Colonisation in the 21st century falls under the signs of predatory lending, land grab, a disregard for the rule of law and expansionism.

These signs remind everyone of China — a&nbsp;country that uses commerce, globalisation and cheque books to execute a silent takeover of governments.

The case in point here is of Germany — a democratic country that seems to have suffered an major intelligence failure.

As per a report,&nbsp;a high ranking German official suppressed a sensitive intelligence report because they feared it could damage German business ties with China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-meets-merkel-to-drum-up-support-against-lukashenko-333084">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus opposition leader meets Merkel to drum up support against Lukashenko</a>

The report says China was trying to influence every level of the German government, society and business. This report&nbsp;criticised the intimate ties between German businesses and the Chinese government.

However,&nbsp;before the information could be made public, a high ranking official intervened. This report was supposed to be distributed widely within the German government, but that did not happen and it reached only a handful of officials such as the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a few others.

The German government hasn't issued a response to these disclosures. They say the government does not comment on the findings of intelligence services.

However, this report&nbsp;has left the Merkel government red-faced. It is not the first time that Germany has come under scrutiny for its relationship with China.

In a report last month, European Union Trade officials, senior diplomats and experts said they believe&nbsp;that Germany doesn't want to upset the relationship because it could lose access to one of the largest export markets in the world. This is a weakness that leaves the entire European Union&nbsp;vulnerable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-far-right-reunified-too-making-it-much-stronger-332401">Also read:&nbsp;Germany’s far right reunified, too, making it much stronger</a>

The EU itself has been embarrassed twice because of China this year. Its foreign policy branch faced humiliation for concessions to Beijing.

First, it softened a report on Chinese disinformation during the pandemic. Then, Beijing censored an op-ed that said China is the original hotspot of the coronavirus outbreak.

A top EU diplomat allowed China's state mouthpiece to delete an important line.&nbsp;China is being a bully and Europe is a mute sufferer.

In February, China threatened to harm Czech companies&nbsp;if a lawmaker went ahead with a planned visit to Taiwan. Reports say the Chinese embassy in Prague crafted a letter for the President's office.

It suggested that European companies such as&nbsp;Volkswagen, Skoda or Lender home credit group would "suffer" if the lawmaker visited Taiwan.

"Czech companies which have economic interests in China will have to pay for the visit to Taiwan by chairman Kubera," the letter read.

The Chinese are referring to Yaroslav Kubera — the&nbsp;lawmaker who died unexpectedly before his trip to Taiwan.

The communist party is weaponising trade. China is sending the message that it will punish partners and use economic retaliation if it doesn't have its way.

Another Chinese diplomat made a similar threat&nbsp;to the German government. This was when Merkel was mulling a ban on Huawei.

The Chinese ambassador to Germany said: "If Germany were to make a decision that led to Huawei's exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences. The Chinese government will not stand idly by."

China's threat worked as Germany buckled and&nbsp;has resisted a sweeping ban on Huawei.

The Asian country wants to dictate the policies of foreign governments and Beijing's campaign goes beyond Europe.

Last month in Australia, a lawmaker was suspended from his party. Shaoquett Moselmane had praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Later it emerged that this lawmaker had taken nine privately funded trips to China after&nbsp;he was elected to office.

Reports say, some records show that the Chinese government often paid transportation and hospitality costs for him. He is now under investigation.

China is using its economic muscle to bend both individuals and governments to its will, and&nbsp;that is the threat posed by over-dependence on China.

This gives Beijing the upper hand and the&nbsp;power to extract concessions.

First, China used the carrot of market access to lure western companies. Now&nbsp;it is weaponising the same access to silently take over governments

Colonisation in the 21st century falls under the signs of predatory lending, land grab, a disregard for the rule of law and expansionism. These signs remind everyone of China — a country that uses commerce, globalisation and cheque books to execute a silent takeover of governments.

Colonisation in the 21st century falls under the signs of predatory lending, land grab, a disregard for the rule of law and expansionism. These signs remind everyone of China — a country that uses commerce, globalisation and cheque books to execute a silent takeover of governments. The case in point here is of Germany — a democratic country that seems to have suffered an major intelligence failure. As per a report, a high ranking German official suppressed a sensitive intelligence report because they feared it could damage German business ties with China. Also read: Belarus opposition leader meets Merkel to drum up support against Lukashenko The report says China was trying to influence every level of the German government, society and business. This report criticised the intimate ties between German businesses and the Chinese government. However, before the information could be made public, a high ranking official intervened. This report was supposed to be distributed widely within the German government, but that did not happen and it reached only a handful of officials such as the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a few others. The German government hasn't issued a response to these disclosures. They say the government does not comment on the findings of intelligence services. However, this report has left the Merkel government red-faced. It is not the first time that Germany has come under scrutiny for its relationship with China. In a report last month, European Union Trade officials, senior diplomats and experts said they believe that Germany doesn't want to upset the relationship because it could lose access to one of the largest export markets in the world. This is a weakness that leaves the entire European Union vulnerable. Also read: Germany’s far right reunified, too, making it much stronger The EU itself has been embarrassed twice because of China this year. Its foreign policy branch faced humiliation for concessions to Beijing. First, it softened a report on Chinese disinformation during the pandemic. Then, Beijing censored an op-ed that said China is the original hotspot of the coronavirus outbreak. A top EU diplomat allowed China's state mouthpiece to delete an important line. China is being a bully and Europe is a mute sufferer. In February, China threatened to harm Czech companies if a lawmaker went ahead with a planned visit to Taiwan. Reports say the Chinese embassy in Prague crafted a letter for the President's office. It suggested that European companies such as Volkswagen, Skoda or Lender home credit group would "suffer" if the lawmaker visited Taiwan. "Czech companies which have economic interests in China will have to pay for the visit to Taiwan by chairman Kubera," the letter read. The Chinese are referring to Yaroslav Kubera — the lawmaker who died unexpectedly before his trip to Taiwan. The communist party is weaponising trade. China is sending the message that it will punish partners and use economic retaliation if it doesn't have its way. Another Chinese diplomat made a similar threat to the German government. This was when Merkel was mulling a ban on Huawei. The Chinese ambassador to Germany said: "If Germany were to make a decision that led to Huawei's exclusion from the German market, there will be consequences. The Chinese government will not stand idly by." China's threat worked as Germany buckled and has resisted a sweeping ban on Huawei. The Asian country wants to dictate the policies of foreign governments and Beijing's campaign goes beyond Europe. Last month in Australia, a lawmaker was suspended from his party. Shaoquett Moselmane had praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's response to the coronavirus outbreak. Later it emerged that this lawmaker had taken nine privately funded trips to China after he was elected to office. Reports say, some records show that the Chinese government often paid transportation and hospitality costs for him. He is now under investigation. China is using its economic muscle to bend both individuals and governments to its will, and that is the threat posed by over-dependence on China. This gives Beijing the upper hand and the power to extract concessions. First, China used the carrot of market access to lure western companies. Now it is weaponising the same access to silently take over governments

Germany's Merkel bows down to China's economic muscle

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders.

