<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-g20-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-expresses-concern-over-citizenship-by-investment-scheme-for-economic-offenders-225812">Disallow offenders to use investment schemes for citizenship: India at G20</a> 
 
In a strong message to countries that provide citizenship to fugitive economic offenders through investment-based schemes, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for the need to deal with such practices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-elects-new-leader-as-hundreds-arrested-in-protests-225813">Kazakhstan elects new leader as hundreds arrested in protests</a> 
 
The victory of career diplomat Kassym Jomart-Tokayev was never in doubt after he received the blessing of powerful Nazarbayev, who had led the Central Asian nation for the last three decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/booing-smith-not-acceptable-i-said-sorry-to-him-on-behalf-of-the-crowd-kohli-225807">Booing Smith not acceptable, I said sorry to him on behalf of the crowd: Kohli</a>

<a>Kohli said had apologised to Smith for the chants of "cheater" directed from the stands towards the former Australia captain.</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-fire-breaks-out-in-east-london-flats-225803">Major fire breaks out in east London flats</a> 
 
A fire broke out and set alight six floors of a residential block of flats in east London on Sunday evening , London Fire Brigade said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-under-control-west-bengal-government-answers-home-ministrys-advisory-on-violence-225809">Situation 'under control', West Bengal government answers Home Ministry's advisory on violence</a> 
 
West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De has informed the ministry that 'firm and appropriate actions' were initiated in case of a few 'stray post-poll clashes' in the state. 
&nbsp;

Disallow offenders to use investment schemes for citizenship: India at G20 In a strong message to countries that provide citizenship to fugitive economic offenders through investment-based schemes, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for the need to deal with such practices.

Disallow offenders to use investment schemes for citizenship: India at G20 In a strong message to countries that provide citizenship to fugitive economic offenders through investment-based schemes, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for the need to deal with such practices. Kazakhstan elects new leader as hundreds arrested in protests The victory of career diplomat Kassym Jomart-Tokayev was never in doubt after he received the blessing of powerful Nazarbayev, who had led the Central Asian nation for the last three decades. Booing Smith not acceptable, I said sorry to him on behalf of the crowd: Kohli Kohli said had apologised to Smith for the chants of "cheater" directed from the stands towards the former Australia captain. Major fire breaks out in east London flats A fire broke out and set alight six floors of a residential block of flats in east London on Sunday evening , London Fire Brigade said. Situation 'under control', West Bengal government answers Home Ministry's advisory on violence West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De has informed the ministry that 'firm and appropriate actions' were initiated in case of a few 'stray post-poll clashes' in the state.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Kazakhstan on Sunday elected the hand-picked successor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev with 70 per cent of the vote, exit polls showed, as police arrested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nazarbayev-ally-set-to-win-kazakh-vote-as-hundreds-protest-225683">hundreds of opposition protesters</a>.

The victory of career diplomat Kassym Jomart-Tokayev was never in doubt after he received the blessing of powerful Nazarbayev, who had led the Central Asian nation for the last three decades.

Tokayev, 66, took just over 70 per cent of the vote, according to the government-approved "Public Opinion" pollster. His nearest opposition rival Amirzhan Kosanov had around 15 per cent.

But the day was marked by the biggest protests the Muslim-majority country has seen in three years, as demonstrators urged a "boycott" of what they said was a fixed election.

The build-up to the vote saw an intensifying crackdown on the opposition with courts sentencing protesters to short stays in jail and police raiding activists' homes. The interior ministry said around 500 people were arrested on Sunday, with deputy minister Marat Kozhayev blaming "radical elements" for holding "unsanctioned" rallies.

Two AFP journalists were among those detained in largest city Almaty, where police broke up a protest involving several hundred people.

Protesters shouted "shame, shame, shame!" and said "police come to the side of the people" as officers moved in on the crowd.

One AFP correspondent was taken to a police station before being released while another had video equipment confiscated.

Journalists for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and an independent local news site were also arrested, as was a representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee rights NGO. They were all later released.

Dimash Alzhanov, a noted civic activist and political analyst, was arrested and was still being held on Sunday evening.

Turnout in the election was around 77 per cent, the Central Election Commission said earlier in the day.

Nazarbayev's announcement in March that he was stepping down from the presidency and naming Toyakev interim leader shocked Kazakhs who had lived under his rule since Soviet times.

But the 78-year-old, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes.

As he voted, Tokayev told reporters in the capital Nur-Sultan that Nazarbayev was "still in power in the capacity of chairman of the security council... And other capacities".

Marat Sagyndykov, a 65-year-old retired civil servant told AFP he had voted for Tokayev "in order to continue the course of the Leader of the Nation", referring to Nazarbayev's constitutionally designated status.

"I think in 30 years we have had some successes. There have been negatives, too, but they exist in all countries," he said.

Aslan Sagutdinov, a video blogger who was detained last month for holding up a blank placard at a protest, told AFP in an email he was not taking part in the election. "If you vote in unfair elections you are allowing them to say they are fair," said Sagutdinov, who lives in the northwestern town of Uralsk.

Four years ago Nazarbayev scored nearly 98 per cent of a virtually uncontested vote where the official turnout was 95 per cent.

No Kazakh vote has ever been recognised as fully democratic by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which sent more than 300 observers to monitor this election.

One of Tokayev's first acts as interim president was to propose that the capital Astana -- which Nazarbayev transformed from a steppe town into a million-strong city -- be renamed "Nur-Sultan" in honour of his mentor.

The change went ahead without public consultation.

There was only one candidate who was openly in opposition in the race, journalist Amirzhan Kosanov, who has criticised the government.

However, even his criticism was vague, rather than directly attacking either Tokayev or Nazarbayev.

Human Rights Watch called the prospect of a genuine political transition "an illusion" and noted the persistence of rights abuses under Tokayev's interim presidency.

"Kazakh authorities routinely break up peaceful protests, forcibly round up participants... And sanction them with warnings, fines, and short-term imprisonment," the watchdog said.

Kazakhstan on Sunday elected the hand-picked successor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev with 70 per cent of the vote, exit polls showed, as police arrested hundreds of opposition protesters.

Kazakhstan on Sunday elected the hand-picked successor of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev with 70 per cent of the vote, exit polls showed, as police arrested hundreds of opposition protesters. The victory of career diplomat Kassym Jomart-Tokayev was never in doubt after he received the blessing of powerful Nazarbayev, who had led the Central Asian nation for the last three decades. Tokayev, 66, took just over 70 per cent of the vote, according to the government-approved "Public Opinion" pollster. His nearest opposition rival Amirzhan Kosanov had around 15 per cent. But the day was marked by the biggest protests the Muslim-majority country has seen in three years, as demonstrators urged a "boycott" of what they said was a fixed election. The build-up to the vote saw an intensifying crackdown on the opposition with courts sentencing protesters to short stays in jail and police raiding activists' homes. The interior ministry said around 500 people were arrested on Sunday, with deputy minister Marat Kozhayev blaming "radical elements" for holding "unsanctioned" rallies. Two AFP journalists were among those detained in largest city Almaty, where police broke up a protest involving several hundred people. Protesters shouted "shame, shame, shame!" and said "police come to the side of the people" as officers moved in on the crowd. One AFP correspondent was taken to a police station before being released while another had video equipment confiscated. Journalists for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and an independent local news site were also arrested, as was a representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee rights NGO. They were all later released. Dimash Alzhanov, a noted civic activist and political analyst, was arrested and was still being held on Sunday evening. Turnout in the election was around 77 per cent, the Central Election Commission said earlier in the day. Nazarbayev's announcement in March that he was stepping down from the presidency and naming Toyakev interim leader shocked Kazakhs who had lived under his rule since Soviet times. But the 78-year-old, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes. As he voted, Tokayev told reporters in the capital Nur-Sultan that Nazarbayev was "still in power in the capacity of chairman of the security council... And other capacities". Marat Sagyndykov, a 65-year-old retired civil servant told AFP he had voted for Tokayev "in order to continue the course of the Leader of the Nation", referring to Nazarbayev's constitutionally designated status. "I think in 30 years we have had some successes. There have been negatives, too, but they exist in all countries," he said. Aslan Sagutdinov, a video blogger who was detained last month for holding up a blank placard at a protest, told AFP in an email he was not taking part in the election. "If you vote in unfair elections you are allowing them to say they are fair," said Sagutdinov, who lives in the northwestern town of Uralsk. Four years ago Nazarbayev scored nearly 98 per cent of a virtually uncontested vote where the official turnout was 95 per cent. No Kazakh vote has ever been recognised as fully democratic by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which sent more than 300 observers to monitor this election. One of Tokayev's first acts as interim president was to propose that the capital Astana -- which Nazarbayev transformed from a steppe town into a million-strong city -- be renamed "Nur-Sultan" in honour of his mentor. The change went ahead without public consultation. There was only one candidate who was openly in opposition in the race, journalist Amirzhan Kosanov, who has criticised the government. However, even his criticism was vague, rather than directly attacking either Tokayev or Nazarbayev. Human Rights Watch called the prospect of a genuine political transition "an illusion" and noted the persistence of rights abuses under Tokayev's interim presidency. "Kazakh authorities routinely break up peaceful protests, forcibly round up participants... And sanction them with warnings, fines, and short-term imprisonment," the watchdog said.

