Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization.

"The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government."

The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue.

Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations.

Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council."

The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China.

The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela.

Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019.

UN VOTE?

The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful.

"We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday.

Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader.

A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis.

When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials.

The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body.

In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council.

STRAW POLL

So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China.

The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations.

Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed.

Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund.

"It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation.

"It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton.

When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis. But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by President Nicolas Maduro's government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization. "The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government." The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue. Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations. Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council." The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China. The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela. Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019. UN VOTE? The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful. "We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday. Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader. A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis. When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials. The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body. In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council. STRAW POLL So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China. The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations. Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed. Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund. "It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation. "It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton. When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Who represents Venezuela? UN, international lenders stuck in limbo

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public.

The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

"People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai.

"I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said.

Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state.

"The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur.

"People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway).

"I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said.

At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing.

In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures.

The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party.

At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields.

The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party.

Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises. "People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai. "I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said. Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state. "The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur. "People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway). "I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said. At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing. In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures. The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections. As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party. At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields. The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party. Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Leaders who don't keep promise get 'beaten up' by people: Nitin Gadkari

The date Britain leaves the EU could be pushed back by a couple of weeks to give time for legislation to be approved by lawmakers, the leader of Britain's lower house of parliament said, the most senior figure to make such a suggestion.

Britain, the world's fifth largest economy, is due to leave the European Union on March 29 but <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/attempts-to-delay-brexit-do-not-solve-the-issue-says-uk-pm-theresa-may-19231">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s negotiated exit deal was rejected by lawmakers, leaving open the possibility of a disorderly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-a-no-deal-brexit-would-be-less-costly-for-the-eu-than-the-uk-192654">Brexit</a>.

Parliament will now vote on a series of amendments on Tuesday with the United Kingdom facing its deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973.

"We can get the legislation through and I think we do, in spite of everything, have a very strong relationship with our EU friends and neighbours and I am absolutely certain that if we needed a couple of extra weeks or something then that would be feasible," Andrea Leadsom told the BBC.

Responding to the idea that this would mean extending the two-year Article 50 negotiation period, Leadsom, who is the organiser of government business in the lower house of parliament, told the BBC:

"It doesn't necessarily mean that. I think we would want to think carefully about it. But as things stand I do feel that we can get, with the support of both Houses - the House of Commons and the House of Lords - with goodwill and a determination we can still get the legislation through in good time."

A spokeswoman at May's No. 10 Downing Street office said the government's position had not changed.

"We are not considering an extension to article 50 and are committed to doing whatever it takes to have the statute books ready for when we leave the EU on March 29th this year."

The uncertainty has prompted several businesses to warn of the threat to jobs and investment if Britain were to crash out of the EU, potentially disrupting food and medicine supplies, manufacturers and transportation.

The date Britain leaves the EU could be pushed back by a couple of weeks to give time for legislation to be approved by lawmakers, the leader of Britain's lower house of parliament said, the most senior figure to make such a suggestion.

The date Britain leaves the EU could be pushed back by a couple of weeks to give time for legislation to be approved by lawmakers, the leader of Britain's lower house of parliament said, the most senior figure to make such a suggestion. Britain, the world's fifth largest economy, is due to leave the European Union on March 29 but Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated exit deal was rejected by lawmakers, leaving open the possibility of a disorderly Brexit. Parliament will now vote on a series of amendments on Tuesday with the United Kingdom facing its deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973. "We can get the legislation through and I think we do, in spite of everything, have a very strong relationship with our EU friends and neighbours and I am absolutely certain that if we needed a couple of extra weeks or something then that would be feasible," Andrea Leadsom told the BBC. Responding to the idea that this would mean extending the two-year Article 50 negotiation period, Leadsom, who is the organiser of government business in the lower house of parliament, told the BBC: "It doesn't necessarily mean that. I think we would want to think carefully about it. But as things stand I do feel that we can get, with the support of both Houses - the House of Commons and the House of Lords - with goodwill and a determination we can still get the legislation through in good time." A spokeswoman at May's No. 10 Downing Street office said the government's position had not changed. "We are not considering an extension to article 50 and are committed to doing whatever it takes to have the statute books ready for when we leave the EU on March 29th this year." The uncertainty has prompted several businesses to warn of the threat to jobs and investment if Britain were to crash out of the EU, potentially disrupting food and medicine supplies, manufacturers and transportation.

