Theoneste Bagosora was serving a 35-year sentence after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by the then International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). His sentence had been reduced from life in prison. "It is confirmed. He was over 80 years old, he was seriously ill, with heart troubles. He was hospitalised several times and had three surgeries. He died today in a clinic," a source in Mali's prison administration who sought anonymity told Reuters. Also read | Lavrov says Mali asked private Russian military company for help A second source at Bamako's Court of Appeal confirmed the death. Prosecutors accused Bagosora, then cabinet director in the defence ministry, of taking control of military and political affairs in the central African country after President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down in 1994. The Tanzania-based tribunal accused Bagosora of being in charge of the troops and Interahamwe Hutu militia who killed some 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 100 days. Canadian General Romeo Dallaire, head of United Nations peacekeepers during the genocide, described Bagosora as the "kingpin" behind the killings and said the former colonel had threatened to kill him.

Rwandan genocide 'kingpin' Bagosora dies in Mali prison: Sources

Lawyers for a former leader of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge regime asked a U.N.-backed court on Monday to overturn a 2018 verdict against him in a genocide trial, arguing it had insufficient reason to conclude he was guilty.

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), sentenced former Khmer Rouge-era President Khieu Samphan, 90, to life in prison for genocide against the Cham Muslim minority and Vietnamese people and for crimes against humanity.

Most of the estimated 1.7 victims of the 1975-79 ultra-Maoist regime died of starvation, torture, exhaustion or disease in labour camps, or were bludgeoned to death during mass executions.

Guilty verdicts have so far been reached against three former top members of the regime, but several have died while on trial or before indictments were made.

Khieu Samphan's defence team argued that the trial chamber in its verdict had failed to provide sufficient reasoning and violated its own legal framework.

Lawyer Kong Sam Onn told Supreme Court judges present at the hearing that they should dismiss the chamber's ruling.

"The judgement against Khieu Samphan has no legal effect, it should be null and void," the lawyer said, adding Khieu Samphan had been denied a right to a fair trial.

"If judges do not respect their own law, that's the end and that will be a failure."

Co-prosecutor Chea Leang defended the 2018 judgement saying evidence for the conviction was "extensive, diverse and compelling."

"The appellant was one of the key leaders... who committed gruel and barbarous crimes against his own people for his party's own political and ideological goals," Chea Leang said.

Lawyers for a former leader of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge regime asked a U.N.-backed court on Monday to overturn a 2018 verdict against him in a genocide trial, arguing it had insufficient reason to conclude he was guilty.

Lawyers for a former leader of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge regime asked a U.N.-backed court on Monday to overturn a 2018 verdict against him in a genocide trial, arguing it had insufficient reason to conclude he was guilty. The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), sentenced former Khmer Rouge-era President Khieu Samphan, 90, to life in prison for genocide against the Cham Muslim minority and Vietnamese people and for crimes against humanity. Most of the estimated 1.7 victims of the 1975-79 ultra-Maoist regime died of starvation, torture, exhaustion or disease in labour camps, or were bludgeoned to death during mass executions. Guilty verdicts have so far been reached against three former top members of the regime, but several have died while on trial or before indictments were made. Khieu Samphan's defence team argued that the trial chamber in its verdict had failed to provide sufficient reasoning and violated its own legal framework. Lawyer Kong Sam Onn told Supreme Court judges present at the hearing that they should dismiss the chamber's ruling. "The judgement against Khieu Samphan has no legal effect, it should be null and void," the lawyer said, adding Khieu Samphan had been denied a right to a fair trial. "If judges do not respect their own law, that's the end and that will be a failure." Co-prosecutor Chea Leang defended the 2018 judgement saying evidence for the conviction was "extensive, diverse and compelling." "The appellant was one of the key leaders... who committed gruel and barbarous crimes against his own people for his party's own political and ideological goals," Chea Leang said.

