As fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine grow, it seems there will not be any military evacuation from the UK, a media report said. &nbsp;

If conflict with Russia breaks out, British nationals, who choose to stay in Ukraine, should not expect an evacuation by military, junior defence minister James Heappey told Sky News on Saturday. &nbsp;

"British nationals should leave Ukraine immediately by any means possible and they should not expect, as they saw in the summer with Afghanistan, that there would be any possibility of a military evacuation," Heappey said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-will-respond-decisively-if-ukraine-invasion-occurs-biden-tells-putin-452818" hreflang="en">West will respond decisively if Ukraine invasion occurs, Biden tells Putin</a>&nbsp;

The UK government on Friday had advised British nationals to leave Ukraine while commercial means were still available. It had also advised against all further travel to the country. &nbsp;

However, Britain is still maintaining a diplomatic presence in Ukraine. &nbsp;

On Twitter, British ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, said, "I am staying in Kyiv and continue to work there with a core team. The embassy remains operational." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-us-submarine-enter-russian-territorial-waters-in-pacific-accusations-claims-continue-452824">Did US submarine enter Russian territorial waters in Pacific?</a>

On Friday, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that British troops sent to Ukraine for training purposes would return soon. &nbsp;

"There will be no British troops in Ukraine if there is any conflict with Russia," said Heappey. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine grow, it seems there will not be any military evacuation from the UK, a media report said. If conflict with Russia breaks out, British nationals, who choose to stay in Ukraine, should not expect an evacuation by military, junior defence minister James Heappey told Sky News on Saturday.

As fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine grow, it seems there will not be any military evacuation from the UK, a media report said. If conflict with Russia breaks out, British nationals, who choose to stay in Ukraine, should not expect an evacuation by military, junior defence minister James Heappey told Sky News on Saturday. "British nationals should leave Ukraine immediately by any means possible and they should not expect, as they saw in the summer with Afghanistan, that there would be any possibility of a military evacuation," Heappey said. Also Read: West will respond decisively if Ukraine invasion occurs, Biden tells Putin The UK government on Friday had advised British nationals to leave Ukraine while commercial means were still available. It had also advised against all further travel to the country. However, Britain is still maintaining a diplomatic presence in Ukraine. On Twitter, British ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, said, "I am staying in Kyiv and continue to work there with a core team. The embassy remains operational." Also Read: Did US submarine enter Russian territorial waters in Pacific? On Friday, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that British troops sent to Ukraine for training purposes would return soon. "There will be no British troops in Ukraine if there is any conflict with Russia," said Heappey. (With inputs from agencies)

If Russian invasion occurs in Ukraine, UK may not evacuate its nationals, says report

As fears of Russian invasion loom over Ukraine, the United States has dramatically raised the alarm warning that a Russian invasion could begin within few days. The White House said that a Russian invasion starting with civilians being caught under aerial bombing could begin any time even before the end of the Beijing Olympics.

United States: Russian invasion could occur any day

As fears of Russian invasion loom over Ukraine, the United States has dramatically raised the alarm warning that a Russian invasion could begin within few days. The White House said that a Russian invasion starting with civilians being caught under aerial bombing could begin any time even before the end of the Beijing Olympics. WION's executive editor Palki Sharma and Ashok Sajjanhar, former Indian envoy to Kazakhstan give more insights on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US continues to raise alarms over Russian invasion in Ukraine | Palki Sharma Exclusive

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.

His comments came during a meeting with British Foreign Minister Liz Truss in Moscow during the latest round of diplomatic meetings aimed at normalising the tense situation over Ukraine.

"Ideological approaches, ultimatums, threats — this is the road to nowhere," AFP quoted Lavrov as saying at the start of talks.

The Russian foreign minister lashed out at diplomats in the European capitals and Washington for using threats and ultimatums against Russia, saying that their approach was undiplomatic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-russia-continues-to-deploy-more-forces-adding-tactical-groups-says-us-451895">Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US</a>

The European countries have been tense ever since reports emerged that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, triggering fears of an invasion.

In her opening remarks, Truss said Britain “cannot ignore” the build-up of troops on Ukraine's border or “attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

“There is an alternative route, a diplomatic route that avoids conflict and bloodshed,” she said, adding, “I am here to urge Russia to take that path.”

The meeting in Moscow comes ahead of another between Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Friday. &nbsp;

There has been a flurry of diplomatic talks this week between the European leaders and Russia over fears that Ukraine escalation could lead to a war-like situation in eastern Europe.

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron met Vladimir Putin in Moscow and then visited Ukraine the next day in an attempt to defuse the ongoing tension.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine. His comments came during a meeting with British Foreign Minister Liz Truss in Moscow during the latest round of diplomatic meetings aimed at normalising the tense situation over Ukraine. "Ideological approaches, ultimatums, threats — this is the road to nowhere," AFP quoted Lavrov as saying at the start of talks. The Russian foreign minister lashed out at diplomats in the European capitals and Washington for using threats and ultimatums against Russia, saying that their approach was undiplomatic. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US The European countries have been tense ever since reports emerged that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, triggering fears of an invasion. In her opening remarks, Truss said Britain “cannot ignore” the build-up of troops on Ukraine's border or “attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.” Also Read in Pics| Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets “There is an alternative route, a diplomatic route that avoids conflict and bloodshed,” she said, adding, “I am here to urge Russia to take that path.” The meeting in Moscow comes ahead of another between Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Friday. There has been a flurry of diplomatic talks this week between the European leaders and Russia over fears that Ukraine escalation could lead to a war-like situation in eastern Europe. On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron met Vladimir Putin in Moscow and then visited Ukraine the next day in an attempt to defuse the ongoing tension. (With inputs from agencies)

Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister

Ukraine is filling the heat with tensions at their highest in years. Russia is expanding its military buildup near Ukraine's border sparring fears of an invasion, the western alliance is bulking up its troops along eastern Europe and Ukraine is preparing to defend its country if the ongoing diplomatic efforts fail.

