EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on&nbsp;the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte".&nbsp;

Borrell's comments came after former United States president Trump said that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" if it attacked a NATO country that didn't pay enough to meet spending targets.&nbsp;

"Let's be serious. NATO cannot be an a la carte military alliance, it cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the humour of the president of the US" day-to-day, Borrell said.&nbsp;

"It exists or it not exists," he said, further adding that he was not going to keep commenting on "any silly idea" emerging from the US presidential election campaign.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalised-again-pentagon-releases-statement-689313">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalised again, hands over charge to deputy</a>&nbsp;

While speaking at a rally in South Carolina, Trump said that the US would not protect a NATO member that fails to meet its defence spending target.&nbsp;

The former president recalled an exchange with the leader of a "big country" when he was in office who asked whether they would be protected if Russia attacked.&nbsp;

"One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'"&nbsp;

"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US Senate aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://wionews.com/business-economy/eu-agrees-on-revised-fiscal-rules-to-spur-investments-and-debt-reduction-689533">EU agrees on revised fiscal rules to spur investments and debt reduction</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Trump's remarks spark row&nbsp;</h2>

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday warned against talk that "undermines security" after Trump's comments. "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US," Stoltenberg said.&nbsp;

The White House hit back at Trump's assertions, touting President Joe Biden's efforts to bolster alliances around the globe.&nbsp;

"Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday night.

"Rather than calling for wars and promoting deranged chaos, President Biden will continue to bolster American leadership," Bates added.&nbsp;

Notably, the members of the NATO alliance abide by Article 5, which states that if a NATO nation is ever attacked, each and every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them.&nbsp;

In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem necessary to assist the ally that is under attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte".

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted sharply on Monday (Feb 12) over Donald Trump's remark on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, saying that the bloc "cannot be an alliance a la carte". Borrell's comments came after former United States president Trump said that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" if it attacked a NATO country that didn't pay enough to meet spending targets. "Let's be serious. NATO cannot be an a la carte military alliance, it cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the humour of the president of the US" day-to-day, Borrell said. "It exists or it not exists," he said, further adding that he was not going to keep commenting on "any silly idea" emerging from the US presidential election campaign. Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalised again, hands over charge to deputy While speaking at a rally in South Carolina, Trump said that the US would not protect a NATO member that fails to meet its defence spending target. The former president recalled an exchange with the leader of a "big country" when he was in office who asked whether they would be protected if Russia attacked. "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" "No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," Trump added, talking in a hypothetical scenario. Watch: US Senate aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan × Also read: EU agrees on revised fiscal rules to spur investments and debt reduction Trump's remarks spark row NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday warned against talk that "undermines security" after Trump's comments. "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US," Stoltenberg said. The White House hit back at Trump's assertions, touting President Joe Biden's efforts to bolster alliances around the globe. "Encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement Saturday night. "Rather than calling for wars and promoting deranged chaos, President Biden will continue to bolster American leadership," Bates added. Notably, the members of the NATO alliance abide by Article 5, which states that if a NATO nation is ever attacked, each and every other member of the alliance will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against them. In retaliation, they are bound to take the actions they deem necessary to assist the ally that is under attack. (With inputs from agencies)

EU’s Josep Borrell says NATO ‘cannot be an alliance a la carte’

Thirty years ago, on 13 September 1993, Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin shook hands to seal the "Oslo Accords," which were supposed to lead to a permanent settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within five years. I remember feeling at that time the hope of finally seeing an end to the already decades-long Arab-Israeli-Palestinian tragedy. In 2023, what is left? There is neither peace nor a peace process. Hope has turned into resentment and despair, and this anniversary went virtually unnoticed.&nbsp;

On the ground, the conflict is heating up once again. This year already saw more than 200 Palestinian and 35 Israeli fatalities. Terrorist attacks, both by Palestinian militants against Israelis and by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are back at record levels. Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank: at the time of the Oslo Accords, there were 280,000 settlers; today there are more than 700,000. Settler violence, the separation barrier, demolitions, and other measures are gradually pushing the Palestinian population off their land in many areas of the West Bank, while the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues unabated, with no end in sight.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-terms-normalisation-with-israel-a-losing-bet-state-media-642282">Iran's Khamenei terms normalisation with Israel a 'losing' bet: State media</a>

Meanwhile, domestic support for the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership is at an all-time low, compounded by a growing lack of funding. In contrast, Israel has become a thriving “start-up nation”, in spite of an imperfect security environment. The need to change the status quo is not felt as acutely in Tel Aviv as it is in Ramallah, but the conflict is not going away: the idea that Israel could go forward without making peace with the Palestinians is a dangerous illusion.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-scalise-or-trump-here-are-the-top-contenders-to-replace-mccarthy-as-us-house-speaker-642783">Jordan, Scalise or Trump? Who will replace McCarthy as US House Speaker?</a>

The continued violation of UN Security Council resolutions and of some of the most fundamental principles of international law is eroding trust in a rules-based international order, not just in the region but across the globe. It is, therefore, more necessary and urgent than ever for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to, and mobilise for, peace between Israelis and Palestinians.&nbsp;

For years now, we, the EU and the international community, have been defending a Two-State Solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Because of Israel’s fait accompli policy, this solution may seem less and less viable on the ground. However, which other alternative could allow Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace? Nobody is able to articulate any other plausible answer.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uns-warning-on-global-economy-642804">UN’s warning on global economy</a>

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The establishment of diplomatic ties between some Arab States and Israel, vital as it is for regional peace, has so far not brought Israelis and Palestinians closer to peace. Therefore, together with the League of Arab States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, we have decided to make a joint contribution to help revitalise the Two-State solution.&nbsp;

On 18 September, at the United Nations in New York, we jointly launched the ‘Peace Day Effort’. It was a success with the participation of more than 50 countries and organisations. We intend to ‘reverse engineer’ the peace, putting together a “Peace Supporting Package”, which will maximise benefits for the Palestinians and Israelis if they are able to reach a peace agreement. This initiative builds on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and the 2013 EU “package of political, security and economic support”, which both have foreseen such incentives to the conflict parties if they achieve peace, while also taking inspiration from existing relations between Israel and some Arab states.&nbsp;

We aim to gather what all of us can contribute when there is actual peace, real open borders, and substantial regional cooperation in the Middle East. What political, economic, and security perspectives could we offer? What energy, climate, water, development, and other projects would we launch? This Peace Day Effort is not just an Arab-European endeavour: all international partners are invited to contribute, and in New York, many offered their support. On 13 and 14 November, we will start to work together in Brussels to make this Peace Supporting Package precise and concrete.

This initiative cannot of course be a substitute for a genuine peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. And, the Peace Supporting Package alone will not be sufficient to overcome the many obstacles to peace, but it can provide an incentive to go in this direction – not only by the benefits it offers but also by reminding the conflict parties that only a negotiated solution is a viable and acceptable strategic option.&nbsp;

While our Israeli and Palestinian friends are not yet negotiating peace, we have embarked on this journey to help keep the Two-State Solution alive, hoping that, together, we can bring it within closer reach. As remote as peace in the Middle East may appear today, echoing the words of Nelson Mandela that ‘‘it always seems impossible until it’s done”, we will keep trying. For the sake of the legitimate rights of Palestinians, sustainable long-term security for Israelis, peace and development in the region, and the credibility of the international rules-based order, the world cannot afford the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be forgotten.