Ex-Khmer Rouge leader seeks overturning of Cambodia genocide conviction

Hilton Hotels is building a new project on a plot of land where a Uighur mosque once stood. Why is the hotel chain encouraging the genocide in Xinjiang? What is China doing to mosques in the province? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: New Hilton hotel atop razed Uighur mosque

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found&nbsp;in British Columbia’s&nbsp;Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said&nbsp;Penelakut&nbsp;Tribe.&nbsp;

This latest discovery has come up in continuation to&nbsp;other similar findings in British Columbia as well as in Saskatchewan province.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>

In a statement posted by the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Cowichan Tribes on its Facebook page, the&nbsp;Penelakut&nbsp;Tribe said,&nbsp;"It is impossible to get over acts of genocide and human rights violations. Healing is an ongoing process, and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes,&nbsp;we lose more people because the burden is too great.”&nbsp;

“We are at another point in time where we must face the trauma because of these acts of genocide. Each time we do, it is possible to heal a little more,"&nbsp;added the&nbsp;tribe in the statement.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-says-canada-must-learn-from-our-past-after-school-graves-found-393758">Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found</a>

Survivors of the Kuper School regarded it as 'Canada's Alcatraz’,&nbsp;as per a&nbsp;1997 documentary posted on YouTube and produced with funding from the federal government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered.&nbsp;Several investigations have also been initiated with the help of&nbsp;ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of former residential schools across the&nbsp;country.&nbsp;

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said Penelakut Tribe.

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said Penelakut Tribe. This latest discovery has come up in continuation to other similar findings in British Columbia as well as in Saskatchewan province. Also Read: Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada In a statement posted by the neighbouring Cowichan Tribes on its Facebook page, the Penelakut Tribe said, "It is impossible to get over acts of genocide and human rights violations. Healing is an ongoing process, and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes, we lose more people because the burden is too great.” “We are at another point in time where we must face the trauma because of these acts of genocide. Each time we do, it is possible to heal a little more," added the tribe in the statement. Also Read: Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found Survivors of the Kuper School regarded it as 'Canada's Alcatraz’, as per a 1997 documentary posted on YouTube and produced with funding from the federal government. In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered. Several investigations have also been initiated with the help of ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of former residential schools across the country.

More unmarked graves of indigenous tribe discovered at 'Canada's Alcatraz'

'Spooky': Discoveries of mass graves worldwide stir ghosts of hidden histories

Chinese birth control policies could cut between 2.6 to 4.5 million births of the Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in southern Xinjiang within 20 years, up to a third of the region’s projected minority population, according to a new analysis by a German researcher. 
 
The report, shared exclusively with Reuters ahead of publication, also includes a previously unreported cache of research produced by Chinese academics and officials on Beijing’s intent behind the birth control policies in Xinjiang, where official data shows birth-rates have already dropped by 48.7% between 2017 and 2019. 
 
Adrian Zenz’s research comes amid growing calls among some western countries for an investigation into whether China’s actions in Xinjiang amount to genocide, a charge Beijing vehemently denies. 
 
The research by Zenz is the first such peer reviewed analysis of the long-term population impact of Beijing’s multi-year crackdown in the western region. Rights groups, researchers and some residents say the policies include newly enforced birth limits on Uyghur and other mainly Muslim ethnic minorities, the transfers of workers to other regions and the internment of an estimated one million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in a network of camps. 
 
"This (research and analysis) really shows the intent behind the Chinese government’s long-term plan for the Uyghur population,” Zenz told Reuters. 
 
The Chinese government has not made public any official target for reducing the proportion of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. But based on analysis of official birth data, demographic projections and ethnic ratios proposed by Chinese academics and officials, Zenz estimates Beijing’s policies could increase the predominant Han Chinese population in southern Xinjiang to around 25% from 8.4% currently. 
 
"This goal is only achievable if they do what they have been doing, which is drastically suppressing (Uyghur) birth rates,” Zenz said. 
 
China has previously said the current drop in ethnic minority birth rates is due to the full implementation of the region’s existing birth quotas as well as development factors, including an increase in per capita income and wider access to family planning services. 
 
"The so-called ‘genocide’ in Xinjiang is pure nonsense,” China’s Foreign Ministry told Reuters in a statement. "It is a manifestation of the ulterior motives of anti-China forces in the United States and the West and the manifestation of those who suffer from Sinophobia." 
 
Official data showing the decrease in Xinjiang birth rates between 2017 and 2019 “does not reflect the true situation” and Uyghur birth rates remain higher than Han ethnic people in Xinjiang, the ministry added.&nbsp; 
 
The new research compares a population projection done by Xinjiang-based researchers for the government-run Chinese Academy of Sciences based on data predating the crackdown, to official data on birth-rates and what Beijing describes as “population optimization” measures for Xinjiang’s ethnic minorities introduced since 2017. 
 