Amid fears of Russian invasion, Ukrainian citizens take lessons on guns and first aid

As the threat of Russia possibly carrying an incursion into Ukraine looms, the United States has painted the most ominous of the picture so far. According to some senior officials in Washington DC, Russia has assembled almost about 70 percent of the military capabilities that it will be needing in case of a full-scale invasion.

United States assess possible Russian invasion of Ukraine

The United States has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could order for an attack on Ukraine within days or even weeks, as Washington and its European allies continues their efforts to try and de-escalate the situation.

US warns Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen 'any day'

The United States has announced having evidence of a Russian plan to fake Ukrainian attack and claimed that the plan will help Moscow justify the invasion to its neighbours.

US claims Russia could use a propaganda video as pretext to invade Ukraine

Thousands of protestors have hit the streets across several Australian cities against National day while wearing black clothes.

Australia: Thousands march against the National day while wearing black

In a forested area just outside Ukraine's capital Kiev, mock Russian troops ambush camouflage-clad army reservists.

The would-be Ukrainian soldiers, who include architects and researchers in their ranks, return fire with replica Kalashnikovs as imitation smoke grenades explode around them.

"I believe that every person in this country should know what to do... if the enemy invades their country," Daniil Larin, a 19-year-old university student, told AFP during a short break from the exercises.

Larin was one of about 50 Ukrainian civilians who drove from Kiev to an abandoned Soviet-era asphalt plant on a recent weekend afternoon to train for how to defend their country in the event of a Russian invasion.

Dozens of civilians have been joining Ukraine's army reserves in recent months, as fears have mounted that Russia -- which Kiev says has massed around 100,000 troops on its side of the border -- is plotting to launch a large-scale attack.

Ukraine's army, which totals 215,000 soldiers, has been battling a Moscow-backed insurgency in two breakaway regions since 2014 in a long-simmering conflict that has claimed over 13,000 lives.

While Moscow has denied it is planning an invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not excluded a military response should the US-led NATO alliance -- which Ukraine wants to join -- expand eastward.

The Ukrainian reservists, who have ballooned to about 100,000 members, have been learning "how to handle weapons, how to behave in a battle environment, how to defend cities," Larin told AFP.

- Living with war -

Marta Yuzkiv, a 51-year-old doctor, believes that the Russian army is "far superior" to Ukraine's and the risk of a full-scale invasion is "high enough" to have joined the reserves.

"Only if everyone is ready to defend our land, then there will be a chance," she said.

Since joining up in April, when Russia first deployed around 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border, Yuzkiv has trained for several hours every Saturday in providing tactical medicine, shooting automatic rifles and deploying checkpoints.

While the army provided her with a military uniform, she spent her own money on a helmet, bulletproof jacket and tactical goggles.

The trainees are part of reservist battalions set up to protect Kiev in the event of an attack on Ukraine's largest city.

One battalion commander, Vadym Ozirny, said that after mobilising at a rendezvous point, the reservists will get to work protecting administrative buildings and critical infrastructure as well as helping residents evacuate.

"These people must arrive, receive weapons and carry out command assignments, defend their home," Ozirny told AFP.

Denys Semyrog-Orlyk, one of the most experienced reservists in the unit, said he is ready to counter a real offensive.

"I have been living for the eighth year with the thought that until we give Russia a good blow in the face, they will not leave us alone," the 46-year-old architect told AFP.

"I clearly understand that I am a serviceman. I might be called up and I must act fully as a serviceman."

In a forested area just outside Ukraine's capital Kiev, mock Russian troops ambush camouflage-clad army reservists. The would-be Ukrainian soldiers, who include architects and researchers in their ranks, return fire with replica Kalashnikovs as imitation smoke grenades explode around them.

In a forested area just outside Ukraine's capital Kiev, mock Russian troops ambush camouflage-clad army reservists. The would-be Ukrainian soldiers, who include architects and researchers in their ranks, return fire with replica Kalashnikovs as imitation smoke grenades explode around them. "I believe that every person in this country should know what to do... if the enemy invades their country," Daniil Larin, a 19-year-old university student, told AFP during a short break from the exercises. Larin was one of about 50 Ukrainian civilians who drove from Kiev to an abandoned Soviet-era asphalt plant on a recent weekend afternoon to train for how to defend their country in the event of a Russian invasion. Dozens of civilians have been joining Ukraine's army reserves in recent months, as fears have mounted that Russia -- which Kiev says has massed around 100,000 troops on its side of the border -- is plotting to launch a large-scale attack. Ukraine's army, which totals 215,000 soldiers, has been battling a Moscow-backed insurgency in two breakaway regions since 2014 in a long-simmering conflict that has claimed over 13,000 lives. While Moscow has denied it is planning an invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not excluded a military response should the US-led NATO alliance -- which Ukraine wants to join -- expand eastward. The Ukrainian reservists, who have ballooned to about 100,000 members, have been learning "how to handle weapons, how to behave in a battle environment, how to defend cities," Larin told AFP. - Living with war - Marta Yuzkiv, a 51-year-old doctor, believes that the Russian army is "far superior" to Ukraine's and the risk of a full-scale invasion is "high enough" to have joined the reserves. "Only if everyone is ready to defend our land, then there will be a chance," she said. Since joining up in April, when Russia first deployed around 100,000 troops on Ukraine's border, Yuzkiv has trained for several hours every Saturday in providing tactical medicine, shooting automatic rifles and deploying checkpoints. While the army provided her with a military uniform, she spent her own money on a helmet, bulletproof jacket and tactical goggles. The trainees are part of reservist battalions set up to protect Kiev in the event of an attack on Ukraine's largest city. One battalion commander, Vadym Ozirny, said that after mobilising at a rendezvous point, the reservists will get to work protecting administrative buildings and critical infrastructure as well as helping residents evacuate. "These people must arrive, receive weapons and carry out command assignments, defend their home," Ozirny told AFP. Denys Semyrog-Orlyk, one of the most experienced reservists in the unit, said he is ready to counter a real offensive. "I have been living for the eighth year with the thought that until we give Russia a good blow in the face, they will not leave us alone," the 46-year-old architect told AFP. "I clearly understand that I am a serviceman. I might be called up and I must act fully as a serviceman."

Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion

The West led by the United States is scrambling to beef up its military preparations, fears are mounting that an invasion of Ukraine is imminent but Russia's state TV wants Russian citizens to think otherwise. It's focusing on issues like Omicron cases or the Beijing Olympics.

Russian TV plays down escalating crisis, blames western 'panic' for tensions in Ukraine

Momentum is building for a conflict in Ukraine. A gaffe by Joe Biden has given Russia the upper hand. The US President suggested he would tolerate a "minor invasion" in Ukraine. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: Will Russia go to war?

High ranking officials from the United States and NATO are set to hold talks with Russia amid Ukraine invasion threat.

NATO to hold a special meeting with Russia over Ukraine invasion threat

China's foreign minister Wang Yi is all set to visit the island nation of Sri Lanka next week. But, ahead of the crucial visit, the ties between the two nations seem to be on a pretty shaky ground.

'China must stop its economic invasion,' Sri Lankan lawmaker's dig at China

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine show no signs of ending with the west and NATO getting involved, the two neighbors have now refused to see eye to eye.

US President Joe Biden has assured of action against Russia if Moscow invades Ukraine

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead.&nbsp;

With the current state of the world, however, uncertainty is unavoidably a component of our mental state.

A global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill in the twenty-first century, and the virus does not appear to be slowing down as new strains arise.&nbsp;

This has left us wondering what the year 2022, which is about to begin, has in store for us.&nbsp;

Astrologers, numerologists, and tarot readers begin to make forecasts, although the most famous among them did so about 500 years ago.&nbsp;

Of course, we're talking about Nostradamus.

In 1555, the famous and extensively mentioned book "Les Prophéties" was written by the French plague doctor, astrologer, and seer.&nbsp;

The book is packed of lyrical prophecies, including wars, natural disasters, assassinations, nuclear assaults, and revolutions.

So lets have a look at What are Nostradamus' prophecies for 2022:&nbsp;

The death/disappearance of a political figure

"The sudden death of the first character, he will be changed and they will put another in his kingdom."

For some, this means that a significant member of the world political community has vanished physically. Some believe it refers to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, others to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, and still others to US Vice President Joe Biden.

Global warming

"Like the sun, the head will seal the shining sea. The live fish of the Black Sea will almost boil."

Nostradamus foresaw a solar storm of unparalleled magnitude, the melting of the poles, and a rise in sea level in this way. He also forecasted earthquakes, floods, and severe droughts.

Inflation and famine are two of the world's most serious problems

"So high the price of wheat/That man is stirred/His fellow man to eat in his despair."

He tells us that because inflation in the United States is at its greatest level in four decades, it will cause great unrest and possibly lead to individuals turning on each other for profit. Even if it suggests cannibalism, we hope it's more of a metaphor.

Rise of Artificial Intelligence

"The Moon in the full of night over the high mountain /The new sage with a lone brain sees it /By his disciples invited to be immortal/Eyes to the south. Hands in bosoms, bodies in the fire."

Concerns about artificial intelligence are growing as technology advances. As more AIs develop "consciousness," prophecies warn that one of them will become self-aware and take control of our systems. We must be wary in a world when everything is connected to the internet.

The European Union's Downfall

"Sacred temples of the Roman time, will reject the foundations of their foundation."

Those who have devoted their lives to deciphering the writings of the French prophet are certain that he refers to the European Union and foresees its demise, which could have begun with Brexit and would culminate this year with the collapse of this political community.

An asteroid strike

In 1555, Nostradamus also appears to have predicted that the Earth will be struck by an asteroid, resulting in mass death.

The astronomer's prophecies are vague as to when this claimed 'celestial stone' strike will occur, but he did write that a 'great fire' would fall from the sky.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead.

As the year 2021 draws to a close, another year has passed. And with that, we all know what's in store: a chance to reflect on what we've done, what we've accomplished, and what's ahead. With the current state of the world, however, uncertainty is unavoidably a component of our mental state. A global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill in the twenty-first century, and the virus does not appear to be slowing down as new strains arise. This has left us wondering what the year 2022, which is about to begin, has in store for us. Astrologers, numerologists, and tarot readers begin to make forecasts, although the most famous among them did so about 500 years ago. Of course, we're talking about Nostradamus. In 1555, the famous and extensively mentioned book "Les Prophéties" was written by the French plague doctor, astrologer, and seer. The book is packed of lyrical prophecies, including wars, natural disasters, assassinations, nuclear assaults, and revolutions. So lets have a look at What are Nostradamus' prophecies for 2022: The death/disappearance of a political figure "The sudden death of the first character, he will be changed and they will put another in his kingdom." For some, this means that a significant member of the world political community has vanished physically. Some believe it refers to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, others to Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, and still others to US Vice President Joe Biden. Global warming "Like the sun, the head will seal the shining sea. The live fish of the Black Sea will almost boil." Nostradamus foresaw a solar storm of unparalleled magnitude, the melting of the poles, and a rise in sea level in this way. He also forecasted earthquakes, floods, and severe droughts. Inflation and famine are two of the world's most serious problems "So high the price of wheat/That man is stirred/His fellow man to eat in his despair." He tells us that because inflation in the United States is at its greatest level in four decades, it will cause great unrest and possibly lead to individuals turning on each other for profit. Even if it suggests cannibalism, we hope it's more of a metaphor. Rise of Artificial Intelligence "The Moon in the full of night over the high mountain /The new sage with a lone brain sees it /By his disciples invited to be immortal/Eyes to the south. Hands in bosoms, bodies in the fire." Concerns about artificial intelligence are growing as technology advances. As more AIs develop "consciousness," prophecies warn that one of them will become self-aware and take control of our systems. We must be wary in a world when everything is connected to the internet. The European Union's Downfall "Sacred temples of the Roman time, will reject the foundations of their foundation." Those who have devoted their lives to deciphering the writings of the French prophet are certain that he refers to the European Union and foresees its demise, which could have begun with Brexit and would culminate this year with the collapse of this political community. An asteroid strike In 1555, Nostradamus also appears to have predicted that the Earth will be struck by an asteroid, resulting in mass death. The astronomer's prophecies are vague as to when this claimed 'celestial stone' strike will occur, but he did write that a 'great fire' would fall from the sky. (With inputs from agencies)