(Josep Borrell Fontelles is High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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&nbsp;

Thirty years ago, on 13 September 1993, Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin shook hands to seal the "Oslo Accords," which were supposed to lead to a permanent settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within five years.

Thirty years ago, on 13 September 1993, Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin shook hands to seal the "Oslo Accords," which were supposed to lead to a permanent settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within five years. I remember feeling at that time the hope of finally seeing an end to the already decades-long Arab-Israeli-Palestinian tragedy. In 2023, what is left? There is neither peace nor a peace process. Hope has turned into resentment and despair, and this anniversary went virtually unnoticed. On the ground, the conflict is heating up once again. This year already saw more than 200 Palestinian and 35 Israeli fatalities. Terrorist attacks, both by Palestinian militants against Israelis and by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are back at record levels. Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank: at the time of the Oslo Accords, there were 280,000 settlers; today there are more than 700,000. Settler violence, the separation barrier, demolitions, and other measures are gradually pushing the Palestinian population off their land in many areas of the West Bank, while the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues unabated, with no end in sight. Also Read | Iran's Khamenei terms normalisation with Israel a 'losing' bet: State media Meanwhile, domestic support for the internationally recognised Palestinian leadership is at an all-time low, compounded by a growing lack of funding. In contrast, Israel has become a thriving “start-up nation”, in spite of an imperfect security environment. The need to change the status quo is not felt as acutely in Tel Aviv as it is in Ramallah, but the conflict is not going away: the idea that Israel could go forward without making peace with the Palestinians is a dangerous illusion. Also Read | Jordan, Scalise or Trump? Who will replace McCarthy as US House Speaker? The continued violation of UN Security Council resolutions and of some of the most fundamental principles of international law is eroding trust in a rules-based international order, not just in the region but across the globe. It is, therefore, more necessary and urgent than ever for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to, and mobilise for, peace between Israelis and Palestinians. For years now, we, the EU and the international community, have been defending a Two-State Solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Because of Israel’s fait accompli policy, this solution may seem less and less viable on the ground. However, which other alternative could allow Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace? Nobody is able to articulate any other plausible answer. Watch | UN’s warning on global economy × The establishment of diplomatic ties between some Arab States and Israel, vital as it is for regional peace, has so far not brought Israelis and Palestinians closer to peace. Therefore, together with the League of Arab States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, we have decided to make a joint contribution to help revitalise the Two-State solution. On 18 September, at the United Nations in New York, we jointly launched the ‘Peace Day Effort’. It was a success with the participation of more than 50 countries and organisations. We intend to ‘reverse engineer’ the peace, putting together a “Peace Supporting Package”, which will maximise benefits for the Palestinians and Israelis if they are able to reach a peace agreement. This initiative builds on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and the 2013 EU “package of political, security and economic support”, which both have foreseen such incentives to the conflict parties if they achieve peace, while also taking inspiration from existing relations between Israel and some Arab states. We aim to gather what all of us can contribute when there is actual peace, real open borders, and substantial regional cooperation in the Middle East. What political, economic, and security perspectives could we offer? What energy, climate, water, development, and other projects would we launch? This Peace Day Effort is not just an Arab-European endeavour: all international partners are invited to contribute, and in New York, many offered their support. On 13 and 14 November, we will start to work together in Brussels to make this Peace Supporting Package precise and concrete. This initiative cannot of course be a substitute for a genuine peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. And, the Peace Supporting Package alone will not be sufficient to overcome the many obstacles to peace, but it can provide an incentive to go in this direction – not only by the benefits it offers but also by reminding the conflict parties that only a negotiated solution is a viable and acceptable strategic option. While our Israeli and Palestinian friends are not yet negotiating peace, we have embarked on this journey to help keep the Two-State Solution alive, hoping that, together, we can bring it within closer reach. As remote as peace in the Middle East may appear today, echoing the words of Nelson Mandela that ‘‘it always seems impossible until it’s done”, we will keep trying. For the sake of the legitimate rights of Palestinians, sustainable long-term security for Israelis, peace and development in the region, and the credibility of the international rules-based order, the world cannot afford the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be forgotten. (Josep Borrell Fontelles is High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Thirty years after Oslo, we should not give up on peace in the Middle East

Indian External affairs minister S Jaishankar has responded to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's call for action against Indian refined products from Russian crude. Jaishankar advised Borrell to refer to EU Council regulations, specifically Regulation 833/2014, which Jaishankar said recognises that Russian crude undergoes substantial transformation in a third country and is no longer treated as Russian.

Indian FM reminds EU of its own regulations, defends India's stance on Russian oil

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites.

Citing a report that was seen by it, AFP reports that the UN's nuclear watchdog said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful".

Watch |&nbsp;Nuclear deal talks see no breakthrough; Iran highlights four new issues

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The report also said that the agency's director Rafael Grossi was "increasingly concerned that Iran has not engaged with the Agency on the outstanding safeguards issues during this reporting period and, therefore, that there has been no progress towards resolving them".

This comes as the United States pushes for answers on the three undeclared nuclear sites. The IAEA too has been pressing Iran for answers, however, Tehran insists that the atomic agency conclude its probe in order to revive the 2015 deal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-policy-chief-expresses-hope-for-nuclear-deal-iran-demands-stronger-guarantees-511851">EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees'</a>

In a separate report released on Wednesday, the IAEA examined Iran's June decision to turn off 27 cameras that allowed the agency's inspectors to keep an eye on the nation's nuclear activity.

The agency's ability to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme has been negatively impacted by the removal of the cameras, the report noted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havent-got-response-from-the-us-says-iran-over-nuclear-deal-513087">Haven't got response from the US, says Iran over nuclear deal</a>

The newest reports come as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement remain in a stalemate after some headway was made last month.

Another recent IAEA report as reported by Reuters pointed out that Iran's stock of uranium has been enriched to up to 60 per cent, much higher than the 3.67 per cent purity it was allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, and much closer to the roughly 90 per cent that is weapons-grade.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated on Wednesday that it was unable to guarantee the "peaceful" nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, claiming that there had been "no progress" in resolving concerns about the alleged past presence of nuclear material at unreported sites. Citing a report that was seen by it, AFP reports that the UN's nuclear watchdog said it was "not in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful". Watch | Nuclear deal talks see no breakthrough; Iran highlights four new issues The report also said that the agency's director Rafael Grossi was "increasingly concerned that Iran has not engaged with the Agency on the outstanding safeguards issues during this reporting period and, therefore, that there has been no progress towards resolving them". This comes as the United States pushes for answers on the three undeclared nuclear sites. The IAEA too has been pressing Iran for answers, however, Tehran insists that the atomic agency conclude its probe in order to revive the 2015 deal. Also read | EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees' In a separate report released on Wednesday, the IAEA examined Iran's June decision to turn off 27 cameras that allowed the agency's inspectors to keep an eye on the nation's nuclear activity. The agency's ability to guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme has been negatively impacted by the removal of the cameras, the report noted. Also read | Haven't got response from the US, says Iran over nuclear deal The newest reports come as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement remain in a stalemate after some headway was made last month. Another recent IAEA report as reported by Reuters pointed out that Iran's stock of uranium has been enriched to up to 60 per cent, much higher than the 3.67 per cent purity it was allowed under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement, and much closer to the roughly 90 per cent that is weapons-grade. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN Nuclear watchdog says can't ensure 'Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful'

European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees".