Kazakhstan elects new leader as hundreds arrested in protests

The hand-picked successor of Kazakhstan's longtime ruler won a sweeping victory in a presidential election, but the vote was marred by a police crackdown and monitors said Monday it showed "scant respect" for democracy.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took 70.8 per cent of the vote in Sunday's election, the Central Election Commission said, well ahead of his nearest rival, opposition candidate Amirzhan Kosanov on 16.2 per cent.

Sunday saw hundreds of arrests after the biggest protests in Kazakhstan in at least three years, as demonstrators urged a boycott of what they said was a fixed election.

"A lack of regard for fundamental rights, including detentions of peaceful protesters, and widespread voting irregularities on election day, showed scant respect for democratic standards," observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said.&nbsp;

Tokayev's victory was never in doubt after he received the blessing of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led the Central Asian nation for three decades before his shock resignation in March.

The interior ministry said about 500 people were arrested on Sunday, with deputy minister Marat Kozhayev blaming "radical elements" for holding "unsanctioned" rallies.

An AFP correspondent saw scores more arrested on Monday, several of whom did not appear to be attempting to protest.&nbsp;

Activists denounced the arrests and made claims of ballot stuffing, but Tokayev insisted the election had been "a competition".

"This shows that our level of political culture has seriously increased. There is much work ahead," he said in comments broadcast Monday on state television.

Authorities said they would investigate all allegations of vote violations.

No vote in Kazakhstan has ever been recognised as fully democratic by the OSCE, which sent more than 300 observers to monitor this election.

Tokayev's opponents were quick to congratulate him on victory, including second-place finisher Kosanov, a journalist who presented himself as the ballot's sole opposition candidate.

"This political transition will take place with the participation of the people," Kosanov said, criticising "foreign-based" opposition figures who had encouraged voters to boycott the poll.

"People are ready for an equal dialogue with authorities," he said in an interview shown on state television.

Kosanov had previously said that if the count was fair the result would go to a second round.

Third place was claimed by Daniya Yespayeva, the first woman candidate in a Kazakh presidential election, who scored 5.2 per cent of the ballot according to the CEC.&nbsp;

Snap trials, more arrests

Despite a relatively high turnout of 77 per cent announced by the CEC, many citizens in Nur-Sultan and Almaty told AFP that they had not voted.

Aigul Eskarayeva, a 60-year-old pensioner in the capital Nur-Sultan -- renamed after Nazarbayev following his resignation -- said she had not taken part as she thought voting in Kazakh elections was "pointless".

"But I enjoyed the opportunity to use public transport for free all Sunday," she told AFP on Monday.

Sunday's demonstrations took place in both Nur-Sultan and Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty.

Several hundred rallied in Almaty before police moved in to detain protesters.&nbsp;

Journalists, including two from AFP and reporters for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, were among those detained in Almaty but were later released.

Among the dozens more detained on Monday was Assem Zhapisheva, a civic activist and journalist. AFP could not reach Zhapisheva for comment after her detention.&nbsp;

Marzhan Aspandiyarova, a civic activist who visited police stations in Almaty on Sunday and Monday, said trials were already underway to convict and sentence protesters.

"Relatives are trying to get more information but it is difficult because the detained had their telephones confiscated."

Nazarbayev's announcement in March that he was stepping down from the presidency and naming Tokayev interim leader shocked Kazakhs, who had lived under his rule since Soviet times.

But the 78-year-old, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes.

The hand-picked successor of Kazakhstan's longtime ruler won a sweeping victory in a presidential election, but the vote was marred by a police crackdown and monitors said Monday it showed "scant respect" for democracy.

The hand-picked successor of Kazakhstan's longtime ruler won a sweeping victory in a presidential election, but the vote was marred by a police crackdown and monitors said Monday it showed "scant respect" for democracy. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took 70.8 per cent of the vote in Sunday's election, the Central Election Commission said, well ahead of his nearest rival, opposition candidate Amirzhan Kosanov on 16.2 per cent. Sunday saw hundreds of arrests after the biggest protests in Kazakhstan in at least three years, as demonstrators urged a boycott of what they said was a fixed election. "A lack of regard for fundamental rights, including detentions of peaceful protesters, and widespread voting irregularities on election day, showed scant respect for democratic standards," observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said. Tokayev's victory was never in doubt after he received the blessing of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led the Central Asian nation for three decades before his shock resignation in March. The interior ministry said about 500 people were arrested on Sunday, with deputy minister Marat Kozhayev blaming "radical elements" for holding "unsanctioned" rallies. An AFP correspondent saw scores more arrested on Monday, several of whom did not appear to be attempting to protest. Activists denounced the arrests and made claims of ballot stuffing, but Tokayev insisted the election had been "a competition". "This shows that our level of political culture has seriously increased. There is much work ahead," he said in comments broadcast Monday on state television. Authorities said they would investigate all allegations of vote violations. No vote in Kazakhstan has ever been recognised as fully democratic by the OSCE, which sent more than 300 observers to monitor this election. Tokayev's opponents were quick to congratulate him on victory, including second-place finisher Kosanov, a journalist who presented himself as the ballot's sole opposition candidate. "This political transition will take place with the participation of the people," Kosanov said, criticising "foreign-based" opposition figures who had encouraged voters to boycott the poll. "People are ready for an equal dialogue with authorities," he said in an interview shown on state television. Kosanov had previously said that if the count was fair the result would go to a second round. Third place was claimed by Daniya Yespayeva, the first woman candidate in a Kazakh presidential election, who scored 5.2 per cent of the ballot according to the CEC. Snap trials, more arrests Despite a relatively high turnout of 77 per cent announced by the CEC, many citizens in Nur-Sultan and Almaty told AFP that they had not voted. Aigul Eskarayeva, a 60-year-old pensioner in the capital Nur-Sultan -- renamed after Nazarbayev following his resignation -- said she had not taken part as she thought voting in Kazakh elections was "pointless". "But I enjoyed the opportunity to use public transport for free all Sunday," she told AFP on Monday. Sunday's demonstrations took place in both Nur-Sultan and Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty. Several hundred rallied in Almaty before police moved in to detain protesters. Journalists, including two from AFP and reporters for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, were among those detained in Almaty but were later released. Among the dozens more detained on Monday was Assem Zhapisheva, a civic activist and journalist. AFP could not reach Zhapisheva for comment after her detention. Marzhan Aspandiyarova, a civic activist who visited police stations in Almaty on Sunday and Monday, said trials were already underway to convict and sentence protesters. "Relatives are trying to get more information but it is difficult because the detained had their telephones confiscated." Nazarbayev's announcement in March that he was stepping down from the presidency and naming Tokayev interim leader shocked Kazakhs, who had lived under his rule since Soviet times. But the 78-year-old, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes.

Hand-picked successor sweeps Kazakhstan vote criticised by monitor

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Kyrgyzstan is the chair of SCO for this year and will host the summit on June 13&nbsp;&amp; 14&nbsp;in which PM Modi will participate.&nbsp;

WION: What will be the agenda of the SCO summit?

Asein Isaev: We will continue the Shanghai spirit. We have to strengthen our friendly relations in this region. After entering of India, SCO has became 3 and 1/2 billion strong. It is half of mankind. In this part of the world, everything will be good and peacefull and lead to development of the region.

WION: How are the preparations going?

Asein Isaev: This summit is very interesting. It's just not a&nbsp;political issue, it involves contact between people and countries. Before the summit&nbsp;we had a cultural and sports, and a joint military exercise. Our security forces had meetings. On June, 14th, there will be meetings of head of states.

WION: How do you see India's role?

Asein Isaev: The main objective of the organisation is the peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres - democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development and also we hope&nbsp;India will share experience with other members of the SCO.

WION: India invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi. How do you view it?

Asein Isaev: It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here. Everytime close neighbours were invited, but this time invitation was also for our country, &nbsp;for our head of state.&nbsp;

It shows the growing importance of SCO countries, we are the chair of SCO. We have big intentions to be close friends and close partners of India. We very good relations with India in educational, medical, cultural and political sphere. We hope our relations will reach in the coming days to the level of strategic partnership. It's a big achievement for us. This coming visit of PM Modi has crucial importance for us.&nbsp;

WION: India has been focusing on programmes to connect central Asia? Your take.

Asein Isaev: &nbsp;One of the main problems in exporting goods from Kyrgyzstan to India and reverse is the issue of transportation. The completion of the transport corridor INSTC (providing the route for the delivery of goods from the seaport of Mumbai (India) to the port of Chabahar (Iran) will expand the opportunities and improve the economic situation of the country.&nbsp;

It would be a good help to India, too. We can export our agrarian products such as Kyrgyz ghee (yellow oil) that Indian people use in their food, it has excellent quality and taste. When my Indian friends have tasted it, they were definitely been very excited. We can also suggest white honey, dry fruits to our Indian friends.