Nostradamus predictions for year 2022: Asteroid strike, Global warming and more

A visually impaired psychic from Bulgaria, Baba Vanga, also known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans' is revered by many for her predictions that have translated into real-life events, like the 9/11 terror attacks, Brexit, the rise of ISIS, and much more.

A visually impaired psychic from Bulgaria, Baba Vanga, also known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans' is revered by many for her predictions that have translated into real-life events, like the 9/11 terror attacks, Brexit, the rise of ISIS, and much more. She passed away in 1996, but she had made predictions till 5079. The psychic claimed that after she lost her eyesight, she came in touch with her ability to foresee the future. She also made several predictions for the upcoming year 2022. Here are a few of her predictions: A new virus: The world is already struggling against the deadly coronavirus. However, if prophecies of Baba Vanga are to be believed, another lethal virus will be discovered by a team of researchers in Siberia. As of now, the virus in frozen. Water crisis: As per Vanga's claims, many cities all across the world will be hit by a scarcity of drinking water. Also, there will be an increase of pollution in the rivers. Tsunami: Earlier, the psychic had successfully predicted the tsunami of 2004. For 2022, she said that several Asian and Australian countries will be hit by massive floods, leading to hundreds of deaths. Also read | Fauci speaks about improving Covid testing, says 'We've got to do better' Predictions for India: The visually impaired psychic stated that India will be hit by several locust attacks in 2022 and this will destroy crops and agricultural plots, further leading to famine. She also said that there will be a sharp rise in temperature, as high as 50°C. Alien invasion: Vanga predicted that an asteroid known by the name of 'Oumuamua' will be sent by aliens to look for life on earth. It passed through earth back in 2017. There have been strong shreds of evidence to suggest that the object came from outside our planetary system. When it was first spotted, many researchers including Harvard University’s Avi Loeb posited that the object was an alien spaceship. Another important prediction, which is coming out to be true, is that 2022 will be a year of virtual realities. People will spend more time on screen and not in reality. Earlier, in 1998, when Vanga had predicted the 9/11 attacks, she said, "Horror, horror! The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel birds. The wolves will be howling in a bush, and innocent blood will be gushing." She also reportedly foretold that Europe will be invaded by Muslim extremists in the year 2016. Baba Vanga also predicted that the conflict would begin with the Arab Spring in 2010. (With inputs from agencies)

New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022

The US says it is ready for talks with Russia amid growing tensions over Ukraine invasion fears. However, it makes it clear that any dialogue must be based on reciprocity.

US says it is ready for talks with Russia amid growing tensions over Ukraine

Taiwan holds anti-invasion drills amid invasion fears from China which claims sovereignty over the island nation. China may also deploy troops near the Taiwan border.

Taiwan holds military drills amid China invasion fears

Days after US president Joe Biden spoke to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the escalating conflict with Ukraine, there seems to be no change in the status quo.

Biden talks to Ukraine president, reaffirms support | Russia-Ukraine Tensions

US president Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin had a 'useful' meeting that allowed leaders to talk about the ongoing conflict over Ukraine. Joe Biden has further warned of strong response to its Russian counterpart.

Joe Biden vows strong response over Ukraine crisis with Russia

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating for several years. Russia has been amassing troops near the Ukraine border, now there are concerns that Russia might invade Ukraine.

US Intel: Russia calls up for reservists for invasion in Ukraine

Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China.

Thursday's climax of the five-day drill aimed to test how democratic Taiwan's armed forces would repel an invasion from its giant neighbour.

Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it -- by force if necessary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-conducts-live-fire-drill-to-thwart-invasion-amid-china-tensions-313667">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan conducts live-fire drill to thwart 'invasion' amid China tensions</a>

Thursday's main simulation saw Taiwan fighter jets, warships and ground troops repelling an enemy attempt to land on a beach in the central city of Taichung in an operation involving some 8,000 service members.

The military said a Bell 0H-58D helicopter crashed as it returned to Hsinchu airbase from one of the exercises, killing the pilot and co-pilot.

Taipei has lived with the threat of invasion by China since the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war.

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I was saddened to learn that Army Major Chien Jen-chuan &amp; Captain Kao Chia-lung lost their lives in a training accident, &amp; I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to their families. This is a great loss for our military, &amp; we all share in their grief.
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1283712108316614656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In recent decades it has found itself increasingly outnumbered and outgunned by China's enormous People's Liberation Army.

Beijing has piled military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because she refuses to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China".

Tsai won a landslide re-election in January in what was seen as a strong rebuke to China's strong-arm tactics against the island.

Last year President Xi Jinping gave an especially bellicose speech about Taiwan, warning unification was coming.

"I think it's inevitable that the People's Republic of China will realise the reunification of the motherland," Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters when asked about Taiwan's drills.

In recent months Chinese warplanes have started buzzing Taiwan with unprecedented frequency, repeatedly breaching its air defence zone and prompting Taipei to scramble its own fighter jets.

New hardware

The military mismatch has been compounded by Western governments being increasingly wary of selling Taiwan advanced weapon systems, fearful of incurring Beijing's wrath.

That has pushed the island to develop its own hardware, including advanced missiles, boats and a new trainer jet.

Some of that hardware, including locally built surface-to-air and hypersonic missiles, was used during this week's drills.

China's increasingly muscular approach towards the island has also sparked renewed international co-operation with Taiwan.

Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has become far more willing to sell big-ticket items, including F-16 fighter jets and other hardware.

Earlier this week, Beijing vowed to impose sanctions on defence company Lockheed Martin in response to the US agreeing to upgrade Taiwan's Patriot missile systems.

France has also angered Beijing by agreeing to upgrade the missile interference systems on frigates Taiwan purchased in the 1990s.

Washington has remained a leading unofficial ally and arms supplier to Taipei despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China.

Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China. Thursday's climax of the five-day drill aimed to test how democratic Taiwan's armed forces would repel an invasion from its giant neighbour. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it -- by force if necessary. Also read: Taiwan conducts live-fire drill to thwart 'invasion' amid China tensions Thursday's main simulation saw Taiwan fighter jets, warships and ground troops repelling an enemy attempt to land on a beach in the central city of Taichung in an operation involving some 8,000 service members. The military said a Bell 0H-58D helicopter crashed as it returned to Hsinchu airbase from one of the exercises, killing the pilot and co-pilot. Taipei has lived with the threat of invasion by China since the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. I was saddened to learn that Army Major Chien Jen-chuan & Captain Kao Chia-lung lost their lives in a training accident, & I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to their families. This is a great loss for our military, & we all share in their grief. — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) July 16, 2020 × In recent decades it has found itself increasingly outnumbered and outgunned by China's enormous People's Liberation Army. Beijing has piled military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because she refuses to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China". Tsai won a landslide re-election in January in what was seen as a strong rebuke to China's strong-arm tactics against the island. Last year President Xi Jinping gave an especially bellicose speech about Taiwan, warning unification was coming. "I think it's inevitable that the People's Republic of China will realise the reunification of the motherland," Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters when asked about Taiwan's drills. In recent months Chinese warplanes have started buzzing Taiwan with unprecedented frequency, repeatedly breaching its air defence zone and prompting Taipei to scramble its own fighter jets. New hardware The military mismatch has been compounded by Western governments being increasingly wary of selling Taiwan advanced weapon systems, fearful of incurring Beijing's wrath. That has pushed the island to develop its own hardware, including advanced missiles, boats and a new trainer jet. Some of that hardware, including locally built surface-to-air and hypersonic missiles, was used during this week's drills. China's increasingly muscular approach towards the island has also sparked renewed international co-operation with Taiwan. Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has become far more willing to sell big-ticket items, including F-16 fighter jets and other hardware. Earlier this week, Beijing vowed to impose sanctions on defence company Lockheed Martin in response to the US agreeing to upgrade Taiwan's Patriot missile systems. France has also angered Beijing by agreeing to upgrade the missile interference systems on frigates Taiwan purchased in the 1990s. Washington has remained a leading unofficial ally and arms supplier to Taipei despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Two Taiwan helicopter crew members killed in China 'invasion' drill

A year ago, thousands of Central American men, women and children chasing the American dream arrived in Mexico in a massive caravan that has left a lasting legacy -- just not the one people generally thought it would.

Their arrival at the Guatemala-Mexico border on October 19, 2018, was a harbinger of the drama to come: defying the Mexican riot police sent to stop them, they forced their way through a series of barricades and flooded onto the border bridge, camping out until the authorities relented and let them cross.

Fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence at home, they banded together in hopes of finding safety in numbers against the dangers of the journey, including criminal gangs that regularly extort, kidnap and kill migrants.

The images made an impact around the world: carrying their meagre belongings on their backs, many migrants pressed small children to their chests or held them by the hand. They hitched rides when they could, but often just walked in a giant sea of humanity, many in plastic shoes or flip-flops.

Honduran migrant Lizeth Garcia, 23, says she has mixed feelings when she looks back on the trek, which she made with her husband, Mauricio, and their then-one-year-old son.

"People helped us a lot along the way, in Guatemala, in Mexico. I would ask for food for my baby, and they would always help," she told AFP from Norfolk, Virginia, where she now works as a cleaner, wearing an ankle monitor while her asylum case works its way through court.

But there are bad memories, too.

"We slept in the street, for a really long time," she said.

By the time they reached the border, her son had developed severe pneumonia and was vomiting blood. He had to be hospitalized.

"My baby almost died on me in Tijuana," Mexico, she said.

Now, she and her husband are expecting their second child in two months' time. If all goes according to plan, he will be born a US citizen.

'Migrant 'invasion'&nbsp;

Gearing up for crucial midterm elections in the United States that November, President Donald Trump immediately pounced, firing up his conservative base with the rhetoric that helped get him elected in 2016.

He sent nearly 6,000 troops to the border, calling the caravan an "invasion" and warning it was full of "gang members" and "criminals."

It was not the first caravan of its kind. Activists have been organizing similar ones since 2010 to raise awareness of migrants' plight.

But it was by far the biggest, swelling to as many as 7,000 people, according to the United Nations.

It inspired numerous other caravans and seemed for a time as if it would change the face of migration in the Americas.

Arguably, it did -- though not in the way many people expected.

"At the time, people were saying, 'We're seeing a change in the migrant experience,'" said Leticia Calderon, an expert on migration at Mexico's Mora Institute.

"But in the end, it didn't create a new pattern of migration like many people thought it would."

'Mexico is the wall'&nbsp;

What there has been, instead, is a major crackdown on migration in all the countries involved.

Trump got Mexico to dramatically restrict the surge of Central Americans crossing its territory.

At the time of the caravan, Mexico looked set to soften its migration policy.

Incoming President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador -- a leftist elected in a landslide that July -- talked of giving migrants opportunities and safeguarding their rights.

But then Trump threatened last May to impose steep tariffs on Mexico if the government did not curb undocumented migration.

Fearing an economic crisis, Lopez Obrador acquiesced.

His government struck a deal to avert the tariffs, promising to send 6,000 National Guardsmen to tighten the southern border. It has deployed many more: 12,000 Guardsmen to the southern border and 15,000 to the north.