The classified calls, obtained by CNN, asserts how important figures in his administration including former national security adviser John Bolton, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson felt that Trump was “delusional” after seeing him deal with other leaders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/new-york-judge-temporarily-blocks-tell-all-book-by-trumps-niece-309785" hreflang="en">New York judge temporarily blocks 'tell-all' book by Trump's niece</a>

According to the report, Trump, in conversation with former British Prime Minister Theresa May referred to her as “a fool”, and even called her a coward in how she dealt with the Brexit crisis, NATO, and heavily criticised her immigration policy.

Additionally, he also told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that she was “stupid”, and accused her of being paid by the Russians. CNN’s report also highlighted that Merkel kept her calm during the calls, and the German administration was highly concerned about the way Trump addressed Merkel. However, she kept her composure and always retorted with facts, to Trump’s dismay.

<h6><img alt="US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab764af1-8018-45f3-97bb-23c26e85d15c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_3.jpg" /> 
US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The sources describe his verbal communications with May and Merkel as “near-sadistic”, whereby he “demeaned and denigrated” them. It got so bad that access to the phone calls between Merkel and Trump was put under high scrutiny and was limited to only her immediate aides.

As per the report, Merkel’s rebuttal of the attacks against her were claim, “like water off a duck’s back”. However, he was able to intimidate May, who got “flustered and nervous” after Trump’s remarks. The source told CNN, “he intimidated her and meant to”.

It was owing to such “problematic calls” that Merkel had to limit access to the calls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/biden-slams-trumps-cognitive-capability-over-russian-bounty-intelligence-309774" hreflang="en">Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence</a>

The report also mentioned other world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The former allegedly reached out to him multiple times in a bid to convince him to change his stance on policies, especially concerning the environment. However, he also “bullied and disparaged” them.

Additionally, Trump remained friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan. In fact, he boasted about his victories as US president to Putin, who according to the sources, was always one step ahead of Trump. He also played down and insulted former US presidents like Obama and Bush, and claimed responsibility for getting US economy booming.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/white-house-press-secretary-mocked-after-saying-trump-is-most-informed-person-309771" hreflang="en">White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person'</a>

Many close aides also alleged that Trump came to meetings with other leaders unprepared, which worried his close circle.

Trump is currently under fire after Bolton released a book which claimed that he sought favours from Beijing, and that he put his own presidency over the US’ national interests when engaging with world leaders.

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders.

In a series of explosive details emerging from US President Donald Trump’s current tenure, his close aides believed that Trump was a danger to national security after sitting in on his phone calls with other world leaders. The classified calls, obtained by CNN, asserts how important figures in his administration including former national security adviser John Bolton, former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson felt that Trump was “delusional” after seeing him deal with other leaders. Also read: New York judge temporarily blocks 'tell-all' book by Trump's niece According to the report, Trump, in conversation with former British Prime Minister Theresa May referred to her as “a fool”, and even called her a coward in how she dealt with the Brexit crisis, NATO, and heavily criticised her immigration policy. Additionally, he also told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that she was “stupid”, and accused her of being paid by the Russians. CNN’s report also highlighted that Merkel kept her calm during the calls, and the German administration was highly concerned about the way Trump addressed Merkel. However, she kept her composure and always retorted with facts, to Trump’s dismay. US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit at the Grove hotel in Watford, northeast of London on December 4, 2019 | AFP The sources describe his verbal communications with May and Merkel as “near-sadistic”, whereby he “demeaned and denigrated” them. It got so bad that access to the phone calls between Merkel and Trump was put under high scrutiny and was limited to only her immediate aides. As per the report, Merkel’s rebuttal of the attacks against her were claim, “like water off a duck’s back”. However, he was able to intimidate May, who got “flustered and nervous” after Trump’s remarks. The source told CNN, “he intimidated her and meant to”. It was owing to such “problematic calls” that Merkel had to limit access to the calls. Also read: Biden slams Trump's 'cognitive capability' over Russian bounty intelligence The report also mentioned other world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The former allegedly reached out to him multiple times in a bid to convince him to change his stance on policies, especially concerning the environment. However, he also “bullied and disparaged” them. Additionally, Trump remained friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan. In fact, he boasted about his victories as US president to Putin, who according to the sources, was always one step ahead of Trump. He also played down and insulted former US presidents like Obama and Bush, and claimed responsibility for getting US economy booming. Also read: White House press secretary mocked after saying Trump is 'most informed person' Many close aides also alleged that Trump came to meetings with other leaders unprepared, which worried his close circle. Trump is currently under fire after Bolton released a book which claimed that he sought favours from Beijing, and that he put his own presidency over the US’ national interests when engaging with world leaders.

Trump 'disparaged' global leaders, called Germany's Merkel 'stupid' on the phone

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the country's Parliament today that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" are targeting her in hacking action.

"I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel told the German Parliament.

Merkel told Parliament that she had concrete proof of the "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia.

The German Chancellor's revelation comes after the country's leading newspaper had reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained Merkel's credentials during a hack on German parliament in 2015 without citing sources.

"Unfortunately the conclusion I have reached is that this is not new," Merkel asserted while saying that "cyber-disorientation, the distortion of facts were all part of Russia's strategy".

"Obviously this doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow," Merkel told lawmakers.

According to a German newspaper, the country had issued an arrest warrant against a suspected Russian military intelligence officer who had allegedly carried out the 2015 hacking.

Amid the hacking allegation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, popularly known as "Putin's chef", said he was "wrongfully persecuted" by the US, which claimed he meddled in 2016 elections after the US Justice Department dropped charges against his company Concord.

Prigozhin vowed to sue the US for $50 billion in damages.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the country's Parliament today that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" are targeting her in hacking action.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the country's Parliament today that her government has "hard evidence that Russian forces" are targeting her in hacking action. "I can honestly say that it pains me. Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and on the other hand, there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this," Merkel told the German Parliament. Merkel told Parliament that she had concrete proof of the "outrageous" spying attempts by Russia. The German Chancellor's revelation comes after the country's leading newspaper had reported that Russian military intelligence had obtained Merkel's credentials during a hack on German parliament in 2015 without citing sources. "Unfortunately the conclusion I have reached is that this is not new," Merkel asserted while saying that "cyber-disorientation, the distortion of facts were all part of Russia's strategy". "Obviously this doesn't make it easier to foster a better relationship with Moscow," Merkel told lawmakers. According to a German newspaper, the country had issued an arrest warrant against a suspected Russian military intelligence officer who had allegedly carried out the 2015 hacking. Amid the hacking allegation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, popularly known as "Putin's chef", said he was "wrongfully persecuted" by the US, which claimed he meddled in 2016 elections after the US Justice Department dropped charges against his company Concord. Prigozhin vowed to sue the US for $50 billion in damages.

Merkel says have 'hard evidence' on Russian hackers targeting her

Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU will choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25 as the party scrambles to prepare for the veteran German chancellor's departure.

Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU will choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25 as the party scrambles to prepare for the veteran German chancellor's departure. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union was plunged into turmoil after her heir apparent, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, resigned as party leader this month over her supposed failure to stop regional lawmakers from cooperating with the far right. The surprise move threw open the race to succeed Merkel, who has been in power for more than 14 years and plans to bow out at the next general elections slated for 2021. Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely known as "AKK", held top-level talks with party grandees in Berlin on Monday to decide the way forward. Also Read: Angela Merkel's party in crisis after 'heir' quits over far right row The top-level deliberations came a day after the CDU suffered its second-worst result ever in a regional election, coming third in Hamburg with just 11.5 per cent of the vote. It is also engulfed in an internal debate as to how it should position itself against the extremes of right and left that have reshaped the nation's political landscape. Far-right crisis After barely a year as head of the party, AKK announced her resignation on February 10. It came after regional lawmakers in the eastern state of Thuringia defied an edict from Berlin not to ally with the extremes, by voting with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). It was the latest sign that the defence minister had failed to stamp her authority on the CDU and become a credible candidate to succeed Merkel, who according to polls is still Germany's most popular politician. Also Read: Merkel's conservatives gather for stormy congress er experience also laid bare the challenge for her successor - how to make their mark while Merkel remains in office as chancellor. In the starting blocks are two politicians who promise to break with Merkel's centrist course and lead the CDU rightwards, in a bid to win back voters from AfD. While Friedrich Merz recently described her fourth government as "abysmal", young Health Minister Jens Spahn is a rising party star. Facing them are two more moderate candidates: North Rhine-Westphalia state premier Armin Laschet and Norbert Roettgen, a former environment minister dismissed by Merkel in 2012. Self-destruction The choice of leader will set the tone for the future of a party that has dominated German politics since the federal republic was founded in 1949. Polls highlight the urgent need for action, as only 27 per cent say they would back the CDU, ahead of 23 per cent for the Greens and 14 per cent for the far right. Beyond the high-profile personalities, the conservatives also need to clarify what they stand for in an increasingly splintered political landscape that hinders stable majorities, be it in Berlin or the 16 state parliaments. Top of the list is whether the CDU will stick to its rigid policy of refusing to cooperate with either the far right or the far left, an increasingly difficult position to maintain. Thuringia is a textbook case, as last year's regional elections produced no clear governing majority following a surge by the AfD. CDU state lawmakers voted with the far-right, breaching a historic political taboo, to install a liberal state premier. But after a nationwide outcry, the regional CDU retreated - only to be publicly rebuked by Berlin chiefs for its plan to "tolerate" a minority government led by radical-left successors of the one-party state in communist East Germany.

Germany's CDU to decide on Merkel successor in April

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">German Chancellor Angela Merkel </a>called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

Some German lawmakers want to exclude <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/united-states-formally-charges-chinas-huawei-with-bank-fraud-stealing-trade-secrets-193545">China's Huawei </a>from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington.

Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms.

"One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday.

"That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that.

France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday.

"It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said.

All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network. Some German lawmakers want to exclude China's Huawei from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington. Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms. "One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday. "That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that. France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday. "It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said. All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

Merkel wants Europe to aim for joint stance on China and 5G

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">Angela Merkel's</a> Christian Democrats (CDU) open their two-day party conference on Friday amid mutinous grumblings over the leadership of party chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/germany-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-to-replace-merkel-as-cdu-leader-182312">Kramp-Karrenbauer</a>, widely known by her initials "AKK", has endured a rocky first year at the helm since taking over the party leadership from Merkel at last year's conference.

The CDU lost votes to the Greens in May's EU election and to the far-right <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-anti-immigrant-afd-party-embroiled-in-row-over-anti-semitism-1917">Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD)</a> in recent state polls in eastern Germany, while AKK's own reputation has suffered under a string of PR gaffes.

In April, she was widely condemned for an ill-judged joke about transgender bathrooms. A month later, she incurred the wrath of Youtubers with an attack on freedom of speech online.&nbsp;

"I don't know many people who are convinced by her leadership style," CDU regional politician Hans-Joern Arp told DPA news agency on Wednesday.

CDU MP Axel Fischer, meanwhile, told Main Post newspaper that there was "a desire for new heads" among the party membership.

One such new head could be 64-year-old lawyer Friedrich Merz, who narrowly lost out to Kramp-Karrenbauer in last year's leadership vote.

Having returned to the limelight with fierce criticism of Merkel's government in recent weeks, Merz is expected to respond to Kramp-Karrenbauer's conference speech in his role as a party delegate on Friday.

He remains the more popular choice among party members when it comes to who will run to succeed Merkel as chancellor at the next elections.&nbsp;

Traditionally a question which the CDU leadership decides behind closed doors with its Bavarian sister party CSU, there are now growing calls to involve the party base in the candidate selection process.

Ahead of the conference, six motions have been put forward on the introduction of a members' vote or internal primaries.

However, an outright coup attempt against AKK by Merz's supporters remains&nbsp;unlikely according to Hans Vorlaender, a political scientist at Dresden's Technical University.

"It is much too early for the CDU to make personnel decisions," he told AFP, claiming that the party needed more time to prepare for life after Merkel, who is set to step down in 2021 after 16 years at the helm.&nbsp;

Yet&nbsp;personnel problems are not the only thing unsettling Germany's ruling party and its leader.

Kramp-Karrenbauer has also been accused of failing to give her party a clear political profile.

In a controversial letter published by German media last week, the CDU's state parliament leader in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Wolfgang Reinhart, said the party was "insolvent" in terms of the policy.

"The CDU has no antennae and no agenda for the big questions of our age," he wrote, condemning what he called the "radical pragmatism" of recent years.

Reinhart's comments reflected wider frustrations over the unpopular governing coalition between the CDU, the Bavarian CSU and the social-democratic SPD.&nbsp;

A recent compromise with the SPD over pension reform enraged conservative Christian Democrats, just a week after Merz described the government as "abysmal".&nbsp;

Party delegates are expected to vent their frustrations this weekend with a vote urging the government to exclude Chinese technology firm Huawei from the construction of a new 5G mobile network in Germany.&nbsp;

Such a vote would be a direct rebuke to Merkel's government, which&nbsp;has stood firm against an outright ban of Huawei despite accusations that the company spies on behalf of the Chinese government -- something the company denies.

For Kramp-Karrenbauer, the divide between party and government has become even more problematic since she joined the cabinet as defence minister in July.&nbsp;

Yet the CDU leader insisted on Thursday that she was looking forward to the party conference in Leipzig.&nbsp;

"There will be controversial debates," she said.

"The conference is exactly the right place to have them."

Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) open their two-day party conference on Friday amid mutinous grumblings over the leadership of party chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) open their two-day party conference on Friday amid mutinous grumblings over the leadership of party chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely known by her initials "AKK", has endured a rocky first year at the helm since taking over the party leadership from Merkel at last year's conference. The CDU lost votes to the Greens in May's EU election and to the far-right Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) in recent state polls in eastern Germany, while AKK's own reputation has suffered under a string of PR gaffes. In April, she was widely condemned for an ill-judged joke about transgender bathrooms. A month later, she incurred the wrath of Youtubers with an attack on freedom of speech online. "I don't know many people who are convinced by her leadership style," CDU regional politician Hans-Joern Arp told DPA news agency on Wednesday. CDU MP Axel Fischer, meanwhile, told Main Post newspaper that there was "a desire for new heads" among the party membership. One such new head could be 64-year-old lawyer Friedrich Merz, who narrowly lost out to Kramp-Karrenbauer in last year's leadership vote. Having returned to the limelight with fierce criticism of Merkel's government in recent weeks, Merz is expected to respond to Kramp-Karrenbauer's conference speech in his role as a party delegate on Friday. He remains the more popular choice among party members when it comes to who will run to succeed Merkel as chancellor at the next elections. Traditionally a question which the CDU leadership decides behind closed doors with its Bavarian sister party CSU, there are now growing calls to involve the party base in the candidate selection process. Ahead of the conference, six motions have been put forward on the introduction of a members' vote or internal primaries. However, an outright coup attempt against AKK by Merz's supporters remains unlikely according to Hans Vorlaender, a political scientist at Dresden's Technical University. "It is much too early for the CDU to make personnel decisions," he told AFP, claiming that the party needed more time to prepare for life after Merkel, who is set to step down in 2021 after 16 years at the helm. Yet personnel problems are not the only thing unsettling Germany's ruling party and its leader. Kramp-Karrenbauer has also been accused of failing to give her party a clear political profile. In a controversial letter published by German media last week, the CDU's state parliament leader in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Wolfgang Reinhart, said the party was "insolvent" in terms of the policy. "The CDU has no antennae and no agenda for the big questions of our age," he wrote, condemning what he called the "radical pragmatism" of recent years. Reinhart's comments reflected wider frustrations over the unpopular governing coalition between the CDU, the Bavarian CSU and the social-democratic SPD. A recent compromise with the SPD over pension reform enraged conservative Christian Democrats, just a week after Merz described the government as "abysmal". Party delegates are expected to vent their frustrations this weekend with a vote urging the government to exclude Chinese technology firm Huawei from the construction of a new 5G mobile network in Germany. Such a vote would be a direct rebuke to Merkel's government, which has stood firm against an outright ban of Huawei despite accusations that the company spies on behalf of the Chinese government -- something the company denies. For Kramp-Karrenbauer, the divide between party and government has become even more problematic since she joined the cabinet as defence minister in July. Yet the CDU leader insisted on Thursday that she was looking forward to the party conference in Leipzig. "There will be controversial debates," she said. "The conference is exactly the right place to have them."

Merkel's conservatives gather for stormy congress

Will Europe Ditch Alliance With The U.S.?

Gravitas: Merkel Calls For European Army

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily.

The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year.

The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives.

It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early.

It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday.

It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid.

Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper&nbsp;to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant.

It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service.

Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version.

The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros.

Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050.

The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation.

Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates.

The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday. A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily. The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year. The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives. It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early. It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday. It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid. Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency. The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant. It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service. Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version. The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros. Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050. The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation. Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates. The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

Germany will not force hard coal plant closures before 2026

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Such values "must always be lived out and defended anew," Merkel told political leaders and European guests at a ceremony, warning that these freedoms cannot be taken for granted.

Speaking in the Reconciliation Chapel on the former "death strip" that ran alongside the wall, the chancellor said that the barrier that divided communist East from democratic West was "history".

Merkel herself grew up in East Germany and was a scientist working in Berlin on November 9, 1989.

The&nbsp;communist authorities finally opened border crossings that day "teaches us that no wall that shuts people out and limits freedom is so tall or broad that it cannot be broken through," Merkel said.

The chancellor and guests including the presidents of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had earlier been invited to stick roses through holes in a section of wall still standing at the Bernauer Strasse memorial, just north of central Berlin.

Groups of schoolchildren from around Europe, including war-torn Ukraine, also spoke in their native languages to the leaders about the emotions the anniversary wakens for them.

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Europe "must stand up for democracy and freedom, for human rights and tolerance", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday as Germany commemorated the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Such values "must always be lived out and defended anew," Merkel told political leaders and European guests at a ceremony, warning that these freedoms cannot be taken for granted. Speaking in the Reconciliation Chapel on the former "death strip" that ran alongside the wall, the chancellor said that the barrier that divided communist East from democratic West was "history". Merkel herself grew up in East Germany and was a scientist working in Berlin on November 9, 1989. The communist authorities finally opened border crossings that day "teaches us that no wall that shuts people out and limits freedom is so tall or broad that it cannot be broken through," Merkel said. The chancellor and guests including the presidents of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had earlier been invited to stick roses through holes in a section of wall still standing at the Bernauer Strasse memorial, just north of central Berlin. Groups of schoolchildren from around Europe, including war-torn Ukraine, also spoke in their native languages to the leaders about the emotions the anniversary wakens for them.

On Berlin Wall anniversary, Merkel urges Europe to defend 'democracy, freedom'

German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-chancellor-merkel-kicks-off-her-3-day-visit-meets-pm-modi-259152">Angela Merkel</a> will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria.

Pompeo's visit comes after Thursday's return by US troops to patrol part of Syria's border with Turkey after a pullout ordered by US President Donald Trump that had opened the way for a Turkish assault.

"Alongside the bilateral relationship, current international questions" will be on the agenda at Merkel's office, spokeswoman Martina Fietz told reporters.

Pompeo also has meetings scheduled with Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas, finance minister Olaf Scholz and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Fietz declined to say whether the pair would discuss Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion for international troops to set up a "security zone" in north-east Syria.

The defence chief's suggestion has provoked discord in German politics, with foreign minister Maas blasted by MPs for calling it "unrealistic" on a visit to Turkey last week.

Maas had pointed to the reality on the ground, where Kurdish fighters have ceded ground to Turkish and Syrian troops as well as Russian units allied with the Damascus government.

Friday saw the first joint patrols between Ankara and Moscow's soldiers under a deal struck to ensure the Kurds departed.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected the idea of a U.N.-mandated security zone in a state television interview Thursday.

"We haven noted Mr Assad's comments but they change nothing about the federal government’s stated position on security and stability in the region," Fietz said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will host United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks in Berlin next Friday, a government spokeswoman said, as US forces resumed border patrols in northeast Syria. Pompeo's visit comes after Thursday's return by US troops to patrol part of Syria's border with Turkey after a pullout ordered by US President Donald Trump that had opened the way for a Turkish assault. "Alongside the bilateral relationship, current international questions" will be on the agenda at Merkel's office, spokeswoman Martina Fietz told reporters. Pompeo also has meetings scheduled with Germany's foreign minister Heiko Maas, finance minister Olaf Scholz and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Fietz declined to say whether the pair would discuss Kramp-Karrenbauer's suggestion for international troops to set up a "security zone" in north-east Syria. The defence chief's suggestion has provoked discord in German politics, with foreign minister Maas blasted by MPs for calling it "unrealistic" on a visit to Turkey last week. Maas had pointed to the reality on the ground, where Kurdish fighters have ceded ground to Turkish and Syrian troops as well as Russian units allied with the Damascus government. Friday saw the first joint patrols between Ankara and Moscow's soldiers under a deal struck to ensure the Kurds departed. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected the idea of a U.N.-mandated security zone in a state television interview Thursday. "We haven noted Mr Assad's comments but they change nothing about the federal government’s stated position on security and stability in the region," Fietz said.

Germany's Merkel set for talks with Pompeo next week

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water.

"We intend to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection. There are many areas both in environmental like waste management pure water and climate issues. India has rather low CO2 footprints. The future industrial development, of course, needs to be as sustainable as possible. 74 GW of renewable energy is here in India and that something that you have reiterated and moved forward. I can congratulate you on that part," Merkel said.

