North Carolina Lt Gov Mark Robinson is in news as he is facing calls for resignation after a video emerged, where he called transgenderism and homosexuality "filth". &nbsp;

Robinson, who belongs to Republican Party, said students should not be taught about "transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth" in classrooms. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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North Carolina's Lt. Governor, Mark Robinson, just angrily referred to the LGBTQ community as "filth." 
 
Then he says, "Yes, I called it filth." 
 
There's no debate here. This is open discrimination. It is completely unacceptable. 
 
Mark Robinson should resign. <a href="https://t.co/rUhzXZm8Jd">pic.twitter.com/rUhzXZm8Jd</a>
— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffJacksonNC/status/1446212836703842306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The remark has prompted calls for his resignation as administrators and parents battle over the oversight of school curricula. &nbsp;

In the video filmed in June at Asbury Baptist Church, Robinson said, “There’s no reason anybody, anywhere in America should be telling children about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. And yes, I called it filth.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-links-bidens-bad-polling-on-the-nations-inability-to-overcome-covid-19-419683" hreflang="en">White House links Biden's bad polling on the nation's inability to overcome COVID-19</a>

Several gay and transgender rights groups along with the White House, condemned his statement and called for him to resign. &nbsp;

According to reports, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, who is a native of North Carolina, said, “These words are repugnant and offensive. The role of a leader is to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone, not to spread hate and undermine their own office.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-iowa-rally-trump-slams-bidens-socialist-spending-package-419661" hreflang="en">At Iowa rally, Trump slams Biden's 'socialist' spending package</a>

The Human Rights Campaign called Robinson’s statement “disgraceful” and “hateful” and said he should resign. However, Robinson refused to retract his words on Friday. &nbsp;

"We will not be intimidated. We will not back down. We will not change our language," Robinson said, as per reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Carolina Lt Gov Mark Robinson is in news as he is facing calls for resignation after a video emerged, where he called transgenderism and homosexuality "filth".

North Carolina Lt Gov Mark Robinson is in news as he is facing calls for resignation after a video emerged, where he called transgenderism and homosexuality "filth". Robinson, who belongs to Republican Party, said students should not be taught about "transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth" in classrooms. Watch: North Carolina's Lt. Governor, Mark Robinson, just angrily referred to the LGBTQ community as "filth." Then he says, "Yes, I called it filth." There's no debate here. This is open discrimination. It is completely unacceptable. Mark Robinson should resign. pic.twitter.com/rUhzXZm8Jd — Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) October 7, 2021 × The remark has prompted calls for his resignation as administrators and parents battle over the oversight of school curricula. In the video filmed in June at Asbury Baptist Church, Robinson said, “There’s no reason anybody, anywhere in America should be telling children about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. And yes, I called it filth.” Also Read: White House links Biden's bad polling on the nation's inability to overcome COVID-19 Several gay and transgender rights groups along with the White House, condemned his statement and called for him to resign. According to reports, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, who is a native of North Carolina, said, “These words are repugnant and offensive. The role of a leader is to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone, not to spread hate and undermine their own office.” Also Read: At Iowa rally, Trump slams Biden's 'socialist' spending package The Human Rights Campaign called Robinson’s statement “disgraceful” and “hateful” and said he should resign. However, Robinson refused to retract his words on Friday. "We will not be intimidated. We will not back down. We will not change our language," Robinson said, as per reports. (With inputs from agencies)

After calling homosexuality 'filth', US leader faces calls for resignation

Thousands of Tunisians opposing President Kais Saied's seizure of almost total power protested in the capital on Sunday as a very heavy police presence tried to stop them advancing along the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue.

A week after thousands demonstrated in support of Saied, the growing number of protesters on each side raises the possibility of Tunisia's political divisions spiralling into street confrontations between the two camps.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mind-your-uterus-protests-erupt-in-us-against-anti-abortion-laws-417793">&nbsp;'Mind your uterus': Protests erupt in US against anti-abortion laws</a>

"We will not accept the coup. Enough is enough," said Yassin ben Amor, a protester.

Police blocked the march without violence, as some demonstrators threw plastic bottles.

Saied dismissed the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority in July in moves his foes call a coup.

Last month he brushed aside much of the constitution, which he said he would appoint a committee to amend, adding that he could rule by decree.

His intervention has cast into doubt the democratic gains made by Tunisians during a 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring uprisings.

He has appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as prime minister, but she has not yet named a government, an important precursor to any efforts to resolve Tunisia's looming crisis in public finances, though Saied said on Saturday he would do so soon.

Saied said he would initiate a dialogue with the Tunisian people and youth representatives, particularly from the regions, over the future during a meeting on Saturday with interim interior minister Ridha Gharsalaoui.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-against-president-bolsonaro-spread-across-brazil-417784">Protests against President Bolsonaro spread across Brazil</a>

Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni said the police would deal with protesters from both sides in the same way. "The Tunisian police is a republican police and it does not intervene in any political side," he said.

Any dialogue that does not include major political parties or other established elements of civil society, such as the powerful labour union, would likely prompt more open opposition to his moves.

Western donors, needed to avert a collapse in Tunisia's public finances, have called for an inclusive process to end the crisis period, along with a clear timeline.

With the political manoeuvering over Tunisia's future moving very slowly, Saied has pointed to the street mobilisation to support his position.

Last week more than 8,000 demonstrators rallied in Tunis in support of Saied, Reuters journalists and the state news agency said, while the Interior Ministry said about 5,000 had attended. The next day, Saied said 1.8 million people had come out to back him. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of Tunisians opposing President Kais Saied's seizure of almost total power protested in the capital on Sunday as a very heavy police presence tried to stop them advancing along the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue.

Thousands of Tunisians opposing President Kais Saied's seizure of almost total power protested in the capital on Sunday as a very heavy police presence tried to stop them advancing along the central Habib Bourguiba Avenue. A week after thousands demonstrated in support of Saied, the growing number of protesters on each side raises the possibility of Tunisia's political divisions spiralling into street confrontations between the two camps. Also Read | 'Mind your uterus': Protests erupt in US against anti-abortion laws "We will not accept the coup. Enough is enough," said Yassin ben Amor, a protester. Police blocked the march without violence, as some demonstrators threw plastic bottles. Saied dismissed the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority in July in moves his foes call a coup. Last month he brushed aside much of the constitution, which he said he would appoint a committee to amend, adding that he could rule by decree. His intervention has cast into doubt the democratic gains made by Tunisians during a 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring uprisings. He has appointed Najla Bouden Romdhane as prime minister, but she has not yet named a government, an important precursor to any efforts to resolve Tunisia's looming crisis in public finances, though Saied said on Saturday he would do so soon. Saied said he would initiate a dialogue with the Tunisian people and youth representatives, particularly from the regions, over the future during a meeting on Saturday with interim interior minister Ridha Gharsalaoui. Also Read | Protests against President Bolsonaro spread across Brazil Interior Ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni said the police would deal with protesters from both sides in the same way. "The Tunisian police is a republican police and it does not intervene in any political side," he said. Any dialogue that does not include major political parties or other established elements of civil society, such as the powerful labour union, would likely prompt more open opposition to his moves. Western donors, needed to avert a collapse in Tunisia's public finances, have called for an inclusive process to end the crisis period, along with a clear timeline. With the political manoeuvering over Tunisia's future moving very slowly, Saied has pointed to the street mobilisation to support his position. Last week more than 8,000 demonstrators rallied in Tunis in support of Saied, Reuters journalists and the state news agency said, while the Interior Ministry said about 5,000 had attended. The next day, Saied said 1.8 million people had come out to back him.

Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60&nbsp;people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards.

The blast occurred near the Abbey gate entry, where British forces have recently been stationed.

It was one of three gates that had been shut after terrorist threats were issued.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-twin-blasts-rock-kabul-13-killed-60-injured-at-afghanistan-evacuation-site-408582" hreflang="en">Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site</a></h2>

Various images and videos have emerged on social media showing people, including children, walking around in shock at the scene. People with noticeable injuries and blood can also be seen.&nbsp;

Condemning the attack, global leaders expressed their grief for the lives lost.

US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted that "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can."

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We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US &amp; civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1430907314043719683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ex Vice President of US, Mike Pence, urged America to do whatever it is in its power and protect the troops.&nbsp;

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Praying for the three U.S. Marines and innocent civilians injured in the terrorist attacks near Kabul Airport today. America must do whatever it takes to protect our troops and our citizens stranded in this disastrous withdrawal. God bless them all.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1430923085515997187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allied forces should continue to evacuate as many vulnerable people as they can from Kabul despite what he branded a "horrific terrorist attack".&nbsp;

"Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible," he tweeted after two deadly explosions hit crowds on the perimeter of the airport in Afghanistan's capital.&nbsp;

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I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1430914579563835405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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France, however, is still seeking to evacuate hundreds more people from Afghanistan ahead of a looming deadline, President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;said&nbsp;warning of an "extremely risky" situation in the wake of blasts around Kabul airport.

"We will do everything we can" to bring to France Afghan citizens and dual nationals who had been in its embassy and are currently outside the perimeter of the airport in 20 buses, Macron said on a visit to Ireland.

"We are talking about several hundred people who are still in danger," he said. "I cannot guarantee you today that we will be able to carry out these operations, because the security situation is not under our control."

President Joe&nbsp;Biden is being briefed on the bloody attack against Kabul's airport, the White House. "The president has been briefed and he is in the Situation Room," an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

As a result of the crisis, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett planned for 11:30 "will be delayed," a White House official said.

"There is not yet an updated time for the meeting," a spokesman for Bennett said, adding the delay was due "to the events in Afghanistan."

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WH: The President met with national security team, including Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, and commanders on the ground. He will continue to be briefed on updates on the evolving situation thru the day. 
Briefing delayed, updates to POTUS schedule to come
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacquiHeinrich/status/1430923319180767239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, also condemned the deadly blasts saying the "attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed."

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Secretary-General <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> expresses his deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon. He calls on all Lebanese political leaders to form an effective government of national unity: <a href="https://t.co/mzbD09psSR">https://t.co/mzbD09psSR</a>
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1430930422893056003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Calling it a "heinous" attack, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the attack.&nbsp;"We don't know all the details yet but the terrorists targeted people waiting at the airport gates who were hoping to leave," Merkel said. "They wanted security and freedom and that is why it is an absolutely heinous attack in a very, very tense situation."

UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference and condemned the attack. He offered condolences to the locals of Afghanistan and the US military troops stationed in Kabul right now.

"We extend our condolences both to the United States of America and the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," Johnson said. He also assured that the UK will continue evacuating British passport holders and others from Kabul as the evacuation was near the end, anyhow.

India, too, extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60 people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards.

Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport was rocked by two explosions, which is believed to have killed at least 60 people and injured more than 100 people. The massive bomb blast is claimed to have injured three US soldiers as well as Taliban guards. The blast occurred near the Abbey gate entry, where British forces have recently been stationed. It was one of three gates that had been shut after terrorist threats were issued. Live | Twin blasts rock Kabul: 60 killed, 1400 injured at Afghan evacuation site Various images and videos have emerged on social media showing people, including children, walking around in shock at the scene. People with noticeable injuries and blood can also be seen. Condemning the attack, global leaders expressed their grief for the lives lost. US Defence Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted that "We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can." We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) August 26, 2021 × Ex Vice President of US, Mike Pence, urged America to do whatever it is in its power and protect the troops. Praying for the three U.S. Marines and innocent civilians injured in the terrorist attacks near Kabul Airport today. America must do whatever it takes to protect our troops and our citizens stranded in this disastrous withdrawal. God bless them all. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 26, 2021 × NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the allied forces should continue to evacuate as many vulnerable people as they can from Kabul despite what he branded a "horrific terrorist attack". "Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible," he tweeted after two deadly explosions hit crowds on the perimeter of the airport in Afghanistan's capital. I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack outside #Kabul airport. My thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones. Our priority remains to evacuate as many people to safety as quickly as possible. — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) August 26, 2021 × France, however, is still seeking to evacuate hundreds more people from Afghanistan ahead of a looming deadline, President Emmanuel Macron said warning of an "extremely risky" situation in the wake of blasts around Kabul airport. "We will do everything we can" to bring to France Afghan citizens and dual nationals who had been in its embassy and are currently outside the perimeter of the airport in 20 buses, Macron said on a visit to Ireland. "We are talking about several hundred people who are still in danger," he said. "I cannot guarantee you today that we will be able to carry out these operations, because the security situation is not under our control." President Joe Biden is being briefed on the bloody attack against Kabul's airport, the White House. "The president has been briefed and he is in the Situation Room," an official told AFP on condition of anonymity. As a result of the crisis, a meeting with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett planned for 11:30 "will be delayed," a White House official said. "There is not yet an updated time for the meeting," a spokesman for Bennett said, adding the delay was due "to the events in Afghanistan." WH: The President met with national security team, including Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, Chairman Milley, and commanders on the ground. He will continue to be briefed on updates on the evolving situation thru the day. Briefing delayed, updates to POTUS schedule to come — Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) August 26, 2021 × The spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujarric, also condemned the deadly blasts saying the "attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed." Secretary-General @antonioguterres expresses his deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating socio-economic situation in Lebanon. He calls on all Lebanese political leaders to form an effective government of national unity: https://t.co/mzbD09psSR — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) August 26, 2021 × Calling it a "heinous" attack, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel also condemned the attack. "We don't know all the details yet but the terrorists targeted people waiting at the airport gates who were hoping to leave," Merkel said. "They wanted security and freedom and that is why it is an absolutely heinous attack in a very, very tense situation." UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference and condemned the attack. He offered condolences to the locals of Afghanistan and the US military troops stationed in Kabul right now. "We extend our condolences both to the United States of America and the people of Afghanistan," Johnson said. He also assured that the UK will continue evacuating British passport holders and others from Kabul as the evacuation was near the end, anyhow. India, too, extended "heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Kabul airport attack: Global leaders condemn the horrific attack

With an aim to expand ties with Nepali political parties, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Foreign Affairs Department chief Vijay Chauthaiwale called on senior Nepali leaders including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. &nbsp;

Chauthaiwale’s visit is the first visit of a high-ranking leader from India after Prime Minister Deuba took charge of the office. &nbsp;

The leader posted a picture of his meeting with Prime Minister Deuba on Twitter and congratulated him on being elected as Prime Minister.

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Today I was honoured to call on Prime Minister of Nepal H E <a href="https://twitter.com/SherBDeuba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SherBDeuba</a> ji in Kathmandu. I congratulated him for his election as PM and also greeted him on the auspicious occasion of Janeu Purinama and Rakshabandhan. We both agreed to strengthen party to party dialog. <a href="https://t.co/525iGXnax1">pic.twitter.com/525iGXnax1</a>
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijai63/status/1429448484067835907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Today, I was honoured to call on the Prime Minister of Nepal H E @SherBDeuba ji in Kathmandu. I congratulated him for his election as PM and also greeted him on the auspicious occasion of Janeu Purinama and Rakshabandhan. We both agreed to strengthen party to party dialogue," Chauthaiwale said in the tweet. &nbsp;

Following the meeting, PM Deuba tweeted, “Had a cordial meeting for a bright beginning with @vijai63 Ji today. &nbsp;I look forward to future exchanges between @nepalicongress and @bjp4india to further cement the ties between the two parties.” &nbsp;

Chauthaiwale also met former Prime Minister and CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli and said, “We had positive discussion to further progress India-Nepal ties.” &nbsp;

Watch | Afghanistan crisis: 504 Nepalis have returned home

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The year 2020 saw a sharp ups and downs in Nepal-India relationships and Chauthaiwale visit comes at a time when the Darchula incident wherein a Nepalese man was washed away in Mahakali river along the Indian border remains unsolved. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Common Minimum Programme brought by Deuba-led government states that the border issue with neighbouring countries including Limpiyadhura-Kalapani-Lipulekh will be resolved through diplomatic means. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an attempt to continue dialogue with Nepal, Chauthaiwale met all senior political leaders from different fronts and said on Twitter, “Each one appreciated PM @narendramodi Ji's commitment to strong relations between India and Nepal.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-govt-brings-ordinance-that-allows-for-split-of-political-parties-406604">Nepal govt brings ordinance that allows for split of political parties</a>

“Each one is equally committed to the same goal and expressed desire to have continuous dialogue at party to party level,” he said in another tweet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Later in the day, the BJP leader also called on Madhesh leader Mahantha Thakur and CPN-Maoist Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka ‘Prachanda’. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, the ninth meeting of Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism was held in Kathmandu and reviewed bilateral economic and developmental projects.&nbsp;

With an aim to expand ties with Nepali political parties, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Foreign Affairs Department chief Vijay Chauthaiwale called on senior Nepali leaders including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

With an aim to expand ties with Nepali political parties, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Foreign Affairs Department chief Vijay Chauthaiwale called on senior Nepali leaders including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Chauthaiwale’s visit is the first visit of a high-ranking leader from India after Prime Minister Deuba took charge of the office. The leader posted a picture of his meeting with Prime Minister Deuba on Twitter and congratulated him on being elected as Prime Minister. Today I was honoured to call on Prime Minister of Nepal H E @SherBDeuba ji in Kathmandu. I congratulated him for his election as PM and also greeted him on the auspicious occasion of Janeu Purinama and Rakshabandhan. We both agreed to strengthen party to party dialog. pic.twitter.com/525iGXnax1 — Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) August 22, 2021 × “Today, I was honoured to call on the Prime Minister of Nepal H E @SherBDeuba ji in Kathmandu. I congratulated him for his election as PM and also greeted him on the auspicious occasion of Janeu Purinama and Rakshabandhan. We both agreed to strengthen party to party dialogue," Chauthaiwale said in the tweet. Following the meeting, PM Deuba tweeted, “Had a cordial meeting for a bright beginning with @vijai63 Ji today. I look forward to future exchanges between @nepalicongress and @bjp4india to further cement the ties between the two parties.” Chauthaiwale also met former Prime Minister and CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli and said, “We had positive discussion to further progress India-Nepal ties.” Watch | Afghanistan crisis: 504 Nepalis have returned home × The year 2020 saw a sharp ups and downs in Nepal-India relationships and Chauthaiwale visit comes at a time when the Darchula incident wherein a Nepalese man was washed away in Mahakali river along the Indian border remains unsolved. The Common Minimum Programme brought by Deuba-led government states that the border issue with neighbouring countries including Limpiyadhura-Kalapani-Lipulekh will be resolved through diplomatic means. In an attempt to continue dialogue with Nepal, Chauthaiwale met all senior political leaders from different fronts and said on Twitter, “Each one appreciated PM @narendramodi Ji's commitment to strong relations between India and Nepal.” Also Read: Nepal govt brings ordinance that allows for split of political parties “Each one is equally committed to the same goal and expressed desire to have continuous dialogue at party to party level,” he said in another tweet. Later in the day, the BJP leader also called on Madhesh leader Mahantha Thakur and CPN-Maoist Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka ‘Prachanda’. Last week, the ninth meeting of Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism was held in Kathmandu and reviewed bilateral economic and developmental projects.

India’s leader Chauthaiwale meets Nepal PM Deuba, KP Sharma Oli

If the reports are to be believed, the Afghan Taliban have extended amnesty to deposed Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani and vice president Amrullah Saleh, allowing them to return to country if they want. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Senior Taliban leader Khalil ur Rahman Haqqani, in an interview with Geo News, said, "There is no enmity" between the group and Ashraf Ghani, Amrullah Saleh and former national security advisor, Hamdullah Mohib.” &nbsp;

Haqqani said, "We forgive Ashraf Ghani, Amrullah Saleh and Hamdullah Mohib," adding that enmity between the Taliban and the three was only on the basis of religion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leader said, "We forgive everyone from our end; from the general (who fought in the war against us) to the common man." &nbsp;&nbsp;

He also urged people not to flee the country, adding that the "enemy" was spreading propaganda that the Taliban will exact revenge on them. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Tajiks, Balochs, Hazaras and Pashtuns are all our brothers. All Afghans are our brothers and hence, they can return to the country. The sole reason for our enmity was driven by the ambition to change the system. And the system has now changed," he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Haqqani said the Taliban were not the ones, who went to war against the US.&nbsp;

If the reports are to be believed, the Afghan Taliban have extended amnesty to deposed Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani and vice president Amrullah Saleh, allowing them to return to country if they want.