It found the population of ethnic minorities in Uyghur-dominated southern Xinjiang would reach between 8.6-10.5 million by 2040 under the new birth prevention policies. That compares to 13.14 million projected by Chinese researchers using data pre-dating the implemented birth policies and a current population of around 9.47 million. 
 
Zenz, an independent researcher with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a bipartisan non-profit based in Washington, DC, has previously been condemned by Beijing for his research which has been critical of China’s policies on detaining Uyghurs, mass labour transfers and birth reduction in Xinjiang. 
 
China’s foreign ministry has accused Zenz of 'misleading' people with data and, in response to Reuters’ questions, said, “his lies aren’t worth refuting.” 
 
Zenz’s research was accepted for publication by the Central Asian Survey, a quarterly academic&nbsp;journal,&nbsp;after peer review on June 3. 
 
Reuters shared the research and methodology with more than a dozen experts in population analysis, birth prevention policies and international human rights law, who said the analysis and conclusions were sound. 
 
Some of the experts cautioned that demographic projections over a period of decades can be affected by unforeseen factors. The Xinjiang government has not publicly set official ethnic quota or population size goals for ethnic populations in Southern Xinjiang, and quotas used in the analysis are based on proposed figures from Chinese officials and academics.&nbsp;

Chinese birth control policies could cut between 2.6 to 4.5 million births of the Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in southern Xinjiang within 20 years, up to a third of the region’s projected minority population, according to a new analysis by a German researcher.

Chinese birth control policies could cut between 2.6 to 4.5 million births of the Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in southern Xinjiang within 20 years, up to a third of the region’s projected minority population, according to a new analysis by a German researcher. The report, shared exclusively with Reuters ahead of publication, also includes a previously unreported cache of research produced by Chinese academics and officials on Beijing’s intent behind the birth control policies in Xinjiang, where official data shows birth-rates have already dropped by 48.7% between 2017 and 2019. Adrian Zenz’s research comes amid growing calls among some western countries for an investigation into whether China’s actions in Xinjiang amount to genocide, a charge Beijing vehemently denies. The research by Zenz is the first such peer reviewed analysis of the long-term population impact of Beijing’s multi-year crackdown in the western region. Rights groups, researchers and some residents say the policies include newly enforced birth limits on Uyghur and other mainly Muslim ethnic minorities, the transfers of workers to other regions and the internment of an estimated one million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in a network of camps. "This (research and analysis) really shows the intent behind the Chinese government’s long-term plan for the Uyghur population,” Zenz told Reuters. The Chinese government has not made public any official target for reducing the proportion of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. But based on analysis of official birth data, demographic projections and ethnic ratios proposed by Chinese academics and officials, Zenz estimates Beijing’s policies could increase the predominant Han Chinese population in southern Xinjiang to around 25% from 8.4% currently. "This goal is only achievable if they do what they have been doing, which is drastically suppressing (Uyghur) birth rates,” Zenz said. China has previously said the current drop in ethnic minority birth rates is due to the full implementation of the region’s existing birth quotas as well as development factors, including an increase in per capita income and wider access to family planning services. "The so-called ‘genocide’ in Xinjiang is pure nonsense,” China’s Foreign Ministry told Reuters in a statement. "It is a manifestation of the ulterior motives of anti-China forces in the United States and the West and the manifestation of those who suffer from Sinophobia." Official data showing the decrease in Xinjiang birth rates between 2017 and 2019 “does not reflect the true situation” and Uyghur birth rates remain higher than Han ethnic people in Xinjiang, the ministry added. The new research compares a population projection done by Xinjiang-based researchers for the government-run Chinese Academy of Sciences based on data predating the crackdown, to official data on birth-rates and what Beijing describes as “population optimization” measures for Xinjiang’s ethnic minorities introduced since 2017. It found the population of ethnic minorities in Uyghur-dominated southern Xinjiang would reach between 8.6-10.5 million by 2040 under the new birth prevention policies. That compares to 13.14 million projected by Chinese researchers using data pre-dating the implemented birth policies and a current population of around 9.47 million. Zenz, an independent researcher with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, a bipartisan non-profit based in Washington, DC, has previously been condemned by Beijing for his research which has been critical of China’s policies on detaining Uyghurs, mass labour transfers and birth reduction in Xinjiang. China’s foreign ministry has accused Zenz of 'misleading' people with data and, in response to Reuters’ questions, said, “his lies aren’t worth refuting.” Zenz’s research was accepted for publication by the Central Asian Survey, a quarterly academic journal, after peer review on June 3. Reuters shared the research and methodology with more than a dozen experts in population analysis, birth prevention policies and international human rights law, who said the analysis and conclusions were sound. Some of the experts cautioned that demographic projections over a period of decades can be affected by unforeseen factors. The Xinjiang government has not publicly set official ethnic quota or population size goals for ethnic populations in Southern Xinjiang, and quotas used in the analysis are based on proposed figures from Chinese officials and academics.

