Germany's Ambassador to India - Walter Lindner - presented his credentials to India's President Ram Nath Kovind in Hindi last month, just before assuming office. WION spoke to the envoy about the many facets of his colourful personality - from his passion for music, to his love of being driven around new Delhi in a shiny red ambassador car. we'll bring you the full interview tomorrow at 8:30 pm on the diplomacy show, but for now, watch some highlights of the interview. this is the story of the German ambassador to India- Walter l Lindner.

On ‘The Diplomacy Show’, WION caught up with Walter J Lindner, Ambassador of Germ

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We want to unify our efforts so that there is a de-escalation process that starts," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Paris.

"There is still time and we hope all the actors show more calm. There is still time, but only a little time," he said.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plan a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran`s threat to violate one of its central limits, but they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road they embarked on more than 15 years ago, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday.

Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who attended the French cabinet meeting, echoed those comments adding that "the risk of war in the Gulf has not been averted."

"We need to do everything so that it doesn`t come to this. That`s why we are talking to all sides. I was in Iran and we are also talking with the Americans. We need to de-escalate through dialogue. It is a time of `diplomacy first` and that`s what we are committed to."

The E3 countries have strained to keep the accord between major powers and Iran on life support since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it last year and began re-imposing American sanctions.

Le Drian said Iran`s threat on Monday to breach the 2015 nuclear deal`s limit on its uranium hexafluoride stocks within 10 days was very worrying and not in Tehran`s interest, but he also pointed the finger at the United States.&nbsp;

"We also consider the US` decision to break with the accord is not good and that its maximum pressure campaign is contributing to tensions," he said.

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday.

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday. "We want to unify our efforts so that there is a de-escalation process that starts," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Paris. "There is still time and we hope all the actors show more calm. There is still time, but only a little time," he said. Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plan a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran`s threat to violate one of its central limits, but they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road they embarked on more than 15 years ago, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday. Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who attended the French cabinet meeting, echoed those comments adding that "the risk of war in the Gulf has not been averted." "We need to do everything so that it doesn`t come to this. That`s why we are talking to all sides. I was in Iran and we are also talking with the Americans. We need to de-escalate through dialogue. It is a time of `diplomacy first` and that`s what we are committed to." The E3 countries have strained to keep the accord between major powers and Iran on life support since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it last year and began re-imposing American sanctions. Le Drian said Iran`s threat on Monday to breach the 2015 nuclear deal`s limit on its uranium hexafluoride stocks within 10 days was very worrying and not in Tehran`s interest, but he also pointed the finger at the United States. "We also consider the US` decision to break with the accord is not good and that its maximum pressure campaign is contributing to tensions," he said.

France, Germany to increase efforts to reduce Iran tensions, avert war: Ministers

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen shaking when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday (June 18) but said she had since drunk water and was feeling better.

Angela Merkel says recovered from shaking bout after drinking water

France, Germany & Spain ink next generation jet deal. Jet to replace France's Rafale & Germany's Eurofighter. This Jet is the part of Europe's future combat air system. Watch this video to know more.

India Has Signed Deal For 36 Rafale Jets

Wearing a balaclava and a headlamp under the cover of night, Andrea slips under an imposing fence into the backyard of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-brexit-looms-london-and-berlin-promote-closer-business-ties-201153">Berlin</a> supermarket.

After a few steps, he reaches his target, a rubbish bin overflowing with pasta, tropical fruits and truffle olive oil, all still in their packaging and, at least visibly, ready for consumption.

"You've got to be fast, respect the sites and most importantly, evade police because it is illegal in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-preferred-successor-says-wont-seek-post-before-2021-218090">Germany</a> to take unsold goods from a bin," said the anti-food-waste activist of his midnight run.&nbsp;

A master's student in physics, 22-year-old Andrea, who declined to give his full name, said he was not dumpster diving out of financial need.

Rather, he participates in the raids, sometimes in a group, for "political reasons".

"I'm fighting the system that's based on over-consumption. My grandmother always said: 'don't throw food away'. But people prefer to dump things rather than give them away for free," he complained.

Filling up his 60-litre (16-gallon) backpack, Andrea said he typically shares his haul with his flatmates, or cooks it up and distributes it free in a soup kitchen.

But his activism comes at great personal risk.

Carrying a penalty reaching up to hundreds of euros (dollars), dumpster diving is considered theft in Germany.

Objects disposed of in a bin on private grounds remain the property of the person who threw them away until they are collected by the dump truck.

Nevertheless, hundreds of activists across Germany still choose to carry on in the hope that they can force the industry to take action to end food waste.

11 million tonnes&nbsp;

Government data show that 11 million tonnes of food are dumped annually in Germany.

The WWF believes that the scale of the problem is up to 18 million tonnes a year if agricultural waste is included.

In a case that sparked waves in Germany, two students were sentenced in January for "serious theft" to eight hours of social work and 225 euros in fines each for having taken items from a supermarket bin.

"Anyone who has looked into a supermarket dump is immediately hit by the amplitude of the trash that's still consumable," the two students, who only wanted to be identified as Caro and Franzi, told AFP.

Their case has become the clarion call in the fight to decriminalise dumpster diving.

In a petition that has already won 126,000 signatures, they are urging the government to require major chains to provide their unsold goods to charity, as is the case in France or Belgium.

A similar petition calling for EU-wide change has collected 1.5 million signatures.

"A law like in France would be the next step if companies don't take their own initiative," warned Tanja Draeger de Teran, a food specialist at the environmental group WWF.&nbsp;

In France, a law from 2016 against food waste bans supermarkets bigger than 400 square metres (4,300 square feet) from throwing food away and making it unconsumable.

But in Germany, it is left up to the discretion of industry.

Amid growing disquiet over the food waste, hundreds of protesters in early June descended on the streets of Berlin in a first protest calling for dumpster diving to be decriminalised.&nbsp;

The city-state of Hamburg is now also considering legalising dumpster diving.

&nbsp;Risk of contamination

The food and agriculture ministry have however warned that consuming food that has been disposed of could have health consequences as "the cold chain have been interrupted and that could lead to contamination".

Supermarkets are already working "very well" with food banks on a voluntary basis, added the ministry.

Johanna Matuzak, the spokeswoman for the food banks, said 1.5 million people were reaping the benefits of voluntary cooperation with supermarkets.

But activists warned that in the absence of restrictive measures for supermarkets, there is little hope for real change.

"Here, like on the question of plastic waste, we think it's not normal that only consumers are being targeted while the professionals" are actually responsible for 60 per cent of global food waste, said Draeger de Teran.&nbsp;

Franzi and Caro also said there was little chance that the problem could be solved if there were only voluntary measures.

"We've only got one planet. The massive food waste problem across the world is one of the causes of global warming of the planet. We have to take immediate action," they said in an email.&nbsp;

At the beginning of May, a UN panel on biodiversity published a report on food waste and said it was one of the main reasons for a major rise in carbon emissions.