After receiving "reasonable" responses to his proposed text from Iran and the United States, Borell said, "I am hoping that in the coming days we are not going to lose this momentum and we can close the deal."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Iran using advanced centrifuges IR-6 for enriching Uranium: IAEA

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On the other hand, as per AFP, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday: "We are thinking about how to reach a strong text on the issue of the guarantee, and to obtain stronger guarantees" adding that his colleagues are examining the American side's text.

"We want to reinforce in the text the idea that the International Atomic Energy Agency concentrates on its technical task and moves away from its political role," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-steps-up-underground-uranium-enrichment-iaea-report-says-511383" hreflang="en">Iran steps up underground uranium enrichment, IAEA report says</a>

The US has insisted that Tehran comply with the IAEA to assuage fears about operations at three unannounced sites.

"When it comes to guarantees, resolving outstanding issues related to the IAEA is also of serious concern to us," Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday.

AFP reports that earlier on Monday, Tehran President Ebrahim Raisi said that renewing the nuclear agreement would be useless unless the UN nuclear inspector stopped looking into three unreported sites in the Islamic republic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revival-of-nuclear-deal-pointless-unless-un-watchdog-ends-probe-of-undeclared-sites-raisi-511252" hreflang="en">Revival of nuclear deal pointless unless UN watchdog ends probe of undeclared sites: Raisi</a>

IAEA &nbsp;board of governors also adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations.

However, in an interview with CNN last week, Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, dismissed the idea of the organisation wrapping up its investigation into the unreported locations without receiving any responses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees".

European Union's policy chief Josep Borell has expressed hope that the Iran nuclear deal could be revived "in the coming days," however Tehran has asked for "stronger guarantees". After receiving "reasonable" responses to his proposed text from Iran and the United States, Borell said, "I am hoping that in the coming days we are not going to lose this momentum and we can close the deal." Watch | Iran using advanced centrifuges IR-6 for enriching Uranium: IAEA On the other hand, as per AFP, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday: "We are thinking about how to reach a strong text on the issue of the guarantee, and to obtain stronger guarantees" adding that his colleagues are examining the American side's text. "We want to reinforce in the text the idea that the International Atomic Energy Agency concentrates on its technical task and moves away from its political role," he said. Also read | Iran steps up underground uranium enrichment, IAEA report says The US has insisted that Tehran comply with the IAEA to assuage fears about operations at three unannounced sites. "When it comes to guarantees, resolving outstanding issues related to the IAEA is also of serious concern to us," Amir-Abdollahian said on Wednesday. AFP reports that earlier on Monday, Tehran President Ebrahim Raisi said that renewing the nuclear agreement would be useless unless the UN nuclear inspector stopped looking into three unreported sites in the Islamic republic. Also read | Revival of nuclear deal pointless unless UN watchdog ends probe of undeclared sites: Raisi IAEA board of governors also adopted a resolution denouncing Iran in June for failing to effectively respond to the finding of traces of enriched uranium at three locations that Tehran had not acknowledged as having hosted nuclear operations. However, in an interview with CNN last week, Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, dismissed the idea of the organisation wrapping up its investigation into the unreported locations without receiving any responses. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU talks of nuclear deal in 'days', Iran wants 'stronger guarantees'

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Friday that the bloc will provide an additional 500 million euro military aid to Ukraine.

Expressing confidence in an embargo on Russian oil, Borrell said the military support would be for heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery and take the bloc's aid to about 2 billion euros.

"A new impetus for military support. (It will be) more pressure on Russia with economic sanctions and continuing the international isolation of Russia and countering misinformation," he told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in northern Germany.

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"I am sure we will have an agreement. We need it and we will have it. We have to get rid of the oil dependency from Russia," he said.

"If there is no agreement at the level of ambassadors, then on Monday the ministers when they gather they have to provide the political impetus."

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that the G7 will continue to support Ukraine “until victory” against Russia.

“We are not at war against Russia, it’s Russia who is at war against Ukraine. There is an aggressor and one being aggressed and we support the one being aggressed,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-launches-probe-into-russias-alleged-human-rights-violations-in-ukraine-478477" hreflang="en">United Nations launches probe into Russia's alleged human rights violations in Ukraine</a>

According to British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, "It is very important at this time that we keep up the pressure on Vladimir Putin by supplying more weapons to Ukraine and by increasing the sanctions."&nbsp;

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock slammed Russian attempts to split the world over Ukraine.

"Never since the end of the Cold War have we G7 partners been more profoundly challenged. Never before have we stood more united," she said in a tweet.

"There are 25 million tonnes of grain currently blocked in the Ukrainian port of Odesa, which means food for millions of people in the world that is urgently needed, above all in African countries and in the Middle East," Baerbock told reporters.

"That's why we're sending a clear signal today: we see you, we hear you and we support you," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Friday that the bloc will provide an additional 500 million euro military aid to Ukraine.

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Friday that the bloc will provide an additional 500 million euro military aid to Ukraine. Expressing confidence in an embargo on Russian oil, Borrell said the military support would be for heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery and take the bloc's aid to about 2 billion euros. "A new impetus for military support. (It will be) more pressure on Russia with economic sanctions and continuing the international isolation of Russia and countering misinformation," he told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in northern Germany. "I am sure we will have an agreement. We need it and we will have it. We have to get rid of the oil dependency from Russia," he said. "If there is no agreement at the level of ambassadors, then on Monday the ministers when they gather they have to provide the political impetus." Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that the G7 will continue to support Ukraine “until victory” against Russia. “We are not at war against Russia, it’s Russia who is at war against Ukraine. There is an aggressor and one being aggressed and we support the one being aggressed,” he added. Also read | United Nations launches probe into Russia's alleged human rights violations in Ukraine According to British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, "It is very important at this time that we keep up the pressure on Vladimir Putin by supplying more weapons to Ukraine and by increasing the sanctions." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock slammed Russian attempts to split the world over Ukraine. "Never since the end of the Cold War have we G7 partners been more profoundly challenged. Never before have we stood more united," she said in a tweet. "There are 25 million tonnes of grain currently blocked in the Ukrainian port of Odesa, which means food for millions of people in the world that is urgently needed, above all in African countries and in the Middle East," Baerbock told reporters. "That's why we're sending a clear signal today: we see you, we hear you and we support you," she said. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

European Union to provide extra 500 million euros worth of military support to Ukraine

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said that the bloc will be imposed at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Calling the new sanctions "absolutely essential”, Borrell said that "We must use our economic and financial abilities to make Russia pay the price for what it’s doing."&nbsp;

The sanctions will be imposed in phases over a period of six to eight months to give countries time to diversify their supply.

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The text for the sanctions is currently being drafted and diplomats believe that they could be put to the 27 member states as early as Wednesday.

With Russia exporting two-thirds of its oil to the EU, Borrell said he hopes the EU will be able to take "measures to significantly limit these imports".

"But I am confident that, at least with regard to oil imports, this agreement will be possible between now and the next Council meeting," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-may-allow-slovakia-hungary-to-buy-russian-oil-report-475728">EU may allow Slovakia, Hungary to buy Russian oil: Report</a>

The executive branch of the EU is expected to propose a potential embargo on buying Russian oil during its meetings scheduled for May 10 and May 16 later this month.