If the reports are to be believed, the Afghan Taliban have extended amnesty to deposed Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani and vice president Amrullah Saleh, allowing them to return to country if they want. Senior Taliban leader Khalil ur Rahman Haqqani, in an interview with Geo News, said, "There is no enmity" between the group and Ashraf Ghani, Amrullah Saleh and former national security advisor, Hamdullah Mohib.” Haqqani said, "We forgive Ashraf Ghani, Amrullah Saleh and Hamdullah Mohib," adding that enmity between the Taliban and the three was only on the basis of religion. The leader said, "We forgive everyone from our end; from the general (who fought in the war against us) to the common man." He also urged people not to flee the country, adding that the "enemy" was spreading propaganda that the Taliban will exact revenge on them. "Tajiks, Balochs, Hazaras and Pashtuns are all our brothers. All Afghans are our brothers and hence, they can return to the country. The sole reason for our enmity was driven by the ambition to change the system. And the system has now changed," he added. Haqqani said the Taliban were not the ones, who went to war against the US.

Taliban leader: Amrullah Saleh, Ashraf Ghani can return to Afghanistan

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head.&nbsp;

As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27.&nbsp;

Also, he was seen in footage of a war veterans conference and related programmes from July 27 to July 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-facing-its-worst-ever-situation-admits-kim-jong-un-375885">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un</a>

At the above events, he was spotted with a bandage which is about the size of a few postage stamps and in some a dark greenish spot. The news site said, "The cause or nature of the large, dark green spot or bruise on the rear right side of his head, which was covered with a bandage in some footage, is still unknown and is difficult to diagnose using only images".

The Yonhap News Agency recently reported that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes there have been no unusual signs regarding Kim Jong Un’s health.&nbsp;

The agency cited lawmakers briefed by the spy agency, which added the patch was removed after a few days and there was no scar.

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head. As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27.

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head. As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27. Also, he was seen in footage of a war veterans conference and related programmes from July 27 to July 29. Also read | North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un At the above events, he was spotted with a bandage which is about the size of a few postage stamps and in some a dark greenish spot. The news site said, "The cause or nature of the large, dark green spot or bruise on the rear right side of his head, which was covered with a bandage in some footage, is still unknown and is difficult to diagnose using only images". The Yonhap News Agency recently reported that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes there have been no unusual signs regarding Kim Jong Un’s health. The agency cited lawmakers briefed by the spy agency, which added the patch was removed after a few days and there was no scar.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's bandage sparks speculations

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and 10 other members were rounded up in the dead of night in the northwestern port city of Mwanza, but Mbowe's whereabouts are unknown, the party said on Twitter.

"We condemn the repression of the rights of Tanzanians with the strongest force. These are signs that the dictatorship that existed during the rule of president John Magufuli continues," the party charged.

The arrests come four months after Tanzania's first female President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March following the sudden death of Magufuli.

There have been high hopes that Hassan would usher in a change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, who was nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising leadership style.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-to-spend-470-million-on-vaccines-coronavirus-damaged-economy-394589">Also read |&nbsp;Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy</a>

"Freeman Mbowe was accosted by an army of police officers in his hotel when he arrived at 02:30 am and was arrested together with other leaders," Chadema said on Twitter.

While the other Chadema members were taken to Mwanza police station, there was no information about Mbowe's fate.

"We want the police to come out and say where the chairman is and why he was arrested," the party said.

About 200 heavily armed police were surrounding the site in Mwanza where the Chadema forum was to have taken place, witnesses told AFP by telephone.

'Cannot continue with old order'

The arrests took place after Mbowe vowed to go ahead with a meeting on constitutional reforms despite Mwanza provincial authorities banning public gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus in the East African country.

"We cannot continue with the old order," Mbowe said in a video published on Twitter on Monday, dressed in a red shirt and beret.

"We have the right to meet but are arrested, beaten, accused and taken to court for two to three years and then freed.&nbsp;

"If they want to arrest all members of the Chadema party, let them first expand the jails because we are all ready to be arrested and will not request bail."

In April, Hassan had reached out to the opposition and vowed to defend democracy and basic freedoms in Tanzania, which was once seen as a haven of stability and democracy in an otherwise volatile region but saw a slide into autocratic rule under her predecessor.

At least 150 opposition leaders, according to the United Nations, were detained after denouncing what they said was massive fraud in an October 2020 election that returned Magufuli and Hassan to power for a second term.

Among them was Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, who was Chadema's candidate in the October election but took refuge in Belgium after losing to Magufuli.

"Calling for political reforms is no breach of any law," Lissu said on Twitter Wednesday. "I urge Tanzania's dev't partners to stop subsidising the CCM dictatorship &amp; to support democracy."

The parliamentary vote run at the same time saw Magufuli's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party win almost all seats, including those in traditional opposition strongholds in both Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar.

Mbowe himself, who has been arrested several times over the past decade, lost a seat he had held for 20 years.

The deeply Covid-sceptic Magufuli died in March of what the authorities said was a heart condition but his political opponents insisted he had coronavirus.

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader.

The head of Tanzania's main opposition party was arrested Wednesday ahead of a planned forum to demand constitutional reform, a move denounced as a throwback to the oppressive rule of the country's late leader. Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and 10 other members were rounded up in the dead of night in the northwestern port city of Mwanza, but Mbowe's whereabouts are unknown, the party said on Twitter. "We condemn the repression of the rights of Tanzanians with the strongest force. These are signs that the dictatorship that existed during the rule of president John Magufuli continues," the party charged. The arrests come four months after Tanzania's first female President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March following the sudden death of Magufuli. There have been high hopes that Hassan would usher in a change from the autocratic rule of her predecessor, who was nicknamed the "Bulldozer" for his uncompromising leadership style. Also read | Tanzania to spend $470 million on vaccines, coronavirus-damaged economy "Freeman Mbowe was accosted by an army of police officers in his hotel when he arrived at 02:30 am and was arrested together with other leaders," Chadema said on Twitter. While the other Chadema members were taken to Mwanza police station, there was no information about Mbowe's fate. "We want the police to come out and say where the chairman is and why he was arrested," the party said. About 200 heavily armed police were surrounding the site in Mwanza where the Chadema forum was to have taken place, witnesses told AFP by telephone. 'Cannot continue with old order' The arrests took place after Mbowe vowed to go ahead with a meeting on constitutional reforms despite Mwanza provincial authorities banning public gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus in the East African country. "We cannot continue with the old order," Mbowe said in a video published on Twitter on Monday, dressed in a red shirt and beret. "We have the right to meet but are arrested, beaten, accused and taken to court for two to three years and then freed. "If they want to arrest all members of the Chadema party, let them first expand the jails because we are all ready to be arrested and will not request bail." In April, Hassan had reached out to the opposition and vowed to defend democracy and basic freedoms in Tanzania, which was once seen as a haven of stability and democracy in an otherwise volatile region but saw a slide into autocratic rule under her predecessor. At least 150 opposition leaders, according to the United Nations, were detained after denouncing what they said was massive fraud in an October 2020 election that returned Magufuli and Hassan to power for a second term. Among them was Mbowe and Tundu Lissu, who was Chadema's candidate in the October election but took refuge in Belgium after losing to Magufuli. "Calling for political reforms is no breach of any law," Lissu said on Twitter Wednesday. "I urge Tanzania's dev't partners to stop subsidising the CCM dictatorship & to support democracy." The parliamentary vote run at the same time saw Magufuli's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party win almost all seats, including those in traditional opposition strongholds in both Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar. Mbowe himself, who has been arrested several times over the past decade, lost a seat he had held for 20 years. The deeply Covid-sceptic Magufuli died in March of what the authorities said was a heart condition but his political opponents insisted he had coronavirus.

Leader of Tanzania's main opposition party arrested

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week. 
 
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has kept a tight grip on Belarus since 1994 and has cracked down on street protests that began over a presidential election last August that his opponents say was rigged so that he could retain power. 
 
Tsikhanouskaya, 38, was a candidate in the election instead of her husband, Sergei Tsikhanouskiy, a video blogger who has been jailed since May 2020 on charges such as violating public order, which he denies. Tsikhanouskaya fled to neighboring Lithuania after Lukashenko`s crackdown. 
 
She met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, the State Department said in a statement. 
 
It said they discussed the need for the Lukashenko government's "crackdown to end, along with the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, and an inclusive political dialogue and new presidential elections under international observation." 
 
Tsikhanouskaya also had meetings planned this week with senior White House officials, a senior administration official said. 
 
She told CNN that more help was needed from the United States and the European Union. 
 
"The USA has a moral obligation to be with us. I ask the USA to help civil society survive," she said. "Stand with Belarus." 
 
The senior administration official said the United States "stands with" Tsikhanouskaya and the people of Belarus and "will continue to support their democratic aspirations."

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed on Monday for more help from the United States as she began a visit to Washington for meetings with top Biden administration officials this week. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has kept a tight grip on Belarus since 1994 and has cracked down on street protests that began over a presidential election last August that his opponents say was rigged so that he could retain power. Tsikhanouskaya, 38, was a candidate in the election instead of her husband, Sergei Tsikhanouskiy, a video blogger who has been jailed since May 2020 on charges such as violating public order, which he denies. Tsikhanouskaya fled to neighboring Lithuania after Lukashenko`s crackdown. She met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and State Department Counselor Derek Chollet, the State Department said in a statement. It said they discussed the need for the Lukashenko government's "crackdown to end, along with the unconditional release of all political prisoners in Belarus, and an inclusive political dialogue and new presidential elections under international observation." Tsikhanouskaya also had meetings planned this week with senior White House officials, a senior administration official said. She told CNN that more help was needed from the United States and the European Union. "The USA has a moral obligation to be with us. I ask the USA to help civil society survive," she said. "Stand with Belarus." The senior administration official said the United States "stands with" Tsikhanouskaya and the people of Belarus and "will continue to support their democratic aspirations."

On Washington visit, Belarus opposition leader asks US for more help

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, &nbsp;Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country".

