A German cinema operator is putting all his hopes for financial survival during the coronavirus crisis into director Christopher Nolan's new thriller "Tenet" which premiered on Wednesday night (August 26) in Bonn and 70 countries around the world.

Christopher Nolan's Tenet finally arrives in German cinemas after lengthy coronavirus delay

Athens is ready for a "significant de-escalation" in the Eastern Mediterranean provided Turkey halts its "provocative actions", Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Wednesday.

Greek Prime Minister offers 'de-escalation' if Turkey eases off in Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey said on Tuesday it was ready for talks with Greece in their growing row over eastern Mediterranean natural gas without any preconditions.

Mediterranean row: Turkey ready for talks with Greece

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent.

US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism."

Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups."

UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs &amp; other ethnic minorities."

"Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting.

Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations."

Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang.

US, UK and Germany cornered China at the United Nations Security Council on the issue Uighur minorities being abused in the restive northwestern province of Xinjiang. The remarks were made at a UN Security Council Briefing on Counterterrorism with all three countries advising Bejing not to use "counterterrorism" as a pretext to silence political dissent. US permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft said," We are deeply concerned by the situation in Xinjiang, where more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims have been detained under the false guise of counterterrorism." Adding, "Counterterrorism and countering violent extremism should never be used as a pretext to silence political dissent or freedom of expression or to violate religious freedom or repress minority groups." UK's envoy to UN James Roscoe echoed the sentiments saying, "We remain deeply concerned about systematic, egregious human rights violations against Uighurs & other ethnic minorities." "Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations", Germany said at the meeting. Envoy Günter Sautter explained, "Regarding Xinjiang, the internment of large parts of the population is, in our view, unjustified. In the long run, it is prone not to reduce but rather to increase the risk emanating of terrorist organizations." Earlier this year, Hong Kong was raised at UNSC's closed-door meet for the first time over the new security law irking Bejing.

Uighur situation: US, UK and Germany corner China at UNSC

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-falsely-claimed-it-made-statement-at-unsc-india-322912">Also read | Pakistan falsely claimed it made statement at UNSC: India</a> 
 
Germany's Federal Security Council headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel has decided that Germany will not supply Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for Pakistani submarines.

What is AIP system?

As its name suggests, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system reduces a submarine's dependence on atmospheric air.

Normally conventional diesel-electric engine submarines have to surface daily for Oxygen required for fuel combustion.

A submarine is its most vulnerable state when it surfaces as it can be easily detected.

AIP lets a submarine's engine run without atmospheric air for a week. This means that the submarine can remain underwater for the entire duration, increasing its capability.

Indian Navy has its own indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion system. The system has been developed by Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL).

Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed Indian official to say that Germany's snub to Pakistan would "adversely impact" lethality of Pakistani submarines.

Why was Pakistan snubbed?

It is believed that Germany snubbed Pakistan as it could not bring all perpetrators of terror attack on German Embassy to justice.

150 people were killed as truck bomb devastated German Embassy in Kabul in 2017. Haqqani Network was thought to be against the attack. Haqqani Network has a presence in Pakistan. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines.

It is a well-known fact that Pakistani establishment turns a blind eye to terrorist networks and safe havens on its soil. Such behaviour has come back to haunt Pakistan yet again as Germany has refused to help Pakistan in modernising its submarines. Also read | Pakistan falsely claimed it made statement at UNSC: India Germany's Federal Security Council headed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel has decided that Germany will not supply Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for Pakistani submarines. What is AIP system? As its name suggests, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system reduces a submarine's dependence on atmospheric air. Normally conventional diesel-electric engine submarines have to surface daily for Oxygen required for fuel combustion. A submarine is its most vulnerable state when it surfaces as it can be easily detected. AIP lets a submarine's engine run without atmospheric air for a week. This means that the submarine can remain underwater for the entire duration, increasing its capability. Indian Navy has its own indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion system. The system has been developed by Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL). Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed Indian official to say that Germany's snub to Pakistan would "adversely impact" lethality of Pakistani submarines. Why was Pakistan snubbed? It is believed that Germany snubbed Pakistan as it could not bring all perpetrators of terror attack on German Embassy to justice. 150 people were killed as truck bomb devastated German Embassy in Kabul in 2017. Haqqani Network was thought to be against the attack. Haqqani Network has a presence in Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

In setback for Imran Khan govt, Germany refuses to modernise Pakistani submarines

On Saturday, Russian politician, opposition leader & top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his team arrived at Berlin's hospital for treatment after 'suspected poisoning'.

On Saturday, Navalny arrived at Berlin's hospital for treatment after 'suspected poisoning'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday vowed that everything would be done to find out who defaced a memorial for one of the worst single massacres in France by the Nazis during World War II.

The graffiti denying the Holocaust found at a memorial centre in the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane this week has also led Prime Minister Jean Castex to call for justice.

Politicians from across the spectrum denounced the desecration of the main entrance sign for the memorial at Oradour-sur-Glane in central France, where 642 people were slaughtered on June 10, 1944 by a German SS division.

"Liar" had been painted over the words "martyr" and "when the truth" on a wall at the Centere de la Mémoire, a memory centre honouring those slain in the World War II massacre that took place in the village where the centre is located.