The United States has expressed doubts about an outright ban, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warning that it may&nbsp;have have&nbsp;little impact on Russia because it would push up prices for its remaining exports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said that the bloc will be imposed at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has said that the bloc will be imposed at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting. Calling the new sanctions "absolutely essential”, Borrell said that "We must use our economic and financial abilities to make Russia pay the price for what it’s doing." The sanctions will be imposed in phases over a period of six to eight months to give countries time to diversify their supply. The text for the sanctions is currently being drafted and diplomats believe that they could be put to the 27 member states as early as Wednesday. With Russia exporting two-thirds of its oil to the EU, Borrell said he hopes the EU will be able to take "measures to significantly limit these imports". "But I am confident that, at least with regard to oil imports, this agreement will be possible between now and the next Council meeting," he added. Also read | EU may allow Slovakia, Hungary to buy Russian oil: Report The executive branch of the EU is expected to propose a potential embargo on buying Russian oil during its meetings scheduled for May 10 and May 16 later this month. The United States has expressed doubts about an outright ban, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warning that it may have have little impact on Russia because it would push up prices for its remaining exports. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

New sanctions against Russia to pass at next Foreign Affairs Council meeting, says EU foreign policy chief

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said that the West made a mistake by offering NATO membership to Ukraine, Sputnik news agency has reported.

"I am ready to admit that we have made a number of mistakes and that we have lost the opportunity of Russia's rapprochement with the West … There are moments that we could have done better, there are things that we proposed and then could not implement, such as the promise that Ukraine and Georgia would become part of NATO …I think it's a mistake to make promises you can't deliver," Borrell told the TF1 broadcaster.

In December, Russia had asked NATO not to include Ukraine and Belgium in their military alliance, adding that their inclusion would pose a threat to its security.

In fact, many believed that Russia launched an all-out attack against Ukraine because President Zelensky wanted to be a part of NATO.

Putin justified his invasion of Ukraine by stating that Russia’s goal was is that Ukraine is freed from oppression and "cleansed of the Nazis".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-satellite-images-show-russian-military-convoy-northwest-of-kyiv-has-dispersed-redeployed-461121">&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed'</a>

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has lost interest in the alliance. According to him, this happened after realizing that the organization was not ready to accept them.

"Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky&nbsp;told ABC News&nbsp;in an exclusive interview that aired Monday night.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

Zelensky added: "The alliance is afraid of controversial things and confrontation with&nbsp;Russia. I never wanted to be a country which is begging something on its knees. We are not going to be that country, and I don't want to be that president."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said that the West made a mistake by offering NATO membership to Ukraine, Sputnik news agency has reported. "I am ready to admit that we have made a number of mistakes and that we have lost the opportunity of Russia's rapprochement with the West … There are moments that we could have done better, there are things that we proposed and then could not implement, such as the promise that Ukraine and Georgia would become part of NATO …I think it's a mistake to make promises you can't deliver," Borrell told the TF1 broadcaster. In December, Russia had asked NATO not to include Ukraine and Belgium in their military alliance, adding that their inclusion would pose a threat to its security. In fact, many believed that Russia launched an all-out attack against Ukraine because President Zelensky wanted to be a part of NATO. Putin justified his invasion of Ukraine by stating that Russia’s goal was is that Ukraine is freed from oppression and "cleansed of the Nazis". Also read | Ukraine crisis: Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed' Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has lost interest in the alliance. According to him, this happened after realizing that the organization was not ready to accept them. "Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky told ABC News in an exclusive interview that aired Monday night. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Zelensky added: "The alliance is afraid of controversial things and confrontation with Russia. I never wanted to be a country which is begging something on its knees. We are not going to be that country, and I don't want to be that president." (With inputs from agencies)

West made a mistake by promising NATO membership to Ukraine: EU foreign policy chief Borrell

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).&nbsp;

EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries.&nbsp;

"Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read.&nbsp;

The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data."

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Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes.&nbsp;

Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-hospitals-face-possible-mass-firings-as-workers-spurn-vaccines-415880">New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines</a>

German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs.&nbsp;

The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it.&nbsp;

The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26).

The European Union slammed Russia for alleged interference in the German elections after observing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as #Ghostwriter, ahead of the parliamentary election in Germany on Sunday (September 26). EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the fight against cyber attacks is crucial for European security as the cyberattacks threaten the integrity, democratic values and principles of EU member countries. "Some EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as 'Ghostwriter', and associated these with the Russian state," a press release on the behalf of Borrell read. The statement further added, "These malicious cyber activities are targeting numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data." ALSO READ | Biden reiterates US support for India's permanent seat in UNSC, entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group Borrell also stated that activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States and the attacks are an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and processes. Previously, Berlin criticised what it called Russian attempts to influence the September 26 election of a new parliament and pointed the finger at hackers from Russia's "Ghostwriter" group which reportedly specialises in spreading disinformation. ALSO READ | New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines German intelligence believes they have been trying to gain access to the private email accounts of federal and regional MPs. The European Union and member states strongly have strongly denounced the cyber activities, warned that all involved must put an end to it. The members urged the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union slams Russia for alleged cyberattacks and hacking ahead of German election

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It will be for the member states to decide the next step, but yes, this could include sanctions and I will put forward concrete proposals," Borrell told lawmakers at the European Parliament. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A number of eastern European countries have called for punitive measures to be slapped on Russia over the jailing of top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on protesters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at their next meeting on February 22. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Borrell addressed legislators after a chastening visit to Russia last week, during which the Kremlin expelled three European diplomats. &nbsp;

Despite opposition from some capitals, the former Spanish minister insisted on making the trip to confront the Kremlin over Navalny and sound it out over cooperation on other issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I had no illusion before the visit, I am even more worried after," Borrell told lawmakers. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"One thing became clear, there is no intention on the Russian side to engage in a constructive discussion if we address human rights and political freedom." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Borrell has drawn flak for his performance during the visit -- the first by a top EU envoy to Moscow since 2017 -- as he failed to counter a slew of criticism from counterpart Sergei Lavrov at a press conference. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of lawmakers signed a letter calling for his resignation over the 'humiliating' trip. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The EU's relations with Moscow have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea in 2014 and began fuelling the war in Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bloc hit six senior Russian officials with asset freezes and visa bans in October over the poisoning of Navalny with a nerve agent. &nbsp;

Navalny has accused the President Vladimir Putin of ordering the attack -- something the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. &nbsp;

Putin's most prominent domestic opponent was sentenced to almost three years in jail after returning to Russia last month following treatment in Germany.

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow.

After Russia rebuffed his attempts to renew a dialogue, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday, he will propose the bloc's 27 member states to impose sanctions on Moscow. "It will be for the member states to decide the next step, but yes, this could include sanctions and I will put forward concrete proposals," Borrell told lawmakers at the European Parliament. A number of eastern European countries have called for punitive measures to be slapped on Russia over the jailing of top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on protesters. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the issue at their next meeting on February 22. Borrell addressed legislators after a chastening visit to Russia last week, during which the Kremlin expelled three European diplomats. Despite opposition from some capitals, the former Spanish minister insisted on making the trip to confront the Kremlin over Navalny and sound it out over cooperation on other issues. "I had no illusion before the visit, I am even more worried after," Borrell told lawmakers. "One thing became clear, there is no intention on the Russian side to engage in a constructive discussion if we address human rights and political freedom." Borrell has drawn flak for his performance during the visit -- the first by a top EU envoy to Moscow since 2017 -- as he failed to counter a slew of criticism from counterpart Sergei Lavrov at a press conference. Dozens of lawmakers signed a letter calling for his resignation over the 'humiliating' trip. The EU's relations with Moscow have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea in 2014 and began fuelling the war in Ukraine. The bloc hit six senior Russian officials with asset freezes and visa bans in October over the poisoning of Navalny with a nerve agent. Navalny has accused the President Vladimir Putin of ordering the attack -- something the Kremlin has repeatedly denied. Putin's most prominent domestic opponent was sentenced to almost three years in jail after returning to Russia last month following treatment in Germany.