He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday.

The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time".

"Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added.

Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.&nbsp;

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated.

The Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Sunday said that he "strenuously favours" a political settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan. The announcement comes after the representatives of the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents sat down for a new round of talks in Doha over the weekend, stirring hopes that the long-stalled peace talks were being resuscitated. In a message released ahead of next week's Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adham, Akhundzada said, "In spite of the military gains and advances, the Islamic Emirate strenuously favours a political settlement in the country". He added, "Every opportunity for the establishment of an Islamic system, peace and security that presents itself will be made use of by the Islamic Emirate," he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM The two sides were due to talk again on Sunday. The Taliban leader said his group remained committed to forging a solution to end the war but slammed "the opposition parties" for "wasting time". "Our message remains that instead of relying on foreigners, let us resolve our issues among ourselves and rescue our homeland from the prevailing crisis," he added. Taliban has capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of US and other foreign troops from Afghanistan to launch a series of lightning offensives. The group is now believed to control roughly half of the nation's 400 districts. Also, it is controlling several important border crossings, and have laid siege to a string of vital provincial capitals.

Taliban leader 'favours political settlement' to Afghan conflict

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand. 
 
Ramaphosa was addressing the nation over the rioting that broke out in several parts of the country last week after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was jailed for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry. 
 
The unrest swiftly degenerated into looting, which has destroyed hundreds of businesses and killed over 200 people, driven by widespread anger over the poverty and inequality that persist nearly three decades after the end of white minority rule. 
 
The police has arrested over 2,500 people suspected to be involved in inciting violence and that these cases are being prioritised, Ramaphosa said. 
 
"It is our firm view that the deployment of our security forces, working together with communities and social partners across the country, will be able to restore order and prevent further violence," he said. 
 
"We will extinguish the fires that are raging, and stamp out every last ember." 
 
The president said using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. 
 
"They have sought to exploit the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live," he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, the unrest that has ripped through South Africa in the past week was stabilising and calm has been restored to most of the affected areas, but the destruction will cost the country billions of rand. Ramaphosa was addressing the nation over the rioting that broke out in several parts of the country last week after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was jailed for failing to appear at a corruption inquiry. The unrest swiftly degenerated into looting, which has destroyed hundreds of businesses and killed over 200 people, driven by widespread anger over the poverty and inequality that persist nearly three decades after the end of white minority rule. The police has arrested over 2,500 people suspected to be involved in inciting violence and that these cases are being prioritised, Ramaphosa said. "It is our firm view that the deployment of our security forces, working together with communities and social partners across the country, will be able to restore order and prevent further violence," he said. "We will extinguish the fires that are raging, and stamp out every last ember." The president said using the pretext of a political grievance, those behind these acts have sought to provoke a popular insurrection. "They have sought to exploit the social and economic conditions under which many South Africans live," he said.

South African President  Cyril Ramaphosa says calm has been restored to most places

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos. 
 
'May you not rest in peace' and 'may your birthday and deathday be the same',&nbsp;read the messages on funeral wreaths in Theinzayet township in eastern Mon state. Similar protests took place in many parts of Myanmar, reported Reuters. 
 
"We are burning this as a curse," said one protester in the second city of Mandalay, setting ablaze a small pile of picture of the general, 65. 
 
A spokesman for the military authorities did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Min Aung Hlaing took power on February&nbsp;1, overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that had brought Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. 
 
Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th birthday, but the compulsory retirement age was scrapped after the coup.

The army says its assumption of powers was in line with the constitution. It alleged fraud in November elections swept by Suu Kyi's party, although the accusations were dismissed by the former electoral body. 
 
The junta has struggled to impose its authority. 
 
Protests take place in many parts of Myanmar almost daily, strikes have hurt official and private business and fighting has flared in the borderlands, sending some 200,000 people fleeing from their homes. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos.

Protesters burned mock coffins and pictures of Myanmar's army ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday in the latest demonstrations against the coup over five months ago that has plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos. 'May you not rest in peace' and 'may your birthday and deathday be the same', read the messages on funeral wreaths in Theinzayet township in eastern Mon state. Similar protests took place in many parts of Myanmar, reported Reuters. "We are burning this as a curse," said one protester in the second city of Mandalay, setting ablaze a small pile of picture of the general, 65. A spokesman for the military authorities did not respond to requests for comment. Min Aung Hlaing took power on February 1, overthrowing elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that had brought Myanmar out of isolation under previous juntas. Min Aung Hlaing had been due to retire after his 65th birthday, but the compulsory retirement age was scrapped after the coup. The army says its assumption of powers was in line with the constitution. It alleged fraud in November elections swept by Suu Kyi's party, although the accusations were dismissed by the former electoral body. The junta has struggled to impose its authority. Protests take place in many parts of Myanmar almost daily, strikes have hurt official and private business and fighting has flared in the borderlands, sending some 200,000 people fleeing from their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday

Police&nbsp;in Greece on Thursday arrested the deputy&nbsp;leader&nbsp;of neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn who had evaded justice since he was sentenced to over 13 years in jail in October, a&nbsp;police&nbsp;source said.

Christos Pappas had been on the run since a landmark trial handed down sentences to more than 50 Golden Dawn defendants on charges including running a criminal organisation, murder, assault and illegal weapons possession.

Sentenced to prison for his leading role in running the outfit, the 59-year-old Pappas was arrested at a home in the Athens district of Zografou, a&nbsp;police&nbsp;source told AFP.

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;statement said Pappas would be taken to a prosecutor on Friday.

A 52-year-old woman allegedly hiding him in her home was also arrested, the statement said.

The moustachioed former furniture store owner, whose lieutenant general father was part of the 1967 army coup that installed a seven-year dictatorship in Greece, Pappas was considered a leading ideologue of Golden Dawn.

He is a noted fan of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and a collector of fascist memorabilia.

Pappas was the last Golden Dawn cadre to evade justice, after former senior member Ioannis Lagos, a member of the European Parliament, was extradited from Belgium in May.

He had made it clear through his legal representation that he had not intended to turn himself in, hoping to secure a lighter sentence on appeal.

Pappas had also escaped arrest in 2013, when senior Golden Dawn members had been rounded up following the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas -- the crime that led to the organisation's undoing.

At the time,&nbsp;police&nbsp;searching Pappas' home had found swastika flags, two German army helmets and bottles stamped with images of Benito Mussolini.

The Golden Dawn trial, which began in 2015, has been described as one of the most significant in&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;political history.

The court accepted that the openly xenophobic and anti-Semitic group operated under a military-style leadership that encouraged the beating of migrants and political opponents.

Knuckle dusters, crowbars, knives

Prosecutors outlined how Golden Dawn set up militias who roamed the streets, often armed with knuckle dusters, crowbars and knives.

Other crimes tied to the group include the murder of a Pakistani migrant and the beatings of four Egyptian fishermen in 2012 and a group of Communist unionists in 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-spotted-inside-indian-mission-in-islamabad-matter-raised-395299">Read |&nbsp;Drone spotted inside Indian mission in Islamabad; matter raised</a>

The organisation's founder and long-term&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Nikos Michaloliakos has also been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison, alongside several other senior party members.

The former fringe party won 18 seats in parliament in 2012 after tapping into anti-austerity and anti-migrant anger during Greece's decade-long debt crisis.

At the height of its power in 2013, the party was polling at 10 per cent, making it Greece's third most popular party.

But its influence began to ebb as the group's criminal activities came to light in trial testimony.

It failed to win a single seat in the last parliamentary election in 2019.

Police in Greece on Thursday arrested the deputy leader of neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn who had evaded justice since he was sentenced to over 13 years in jail in October, a police source said.

Police in Greece on Thursday arrested the deputy leader of neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn who had evaded justice since he was sentenced to over 13 years in jail in October, a police source said. Christos Pappas had been on the run since a landmark trial handed down sentences to more than 50 Golden Dawn defendants on charges including running a criminal organisation, murder, assault and illegal weapons possession. Sentenced to prison for his leading role in running the outfit, the 59-year-old Pappas was arrested at a home in the Athens district of Zografou, a police source told AFP. A police statement said Pappas would be taken to a prosecutor on Friday. A 52-year-old woman allegedly hiding him in her home was also arrested, the statement said. The moustachioed former furniture store owner, whose lieutenant general father was part of the 1967 army coup that installed a seven-year dictatorship in Greece, Pappas was considered a leading ideologue of Golden Dawn. He is a noted fan of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and a collector of fascist memorabilia. Pappas was the last Golden Dawn cadre to evade justice, after former senior member Ioannis Lagos, a member of the European Parliament, was extradited from Belgium in May. He had made it clear through his legal representation that he had not intended to turn himself in, hoping to secure a lighter sentence on appeal. Pappas had also escaped arrest in 2013, when senior Golden Dawn members had been rounded up following the murder of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas -- the crime that led to the organisation's undoing. At the time, police searching Pappas' home had found swastika flags, two German army helmets and bottles stamped with images of Benito Mussolini. The Golden Dawn trial, which began in 2015, has been described as one of the most significant in Greek political history. The court accepted that the openly xenophobic and anti-Semitic group operated under a military-style leadership that encouraged the beating of migrants and political opponents. Knuckle dusters, crowbars, knives Prosecutors outlined how Golden Dawn set up militias who roamed the streets, often armed with knuckle dusters, crowbars and knives. Other crimes tied to the group include the murder of a Pakistani migrant and the beatings of four Egyptian fishermen in 2012 and a group of Communist unionists in 2013. Read | Drone spotted inside Indian mission in Islamabad; matter raised The organisation's founder and long-term leader Nikos Michaloliakos has also been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison, alongside several other senior party members. The former fringe party won 18 seats in parliament in 2012 after tapping into anti-austerity and anti-migrant anger during Greece's decade-long debt crisis. At the height of its power in 2013, the party was polling at 10 per cent, making it Greece's third most popular party. But its influence began to ebb as the group's criminal activities came to light in trial testimony. It failed to win a single seat in the last parliamentary election in 2019.

Fugitive Greek neo-Nazi deputy leader caught, says police

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance. 
 
Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said. 
 
The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement. 
 
Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'. 
 