Cutting down on the food waste deluge would also help feed 10 billion people by 2050, it said.

Wearing a balaclava and a headlamp under the cover of night, Andrea slips under an imposing fence into the backyard of a Berlin supermarket. After a few steps, he reaches his target, a rubbish bin overflowing with pasta, tropical fruits and truffle olive oil, all still in their packaging and, at least visibly, ready for consumption.

Wearing a balaclava and a headlamp under the cover of night, Andrea slips under an imposing fence into the backyard of a Berlin supermarket. After a few steps, he reaches his target, a rubbish bin overflowing with pasta, tropical fruits and truffle olive oil, all still in their packaging and, at least visibly, ready for consumption. "You've got to be fast, respect the sites and most importantly, evade police because it is illegal in Germany to take unsold goods from a bin," said the anti-food-waste activist of his midnight run. A master's student in physics, 22-year-old Andrea, who declined to give his full name, said he was not dumpster diving out of financial need. Rather, he participates in the raids, sometimes in a group, for "political reasons". "I'm fighting the system that's based on over-consumption. My grandmother always said: 'don't throw food away'. But people prefer to dump things rather than give them away for free," he complained. Filling up his 60-litre (16-gallon) backpack, Andrea said he typically shares his haul with his flatmates, or cooks it up and distributes it free in a soup kitchen. But his activism comes at great personal risk. Carrying a penalty reaching up to hundreds of euros (dollars), dumpster diving is considered theft in Germany. Objects disposed of in a bin on private grounds remain the property of the person who threw them away until they are collected by the dump truck. Nevertheless, hundreds of activists across Germany still choose to carry on in the hope that they can force the industry to take action to end food waste. 11 million tonnes Government data show that 11 million tonnes of food are dumped annually in Germany. The WWF believes that the scale of the problem is up to 18 million tonnes a year if agricultural waste is included. In a case that sparked waves in Germany, two students were sentenced in January for "serious theft" to eight hours of social work and 225 euros in fines each for having taken items from a supermarket bin. "Anyone who has looked into a supermarket dump is immediately hit by the amplitude of the trash that's still consumable," the two students, who only wanted to be identified as Caro and Franzi, told AFP. Their case has become the clarion call in the fight to decriminalise dumpster diving. In a petition that has already won 126,000 signatures, they are urging the government to require major chains to provide their unsold goods to charity, as is the case in France or Belgium. A similar petition calling for EU-wide change has collected 1.5 million signatures. "A law like in France would be the next step if companies don't take their own initiative," warned Tanja Draeger de Teran, a food specialist at the environmental group WWF. In France, a law from 2016 against food waste bans supermarkets bigger than 400 square metres (4,300 square feet) from throwing food away and making it unconsumable. But in Germany, it is left up to the discretion of industry. Amid growing disquiet over the food waste, hundreds of protesters in early June descended on the streets of Berlin in a first protest calling for dumpster diving to be decriminalised. The city-state of Hamburg is now also considering legalising dumpster diving. Risk of contamination The food and agriculture ministry have however warned that consuming food that has been disposed of could have health consequences as "the cold chain have been interrupted and that could lead to contamination". Supermarkets are already working "very well" with food banks on a voluntary basis, added the ministry. Johanna Matuzak, the spokeswoman for the food banks, said 1.5 million people were reaping the benefits of voluntary cooperation with supermarkets. But activists warned that in the absence of restrictive measures for supermarkets, there is little hope for real change. "Here, like on the question of plastic waste, we think it's not normal that only consumers are being targeted while the professionals" are actually responsible for 60 per cent of global food waste, said Draeger de Teran. Franzi and Caro also said there was little chance that the problem could be solved if there were only voluntary measures. "We've only got one planet. The massive food waste problem across the world is one of the causes of global warming of the planet. We have to take immediate action," they said in an email. At the beginning of May, a UN panel on biodiversity published a report on food waste and said it was one of the main reasons for a major rise in carbon emissions. Cutting down on the food waste deluge would also help feed 10 billion people by 2050, it said.

In Germany, activists battle food waste with dumpster diving

Paris air show: How Britain's Future Combat Air System will overpower Dassault's Rafale

With its cobbled medieval streets and beautiful art nouveau architecture, the town of Goerlitz looks like the film set it has frequently been, drawing directors from Wes Anderson to Eli Roth.

Now, Hollywood has turned its eyes on this part of Saxony on the Polish border for another reason: a run-off election on Sunday could see it give the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party its first lord mayorship.

Worried that the city's reputation could be irreversibly tarnished, producer Michael Simon de Normier, who filmed 2008's 'The Reader'&nbsp;there, wrote an open letter to Goerlitzers warning them of the risk.

"Don't give in to hate and xenophobia," he wrote in the letter, which was also signed by Stephen Daldry, the film's director, 'Game of Thrones'&nbsp;actor Tom Wlaschiha and 'Inglorious Basterds'&nbsp;actress Jana Pallaske among others.

Standing in the way of the AfD's candidate, former policeman Sebastian Wippel, is Christian Democrat (CDU) Octavian Ursu, a musician who immigrated from Romania in 1990 to play trumpet in the local theatre.

The 36 per cent&nbsp;of the vote which Wippel won in the first round mirrors the AfD's vote share wins across much of the former East Germany, where billions of euros of investment have failed to reverse population decline and persistently high unemployment.

"It's not just about AfD or CDU," said Ursu. "Do we want an open society in this city? Or do we want to cut ourselves off," he asked.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party has held power in the town for almost three decades, however, and many citizens think that is enough.

"Citizens have got to the point where they say: no, we need a change," said Hajo, a Goerlitzer who refused to give his full name, contrasting Wippel's administrative experience with Ursu's background as a musician.

Ursu was six percentage points behind Wippel in the first round - but with the often reluctant backing of people who earlier supported more left-wing candidates, he might overturn the AfD lead.

"Plague or cholera," was how Rosemarie Trankel, another Goerlitzer, described the choice she was due to make.

Goerlitz's beauty may have brought Hollywood to the city - Ralph Fiennes and Jude Law lived there for months filming 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', but stars' interventions are misguided, Wippel said.

"If anybody is harming Goerlitz's reputation, it's the ones who have encouraged Hollywood to speak out so disrespectfully," he wrote on his website, but added any visiting stars would be welcome to drop by his office for coffee after the elections.

With its cobbled medieval streets and beautiful art nouveau architecture, the town of Goerlitz looks like the film set it has frequently been, drawing directors from Wes Anderson to Eli Roth.