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Kyrgyzstan is the chair of SCO for this year and will host the summit on June 13 & 14 in which PM Modi will participate. WION: What will be the agenda of the SCO summit? Asein Isaev: We will continue the Shanghai spirit. We have to strengthen our friendly relations in this region. After entering of India, SCO has became 3 and 1/2 billion strong. It is half of mankind. In this part of the world, everything will be good and peacefull and lead to development of the region. WION: How are the preparations going? Asein Isaev: This summit is very interesting. It's just not a political issue, it involves contact between people and countries. Before the summit we had a cultural and sports, and a joint military exercise. Our security forces had meetings. On June, 14th, there will be meetings of head of states. WION: How do you see India's role? Asein Isaev: The main objective of the organisation is the peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres - democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development and also we hope India will share experience with other members of the SCO. WION: India invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi. How do you view it? Asein Isaev: It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here. Everytime close neighbours were invited, but this time invitation was also for our country, for our head of state. It shows the growing importance of SCO countries, we are the chair of SCO. We have big intentions to be close friends and close partners of India. We very good relations with India in educational, medical, cultural and political sphere. We hope our relations will reach in the coming days to the level of strategic partnership. It's a big achievement for us. This coming visit of PM Modi has crucial importance for us. WION: India has been focusing on programmes to connect central Asia? Your take. Asein Isaev: One of the main problems in exporting goods from Kyrgyzstan to India and reverse is the issue of transportation. The completion of the transport corridor INSTC (providing the route for the delivery of goods from the seaport of Mumbai (India) to the port of Chabahar (Iran) will expand the opportunities and improve the economic situation of the country. It would be a good help to India, too. We can export our agrarian products such as Kyrgyz ghee (yellow oil) that Indian people use in their food, it has excellent quality and taste. When my Indian friends have tasted it, they were definitely been very excited. We can also suggest white honey, dry fruits to our Indian friends.

Indian experience can help us, says SCO chair Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday called snap elections for June 9 following last month's surprise resignation of the Central Asian nation's longtime ruler.&nbsp;

"Dear compatriots... I have decided to hold snap elections on June 9, 2019," Tokayev, who replaced Nursultan Nazarbayev following his resignation last month, said in an address on state television.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday called snap elections for June 9 following last month's surprise resignation of the Central Asian nation's longtime ruler.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday called snap elections for June 9 following last month's surprise resignation of the Central Asian nation's longtime ruler. "Dear compatriots... I have decided to hold snap elections on June 9, 2019," Tokayev, who replaced Nursultan Nazarbayev following his resignation last month, said in an address on state television.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls snap polls in June

A police raid on a Kazakh group documenting the plight of Kazakhs and Uyghurs caught in a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang is more than a government seeking to please Beijing in the hope that it improves a lot of its ethnic kin while preserving diplomatic and economic relations.

Amid suspicions that the raid on the offices of Atajurt Eriktileri and the arrest of activist Serikjhan Bilash was carried out as a result of Chinese pressure aimed at squashing criticism of the crackdown, the raid seemingly reflects an increasingly aggressive Chinese effort to impose its will on others and ensure that they observe the respect and deference that China believes it deserves.

Atajurt Eriktileri supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang and says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China.

Police on Sunday sealed the group’s office in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, seized the group’s computers and archives and flew Bilash, who said he was being accused of “inciting ethnic hatred, to the Kazakh capital of Astana.

The East Turkistan Awakening Movement, a Washington-based Uyghur exile group, said Bilash had been arrested on charges of "Creating tensions between #Kazakhstan and #China."

The Kazakh police raid is but the latest incident pointing to China’s more aggressive form of diplomacy that includes an increasing number of undiplomatic comments by Chinese diplomats across the globe.

At times, those comments are couched in civilizational terms steeped in what political scientist Zhang Weiwei describes as the rise of the civilizational state under President Xi Jinping.

Describing the trend towards a civilizational state that involves a rejection of Western concepts, including notions of human rights and freedom of religion, Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman noted that China was not alone in its embrace of the idea as an alternative to the traditional concept of a nation-state based on national borders and language. Rahman suggested that the concept was also gaining currency in countries like India and Russia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended his diplomat’s more outspoken statements by pointing to China’s need to stand up for its “rightful and lawful interests.” Wang insisted that China would not tolerate infringements of its sovereignty and national dignity.

“Chinese diplomats, wherever we are in the world, will firmly state our position,” Wang told journalists this weekend covering the National People’s Congress.

Former senior Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan noted that “China does not just want its new status recognised as a geopolitical fact; China wants its new status accepted as a new norm of East Asian international relations; a hierarchy with China at the apex. Most countries accept the geopolitical fact; few accept the norm.”

Examples of China’s more aggressive attitude abound while the Kazakh raid suggests that China’s concepts of deference and respect amount to far more than traditional notions of respect. They also provide a potential insight into the values and norms that in China’s view would undergird a new world order.

China’s notion of deference was put on display last September at the Pacific Islands Forum when Beijing’s ambassador to Fiji, Du Qiwen, allegedly demanded the right to speak before Tuvalu prime minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga. The forum’s host, Nauru president Baron Waqa accused the Chinese envoy of being “insolent” and a “bully.”

Both Nauru and Tuvalu, to China’s chagrin, maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Similarly, Papua New Guinea police were called after Chinese officials allegedly tried to force their way into the office of the country’s foreign minister in a bid to influence the final communique of last November’s Asia Pacific summit.

The summit ended without a final statement because of disagreements between the United States and China. Chinese officials dismissed the report of them having attempted to gain access to the foreign minister’s office as “a rumour spread by some people with a hidden agenda."

In an Op-ed in The Hill Times, an Ottawa-based newspaper, Lu Shaye, China’s ambassador to Canada, described as “Western egotism and white supremacy” demands that China releases two Canadian nationals arrested in China.

The two Canadians are being held in apparent retaliation for the detention in Canada at the behest of the United States on charges of having misled banks about the company’s business dealings with Iran.

A series of incidents in the wake of a visit to Sweden last September by the Dalai Lama involving Chinese tourists and a satirical Swedish television show that poked fun at Chinese visitors and excluded Taiwan and parts of Tibet from a map of China drew the ire of the Chinese embassy in Stockholm.

The embassy denounced Swedish police as “inhumane,” decried “so-called freedom of expression,” charged that the TV show “advocate(s) racism and xenophobia outright, and openly provoke(s) and instigate(s) racial hatred and confrontation,” and issued a safety alert to Chinese tourists because of multiple cases of theft and robbery and poor treatment by Swedish police.

In line with Wang’s justification of his diplomats’ more undiplomatic approach, Brookings fellow Ryan Hass told Bloomberg that the envoys were “matching the mood of the moment in Beijing… Some in Beijing also seem to be growing frustrated that China’s rising national power is not yet translating into the types of deference from others that it seeks.”

The raid in Kazakhstan, like earlier cases such as Egypt’s return at China’s request in 2017 of up to 200 Uyghur students to an uncertain future in the People’s Republic, suggests that Beijing maintains an intrusive, far-reaching definition of its concept of deference and respect.

Kazakh activists charged that the raid was indicative of the kind of pressure applied by China. “Our government doesn’t want to spoil relations between Kazakhstan and China,” said Atajurt’s lawyer, Aiman Umarova.

There was no independent confirmation of assertions that Chinese pressure prompted the raid.

In a video statement, Bilash confirmed that he was Kazakh police custody and had not been detained “by either the Chinese or Chinese spies”.

Bilash’s wife, Leila Adilzhan, said she was "afraid our government will give him to China."

That may be one step too far for the Kazakh government given mounting anti-Chinese summit among Kazakhs and public demands that Kazakhstan is more forceful in its standing up to China for the rights of Kazakh nationals and Chinese citizens of Kazakh descent. Kazakhs constitute the second largest minority in Xinjiang after Uyghurs. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

A police raid on a Kazakh group documenting the plight of Kazakhs and Uyghurs caught in a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang is more than a government seeking to please Beijing in the hope that it improves a lot of its ethnic kin while preserving diplomatic and economic relations.