It has also taken back more than 50,000 asylum-seekers while their cases are processed in the United States, under a policy known as "Remain in Mexico."

In a sign of how much things have changed, Mexican authorities swiftly and forcefully broke up a new caravan of 2,000 migrants earlier this month.

"Mexico has turned into a great wall," said Ruben Hernandez-Leon, a sociologist and migration expert at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

Using US aid for leverage, Trump has also struck deals with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras requiring each to take in asylum-seekers from third countries who enter their territory.

Such policies make it unlikely for now that there will be another caravan like the one that set out on October 13, 2018, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and trekked more than 4,300 kilometres (2,600 miles) to the US border.

A year ago, thousands of Central American men, women and children chasing the American dream arrived in Mexico in a massive caravan that has left a lasting legacy -- just not the one people generally thought it would.

A year ago, thousands of Central American men, women and children chasing the American dream arrived in Mexico in a massive caravan that has left a lasting legacy -- just not the one people generally thought it would. Their arrival at the Guatemala-Mexico border on October 19, 2018, was a harbinger of the drama to come: defying the Mexican riot police sent to stop them, they forced their way through a series of barricades and flooded onto the border bridge, camping out until the authorities relented and let them cross. Fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence at home, they banded together in hopes of finding safety in numbers against the dangers of the journey, including criminal gangs that regularly extort, kidnap and kill migrants. The images made an impact around the world: carrying their meagre belongings on their backs, many migrants pressed small children to their chests or held them by the hand. They hitched rides when they could, but often just walked in a giant sea of humanity, many in plastic shoes or flip-flops. Honduran migrant Lizeth Garcia, 23, says she has mixed feelings when she looks back on the trek, which she made with her husband, Mauricio, and their then-one-year-old son. "People helped us a lot along the way, in Guatemala, in Mexico. I would ask for food for my baby, and they would always help," she told AFP from Norfolk, Virginia, where she now works as a cleaner, wearing an ankle monitor while her asylum case works its way through court. But there are bad memories, too. "We slept in the street, for a really long time," she said. By the time they reached the border, her son had developed severe pneumonia and was vomiting blood. He had to be hospitalized. "My baby almost died on me in Tijuana," Mexico, she said. Now, she and her husband are expecting their second child in two months' time. If all goes according to plan, he will be born a US citizen. 'Migrant 'invasion' Gearing up for crucial midterm elections in the United States that November, President Donald Trump immediately pounced, firing up his conservative base with the rhetoric that helped get him elected in 2016. He sent nearly 6,000 troops to the border, calling the caravan an "invasion" and warning it was full of "gang members" and "criminals." It was not the first caravan of its kind. Activists have been organizing similar ones since 2010 to raise awareness of migrants' plight. But it was by far the biggest, swelling to as many as 7,000 people, according to the United Nations. It inspired numerous other caravans and seemed for a time as if it would change the face of migration in the Americas. Arguably, it did -- though not in the way many people expected. "At the time, people were saying, 'We're seeing a change in the migrant experience,'" said Leticia Calderon, an expert on migration at Mexico's Mora Institute. "But in the end, it didn't create a new pattern of migration like many people thought it would." 'Mexico is the wall' What there has been, instead, is a major crackdown on migration in all the countries involved. Trump got Mexico to dramatically restrict the surge of Central Americans crossing its territory. At the time of the caravan, Mexico looked set to soften its migration policy. Incoming President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador -- a leftist elected in a landslide that July -- talked of giving migrants opportunities and safeguarding their rights. But then Trump threatened last May to impose steep tariffs on Mexico if the government did not curb undocumented migration. Fearing an economic crisis, Lopez Obrador acquiesced. His government struck a deal to avert the tariffs, promising to send 6,000 National Guardsmen to tighten the southern border. It has deployed many more: 12,000 Guardsmen to the southern border and 15,000 to the north. It has also taken back more than 50,000 asylum-seekers while their cases are processed in the United States, under a policy known as "Remain in Mexico." In a sign of how much things have changed, Mexican authorities swiftly and forcefully broke up a new caravan of 2,000 migrants earlier this month. "Mexico has turned into a great wall," said Ruben Hernandez-Leon, a sociologist and migration expert at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Using US aid for leverage, Trump has also struck deals with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras requiring each to take in asylum-seekers from third countries who enter their territory. Such policies make it unlikely for now that there will be another caravan like the one that set out on October 13, 2018, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and trekked more than 4,300 kilometres (2,600 miles) to the US border.

One year on, migrant caravan leaves unexpected legacy

Donald Trump says he hopes to mediate between Turkey and the Kurds

Turkey's Syria Invasion: U.S. President Trump offers to mediate

Israel&#39;s Supreme Court has ruled that Franz Kafka&#39;s manuscripts are the property of the National Library of Israel, ending a lengthy legal battle, judicial sources said in Monday. 
 
The nation&#39;s top court on Sunday rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka and the executor of his estate to whom he had willed his manuscripts after his death in 1924. 
 
Kafka had instructed Brod to burn the manuscripts after his death but his friend did not honour that request and took them with him when he fled the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and emigrated to Palestine. 
 
On his death in 1968, Brod bequeathed the papers to his secretary Esther Hoffe, with instructions to give them to the &quot;Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the municipal library in Tel Aviv or another organisation in Israel or abroad.&quot; 
 
But Hoffe, who died in 2007, instead kept them and shared them between her two daughters -- sparking multiple legal battles. 
 
In the trial against Hoffe&#39;s heirs, which began in 2009, the state of Israel demanded they hand over all the documents, which included unpublished writings, arguing it was Brod&#39;s last will. 
 
Hoffe&#39;s daughters refused, however, saying the papers -- estimated to be worth millions of dollars -- had been given to their mother by Brod and therefore she could dispose of them any way she wanted. 
 
 
 
Hoffe had during her lifetime sold the original manuscript of &quot;The Trial&quot; -- considered by some to be one of Kafka&#39;s best work -- for $2 million. 
 