With its cobbled medieval streets and beautiful art nouveau architecture, the town of Goerlitz looks like the film set it has frequently been, drawing directors from Wes Anderson to Eli Roth. Now, Hollywood has turned its eyes on this part of Saxony on the Polish border for another reason: a run-off election on Sunday could see it give the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party its first lord mayorship. Worried that the city's reputation could be irreversibly tarnished, producer Michael Simon de Normier, who filmed 2008's 'The Reader' there, wrote an open letter to Goerlitzers warning them of the risk. "Don't give in to hate and xenophobia," he wrote in the letter, which was also signed by Stephen Daldry, the film's director, 'Game of Thrones' actor Tom Wlaschiha and 'Inglorious Basterds' actress Jana Pallaske among others. Standing in the way of the AfD's candidate, former policeman Sebastian Wippel, is Christian Democrat (CDU) Octavian Ursu, a musician who immigrated from Romania in 1990 to play trumpet in the local theatre. The 36 per cent of the vote which Wippel won in the first round mirrors the AfD's vote share wins across much of the former East Germany, where billions of euros of investment have failed to reverse population decline and persistently high unemployment. "It's not just about AfD or CDU," said Ursu. "Do we want an open society in this city? Or do we want to cut ourselves off," he asked. Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party has held power in the town for almost three decades, however, and many citizens think that is enough. "Citizens have got to the point where they say: no, we need a change," said Hajo, a Goerlitzer who refused to give his full name, contrasting Wippel's administrative experience with Ursu's background as a musician. Ursu was six percentage points behind Wippel in the first round - but with the often reluctant backing of people who earlier supported more left-wing candidates, he might overturn the AfD lead. "Plague or cholera," was how Rosemarie Trankel, another Goerlitzer, described the choice she was due to make. Goerlitz's beauty may have brought Hollywood to the city - Ralph Fiennes and Jude Law lived there for months filming 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', but stars' interventions are misguided, Wippel said. "If anybody is harming Goerlitz's reputation, it's the ones who have encouraged Hollywood to speak out so disrespectfully," he wrote on his website, but added any visiting stars would be welcome to drop by his office for coffee after the elections.

Hollywood stars urge pretty German town to spurn ugly politics

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East.

Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons.

A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday.

Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran.

In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran.

"We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions.

Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions.

Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen.

"However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful.

Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region.

Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded.

Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive".

But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.”

Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions.

Germany's foreign minister has arrived in Tehran to hold talks with President Hassan Rouhani on Monday, as part of a concerted European effort to preserve Iran's nuclear pact with world powers and defuse rising US-Iranian tensions. A cautious thaw in relations between Tehran and Washington set in in 2015 when Iran struck a deal with six big powers limiting its nuclear activity. But tensions with the United States have mounted again since President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions. West European signatories, including Germany, want to try to keep the nuclear accord alive although they share the Trump administration's disquiet about Iran's ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around in the Middle East. Germany, France and Britain maintain that the nuclear pact remains the best way to limit Iran's enrichment of uranium, a potential pathway to the development of nuclear weapons. A German diplomatic source confirmed that Foreign Minister Heiko Maas would meet his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Rouhani on Monday. Maas warned during a weekend stopover in Iraq en route to Tehran about the dangers of any conflict with Iran for the entire Middle East and said the Europeans were convinced it was worth trying to keep the nuclear agreement with Iran. In Abu Dhabi, he also sounded a warning to Iran. "We are not prepared to have a discussion on 'less for less'," Maas told reporters, referring to Iran's decision to reciprocate for the reimposition of sanctions. Last month, Iran scaled back some commitments under the 2015 deal and warned that in 60 days it would resume refining uranium to a higher fissile degree than that permitted by the accord if Europe failed to shield its trade from US sanctions. Maas also said that, in his talks, he would stress his concerns about Iranian activity in Syria and Yemen. "However, we think that this should take place as part of a dialogue," he said, adding he did not think a strategy of maximum pressure and threats was helpful. Washington has sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials call Iranian threats to US troops and interests in the region. Iran has always said its nuclear activity is peaceful and refuses to put its missile and military capabilities on the negotiating table, as the Trump administration has demanded. Zarif was quoted by Fars news agency on Sunday as saying Maas's visit showed Germany was trying to "keep the (nuclear deal) alive". But, suggesting Iran did not view Maas as a mediator with Washington, he added: "It is unlikely that the German foreign minister is travelling to Tehran to carry a special message.” Maas coordinated his trip with France and Britain, and also discussed it with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

German minister Heiko Maas lands in Iran in bid to save nuclear pact

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth.

Standing with the leaders of the allied nations including United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron was German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

There was nothing surprising about Merkel's presence at the event which commemorated the allied victory over Nazi Germany.

Merkel had been a regular at D-Day anniversaries. While leaders of allied nations hailed the bravery of their combined forces, the German Chancellor expressed gratitude for being invited to the ceremony.

Merkel hailed D-Day as the “unique military operation that eventually liberated Germany from the Nazis.”

But things were quite different 15 years ago when a German Chancellor attended D-Day anniversary for the first time.&nbsp;

Allied veterans had objected to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder being invited to the 60th D-Day commemoration in France's Normandy in 2004.

But for both France and Germany, Schroeder's attendance was a sign of changing times and reconciliation in Europe.

Merkel's words resonated with what her predecessor said back then. Schroeder had called D-day "a victory not over Germany but a victory for Germany."

Schroeder had also paid tribute to Allied as well as German soldiers who were laid to rest at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Ranville in Normandy.

But he skipped a visit to the nearby Le Cambe cemetery, where over 21,000 German soldiers belonging to the Waffen-SS unit were buried.

The SS among its many infamous activities was responsible for the mass killing of Jews during the Holocaust.

On June 6th, 1944 Allied forces including those from the US, UK and Canada landed on the beaches of Normandy. The largest seaborne invasion in history would eventually bring down Adolf Hitler's empire in France and later Western Europe.

Merkel, who became only the second German leader to attend Normandy Landing remembrance in 2014 and Schroeder belonged to a generation of Germans who had no memory of the Second World War which ended in 1945.

Schroder was a year old when Germany surrendered while Merkel was born after the war, in 1954.

But D-Day events brought back discomforting memories for German leaders who had witnessed the war.

In 1994, France had avoided inviting then German Premier Helmut Kohl for the Normandy invasion anniversary.

Kohl had said that there was no reason for him "to celebrate a battle in which thousands of Germans died miserable deaths."

The D-Day was a deeply personal matter for Kohl who was a teenager in 1944. His own brother died during the Normandy invasion.&nbsp;

But Kohl later softened his stance on D-Day amid Germany's improving ties with France.

The post-war order was once again reflected in Merkel's remarks who said that "D-Day set in motion the reconciliation process that brought lasting peace to Europe."

On the D-Day's 75th anniversary, nations including Germany signed a declaration in Portsmouth. The world&nbsp;leaders pledged that they will stand together to protect peace and stability.

However, the proclamation had generated little interest. Cracks in the alliances have been quite visible. UK has been in the process to leave the European Union.