A police raid on a Kazakh group documenting the plight of Kazakhs and Uyghurs caught in a brutal crackdown in China’s north-western province of Xinjiang is more than a government seeking to please Beijing in the hope that it improves a lot of its ethnic kin while preserving diplomatic and economic relations. Amid suspicions that the raid on the offices of Atajurt Eriktileri and the arrest of activist Serikjhan Bilash was carried out as a result of Chinese pressure aimed at squashing criticism of the crackdown, the raid seemingly reflects an increasingly aggressive Chinese effort to impose its will on others and ensure that they observe the respect and deference that China believes it deserves. Atajurt Eriktileri supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang and says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China. Police on Sunday sealed the group’s office in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, seized the group’s computers and archives and flew Bilash, who said he was being accused of “inciting ethnic hatred, to the Kazakh capital of Astana. The East Turkistan Awakening Movement, a Washington-based Uyghur exile group, said Bilash had been arrested on charges of "Creating tensions between #Kazakhstan and #China." The Kazakh police raid is but the latest incident pointing to China’s more aggressive form of diplomacy that includes an increasing number of undiplomatic comments by Chinese diplomats across the globe. At times, those comments are couched in civilizational terms steeped in what political scientist Zhang Weiwei describes as the rise of the civilizational state under President Xi Jinping. Describing the trend towards a civilizational state that involves a rejection of Western concepts, including notions of human rights and freedom of religion, Financial Times columnist Gideon Rachman noted that China was not alone in its embrace of the idea as an alternative to the traditional concept of a nation-state based on national borders and language. Rahman suggested that the concept was also gaining currency in countries like India and Russia. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended his diplomat’s more outspoken statements by pointing to China’s need to stand up for its “rightful and lawful interests.” Wang insisted that China would not tolerate infringements of its sovereignty and national dignity. “Chinese diplomats, wherever we are in the world, will firmly state our position,” Wang told journalists this weekend covering the National People’s Congress. Former senior Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan noted that “China does not just want its new status recognised as a geopolitical fact; China wants its new status accepted as a new norm of East Asian international relations; a hierarchy with China at the apex. Most countries accept the geopolitical fact; few accept the norm.” Examples of China’s more aggressive attitude abound while the Kazakh raid suggests that China’s concepts of deference and respect amount to far more than traditional notions of respect. They also provide a potential insight into the values and norms that in China’s view would undergird a new world order. China’s notion of deference was put on display last September at the Pacific Islands Forum when Beijing’s ambassador to Fiji, Du Qiwen, allegedly demanded the right to speak before Tuvalu prime minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga. The forum’s host, Nauru president Baron Waqa accused the Chinese envoy of being “insolent” and a “bully.” Both Nauru and Tuvalu, to China’s chagrin, maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Similarly, Papua New Guinea police were called after Chinese officials allegedly tried to force their way into the office of the country’s foreign minister in a bid to influence the final communique of last November’s Asia Pacific summit. The summit ended without a final statement because of disagreements between the United States and China. Chinese officials dismissed the report of them having attempted to gain access to the foreign minister’s office as “a rumour spread by some people with a hidden agenda." In an Op-ed in The Hill Times, an Ottawa-based newspaper, Lu Shaye, China’s ambassador to Canada, described as “Western egotism and white supremacy” demands that China releases two Canadian nationals arrested in China. The two Canadians are being held in apparent retaliation for the detention in Canada at the behest of the United States on charges of having misled banks about the company’s business dealings with Iran. A series of incidents in the wake of a visit to Sweden last September by the Dalai Lama involving Chinese tourists and a satirical Swedish television show that poked fun at Chinese visitors and excluded Taiwan and parts of Tibet from a map of China drew the ire of the Chinese embassy in Stockholm. The embassy denounced Swedish police as “inhumane,” decried “so-called freedom of expression,” charged that the TV show “advocate(s) racism and xenophobia outright, and openly provoke(s) and instigate(s) racial hatred and confrontation,” and issued a safety alert to Chinese tourists because of multiple cases of theft and robbery and poor treatment by Swedish police. In line with Wang’s justification of his diplomats’ more undiplomatic approach, Brookings fellow Ryan Hass told Bloomberg that the envoys were “matching the mood of the moment in Beijing… Some in Beijing also seem to be growing frustrated that China’s rising national power is not yet translating into the types of deference from others that it seeks.” The raid in Kazakhstan, like earlier cases such as Egypt’s return at China’s request in 2017 of up to 200 Uyghur students to an uncertain future in the People’s Republic, suggests that Beijing maintains an intrusive, far-reaching definition of its concept of deference and respect. Kazakh activists charged that the raid was indicative of the kind of pressure applied by China. “Our government doesn’t want to spoil relations between Kazakhstan and China,” said Atajurt’s lawyer, Aiman Umarova. There was no independent confirmation of assertions that Chinese pressure prompted the raid. In a video statement, Bilash confirmed that he was Kazakh police custody and had not been detained “by either the Chinese or Chinese spies”. Bilash’s wife, Leila Adilzhan, said she was "afraid our government will give him to China." That may be one step too far for the Kazakh government given mounting anti-Chinese summit among Kazakhs and public demands that Kazakhstan is more forceful in its standing up to China for the rights of Kazakh nationals and Chinese citizens of Kazakh descent. Kazakhs constitute the second largest minority in Xinjiang after Uyghurs. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Kazakh window into China's crackdown on Muslims

The Kazakh government, in defense of Kazakh and by implication Central Asian behind-closed-doors diplomacy towards China in the face of mounting domestic pressure, has offered a rare public account of its ability to improve conditions for its ethnic kin caught in a crackdown on Turkic Muslims in the north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang.

Kazakhstan’s detailing of its ability to reduce the number of Kazakhs among the reported one million Turkic Muslims incarcerated in re-education camps comes amid a significant expansion of what amounts to the most frontal assault on Islam in recent history.

Kazakh transparency is balanced by the government’s efforts to limit civil society pressure on the governments of both Kazakhstan and China to rollback Chinese efforts to severely restrict religious freedoms and alter the practice of the faith in Xinjiang and elsewhere in the country.

The crackdown that China says has helped it counter militancy and separatism in Xinjiang puts on the spot not only central Asian nations with their ethnic and cultural links to Xinjiang but also Muslim and Arab countries.

In the most recent development, Chinese authorities have removed public Islamic and Arab symbols in Xinjiang as well as the neighbouring province of Gansu, home to non-Turkic Hui Muslims, a community that long prided itself of having adopted a form of Islam that had ‘Chinese characteristics.’

The moves, part of what China has termed an anti-halalisation campaign, threatens to put out of business small entrepreneurs like butchers and restaurant owners that cater to a Muslim community that adheres to Muslim dietary and personal lifestyle laws.

The moves suggest that the crackdown is about more than alleged Uyghur militancy and separatism.

By providing a degree of transparency, the Kazakh government is not only defending itself against domestic criticism but also providing a justification for the Muslim wall of silence that has been only breached intermittently.

On a visit to Beijing last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took that justification to its extreme by seemingly endorsing the crackdown with his statement that China had the right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures.

Addressing parliament this week, Kazakh foreign minister Beibut Atamkulov said the government’s quiet diplomacy had ensured that the “number of Kazakhs in these (re-education) camps decreased by 80 percent.”

It remained unclear whether Atamkulov was referring to Kazakh and dual nationals or also Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent, he said that China had last year detained 33 dual nationals, 23 of whom were returned to Kazakhstan, suggesting that he was not speaking about the vast majority of Kazakh ethnic kin who have been detained and only have Chinese nationality.

Numbering approximately 1.5 million&nbsp;ethnic Kazakhs are the second largest ethnic minority in Xinjiang after Uyghurs.

The minister said the government had received more than 1,000 enquiries about people reportedly detained in China and was “working on these issues case by case.”

Atamkulov’s ministry announced in January that China agreed to allow some 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to renounce their Chinese citizenship and leave the country.

It was not clear whether the Chinese decision applied to former re-education camp inmates or only Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent who qualify for Kazakhstan’s existing repatriation program.

A former re-education camp employee, Sayragul Sauytbay, who fled to Kazakhstan told a Kazakh court last year that she was aware of some 7,5000 Kazakh nationals and Chinese of Kazakh descent being incarcerated.

Atajurt Eriktileri, a Kazakh group that supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang, says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China. The Xinjiang Victims Database says it has collected some 3,000 testimonies of prisoners and their families, half of which are from ethnic Kazakhs.

Gulzira Auelkhan, a 39-year-old Chinese citizen of Kazakh descent who spent 15 months in two re-education facilities before being transferred to work at a glove factory for a far below minimum wage, credits her husband’s lobbying of the Kazakh government on her behalf and publicizing of her plight for her release and ability to join him in Kazakhstan.

Eager not to provoke the Chinese, Atamkulov was careful not to criticise the crackdown. He acknowledged, however, that “There are questions regarding people of Islamic faith” but insisted that China has its own internal policy."

Kazakh policy appears to demonstrate the ability of quiet diplomacy to achieve at best-limited results. The government’s figures suggest that it is able to intervene only in cases of Kazakh nationals, a small fraction of Kazakhstan’s ethnic kin caught up in the Chinese crackdown.

By responding to cases of Kazakh nationals, China enables the Kazakh government to maintain its public silence in the hope that the government can manage mounting domestic pressure and hold steadfast.

That could prove to be a risky bet.

Auelkhan is living proof of the risk. She was warned when released that her relatives who remain in Xinjiang, two daughters and her elderly parents, would suffer consequences if she chose to speak out once she was in Kazakhstan.

“I know how awful these camps are, and I want the world to know about them. In Kazakhstan, I can speak about this, so I am doing it on behalf of those still trapped in Xinjiang,” she says defiantly. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Kazakh government, in defense of Kazakh and by implication Central Asian behind-closed-doors diplomacy towards China in the face of mounting domestic pressure, has offered a rare public account of its ability to improve conditions for its ethnic kin caught in a crackdown on Turkic Muslims in the north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang.