Brexit date could be pushed back by a 'couple of extra weeks': Energy minister Leadsom

Election authorities have registered cases against representatives of the BJP and Shiv Sena for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district.&nbsp

The campaigning for the May 28 Palghar Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated by the death of BJP MP Chintaman Wanaga, ended today. A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's rally at Nala Sopara on May 24.

A case was registered against local organisers under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Representation of the People (RP) Act.

Similarly, welcome arches were found to have been put up without permission at Dahanu, where Union minister Smriti Irani addressed a rally on Friday, the official release said.

Also, on May 24, the Shiv Sena hadn't allegedly taken permission for party chief Uddhav Thackeray's rally, and a case was registered against the organisers.

Tulinj police in the district registered a case against BJP activists who allegedly bashed up officials when they were pulling down banners put up without permission on the same day.

Police detained 12 persons who were allegedly distributing money at Ransheth village on Friday. Envelopes containing Rs. 1,500 each were seized from them the total cash seized added up to Rs. 1,48,500.

A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during Yogi rally at Nala Sopara on May 24.

Election authorities have registered cases against representatives of the BJP and Shiv Sena for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district. The campaigning for the May 28 Palghar Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated by the death of BJP MP Chintaman Wanaga, ended today. A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's rally at Nala Sopara on May 24. A case was registered against local organisers under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Representation of the People (RP) Act. Similarly, welcome arches were found to have been put up without permission at Dahanu, where Union minister Smriti Irani addressed a rally on Friday, the official release said. Also, on May 24, the Shiv Sena hadn't allegedly taken permission for party chief Uddhav Thackeray's rally, and a case was registered against the organisers. Tulinj police in the district registered a case against BJP activists who allegedly bashed up officials when they were pulling down banners put up without permission on the same day. Police detained 12 persons who were allegedly distributing money at Ransheth village on Friday. Envelopes containing Rs. 1,500 each were seized from them the total cash seized added up to Rs. 1,48,500.

Cases registered against BJP, Shiv Sena leaders for poll code violations during rallies

Members of the Gujjar community in Rajasthan on Sunday decided to revive their agitation over reservation granted to them.&nbsp

Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla was quoted saying by ANI that the community will launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur.&nbsp

Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation.

The Gujjar leader said that injustice is being done to the community in all vacancies and informed that members of the community will launch an agitation this month to press for their demand of five per cent reservation from within OBC quota.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Govt is providing us 5% reservation. Injustice is being done to us in all vacancies. We'll launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur: Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, Gujjar leader (06.05.2018) <a href="https://t.co/CwlMVE8oui">pic.twitter.com/CwlMVE8oui</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/993328054515707904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation.

Members of the Gujjar community in Rajasthan on Sunday decided to revive their agitation over reservation granted to them. Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla was quoted saying by ANI that the community will launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur. Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation. The Gujjar leader said that injustice is being done to the community in all vacancies and informed that members of the community will launch an agitation this month to press for their demand of five per cent reservation from within OBC quota. Govt is providing us 5% reservation. Injustice is being done to us in all vacancies. We'll launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur: Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, Gujjar leader (06.05.2018) pic.twitter.com/CwlMVE8oui — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 ×

Gujjar leaders decide to launch protest on reservation before May 21

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday claimed that several Delhi Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant before sitting on the protest and observing the fast at Rajghat.

To back its claim, BJP leader Harish Khurana shared an image on Twitter in which the Congress leaders are seen eating 'chhole bhature'.

He claimed in his tweet that while the Congress party has called others for holding fast at Rajghat, leaders of the party are enjoying Chhole Bhature sitting in a restaurant.

The Congress, meanwhile, said that the photo was taken before 8am.

"Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm, it is not an indefinite hunger strike. This is what is wrong with these (BJP) people, instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said.