Amid accusations of genocide from the West, China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report

How Rwanda's genocide unfolded

Germany for the first time on Friday recognised it had committed genocide in Namibia during its colonial occupation, with Berlin promising financial support worth more than one billion euros to aid projects in the African nation.

German colonial settlers killed tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people in 1904-1908 massacres — labelled the first genocide of the 20th century by historians -- poisoning relations between Namibia and Germany for years.

While Berlin had previously acknowledged that atrocities occurred at the hands of its colonial authorities, they have repeatedly refused to pay direct reparations.

"We will now officially refer to these events as what they are from today's perspective: genocide," said Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a statement.

He hailed the agreement after more than five years of negotiations with Namibia over events in the territory held by Berlin from 1884 to 1915.

"In light of the historical and moral responsibility of Germany, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the victims' descendants" for the "atrocities" committed, Maas said.

In a "gesture to recognise the immense suffering inflicted on the victims", the country will support the "reconstruction and the development" of Namibia via a financial programme of 1.1 billion euros ($1.34 billion), he said.

The sum will be paid over 30 years, according to sources close to the negotiations, and must primarily benefit the descendants of the Hereo and Nama.

However, he specified that the payment does not open the way to any "legal request for compensation".

Rebellion, reprisals

Namibia was called German South West Africa during Berlin's 1884-1915 rule, and then fell under South African rule for 75 years, before finally gaining independence in 1990.

Tensions boiled over in 1904 when the Herero — deprived of their livestock and land — rose up, followed shortly after by the Nama, in an insurrection crushed by German imperial troops.

In the Battle of Waterberg in August 1904 around 80,000 Herero, including women and children, fled and were pursued by German troops across what is now known as the Kalahari Desert. Only 15,000 survived.

German General Lothar von Trotha, sent to put down the rebellion, ordered the peoples' extermination.

At least 60,000 Hereos and around 10,000 Namas were killed between 1904 and 1908.

Colonial soldiers carried out mass executions; exiled men, women, and children to the desert where thousands died of thirst; and established infamous concentration camps, such as the one on Shark Island.

'Overcome the past'

The atrocities committed during colonisation have poisoned relations between Berlin and Windhoek for years.

In 2015, the two countries started negotiating an agreement that would combine an official apology by Germany as well as development aid.

But in August last year, Namibia said that Germany's offered reparations were unacceptable. No details of the offer were provided at the time.

President Hage Geingob had noted Berlin declined to accept the term "reparations", as that word was also avoided during the country's negotiations with Israel after the Holocaust.

But in an effort to ease reconciliation, in 2018 Germany returned the bones of members of the Herero and Nama tribes, with the then foreign minister Michelle Muentefering asking for "forgiveness from the bottom of my heart".

Germany for the first time on Friday recognised it had committed genocide in Namibia during its colonial occupation, with Berlin promising financial support worth more than one billion euros to aid projects in the African nation.