The Hoffe family kept the bulk of the collection locked away in bank safety deposit boxes in Israel and Switzerland and over the years sold some papers to collectors. 
 
(AFP)

The top court rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka's whom he had willed his manuscripts to after his death in 1924

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that Franz Kafka's manuscripts are the property of the National Library of Israel, ending a lengthy legal battle, judicial sources said in Monday. The nation's top court on Sunday rejected an appeal by the heirs of Max Brod, a friend of Kafka and the executor of his estate to whom he had willed his manuscripts after his death in 1924. Kafka had instructed Brod to burn the manuscripts after his death but his friend did not honour that request and took them with him when he fled the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 and emigrated to Palestine. On his death in 1968, Brod bequeathed the papers to his secretary Esther Hoffe, with instructions to give them to the "Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the municipal library in Tel Aviv or another organisation in Israel or abroad." But Hoffe, who died in 2007, instead kept them and shared them between her two daughters -- sparking multiple legal battles. In the trial against Hoffe's heirs, which began in 2009, the state of Israel demanded they hand over all the documents, which included unpublished writings, arguing it was Brod's last will. Hoffe's daughters refused, however, saying the papers -- estimated to be worth millions of dollars -- had been given to their mother by Brod and therefore she could dispose of them any way she wanted. Hoffe had during her lifetime sold the original manuscript of "The Trial" -- considered by some to be one of Kafka's best work -- for $2 million. The Hoffe family kept the bulk of the collection locked away in bank safety deposit boxes in Israel and Switzerland and over the years sold some papers to collectors. (AFP)

Israeli Supreme Court says Kafka's manuscripts are property of National Library

Britain&#39;s decision to go to war with Iraq in 2003 had a &quot;far from satisfactory&quot; legal basis and ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair&#39;s case for military action was over-hyped, a long-awaited inquiry into the conflict concluded on Wednesday. 
 
The intelligence about Iraq&#39;s alleged weapons of mass destruction which Blair used to justify joining the US-led invasion, which led to the removal of Saddam Hussein and the deaths of 179 British soldiers, was flawed but went unchallenged, inquiry chairman John Chilcot said. 
 
There was no imminent threat from Saddam in March 2003 and the chaos in Iraq and the region which followed should also have been foreseen, he added. 
 
&quot;The inquiry has not expressed a view on whether military action was legal,&quot; Chilcot told reporters and relatives of some of the soldiers killed in Iraq. &quot;We have, however, concluded that the circumstances in which it was decided that there was a legal basis for military action were far from satisfactory.&quot; 
 
Blair&#39;s statement to parliament in 2002 about the risk posed by Iraq&#39;s alleged weapons of mass destruction and an intelligence dossier to the public that accompanied it were presented with a &quot;certainty that was not justified&quot;, Chilcot said. 
 
(Reuters)

The intelligence about Iraq's alleged WMD, which Blair used to justify joining the US-led invasion, was flawed but went unchallenged

Britain's decision to go to war with Iraq in 2003 had a "far from satisfactory" legal basis and ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair's case for military action was over-hyped, a long-awaited inquiry into the conflict concluded on Wednesday. The intelligence about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction which Blair used to justify joining the US-led invasion, which led to the removal of Saddam Hussein and the deaths of 179 British soldiers, was flawed but went unchallenged, inquiry chairman John Chilcot said. There was no imminent threat from Saddam in March 2003 and the chaos in Iraq and the region which followed should also have been foreseen, he added. "The inquiry has not expressed a view on whether military action was legal," Chilcot told reporters and relatives of some of the soldiers killed in Iraq. "We have, however, concluded that the circumstances in which it was decided that there was a legal basis for military action were far from satisfactory." Blair's statement to parliament in 2002 about the risk posed by Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction and an intelligence dossier to the public that accompanied it were presented with a "certainty that was not justified", Chilcot said. (Reuters)

Legal case for Britain's 2003 invasion of Iraq 'far from satisfactory', finds inquiry

A British inquiry into the Iraq War strongly criticised former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government on Wednesday, saying they had led the country into war based on flawed intelligence that should have been challenged. 
 
The long-awaited inquiry report also said Britain had joined the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 without exhausting peaceful options, that the legal basis for military action was not satisfactory, and that the planning was wholly inadequate. 
 
Published seven years after the inquiry was set up, the report runs to 2.6 million words -- about three times the length of the Bible -- and includes details of exchanges Blair had with then US President George W Bush over the invasion. 
 
&quot;It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been,&quot; the head of the inquiry, John Chilcot said in presenting its findings. 
 
Iraq remains in chaos to this day. Islamic State controls large areas of the country and 250 people died on Saturday in Baghdad&#39;s worst car bombing since the US-led coalition toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. The inquiry rejected Blair&#39;s view that Iraq&#39;s post-invasion problems could not have been known in advance. 
 
The inquiry&#39;s purpose was for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed, in which 179 British soldiers died. 
 
Opponents of Blairs decision to join the war will pore over the report for its judgment on how the Labour leader, who quit in 2007, justified the military action. At the time, he said intelligence showed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction but after the invasion none was found. 
 
&quot;I was lied to. The media, the press, the families, parliament, everybody was lied to,&quot; Reg Keys, whose son was among the British fatalities and who stood as a candidate for parliament against Blair in the 2005 election, told Reuters TV ahead of the reports publication. 
 
Blair has always rejected any suggestions he acted dishonestly. He was expected to give his reaction to the report later on Wednesday. 
 
The inquiry looked at the reasons for the invasion, the war itself and the aftermath - and has taken longer to complete than the British military involvement itself. 
 
Public hearings, including two appearances by Blair, ended in 2011 but since then the writing of the report has been dogged by rows over the release of secret government files and the contacts between London and Washington. It includes details of notes from Blair to Bush and quotes from more than 130 records of their conversations. 
 
Critics believe Blair, who sent 45,000 British troops for the invasion, gave Bush an unconditional promise that Britain would join military action and that he then distorted intelligence to back this up and put pressure on government lawyers to give the invasion legal approval. 
 