Borrell to propose EU leaders to impose sanctions on Russia

The European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said that his visit to Moscow last week showed that Russia is heading down an authoritarian route, and warned that it could face new sanctions over the jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell sends a stern warning to Russia

Aides of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said they discussed possible sanctions against prominent members of President Vladimir Putin's circle including business tycoons to ramp up pressure on Russia.

Leonid Volkov, the head of Navalny's regional network and another associate Vladimir Ashurkov on Monday discussed via video link with EU states the bloc's "next steps" on Russia.

The video call was hosted by Poland and included envoys from the United States, Canada, Britain and Ukraine, Poland's mission in the EU said on Twitter.

Volkov wrote on the Telegram messenger late Monday that he and Ashurkov discussed "personal sanctions" against billionaires Roman Abramovich and Alisher Usmanov.&nbsp;

He said they also named the head of Russian state bank VTB Andrey Kostin and television executive Konstantin Ernst, among others.

Volkov did not say whether the meeting resulted in concrete agreements, but said Navalny's team will promote personal sanctions against the Putin circle "in the coming weeks and months."

The video call took place at a time of heightened tensions between the European Union and Russia, exacerbated by the arrest and jailing of Navalny.

Moscow on Friday expelled three European diplomats during the visit of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to Russia for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Navalny.

On Monday Germany, Sweden and Poland each ordered the removal of a Russian diplomat in retaliation.

EU foreign ministers have said they will debate punitive measures and possible sanctions against the Kremlin when they meet next on February 22.&nbsp;

Aides of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said they discussed possible sanctions against prominent members of President Vladimir Putin's circle including business tycoons to ramp up pressure on Russia.

Aides of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said they discussed possible sanctions against prominent members of President Vladimir Putin's circle including business tycoons to ramp up pressure on Russia. Leonid Volkov, the head of Navalny's regional network and another associate Vladimir Ashurkov on Monday discussed via video link with EU states the bloc's "next steps" on Russia. The video call was hosted by Poland and included envoys from the United States, Canada, Britain and Ukraine, Poland's mission in the EU said on Twitter. Volkov wrote on the Telegram messenger late Monday that he and Ashurkov discussed "personal sanctions" against billionaires Roman Abramovich and Alisher Usmanov. He said they also named the head of Russian state bank VTB Andrey Kostin and television executive Konstantin Ernst, among others. Volkov did not say whether the meeting resulted in concrete agreements, but said Navalny's team will promote personal sanctions against the Putin circle "in the coming weeks and months." The video call took place at a time of heightened tensions between the European Union and Russia, exacerbated by the arrest and jailing of Navalny. Moscow on Friday expelled three European diplomats during the visit of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to Russia for allegedly taking part in protests in support of Navalny. On Monday Germany, Sweden and Poland each ordered the removal of a Russian diplomat in retaliation. EU foreign ministers have said they will debate punitive measures and possible sanctions against the Kremlin when they meet next on February 22.

Navalny aides say discussed new Russia sanctions with EU

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell.

In a blog post, Josep Borrell said the shock expulsion of three EU diplomats during his two-day visit to Moscow, showed that Russia "did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU".

The bloc "will have to draw the consequences" he wrote, insisting that "it will be for member states to decide the next steps, and yes, these could include sanctions."

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Borrell's trip, which ended on Saturday, had been a controversial journey that divided the EU's 27 member states, with France and Germany backing dialogue with the Kremlin.

Other countries backed a harder line after the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on pro-Navalny protesters that has seen more than 10,000 people arrested in recent weeks.

Borrell's trip took a negative turn when Moscow expelled diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden just hours after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss ties.

The former Spanish foreign minister described the trip as "very complicated" and said he returned to Brussels "with deep concerns".&nbsp;

"It seems that Russia is progressively disconnecting itself from Europe and looking at democratic values as an existential threat," he said.

Borrell defended his visit arguing that criticising Russia from a distance "will not bring greater security to the European Union".&nbsp;

"We have to face challenges, including meeting others in their home turf, just when negative events are unfolding" in order to better assess the action to take.

"If we want a safer world for tomorrow, we have to act decidedly today and be ready to take some risks," he said.

Borrell will debrief his trip to foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 and EU leaders will discuss their strained ties with Moscow at a summit in March.

Drawing up EU sanctions are strictly up to the member&nbsp;states and require unanimity among the 27.

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell.

Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with the EU and that Europe must draw the consequences, including the possibility of new sanctions according to the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borell. In a blog post, Josep Borrell said the shock expulsion of three EU diplomats during his two-day visit to Moscow, showed that Russia "did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU". The bloc "will have to draw the consequences" he wrote, insisting that "it will be for member states to decide the next steps, and yes, these could include sanctions." Borrell's trip, which ended on Saturday, had been a controversial journey that divided the EU's 27 member states, with France and Germany backing dialogue with the Kremlin. Other countries backed a harder line after the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and a crackdown on pro-Navalny protesters that has seen more than 10,000 people arrested in recent weeks. Borrell's trip took a negative turn when Moscow expelled diplomats from Poland, Germany and Sweden just hours after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss ties. The former Spanish foreign minister described the trip as "very complicated" and said he returned to Brussels "with deep concerns". "It seems that Russia is progressively disconnecting itself from Europe and looking at democratic values as an existential threat," he said. Borrell defended his visit arguing that criticising Russia from a distance "will not bring greater security to the European Union". "We have to face challenges, including meeting others in their home turf, just when negative events are unfolding" in order to better assess the action to take. "If we want a safer world for tomorrow, we have to act decidedly today and be ready to take some risks," he said. Borrell will debrief his trip to foreign ministers from the 27 member states on February 22 and EU leaders will discuss their strained ties with Moscow at a summit in March. Drawing up EU sanctions are strictly up to the member states and require unanimity among the 27.

Josep Borrell says Russia is rejecting constructive dialogue with European Union

The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said during a visit to Moscow on Friday that the bloc's ties with Russia were under "severe strain".

EU's top diplomat says ties with Russia at an all time low

A day after the Belarusian leader was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union’s diplomatic chief has said that the European Union does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-women-protest-in-belarus-demanding-lukashenkos-resignation-327120">Also read | Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation</a> 
 
Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, told the European Parliament the August 9 election that returned the veteran strongman to power was fraudulent. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-protest-leader-says-she-was-threatened-with-expulsion-alive-or-in-bits-326689">Also read | Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits'</a>

“The situation is clear for us. We consider the elections of August 9 fraudulent. We don’t recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus”, - said Borrell.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read | If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a> 
 
He added that more than 7,500 peaceful protesters have been detained and 500 cases of torture have been documented. 
 
Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus last month after strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed to have defeated opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and won re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9. 
 