Germany and France have been at loggerheads over top European Commission posts.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had complained that the European NATO members are not making enough contribution to the alliance.

The world leaders now have different issues to mend for. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth.

It was a mixed feeling of sentiment, pride and togetherness as leaders of 16 nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day in the English city of Portsmouth. Standing with the leaders of the allied nations including United States President Donald Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron was German Chancellor Angela Merkel. There was nothing surprising about Merkel's presence at the event which commemorated the allied victory over Nazi Germany. Merkel had been a regular at D-Day anniversaries. While leaders of allied nations hailed the bravery of their combined forces, the German Chancellor expressed gratitude for being invited to the ceremony. Merkel hailed D-Day as the “unique military operation that eventually liberated Germany from the Nazis.” But things were quite different 15 years ago when a German Chancellor attended D-Day anniversary for the first time. Allied veterans had objected to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder being invited to the 60th D-Day commemoration in France's Normandy in 2004. But for both France and Germany, Schroeder's attendance was a sign of changing times and reconciliation in Europe. Merkel's words resonated with what her predecessor said back then. Schroeder had called D-day "a victory not over Germany but a victory for Germany." Schroeder had also paid tribute to Allied as well as German soldiers who were laid to rest at the Commonwealth Cemetery of Ranville in Normandy. But he skipped a visit to the nearby Le Cambe cemetery, where over 21,000 German soldiers belonging to the Waffen-SS unit were buried. The SS among its many infamous activities was responsible for the mass killing of Jews during the Holocaust. On June 6th, 1944 Allied forces including those from the US, UK and Canada landed on the beaches of Normandy. The largest seaborne invasion in history would eventually bring down Adolf Hitler's empire in France and later Western Europe. Merkel, who became only the second German leader to attend Normandy Landing remembrance in 2014 and Schroeder belonged to a generation of Germans who had no memory of the Second World War which ended in 1945. Schroder was a year old when Germany surrendered while Merkel was born after the war, in 1954. But D-Day events brought back discomforting memories for German leaders who had witnessed the war. In 1994, France had avoided inviting then German Premier Helmut Kohl for the Normandy invasion anniversary. Kohl had said that there was no reason for him "to celebrate a battle in which thousands of Germans died miserable deaths." The D-Day was a deeply personal matter for Kohl who was a teenager in 1944. His own brother died during the Normandy invasion. But Kohl later softened his stance on D-Day amid Germany's improving ties with France. The post-war order was once again reflected in Merkel's remarks who said that "D-Day set in motion the reconciliation process that brought lasting peace to Europe." On the D-Day's 75th anniversary, nations including Germany signed a declaration in Portsmouth. The world leaders pledged that they will stand together to protect peace and stability. However, the proclamation had generated little interest. Cracks in the alliances have been quite visible. UK has been in the process to leave the European Union. Germany and France have been at loggerheads over top European Commission posts. US President Donald Trump had complained that the European NATO members are not making enough contribution to the alliance. The world leaders now have different issues to mend for. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: How Germany sees its D-Day defeat

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, June 3rd 2019

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) chief Andrea Nahles said she would resign on Sunday as well giving up her position as head of its parliamentary group, saying she did not have the support she needed to lead it.

The leadership upheaval comes as the Greens have overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives to become the most popular party in Germany, an opinion poll on Saturday showed, with the SPD support at an all-time low.

"The discussions within the parliamentary faction and feedback from within the party have shown me that I no longer have the necessary support to carry out my duties," Nahles said in a statement released by the SPD on Sunday.

The politician said she would resign as head of the SPD on Monday and quit as leader of the party in parliament on Tuesday.

Nahles was due to face a vote on her leadership position on Tuesday after her decision to stay in coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives was criticised by the party’s left.

Earlier, German vice-chancellor Olaf Scholz told Germany's Tagesspiegel that had ruled out entering another grand coalition as the country's Social Democrats seek to regroup after losses during the European parliamentary elections last week.

"I am very sure that it would not be justifiable for us to have a fifth grand coalition,"

"Three grand coalitions in a row would not do democracy in Germany any good," Scholz told the German paper in an interview published on Sunday before Nahles announced she would resign.

Former SPD leader Martin Schulz told Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper that he would not stand against Nahles in the leadership vote on Tuesday but declined to answer whether he would seek to be re-elected leader thereafter.

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) chief Andrea Nahles said she would resign on Sunday as well giving up her position as head of its parliamentary group, saying she did not have the support she needed to lead it.

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) chief Andrea Nahles said she would resign on Sunday as well giving up her position as head of its parliamentary group, saying she did not have the support she needed to lead it. The leadership upheaval comes as the Greens have overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives to become the most popular party in Germany, an opinion poll on Saturday showed, with the SPD support at an all-time low. "The discussions within the parliamentary faction and feedback from within the party have shown me that I no longer have the necessary support to carry out my duties," Nahles said in a statement released by the SPD on Sunday. The politician said she would resign as head of the SPD on Monday and quit as leader of the party in parliament on Tuesday. Nahles was due to face a vote on her leadership position on Tuesday after her decision to stay in coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives was criticised by the party’s left. Earlier, German vice-chancellor Olaf Scholz told Germany's Tagesspiegel that had ruled out entering another grand coalition as the country's Social Democrats seek to regroup after losses during the European parliamentary elections last week. "I am very sure that it would not be justifiable for us to have a fifth grand coalition," "Three grand coalitions in a row would not do democracy in Germany any good," Scholz told the German paper in an interview published on Sunday before Nahles announced she would resign. Former SPD leader Martin Schulz told Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper that he would not stand against Nahles in the leadership vote on Tuesday but declined to answer whether he would seek to be re-elected leader thereafter.

German SPD leader Nahles quits as party's popularity hits low

A Yazidi women's association said Wednesday it has sued two German ministers for failing to repatriate German citizens who had fought for the Islamic State group in Syria to stand trial at home.

The autonomous administration in the north and east Syria has offered to hand over some 61 German prisoners suspected of having fought for IS, the Germany-based Federation of the Yezidi Women's Council said in court documents seen by AFP.

Berlin's "failure to accept the offer and to make possible the urgently necessary prosecution constitutes the crime of obstruction of punishment," they allege.

Germany has repeatedly said it wants to bring its citizens home from Syria stand trial but has highlighted many obstacles.

"Legal cooperation is impossible since there are no state structures" in the relevant parts of Syria, a justice ministry spokesman told AFP.

"We haven't received the criminal complaint, so we can't comment."

He added there were 22 outstanding arrest warrants against German fighters held in Syria.

Germany has recently retrieved a suspect from Kurdish-controlled territory in Iraq.

The young man was suspected of the rape and murder of a teenager in the west German city Wiesbaden. He fled to northern Iraq last year but was quickly brought back by federal police after talks with the autonomous administration in Erbil.

The operation was controversial as Germany has no extradition treaty with Iraq.