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वहाँ रे हमारे कांग्रिस के नेता,लोगों को राज घाट पर अनशन के लिए बुलाया है और ख़ुद एक रेस्तराँ में बैठ कर छोले भटूरे के मज़े ले रहे हो । 
सही बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो । <a href="https://t.co/gp2pIYsdOb">pic.twitter.com/gp2pIYsdOb</a>
— Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarishKhuranna/status/983249794436157440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This came shortly after a controversy erupted as Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has been named in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was asked to leave the stage where Rahul Gandhi would be holding the fast.

The party, however, ruled out any controversy, saying the leaders were asked to leave the stage as they did not meet the “criteria”. Congress Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken told reporters that only party office bearers and former ministers were supposed to join the Congress president on the stage for the fast, adding that “some leaders who did not meet the criteria were asked to leave”.

The day-long fast today was called by Delhi Congress against atrocities on the Dalit community.

(With inputs from ANI)

An image was also shared, in which the Congress leaders can be seen eating 'chole bhature'.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday claimed that several Delhi Congress leaders were seen eating at a restaurant before sitting on the protest and observing the fast at Rajghat. To back its claim, BJP leader Harish Khurana shared an image on Twitter in which the Congress leaders are seen eating 'chhole bhature'. He claimed in his tweet that while the Congress party has called others for holding fast at Rajghat, leaders of the party are enjoying Chhole Bhature sitting in a restaurant. The Congress, meanwhile, said that the photo was taken before 8am. "Photograph is of before 8 am, this is symbolic fast from 10.30 am to 4.30pm, it is not an indefinite hunger strike. This is what is wrong with these (BJP) people, instead of properly running the country, they concentrate on what we eat," Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely said. वहाँ रे हमारे कांग्रिस के नेता,लोगों को राज घाट पर अनशन के लिए बुलाया है और ख़ुद एक रेस्तराँ में बैठ कर छोले भटूरे के मज़े ले रहे हो । सही बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो । pic.twitter.com/gp2pIYsdOb — Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) April 9, 2018 × This came shortly after a controversy erupted as Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who has been named in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was asked to leave the stage where Rahul Gandhi would be holding the fast. The party, however, ruled out any controversy, saying the leaders were asked to leave the stage as they did not meet the “criteria”. Congress Delhi unit chief Ajay Maken told reporters that only party office bearers and former ministers were supposed to join the Congress president on the stage for the fast, adding that “some leaders who did not meet the criteria were asked to leave”. The day-long fast today was called by Delhi Congress against atrocities on the Dalit community. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders seen feasting before their 5-hour Rajghat fast

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other leaders of the JuD and the FIF are still freely using the banned groups&#39; offices despite Pakistan&#39;s claims that all the assets of the two outfits have been seized and their bank accounts frozen, an official said on Tuesday.

The government last month had taken over the Jamaat-ud-Dawa&#39;s famous Muridke Markaz and Lahore&#39;s headquarters of Masjid Al Qadsia in Chauburji. But on ground neither Saeed and his supporters left the JuD&#39;s Chauburji headquarters nor that of Muridke and other offices of JuD and the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) in the country.

&quot;Since the government has taken over the control of JuD headquarters in Lahore in mid last month, Saeed delivered three Friday sermons in three successive weeks there in the presence of a large number of his supporters. The government could only deploy its administrator at Al Qadsia while the JuD men are operating from there the way they used to,&quot; an official of the Punjab government said on Tuesday.

A similar arrangement was made at JuD&#39;s Muridke headquarters, he added.

&quot;The government has not barred Saeed and activists of his charities from using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, and other offices of the two organisations,&quot; he said.

The government had initiated action against Saeed&#39;s organisations in pursuance of an ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain in February amending the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and allowing the state to proscribe UNSC-listed organisations, some of which had been exempt from prosecution.&nbsp;

The move had also come in the backdrop of a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental money-laundering watchdog, that put Pakistan on a grey list.

At the FATF meeting in Paris last month, Saeed and his &quot;charities&quot; were top on the list of the groups that the FATF wanted Pakistan to act against.