A blue cover was placed over the sign on Saturday, but images on social media accounts indicated the word in French for "liar" had been added next to it along with other slogans claiming to deny the massacre had taken place.

The inscriptions were discovered on Friday morning when the memorial centre opened, its president Fabrice Escure told AFP.

Police are searching for those responsible.

The village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the site of a massacre in World War II, when German troops destroyed the entire village on June 10, 1944, killing 642 people.

The Elysee released a statement about the incident, saying that French President Emmanuel Macron "condemns this unspeakable act in the strongest possible terms. He gives his full support to the mayor and the municipality. He assures them that everything will be done so that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice."

Macron also commented Saturday on Twitter, saying, "Nothing can make us forget the memory of our 642 martyrs of Oradour-sur-Glane."

On the other hand, PM Castex posted on Twitter: "I learned with anger and consternation of the degradation of the memory center of Oradour-sur-Glane. To sully this place of refuge is also to sully the memory of our martyrs. Everything is being done to ensure that the perpetrators of these infamous acts are brought to justice."

The anti-Semitic incident is the latest addition to the growing list. In 2018, it was announced that anti-Semitic acts in France had risen by 69 per cent.

The incident comes amid growing concern in France over remembering World War II, after repeated vandalisation attacks on Jewish cemeteries.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday vowed that everything would be done to find out who defaced a memorial for one of the worst single massacres in France by the Nazis during World War II.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday vowed that everything would be done to find out who defaced a memorial for one of the worst single massacres in France by the Nazis during World War II. The graffiti denying the Holocaust found at a memorial centre in the French village of Oradour-sur-Glane this week has also led Prime Minister Jean Castex to call for justice. Politicians from across the spectrum denounced the desecration of the main entrance sign for the memorial at Oradour-sur-Glane in central France, where 642 people were slaughtered on June 10, 1944 by a German SS division. "Liar" had been painted over the words "martyr" and "when the truth" on a wall at the Centere de la Mémoire, a memory centre honouring those slain in the World War II massacre that took place in the village where the centre is located. A blue cover was placed over the sign on Saturday, but images on social media accounts indicated the word in French for "liar" had been added next to it along with other slogans claiming to deny the massacre had taken place. The inscriptions were discovered on Friday morning when the memorial centre opened, its president Fabrice Escure told AFP. Police are searching for those responsible. The village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the site of a massacre in World War II, when German troops destroyed the entire village on June 10, 1944, killing 642 people. The Elysee released a statement about the incident, saying that French President Emmanuel Macron "condemns this unspeakable act in the strongest possible terms. He gives his full support to the mayor and the municipality. He assures them that everything will be done so that the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice." Macron also commented Saturday on Twitter, saying, "Nothing can make us forget the memory of our 642 martyrs of Oradour-sur-Glane." On the other hand, PM Castex posted on Twitter: "I learned with anger and consternation of the degradation of the memory center of Oradour-sur-Glane. To sully this place of refuge is also to sully the memory of our martyrs. Everything is being done to ensure that the perpetrators of these infamous acts are brought to justice." The anti-Semitic incident is the latest addition to the growing list. In 2018, it was announced that anti-Semitic acts in France had risen by 69 per cent. The incident comes amid growing concern in France over remembering World War II, after repeated vandalisation attacks on Jewish cemeteries.

Outrage in France after graffiti denying the Holocaust found at massacre site

Alexei Navalny has reached Germany for medical treatment. Germany is demanding clarification over poisoning claims. Navalny is in a coma after a suspected poisoning.

Navalny 'Poisoned': Germany demands clarification over poisoning claims

Israeli Air Force is in Germany for the first time ever. It's not just about simulated dogfights. It's also about the weight of history. The joint fly-past over a former Nazi death camp says it all. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains why the homage comes at a critical time.

Gravitas: Historic Israel-Germany Air Exercise

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying.&nbsp;

The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-historic-israel-germany-air-exercise-322270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, Israel and Germany harbour the memory of a ghastly past.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sale-of-f-35s-to-uae-threatens-israel-peace-agreement-322003">Why sale of F-35s to UAE threatens Israel peace agreement</a>

Both the countries have come together to create a better history as Germany has welcomed Israeli air force into its airspace for the first time ever.&nbsp;

The joint exercise is much more than simulated dogfights, air-to-ground battles or chafing missile threats.&nbsp;

Both German and Israeli pilots value the joint commemoration of the holocaust more than anything even flying.&nbsp;

The most significant part of the exercise came at Dachau, where a Nazi camp built in 1933 served as a model for similar camps that followed.&nbsp;

More than 40,000 Jews were killed at Dachau during the Second World War.&nbsp;

For the Israelis, the joint flypast over the camp was an emotional moment.&nbsp;

Along with Holocaust survivors, several high-profile people witnessed the event, including Israel Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff and German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who paid tributes to the Jews who were killed at the camp.&nbsp;

"From this, let us draw the strength to continue our commitment to the security of both our nations and to defending the universal values of freedom and human dignity that were betrayed so cruelly and terribly in this place," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. &nbsp;

The camp is a reminder to Germany as it grapples with a rise in antisemitism.&nbsp;

And, the Israeli Ambassador has sought an ultimate guarantee that the horrors that this place witnessed will never happen again.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying. The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness.