Keys noted that Chilcot had said the inquiry would not play the blame game. 
 
&quot;But I certainly hope it points the finger of accountability in the direction of the former prime minister who was the key player with all of this deceit,&quot; Keys said. 
 
However, he said he feared the report might be watered down as those facing criticism have been allowed to respond prior to publication. 
 
In an interview with CNN last October, Blair apologised that the pre-war intelligence had been wrong and for mistakes in planning, but not for getting rid of Saddam. 
 
He also accepted the war had played a role in the rise of Islamic State but it was far from the only factor. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve said many times over these past years, Ill wait for the report and then I will make my views known and express myself fully and properly,&quot; Blair told Sky News on Sunday. 
 
British media said lawmakers led by the Scottish National Party were considering invoking an ancient law, last used in 1806, to impeach Blair in parliament. 
 
&quot;You cannot have a situation where this country blunders into an illegal war with the appalling consequences and at the end of the day there isn`t a reckoning,&quot; SNP lawmaker Alex Salmond told Sky News. 
 
The Sunday Times newspaper also reported that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - whose own position is in jeopardy after Britain voted last month to leave the European Union - was simply hanging on because he wanted to &quot;crucify Blair&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;I will take full responsibility&#39;
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he would take full responsibility for the failings made in the build up to the invasion of Iraq when he responds to a long-awaited inquiry later on Wednesday.

Inquiry Chairman John Chilcot said earlier on Wednesday that Blair&#39;s case for military action had been over-hyped.

&quot;The report should lay to rest allegations of bad faith, lies or deceit,&quot; Blair said in an initial response. &quot;Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country.&quot;

Blair noted that the Chilcot report did make real and material criticisms of the preparation and planning for the war.

&quot;I will respond in detail to them later this afternoon,&quot; he said in a statement. &quot;I will take full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse.&quot;
 
(Reuters)

Report finds Britain joined the invasion without exhausting peaceful options. Then PM Tony Blair says 'I will take full responsibility'

A British inquiry into the Iraq War strongly criticised former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government on Wednesday, saying they had led the country into war based on flawed intelligence that should have been challenged. The long-awaited inquiry report also said Britain had joined the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 without exhausting peaceful options, that the legal basis for military action was not satisfactory, and that the planning was wholly inadequate. Published seven years after the inquiry was set up, the report runs to 2.6 million words -- about three times the length of the Bible -- and includes details of exchanges Blair had with then US President George W Bush over the invasion. "It is now clear that policy on Iraq was made on the basis of flawed intelligence and assessments. They were not challenged and they should have been," the head of the inquiry, John Chilcot said in presenting its findings. Iraq remains in chaos to this day. Islamic State controls large areas of the country and 250 people died on Saturday in Baghdad's worst car bombing since the US-led coalition toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. The inquiry rejected Blair's view that Iraq's post-invasion problems could not have been known in advance. The inquiry's purpose was for the British government to learn lessons from the invasion and occupation that followed, in which 179 British soldiers died. Opponents of Blairs decision to join the war will pore over the report for its judgment on how the Labour leader, who quit in 2007, justified the military action. At the time, he said intelligence showed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction but after the invasion none was found. "I was lied to. The media, the press, the families, parliament, everybody was lied to," Reg Keys, whose son was among the British fatalities and who stood as a candidate for parliament against Blair in the 2005 election, told Reuters TV ahead of the reports publication. Blair has always rejected any suggestions he acted dishonestly. He was expected to give his reaction to the report later on Wednesday. The inquiry looked at the reasons for the invasion, the war itself and the aftermath - and has taken longer to complete than the British military involvement itself. Public hearings, including two appearances by Blair, ended in 2011 but since then the writing of the report has been dogged by rows over the release of secret government files and the contacts between London and Washington. It includes details of notes from Blair to Bush and quotes from more than 130 records of their conversations. Critics believe Blair, who sent 45,000 British troops for the invasion, gave Bush an unconditional promise that Britain would join military action and that he then distorted intelligence to back this up and put pressure on government lawyers to give the invasion legal approval. Keys noted that Chilcot had said the inquiry would not play the blame game. "But I certainly hope it points the finger of accountability in the direction of the former prime minister who was the key player with all of this deceit," Keys said. However, he said he feared the report might be watered down as those facing criticism have been allowed to respond prior to publication. In an interview with CNN last October, Blair apologised that the pre-war intelligence had been wrong and for mistakes in planning, but not for getting rid of Saddam. He also accepted the war had played a role in the rise of Islamic State but it was far from the only factor. "I've said many times over these past years, Ill wait for the report and then I will make my views known and express myself fully and properly," Blair told Sky News on Sunday. British media said lawmakers led by the Scottish National Party were considering invoking an ancient law, last used in 1806, to impeach Blair in parliament. "You cannot have a situation where this country blunders into an illegal war with the appalling consequences and at the end of the day there isn`t a reckoning," SNP lawmaker Alex Salmond told Sky News. The Sunday Times newspaper also reported that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - whose own position is in jeopardy after Britain voted last month to leave the European Union - was simply hanging on because he wanted to "crucify Blair". 'I will take full responsibility' Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he would take full responsibility for the failings made in the build up to the invasion of Iraq when he responds to a long-awaited inquiry later on Wednesday. Inquiry Chairman John Chilcot said earlier on Wednesday that Blair's case for military action had been over-hyped. "The report should lay to rest allegations of bad faith, lies or deceit," Blair said in an initial response. "Whether people agree or disagree with my decision to take military action against Saddam Hussein; I took it in good faith and in what I believed to be the best interests of the country." Blair noted that the Chilcot report did make real and material criticisms of the preparation and planning for the war. "I will respond in detail to them later this afternoon," he said in a statement. "I will take full responsibility for any mistakes without exception or excuse." (Reuters)

Blair led Britain into Iraq War on flawed intelligence: UK inquiry

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