Protesters say the election was rigged to hand Lukashenko a phoney landslide win and that Tikhanovskaya - who has since fled to Lithuania - was the real winner. 
 
Thousands of protesters were on the roads, potentially setting the scene for a new show-down with riot police.&nbsp; 
 
As the demand for change intensifies and reaches even the factories that are the pride of Alexander Lukashenko’s neo-Soviet economy, the authoritarian ruler ends the week clinging on to power in defiance of an ever-broader coalition of opponents. But from the beginning, this has been an uprising inspired and led by women. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the Belarusian leader was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union’s diplomatic chief has said that the European Union does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus.

A day after the Belarusian leader was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union’s diplomatic chief has said that the European Union does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus. Also read | Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, told the European Parliament the August 9 election that returned the veteran strongman to power was fraudulent. Also read | Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits' “The situation is clear for us. We consider the elections of August 9 fraudulent. We don’t recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus”, - said Borrell. Also read | If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko He added that more than 7,500 peaceful protesters have been detained and 500 cases of torture have been documented. Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus last month after strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed to have defeated opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and won re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9. Protesters say the election was rigged to hand Lukashenko a phoney landslide win and that Tikhanovskaya - who has since fled to Lithuania - was the real winner. Thousands of protesters were on the roads, potentially setting the scene for a new show-down with riot police. As the demand for change intensifies and reaches even the factories that are the pride of Alexander Lukashenko’s neo-Soviet economy, the authoritarian ruler ends the week clinging on to power in defiance of an ever-broader coalition of opponents. But from the beginning, this has been an uprising inspired and led by women. (With inputs from agencies)

We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-rejects-trump-call-to-ditch-iran-nuclear-pact-273497">Iran nuclear deal</a>, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-concerned-over-recent-development-in-middle-east-after-soleimanis-killing-273398">Middle East</a>.

Europe has led efforts to save the 2015 accord, gravely undermined by Trump's unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and Iran's subsequent winding down of its compliance, but to little effect.

After an afternoon of talks with ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-invites-iranian-foreign-minister-zarif-to-brussels-amid-rising-middle-east-tension-272290">Josep Borrell</a>, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, reiterated Europe's continuing support for the deal but warned it may be doomed.

"We want to save this deal if it's possible," he said, warning that negotiating a new pact would be a "very complex, highly technical process" that would take a long time.

Friday's meeting did not discuss triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism, which could ultimately lead to the UN Security Council reimposing sanctions on Iran.

"Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell said, using an abbreviation for the deal's formal name.

The three European parties to the pact, Britain, France and Germany, have all stressed their commitment to saving it, in defiance of a call by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">Trump</a> this week to join him in walking away.

France and Germany have warned for some time that unless Iran returns to full compliance with the terms of the deal, they may trigger the dispute mechanism.

But the Europeans are expected to wait for UN inspectors to report on what Iran is doing on the ground following its latest announcement.

Earlier Friday, French Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">Jean-Yves Le Drian</a> warned that without action, Iran could soon be in a position to develop the bomb.

"If they continue to unravel the Vienna accord then yes in quite a short period, between one and two years, they could have a nuclear weapon, which is unimaginable," he told France's RTL radio.

Several other ministers at the talks restated the EU's continuing determination to preserve the deal, which they say is vital for non-proliferation and regional security.

But Lithuania's Linas Linkevicius said that without some substantial change, "it will be difficult to believe that this agreement could be alive".

Friday's highly unusual emergency meeting was called in response to soaring Middle East tensions following the killing of Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Qasem Soleimani</a> in an American drone strike.

Fears of all-out war have subsided since US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Donald Trump</a> made a statement on Wednesday saying Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles, without causing casualties at US troops based in Iraq.

But the fatal crash of a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran in the midst of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">crisis</a> was on ministers' minds, with several urging Tehran to carry out a transparent inquiry.

Reports from several Western capitals indicated that the crash of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Boeing 737</a>, which killed 176 people appeared to have been caused by an Iranian air defence missile.

"This is more than tragic&nbsp;the important thing now is that everything is completely investigated," said German Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-zelensky-meet-in-paris-for-summit-amid-push-to-end-ukraine-war-267304">Heiko Maas</a> as he arrived for the talks.

"Nothing must be swept under the table because if that were the case, it would be the breeding ground for new mistrust."

His Dutch counterpart Stef Blok echoed his call, saying it was "very likely" an Iranian missile brought the plane down.

NATO Secretary-General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-fully-respect-iraqs-sovereignty-says-irans-un-ambassador-after-ballistic-missile-strike-273064">Jens Stoltenberg</a> added his voice to the calls for transparency and said he had "no reason to not believe" alliance members Britain and Canada when they blamed a missile for the crash.

Also Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-leaders-set-to-meet-for-paris-talks-with-bleak-prospects-of-peace-266434">Vadym Prystaiko</a> told a Kiev briefing that a team of his country's experts had been given access to the plane's black box flight recorders and were receiving "full cooperation" from the Iranian authorities.

Also on the ministers' agenda was the crisis in Libya, where the UN-backed government is under threat from rival strongman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-haftar-forces-seize-large-parts-of-sirte-city-272759">Khalifa Haftar</a>.

European powers fear the ongoing chaos in Libya could lead to a fresh wave of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean or allow the Islamic State group to gain a foothold to launch attacks.

Borrell warned that the crisis could "spiral out of control" and called for a ceasefire.

An EU diplomat said the ministers gave unanimous backing to a planned international conference in Berlin, with Germany delegated to represent the bloc as a whole.

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the Iran nuclear deal, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the Middle East.

The EU's diplomatic chief warned Friday that it may not be possible to save the Iran nuclear deal, as the bloc's foreign ministers held emergency talks on the Middle East. Europe has led efforts to save the 2015 accord, gravely undermined by Trump's unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and Iran's subsequent winding down of its compliance, but to little effect. After an afternoon of talks with ministers, Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, reiterated Europe's continuing support for the deal but warned it may be doomed. "We want to save this deal if it's possible," he said, warning that negotiating a new pact would be a "very complex, highly technical process" that would take a long time. Friday's meeting did not discuss triggering the deal's dispute resolution mechanism, which could ultimately lead to the UN Security Council reimposing sanctions on Iran. "Maybe we cannot avoid that the JCPOA finally is being cancelled because the dispute mechanism can be triggered and I cannot exclude that this happens," Borrell said, using an abbreviation for the deal's formal name. The three European parties to the pact, Britain, France and Germany, have all stressed their commitment to saving it, in defiance of a call by Trump this week to join him in walking away. France and Germany have warned for some time that unless Iran returns to full compliance with the terms of the deal, they may trigger the dispute mechanism. But the Europeans are expected to wait for UN inspectors to report on what Iran is doing on the ground following its latest announcement. Earlier Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that without action, Iran could soon be in a position to develop the bomb. "If they continue to unravel the Vienna accord then yes in quite a short period, between one and two years, they could have a nuclear weapon, which is unimaginable," he told France's RTL radio. Several other ministers at the talks restated the EU's continuing determination to preserve the deal, which they say is vital for non-proliferation and regional security. But Lithuania's Linas Linkevicius said that without some substantial change, "it will be difficult to believe that this agreement could be alive". Friday's highly unusual emergency meeting was called in response to soaring Middle East tensions following the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in an American drone strike. Fears of all-out war have subsided since US President Donald Trump made a statement on Wednesday saying Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles, without causing casualties at US troops based in Iraq. But the fatal crash of a Ukrainian airliner near Tehran in the midst of the crisis was on ministers' minds, with several urging Tehran to carry out a transparent inquiry. Reports from several Western capitals indicated that the crash of the Boeing 737, which killed 176 people appeared to have been caused by an Iranian air defence missile. "This is more than tragic the important thing now is that everything is completely investigated," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas as he arrived for the talks. "Nothing must be swept under the table because if that were the case, it would be the breeding ground for new mistrust." His Dutch counterpart Stef Blok echoed his call, saying it was "very likely" an Iranian missile brought the plane down. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg added his voice to the calls for transparency and said he had "no reason to not believe" alliance members Britain and Canada when they blamed a missile for the crash. Also Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko told a Kiev briefing that a team of his country's experts had been given access to the plane's black box flight recorders and were receiving "full cooperation" from the Iranian authorities. Also on the ministers' agenda was the crisis in Libya, where the UN-backed government is under threat from rival strongman Khalifa Haftar. European powers fear the ongoing chaos in Libya could lead to a fresh wave of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean or allow the Islamic State group to gain a foothold to launch attacks. Borrell warned that the crisis could "spiral out of control" and called for a ceasefire. An EU diplomat said the ministers gave unanimous backing to a planned international conference in Berlin, with Germany delegated to represent the bloc as a whole.