The Kazakh government, in defense of Kazakh and by implication Central Asian behind-closed-doors diplomacy towards China in the face of mounting domestic pressure, has offered a rare public account of its ability to improve conditions for its ethnic kin caught in a crackdown on Turkic Muslims in the north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang. Kazakhstan’s detailing of its ability to reduce the number of Kazakhs among the reported one million Turkic Muslims incarcerated in re-education camps comes amid a significant expansion of what amounts to the most frontal assault on Islam in recent history. Kazakh transparency is balanced by the government’s efforts to limit civil society pressure on the governments of both Kazakhstan and China to rollback Chinese efforts to severely restrict religious freedoms and alter the practice of the faith in Xinjiang and elsewhere in the country. The crackdown that China says has helped it counter militancy and separatism in Xinjiang puts on the spot not only central Asian nations with their ethnic and cultural links to Xinjiang but also Muslim and Arab countries. In the most recent development, Chinese authorities have removed public Islamic and Arab symbols in Xinjiang as well as the neighbouring province of Gansu, home to non-Turkic Hui Muslims, a community that long prided itself of having adopted a form of Islam that had ‘Chinese characteristics.’ The moves, part of what China has termed an anti-halalisation campaign, threatens to put out of business small entrepreneurs like butchers and restaurant owners that cater to a Muslim community that adheres to Muslim dietary and personal lifestyle laws. The moves suggest that the crackdown is about more than alleged Uyghur militancy and separatism. By providing a degree of transparency, the Kazakh government is not only defending itself against domestic criticism but also providing a justification for the Muslim wall of silence that has been only breached intermittently. On a visit to Beijing last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman took that justification to its extreme by seemingly endorsing the crackdown with his statement that China had the right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures. Addressing parliament this week, Kazakh foreign minister Beibut Atamkulov said the government’s quiet diplomacy had ensured that the “number of Kazakhs in these (re-education) camps decreased by 80 percent.” It remained unclear whether Atamkulov was referring to Kazakh and dual nationals or also Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent, he said that China had last year detained 33 dual nationals, 23 of whom were returned to Kazakhstan, suggesting that he was not speaking about the vast majority of Kazakh ethnic kin who have been detained and only have Chinese nationality. Numbering approximately 1.5 million ethnic Kazakhs are the second largest ethnic minority in Xinjiang after Uyghurs. The minister said the government had received more than 1,000 enquiries about people reportedly detained in China and was “working on these issues case by case.” Atamkulov’s ministry announced in January that China agreed to allow some 2,000 ethnic Kazakhs to renounce their Chinese citizenship and leave the country. It was not clear whether the Chinese decision applied to former re-education camp inmates or only Chinese nationals of Kazakh descent who qualify for Kazakhstan’s existing repatriation program. A former re-education camp employee, Sayragul Sauytbay, who fled to Kazakhstan told a Kazakh court last year that she was aware of some 7,5000 Kazakh nationals and Chinese of Kazakh descent being incarcerated. Atajurt Eriktileri, a Kazakh group that supports relatives of people who have disappeared in Xinjiang, says it has documented more than 10,000 cases of ethnic Kazakhs interned in China. The Xinjiang Victims Database says it has collected some 3,000 testimonies of prisoners and their families, half of which are from ethnic Kazakhs. Gulzira Auelkhan, a 39-year-old Chinese citizen of Kazakh descent who spent 15 months in two re-education facilities before being transferred to work at a glove factory for a far below minimum wage, credits her husband’s lobbying of the Kazakh government on her behalf and publicizing of her plight for her release and ability to join him in Kazakhstan. Eager not to provoke the Chinese, Atamkulov was careful not to criticise the crackdown. He acknowledged, however, that “There are questions regarding people of Islamic faith” but insisted that China has its own internal policy." Kazakh policy appears to demonstrate the ability of quiet diplomacy to achieve at best-limited results. The government’s figures suggest that it is able to intervene only in cases of Kazakh nationals, a small fraction of Kazakhstan’s ethnic kin caught up in the Chinese crackdown. By responding to cases of Kazakh nationals, China enables the Kazakh government to maintain its public silence in the hope that the government can manage mounting domestic pressure and hold steadfast. That could prove to be a risky bet. Auelkhan is living proof of the risk. She was warned when released that her relatives who remain in Xinjiang, two daughters and her elderly parents, would suffer consequences if she chose to speak out once she was in Kazakhstan. “I know how awful these camps are, and I want the world to know about them. In Kazakhstan, I can speak about this, so I am doing it on behalf of those still trapped in Xinjiang,” she says defiantly. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kazakhstan comes to the rescue of its nationals caught in a crackdown on Muslims in China

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday. &nbsp;

"The participants plan to discuss the current situation in Syria, in particular in Idlib, creating conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced people, and post-conflict reconstruction," Kairat Abdrakhmanov said in Astana.

The meeting will be the 11th in the Astana peace process -- set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey.&nbsp;

Abdrakhmanov said representatives of Damascus and armed opposition groups would take part, but did not specify what level of officials from Russia, Iran and Turkey would attend. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process.&nbsp;

This month's meeting comes with continued violence threatening plans for a buffer zone around Idlib, the last major opposition stronghold in Syria.

Russia and Turkey agreed in September to set up the buffer zone to avert a Syrian regime offensive, but jihadists who hold around 70 percent of the area have refused to withdraw.

Fighting in the area has continued, with jihadists on Friday killing 22 regime fighters in an attack on government forces in the northwest of Hama province near the planned zone.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold the next round of talks on Syria's conflict on November 28-29 in the Kazakh capital Astana, Kazakhstan's foreign minister said on Monday. "The participants plan to discuss the current situation in Syria, in particular in Idlib, creating conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced people, and post-conflict reconstruction," Kairat Abdrakhmanov said in Astana. The meeting will be the 11th in the Astana peace process -- set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey. Abdrakhmanov said representatives of Damascus and armed opposition groups would take part, but did not specify what level of officials from Russia, Iran and Turkey would attend. The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the regime's favour. It has gradually eclipsed an earlier UN-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process. This month's meeting comes with continued violence threatening plans for a buffer zone around Idlib, the last major opposition stronghold in Syria. Russia and Turkey agreed in September to set up the buffer zone to avert a Syrian regime offensive, but jihadists who hold around 70 percent of the area have refused to withdraw. Fighting in the area has continued, with jihadists on Friday killing 22 regime fighters in an attack on government forces in the northwest of Hama province near the planned zone.

Russia, Iran, Turkey to hold Syria talks next week: Kazakh foreign minister

Russian investigators have launched a probe into why a Soyuz rocket failed shortly after blast-off, in a major setback for Russia's beleaguered space industry.

US astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin were forced to make an emergency landing after the incident on Thursday, but were rescued without injury in Kazakhstan.

Russian officials said they were launching a criminal investigation into the accident, the first such incident on a manned flight in the country's post-Soviet history.

The Russian space industry has suffered a series of problems in recent years, including the loss of a number of satellites and spacecraft. Officials said they would suspend manned launches in light of the latest accident.

"The emergency rescue system worked, the vessel was able to land in Kazakhstan... the crew are alive," the Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a tweet.

"An accident with the booster, two minutes, 45 seconds," the voice of Ovchinin could be heard saying calmly in live-streamed footage of the launch from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome.

The incident came as the rocket was travelling about 4,700 miles (7,500 kilometres) per hour, just 119 seconds into the voyage, according to NASA.

"Shortly after launch, there was an anomaly with the booster and the launch ascent was aborted, resulting in a ballistic landing of the spacecraft," the US space agency said in a statement.

The descent was sharper than usual, meaning the crew were subjected to a greater G-force, but they were prepared for this scenario in training, according to a commentator on NASA's video livestream of the launch.

"We're tightening our seatbelts," Ovchinin said in the video.

"That was a short flight."

Documents seized in probe&nbsp;

Rescue workers reached the site of the emergency landing and evacuated Ovchinin and Hague.

Photos released by Russian government and NASA Twitter accounts later showed the men embracing their families and enjoying a hearty Russian meal back on the ground.

Russia is currently the only country taking crew to and from the ISS.&nbsp;

The European Space Agency, whose astronaut Alexander Gerst is on the ISS, said in a statement that "the aborted launch will have influence on the planning for the near future".

Stefan Beransky, editor of the specialist Aerospatium magazine and author of a book on the Soyuz rocket, said now "the main problem is that there are two fewer people at the station".&nbsp;

"As we wait for the conclusions of a Russian probe, the Soyuz will perhaps be grounded for some time," he told AFP.

Russia's Investigative Committee said a criminal probe would seek to determine whether safety regulations had been violated during construction, causing major damage.

"Officials are currently examining the launch site, documents are being seized," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Thank God the cosmonauts are alive," Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Kenny Todd, operations integration manager at the International Space Station said he "had every confidence that our Russian colleagues will figure out what's going on".

There have been two similar Soviet-era accidents involving the Soyuz spacecraft, which are still used to ferry crews to and from the ISS.&nbsp;

In 1975, Oleg Makarov and Vasily Lazarev made a successful emergency landing in Siberia's Altai mountains following problems during booster separation.

Vladimir Titov and Gennady Strekalov survived a fire during launch in Kazakhstan in 1983.

Former military pilots Ovchinin and Hague had been set to join the ESA's Gerst, NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos following a six-hour flight.&nbsp;

Hole on the ISS&nbsp;

The International Space Station -- a rare point of cooperation between Moscow and Washington -- has been orbiting the Earth since 1998.

But even the space station has proved a source of controversy in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Russian space officials have said they are investigating whether a hole that caused an oxygen leak on the ISS was drilled deliberately by astronauts.

The hole was detected in August and quickly sealed up, but Russian newspapers said Roscosmos was probing the possibility that US crewmates had sabotaged the space station to get a sick colleague sent back home.

Dmitry Rogozin, a firebrand nationalist politician who this year was appointed by Putin to head Roscosmos, said a "thorough investigation" was needed after the failed launch.

"It's a dramatic situation but it was possible to avoid a very much worse turn of events," he said in televised remarks.