The German chancellor, who is in India for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Merkel thanked the Indian government for the warm hospitality and said the two countries are linked with strategic and friendly relationship. "I want to thank you personally and your minister for the warm hospitality. Our two countries are linked by a strategic relationship and also a friendly relationship."

Chancellor Merkel was accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, science and education, food and agriculture, and an official delegation. A business delegation comprising leaders of German companies also accompanied Chancellor Merkel. During the visit, Merkel held meetings with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi.

India and Germany held delegation-level talks and exchanged five joint declarations. Both countries also signed 17 Memoranda of Understandings.

"These memoranda of understandings show how broad our field of cooperation is and a declaration that we have adopted illustrated once again," Merkel said.

Merkel also asserted that Germany wishes to work with India in the field of technology.

"India has a huge potential here especially when it comes to digitalisation but the development is very fast and its a challenge. And if we work together it would be a wonderful way of cooperation," Merkel said.

The German chancellor said that the agreements are on trade innovation, investment and knowledge.

She noted that the economic relations between India and Germany have strengthened but they could be further intensified.

Merkel said that the two sides also discussed the issues of education and research cooperation.

"20,000 Indian nationals are studying in Germany. We would like to see even more. When it comes to vocational training, we want to have the exchange of teachers too," she added.

Merkel also called for improving cultural exchanges between the two nations.

"The exchange of culture is the field we can bring people together Germany can learn a lot about Indian culture. Indian culture is not present in Germany as it should be," she said.

During her address, Merkel also remembered Mahatama Gandhi and said that his peaceful revolution was inspiring for so many people across the globe.

"The fact that I can stand here before you today is linked to the fact that thirty years ago a wall was brought down in Berlin and was opened after a peaceful process and that shows us our tradition that Indian and German can be proud of," she said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday lauded India for its work in the field of renewable energy and said Berlin intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection including waste management and availability of pure water. "We intend to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection. There are many areas both in environmental like waste management pure water and climate issues. India has rather low CO2 footprints. The future industrial development, of course, needs to be as sustainable as possible. 74 GW of renewable energy is here in India and that something that you have reiterated and moved forward. I can congratulate you on that part," Merkel said. The German chancellor, who is in India for the fifth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), made these remarks during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Merkel thanked the Indian government for the warm hospitality and said the two countries are linked with strategic and friendly relationship. "I want to thank you personally and your minister for the warm hospitality. Our two countries are linked by a strategic relationship and also a friendly relationship." Chancellor Merkel was accompanied by ministers of foreign affairs, science and education, food and agriculture, and an official delegation. A business delegation comprising leaders of German companies also accompanied Chancellor Merkel. During the visit, Merkel held meetings with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi. India and Germany held delegation-level talks and exchanged five joint declarations. Both countries also signed 17 Memoranda of Understandings. "These memoranda of understandings show how broad our field of cooperation is and a declaration that we have adopted illustrated once again," Merkel said. Merkel also asserted that Germany wishes to work with India in the field of technology. "India has a huge potential here especially when it comes to digitalisation but the development is very fast and its a challenge. And if we work together it would be a wonderful way of cooperation," Merkel said. The German chancellor said that the agreements are on trade innovation, investment and knowledge. She noted that the economic relations between India and Germany have strengthened but they could be further intensified. Merkel said that the two sides also discussed the issues of education and research cooperation. "20,000 Indian nationals are studying in Germany. We would like to see even more. When it comes to vocational training, we want to have the exchange of teachers too," she added. Merkel also called for improving cultural exchanges between the two nations. "The exchange of culture is the field we can bring people together Germany can learn a lot about Indian culture. Indian culture is not present in Germany as it should be," she said. During her address, Merkel also remembered Mahatama Gandhi and said that his peaceful revolution was inspiring for so many people across the globe. "The fact that I can stand here before you today is linked to the fact that thirty years ago a wall was brought down in Berlin and was opened after a peaceful process and that shows us our tradition that Indian and German can be proud of," she said.

Merkel lauds India for its initiatives in the field of renewable energy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31&nbsp;to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC).

Ahead of the visit, the German Chancellor lauded India which she called "the largest democracy in the world" and her country would want to "work in the economics field" with New Delhi especially relating to "issues of smart cities, renewable energy and new forms of mobility".&nbsp;

"We will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship" and discuss "foreign and security policy issues - that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," the German Chancellor added.

Merkel added, that she is "especially impressed by the developmental dynamics of India" and it is important that "we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU, work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India..that would be a good win-win situation for both countries."

While Chancellor Merkel last visited India in October 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-at-g20-summit-discusses-ways-to-deepen-indo-german-ties-231118">PM Modi has been to Germany</a>&nbsp;four&nbsp;times -&nbsp;first in April 2015 when India was the partner country at Hannover Messe, which is one of the world's largest trade fairs and then twice in 2017 - for the 4th IGC meet and G20 Summit and then again last year.

Announcing the visit, a release from external affairs ministry&nbsp;said, "During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility, AI, etc. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest."

The visit comes even as Brexit remains a top concern in Europe and both EU and UK are scouting for partners.

There are 1.5 lakh Indians and people of Indian-origin in Germany including 15,000 Indian students. Most of the Indians are in the fields of IT, banking and other professions.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31 to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC).

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31 to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC). Ahead of the visit, the German Chancellor lauded India which she called "the largest democracy in the world" and her country would want to "work in the economics field" with New Delhi especially relating to "issues of smart cities, renewable energy and new forms of mobility". "We will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship" and discuss "foreign and security policy issues - that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," the German Chancellor added. Merkel added, that she is "especially impressed by the developmental dynamics of India" and it is important that "we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU, work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India..that would be a good win-win situation for both countries." While Chancellor Merkel last visited India in October 2015, PM Modi has been to Germany four times - first in April 2015 when India was the partner country at Hannover Messe, which is one of the world's largest trade fairs and then twice in 2017 - for the 4th IGC meet and G20 Summit and then again last year. Announcing the visit, a release from external affairs ministry said, "During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility, AI, etc. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest." The visit comes even as Brexit remains a top concern in Europe and both EU and UK are scouting for partners. There are 1.5 lakh Indians and people of Indian-origin in Germany including 15,000 Indian students. Most of the Indians are in the fields of IT, banking and other professions.

Ahead of visit, German Chancellor Merkel says impressed with India's development dynamics

The European Union told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson he must make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-make-major-concession-on-brexit-deal-the-times-newspaper-254717">significant concessions</a> if he wants to strike a last-minute Brexit deal.

As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-says-very-difficult-to-secure-brexit-deal-by-next-week-254692">Brexit descended into a public</a> row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election in Britain or an acrimonious divorce.

After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said striking a Brexit deal ahead of October 31 would be "very difficult" and the bloc could not accept Johnson's proposals. He added that a deal was "still possible."

"To put things frankly, we are not really in a position to be able to find agreement with the UK," Barnier told the European Parliament. He said he would be available 24x7 in the coming days to try to strike a deal.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was working for a Brexit deal, which he also said was still possible.

"I don't accept this blame game that started in London. Personally, I don't exclude a deal," Juncker told the European Parliament's plenary session.

"The risk of a no-deal remains real and basically is going to come down to a decision by the UK government, but will never be the choice - the preferred option - of the European Union."