Germany for the first time on Friday recognised it had committed genocide in Namibia during its colonial occupation, with Berlin promising financial support worth more than one billion euros to aid projects in the African nation. German colonial settlers killed tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people in 1904-1908 massacres — labelled the first genocide of the 20th century by historians -- poisoning relations between Namibia and Germany for years. While Berlin had previously acknowledged that atrocities occurred at the hands of its colonial authorities, they have repeatedly refused to pay direct reparations. "We will now officially refer to these events as what they are from today's perspective: genocide," said Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a statement. He hailed the agreement after more than five years of negotiations with Namibia over events in the territory held by Berlin from 1884 to 1915. "In light of the historical and moral responsibility of Germany, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the victims' descendants" for the "atrocities" committed, Maas said. In a "gesture to recognise the immense suffering inflicted on the victims", the country will support the "reconstruction and the development" of Namibia via a financial programme of 1.1 billion euros ($1.34 billion), he said. The sum will be paid over 30 years, according to sources close to the negotiations, and must primarily benefit the descendants of the Hereo and Nama. However, he specified that the payment does not open the way to any "legal request for compensation". Rebellion, reprisals Namibia was called German South West Africa during Berlin's 1884-1915 rule, and then fell under South African rule for 75 years, before finally gaining independence in 1990. Tensions boiled over in 1904 when the Herero — deprived of their livestock and land — rose up, followed shortly after by the Nama, in an insurrection crushed by German imperial troops. In the Battle of Waterberg in August 1904 around 80,000 Herero, including women and children, fled and were pursued by German troops across what is now known as the Kalahari Desert. Only 15,000 survived. German General Lothar von Trotha, sent to put down the rebellion, ordered the peoples' extermination. At least 60,000 Hereos and around 10,000 Namas were killed between 1904 and 1908. Colonial soldiers carried out mass executions; exiled men, women, and children to the desert where thousands died of thirst; and established infamous concentration camps, such as the one on Shark Island. 'Overcome the past' The atrocities committed during colonisation have poisoned relations between Berlin and Windhoek for years. In 2015, the two countries started negotiating an agreement that would combine an official apology by Germany as well as development aid. But in August last year, Namibia said that Germany's offered reparations were unacceptable. No details of the offer were provided at the time. President Hage Geingob had noted Berlin declined to accept the term "reparations", as that word was also avoided during the country's negotiations with Israel after the Holocaust. But in an effort to ease reconciliation, in 2018 Germany returned the bones of members of the Herero and Nama tribes, with the then foreign minister Michelle Muentefering asking for "forgiveness from the bottom of my heart".

Germany says committed genocide in Namibia during colonial rule, sets over $1bn for reparations

Namibia's President Hage Geingob's spokesman Alfredo Hengari has stated that the acceptance on the part of Germany that a genocide was committed is the first step in the right direction.

On Friday, Germany admitted for the first time that it committed genocide in Namibia during its colonial control, giving more than one billion euros in funding to several projects in the African country.&nbsp;

German colonial settlers killed tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people in 1904-1908 massacres — labelled the first genocide of the 20th century by historians -- poisoning relations between Namibia and Germany for years.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a statement said that "We will now officially refer to these events as what they are from today's perspective: genocide,".

He hailed the agreement after more than five years of negotiations with Namibia over events in the territory held by Berlin from 1884 to 1915.

"In light of the historical and moral responsibility of Germany, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the victims' descendants" for the "atrocities" committed, Maas said.

Namibia was known as German South-West Africa during Berlin's occupation from 1884 to 1915, and then it was ruled by South Africa for 75 years before winning its independence in 1990.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Namibia's President Hage Geingob's spokesman Alfredo Hengari has stated that the acceptance on the part of Germany that a genocide was committed is the first step in the right direction.

Namibia's President Hage Geingob's spokesman Alfredo Hengari has stated that the acceptance on the part of Germany that a genocide was committed is the first step in the right direction. On Friday, Germany admitted for the first time that it committed genocide in Namibia during its colonial control, giving more than one billion euros in funding to several projects in the African country. German colonial settlers killed tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people in 1904-1908 massacres — labelled the first genocide of the 20th century by historians -- poisoning relations between Namibia and Germany for years. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in a statement said that "We will now officially refer to these events as what they are from today's perspective: genocide,". He hailed the agreement after more than five years of negotiations with Namibia over events in the territory held by Berlin from 1884 to 1915. "In light of the historical and moral responsibility of Germany, we will ask forgiveness from Namibia and the victims' descendants" for the "atrocities" committed, Maas said. Namibia was known as German South-West Africa during Berlin's occupation from 1884 to 1915, and then it was ruled by South Africa for 75 years before winning its independence in 1990. (With inputs from agencies)

'Step in the right direction': Namibia appreciates Germany's genocide recognition

The head of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church has said that atrocities amounting to genocide are being committed in Tigray, in his first comments on the conflict in the region that broke out in November and has killed thousands.

Abune Mathias, who has been head of the church since 2013, did not say who was responsible for this. He spoke in a video message that was posted on Twitter on Friday by an American religious charity worker.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/food-water-shelter-for-children-remains-a-challenge-in-tigray-382903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dennis Wadley, who heads a US-based church group called Bridge of Hope International, said Abune Mathias had asked him to post the video. "He wanted the world to know the truth regarding what was happening in Tigray," Wadley told Reuters.