With the salute, Swastika, skinheads, racial hate, the Neo-Nazi movement is horrifying. The tragedy that happened 75 years ago must not be forgotten and the holocaust must be kept in the public consciousness. Watch | On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, Israel and Germany harbour the memory of a ghastly past. Also read | Why sale of F-35s to UAE threatens Israel peace agreement Both the countries have come together to create a better history as Germany has welcomed Israeli air force into its airspace for the first time ever. The joint exercise is much more than simulated dogfights, air-to-ground battles or chafing missile threats. Both German and Israeli pilots value the joint commemoration of the holocaust more than anything even flying. The most significant part of the exercise came at Dachau, where a Nazi camp built in 1933 served as a model for similar camps that followed. More than 40,000 Jews were killed at Dachau during the Second World War. For the Israelis, the joint flypast over the camp was an emotional moment. Along with Holocaust survivors, several high-profile people witnessed the event, including Israel Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff and German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who paid tributes to the Jews who were killed at the camp. "From this, let us draw the strength to continue our commitment to the security of both our nations and to defending the universal values of freedom and human dignity that were betrayed so cruelly and terribly in this place," Kramp-Karrenbauer said. The camp is a reminder to Germany as it grapples with a rise in antisemitism. And, the Israeli Ambassador has sought an ultimate guarantee that the horrors that this place witnessed will never happen again.

Amid Neo-Nazi threat, Germany remembers dark past with Israel

A German air ambulance thought to have been sent to collect stricken Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny from a hospital in Siberia and take him for treatment in Germany has landed in the Siberian city of Omsk, flight tracking data showed on Friday.

German air ambulance lands in Russia seeking to collect flight data | WION-DW Partnership

German air ambulance lands in Russia | WION-DW Partnership

Israeli and German fighter jets rumbled together over the site of the Dachau concentration camp this week as part of the first joint exercise the nations’ militaries have held on German soil.

Historic day for Israel and Germany: Both country hold joint exercises

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have expressed concern over the health of Alexei Navalny and called the situation worrying. Watch report.

France and Germany offer immediate help to Putin's prominent critic Alexei Navalny

Police in Germany has arrested a 30-year-old man. He has been accused of causing a series of motorway incidents in Berlin, in what prosecutors say is a "suspected Islamist act." Three people are seriously injured in Tuesday evening's crashes, which appeared to be targeted mainly at motorcyclists on the A100 in the German capital.

Series of motorway crashes in Berlin being investigated as 'Islamist Attack'

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.N. agency, an internal document seen by Reuters shows.

The proposed reforms could already be discussed at the WHO in mid-September, three officials familiar with the talks told Reuters, in a fast timeline that would confirm the two European powers' growing concerns about the organisation, which they also see as excessively subject to external influences.

In a joint paper circulated among diplomats involved in the reform talks, Berlin and Paris said the WHO's mandate, which includes preventing outbreaks across the world and helping governments tackle them, was not backed up by sufficient financial resources and legal powers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/vaccine-nationalism-must-end-to-ensure-global-inoculation-who-321496" hreflang="en">'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO</a>

"Not only during the current pandemic, it has become clear that the WHO partly lacks the abilities to fulfil this mandate," the document seen by Reuters said.

A Western diplomat in Geneva, referring to member states' contributions based on their GDP, said: "The key point is the mismatch between WHO mandate and financing. It's very much pro-WHO, it should have more money and (they are) asking for an increase in assessed contributions."

France and Germany are seeking consensus "from Washington to Beijing" around the document, a source close to the talks said.

The move shows the two countries' keen interest in an overhaul aimed at strengthening the WHO, despite talks on the matter with the United States collapsing earlier in August at G7 level over differing views about the reform.

France and Germany, whose health ministers pledged new funds after talks with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in June, have not hidden their criticism of the WHO.

But their approach is very different from that of the Trump administration which has cut funding, announced its withdrawal from next July, and accused Tedros of being a puppet of China.

The Franco-German reform plan is focused on strengthening the WHO, in part to empower it to be able to be more critical of member states if they do not honour global rules on transparency in reporting health and disease issues.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-says-no-evidence-of-coronavirus-on-frozen-food-packets-320368" hreflang="en">WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets</a>

A German government official, asked to comment on the document, said: "Germany together with others wants a reform, talks are under way on different levels."

The French health ministry was not available for comment.

A WHO spokeswoman was unable to provide any information.

UNDERFUNDED

The seven-page document lists 10 reforms aimed at boosting the WHO's legal powers and funding.

"WHO's overall budget with roughly $5 billion per biennium equals the funding of a larger sub-regional hospital," the joint paper said, urging larger and more reliable funding.

Only a fifth of the agency's budget comes from member states' payments without strings attached. The remainder is raised through "short-term, unpredictable and largely highly specified voluntary contributions", the document said, in an apparent reference to the role of individual philanthropic funders such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-says-people-in-20s-30s-40s-increasingly-driving-coronavirus-pandemic-321437" hreflang="en">WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic</a>

A stronger budget is needed in particular for handling emergencies, the document said, to avoid the WHO needing to raise funds in the midst of outbreaks, which could further reduce its independence.

WHO experts should be able to "independently investigate and assess (potential) outbreaks as early as possible", the paper says. China has been accused in this pandemic and in past epidemics of being slow or reluctant to share data and to grant swift access to WHO teams.