A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News. 
 
He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers. 
 
"That's life," Joyce added. 
 
The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules. 
 
In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance.

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance. Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said. The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement. Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'. A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News. He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers. "That's life," Joyce added. The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules. In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia deputy PM fined for not wearing mask in breach of COVID-19 rules

Mauritania's former president, Mohamed Ould Abdel&nbsp;Aziz, was on Tuesday jailed after a judge in charge of a corruption probe ordered his incarceration, his party and prosecutors said.

A prosecutor speaking on condition of anonymity and the spokesman of the former president's party Djibril Ould Bilal confirmed his detention without citing the reason.

Aziz&nbsp;has twice gone before a magistrate investigating the case since the charges, including money laundering, were brought in March.

The move comes days after the former leader refused to continue reporting to police after being put under house arrest.

Aziz&nbsp;ruled the conservative West African state from 2008 to mid-2019, when he was succeeded by his former right-hand man and ex-defence minister, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual&nbsp;</a>

The ex-president has said he is being persecuted in a bid to keep him out of politics but has vowed he will not go into exile.

Aziz&nbsp;joined a small opposition party, Ribat National, in April in an attempt to salvage his political career after being expelled from the ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) party, which he had founded.

The 64-year-old former general who came to power in a coup already had to report to police three times a week and to seek approval before leaving the capital.

The charges followed a year-long probe initiated by parliament into the handling of oil revenue, the sale of state property, the winding up of a publicly owned food supply company and the activities of a Chinese fishing firm.

A state prosecutor involved with the investigation in March said cash and assets worth the equivalent of about 96 million euros ($115 million) had been seized.

Mauritania's former president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, was on Tuesday jailed after a judge in charge of a corruption probe ordered his incarceration, his party and prosecutors said.

Mauritania's former president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, was on Tuesday jailed after a judge in charge of a corruption probe ordered his incarceration, his party and prosecutors said. A prosecutor speaking on condition of anonymity and the spokesman of the former president's party Djibril Ould Bilal confirmed his detention without citing the reason. Aziz has twice gone before a magistrate investigating the case since the charges, including money laundering, were brought in March. The move comes days after the former leader refused to continue reporting to police after being put under house arrest. Aziz ruled the conservative West African state from 2008 to mid-2019, when he was succeeded by his former right-hand man and ex-defence minister, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual The ex-president has said he is being persecuted in a bid to keep him out of politics but has vowed he will not go into exile. Aziz joined a small opposition party, Ribat National, in April in an attempt to salvage his political career after being expelled from the ruling Union for the Republic (UPR) party, which he had founded. The 64-year-old former general who came to power in a coup already had to report to police three times a week and to seek approval before leaving the capital. The charges followed a year-long probe initiated by parliament into the handling of oil revenue, the sale of state property, the winding up of a publicly owned food supply company and the activities of a Chinese fishing firm. A state prosecutor involved with the investigation in March said cash and assets worth the equivalent of about 96 million euros ($115 million) had been seized.

Mauritanian ex-leader facing graft charges jailed

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister&nbsp;Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION exclusively from Dominica, Linton said, "The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction."&nbsp;

He explained, "The government clearly knew that Choksi was coming to Dominica. And the fact that he arrived without any passport raises several questions."&nbsp;

Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, was found in Dominica last week after mysteriously disappearing in Antigua. Since then, he has been in the custody of local authorities with a court case due on Wednesday over what is being described by the government as his 'illegal' entry into the country. &nbsp;

Linton highlighted, "We are not saying Mehul Choksi doesn't have to face the music or the courts for what he has done because these are serious charges. We have to be careful as in Dominica, there are issues with economic citizenship and many bandits enter the country in its name. "

In a strong statement, the opposition leader also questioned how operators of a vessel that came on Dominica on May 23, made a false declaration that it came on May 25 and did not mention Choksi.&nbsp;

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country.

Lennox Linton, the leader of opposition in Dominica, has slammed the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for not being 'forthcoming’ on the issue of Mehul Choksi, raising questions over his presence in the country. Speaking to WION exclusively from Dominica, Linton said, "The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction." He explained, "The government clearly knew that Choksi was coming to Dominica. And the fact that he arrived without any passport raises several questions." Choksi, who is involved in the mega PNB scam, was found in Dominica last week after mysteriously disappearing in Antigua. Since then, he has been in the custody of local authorities with a court case due on Wednesday over what is being described by the government as his 'illegal' entry into the country. Linton highlighted, "We are not saying Mehul Choksi doesn't have to face the music or the courts for what he has done because these are serious charges. We have to be careful as in Dominica, there are issues with economic citizenship and many bandits enter the country in its name. " In a strong statement, the opposition leader also questioned how operators of a vessel that came on Dominica on May 23, made a false declaration that it came on May 25 and did not mention Choksi.

Opposition leader Lennox Linton says govt knew Choksi was coming to Dominica

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.&nbsp;

Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade.&nbsp;

In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians.&nbsp;

In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage.&nbsp;

One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks.&nbsp;

"We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far.&nbsp;

Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory.&nbsp;

On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began.&nbsp;

Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets.&nbsp;

Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm.&nbsp;

The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.&nbsp;

The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.”&nbsp;

It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years.&nbsp;

Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas.&nbsp;

Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.&nbsp;

An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm.&nbsp;

The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations.&nbsp;

Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.&nbsp;

Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began.&nbsp;

The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage.&nbsp;

The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting.&nbsp;

Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.&nbsp;

The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl.&nbsp;

Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza. &nbsp;

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel. Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade. In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians. In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage. One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks. "We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far. Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing. Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory. On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began. Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets. Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm. The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions. The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem. On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.” It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years. Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas. Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm. The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations. Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began. The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage. The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting. Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl. Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders. Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza.

Hamas defiant with military parade, appearance of top leader 

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha.&nbsp;

The Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for the international community to act urgently to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;

There was no mention of the Israeli strike that toppled a Gaza tower that was home to offices of both The Associated Press, Doha's Al-Jazeera satellite news network and others.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Arab League chief said on Saturday that Arab states' ambassadors to the United Nations are trying to rally international support for Palestinians amid Israeli attacks on Gaza. &nbsp;

Ahmed Aboul Gheit called upon the UN Security Council to 'fulfill its responsibilities' in holding Israel accountable in a session scheduled on Sunday to discuss the violence. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha.

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha. The Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for the international community to act urgently to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza. There was no mention of the Israeli strike that toppled a Gaza tower that was home to offices of both The Associated Press, Doha's Al-Jazeera satellite news network and others. Meanwhile, Arab League chief said on Saturday that Arab states' ambassadors to the United Nations are trying to rally international support for Palestinians amid Israeli attacks on Gaza. Ahmed Aboul Gheit called upon the UN Security Council to 'fulfill its responsibilities' in holding Israel accountable in a session scheduled on Sunday to discuss the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha 

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power.&nbsp;

Labour lost control of a number of local authorities and of the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, a Labour bastion for many decades. It held on to city halls in London, Manchester and elsewhere, but those successes could not mask its retreat in areas that used to be party strongholds.&nbsp;

Starmer, elected leader last year, has struggled to bridge divides and unite Labour around a clear agenda to challenge the governing Conservatives, who are enjoying a boost from a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme and from ploughing money into areas where many voters have felt neglected.&nbsp;

After many voters in the local elections suggested they did not know what Starmer stood for, Shabana Mahmood, appointed Labour's campaign coordinator in the reshuffle, said the party would launch a policy review to settle on a programme.&nbsp;

"There has to be a policy review process which we are now going to embark on together as a movement to try and work out what is the programme that we need to be offering the country," she told BBC radio.&nbsp;

"It has to be a platform that speaks to the public."&nbsp;

The main changes in the reshuffle included the appointment of Rachel Reeves as head of economic policy, replacing Anneliese Dodds, who became party chair and head of the policy review.&nbsp;

Angela Rayner, who was sacked on Saturday as party chair and campaign coordinator in a move that went down badly in Labour ranks, was appointed policy chief on 'the future of work'.&nbsp;

She was also given the title of 'shadow first secretary of state', the equivalent of deputy prime minister in Starmer's 'shadow cabinet', or opposition leadership team.&nbsp;

"The Labour Party must be the party that embraces the demand for change across our country," Starmer said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I look forward to working with our refreshed and renewed team to take on that challenge, deliver that change and build the ambitious programme that will deliver the next Labour government."&nbsp;

The reshuffle got off to a bad start after several party figures openly criticised the removal of Rayner as party chair. She comes from a working-class background in northern England - precisely the demographic Labour has lost and needs to win back.&nbsp;

Starmer is likely seeking to placate critics by giving Rayner a prominent role in the shadow Cabinet.&nbsp;

Starmer and Rayner were elected as party leader and deputy leader last year, following Labour's crushing defeat in a general election in December 2019, when it was led by hard-left veteran Jeremy Corbyn.&nbsp;

While opinion polls suggest Starmer has more credibility in the eyes of many voters than Corbyn did, the local election results showed the party was still very far from being in a position to regain power at an election due in 2024.&nbsp;

After a 13-year stint in office under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Labour has lost four consecutive general elections since 2010.&nbsp;

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power.