Fighting erupted in early November in Tigray between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a party that dominated the national government until three years ago. The government declared victory at the end of November and says the region is returning to normal. Aid groups say many parts of Tigray remain unreachable due to ongoing conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="G7 effect: Ethiopia says Eritrean troops have 'started to evacuate' Tigray">G7 effect: Ethiopia says Eritrean troops have 'started to evacuate' Tigray</a>

The video begins with Abune Mathias addressing all Ethiopians and the international community.

"Nowadays, all over Ethiopia in general and in Tigray in particular, many barbarisms have been conducted," he said.

Later in the video, he said: "Genocide is being committed now," before describing alleged atrocities such as the raping of women and the bombing and other types of destruction of churches.

The head of a government taskforce on Tigray, Redwan Hussein, did not respond to a request for comment about the video on Saturday.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government has said in the past it is dismayed by the deaths of civilians in the war and that it is committed to investigating all alleged abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Abune Mathias, who is ethnic Tigrayan and is based in Addis Ababa, said in the video that he has been prevented from speaking out about atrocities. He did not specify who prevented him from speaking out.

Wadley said he had recorded the video on his phone during a visit to Ethiopia. "Abune Mathias did not write this out or prepare. He sat for about 10 seconds in silence and then spoke for just over 14 minutes as you can see in the video. It was from his heart in a single take with no editing."

Wadley said Abune Mathias asked him to post the video when he returned to the United States.

It was not possible to contact Abune Mathias on Saturday or Sunday. A member of the patriarch's communications office told Reuters on Saturday that he had not seen the video, and did not respond to subsequent phone calls requesting comment.

Since the outbreak of war in Tigray, Abiy has faced calls including from U.S. President Joe Biden's administration to end hostilities there and protect civilians.

In February, the Ethiopian foreign ministry said that the government takes its responsibility for the safety, security, and well-being of all citizens very seriously and is "fully committed to undertake thorough investigations" into alleged abuses and bring perpetrators to justice.

It added the government had a duty to hold the nation together in the face of "treasonous and divisive forces."

The head of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church has said that atrocities amounting to genocide are being committed in Tigray, in his first comments on the conflict in the region that broke out in November and has killed thousands.

The head of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church has said that atrocities amounting to genocide are being committed in Tigray, in his first comments on the conflict in the region that broke out in November and has killed thousands. Abune Mathias, who has been head of the church since 2013, did not say who was responsible for this. He spoke in a video message that was posted on Twitter on Friday by an American religious charity worker. Watch | Dennis Wadley, who heads a US-based church group called Bridge of Hope International, said Abune Mathias had asked him to post the video. "He wanted the world to know the truth regarding what was happening in Tigray," Wadley told Reuters. Fighting erupted in early November in Tigray between federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a party that dominated the national government until three years ago. The government declared victory at the end of November and says the region is returning to normal. Aid groups say many parts of Tigray remain unreachable due to ongoing conflict. Also read | G7 effect: Ethiopia says Eritrean troops have 'started to evacuate' Tigray The video begins with Abune Mathias addressing all Ethiopians and the international community. "Nowadays, all over Ethiopia in general and in Tigray in particular, many barbarisms have been conducted," he said. Later in the video, he said: "Genocide is being committed now," before describing alleged atrocities such as the raping of women and the bombing and other types of destruction of churches. The head of a government taskforce on Tigray, Redwan Hussein, did not respond to a request for comment about the video on Saturday. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government has said in the past it is dismayed by the deaths of civilians in the war and that it is committed to investigating all alleged abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice. Abune Mathias, who is ethnic Tigrayan and is based in Addis Ababa, said in the video that he has been prevented from speaking out about atrocities. He did not specify who prevented him from speaking out. Wadley said he had recorded the video on his phone during a visit to Ethiopia. "Abune Mathias did not write this out or prepare. He sat for about 10 seconds in silence and then spoke for just over 14 minutes as you can see in the video. It was from his heart in a single take with no editing." Wadley said Abune Mathias asked him to post the video when he returned to the United States. It was not possible to contact Abune Mathias on Saturday or Sunday. A member of the patriarch's communications office told Reuters on Saturday that he had not seen the video, and did not respond to subsequent phone calls requesting comment. Since the outbreak of war in Tigray, Abiy has faced calls including from U.S. President Joe Biden's administration to end hostilities there and protect civilians. In February, the Ethiopian foreign ministry said that the government takes its responsibility for the safety, security, and well-being of all citizens very seriously and is "fully committed to undertake thorough investigations" into alleged abuses and bring perpetrators to justice. It added the government had a duty to hold the nation together in the face of "treasonous and divisive forces."