Pakistan last week vowed to take further actions to address certain &quot;deficiencies&quot; highlighted by the FATF in its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing framework.&nbsp;

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said the officials from various government departments had been appointed as administrators of JuD&#39;s offices to oversee the working of welfare-oriented facilities like dispensaries and schools.&nbsp;

To a question about as why the JuD leadership including Saeed had not been stopped using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, the minister said: &quot;We have taken over all JuD and FIF facilities including schools, dispensaries, offices and seminaries. These are now in the government&#39;s control.&quot;

Another official said that the government at this stage does not want to stop Saeed and other JuD leaders from using its main headquarters as it may lead to a clash between them.&nbsp;

The government last month had taken over JuD's famous Muridke headquarters.

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and other leaders of the JuD and the FIF are still freely using the banned groups' offices despite Pakistan's claims that all the assets of the two outfits have been seized and their bank accounts frozen, an official said on Tuesday. The government last month had taken over the Jamaat-ud-Dawa's famous Muridke Markaz and Lahore's headquarters of Masjid Al Qadsia in Chauburji. But on ground neither Saeed and his supporters left the JuD's Chauburji headquarters nor that of Muridke and other offices of JuD and the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) in the country. "Since the government has taken over the control of JuD headquarters in Lahore in mid last month, Saeed delivered three Friday sermons in three successive weeks there in the presence of a large number of his supporters. The government could only deploy its administrator at Al Qadsia while the JuD men are operating from there the way they used to," an official of the Punjab government said on Tuesday. A similar arrangement was made at JuD's Muridke headquarters, he added. "The government has not barred Saeed and activists of his charities from using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, and other offices of the two organisations," he said. The government had initiated action against Saeed's organisations in pursuance of an ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain in February amending the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, and allowing the state to proscribe UNSC-listed organisations, some of which had been exempt from prosecution. The move had also come in the backdrop of a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental money-laundering watchdog, that put Pakistan on a grey list. At the FATF meeting in Paris last month, Saeed and his "charities" were top on the list of the groups that the FATF wanted Pakistan to act against. Pakistan last week vowed to take further actions to address certain "deficiencies" highlighted by the FATF in its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing framework. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said the officials from various government departments had been appointed as administrators of JuD's offices to oversee the working of welfare-oriented facilities like dispensaries and schools. To a question about as why the JuD leadership including Saeed had not been stopped using the JuD headquarters in Lahore and Muridke, the minister said: "We have taken over all JuD and FIF facilities including schools, dispensaries, offices and seminaries. These are now in the government's control." Another official said that the government at this stage does not want to stop Saeed and other JuD leaders from using its main headquarters as it may lead to a clash between them.

Hafiz Saeed, other JuD leaders still freely using group's offices despite ban in Pakistan

Every year, January 24 is celebrated as National Girl Child Day with an aim to offer support and provide new opportunities to the young girls.

The day also discourages sex selection and is celebrated to increase awareness about inequalities faced by girls and women in terms of education, healthcare, nutrition, legal rights, protection, and honour.

The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the Government of India as a development mission.

Taking to their Twitter handle, several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the achievements of women, and pledged to celebrate the birth of every girl child.

PM Modi shared a small video with an important message.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We salute the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child. 
We are proud of the accomplishments of the girl child in various fields. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/7icXo4lUQV">pic.twitter.com/7icXo4lUQV</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/956045566206758912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to work hard to provide&nbsp;congenial environment to girls.

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Greetings on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a>. 
 
Madhya Pradesh is working hard to provide congenial environment to girls. On this day let us pledge to celebrate birth of every girl child. Education is imperative for emancipation of girls. We strive to provide them the best opportunities.
&mdash; ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/956009606463066112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Commerce and Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu stressed on giving equal opportunities to girl children.

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National Girl Child Day celebrates the splendid achievements of the girl child and also challenges gender-based stereotypes. 
Let every girl child be cherished and given equal opportunities to shine forth in her life.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalGirlChildDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalGirlChildDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirlRising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirlRising</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Equality?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Equality</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MinistryWCD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinistryWCD</a> <a href="https://t.co/PsZyX1GDCC">pic.twitter.com/PsZyX1GDCC</a>
&mdash; Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/sureshpprabhu/status/955979750878728192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also promised to provide girls with equal opportunities.