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power. Labour lost control of a number of local authorities and of the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, a Labour bastion for many decades. It held on to city halls in London, Manchester and elsewhere, but those successes could not mask its retreat in areas that used to be party strongholds. Starmer, elected leader last year, has struggled to bridge divides and unite Labour around a clear agenda to challenge the governing Conservatives, who are enjoying a boost from a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme and from ploughing money into areas where many voters have felt neglected. After many voters in the local elections suggested they did not know what Starmer stood for, Shabana Mahmood, appointed Labour's campaign coordinator in the reshuffle, said the party would launch a policy review to settle on a programme. "There has to be a policy review process which we are now going to embark on together as a movement to try and work out what is the programme that we need to be offering the country," she told BBC radio. "It has to be a platform that speaks to the public." The main changes in the reshuffle included the appointment of Rachel Reeves as head of economic policy, replacing Anneliese Dodds, who became party chair and head of the policy review. Angela Rayner, who was sacked on Saturday as party chair and campaign coordinator in a move that went down badly in Labour ranks, was appointed policy chief on 'the future of work'. She was also given the title of 'shadow first secretary of state', the equivalent of deputy prime minister in Starmer's 'shadow cabinet', or opposition leadership team. "The Labour Party must be the party that embraces the demand for change across our country," Starmer said in a statement. "I look forward to working with our refreshed and renewed team to take on that challenge, deliver that change and build the ambitious programme that will deliver the next Labour government." The reshuffle got off to a bad start after several party figures openly criticised the removal of Rayner as party chair. She comes from a working-class background in northern England - precisely the demographic Labour has lost and needs to win back. Starmer is likely seeking to placate critics by giving Rayner a prominent role in the shadow Cabinet. Starmer and Rayner were elected as party leader and deputy leader last year, following Labour's crushing defeat in a general election in December 2019, when it was led by hard-left veteran Jeremy Corbyn. While opinion polls suggest Starmer has more credibility in the eyes of many voters than Corbyn did, the local election results showed the party was still very far from being in a position to regain power at an election due in 2024. After a 13-year stint in office under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Labour has lost four consecutive general elections since 2010.

UK Labour leader reshuffles team after poor local election results 

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence.&nbsp;

Spanish officials revealed last week that Brahim Ghali, 73, is hospitalised in Spain for treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Ghali heads the Polisario Front, which has long fought for the independence from Morocco of Western Sahara, periodically engaging the Moroccan armed forces.&nbsp;

The Moroccan foreign ministry said Spain's stance is inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and good neighborliness. Morocco is seeking an explanation of Spain's position, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The diplomatic tension between Rabat and Madrid comes as Spain seeks Morocco's cooperation in stemming the flow of migrants across the sea to Spanish territory. The Spanish government is also seeking to deepen economic ties with Africa.&nbsp;

An official from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said last week that Ghali had been taken in 'for strictly humanitarian reasons’.&nbsp;

Western Sahara stretches along Africa's Atlantic coast south of the Moroccan resort city of Agadir, and borders Algeria and Mauritania. It has a population of 600,000 people. It was colonised by Spain in the 19th century and annexed by Morocco in 1975.&nbsp;

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, the self-declared government also led by Ghali, says he is recovering favorably in an unidentified Spanish hospital. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence.

Morocco's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador on Sunday to convey the government's 'regret' over Spain's decision to receive for medical treatment of the leader of a regional group fighting Morocco for independence. Spanish officials revealed last week that Brahim Ghali, 73, is hospitalised in Spain for treatment of COVID-19. Ghali heads the Polisario Front, which has long fought for the independence from Morocco of Western Sahara, periodically engaging the Moroccan armed forces. The Moroccan foreign ministry said Spain's stance is inconsistent with the spirit of partnership and good neighborliness. Morocco is seeking an explanation of Spain's position, the ministry said. The diplomatic tension between Rabat and Madrid comes as Spain seeks Morocco's cooperation in stemming the flow of migrants across the sea to Spanish territory. The Spanish government is also seeking to deepen economic ties with Africa. An official from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said last week that Ghali had been taken in 'for strictly humanitarian reasons’. Western Sahara stretches along Africa's Atlantic coast south of the Moroccan resort city of Agadir, and borders Algeria and Mauritania. It has a population of 600,000 people. It was colonised by Spain in the 19th century and annexed by Morocco in 1975. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, the self-declared government also led by Ghali, says he is recovering favorably in an unidentified Spanish hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Morocco scolds Spain over virus help for independence leader 

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.&nbsp;

The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators.&nbsp;

It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project.&nbsp;

According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic."&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks.&nbsp;

The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment.&nbsp;

Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. &nbsp;

He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.&nbsp;

The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron.&nbsp;

Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance.&nbsp;

Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him. The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators. It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project. According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic." The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks. The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment. Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need. The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron. Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance. Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

UK leader denies breaking lobbying rules with texts to Dyson 

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, was set to throw a Zoom party in quarantine to celebrate his 90th birthday on Tuesday, as President Vladimir Putin hailed him as an 'outstanding statesman', who influenced the course of history.&nbsp;

Gorbachev, who championed arms control and democracy-oriented reforms as Soviet leader in the 1980s, is widely credited with helping end the Cold War.&nbsp;

His critics in Russia blame him for what they regard as the unnecessary and painful breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.&nbsp;

Gorbachev has been in quarantine in hospital for months as a precaution during the coronavirus pandemic, and will host a virtual party with close friends and staff from his foundation, Gorbachev's spokesman Vladimir Polyakov said.&nbsp;

"We'll raise our glasses," he said. "We'll gather here and he'll be there and we'll see each other and make toasts."&nbsp;

Polyakov said messages of congratulations had rolled in from world leaders, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

Putin, who has lamented the Soviet breakup, sent Gorbachev a congratulatory telegram, which was published on the Kremlin website.&nbsp;

"You rightfully belong to the galaxy of bright, extraordinary people, outstanding statesmen of our time who have had a significant influence on the course of domestic and world history," said Putin.&nbsp;

Gorbachev's legacy has been partially unpicked in recent years as Moscow and Washington's ties retreated to post-Cold War lows, a process that sped the demise of a treaty that banned the two nations from deploying land-based ballistic missiles with certain ranges.&nbsp;

Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and rows over sanctions, alleged political meddling, and geopolitics have further soured US-Russia ties.&nbsp;

Gorbachev has warned against a return to the Cold War and urged Moscow and Washington to keep talking to each other, regardless of their differences.&nbsp;

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, was set to throw a Zoom party in quarantine to celebrate his 90th birthday on Tuesday, as President Vladimir Putin hailed him as an 'outstanding statesman', who influenced the course of history.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, was set to throw a Zoom party in quarantine to celebrate his 90th birthday on Tuesday, as President Vladimir Putin hailed him as an 'outstanding statesman', who influenced the course of history. Gorbachev, who championed arms control and democracy-oriented reforms as Soviet leader in the 1980s, is widely credited with helping end the Cold War. His critics in Russia blame him for what they regard as the unnecessary and painful breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Gorbachev has been in quarantine in hospital for months as a precaution during the coronavirus pandemic, and will host a virtual party with close friends and staff from his foundation, Gorbachev's spokesman Vladimir Polyakov said. "We'll raise our glasses," he said. "We'll gather here and he'll be there and we'll see each other and make toasts." Polyakov said messages of congratulations had rolled in from world leaders, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Putin, who has lamented the Soviet breakup, sent Gorbachev a congratulatory telegram, which was published on the Kremlin website. "You rightfully belong to the galaxy of bright, extraordinary people, outstanding statesmen of our time who have had a significant influence on the course of domestic and world history," said Putin. Gorbachev's legacy has been partially unpicked in recent years as Moscow and Washington's ties retreated to post-Cold War lows, a process that sped the demise of a treaty that banned the two nations from deploying land-based ballistic missiles with certain ranges. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and rows over sanctions, alleged political meddling, and geopolitics have further soured US-Russia ties. Gorbachev has warned against a return to the Cold War and urged Moscow and Washington to keep talking to each other, regardless of their differences.

Last Soviet leader Gorbachev celebrates 90th birthday

Authorities in Pakistan's Baluchistan province said on Sunday they had launched an investigation into the death of a regional leader of a Pakistani civil rights group, who died in what his movement called a "targeted attack" by police at a sit-in.

Arman Loni died on Saturday after police tried to break up a four-day demonstration in the city of Loralai by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which stages demonstrations nationwide against violence and disappearances carried out by the state.

A police spokesman said Loni had died of a heart attack following clashes between protesters and police. But Mohsin Dawar, a member of parliament and founding member of PTM, said the police had singled Loni out and deliberately beat him to death because of his role as a leader of the group.

"It was a targeted attack on him by police, I think his neck was broken and this was confirmed in the postmortem," Dawar told Reuters, adding that he was killed for his "association with PTM".

The group, which was founded a year ago to protest against the death of a Pashtun man killed by police in the southern port of Karachi, regularly draws thousands of protesters to its demonstrations against state violence. It has called nationwide protests for Tuesday to highlight the killing of Loni.

The Baluchistan chief minister has ordered an inquiry into the killing. Both the Baluchistan home minister and information minister said they had no knowledge of how he died.

PTM blames the Pakistani military and other state organs for what it says are forced disappearances resulting in thousands of unresolved missing person cases, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan.

Dawar and fellow lawmaker Ali Wazir, both PTM founders who were elected to parliament in July, were initially barred from entering Baluchistan by security officials and had to use "alternate routes" to make it to Loni's funeral, Dawar said.

A notification from the provincial home department reviewed by Reuters said Dawar and Wazir were barred from entering the province for 90 days in "the best interest of peace and security".

Provincial Home Minister Agha Umer Bangulzai confirmed that PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen had been barred from the province but said he knew nothing about movement restrictions on the two lawmakers Dawar and Wazir.

Last month Alamzeb Mehsud, another senior PTM leader, was arrested in Karachi, causing a social media outcry. He has been charged under anti-terrorism and public order laws. Supporters say he has been targeted for protesting against abuses by the military.

Authorities in Pakistan's Baluchistan province said on Sunday they had launched an investigation into the death of a regional leader of a Pakistani civil rights group, who died in what his movement called a "targeted attack" by police at a sit-in.