Ethiopian Orthodox Church head says genocide is taking place in Tigray

Turkey's foreign ministry has summoned the US Ambassador in Ankara to protest the US decision to mark the deportation and killing of Armenians during the Ottoman Empire as 'genocide’. &nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal met with David Satterfield late on Saturday to express Ankara's strong condemnation. &nbsp;

"The statement does not have legal ground in terms of international law and has hurt the Turkish people, opening a wound that's hard to fix in our relations," the ministry said. &nbsp;

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden followed through on a campaign promise to recognise the events that began in 1915 and killed an estimated 1.5 million Ottoman Armenians as genocide. The statement was carefully crafted to say the deportations, massacres and death marches took place in the Ottoman Empire.&nbsp;

"We see that pain. We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated," it said. &nbsp;

The White House proclamation immediately prompted statements of condemnation from Turkish officials, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is yet to address the issue. &nbsp;

Turkey rejects the use of the word, saying both Turks and Armenians were killed in the World War I-era fighting, and has called for a joint history commission to investigate. For years, American presidents have avoided using 'genocide' to describe what Armenians call Meds Yeghern, or the Great Crime. &nbsp;

The announcement comes as Turkish-American relations suffer from a host of issues. &nbsp;

The US has sanctioned Turkish defence officials and kicked Turkey out of a fighter jet programme after the NATO member bought Russian-made S400 defence system. &nbsp;

Ankara is frustrated by Washington's support of Syrian Kurdish fighters linked to an insurgency that Turkey has fought for decades. Turkey has also demanded the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric accused of orchestrating a bloody coup attempt against Erdogan's government in 2016. Gulen lives in the US and denies involvement. &nbsp;

Erdogan and Biden spoke on the phone on Friday for the first time since the US elections. &nbsp;

Ibrahim Kalin, the spokesman to the president, tweeted Sunday, "President Erdogan opened Turkey's national archives and called for a joint historical committee to investigate the events of 1915, to which Armenia never responded. It is a pity @POTUS has ignored, among others, this simple fact and taken an irresponsible and unprincipled position."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Turkey's foreign ministry has summoned the US Ambassador in Ankara to protest the US decision to mark the deportation and killing of Armenians during the Ottoman Empire as 'genocide’.

Turkey's foreign ministry has summoned the US Ambassador in Ankara to protest the US decision to mark the deportation and killing of Armenians during the Ottoman Empire as 'genocide’. Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal met with David Satterfield late on Saturday to express Ankara's strong condemnation. "The statement does not have legal ground in terms of international law and has hurt the Turkish people, opening a wound that's hard to fix in our relations," the ministry said. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden followed through on a campaign promise to recognise the events that began in 1915 and killed an estimated 1.5 million Ottoman Armenians as genocide. The statement was carefully crafted to say the deportations, massacres and death marches took place in the Ottoman Empire. "We see that pain. We affirm the history. We do this not to cast blame but to ensure that what happened is never repeated," it said. The White House proclamation immediately prompted statements of condemnation from Turkish officials, although Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is yet to address the issue. Turkey rejects the use of the word, saying both Turks and Armenians were killed in the World War I-era fighting, and has called for a joint history commission to investigate. For years, American presidents have avoided using 'genocide' to describe what Armenians call Meds Yeghern, or the Great Crime. The announcement comes as Turkish-American relations suffer from a host of issues. The US has sanctioned Turkish defence officials and kicked Turkey out of a fighter jet programme after the NATO member bought Russian-made S400 defence system. Ankara is frustrated by Washington's support of Syrian Kurdish fighters linked to an insurgency that Turkey has fought for decades. Turkey has also demanded the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric accused of orchestrating a bloody coup attempt against Erdogan's government in 2016. Gulen lives in the US and denies involvement. Erdogan and Biden spoke on the phone on Friday for the first time since the US elections. Ibrahim Kalin, the spokesman to the president, tweeted Sunday, "President Erdogan opened Turkey's national archives and called for a joint historical committee to investigate the events of 1915, to which Armenia never responded. It is a pity @POTUS has ignored, among others, this simple fact and taken an irresponsible and unprincipled position." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey summons US Ambassador over genocide announcement 

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