The politician has clashed with the US, suggesting American astronauts should use trampolines instead of Russian rockets to reach the ISS after Washington imposed sanctions over Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Russian investigators have launched a probe into why a Soyuz rocket failed shortly after blast-off, in a major setback for Russia's beleaguered space industry. US astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin were forced to make an emergency landing after the incident on Thursday, but were rescued without injury in Kazakhstan.

Russian investigators have launched a probe into why a Soyuz rocket failed shortly after blast-off, in a major setback for Russia's beleaguered space industry. US astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin were forced to make an emergency landing after the incident on Thursday, but were rescued without injury in Kazakhstan. Russian officials said they were launching a criminal investigation into the accident, the first such incident on a manned flight in the country's post-Soviet history. The Russian space industry has suffered a series of problems in recent years, including the loss of a number of satellites and spacecraft. Officials said they would suspend manned launches in light of the latest accident. "The emergency rescue system worked, the vessel was able to land in Kazakhstan... the crew are alive," the Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a tweet. "An accident with the booster, two minutes, 45 seconds," the voice of Ovchinin could be heard saying calmly in live-streamed footage of the launch from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome. The incident came as the rocket was travelling about 4,700 miles (7,500 kilometres) per hour, just 119 seconds into the voyage, according to NASA. "Shortly after launch, there was an anomaly with the booster and the launch ascent was aborted, resulting in a ballistic landing of the spacecraft," the US space agency said in a statement. The descent was sharper than usual, meaning the crew were subjected to a greater G-force, but they were prepared for this scenario in training, according to a commentator on NASA's video livestream of the launch. "We're tightening our seatbelts," Ovchinin said in the video. "That was a short flight." Documents seized in probe Rescue workers reached the site of the emergency landing and evacuated Ovchinin and Hague. Photos released by Russian government and NASA Twitter accounts later showed the men embracing their families and enjoying a hearty Russian meal back on the ground. Russia is currently the only country taking crew to and from the ISS. The European Space Agency, whose astronaut Alexander Gerst is on the ISS, said in a statement that "the aborted launch will have influence on the planning for the near future". Stefan Beransky, editor of the specialist Aerospatium magazine and author of a book on the Soyuz rocket, said now "the main problem is that there are two fewer people at the station". "As we wait for the conclusions of a Russian probe, the Soyuz will perhaps be grounded for some time," he told AFP. Russia's Investigative Committee said a criminal probe would seek to determine whether safety regulations had been violated during construction, causing major damage. "Officials are currently examining the launch site, documents are being seized," it said in a statement. "Thank God the cosmonauts are alive," Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Kenny Todd, operations integration manager at the International Space Station said he "had every confidence that our Russian colleagues will figure out what's going on". There have been two similar Soviet-era accidents involving the Soyuz spacecraft, which are still used to ferry crews to and from the ISS. In 1975, Oleg Makarov and Vasily Lazarev made a successful emergency landing in Siberia's Altai mountains following problems during booster separation. Vladimir Titov and Gennady Strekalov survived a fire during launch in Kazakhstan in 1983. Former military pilots Ovchinin and Hague had been set to join the ESA's Gerst, NASA's Serena Aunon-Chancellor and Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos following a six-hour flight. Hole on the ISS The International Space Station -- a rare point of cooperation between Moscow and Washington -- has been orbiting the Earth since 1998. But even the space station has proved a source of controversy in recent weeks. Russian space officials have said they are investigating whether a hole that caused an oxygen leak on the ISS was drilled deliberately by astronauts. The hole was detected in August and quickly sealed up, but Russian newspapers said Roscosmos was probing the possibility that US crewmates had sabotaged the space station to get a sick colleague sent back home. Dmitry Rogozin, a firebrand nationalist politician who this year was appointed by Putin to head Roscosmos, said a "thorough investigation" was needed after the failed launch. "It's a dramatic situation but it was possible to avoid a very much worse turn of events," he said in televised remarks. The politician has clashed with the US, suggesting American astronauts should use trampolines instead of Russian rockets to reach the ISS after Washington imposed sanctions over Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Russia probes ISS rocket failure

India and Kazakhstan agreed to bolster their cooperation in the defence sector.

The agreement came during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s three-day visit to Kazakhstan capital Astana from October 2.

During the visit, Sitharaman met her Kazakh counterpart, Nurlan Yermekbayev and Minister of Defence and Aerospace Industry Beibut Atamkulov.

They discussed a wide range of issues relating to defence and military-technical cooperation and took stock of the progress that the bilateral relationship has made since the renewal of the MoU on defence cooperation in January 2017.

India and Kazakhstan`s Defence Cooperation includes military-technical cooperation, military education and training, joint military exercises, bilateral exchange of visits and cadet youth exchange programs.

Over 200 Kazakh defence personnel have undergone military training in India till date.

The two countries jointly conducted a company level military exercise `KAZIND-2018` in South Kazakhstan, last month.

India and Kazakhstan are bound by historical and cultural ties and this has laid a strong foundation for the multifaceted cooperation.

Both countries have been Strategic Partners since 2009.

Sitharaman also discussed issues relating to defence production with Atamkulov.

The possibilities of joint production or co-production were discussed in this regard, based on the relative strengths and experience of both sides.

She also discussed regional developments with the Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov.

The Kazakhstan FM appreciated India`s position and experience as a major force in UN Peace Keeping and contributor peacebuilding in various parts of the world under the UN mandate.

Sitharaman also invited Yermekbayev and Atamkulov to visit India to attend the Aero India 2019 military aviation exhibition, to be held in Bengaluru in February 2019.&nbsp;

India and Kazakhstan agreed to bolster their cooperation in the defence sector. The agreement came during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s three-day visit to Kazakhstan capital Astana from October 2.

India and Kazakhstan agreed to bolster their cooperation in the defence sector. The agreement came during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman`s three-day visit to Kazakhstan capital Astana from October 2. During the visit, Sitharaman met her Kazakh counterpart, Nurlan Yermekbayev and Minister of Defence and Aerospace Industry Beibut Atamkulov. They discussed a wide range of issues relating to defence and military-technical cooperation and took stock of the progress that the bilateral relationship has made since the renewal of the MoU on defence cooperation in January 2017. India and Kazakhstan`s Defence Cooperation includes military-technical cooperation, military education and training, joint military exercises, bilateral exchange of visits and cadet youth exchange programs. Over 200 Kazakh defence personnel have undergone military training in India till date. The two countries jointly conducted a company level military exercise `KAZIND-2018` in South Kazakhstan, last month. India and Kazakhstan are bound by historical and cultural ties and this has laid a strong foundation for the multifaceted cooperation. Both countries have been Strategic Partners since 2009. Sitharaman also discussed issues relating to defence production with Atamkulov. The possibilities of joint production or co-production were discussed in this regard, based on the relative strengths and experience of both sides. She also discussed regional developments with the Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov. The Kazakhstan FM appreciated India`s position and experience as a major force in UN Peace Keeping and contributor peacebuilding in various parts of the world under the UN mandate. Sitharaman also invited Yermekbayev and Atamkulov to visit India to attend the Aero India 2019 military aviation exhibition, to be held in Bengaluru in February 2019.

India, Kazakhstan agree to boost defence cooperation

Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday.&nbsp;

The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region.

The cause of the incident has not been discovered and further investigations are being carried out.&nbsp;

Only five people managed to escape from the bus and are undergoing medical treatment while the remaining 52 died during the incident.&nbsp;

The ones escaped included three Kazakhs and two Uzbeks. As per media reports, the bus did not have an official license to transport passengers.&nbsp;

Separately, Uzbekistan&rsquo;s Emergencies Ministry said it was sending a plane with its own team of doctors and rescuers to the site.

As per media reports, Vitaly Sinev, an official in Aktobe, said that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. 
&nbsp;

The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region

Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday. The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region. The cause of the incident has not been discovered and further investigations are being carried out. Only five people managed to escape from the bus and are undergoing medical treatment while the remaining 52 died during the incident. The ones escaped included three Kazakhs and two Uzbeks. As per media reports, the bus did not have an official license to transport passengers. Separately, Uzbekistan’s Emergencies Ministry said it was sending a plane with its own team of doctors and rescuers to the site. As per media reports, Vitaly Sinev, an official in Aktobe, said that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit.