Authorities in Pakistan's Baluchistan province said on Sunday they had launched an investigation into the death of a regional leader of a Pakistani civil rights group, who died in what his movement called a "targeted attack" by police at a sit-in. Arman Loni died on Saturday after police tried to break up a four-day demonstration in the city of Loralai by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), which stages demonstrations nationwide against violence and disappearances carried out by the state. A police spokesman said Loni had died of a heart attack following clashes between protesters and police. But Mohsin Dawar, a member of parliament and founding member of PTM, said the police had singled Loni out and deliberately beat him to death because of his role as a leader of the group. "It was a targeted attack on him by police, I think his neck was broken and this was confirmed in the postmortem," Dawar told Reuters, adding that he was killed for his "association with PTM". The group, which was founded a year ago to protest against the death of a Pashtun man killed by police in the southern port of Karachi, regularly draws thousands of protesters to its demonstrations against state violence. It has called nationwide protests for Tuesday to highlight the killing of Loni. The Baluchistan chief minister has ordered an inquiry into the killing. Both the Baluchistan home minister and information minister said they had no knowledge of how he died. PTM blames the Pakistani military and other state organs for what it says are forced disappearances resulting in thousands of unresolved missing person cases, primarily from the ethnic Pashtun region bordering Afghanistan. Dawar and fellow lawmaker Ali Wazir, both PTM founders who were elected to parliament in July, were initially barred from entering Baluchistan by security officials and had to use "alternate routes" to make it to Loni's funeral, Dawar said. A notification from the provincial home department reviewed by Reuters said Dawar and Wazir were barred from entering the province for 90 days in "the best interest of peace and security". Provincial Home Minister Agha Umer Bangulzai confirmed that PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen had been barred from the province but said he knew nothing about movement restrictions on the two lawmakers Dawar and Wazir. Last month Alamzeb Mehsud, another senior PTM leader, was arrested in Karachi, causing a social media outcry. He has been charged under anti-terrorism and public order laws. Supporters say he has been targeted for protesting against abuses by the military.

Prominent human rights leader killed by police in Pakistan: Civil rights group

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-president-bashir-extends-ceasefire-in-two-war-zones-193707">Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir</a> on Sunday pledged to bolster rural development, as he seeks to face down anti-government demonstrations that have rocked cities and villages.

The veteran leader has been on a charm offensive with rallies across the country in a bid to head off weeks of protests seen as the biggest threat to his 30-year rule.&nbsp;

Addressing hundreds of villagers in North Kordofan state at a televised event he promised to bring clean drinking water to rural areas "across Sudan" and open a new hospital in the region.&nbsp;

The speech came after he inaugurated a new 340-kilometre highway linking North Kordofan to Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum.

"Building such a road in present economic conditions is not an easy thing to achieve," said Bashir, after being escorted to the stage by dozens of men on camels.&nbsp;

"Along this road, we will bring electricity to boost the region's growth."

Demonstrations erupted in Sudan in December after a government decision to triple the price of bread unleashed frustrations at years of deteriorating living conditions and growing hardship.

Officials say 30 people have died in protest-related violence, while rights group Human Rights Watch says at least 51 have been killed.

Bashir's attempts to rally support have so far failed to halt the wave of discontent, with the group leading the demonstrations calling for fresh protests over the next few days starting Sunday night.&nbsp;

Bashir and other senior Sudanese officials have repeatedly said that the government can be changed only through elections.

The leader, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, is considering running for a third elected presidential term in polls due next year.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday pledged to bolster rural development, as he seeks to face down anti-government demonstrations that have rocked cities and villages.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday pledged to bolster rural development, as he seeks to face down anti-government demonstrations that have rocked cities and villages. The veteran leader has been on a charm offensive with rallies across the country in a bid to head off weeks of protests seen as the biggest threat to his 30-year rule. Addressing hundreds of villagers in North Kordofan state at a televised event he promised to bring clean drinking water to rural areas "across Sudan" and open a new hospital in the region. The speech came after he inaugurated a new 340-kilometre highway linking North Kordofan to Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum. "Building such a road in present economic conditions is not an easy thing to achieve," said Bashir, after being escorted to the stage by dozens of men on camels. "Along this road, we will bring electricity to boost the region's growth." Demonstrations erupted in Sudan in December after a government decision to triple the price of bread unleashed frustrations at years of deteriorating living conditions and growing hardship. Officials say 30 people have died in protest-related violence, while rights group Human Rights Watch says at least 51 have been killed. Bashir's attempts to rally support have so far failed to halt the wave of discontent, with the group leading the demonstrations calling for fresh protests over the next few days starting Sunday night. Bashir and other senior Sudanese officials have repeatedly said that the government can be changed only through elections. The leader, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, is considering running for a third elected presidential term in polls due next year.

Sudan president Bashir vows rural development as new protests loom

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-party-rule-terrible-setback-for-cambodia-opposition-chief-156171">opposition chief Sam Rainsy</a> on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns.

Sam Rainsy's opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017 and 118 CNRP members were banned from politics ahead of the 2018 general election.

Long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen won every seat in the July vote and the European Union warned that it would strip Cambodia of its "Everything but Arms" duty-free trading access.

Hun Sen this month threatened to retaliate against the opposition if the European Union withdrew duty-free trading access.

Sam Rainsy, who lives in France where he fled in 2015 after a conviction for defamation, has said that he will return to Cambodia sometime this year.

Two arrest warrants for Sam Rainsy from 2015 were republished in a messaging app Telegram for public officials on Monday for defamation and using false public documents and incitement to cause social instability.

A spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) warned that a third party might kill Sam Rainsy and blame the government if he returns.

"If convict Sam Rainsy dares to enter Cambodia, there may be a third party shooting to kill convict Sam Rainsy and put the blame on the royal government of Cambodia," Sok Eysan told Reuters.

Sam Rainsy didn't respond to a request for comment. He has said in the past that the convictions are politically motivated.

Cambodian businesses and unions urged the European Union last week not to withdraw trade preferences, saying such a decision would pose serious economic damage and harm millions of workers and their families, especially rural women.

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran opposition chief Sam Rainsy on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns.

Cambodia renewed calls for arrest of veteran opposition chief Sam Rainsy on Monday amid the threat of sanctions by the European Union, its biggest garment export market worth billions of euros a year, over human rights concerns. Sam Rainsy's opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017 and 118 CNRP members were banned from politics ahead of the 2018 general election. Long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen won every seat in the July vote and the European Union warned that it would strip Cambodia of its "Everything but Arms" duty-free trading access. Hun Sen this month threatened to retaliate against the opposition if the European Union withdrew duty-free trading access. Sam Rainsy, who lives in France where he fled in 2015 after a conviction for defamation, has said that he will return to Cambodia sometime this year. Two arrest warrants for Sam Rainsy from 2015 were republished in a messaging app Telegram for public officials on Monday for defamation and using false public documents and incitement to cause social instability. A spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) warned that a third party might kill Sam Rainsy and blame the government if he returns. "If convict Sam Rainsy dares to enter Cambodia, there may be a third party shooting to kill convict Sam Rainsy and put the blame on the royal government of Cambodia," Sok Eysan told Reuters. Sam Rainsy didn't respond to a request for comment. He has said in the past that the convictions are politically motivated. Cambodian businesses and unions urged the European Union last week not to withdraw trade preferences, saying such a decision would pose serious economic damage and harm millions of workers and their families, especially rural women.

Cambodia seeks opposition leader's arrest amid EU sanctions threat

A prominent French<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-in-paris-for-11th-weekend-of-yellow-vest-protests-192979"> anti-government "yellow vest" activist</a>, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday.

Jerome Rodrigues' lawyer fears he will be "handicapped for life" after he was injured in clashes with police in Paris on Saturday during an 11th straight weekend of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-yellow-vest-protesters-surges-to-84000-but-violence-down-189927">protests against President Emmanuel Macron.</a>

Rodrigues was placed in an artificial coma overnight after the incident at the Bastille monument in central Paris.&nbsp;

"He is in shock. He will be handicapped for life. It is a tragedy for him and his family," lawyer Philippe de Veulle told BFM television, adding that he was lodging a complaint against police.

The bearded Rodrigues, who has become a well-known figure in the "yellow vest" movement with 50,000 followers on Facebook, was live-streaming the protest on the website when he was hit.

De Veulle said Rodrigues was struck with a "flashball", referring to the 40-mm (1.6-inch) rubber projectiles used by French riot police.

The devices have become deeply controversial in France since the protests began in November, blamed for dozens of serious injuries.

On Saturday, police using the bullets were for the first time deployed wearing body cams in a bid to increase transparency.

Rodrigues, speaking to LCI television from hospital, said he was also hit by a sting ball grenade, another controversial riot control device.

"Everything happened very quickly. They threw a grenade at me and I took a (rubber) bullet. I was attacked twice — a grenade to the foot, and the bullet," Rodrigues said.

He accused police of carrying out "all the violence the rules allow".

Witnesses picked up the projectile that struck Rodrigues and police are set to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Originally sparked by rises in fuel taxes, the "yellow vest" protests quickly snowballed into a widespread revolt over accusations that Macron, an ex-banker, is out of touch with rural and small-town France.

Named after the emblematic luminous road safety vests worn by protesters, the demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets.

But their numbers have eased in recent weeks after Macron announced a series of policy climbdowns and launched a two-month consultation to allow people to vent their anger.

The interior ministry estimated that 69,000 turned out across France on Saturday, compared with 84,000 a week earlier.

A prominent French anti-government "yellow vest" activist, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday.

A prominent French anti-government "yellow vest" activist, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday. Jerome Rodrigues' lawyer fears he will be "handicapped for life" after he was injured in clashes with police in Paris on Saturday during an 11th straight weekend of protests against President Emmanuel Macron. Rodrigues was placed in an artificial coma overnight after the incident at the Bastille monument in central Paris. "He is in shock. He will be handicapped for life. It is a tragedy for him and his family," lawyer Philippe de Veulle told BFM television, adding that he was lodging a complaint against police. The bearded Rodrigues, who has become a well-known figure in the "yellow vest" movement with 50,000 followers on Facebook, was live-streaming the protest on the website when he was hit. De Veulle said Rodrigues was struck with a "flashball", referring to the 40-mm (1.6-inch) rubber projectiles used by French riot police. The devices have become deeply controversial in France since the protests began in November, blamed for dozens of serious injuries. On Saturday, police using the bullets were for the first time deployed wearing body cams in a bid to increase transparency. Rodrigues, speaking to LCI television from hospital, said he was also hit by a sting ball grenade, another controversial riot control device. "Everything happened very quickly. They threw a grenade at me and I took a (rubber) bullet. I was attacked twice — a grenade to the foot, and the bullet," Rodrigues said. He accused police of carrying out "all the violence the rules allow". Witnesses picked up the projectile that struck Rodrigues and police are set to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Originally sparked by rises in fuel taxes, the "yellow vest" protests quickly snowballed into a widespread revolt over accusations that Macron, an ex-banker, is out of touch with rural and small-town France. Named after the emblematic luminous road safety vests worn by protesters, the demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets. But their numbers have eased in recent weeks after Macron announced a series of policy climbdowns and launched a two-month consultation to allow people to vent their anger. The interior ministry estimated that 69,000 turned out across France on Saturday, compared with 84,000 a week earlier.