In Syria, hundreds of foreign IS fighters are being held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of Arabic and Kurdish groups.

The Yazidi are a Kurdish-speaking minority in Iraq who fled in their thousands as IS advanced into the country from Syria in 2014.

At the jihadists' hands, thousands of women and teenagers were subjected to kidnapping, rape and other inhumane treatment such as being held as slaves, the UN has said.

A Yazidi women's association said Wednesday it has sued two German ministers for failing to repatriate German citizens who had fought for the Islamic State group in Syria to stand trial at home.

A Yazidi women's association said Wednesday it has sued two German ministers for failing to repatriate German citizens who had fought for the Islamic State group in Syria to stand trial at home. The autonomous administration in the north and east Syria has offered to hand over some 61 German prisoners suspected of having fought for IS, the Germany-based Federation of the Yezidi Women's Council said in court documents seen by AFP. Berlin's "failure to accept the offer and to make possible the urgently necessary prosecution constitutes the crime of obstruction of punishment," they allege. Germany has repeatedly said it wants to bring its citizens home from Syria stand trial but has highlighted many obstacles. "Legal cooperation is impossible since there are no state structures" in the relevant parts of Syria, a justice ministry spokesman told AFP. "We haven't received the criminal complaint, so we can't comment." He added there were 22 outstanding arrest warrants against German fighters held in Syria. Germany has recently retrieved a suspect from Kurdish-controlled territory in Iraq. The young man was suspected of the rape and murder of a teenager in the west German city Wiesbaden. He fled to northern Iraq last year but was quickly brought back by federal police after talks with the autonomous administration in Erbil. The operation was controversial as Germany has no extradition treaty with Iraq. In Syria, hundreds of foreign IS fighters are being held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of Arabic and Kurdish groups. The Yazidi are a Kurdish-speaking minority in Iraq who fled in their thousands as IS advanced into the country from Syria in 2014. At the jihadists' hands, thousands of women and teenagers were subjected to kidnapping, rape and other inhumane treatment such as being held as slaves, the UN has said.

Yazidis sue Germany for failing to repatriate Islamic State fighters for trial

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there.

Germany's government commissioner on anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, said in an interview published Saturday he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippah everywhere all the time in Germany," due to increasing anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish attacks there.

Rivlin said Klein's remarks "shocked" him, and while appreciating the German government's "commitment to the Jewish community," accused it of bowing to those targeting Jews in Germany.

"Fears about the security of German Jews are a capitulation to anti-Semitism and an admittance that, again, Jews are not safe on German soil," he said.

"We will never submit, will never lower our gaze and will never react to anti-Semitism with defeatism -- and expect and demand our allies act in the same way," he said.

Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right.

Klein, whose post was created last year, said that while the far-right was to blame for the vast majority of anti-Semitic crime, some Muslims were also influenced by watching certain television channels "which transmit a dreadful image of Israel and Jews".

Germany has a culture of atonement over atrocities committed during World War II, during which the ruling Nazis orchestrated the murder of some six million Jews in the Holocaust.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there. Germany's government commissioner on anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, said in an interview published Saturday he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippah everywhere all the time in Germany," due to increasing anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish attacks there. Rivlin said Klein's remarks "shocked" him, and while appreciating the German government's "commitment to the Jewish community," accused it of bowing to those targeting Jews in Germany. "Fears about the security of German Jews are a capitulation to anti-Semitism and an admittance that, again, Jews are not safe on German soil," he said. "We will never submit, will never lower our gaze and will never react to anti-Semitism with defeatism -- and expect and demand our allies act in the same way," he said. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. Klein, whose post was created last year, said that while the far-right was to blame for the vast majority of anti-Semitic crime, some Muslims were also influenced by watching certain television channels "which transmit a dreadful image of Israel and Jews". Germany has a culture of atonement over atrocities committed during World War II, during which the ruling Nazis orchestrated the murder of some six million Jews in the Holocaust.

Israel president says Jews unsafe in Germany after kippah warning

The European People's Party (EPP) is going into Sunday's European elections with a declaration of war on nationalists and populists, as well as appeals for new unity in the EU.

Weber vows to fight populists, calls for EU unity

For the German island of Langeoog and its residents, the politics of climate change has become an issue of survival.

Climate concerns spur Green surge in Germany

Golden era to brand new dawn: Bayern Munich set for major overhaul

Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.

The Bavarians, who can secure a domestic double if they beat RB Leipzig in the German Cup final on May 25, have now won the German league title a record 29 times.

"It was no easy season by any means. What the team managed to achieve after a lot of criticism is significant. That is why I would like to thank them all," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told Sky.

With two points separating Bayern and Dortmund going into the final matchday, the Bavarians were in no mood for any mishaps.

In a dominant first half they went ahead with Kingsley Coman after four minutes and missed a bagful of chances to score again.

Frankfurt briefly levelled when Sebastien Haller stabbed in on the rebound in the 50th but their hopes of a top-four finish lasted only minutes with David Alaba and Renato Sanches netting for the hosts in the 53rd and 58th.

Veteran wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, both leaving the club, then came on as substitutes and scored Bayern's fourth and fifth goals for a perfect farewell.

Frenchman Ribery, departing after 12 years, became the first player ever to win nine Bundesliga titles.

Bayern's Robert Lewandowski was crowned the league's top scorer for the fourth time with 22 goals.

Dortmund finished two points behind in second place on 76 after beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0. RB Leipzig, third, and fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen will join them in next season's Champions League.

Gladbach, VfL Wolfsburg and Frankfurt will compete in the Europa League.

Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich won a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga title on Saturday after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 to finish two points ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians, who can secure a domestic double if they beat RB Leipzig in the German Cup final on May 25, have now won the German league title a record 29 times. "It was no easy season by any means. What the team managed to achieve after a lot of criticism is significant. That is why I would like to thank them all," Bayern coach Niko Kovac told Sky. With two points separating Bayern and Dortmund going into the final matchday, the Bavarians were in no mood for any mishaps. In a dominant first half they went ahead with Kingsley Coman after four minutes and missed a bagful of chances to score again. Frankfurt briefly levelled when Sebastien Haller stabbed in on the rebound in the 50th but their hopes of a top-four finish lasted only minutes with David Alaba and Renato Sanches netting for the hosts in the 53rd and 58th. Veteran wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, both leaving the club, then came on as substitutes and scored Bayern's fourth and fifth goals for a perfect farewell. Frenchman Ribery, departing after 12 years, became the first player ever to win nine Bundesliga titles. Bayern's Robert Lewandowski was crowned the league's top scorer for the fourth time with 22 goals. Dortmund finished two points behind in second place on 76 after beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0. RB Leipzig, third, and fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen will join them in next season's Champions League. Gladbach, VfL Wolfsburg and Frankfurt will compete in the Europa League.

Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive season

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-attack-israel-if-us-standoff-escalates-cabinet-minister-218054&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjw5Zroi6DiAhXD73MBHUmJDUMQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0eu-hyOG3NADuN-CEjFRCc">Iran </a>has no plans to launch centrifuge machines able to enrich uranium at higher capacity or to alter its relations with the UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog, the spokesman for its civilian nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Last week, Iran notified <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-arrests-two-canadians-detained-for-months-on-national-security-grounds-219091&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSoZv9iKDiAhUPaI8KHZpCAroQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ap9JhvFUwGFBEyeAwh7Or">China</a>, France, Germany, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-increasing-influence-in-cuba-stirs-ghost-of-cold-war-215866&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwidaBjKDiAhVu8XMBHYdiC6oQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-GkCT4tYINrvbMaSSS8oq">Russia </a>and Britain that would scale back some commitments under its 2015 nuclear deal, a year after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-line-with-us-sanctions-china-dramatically-reduces-trade-with-tehran-193997&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq8qOQjKDiAhXs8HMBHT78B1MQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rMAagYVdFNnSkmqHlCI1z">United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed sanctions on Tehran</a>.

Iran’s initial moves, involving the stockpiling of some nuclear materials, did not appear to violate the deal's terms.

But Iran warned that unless the other signatories to the deal protect Iran’s economy from US&nbsp;sanctions within 60 days, Tehran would start refining uranium to a fissile purity above that deemed suitable for fuelling civilian power plants.

"We do not currently have any plan to increase capacity and production process by changing the capacity of centrifuges," Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told the semi-official news agency ISNA.

"Increasing the capacity and production process is being carried out with the same number of already installed centrifuges in Natanz (enrichment plant)," Kamalvandi said.

Regarding enhanced monitoring of Iranian nuclear sites by the IAEA under the deal, "in some stages, and to carry out some technical work, the IAEA needs to be informed in advance, which has been done and is being done," ISNA quoted him as saying.

The restrictions on uranium enrichment accepted by Iran under the deal were aimed at extending the time it would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months.

The United States and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it later abandoned.

Tehran denies ever having had one.

The deal imposes a 15-year cap on the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium at 3.67 per cent, far below the 90 per cent of weapons-grade.

It is also well below the 20 per cent level to which Iran enriched uranium before the deal.

Iran is also allowed to refine uranium only with its first-generation, lower-capacity IR-1 centrifuges.

It can use small numbers of more advanced centrifuges for research, but without accumulating enriched uranium.

Iran has no plans to launch centrifuge machines able to enrich uranium at higher capacity or to alter its relations with the UN nuclear watchdog, the spokesman for its civilian nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Thursday.

Iran has no plans to launch centrifuge machines able to enrich uranium at higher capacity or to alter its relations with the UN nuclear watchdog, the spokesman for its civilian nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Thursday. Last week, Iran notified China, France, Germany, Russia and Britain that would scale back some commitments under its 2015 nuclear deal, a year after the United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Iran’s initial moves, involving the stockpiling of some nuclear materials, did not appear to violate the deal's terms. But Iran warned that unless the other signatories to the deal protect Iran’s economy from US sanctions within 60 days, Tehran would start refining uranium to a fissile purity above that deemed suitable for fuelling civilian power plants. "We do not currently have any plan to increase capacity and production process by changing the capacity of centrifuges," Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told the semi-official news agency ISNA. "Increasing the capacity and production process is being carried out with the same number of already installed centrifuges in Natanz (enrichment plant)," Kamalvandi said. Regarding enhanced monitoring of Iranian nuclear sites by the IAEA under the deal, "in some stages, and to carry out some technical work, the IAEA needs to be informed in advance, which has been done and is being done," ISNA quoted him as saying. The restrictions on uranium enrichment accepted by Iran under the deal were aimed at extending the time it would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months. The United States and the IAEA believe Iran had a clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it later abandoned. Tehran denies ever having had one. The deal imposes a 15-year cap on the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium at 3.67 per cent, far below the 90 per cent of weapons-grade. It is also well below the 20 per cent level to which Iran enriched uranium before the deal. Iran is also allowed to refine uranium only with its first-generation, lower-capacity IR-1 centrifuges. It can use small numbers of more advanced centrifuges for research, but without accumulating enriched uranium.

Iran plans no changes to nuclear centrifuges, IAEA ties: civilian nuclear agency spokesman

German giant Mercedes-Benz said it wants to stop selling traditional combustion engine cars by 2039 and plans for its new vehicles sold worldwide by that time to be carbon-neutral.

Mercedes want to abandon combustion engines by 2039

German forensic investigators were performing autopsies Monday on three people found dead in a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-bodies-with-crossbow-bolts-found-in-germanys-hotel-218170"> hotel room with crossbow bolts</a> in their heads and chests, police said.

Detectives were hoping for clues to the mysterious deaths of one man and two women in the Bavarian town of Passau near the Austrian border.

The corpses, all of the German citizens, were discovered by hotel staff Saturday around noon, alongside two crossbows.&nbsp;

A third crossbow was later found packed inside a bag, police said.

The three were a 33-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man from Rhineland-Palatinate state and a 30-year-old woman from Lower Saxony, who had arrived Friday.

"There are currently no indications that other persons were involved," said police spokesman Stefan Gaisbauer.&nbsp;

Local media reported that the man and the 33-year-old woman were found dead in the bed, holding hands, with bolts in their heads and chests, while the 30-year-old woman was found lying on the floor with a bolt in her chest.

Reports said the three had arrived Friday from different parts of Germany and had all checked in without luggage.

They only returned to their cars later, after the reception was closed, to get the bags containing the crossbows.

One of the women had booked the triple room for 85 euros a night, without breakfast, for three nights.

"It was a strange group," a guest recalled, according to the newspaper Bild, saying that the bearded man wore a suit while the women were dressed in black.&nbsp;

They had all wished a "good evening", taken glasses of soft drink and water, and then disappeared into the second-floor room as rain fell outside.

Police said the town's prosecutor had ordered the autopsies which aimed to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the deaths.

Initial results from the post-mortem investigations were expected by Tuesday morning, police said.

German forensic investigators were performing autopsies Monday on three people found dead in a hotel room with crossbow bolts in their heads and chests, police said.