European Union warns Iran nuclear deal may collapse

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar.

"If Britain does not release the Iranian oil tanker, it is the authorities' duty to seize a British oil tanker," Mohsen Rezai said on Twitter.

The Gibraltar government said the crew on board the supertanker Grace 1 were being interviewed as witnesses, not criminal suspects, in an effort to establish the nature of the cargo and its ultimate destination.

British Royal Marines abseiled onto the ship off the coast of the British territory on Thursday and seized it over accusations it was breaking sanctions by taking oil to Syria. They landed a helicopter on the moving vessel in pitch darkness.

The move escalates a confrontation between Iran and the West just weeks after the United States called off air strikes minutes before impact, and draws Washington's close ally into a crisis in which European powers had striven to appear neutral.

Tehran summoned the British ambassador on Thursday to voice "its very strong objection to the illegal and unacceptable seizure" of its ship, a move that also eliminated doubt about the ownership of the vessel.

Thin line

Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the crude oil cargo was from Iran. The ship's paperwork had said the oil was from neighbouring Iraq, but tracking data reviewed by Reuters suggested it had loaded at an Iranian port.

European countries have walked a thin line since last year when the United States ignored their pleas and pulled out of a pact between Iran and world powers that gave Tehran access to global trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Over the past two months, Washington has sharply tightened sanctions against Tehran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. The moves have largely driven Iran from mainstream markets and forced it to find unconventional ways to sell crude.

The confrontation has taken on a military dimension in recent weeks, with Washington accusing Iran of attacking ships in the Gulf and Iran shooting down a U.S. drone. President Donald Trump ordered, then cancelled, retaliatory strikes.

With nuclear diplomacy at the heart of the crisis, Iran announced this week it had amassed more fissile material than allowed under its deal, and said it would purify uranium to a higher degree than permitted from July 7.

The Grace 1 was impounded in the British territory on the southern tip of Spain after sailing the long way around Africa from the Middle East to the mouth of the Mediterranean, a route that demonstrates the unusual steps Iran appears to be taking to try to keep some exports flowing.

"Warning the Iranians"

The Gibraltar spokesman said the 28-member crew, who have remained on board the supertanker, were mainly Indians with some Pakistanis and Ukrainians. Police and customs officials remained on board the vessel to carry out their investigation, but the Royal Marines were no longer present.

While the European Union has not followed the United States in imposing broad sanctions against Iran, it has had measures in place since 2011 that prohibit sales of oil to Syria.

Gibraltar said on Friday it had obtained an order extending the detention of the supertanker by 14 days because there were grounds to believe it was breaking sanctions by taking crude oil to Syria.

Shipping experts say it may have been avoiding the more direct route through the Suez Canal, where a big tanker would typically be required to unload part of its cargo into a pipeline to cross, potentially exposing it to seizure.

Olivier Dorgans, an economic sanctions expert at Hughes Hubbard &amp; Reed law firm in Paris, said the British move appeared intended to send a warning to the Iranians that if they pushed on with their nuclear breaches, European countries would act:

"This was done for political effect. The British are warning the Iranians."

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar.

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar. "If Britain does not release the Iranian oil tanker, it is the authorities' duty to seize a British oil tanker," Mohsen Rezai said on Twitter. The Gibraltar government said the crew on board the supertanker Grace 1 were being interviewed as witnesses, not criminal suspects, in an effort to establish the nature of the cargo and its ultimate destination. British Royal Marines abseiled onto the ship off the coast of the British territory on Thursday and seized it over accusations it was breaking sanctions by taking oil to Syria. They landed a helicopter on the moving vessel in pitch darkness. The move escalates a confrontation between Iran and the West just weeks after the United States called off air strikes minutes before impact, and draws Washington's close ally into a crisis in which European powers had striven to appear neutral. Tehran summoned the British ambassador on Thursday to voice "its very strong objection to the illegal and unacceptable seizure" of its ship, a move that also eliminated doubt about the ownership of the vessel. Thin line Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the crude oil cargo was from Iran. The ship's paperwork had said the oil was from neighbouring Iraq, but tracking data reviewed by Reuters suggested it had loaded at an Iranian port. European countries have walked a thin line since last year when the United States ignored their pleas and pulled out of a pact between Iran and world powers that gave Tehran access to global trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Over the past two months, Washington has sharply tightened sanctions against Tehran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. The moves have largely driven Iran from mainstream markets and forced it to find unconventional ways to sell crude. The confrontation has taken on a military dimension in recent weeks, with Washington accusing Iran of attacking ships in the Gulf and Iran shooting down a U.S. drone. President Donald Trump ordered, then cancelled, retaliatory strikes. With nuclear diplomacy at the heart of the crisis, Iran announced this week it had amassed more fissile material than allowed under its deal, and said it would purify uranium to a higher degree than permitted from July 7. The Grace 1 was impounded in the British territory on the southern tip of Spain after sailing the long way around Africa from the Middle East to the mouth of the Mediterranean, a route that demonstrates the unusual steps Iran appears to be taking to try to keep some exports flowing. "Warning the Iranians" The Gibraltar spokesman said the 28-member crew, who have remained on board the supertanker, were mainly Indians with some Pakistanis and Ukrainians. Police and customs officials remained on board the vessel to carry out their investigation, but the Royal Marines were no longer present. While the European Union has not followed the United States in imposing broad sanctions against Iran, it has had measures in place since 2011 that prohibit sales of oil to Syria. Gibraltar said on Friday it had obtained an order extending the detention of the supertanker by 14 days because there were grounds to believe it was breaking sanctions by taking crude oil to Syria. Shipping experts say it may have been avoiding the more direct route through the Suez Canal, where a big tanker would typically be required to unload part of its cargo into a pipeline to cross, potentially exposing it to seizure. Olivier Dorgans, an economic sanctions expert at Hughes Hubbard & Reed law firm in Paris, said the British move appeared intended to send a warning to the Iranians that if they pushed on with their nuclear breaches, European countries would act: "This was done for political effect. The British are warning the Iranians."