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet at the Elysee Palace this Sunday ahead of an October 17-18 EU summit, Macron's office said.

"I'm still cautiously, cautiously optimistic," Johnson said.

EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour.

"There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official said. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported."

Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets.

A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union.

Short of an last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding he extend.

In the fevered atmosphere surrounding Brexit where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a deal.

"Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said.

Britain's Brexit minister, Steve Barclay, was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday.

Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit.

Johnson and Varadkar are due to meet on Thursday.

With chances of a deal receding, focus was turning back to British domestic politics, where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit.

Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next 10 days.

The European Union told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson he must make significant concessions if he wants to strike a last-minute Brexit deal. As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election in Britain or an acrimonious divorce.

The European Union told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson he must make significant concessions if he wants to strike a last-minute Brexit deal. As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election in Britain or an acrimonious divorce. After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game". The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said striking a Brexit deal ahead of October 31 would be "very difficult" and the bloc could not accept Johnson's proposals. He added that a deal was "still possible." "To put things frankly, we are not really in a position to be able to find agreement with the UK," Barnier told the European Parliament. He said he would be available 24x7 in the coming days to try to strike a deal. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was working for a Brexit deal, which he also said was still possible. "I don't accept this blame game that started in London. Personally, I don't exclude a deal," Juncker told the European Parliament's plenary session. "The risk of a no-deal remains real and basically is going to come down to a decision by the UK government, but will never be the choice - the preferred option - of the European Union." The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet at the Elysee Palace this Sunday ahead of an October 17-18 EU summit, Macron's office said. "I'm still cautiously, cautiously optimistic," Johnson said. EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour. "There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official said. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported." Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets. A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union. Short of an last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding he extend. In the fevered atmosphere surrounding Brexit where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a deal. "Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said. Britain's Brexit minister, Steve Barclay, was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday. Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit. Johnson and Varadkar are due to meet on Thursday. With chances of a deal receding, focus was turning back to British domestic politics, where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit. Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next 10 days.

Make significant concessions if you want Brexit deal: EU to British PM Johnson

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed" after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed" after meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. Hong Kong has been plunged into months of pro-democracy protests, and ahead of her three-day visit to China, this week demonstrators in the semi-autonomous city appealed to the German chancellor to support them in her meetings with China's leadership. Merkel said she had discussed tensions in the former British colony, and civil rights there, with her hosts and had "pointed out that these rights and freedoms must, of course, be guaranteed". "In the current situation everything must be done to avoid violence," Merkel said at a joint press conference with Li, as seen in video footage published by German media. "And the solutions can only be found in a political process meaning through dialogue." Watch Video: Merkel arrived in China on Thursday with a large business delegation in tow. The companies travelling with Merkel include Volkswagen, Allianz, and Deutsche Bank according to the German daily Bild, which carried a headline Friday that read: "Do our companies not care about Hong Kong's freedom?" Chinese officials blamed a lack of space due to a large contingent of journalists accompanying Merkel. In a statement, the German Federation of Journalists criticised the limited access as a "diplomatic farce". "What image do the organisers have of the travelling German press? Did they think that the chancellor of Germany is coming with her courtiers, who politely listen, ask no questions and report meekly?" it said. Merkel also met Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday evening, according to state news agency Xinhua, and the two leaders were scheduled to have dinner together. The German leader is also due to give a speech to university students in the central city of Wuhan on Saturday. Ahead of her trip, prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and others had recalled in an open letter published by Bild on Wednesday that Merkel grew up in the communist police state of East Germany. "You have the first-hand experience of the terrors of a dictatorial government," the letter read. "We hope that you will express your concern about our catastrophic situation and that you will convey our demands to the Chinese government during your stay in China." Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China. In their open letter, the protesters also warned that "Germany should be on its guard before doing business with China, as China does not comply with international law and has repeatedly broken its promises". Many Chinese dissidents have been given refuge in Germany, including artist Ai Weiwei. In May, two former Hong kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the semi-autonomous Chinese city receiving such protection. On a visit to China last year, Merkel met with the wife of a Chinese human rights lawyer charged with state subversion, an extremely rare meeting between a dissident and a visiting head of state. The trip marks her 12th visit to China as chancellor. Xinhua said in a commentary on Friday that Merkel's visit came as "productive cooperation between the world's two major economies is much needed against the backdrop of global uncertainties". The agency said China accounted for the largest share of imports into Germany in 2018 with goods worth 106.2 billion euros ($117.4 billion). In a statement, the German Federation of Journalists criticised the limited access as a "diplomatic farce". "What image do the organisers have of the travelling German press? Did they think that the chancellor of Germany is coming with her courtiers, who politely listen, ask no questions and report meekly?" it said. Merkel also met Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday evening, according to state news agency Xinhua, and the two leaders were scheduled to have dinner together. The German leader is also due to give a speech to university students in the central city of Wuhan on Saturday. Ahead of her trip, prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong and others had recalled in an open letter published by Bild on Wednesday that Merkel grew up in the communist police state of East Germany. "You have the first-hand experience of the terrors of a dictatorial government," the letter read. "We hope that you will express your concern about our catastrophic situation and that you will convey our demands to the Chinese government during your stay in China." Hong Kong has endured dozens of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests triggered by opposition to a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China. In their open letter, the protesters also warned that "Germany should be on its guard before doing business with China, as China does not comply with international law and has repeatedly broken its promises". Many Chinese dissidents have been given refuge in Germany, including artist Ai Weiwei. In May, two former Hong Kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the semi-autonomous Chinese city receiving such protection. On a visit to China last year, Merkel met with the wife of a Chinese human rights lawyer charged with state subversion, an extremely rare meeting between a dissident and a visiting head of state. The trip marks her 12th visit to China as chancellor. Xinhua said in a commentary on Friday that Merkel's visit came as "productive cooperation between the world's two major economies is much needed against the backdrop of global uncertainties". The agency said China accounted for the largest share of imports into Germany in 2018 with goods worth $117.4 billion.

Everything must be done in Hong Kong to avoid violence: Merkel to Chinese premier

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government.

Both Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the SPD are expected to lose support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Brandenburg and Saxony.

But polls show that the SPD will be the bigger losers when the voting ends at 1600 GMT. Exit polls are due then.

The AfD is harnessing voter anger over refugees and the planned closure of coal mines in the two regions and cast themselves as the heirs of the demonstrators who brought about the fall of the Berlin Wall three decades ago.&nbsp;

The SPD is almost tied with the anti-immigrant AfD in Brandenburg, where an unprecedented victory for the far-right party would amplify leftist voices in the centre-left party who want out of the coalition to rebuild in opposition.

The latest poll put the Social Democrats on 22%, just 1 point ahead of the AfD in Brandenburg, the state neighbouring Poland that has been governed by the SPD since German reunification three decades ago.&nbsp;

"Earthquake in the east, earthquake in Berlin?," headlined the Munich-based Merkur newspaper. "A resounding (SPD) defeat in the east would be grist to the mill of critics (of the coalition)."

The SPD has been run by an interim leadership team since their leader stepped down in June after painful losses in the elections for the European Parliament and support for the party nationally is at a record low of about 15%.

SPD delegates are expected to elect a new leader in December and the party has promised members to assess the partnership with Merkel`s conservatives at the end of this year.