German forensic investigators were performing autopsies Monday on three people found dead in a hotel room with crossbow bolts in their heads and chests, police said. Detectives were hoping for clues to the mysterious deaths of one man and two women in the Bavarian town of Passau near the Austrian border. The corpses, all of the German citizens, were discovered by hotel staff Saturday around noon, alongside two crossbows. A third crossbow was later found packed inside a bag, police said. The three were a 33-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man from Rhineland-Palatinate state and a 30-year-old woman from Lower Saxony, who had arrived Friday. "There are currently no indications that other persons were involved," said police spokesman Stefan Gaisbauer. Local media reported that the man and the 33-year-old woman were found dead in the bed, holding hands, with bolts in their heads and chests, while the 30-year-old woman was found lying on the floor with a bolt in her chest. Reports said the three had arrived Friday from different parts of Germany and had all checked in without luggage. They only returned to their cars later, after the reception was closed, to get the bags containing the crossbows. One of the women had booked the triple room for 85 euros a night, without breakfast, for three nights. "It was a strange group," a guest recalled, according to the newspaper Bild, saying that the bearded man wore a suit while the women were dressed in black. They had all wished a "good evening", taken glasses of soft drink and water, and then disappeared into the second-floor room as rain fell outside. Police said the town's prosecutor had ordered the autopsies which aimed to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the deaths. Initial results from the post-mortem investigations were expected by Tuesday morning, police said.

German police start autopsies in mystery crossbow deaths

Three dead bodies were found in a Bavarian hotel room on Saturday noon with crossbow bolts in their bodies.

The German police have opened an investigation in the death of three German citizens on Sunday.

Police have so far said that there are no indications that anyone else was involved.

The corpses were found in the remote riverside hotel in the city of Passau near the Austrian border.

The three were a 33-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man from Rhineland-Palatinate state and a 30-year-old woman from Lower Saxony, who had jointly booked the room on Friday.

Post-mortems will be carried out in coming days.

Three dead bodies were found in a Bavarian hotel room on Saturday noon with crossbow bolts in their bodies. The German police have opened an investigation in the death of three German citizens on Sunday.

Three dead bodies were found in a Bavarian hotel room on Saturday noon with crossbow bolts in their bodies. The German police have opened an investigation in the death of three German citizens on Sunday. Police have so far said that there are no indications that anyone else was involved. The corpses were found in the remote riverside hotel in the city of Passau near the Austrian border. The three were a 33-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man from Rhineland-Palatinate state and a 30-year-old woman from Lower Saxony, who had jointly booked the room on Friday. Post-mortems will be carried out in coming days.

Three dead bodies with crossbow bolts found in Germany's hotel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angela-merkel-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-volodymyr-zelensky-win-212597">German Chancellor Angela Merkel's </a>preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021.

The woman usually dubbed "AKK" took over from Merkel as head of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) last December, while the chancellor said she wants to serve out her 2017-2021 term.

"The chancellor and the government were elected for an entire legislative term and the citizens rightly expect them to take seriously the commitment that came with the election," said Kramp-Karrenbauer.

"So I can rule out the possibility that I will work deliberately to seek a change earlier," she told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Rather, the CDU should work on a new policy platform and nominate its chancellor-candidate in the late autumn of 2020, she said.

German media have been speculating for months over whether Germany's veteran leader Merkel may leave earlier as head of her left-right coalition government.

Under one scenario, her junior partners the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) could quit the "grand coalition" if they receive further election setbacks.

Upcoming electoral tests are the European Parliament elections this month and three state polls in Germany's ex-communist east later in the year.

In all those elections, the far-right and anti-immigration AfD could make further gains at the expense of the mainstream CDU and SPD parties.

Kramp-Karrenbauer acknowledged that the coalition with the SPD "did not emerge smoothly and doesn't always have an easy time cooperating".

On her relationship with Merkel, she said that "on some days I speak more with her than with my husband".

She stressed however that Merkel to her was neither a "personal friend" nor a "benefactor", and that instead, they are "fellow travellers".&nbsp;

"Our relationship is very good, just as it was before," Kramp-Karrenbauer told the newspaper.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's preferred successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, said Sunday that she would not seek the top job before Merkel's term ends in 2021. The woman usually dubbed "AKK" took over from Merkel as head of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) last December, while the chancellor said she wants to serve out her 2017-2021 term. "The chancellor and the government were elected for an entire legislative term and the citizens rightly expect them to take seriously the commitment that came with the election," said Kramp-Karrenbauer. "So I can rule out the possibility that I will work deliberately to seek a change earlier," she told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Rather, the CDU should work on a new policy platform and nominate its chancellor-candidate in the late autumn of 2020, she said. German media have been speculating for months over whether Germany's veteran leader Merkel may leave earlier as head of her left-right coalition government. Under one scenario, her junior partners the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) could quit the "grand coalition" if they receive further election setbacks. Upcoming electoral tests are the European Parliament elections this month and three state polls in Germany's ex-communist east later in the year. In all those elections, the far-right and anti-immigration AfD could make further gains at the expense of the mainstream CDU and SPD parties. Kramp-Karrenbauer acknowledged that the coalition with the SPD "did not emerge smoothly and doesn't always have an easy time cooperating". On her relationship with Merkel, she said that "on some days I speak more with her than with my husband". She stressed however that Merkel to her was neither a "personal friend" nor a "benefactor", and that instead, they are "fellow travellers". "Our relationship is very good, just as it was before," Kramp-Karrenbauer told the newspaper.

Germany: Merkel's preferred successor says won't seek post before 2021

Management and labour leaders at Germany's ThyssenKrupp have agreed on a way forward after the industrial conglomerate announced a fresh restructuring drive that could lead to the loss of 6,000 jobs.

The agreement was reached in talks between management and workers overnight on recognising the need for radical action, whilst ensuring fair treatment of employees at the Essen-based group, both sides said.

CEO Guido Kerkhoff announced the overhaul on Friday, ditching plans to split the business into two and abandoning a European steel merger with India's Tata Steel.

The group will adopt a holding structure and plans to list its elevators unit, its most successful business.

The decision, first reported by Reuters, triggered a 28% recovery in ThyssenKrupp shares - their biggest daily gain - as Kerkhoff abandoned a cross-shareholding structuring that had ceased to be financially viable.

"Now it is up to shareholders to decide whether ThyssenKrupp steers towards a (viable) future, or towards conflict," said Markus Grolms, deputy head of the ThyssenKrupp works council who represents the IG Metall industrial trade union.

ThyssenKrupp said in a statement the two steering committees of its supervisory board supported the new strategy, including the agreement with labour leaders, and recommended it be approved at a full board meeting on May 21.

"The executive board's new strategy is to build a fundamentally new ThyssenKrupp," the company said.

Group companies would be given freer rein to be more entrepreneurial and flexible, it added.

The agreement also won the backing of the regional leader of North-Rhine Westphalia, the industrial western state where ThyssenKrupp is based.

"ThyssenKrupp is showing the true meaning of social partnership and co-determination in this day and age," Chief Minister Armin Laschet said after meeting Kerkhoff and Grolms.

"The concept that management and unions presented to me is convincing. It offers a chance for the future for ThyssenKrupp and for jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia."

The restructuring will lead to the loss of around 4% of the workforce, with 4,000 jobs going in Germany. Personnel chief Oliver Burkhard, in a tweet, said ThyssenKrupp would seek to avoid forced layoffs, but could not rule this out.