The WHO should also be subject to a stronger oversight in emergencies to quickly assess its operations, the document said, proposing the creation of a group of national experts who could monitor crises.

To make sure that the proposed reforms have a proper follow-up, the document recommends the establishment of a panel of experts for this purpose, similar to the one that is currently assessing the handling of the pandemic.

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.

Germany and France want to give more money and power to the World Health Organisation after the COVID-19 pandemic underscored long-standing financial and legal weaknesses at the U.N. agency, an internal document seen by Reuters shows. The proposed reforms could already be discussed at the WHO in mid-September, three officials familiar with the talks told Reuters, in a fast timeline that would confirm the two European powers' growing concerns about the organisation, which they also see as excessively subject to external influences. In a joint paper circulated among diplomats involved in the reform talks, Berlin and Paris said the WHO's mandate, which includes preventing outbreaks across the world and helping governments tackle them, was not backed up by sufficient financial resources and legal powers. Also read: 'Vaccine nationalism' must end to ensure global inoculation: WHO "Not only during the current pandemic, it has become clear that the WHO partly lacks the abilities to fulfil this mandate," the document seen by Reuters said. A Western diplomat in Geneva, referring to member states' contributions based on their GDP, said: "The key point is the mismatch between WHO mandate and financing. It's very much pro-WHO, it should have more money and (they are) asking for an increase in assessed contributions." France and Germany are seeking consensus "from Washington to Beijing" around the document, a source close to the talks said. The move shows the two countries' keen interest in an overhaul aimed at strengthening the WHO, despite talks on the matter with the United States collapsing earlier in August at G7 level over differing views about the reform. France and Germany, whose health ministers pledged new funds after talks with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in June, have not hidden their criticism of the WHO. But their approach is very different from that of the Trump administration which has cut funding, announced its withdrawal from next July, and accused Tedros of being a puppet of China. The Franco-German reform plan is focused on strengthening the WHO, in part to empower it to be able to be more critical of member states if they do not honour global rules on transparency in reporting health and disease issues. Also read: WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets A German government official, asked to comment on the document, said: "Germany together with others wants a reform, talks are under way on different levels." The French health ministry was not available for comment. A WHO spokeswoman was unable to provide any information. UNDERFUNDED The seven-page document lists 10 reforms aimed at boosting the WHO's legal powers and funding. "WHO's overall budget with roughly $5 billion per biennium equals the funding of a larger sub-regional hospital," the joint paper said, urging larger and more reliable funding. Only a fifth of the agency's budget comes from member states' payments without strings attached. The remainder is raised through "short-term, unpredictable and largely highly specified voluntary contributions", the document said, in an apparent reference to the role of individual philanthropic funders such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Also read: WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic A stronger budget is needed in particular for handling emergencies, the document said, to avoid the WHO needing to raise funds in the midst of outbreaks, which could further reduce its independence. WHO experts should be able to "independently investigate and assess (potential) outbreaks as early as possible", the paper says. China has been accused in this pandemic and in past epidemics of being slow or reluctant to share data and to grant swift access to WHO teams. The WHO should also be subject to a stronger oversight in emergencies to quickly assess its operations, the document said, proposing the creation of a group of national experts who could monitor crises. To make sure that the proposed reforms have a proper follow-up, the document recommends the establishment of a panel of experts for this purpose, similar to the one that is currently assessing the handling of the pandemic.

Germany, France push for WHO reform talks in September

Germany has launched a new investigation into Amazon's ties with third party traders selling on its site. Watch report.

German watchdog launches Amazon investigation | World News

German watchdog launches Amazon investigation

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country.&nbsp;

EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them.&nbsp;Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lukashenko-says-he-is-ready-to-share-power-in-belarus-as-protests-mount-321168" hreflang="en">Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount</a>

"Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures,"&nbsp; Seibert said.

Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-protests-eu-rejects-belarus-election-result-320750/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia offers support

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/belarusian-opposition-politician-tsikhanouskaya-says-she-is-ready-to-lead-nation-321113" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation</a>

The Kremlin said in the same statement that external pressure was being applied to Belarus.

Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday.

Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain in the run up to the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government.&nbsp;

Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the European Union.

Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions.

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country. EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them.

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country. EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them. Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed. Also read: Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount "Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures," Seibert said. Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted. Russia offers support Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement. Also read: Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation The Kremlin said in the same statement that external pressure was being applied to Belarus. Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday. Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain in the run up to the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the European Union. Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions.

Germany supports 'expanding' sanctions against Belarus ahead of EU summit

Germany's anti-trust watchdog has launched an investigation into Amazon's relationship with third-party traders selling on its site, as per its head's statement.

Germany's anti-trust watchdog has launched an investigation into Amazon's relationship with third-party traders selling on its site, as per its head's statement. "We are currently investigating whether and how Amazon influences how traders set prices on the marketplace," Andreas Mundt, President of the Federal Cartel Office, told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily. Germany is second to the United States in terms of Amazon's biggest market. According to Mundt, there were complaints against Amazon that the company had blocked some traders because of allegedly too high prices. These complaints were lodged during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic when many stores were closed and shoppers flocked online. "Amazon must not be a controller of prices," he said, adding that Amazon had responded to his office's requests for information and those statements were now being evaluated. Amazon could not immediately be reached for comment. Amazon was forced by the German anti-trust watchdog to abandon a policy. The policy was to prevent traders from offering their products via other online sites at a lower price than on its market place, the policy was in place up till 2013. Last year, Amazon reached a deal with the German authority to overhaul its terms of service for third-party merchants, prompting the office to drop a previous seven-month investigation. (Inputs from Reuters)

German anti-trust watchdog launches new Amazon investigation: Report

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic.