Cracks in coalition

A coalition breakdown could trigger a snap federal election before 2021, an unappealing option for the SPD given that national polls have put Merkel`s conservatives first, with the Greens close behind and the SPD trailing on a par with the AfD.

Another option would be a conservative minority government, anathema to stability-loving Germans.

To tame opponents of continuing to serve in Merkel`s government, SPD leaders could demand painful concessions from the conservatives, such as generous state pensions for low-income workers and higher taxes for the rich.

This would anger many conservatives who prefer tax relief for companies and widen cracks in an unwieldy coalition that has been weakened by disputes over asylum policy, tax and pensions.

"The coalition is no end in itself for us," Ralph Brinkhaus, conservative leader in the national parliament warned the SPD in an interview with Focus Magazine. "We as conservatives are surely not going to bend over backwards just to reach 2021."&nbsp;

Merkel`s CDU has widened their lead over the AfD in Saxony, where they have governed since 1990.

But support for the conservatives in the state of 4 million people on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic is expected to fall by more than 7 points to 32% as they lose voters to both the AfD and Greens.

A humiliating outcome in Saxony is likely to renew debate among conservatives about whether CDU leader and Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, aka AKK, is the right person to lead them into the next national election.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely seen as the most likely successor to Merkel who will not run as chancellor in the 2021 federal election, has seen her popularity slide since taking over as CDU leader last year after damaging gaffes.

"It`s going to be tough for AKK. She has to prove she is fit for the defence minister post. As CDU leader she would also be needed to deal with any SPD moves to leave the coalition," wrote the Berliner Morgenpost.

"Will her authority suffice? Her popularity is at the bottom and bad election results will lead to a discussion among conservatives about her future," the newspaper added.&nbsp;

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government.

Elections in two east German states on Sunday are set to yield a surge in support for the far right and raise the pressure on conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel`s Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners to quit her government. Both Merkel`s Christian Democrats (CDU) and the SPD are expected to lose support to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Brandenburg and Saxony. But polls show that the SPD will be the bigger losers when the voting ends at 1600 GMT. Exit polls are due then. The AfD is harnessing voter anger over refugees and the planned closure of coal mines in the two regions and cast themselves as the heirs of the demonstrators who brought about the fall of the Berlin Wall three decades ago. The SPD is almost tied with the anti-immigrant AfD in Brandenburg, where an unprecedented victory for the far-right party would amplify leftist voices in the centre-left party who want out of the coalition to rebuild in opposition. The latest poll put the Social Democrats on 22%, just 1 point ahead of the AfD in Brandenburg, the state neighbouring Poland that has been governed by the SPD since German reunification three decades ago. "Earthquake in the east, earthquake in Berlin?," headlined the Munich-based Merkur newspaper. "A resounding (SPD) defeat in the east would be grist to the mill of critics (of the coalition)." The SPD has been run by an interim leadership team since their leader stepped down in June after painful losses in the elections for the European Parliament and support for the party nationally is at a record low of about 15%. SPD delegates are expected to elect a new leader in December and the party has promised members to assess the partnership with Merkel`s conservatives at the end of this year. Cracks in coalition A coalition breakdown could trigger a snap federal election before 2021, an unappealing option for the SPD given that national polls have put Merkel`s conservatives first, with the Greens close behind and the SPD trailing on a par with the AfD. Another option would be a conservative minority government, anathema to stability-loving Germans. To tame opponents of continuing to serve in Merkel`s government, SPD leaders could demand painful concessions from the conservatives, such as generous state pensions for low-income workers and higher taxes for the rich. This would anger many conservatives who prefer tax relief for companies and widen cracks in an unwieldy coalition that has been weakened by disputes over asylum policy, tax and pensions. "The coalition is no end in itself for us," Ralph Brinkhaus, conservative leader in the national parliament warned the SPD in an interview with Focus Magazine. "We as conservatives are surely not going to bend over backwards just to reach 2021." Merkel`s CDU has widened their lead over the AfD in Saxony, where they have governed since 1990. But support for the conservatives in the state of 4 million people on the border with Poland and the Czech Republic is expected to fall by more than 7 points to 32% as they lose voters to both the AfD and Greens. A humiliating outcome in Saxony is likely to renew debate among conservatives about whether CDU leader and Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, aka AKK, is the right person to lead them into the next national election. Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely seen as the most likely successor to Merkel who will not run as chancellor in the 2021 federal election, has seen her popularity slide since taking over as CDU leader last year after damaging gaffes. "It`s going to be tough for AKK. She has to prove she is fit for the defence minister post. As CDU leader she would also be needed to deal with any SPD moves to leave the coalition," wrote the Berliner Morgenpost. "Will her authority suffice? Her popularity is at the bottom and bad election results will lead to a discussion among conservatives about her future," the newspaper added.

'Earthquake' elections in east Germany could jolt Merkel's coalition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-health-is-a-private-matter-germans-say-after-shaking-bouts-235572">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> on Friday condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-donald-trump-236999">President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great."

"I firmly distance myself from (the attacks) and I feel solidarity towards" the women, she told journalists.

"In my view, the strength of America lies in that people from different (origins) contributed to what makes the country great."

Trump on Sunday urged a group of four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- all American citizens and three of them US-born -- to "go back" to their countries of origin.

Despite a domestic uproar over the comments which were deemed "racist" by the House of Representatives, Trump repeatedly renewed his attack.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave ... This is about love for America, certain people hate our country," he tweeted on Tuesday, while repeating the same message to a rally on Wednesday.

International condemnation has rained down over the comments, with British Prime Minister Theresa May calling them "completely unacceptable" and New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern saying she "completely and utterly" disagrees with him.

While usually refraining from commenting on other countries' domestic politics, Merkel on Friday also had markedly sharp words about Trump's latest attacks.

Questions over racism are particularly sensitive in Germany given its Nazi past, and the government routinely speaks out forcefully in favour of tolerance and diversity.

While Merkel had shared a visibly warm relationship with former US president Barack Obama, her contact with Trump has been formal and firm.&nbsp;

Setting the tone from the start, Merkel in her first phone call with Trump after he took office offered cooperation, but also reminded him of democratic values.

That phone call led some commentators to suggest she had taken on the mantle of the "leader of the free world", a title usually reserved for US presidents.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great." "I firmly distance myself from (the attacks) and I feel solidarity towards" the women, she told journalists. "In my view, the strength of America lies in that people from different (origins) contributed to what makes the country great." Trump on Sunday urged a group of four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- all American citizens and three of them US-born -- to "go back" to their countries of origin. Despite a domestic uproar over the comments which were deemed "racist" by the House of Representatives, Trump repeatedly renewed his attack. "If you're not happy here, you can leave ... This is about love for America, certain people hate our country," he tweeted on Tuesday, while repeating the same message to a rally on Wednesday. International condemnation has rained down over the comments, with British Prime Minister Theresa May calling them "completely unacceptable" and New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern saying she "completely and utterly" disagrees with him. While usually refraining from commenting on other countries' domestic politics, Merkel on Friday also had markedly sharp words about Trump's latest attacks. Questions over racism are particularly sensitive in Germany given its Nazi past, and the government routinely speaks out forcefully in favour of tolerance and diversity. While Merkel had shared a visibly warm relationship with former US president Barack Obama, her contact with Trump has been formal and firm. Setting the tone from the start, Merkel in her first phone call with Trump after he took office offered cooperation, but also reminded him of democratic values. That phone call led some commentators to suggest she had taken on the mantle of the "leader of the free world", a title usually reserved for US presidents.