Iran threatens British shipping in retaliation for tanker seizure

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

The detention of the 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it will breach the maximum uranium enrichment level it agreed in a 2015 nuclear deal.

The tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a tiny overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip.

They were aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines.

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The ship was detained 2.5 miles (four kilometres) south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish.&nbsp;

It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels.

"We have reason to believe that the 'Grace 1' was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas Refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

"That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.

"We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said.

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States.

Picardo said he had "written this morning to the Presidents of the European Commission and Council, setting out the details of the sanctions which we have enforced".

In a statement, Britain's foreign office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime".

EU notified&nbsp;

European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011.

The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians.

It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the European Union.

According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analysed vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil, the first such tanker to head for Europe since late 2018.

It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

The tanker detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead.

Iran did this in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The detention of the 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it will breach the maximum uranium enrichment level it agreed in a 2015 nuclear deal. The tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a tiny overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip. They were aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines. × The ship was detained 2.5 miles (four kilometres) south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish. It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels. "We have reason to believe that the 'Grace 1' was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas Refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement. "That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria. "We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States. Picardo said he had "written this morning to the Presidents of the European Commission and Council, setting out the details of the sanctions which we have enforced". In a statement, Britain's foreign office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime". EU notified European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011. The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians. It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the European Union. According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analysed vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil, the first such tanker to head for Europe since late 2018. It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The tanker detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead. Iran did this in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran condemns detention of ship, suspected of taking oil to Syria, in Gibraltar

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU.

The polls come a month after general elections on April 28 in which Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) came first but without a majority in parliament.

He is hoping the party will perform well on Sunday so he can opt for his preferred plan of forming a minority government with the support of other parties on a case by case basis when passing laws.

But he will also be looking to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-votes-as-populists-seek-historic-breakthrough-221538">European Union</a>, where Sanchez has emerged as the big hope for European social democrats, the second largest bloc in the European parliament.

Spain could be the only major EU member state where the Socialists come out top in elections to the European parliament.

On Friday, outgoing Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, whom Spain could push to become the EU foreign policy chief, told supporters Sanchez was going to "lead the resurgence of social democracy in Europe".

In a sign of Spain's increasing assertiveness in the EU and as of Sunday's polls neared, the government on Friday reacted strongly to British Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation.

"Under these circumstances, a hard Brexit appears to be a reality that is near impossible to stop," Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa warned as May's resignation paves the way for hardliners to take over.

She added Britain's anticipated "disorderly exit" from the EU was "a clear example of what can happen if we let ourselves get swept along by extremes".

Podemos or not?&nbsp;

On the domestic front, the results of local and regional elections may determine what Spain's new government looks like and Sanchez has urged supporters to "finish the work" of the general election and turn out in force.

"I'm asking for a vote on May 26 that is coherent with that of April 28," he said Friday.

While Sanchez wants to rule alone in a minority government, Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left party Podemos, is pushing him to form a coalition government.

Whether Sanchez accepts or not may depend on how both parties fare.

The Socialists "might need the support of Podemos to retain power in some regions, which Iglesias might use to pressure Sanchez into forming a coalition," said Teneo analyst Antonio Barroso.

But "Iglesias' party is on the decline according to the most recent polls, and PSOE might enjoy a certain 'honeymoon effect' after its victory in the April legislative election.&nbsp;

"If the distance between the two parties widens after Sunday, Sanchez will be in an even stronger position to head a minority government."

Polls suggest the Socialists will come out on top in most of the 12 regions going to the polls on Sunday.

But all eyes will be on Madrid which could swing left after being governed by the conservative Popular Party for 24 years.

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU.

Spain votes in local, regional and European elections on Sunday seen as a "second round" for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as he seeks to form a new government and gain influence in the EU. The polls come a month after general elections on April 28 in which Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) came first but without a majority in parliament. He is hoping the party will perform well on Sunday so he can opt for his preferred plan of forming a minority government with the support of other parties on a case by case basis when passing laws. But he will also be looking to the European Union, where Sanchez has emerged as the big hope for European social democrats, the second largest bloc in the European parliament. Spain could be the only major EU member state where the Socialists come out top in elections to the European parliament. On Friday, outgoing Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, whom Spain could push to become the EU foreign policy chief, told supporters Sanchez was going to "lead the resurgence of social democracy in Europe". In a sign of Spain's increasing assertiveness in the EU and as of Sunday's polls neared, the government on Friday reacted strongly to British Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation. "Under these circumstances, a hard Brexit appears to be a reality that is near impossible to stop," Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa warned as May's resignation paves the way for hardliners to take over. She added Britain's anticipated "disorderly exit" from the EU was "a clear example of what can happen if we let ourselves get swept along by extremes". Podemos or not? On the domestic front, the results of local and regional elections may determine what Spain's new government looks like and Sanchez has urged supporters to "finish the work" of the general election and turn out in force. "I'm asking for a vote on May 26 that is coherent with that of April 28," he said Friday. While Sanchez wants to rule alone in a minority government, Pablo Iglesias, the leader of far-left party Podemos, is pushing him to form a coalition government. Whether Sanchez accepts or not may depend on how both parties fare. The Socialists "might need the support of Podemos to retain power in some regions, which Iglesias might use to pressure Sanchez into forming a coalition," said Teneo analyst Antonio Barroso. But "Iglesias' party is on the decline according to the most recent polls, and PSOE might enjoy a certain 'honeymoon effect' after its victory in the April legislative election. "If the distance between the two parties widens after Sunday, Sanchez will be in an even stronger position to head a minority government." Polls suggest the Socialists will come out on top in most of the 12 regions going to the polls on Sunday. But all eyes will be on Madrid which could swing left after being governed by the conservative Popular Party for 24 years.

Spain votes in 'second round' local, regional, European Union polls

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:

WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours?

Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development.

WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it?

Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do?

WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum?

Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing.

WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums?

Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision.

WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem?

Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people.

WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else?

Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders.

WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency?

Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain?

WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution?

Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration.

WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward?

Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe.

WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism?

Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’

WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace?

Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate.

WION: ...especially in South Asia...

Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism.

WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela?

Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective.

WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative?

Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for.

WION: And it applies equally to China?

Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating.

WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why?

Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government.

WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution?

Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions.

WION: Why do you say that?

Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it.

WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics?

Josep Borrell: It is mathematics.

WION: What do you the most - academia or politics?

Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can.

WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much.

WION: Pizza or Paella?

Josep Borrell: Pizza.

WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President?

Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to.

WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete?

Josep Borrell: No wall.

WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China?

Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected.

WION: On that note, thank you.

Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview.

WION: Thank you.

Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world. Here is the full transcript of the interview: WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours? Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development. WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it? Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do? WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum? Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing. WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums? Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision. WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem? Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people. WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else? Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders. WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency? Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain? WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution? Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration. WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward? Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe. WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism? Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’ WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace? Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate. WION: ...especially in South Asia... Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism. WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela? Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective. WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative? Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for. WION: And it applies equally to China? Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating. WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why? Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government. WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution? Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions. WION: Why do you say that? Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it. WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics? Josep Borrell: It is mathematics. WION: What do you the most - academia or politics? Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can. WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid? Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much. WION: Pizza or Paella? Josep Borrell: Pizza. WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President? Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to. WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete? Josep Borrell: No wall. WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China? Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected. WION: On that note, thank you. Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview. WION: Thank you. Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION

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