As the cases have been on a constant rise in specific regions of Spain, Germany decided to impose a compulsory two-weeks quarantine rule for all travelers coming from Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-imposes-14-day-quarantine-on-people-travelling-from-france-320337">Also read:&nbsp;UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France</a>

“I know how much the Germans love Spain ... But unfortunately the infection rates there are rising sharply, too sharply,” Jens Spahn told a local newspaper.

After Germany coronavirus tally rose from&nbsp;1,415 to 222,828, the biggest increase since late April, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious disease, the government decided to declare all of Spain, except for the&nbsp;the Canary Islands, a virus risk area, and imposed a compulsory quarantine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-removes-13-million-coronavirus-tests-from-tally-320437">Also read:&nbsp;UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally</a>

“Whoever goes to Spain despite the warning should protect themselves and others while on holiday. Party holidays are irresponsible in this pandemic,” he added.

This decision will be affecting the number of tourists flocking through the borders, and that has put the livelihoods of vendors of the tourist island of Mallorca in danger. The locals of the Mallorca island, a popular tourist attraction, have voiced their concerns against this move asking the government to look into it as the local vendors believe that if they close their shop, they won't be able to even re-open, let alone survive the pandemic.

The concerns were raised after majority of the big travel agencies, such as Europe's popular company TUI, cancelled all German packages to Spain, due to the fear in spread of the novel coronavirus.

There are currently around 30,000 Germans on holiday with tour operators in Spain’s Balearic islands, the vast majority in Mallorca, plus more independent travellers, the German travel association said.

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic.

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic. As the cases have been on a constant rise in specific regions of Spain, Germany decided to impose a compulsory two-weeks quarantine rule for all travelers coming from Spain. Also read: UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France “I know how much the Germans love Spain ... But unfortunately the infection rates there are rising sharply, too sharply,” Jens Spahn told a local newspaper. After Germany coronavirus tally rose from 1,415 to 222,828, the biggest increase since late April, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious disease, the government decided to declare all of Spain, except for the the Canary Islands, a virus risk area, and imposed a compulsory quarantine. Also read: UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally “Whoever goes to Spain despite the warning should protect themselves and others while on holiday. Party holidays are irresponsible in this pandemic,” he added. This decision will be affecting the number of tourists flocking through the borders, and that has put the livelihoods of vendors of the tourist island of Mallorca in danger. The locals of the Mallorca island, a popular tourist attraction, have voiced their concerns against this move asking the government to look into it as the local vendors believe that if they close their shop, they won't be able to even re-open, let alone survive the pandemic. The concerns were raised after majority of the big travel agencies, such as Europe's popular company TUI, cancelled all German packages to Spain, due to the fear in spread of the novel coronavirus. There are currently around 30,000 Germans on holiday with tour operators in Spain’s Balearic islands, the vast majority in Mallorca, plus more independent travellers, the German travel association said.

Germany imposes compulsory quarantine for Spain travellers; health minister criticises 'party holidays'

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

Seddiner lake, in the state of Brandenburg, south-west of Berlin, has sunk 60 cm annually on average over the past few years, with local geographer Knut Kaiser calling it the beginning of the end for the region’s lakes.

“You could say that Seddiner is a symbol of a situation, or to put it more dramatically, it has become a portent for climate change here in Brandenburg,” Kaiser, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, told Reuters TV.

Spanning 218 hectares, it is fed from groundwater, leaving it at the mercy of rainfall and human water usage.

At a high point in 2013, the lake was full enough to flow naturally into a smaller neighbouring lake. In 2020, piers along the water’s edge stand high and dry.

The state has the third most lakes in Germany relative to its size, but is the second most arid, according to the German Weather Agency.

After the drought years of 2018 and 2019, Kaiser said the lake will likely lose a massive amount of water in 2020 for the third year running.

“This is a bad sign! You could put it more starkly: It is a horror story for the region’s water landscape,” he said.

While scientists agree that the main problems facing Brandenburg’s lakes are linked to climate change, human influence also plays a role.

Reeds, which clean the lake and act as a place for fish to spawn, have been exposed by low water and are often trampled by people heading to beaches, Kaiser said.

Falling water levels pose a problem for locals like Mannfred Mannheim. He used to catch enough fish for the family smokery business from the lake, but now has to source it elsewhere.

“For the last three years I have been waiting and things are just getting worse,” Mannheim said. “One day this lake won’t be here anymore.”