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On National Girl Child Day, let us celebrate achievements of our girl child with pride and pledge to empower them with equal opportunities. <a href="https://t.co/EJFPxZiTm3">pic.twitter.com/EJFPxZiTm3</a>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/955989839459110912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to her Twitter to tweet about Kanyashree scheme of the state government that aims at ensuring that girls do not drop out from schools and delay their marriages till at least the age of 18.&nbsp;

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Today is National Girl Child Day. We are proud of our Kanyashree girls. Our scheme for the girl child is an international model now. My best wishes to all
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/955976446073278469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This day marks the significance of the daughters of India, who have and may bring laurels to the country if given the right upbringing and opportunities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the GOI as a development mission

Every year, January 24 is celebrated as National Girl Child Day with an aim to offer support and provide new opportunities to the young girls. The day also discourages sex selection and is celebrated to increase awareness about inequalities faced by girls and women in terms of education, healthcare, nutrition, legal rights, protection, and honour. The initiative to celebrate the day was initiated by the Government of India as a development mission. Taking to their Twitter handle, several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the achievements of women, and pledged to celebrate the birth of every girl child. PM Modi shared a small video with an important message. We salute the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child. We are proud of the accomplishments of the girl child in various fields. #NationalGirlChildDay pic.twitter.com/7icXo4lUQV — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2018 × Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged to work hard to provide congenial environment to girls. Greetings on #NationalGirlChildDay. Madhya Pradesh is working hard to provide congenial environment to girls. On this day let us pledge to celebrate birth of every girl child. Education is imperative for emancipation of girls. We strive to provide them the best opportunities. — ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 24, 2018 × Commerce and Industries Minister Suresh Prabhu stressed on giving equal opportunities to girl children. National Girl Child Day celebrates the splendid achievements of the girl child and also challenges gender-based stereotypes. Let every girl child be cherished and given equal opportunities to shine forth in her life.#NationalGirlChildDay #GirlRising #Equality @MinistryWCD pic.twitter.com/PsZyX1GDCC — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) January 24, 2018 × Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also promised to provide girls with equal opportunities. On National Girl Child Day, let us celebrate achievements of our girl child with pride and pledge to empower them with equal opportunities. pic.twitter.com/EJFPxZiTm3 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 24, 2018 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to her Twitter to tweet about Kanyashree scheme of the state government that aims at ensuring that girls do not drop out from schools and delay their marriages till at least the age of 18. Today is National Girl Child Day. We are proud of our Kanyashree girls. Our scheme for the girl child is an international model now. My best wishes to all — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 24, 2018 × This day marks the significance of the daughters of India, who have and may bring laurels to the country if given the right upbringing and opportunities.

National Girl Child Day: PM Modi, other leaders pledge to provide equal opportunities

&nbsp;US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets his EU and NATO counterparts in Brussels today to shore up ties, with allies insisting he still plays a &quot;key role&quot; despite doubts over his future.

Tillerson will hold talks over lunch with European Union foreign ministers and the bloc&#39;s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, before a two-day NATO meeting set to focus on North Korea&#39;s missile programme and concerns over perceived hostility from Russia.

But his visit comes against a difficult backdrop - a rift with President Donald Trump has led to reports he could be replaced within weeks, calling into question his authority to speak for Washington.

And there are major differences between Washington and Europe on a number of key policy areas, notably the Iran nuclear deal which Trump has vehemently condemned but which Brussels is desperate to preserve.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday it was vital international powers worked together to tackle the North Korean crisis, after Pyongyang tested a long-range missile it said could hit anywhere in the continental United States.

&quot;Last week&#39;s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile showed that all allied nations could be within range,&quot; Stoltenberg said yesterday.

&quot;The whole world needs to apply maximum pressure on North Korea in order to achieve a peacefully negotiated solution.&quot;

He said the 29-member alliance had been &quot;clear and consistent&quot; in its condemnation of Pyongyang&#39;s weapons programme, which has seen the reclusive state carry out a series of ballistic missile and nuclear tests in defiance of international sanctions.

The EU has been ramping up economic sanctions on the North in a bid to force it to the negotiating table - but with no success so far.

But if the US and EU can present a unified front on North Korea, the deal with Iran to end the Islamic republic&#39;s nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions is more problematic.