Bus fire kills 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slams-pakistan-after-pm-abbasi-says-no-case-registered-against-hafiz-saeed-30013" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slams-pakistan-after-pm-abbasi-says-no-case-registered-against-hafiz-saeed-30013" target="_blank"> slams Pakistan after PM Abbasi says &#39;no case registered against Hafiz Saeed&#39;</a>

US state department spokesman Heather Nauert reacting to Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi statement that &quot;no case was registered against Hafiz Saeed&quot; said the US believes Saeed was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi during an interview to Geo TV had declared recently that &quot;there is no case against Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan.&quot; &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-troops-open-fire-again-along-loc-indian-army-retaliates-30011" target="_blank">Pak troops open fire again along LoC, Indian army retaliates</a>

In less than 24 hours, Pakistan troops once again opened fire in the RS Pura sector along the line of control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian security forces immediately retaliated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-underwater-cave-discovered-in-mexico-30009" target="_blank">World&#39;s largest underwater cave discovered in Mexico</a>

Underwater archaeologists and divers have discovered a passage connecting two underwater caves in what is said to be the world&#39;s largest flooded cave in Mexico. This discovery could open doors to lost secrets of the ancient Maya civilization.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bus-fire-kills-52-uzbek-citizens-in-kazakhstan-30003" target="_blank">Bus fire kills 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan</a>

Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday. The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-when-aishwarya-rai-and-vivek-oberoi-posed-for-a-selfie-together-30007" target="_blank">When Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi posed for a selfie together</a>

Years ago, Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi had done a film together called Kyun! Hogaya Na&hellip; There were rumours that the two even started dating during the making of the film. The alleged affair created havoc in Aishwarya Rai&#39;s life as her former boyfriend Salman Khan disapproved of the relationship and threatened Vivek Oberoi one night with incessant calls. Vivek Oberoi promptly held a press conference to talk about Khan&#39;s behaviour and we all know how went downhill for Oberoi&#39;s career after that.&nbsp;

US slams Pakistan after PM Abbasi says 'no case registered against Hafiz Saeed' US state department spokesman Heather Nauert reacting to Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi statement that "no case was registered against Hafiz Saeed" said the US believes Saeed was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi during an interview to Geo TV had declared recently that "there is no case against Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan." Pak troops open fire again along LoC, Indian army retaliates In less than 24 hours, Pakistan troops once again opened fire in the RS Pura sector along the line of control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian security forces immediately retaliated. World's largest underwater cave discovered in Mexico Underwater archaeologists and divers have discovered a passage connecting two underwater caves in what is said to be the world's largest flooded cave in Mexico. This discovery could open doors to lost secrets of the ancient Maya civilization. Bus fire kills 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan Fifty-two Uzbek citizens have been killed in a bus fire in northwestern Kazakhstan on Thursday. The bus, carrying 55 passengers, was on a route used by migrant workers on their way to Russia that links Samara to Shymkent, the Kazakh Interior Ministry said. The fire took place in northwestern Aktobe region. When Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi posed for a selfie together Years ago, Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi had done a film together called Kyun! Hogaya Na… There were rumours that the two even started dating during the making of the film. The alleged affair created havoc in Aishwarya Rai's life as her former boyfriend Salman Khan disapproved of the relationship and threatened Vivek Oberoi one night with incessant calls. Vivek Oberoi promptly held a press conference to talk about Khan's behaviour and we all know how went downhill for Oberoi's career after that.

WION Morning News brief, January 19, 2018

At least 52 people have been killed after a bus caught fire in northwestern Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan&#39;s emergency services ministry in a statement said: &quot;On January 18 at 10:30 am(local time), a bus caught fire ... 55 passengers and two drivers were on board. Five passengers received medical assistance. The remainder were killed.&quot;

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The incident occurred in northwestern Kazakhstan

At least 52 people have been killed after a bus caught fire in northwestern Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's emergency services ministry in a statement said: "On January 18 at 10:30 am(local time), a bus caught fire ... 55 passengers and two drivers were on board. Five passengers received medical assistance. The remainder were killed." The cause of the fire is still unknown.

At least 52 killed after bus catches fire in Kazakhstan

Russia&nbsp;on Friday (November 24) conducted a&nbsp;test-launch of a new modernised defense missile from the Sary Shagan range in Kazakhstan. According to Russian defence ministry, the launch was successful and the missile hit a provisional target in established time.

The ministry said, the close-range missile will be a part of the new defense system protecting Moscow from potential attack from air and space. The missile is supposed to replace the current defense system A-135 &quot;Amur&quot;, which was developed in the 1970s, the ministry said.

Russia?on Friday (November 24) conducted a?test-launch of a new modernized defense missile from the Sary Shagan range in Kazakhstan

Russia on Friday (November 24) conducted a test-launch of a new modernised defense missile from the Sary Shagan range in Kazakhstan. According to Russian defence ministry, the launch was successful and the missile hit a provisional target in established time. The ministry said, the close-range missile will be a part of the new defense system protecting Moscow from potential attack from air and space. The missile is supposed to replace the current defense system A-135 "Amur", which was developed in the 1970s, the ministry said.

Watch: Russia test-launches new missile for Moscow defence system

Kazakhstan said on Wednesday a new round of Astana talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran scheduled to begin February 15 would be delayed by a day due to unexplained &quot;technical reasons&quot;.

&quot;The negotiations have been moved to February 16 for technical reasons,&quot; a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP by telephone without elaboration.&nbsp;

A subsequent statement from the foreign ministry said the talks would begin at 0600 GMT on Thursday.&nbsp;

The &quot;closed format&quot; negotiations come after representatives from Damascus and the armed opposition failed to make a breakthrough at indirect talks in the city in January. &nbsp;

The meeting -- pushed by key regime supporter Moscow -- is viewed as a warm-up for UN-led negotiations on the protracted war that are due to begin in Geneva on February 23. &nbsp;

While Kazakh officials said they invited both the Syrian government and rebels for the new talks, several of the regime opponents who took part in the previous Astana talks told AFP that they have not received invitations. &nbsp;

Damascus has confirmed it will be represented again by its ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari.&nbsp;

Russia is sending presidential envoy Alexander Lavrentiev while Iran said it is dispatching deputy foreign minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari.

UN envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura said he would not participate personally in the latest Astana meeting but that his office would be represented by a &quot;technical team&quot;.&nbsp;

Jordan will also be represented by a &quot;high-level delegation&quot; government spokesman Mohamed Momani said.

The Astana initiative has left the West on the sidelines of the latest push to end the war in Syria that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011.&nbsp;

Moscow has invited the US to participate as an observer but the State Department has yet to confirm Washington will be involved.&nbsp;

Talks are likely to focus on bolstering a shaky ceasefire on the ground after Moscow, Tehran and Ankara agreed to establish a &quot;mechanism&quot; aimed at ensuring the truce.&nbsp;

The Geneva negotiations are expected to be wide-ranging, focussing on the key issues that divide the government and rebel sides, including the fate of President Bashar al-Assad.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said the talks have been moved to Feb 16 and will begin at 0600 GMT

Kazakhstan said on Wednesday a new round of Astana talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran scheduled to begin February 15 would be delayed by a day due to unexplained "technical reasons". "The negotiations have been moved to February 16 for technical reasons," a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP by telephone without elaboration. A subsequent statement from the foreign ministry said the talks would begin at 0600 GMT on Thursday. The "closed format" negotiations come after representatives from Damascus and the armed opposition failed to make a breakthrough at indirect talks in the city in January. The meeting -- pushed by key regime supporter Moscow -- is viewed as a warm-up for UN-led negotiations on the protracted war that are due to begin in Geneva on February 23. While Kazakh officials said they invited both the Syrian government and rebels for the new talks, several of the regime opponents who took part in the previous Astana talks told AFP that they have not received invitations. Damascus has confirmed it will be represented again by its ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari. Russia is sending presidential envoy Alexander Lavrentiev while Iran said it is dispatching deputy foreign minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari. UN envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura said he would not participate personally in the latest Astana meeting but that his office would be represented by a "technical team". Jordan will also be represented by a "high-level delegation" government spokesman Mohamed Momani said. The Astana initiative has left the West on the sidelines of the latest push to end the war in Syria that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011. Moscow has invited the US to participate as an observer but the State Department has yet to confirm Washington will be involved. Talks are likely to focus on bolstering a shaky ceasefire on the ground after Moscow, Tehran and Ankara agreed to establish a "mechanism" aimed at ensuring the truce. The Geneva negotiations are expected to be wide-ranging, focussing on the key issues that divide the government and rebel sides, including the fate of President Bashar al-Assad. (AFP)

Syria peace talks delayed due to 'technical reasons': Kazakhstan

&quot;We are ready to negotiate about everything,&quot; said Syrian President Bashar Al Assad referring to the proposed peace talks in Kazakhstan between his government and the many rebel groups active in the country.&nbsp;

Asked if that included his position as president, he said &quot;yes but my position is linked to the constitution&quot;. He said that whatever change needs to be applied to the constitution it must come after a referendum, giving to Syrians the chance to decide.

It is still unclear when the peace talk will be held and who will sit around the table to negotiate. The decision to held such meeting came shortly after the so called rebels suffered their final defeat in eastern Aleppo.

The peace talks have been pushed forward due to continued accuations of ceasfire violations between the parts.

The anti-Assad &quot;Free Syrian Army&quot; earlier this month said they had frozen any talks due to violations of the ceasefire, chiefly in the city of Wadi Barada near Damascus.

The Syrian army backed by its Lebanese ally Hezbollah has been trying to recapture the Wadi Barada valley where Syria&#39;s capital main water source is located.

According&nbsp;to Assad, the area was held by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, &nbsp;a jihadist group not covered by the ceasefire. &quot;The terrorists occupy the main water source for Damascus, denying more than 5 million civilians water for more than three weeks,&quot; he said. &quot;The Syrian army&#39;s role is to liberate that area,&quot;

Assad said that any discussion of &quot;Syrian issues&quot; must be held between Syrian groups and he pointed out that many of the rebel brigades are funded by foreign powers, specifically Saudi Arabia, France and Britain. He pointed out that the main Syrian opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee, is backed by Riyadh.

&quot;Who will be there from the other side? We do not yet know. Will it be a real Syrian opposition?&quot;, he asked provocatively.