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen. Seddiner lake, in the state of Brandenburg, south-west of Berlin, has sunk 60 cm annually on average over the past few years, with local geographer Knut Kaiser calling it the beginning of the end for the region’s lakes. “You could say that Seddiner is a symbol of a situation, or to put it more dramatically, it has become a portent for climate change here in Brandenburg,” Kaiser, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, told Reuters TV. Spanning 218 hectares, it is fed from groundwater, leaving it at the mercy of rainfall and human water usage. At a high point in 2013, the lake was full enough to flow naturally into a smaller neighbouring lake. In 2020, piers along the water’s edge stand high and dry. The state has the third most lakes in Germany relative to its size, but is the second most arid, according to the German Weather Agency. After the drought years of 2018 and 2019, Kaiser said the lake will likely lose a massive amount of water in 2020 for the third year running. “This is a bad sign! You could put it more starkly: It is a horror story for the region’s water landscape,” he said. While scientists agree that the main problems facing Brandenburg’s lakes are linked to climate change, human influence also plays a role. Reeds, which clean the lake and act as a place for fish to spawn, have been exposed by low water and are often trampled by people heading to beaches, Kaiser said. Falling water levels pose a problem for locals like Mannfred Mannheim. He used to catch enough fish for the family smokery business from the lake, but now has to source it elsewhere. “For the last three years I have been waiting and things are just getting worse,” Mannheim said. “One day this lake won’t be here anymore.”

Drying Brandenburg lake is symbol of climate change, say scientists

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany's lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

The Seddiner lake in Germany disappearing steadily

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland.

Pompeo and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in Warsaw that sets out the legal framework for the additional troop presence.

The pact supplements an existing NATO Status of Forces Agreement and allows for the enhancement and modernisation of existing capabilities and facilities by granting US forces to access additional Polish military installations. It also sets out a formula for sharing the logistical and infrastructure costs of an expanded US presence in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-send-troops-from-germany-to-poland-to-send-signal-to-russia-308394">Trump to send troops from Germany to Poland to send signal to Russia</a>

Some 4,500 US troops are currently based in Poland, but about 1,000 more are to be added, under a bilateral decision announced last year.

Last month, in line with President Donald Trump's demand to reduce troop numbers in Germany, the Pentagon announced that some 12,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany with about 5,600 moving to other countries in Europe, including Poland.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873">Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany</a>

In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year.

Trump has long and loudly complained that Germany does not spend enough on defense and has repeatedly accused Germany of failing to pay NATO bills, which is a misstatement of the issue. NATO nations have pledged to dedicate 2 per cent&nbsp;of their gross domestic product.

In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year.

Saturday's signing came just a day after the Trump administration suffered an embarrassing diplomatic loss at the United Nations when its proposal to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Iran was soundly defeated in a UN Security Council vote that saw only one country side with the US Pompeo will visit that country, the Dominican Republic, on Sunday for the inauguration of its new president.

Pompeo has used his Europe trip to warn the region's young democracies about threats posed by Russia and China and has received a warm welcome.

In Poland, the reception was particularly kind given the friendship between Trump and conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda, who was sworn in for a second five-year term earlier this month after a hotly contested election.

Many of Duda's Law and Justice party's policies have put Poland at odds with the European Union, which is concerned that government efforts to reshape the judiciary and other actions have eroded the rule of law and democracy in the EU member country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland. Pompeo and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in Warsaw that sets out the legal framework for the additional troop presence. The pact supplements an existing NATO Status of Forces Agreement and allows for the enhancement and modernisation of existing capabilities and facilities by granting US forces to access additional Polish military installations. It also sets out a formula for sharing the logistical and infrastructure costs of an expanded US presence in the country. Also read: Trump to send troops from Germany to Poland to send signal to Russia Some 4,500 US troops are currently based in Poland, but about 1,000 more are to be added, under a bilateral decision announced last year. Last month, in line with President Donald Trump's demand to reduce troop numbers in Germany, the Pentagon announced that some 12,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany with about 5,600 moving to other countries in Europe, including Poland. Also read: Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year. Trump has long and loudly complained that Germany does not spend enough on defense and has repeatedly accused Germany of failing to pay NATO bills, which is a misstatement of the issue. NATO nations have pledged to dedicate 2 per cent of their gross domestic product. In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year. Saturday's signing came just a day after the Trump administration suffered an embarrassing diplomatic loss at the United Nations when its proposal to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Iran was soundly defeated in a UN Security Council vote that saw only one country side with the US Pompeo will visit that country, the Dominican Republic, on Sunday for the inauguration of its new president. Pompeo has used his Europe trip to warn the region's young democracies about threats posed by Russia and China and has received a warm welcome. In Poland, the reception was particularly kind given the friendship between Trump and conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda, who was sworn in for a second five-year term earlier this month after a hotly contested election. Many of Duda's Law and Justice party's policies have put Poland at odds with the European Union, which is concerned that government efforts to reshape the judiciary and other actions have eroded the rule of law and democracy in the EU member country.

Pompeo signs deal for US troops move from Germany to Poland

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.

Germany reports biggest jump in COVID-19 cases | WION-DW Partnership

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Tuesday he is "cautiously optimistic" of keeping David Alaba but is braced to lose Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara once the Champions League finishes in Lisbon.

Having routed Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the last 16 following Saturday's 4-1 win in Munich in the return leg, Bayern face Barcelona in the quarter-finals on Friday in a clash of European heavyweights.

With a year left on their contracts, both defender Alaba and central midfielder Alcantara are stalling over extensions.

Alcantara, 29, who has been heavily linked to Liverpool, has long since signalled to the club that he wants to leave.

So far, the Spaniard, who has won the Bundesliga title in each of his seven seasons in Munich, has rejected all of Bayern's efforts to keep him.