Trump has slammed the historic 2015 accord, agreed after years of painstaking talks between Iran and the United States, Britain, France, China, Germany and Russia, as a bad deal and threatened to pull America out.

European powers are keen to maintain the deal and Mogherini last month travelled to Washington to lobby US lawmakers not to withdraw from the agreement.

&quot;Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran and its full implementation is a key security priority for Europe,&quot; Mogherini said on Friday.

Tillerson&#39;s Brussels visit comes at the start of a European tour taking in Paris and Vienna for the 57-member Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Anonymous White House leaks have suggested Tillerson could be out of a job within weeks and even while denying this on Friday, President Donald Trump reminded him: &quot;I call the final shots.&quot;

Yesterday Stoltenberg gave his backing to Tillerson&#39;s efforts in tackling the North Korean crisis - an issue where Trump has publicly criticised his top diplomat, saying he was &quot;wasting his time&quot; pursuing contacts with Pyongyang.

&quot;Secretary Tillerson has played a key role, both in sending the message of deterrence, the unity and the resolve of the whole alliance, but also when it comes to the need for continuing to work for a peaceful solution,&quot; Stoltenberg said.

Tillerson has dismissed as &quot;laughable&quot; reports that Trump&#39;s closest aides want him to resign, but rumours will inevitably dog him when he sits down with his European peers.

Rex Tillerson will hold talks over lunch with European Union foreign ministers and the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, before a two-day NATO meeting set to focus on North Korea's missile programme and concerns over perceived hostility from Russia

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets his EU and NATO counterparts in Brussels today to shore up ties, with allies insisting he still plays a "key role" despite doubts over his future. Tillerson will hold talks over lunch with European Union foreign ministers and the bloc's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, before a two-day NATO meeting set to focus on North Korea's missile programme and concerns over perceived hostility from Russia. But his visit comes against a difficult backdrop - a rift with President Donald Trump has led to reports he could be replaced within weeks, calling into question his authority to speak for Washington. And there are major differences between Washington and Europe on a number of key policy areas, notably the Iran nuclear deal which Trump has vehemently condemned but which Brussels is desperate to preserve. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday it was vital international powers worked together to tackle the North Korean crisis, after Pyongyang tested a long-range missile it said could hit anywhere in the continental United States. "Last week's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile showed that all allied nations could be within range," Stoltenberg said yesterday. "The whole world needs to apply maximum pressure on North Korea in order to achieve a peacefully negotiated solution." He said the 29-member alliance had been "clear and consistent" in its condemnation of Pyongyang's weapons programme, which has seen the reclusive state carry out a series of ballistic missile and nuclear tests in defiance of international sanctions. The EU has been ramping up economic sanctions on the North in a bid to force it to the negotiating table - but with no success so far. But if the US and EU can present a unified front on North Korea, the deal with Iran to end the Islamic republic's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions is more problematic. Trump has slammed the historic 2015 accord, agreed after years of painstaking talks between Iran and the United States, Britain, France, China, Germany and Russia, as a bad deal and threatened to pull America out. European powers are keen to maintain the deal and Mogherini last month travelled to Washington to lobby US lawmakers not to withdraw from the agreement. "Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran and its full implementation is a key security priority for Europe," Mogherini said on Friday. Tillerson's Brussels visit comes at the start of a European tour taking in Paris and Vienna for the 57-member Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Anonymous White House leaks have suggested Tillerson could be out of a job within weeks and even while denying this on Friday, President Donald Trump reminded him: "I call the final shots." Yesterday Stoltenberg gave his backing to Tillerson's efforts in tackling the North Korean crisis - an issue where Trump has publicly criticised his top diplomat, saying he was "wasting his time" pursuing contacts with Pyongyang. "Secretary Tillerson has played a key role, both in sending the message of deterrence, the unity and the resolve of the whole alliance, but also when it comes to the need for continuing to work for a peaceful solution," Stoltenberg said. Tillerson has dismissed as "laughable" reports that Trump's closest aides want him to resign, but rumours will inevitably dog him when he sits down with his European peers.

Tillerson to meet EU, NATO leaders to discuss North Korea

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