Kerkhoff's reversal bowed to months of pressure from investors who have demanded more radical steps to turn around the steel-to-submarines group and realise shareholder value - in particular by floating its profitable elevators business.

They estimate the elevators business is worth 14 billion euros, twice the value of the parent, reflecting a so-called conglomerate discount that has already forced other industrials, such as Siemens and GE, to action to reduce corporate sprawl. 
&nbsp;

Management and labour leaders at Germany's ThyssenKrupp have agreed on a way forward after the industrial conglomerate announced a fresh restructuring drive that could lead to the loss of 6,000 jobs.

Management and labour leaders at Germany's ThyssenKrupp have agreed on a way forward after the industrial conglomerate announced a fresh restructuring drive that could lead to the loss of 6,000 jobs. The agreement was reached in talks between management and workers overnight on recognising the need for radical action, whilst ensuring fair treatment of employees at the Essen-based group, both sides said. CEO Guido Kerkhoff announced the overhaul on Friday, ditching plans to split the business into two and abandoning a European steel merger with India's Tata Steel. The group will adopt a holding structure and plans to list its elevators unit, its most successful business. The decision, first reported by Reuters, triggered a 28% recovery in ThyssenKrupp shares - their biggest daily gain - as Kerkhoff abandoned a cross-shareholding structuring that had ceased to be financially viable. "Now it is up to shareholders to decide whether ThyssenKrupp steers towards a (viable) future, or towards conflict," said Markus Grolms, deputy head of the ThyssenKrupp works council who represents the IG Metall industrial trade union. ThyssenKrupp said in a statement the two steering committees of its supervisory board supported the new strategy, including the agreement with labour leaders, and recommended it be approved at a full board meeting on May 21. "The executive board's new strategy is to build a fundamentally new ThyssenKrupp," the company said. Group companies would be given freer rein to be more entrepreneurial and flexible, it added. The agreement also won the backing of the regional leader of North-Rhine Westphalia, the industrial western state where ThyssenKrupp is based. "ThyssenKrupp is showing the true meaning of social partnership and co-determination in this day and age," Chief Minister Armin Laschet said after meeting Kerkhoff and Grolms. "The concept that management and unions presented to me is convincing. It offers a chance for the future for ThyssenKrupp and for jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia." The restructuring will lead to the loss of around 4% of the workforce, with 4,000 jobs going in Germany. Personnel chief Oliver Burkhard, in a tweet, said ThyssenKrupp would seek to avoid forced layoffs, but could not rule this out. Kerkhoff's reversal bowed to months of pressure from investors who have demanded more radical steps to turn around the steel-to-submarines group and realise shareholder value - in particular by floating its profitable elevators business. They estimate the elevators business is worth 14 billion euros, twice the value of the parent, reflecting a so-called conglomerate discount that has already forced other industrials, such as Siemens and GE, to action to reduce corporate sprawl.

Germany's ThyssenKrupp agrees restructuring approach with labour leaders

A German woman who posed as a wealthy heiress to scam boutique New York hotels and fashionable friends was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison on Thursday (May 9) after a jury in state court found her guilty of fraud last month.

Fake heiress who dazzled New York elite sentenced to up to 12 years in prison

A German woman posed as a wealthy heiress to scam boutique New York hotels and fashionable friends is sentenced to four to 12 years in prison on May 9. Watch this video to know more.

Good time ends for fake German heiress

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-more-sanctions-for-iran-tells-europe-to-stop-doing-business-with-tehran-217159">Tehran's announcement </a>and threat to take more action that could violate the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revues from exports of its industrial metals.

"We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran's compliance on the basis of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">Iran's performance</a> regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons)," the statement read, with JCPOA referring to the Iran nuclear deal.

They said they regretted the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States and added that they remained committed to preserving and fully implementing the Iran nuclear deal.

"We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran," said the European states, adding that included getting a special purpose vehicle aimed at enabling business with Iran off the ground.

A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States.

The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear programme that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Tehran has said it pursued only a peaceful nuclear programme.

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme.

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme. After Tehran's announcement and threat to take more action that could violate the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revues from exports of its industrial metals. "We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran's compliance on the basis of Iran's performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons)," the statement read, with JCPOA referring to the Iran nuclear deal. They said they regretted the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States and added that they remained committed to preserving and fully implementing the Iran nuclear deal. "We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran," said the European states, adding that included getting a special purpose vehicle aimed at enabling business with Iran off the ground. A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States. The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear programme that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has said it pursued only a peaceful nuclear programme.

European Union rejects any ultimatums after Iran's move on nuclear deal

France said that India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Watch full video to know more.

India ' Absolutely Needed' as permanent UN Security Council members, says France

French envoy to the UN has backed India, Germany, Brazil saying that these countries are needed as permanent members. Watch full video to know more.

France backs India's fixed UN membership

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pattern-of-aggressive-behaviour-elsewhere-informs-how-it-treats-the-arctic-pompeo-216537">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues".

"We look forward to rescheduling this important set of meetings," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

"The Secretary looks forward to being in Berlin soon."

She gave no further details or explanation for the sudden change of plans.

Pompeo had been due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear whether he would still travel to Britain on Wednesday, when he was to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May, or on Thursday to Greenland, where he was to complete his European tour.

Pompeo started the trip attending a meeting of ministers of the Arctic Council in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

Merkel's office referred all queries about the reasons for the cancellation to the US embassy in Berlin, which could not immediately be reached for comment.

The embassy had earlier tweeted the Ortagus remarks.

Merkel has not hidden her differences with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken the unusual step of criticising the close ally, especially over what he has repeatedly called German's insufficient NATO spending.

Berlin and Washington are also at odds over a range of trade issues and the Nord Stream 2 project to build a new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo abruptly cancelled a visit to Germany on Tuesday hours before he was due to arrive in Berlin, with his spokeswoman citing "pressing issues". "We look forward to rescheduling this important set of meetings," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. "The Secretary looks forward to being in Berlin soon." She gave no further details or explanation for the sudden change of plans. Pompeo had been due to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether he would still travel to Britain on Wednesday, when he was to meet with Prime Minister Theresa May, or on Thursday to Greenland, where he was to complete his European tour. Pompeo started the trip attending a meeting of ministers of the Arctic Council in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. Merkel's office referred all queries about the reasons for the cancellation to the US embassy in Berlin, which could not immediately be reached for comment. The embassy had earlier tweeted the Ortagus remarks. Merkel has not hidden her differences with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly taken the unusual step of criticising the close ally, especially over what he has repeatedly called German's insufficient NATO spending. Berlin and Washington are also at odds over a range of trade issues and the Nord Stream 2 project to build a new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea.

Pompeo cancels Germany visit due to 'pressing issues': US

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 5th, 2019

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000.

"I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination.

"Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added.

Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare. Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000. "I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination. "Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added. Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD). SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

Get your children vaccinated or face fine: German health minister

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