"It is known that he wants to do something new. If a club comes to us and offers a fair sum, we will deal with it," Rummenigge said with an air of resignation at a media event in Munich on Tuesday.

However, he is "cautiously optimistic" about keeping Alaba, because "we are working on a solution". &nbsp;

Austrian star Alaba, 28, refused to talk about his future after Saturday's victory over Chelsea.

He said he is focused solely on the Champions League as Bayern bid for the treble, having already claimed an eighth straight Bundesliga title and lifted the German Cup.

Rummenigge has also ruled out extending the one-year loan deal of Philippe Coutinho, who will return to Barcelona next season.

Rummenigge said that because of the coronavirus pandemic Bayern Munich "cannot make any further investments of this magnitude in these difficult economic times, which are also difficult for us."

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Tuesday he is "cautiously optimistic" of keeping David Alaba but is braced to lose Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara once the Champions League finishes in Lisbon.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said Tuesday he is "cautiously optimistic" of keeping David Alaba but is braced to lose Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara once the Champions League finishes in Lisbon. Having routed Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the last 16 following Saturday's 4-1 win in Munich in the return leg, Bayern face Barcelona in the quarter-finals on Friday in a clash of European heavyweights. With a year left on their contracts, both defender Alaba and central midfielder Alcantara are stalling over extensions. Alcantara, 29, who has been heavily linked to Liverpool, has long since signalled to the club that he wants to leave. So far, the Spaniard, who has won the Bundesliga title in each of his seven seasons in Munich, has rejected all of Bayern's efforts to keep him. "It is known that he wants to do something new. If a club comes to us and offers a fair sum, we will deal with it," Rummenigge said with an air of resignation at a media event in Munich on Tuesday. However, he is "cautiously optimistic" about keeping Alaba, because "we are working on a solution". Austrian star Alaba, 28, refused to talk about his future after Saturday's victory over Chelsea. He said he is focused solely on the Champions League as Bayern bid for the treble, having already claimed an eighth straight Bundesliga title and lifted the German Cup. Rummenigge has also ruled out extending the one-year loan deal of Philippe Coutinho, who will return to Barcelona next season. Rummenigge said that because of the coronavirus pandemic Bayern Munich "cannot make any further investments of this magnitude in these difficult economic times, which are also difficult for us."

Alcantara set to leave but Bayern 'cautiously optimistic' of keeping Alaba

One creature's poo is another one's treasure, as Krone zoo is finding out the good way. Home to 26 lions and tigers Krone zoo has found a side income by selling off its big cat poo.

A spoonful of turd helps the garden thrive, lion poo pop-up shop offers pest solutions

Germany is firmly in the grips of a heatwave with the mercury hitting 37 degrees in many parts of the country over the weekend.

Germany sizzles as tempeatures hit 37 degrees celsius

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US&nbsp;presidential election.

The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-plays-a-role-in-severe-covid-19-illness-among-kids-study-finds-319012" hreflang="en">Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds</a>

The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations.

Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday.

In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marks-160000-covid-19-deaths-as-economic-relief-talks-fail-in-washington-318965" hreflang="en">US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington</a>

“Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said.

The German and French health ministries confirmed&nbsp;that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation.

A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin.

Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.”

“Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said.

A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”.

The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials.

A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7.

It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned.

US&nbsp;officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”.

Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO.

France and Germany have quit talks on reforming the World Health Organization in frustration at attempts by the United States to lead the negotiations, despite its decision to leave the WHO. The move is a setback for President Donald Trump as Washington, which holds the rotating chair of the G7, had hoped to issue a common roadmap for a sweeping overhaul of the WHO in September, two months before the US presidential election. The Trump administration, which holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 this year, has accused WHO of bowing to pressure from China in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds The WHO has dismissed his accusations. European governments have also criticised the WHO but do not go as far as the United States in their criticism, and the decision by Paris and Berlin to leave the talks follows tensions over what they say are Washington’s attempts to dominate the negotiations. Germany's Health Ministry said the issue was discussed during a call of health ministers from the Group of Seven leading economies Thursday. In a statement Saturday, the ministry said that in view of the United States' withdrawal from WHO, Germany and France currently see no mandate for the US to lead the WHO reform process for the G-7. Also read: US marks 160,000 COVID-19 deaths as economic relief talks fail in Washington “Nobody wants to be dragged into a reform process and getting an outline for it from a country which itself just left the WHO,” a senior European official involved in the talks said. The German and French health ministries confirmed that the two countries were opposed to the United States leading the talks after announcing their intention to leave the organisation. A spokesman for the Italian health ministry said that work on the reform document was still underway, adding however that Italy’s position was in line with Paris and Berlin. Asked about the position of France and Germany, a senior Trump administration official said: “All members of the G7 explicitly supported the substance of the WHO reform ideas.” “Notwithstanding, it is regrettable that Germany and France ultimately chose not to join the group in endorsing the roadmap,” he said. A spokesman for the British government declined to comment on the latest developments but added that Britain supported the WHO and urged a reform of the body “to ensure it remains flexible and responsive”. The talks on WHO reform began about four months ago. There have been nearly 20 teleconferences between health ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, and dozens of meetings of diplomats and other officials. A deal by the G7, which also includes Japan and Canada, would facilitate talks at the G20 and United Nations, where any changes would have to be agreed with China, Russia and other major governments not in the G7. It is unclear whether a G7 summit in the United States, at which Trump hopes leaders will endorse the roadmap, will now go ahead in September as planned. US officials have not said what reforms Washington has sought. But an initial reform roadmap proposed by Washington was seen by many of its allies as too critical, with one European official involved in the negotiations describing it as “rude”. Despite changes to the original text, Washington’s push remained unacceptable, mainly to Germany, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

Germany, France quit WHO reform talks amid tension with Washington

A German company involved in the business of laser communication said it is pulling out of uncompleted exports deal with a Chinese firm after the government barred it from supplying hardware to the country.