Yellow vest activist handicapped for life after getting hit by rubber bullet: Lawyer

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice.

The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.”

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.”

“The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said.

Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities.

According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said.

He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal.

“The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance.

“The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded.

The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Saturday that former French president Francois Hollande’s remarks on the Rafale aircraft deal have proved it was a “big scam”. The Rajya Sabha MP’s remark on the purchase of 36 fighter jets from France came a day after Hollande was quoted by the French media as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence as the partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000-crore deal and France did not have a choice. The report in ‘Mediapart’, a French-language publication, quoted Hollande as saying, “It was the Indian government that proposed this service group, and Dassault which negotiated with Ambani. We had no choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us.” Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Singh said, “The statement made by former French president Francois Hollande on the Rafale deal is shocking and it proves that the Rafale deal is a big scam.” “The Modi government should tell why the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence. Hollande’s statement proves that the Modi government favoured Reliance Defence in getting the offset contract,” he said. Under India’s offset policy, foreign defence entities are mandated to spend at least 30 per cent of the total contract value in India through procurement of components or setting up of research and development facilities. According to Singh, a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hollande in 2015 has come to the fore now and it showed that there was no change in the technology of the aircraft in the new deal. “It is the same technology as was finalised during UPA-II,” he said. He said the government should reveal why the cost of Rs 540 crore per aircraft went up to Rs 1,670 crore and the offset contract was given to Reliance Defence, formed 12 days before the announcement of the Rafale deal. “The country suffered losses to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore…about Rs 1,000 per aircraft. It is the biggest scam in defence deal that the country has ever seen,” Singh said. He alleged that the statement made by Hollande proved that the Modi government proposed Reliance Defence for the offset partner, dropped Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and thus favoured Reliance. “The PM should clarify on this aspect. The defence minister should resign and an investigation should be launched to find who got the Rs 36,000 crore… A JPC probe should be initiated,” Singh demanded. The AAP leader also said that his party will contest upcoming elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and on 80 to 100 seats in next Lok Sabha polls.

Francois Hollande’s remarks prove Rafale a big scam: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday had gone "better than anybody could have expected", and they would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula.

Kim stood silently alongside Trump as he spoke to media during a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace".

Both men walked to Trump's limousine and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk.

"A lot of progress - really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line, very good. We’re going now for a signing," Trump told journalists, without giving details on what would be signed.

Should they succeed in making a diplomatic breakthrough, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, like the visit of former U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972 led to the transformation of China.

Both men had looked serious as they got out of their limousines for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park.

But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess.

After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal.

Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up.

The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce.

After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials.

Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie."

Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship."

Kim also sounded positive about the prospects.

"We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace."

Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party.

MARKETS CALM

As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled.

Financial markets were largely steady in Asia and did not show any noticeable reaction to the start of the summit. The dollar was at a three-week high and the MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares was largely unchanged from Monday.

While Trump and Kim search each other’s eyes and words for signs of trust or deceit, the rest of the world will be watching, hoping that somehow these two unpredictable leaders can find a way to defuse one of the planet's most dangerous flashpoints.

Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves.

After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party.

As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect".

In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise.

Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.

North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule.

Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase."

The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier.

Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said.

One of the world's most reclusive leaders, Kim visited Singapore's waterfront on Monday, smiling and waving to onlookers, adding to a more affable image that has emerged since his April summit with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in.

Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit.

"I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore.

"I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Trump added that he and Kim would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday had gone "better than anybody could have expected", and they would sign a document following talks on ways to end a nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula. Kim stood silently alongside Trump as he spoke to media during a post-lunch stroll through the gardens of the Singapore hotel where the summit was held, but the North Korean leader had earlier described their meeting as a "a good prelude to peace". Both men walked to Trump's limousine and looked in at the rear seat, with Trump apparently showing Kim something inside. They then resumed their walk. "A lot of progress - really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line, very good. We’re going now for a signing," Trump told journalists, without giving details on what would be signed. Should they succeed in making a diplomatic breakthrough, it could bring lasting change to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, like the visit of former U.S. President Richard Nixon to China in 1972 led to the transformation of China. Both men had looked serious as they got out of their limousines for the summit at the Capella hotel on Singapore's Sentosa, a resort island with luxury hotels, a casino, manmade beaches and a Universal Studios theme park. But, with cameras of the world's press trained on them, they displayed an initial atmosphere of bonhomie as they met on the verandah of the Capella, a refurbished 19th century British regimental officers' mess. After a handshake, they were soon smiling and holding each other by the arm, before Trump guided Kim to the library where they held a meeting with only their interpreters. Trump had said on Saturday he would know within a minute of meeting Kim whether he would reach a deal. Inside, they sat alongside each other against a backdrop of North Korean and U.S. flags, with Kim beaming broadly as the U.S. president gave him a thumbs up. The combatants of the 1950-53 Korean War are technically still at war, as the conflict, in which millions of people died, was concluded only with a truce. After initial exchanges lasting around 40 minutes, Trump and Kim emerged, walking side-by-side through the colonnaded hotel before entering a meeting room, where they were joined by their most senior officials. Kim was heard telling Trump through a translator: "I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy...science fiction movie." Asked by a reporter how the meeting was going, Trump said: "Very good. Very, very good. Good relationship." Kim also sounded positive about the prospects. "We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace," he said. "I believe this is a good prelude for peace." Trump was joined by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and John Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, for the expanded talks, while Kim's team included former military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol, foreign minister Ri Yong Ho and Ri Su Yong, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party. MARKETS CALM As the two leaders met, Singapore navy vessels, and air force Apache helicopters patrolled, while fighter jets and an Gulfstream 550 early warning aircraft circled. Financial markets were largely steady in Asia and did not show any noticeable reaction to the start of the summit. The dollar was at a three-week high and the MSCI index of Asia-Pacific shares was largely unchanged from Monday. While Trump and Kim search each other’s eyes and words for signs of trust or deceit, the rest of the world will be watching, hoping that somehow these two unpredictable leaders can find a way to defuse one of the planet's most dangerous flashpoints. Body language expert said both men tried to project command as they met, but also displayed signs of nerves. After the meetings, the two teams and other senior officials met for a working lunch, where beef short ribs, sweet and sour pork and "Daegu Jormin", or Korean braised cod, were served for the main course, according to the menu. That was to be followed by dark chocolate tarts, pastries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. The North Korean leader's sister and close confidante Kim Yo Jong was among the lunch party. As the cameras captured the moment, Trump quipped: "Very nice. Getting a good picture everyone, so we all look nice and handsome and thin...perfect". In the hours before the summit began, Trump expressed optimism about prospects for the first-ever meeting of sitting U.S. and North Korean leaders, while Pompeo injected a note of caution whether Kim would prove to be sincere about his willingness to denuclearise. Pompeo said the summit should set the framework for "the hard work that will follow", insisting that North Korea had to move toward complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. North Korea, however, has shown little appetite for surrendering nuclear weapons it considers vital to the survival of Kim's dynastic rule. Sanctions on North Korea would remain in place until that happened, Pompeo said on Monday. "If diplomacy does not move in the right direction ... those measures will increase." The White House said later that discussions with North Korea had moved "more quickly than expected" and Trump would leave Singapore on Tuesday night after the summit, rather than Wednesday, as scheduled earlier. Kim is due to leave on Tuesday afternoon, a source involved in the planning of his visit has said. One of the world's most reclusive leaders, Kim visited Singapore's waterfront on Monday, smiling and waving to onlookers, adding to a more affable image that has emerged since his April summit with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in. Trump spoke to Moon and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both key allies of Washington in the region, to discuss developments ahead of the summit. "I too, got little sleep last night," Moon told his cabinet in Seoul as the summit began in Singapore. "I truly hope it will be a successful summit that will open a new age for the two Koreas and the United States and bring us complete denuclearisation and peace."

Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim 'better than anybody expected'

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-taking-measures-to-dismantle-nuclear-site-136388">taking technical measures</a>" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

"North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted.

"Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!"&nbsp;

Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12.

The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office.&nbsp;

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North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/995410516129538048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was 'taking technical measures' to dismantle its test site

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site. "North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted. "Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!" Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12. The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office. North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2018 ×

'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to dismantle nuclear test site

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks.

"I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set."

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/990225456233316354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations.

The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization."

The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens."

A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit.

Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together.

"I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea."

Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US&nbsp;had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

"What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said.

Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations.

"Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media.

"The US&nbsp;government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added.

An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal.

"The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Trump will be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the summit

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks. "I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set." Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations. The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization." The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens." A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit. Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together. "I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea." Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula. "What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said. Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations. "Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media. "The US government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added. An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal. "The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had spoken with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and preparations for a meeting with North Korea were being set.

“Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set,” Trump said on Twitter.

Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations.

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/990225456233316354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last year, Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test, by far its most powerful to date, and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

Its actions sent tensions soaring as Kim and Trump traded personal insults and threats of war.

Trump has demanded the North give up its weapons, and Washington is pressing for it to do so in a complete, verifiable and irreversible way.

Pyongyang is demanding as yet unspecified security guarantees to discuss its arsenal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Moon met with Kim in a historic summit, agreeing on Friday to pursue a permanent peace and the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had spoken with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and preparations for a meeting with North Korea were being set. “Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set,” Trump said on Twitter. Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations. Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × Last year, Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test, by far its most powerful to date, and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland. Its actions sent tensions soaring as Kim and Trump traded personal insults and threats of war. Trump has demanded the North give up its weapons, and Washington is pressing for it to do so in a complete, verifiable and irreversible way. Pyongyang is demanding as yet unspecified security guarantees to discuss its arsenal. (With inputs from Agencies)

Things 'going very well': Trump on talks with South Korea leader

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday.

An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured.

News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel has been shot dead by some unknown assailants in Pulwama's Rajpora area. Patel, who was taken to a nearby hospital soon after the attack, succumbed to his injuries.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured. News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel shot dead in J&K's Pulawama

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