Referring to the campaigning&nbsp;to retake the city of Raqqa, the de facto capital city of the Islamic State, President Assad said that it is his country&#39;s duty to defeat the terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

Currently a numerous militia made of Arabs and Kurds, the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) is fighting to clean and secure the many villages surrounding the city. The People&#39;s Protection Unit (YPG) are the backbone of these forces and have claimed many times to be willing to retain the territories they liberated and fund an autonomous democratic&nbsp;and self-ruled region.

Assad&#39;s project is clear though, &quot;every inch&quot; of Syrian land and all Syria should be under state authority.

(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

He claimed to be ready to even discuss his presidential office if Syrians were willing to vote

"We are ready to negotiate about everything," said Syrian President Bashar Al Assad referring to the proposed peace talks in Kazakhstan between his government and the many rebel groups active in the country. Asked if that included his position as president, he said "yes but my position is linked to the constitution". He said that whatever change needs to be applied to the constitution it must come after a referendum, giving to Syrians the chance to decide. It is still unclear when the peace talk will be held and who will sit around the table to negotiate. The decision to held such meeting came shortly after the so called rebels suffered their final defeat in eastern Aleppo. The peace talks have been pushed forward due to continued accuations of ceasfire violations between the parts. The anti-Assad "Free Syrian Army" earlier this month said they had frozen any talks due to violations of the ceasefire, chiefly in the city of Wadi Barada near Damascus. The Syrian army backed by its Lebanese ally Hezbollah has been trying to recapture the Wadi Barada valley where Syria's capital main water source is located. According to Assad, the area was held by Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, a jihadist group not covered by the ceasefire. "The terrorists occupy the main water source for Damascus, denying more than 5 million civilians water for more than three weeks," he said. "The Syrian army's role is to liberate that area," Assad said that any discussion of "Syrian issues" must be held between Syrian groups and he pointed out that many of the rebel brigades are funded by foreign powers, specifically Saudi Arabia, France and Britain. He pointed out that the main Syrian opposition umbrella group, the High Negotiations Committee, is backed by Riyadh. "Who will be there from the other side? We do not yet know. Will it be a real Syrian opposition?", he asked provocatively. Referring to the campaigning to retake the city of Raqqa, the de facto capital city of the Islamic State, President Assad said that it is his country's duty to defeat the terrorist organisation. Currently a numerous militia made of Arabs and Kurds, the Syrian Democratic Force (SDF) is fighting to clean and secure the many villages surrounding the city. The People's Protection Unit (YPG) are the backbone of these forces and have claimed many times to be willing to retain the territories they liberated and fund an autonomous democratic and self-ruled region. Assad's project is clear though, "every inch" of Syrian land and all Syria should be under state authority. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Syria's President Assad says is ready to negotiate 'everything' in future peace talks with rebels

Three police officers and one civilian were killed today following armed attacks on a police station and a security service office in Kazakhstan&#39;s largest city Almaty, the interior ministry said. 
 
Parts of the city were in lockdown following the incident with one suspect in custody and a manhunt underway for an accomplice still at large, the interior ministry said in a statement. 
 
The detained man is accused of killing a local resident during a carjacking and attacking a police station at around 11 am (0500 GMT), shooting a police officer and taking his gun, said the statement. 
 
The suspect then shot two officers as they gave chase before being arrested. 
 
&quot;According to preliminary information, the detained man is a 27-year-old man with previous convictions,&quot; the ministry said, adding that he is &quot;suspected of murdering a woman at the weekend&quot;. 
 
It said that police are now searching for the gunman&#39;s &quot;partner in crime.&quot; 
 
Local media reported that at least seven police officers are being treated in hospital. 
 
The country&#39;s anti-terror service has issued a red alert threat warning following the attacks and police have called on residents of the city to stay in their homes. 
 
&#39;Very tense&#39;&nbsp; 
 
A woman who lives in the Almalinsky district of Almaty where the police station was attacked said the situation in the city was &quot;very tense&quot;. 
 
&quot;I left Almalinsky district in the morning and everything was calm. Now I do not know how I am going to return home,&quot; the 22-year-old woman, Sholpan, said. 
 
Several areas of the city have been cordoned off including the city&#39;s railway station, witnesses told AFP. 
 
The country has been rocked by several violent incidents in recent months. 
 
Gunmen went on a rampage in the northwestern city of Aktobe near the Russian border on June 5, killing three civilians at two gun stores before trying to storm a military base with a hijacked bus, killing three soldiers. 
 
In a statement on last month&#39;s violence President Nursultan Nazarbayev called the attackers &quot;followers of radical pseudo-religious groups&quot; adding that the gunmen had operated on &quot;instructions received from abroad.&quot; 
 
At least 18 suspects were killed in police anti-terror raids following those attacks. 
 
For much of its independence Kazakhstan was able to avoid the kind of political tumult seen in other countries in ex-Soviet Central Asia. 
 
But growing social dissatisfaction in the majority Muslim nation has grown as the economy reels from low oil prices and a crisis in neighbouring Russia, a strategic ally. 
 
 
(AFP)

The city is in lockdown with one suspect in custody and a manhunt underway for an accomplice still at large, interior ministry said

Three police officers and one civilian were killed today following armed attacks on a police station and a security service office in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty, the interior ministry said. Parts of the city were in lockdown following the incident with one suspect in custody and a manhunt underway for an accomplice still at large, the interior ministry said in a statement. The detained man is accused of killing a local resident during a carjacking and attacking a police station at around 11 am (0500 GMT), shooting a police officer and taking his gun, said the statement. The suspect then shot two officers as they gave chase before being arrested. "According to preliminary information, the detained man is a 27-year-old man with previous convictions," the ministry said, adding that he is "suspected of murdering a woman at the weekend". It said that police are now searching for the gunman's "partner in crime." Local media reported that at least seven police officers are being treated in hospital. The country's anti-terror service has issued a red alert threat warning following the attacks and police have called on residents of the city to stay in their homes. 'Very tense' A woman who lives in the Almalinsky district of Almaty where the police station was attacked said the situation in the city was "very tense". "I left Almalinsky district in the morning and everything was calm. Now I do not know how I am going to return home," the 22-year-old woman, Sholpan, said. Several areas of the city have been cordoned off including the city's railway station, witnesses told AFP. The country has been rocked by several violent incidents in recent months. Gunmen went on a rampage in the northwestern city of Aktobe near the Russian border on June 5, killing three civilians at two gun stores before trying to storm a military base with a hijacked bus, killing three soldiers. In a statement on last month's violence President Nursultan Nazarbayev called the attackers "followers of radical pseudo-religious groups" adding that the gunmen had operated on "instructions received from abroad." At least 18 suspects were killed in police anti-terror raids following those attacks. For much of its independence Kazakhstan was able to avoid the kind of political tumult seen in other countries in ex-Soviet Central Asia. But growing social dissatisfaction in the majority Muslim nation has grown as the economy reels from low oil prices and a crisis in neighbouring Russia, a strategic ally. (AFP)

Armed attacks on police station and security service office leave 3 cops dead, 1 civilian injured

Rising incongruously above the steppes of southeastern Kazakhstan is a structure as famed for the myths that surround as for the sound it produces - a single, singing dune. 
 
Located between the folds of the Tian Shan mountains near the Chinese border, the 150-metre-high by three-kilometre-long dune generates a low-pitched, organ-like rumble in dry weather. 
 
Before physicists established that the sound came from sand grains rubbing against each other, legends about its origins abounded, some claiming the great Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan was buried beneath it. 
 
The sand hill is one of the main attractions of the Altynemel national park some 180 kilometres (110 miles) northeast of Kazakhstan&#39;s commercial hub Almaty. 
 
The park also features volcanic mountains, millennia-old burial sites of the rulers of the Saka, an ancient nomadic tribe, and numerous wild animals including goitered gazelles known for their lightning-fast, bounding gait. 
 
Altynemel is adjacent to another national park, Charyn, set up around a 154-kilometre-long canyon that travellers do not notice until they are nearly on top of it. 
 
The part frequented by tourists is called the Valley of Castles, where some rocks are shaped like the towers of a mediaeval fortress. 
(Reuters)

Legends about the dune's origins are abundant - some claim the great Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan was buried beneath it

Rising incongruously above the steppes of southeastern Kazakhstan is a structure as famed for the myths that surround as for the sound it produces - a single, singing dune. Located between the folds of the Tian Shan mountains near the Chinese border, the 150-metre-high by three-kilometre-long dune generates a low-pitched, organ-like rumble in dry weather. Before physicists established that the sound came from sand grains rubbing against each other, legends about its origins abounded, some claiming the great Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan was buried beneath it. The sand hill is one of the main attractions of the Altynemel national park some 180 kilometres (110 miles) northeast of Kazakhstan's commercial hub Almaty. The park also features volcanic mountains, millennia-old burial sites of the rulers of the Saka, an ancient nomadic tribe, and numerous wild animals including goitered gazelles known for their lightning-fast, bounding gait. Altynemel is adjacent to another national park, Charyn, set up around a 154-kilometre-long canyon that travellers do not notice until they are nearly on top of it. The part frequented by tourists is called the Valley of Castles, where some rocks are shaped like the towers of a mediaeval fortress. (Reuters)

Singing dune draws visitors to Kazakhstan

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