Mynaric on Friday said it had urged official clearance of a scheduled export to a Chinese firm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-students-return-as-schools-reopen-in-germany-317875">Thousands of students return as schools reopen in Germany</a>

The company said it received a notification from the government that prohibits Mynaric from delivering the hardware to China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-criticises-germanys-suspension-of-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-317430">China criticises Germany's suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong</a>

When asked about the same, German Economy Ministry spokesman Korbinian Wagner on Monday said the government typically doesn't react on individual cases&nbsp;

Mynaric said it is ending business in China immediately and would withdraw the uncompleted transactions with the Chinese customer

The Germany company said it "considers its clear commitment to national interests of its core markets as critical to its business success," reported news agency the Associated Press.&nbsp;

"This commitment is even more important now, considering pending governmental opportunities in the US, a market that is currently gaining significant momentum."&nbsp;

Many countries have started considering their relations with Beijing primarily due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A number of other issues including Huawei and China's authoritarian measures in Hong Kong have received a lot of international criticism.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A German company involved in the business of laser communication said it is pulling out of uncompleted exports deal with a Chinese firm after the government barred it from supplying hardware to the country.

A German company involved in the business of laser communication said it is pulling out of uncompleted exports deal with a Chinese firm after the government barred it from supplying hardware to the country. Mynaric on Friday said it had urged official clearance of a scheduled export to a Chinese firm. Also read | Thousands of students return as schools reopen in Germany The company said it received a notification from the government that prohibits Mynaric from delivering the hardware to China. Also read | China criticises Germany's suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong When asked about the same, German Economy Ministry spokesman Korbinian Wagner on Monday said the government typically doesn't react on individual cases Mynaric said it is ending business in China immediately and would withdraw the uncompleted transactions with the Chinese customer The Germany company said it "considers its clear commitment to national interests of its core markets as critical to its business success," reported news agency the Associated Press. "This commitment is even more important now, considering pending governmental opportunities in the US, a market that is currently gaining significant momentum." Many countries have started considering their relations with Beijing primarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. A number of other issues including Huawei and China's authoritarian measures in Hong Kong have received a lot of international criticism.

German firm says ending business with Chinese customer following government's disapproval

Thousands of children attended classes as northern Germany became the first region in Europe to reopen schools on Monday.&nbsp;

In Germany's Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, wearing masks will be mandatory for students and people belonging to different age groups will be taught separately so that if one pupil gets infected, the whole school doesn't need to close.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-vaccination-activists-march-against-coronavirus-curbs-in-germany-317561">Anti-vaccination activists march against coronavirus curbs in Germany</a>

Students are required to masks every time and need to constantly wash their hands and avoid hugging.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-criticises-germanys-suspension-of-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-317430">China criticises Germany's suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong</a>

Earlier, education ministers of Germany's 16 states had agreed that schools need to reopen full- time after the summer vacation, after they were opened partially when the lockdown was relaxed.

However, as the infections are increasing in recent times in the country, with over 500 cases per day in recent weeks, reopening schools has raised concerns.&nbsp;

Officials, though, argue that students cannot afford to miss school anymore.&nbsp;

"The children need to be present in school because we have to prevent more lost time," Steffen Kaestner, headteacher of the CJD Jugenddorf-Christophorus school in Rostock, said, reported news agency AFP.

Also, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is the least affected German state hit by the deadly virus as only 20 deaths were reported out of the national toll of 9,148. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of children attended classes as northern Germany became the first region in Europe to reopen schools on Monday. In Germany's Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, wearing masks will be mandatory for students and people belonging to different age groups will be taught separately so that if one pupil gets infected, the whole school doesn't need to close.

Thousands of children attended classes as northern Germany became the first region in Europe to reopen schools on Monday. In Germany's Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, wearing masks will be mandatory for students and people belonging to different age groups will be taught separately so that if one pupil gets infected, the whole school doesn't need to close. Also read | Anti-vaccination activists march against coronavirus curbs in Germany Students are required to masks every time and need to constantly wash their hands and avoid hugging. Also read | China criticises Germany's suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong Earlier, education ministers of Germany's 16 states had agreed that schools need to reopen full- time after the summer vacation, after they were opened partially when the lockdown was relaxed. However, as the infections are increasing in recent times in the country, with over 500 cases per day in recent weeks, reopening schools has raised concerns. Officials, though, argue that students cannot afford to miss school anymore. "The children need to be present in school because we have to prevent more lost time," Steffen Kaestner, headteacher of the CJD Jugenddorf-Christophorus school in Rostock, said, reported news agency AFP. Also, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is the least affected German state hit by the deadly virus as only 20 deaths were reported out of the national toll of 9,148.

Thousands of students return as schools reopen in Germany

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