Trump tweets go against what makes America great: Angela Merkel

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly.

"The secret to happiness is freedom. The secret to freedom is courage. Let's have courage together," she urged lawmakers, citing the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. &nbsp;

"A speech is just a speech, it's limited," she admitted, urging members to consult a hastily put together manifesto designed to answer demands from conservative, socialist and liberal pro-European parties.&nbsp;

She promised: "A climate-neutral Europe in 2015. A more social and competitive Europe. A Europe that makes use of its full potential.&nbsp;

"A Europe that has a new push on European democracy and a strong Europe that protects our European way of life."

Von der Leyen had&nbsp;had only a short time since the 28 EU leaders nominated her to win over the main centre-right EPP, socialist S&amp;D and liberal Renew Europe blocs she hopes will get her the necessary 374 votes.

The Brussels-born political blueblood and London School of Economics graduate is the only minister to have served with Merkel since the beginning of her marathon reign in 2005 and previously ran the family affairs and labour ministries.

A life-long high achiever, she has at times drawn envy and animosity for her best-in-class style. But she has played up the persona of a super-mum with iron discipline in her campaign for the top EU job.

She was once dubbed "the soloist" for her go-it-alone style, and a recent opinion poll by Bild am Sonntag newspaper rated her as the second-least popular member of Merkel's cabinet.

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday. The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly.

German minister Ursula von der Leyen was narrowly voted the new EU chief on Tuesday. The 60-year-old ex-defence minister will replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission after the vote in Strasbourg assembly. "The secret to happiness is freedom. The secret to freedom is courage. Let's have courage together," she urged lawmakers, citing the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. "A speech is just a speech, it's limited," she admitted, urging members to consult a hastily put together manifesto designed to answer demands from conservative, socialist and liberal pro-European parties. She promised: "A climate-neutral Europe in 2015. A more social and competitive Europe. A Europe that makes use of its full potential. "A Europe that has a new push on European democracy and a strong Europe that protects our European way of life." Von der Leyen had had only a short time since the 28 EU leaders nominated her to win over the main centre-right EPP, socialist S&D and liberal Renew Europe blocs she hopes will get her the necessary 374 votes. The Brussels-born political blueblood and London School of Economics graduate is the only minister to have served with Merkel since the beginning of her marathon reign in 2005 and previously ran the family affairs and labour ministries. A life-long high achiever, she has at times drawn envy and animosity for her best-in-class style. But she has played up the persona of a super-mum with iron discipline in her campaign for the top EU job. She was once dubbed "the soloist" for her go-it-alone style, and a recent opinion poll by Bild am Sonntag newspaper rated her as the second-least popular member of Merkel's cabinet.

Lawmakers narrowly approve Von der Leyen as EU chief

German Chancellor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-seen-trembling-at-official-ceremony-says-she-was-just-a-bit-dehydrated-228659">Angela Merkel was seen shaking</a> as she met President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, her second such bout within two weeks, but her spokesman said she was fine.

Merkel, 64, was attending a farewell ceremony for Justice Minister Katharina Barley, who is leaving to become a lawmaker in the European Parliament.

The spokesman said Merkel would take part later in the swearing-in of the new justice minister.

On June 18, Merkel was also seen shaking when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy but later said she felt better after drinking some water.

Asked if the chancellor would take part in this weekend's G20 meeting in Japan, the spokesman said by telephone that "everything is taking place as planned. The chancellor is well."

Merkel appeared her usual self when she fielded questions from lawmakers during an hour-long session in parliament on Wednesday, shortly after which she gave a speech at the Humboldt University of Berlin.

The chancellor faces a gruelling schedule in the coming days.

Later on Thursday, she flies to Japan for the G20 meeting before heading to Brussels for an EU summit on Sunday at which she will play a key role in trying to seal a deal on the distribution of the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen shaking as she met President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, her second such bout within two weeks, but her spokesman said she was fine.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen shaking as she met President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, her second such bout within two weeks, but her spokesman said she was fine. Merkel, 64, was attending a farewell ceremony for Justice Minister Katharina Barley, who is leaving to become a lawmaker in the European Parliament. The spokesman said Merkel would take part later in the swearing-in of the new justice minister. On June 18, Merkel was also seen shaking when she met visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy but later said she felt better after drinking some water. Asked if the chancellor would take part in this weekend's G20 meeting in Japan, the spokesman said by telephone that "everything is taking place as planned. The chancellor is well." Merkel appeared her usual self when she fielded questions from lawmakers during an hour-long session in parliament on Wednesday, shortly after which she gave a speech at the Humboldt University of Berlin. The chancellor faces a gruelling schedule in the coming days. Later on Thursday, she flies to Japan for the G20 meeting before heading to Brussels for an EU summit on Sunday at which she will play a key role in trying to seal a deal on the distribution of the bloc's top jobs for the next five years.

German Chancellor Merkel seen 'shaking' for second time in 9 days

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both will be coming to India for the 2nd informal summit. In May last year, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal summit in the resort town of Sochi in Russia.

In April 2018, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the informal summit in Wuhan which came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis of 2017 which saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies in the Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing.

Another important visit will be that of the German Chancellor who will be visiting India for the 5th Intergovernmental Consultation. Confirming the visit, the new German envoy, Walter J Lindner told WION, "Chancellor will come again to India, at the end of the year. We have not yet fixed the date, but it will be October and November."

Chancellor Merkel visited India in October 2015. PM Modi visited Germany four times during his first term.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit is yet to be confirmed, New Delhi was ready to host the Isreali leader even before the dates of general elections were announced. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues.

Asked when the visit will happen, Isreali envoy to India Ron Malka told WION, "hopefully in the near future, we will see, some kind of a visit, I am not sure when it will be, it is a matter of schedule. The PM wanted to come and will come."

Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to India in 2018 while Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in July 2017.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

The annual summit has become an occasion for both sides to show special gestures as part of growing ties between the two countries. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi in 2018. It was the first time when such a reception was extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, PM Abe visited PM Modi's home state Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

With the general elections over and the new government all set to take the charge, a lot of incoming foreign visits are expected in months to come. Four important visits are already confirmed which include a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both will be coming to India for the 2nd informal summit. In May last year, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for an informal summit in the resort town of Sochi in Russia. In April 2018, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the informal summit in Wuhan which came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis of 2017 which saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies in the Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing. Another important visit will be that of the German Chancellor who will be visiting India for the 5th Intergovernmental Consultation. Confirming the visit, the new German envoy, Walter J Lindner told WION, "Chancellor will come again to India, at the end of the year. We have not yet fixed the date, but it will be October and November." Chancellor Merkel visited India in October 2015. PM Modi visited Germany four times during his first term. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit is yet to be confirmed, New Delhi was ready to host the Isreali leader even before the dates of general elections were announced. The visit could not take place due to scheduling issues. Asked when the visit will happen, Isreali envoy to India Ron Malka told WION, "hopefully in the near future, we will see, some kind of a visit, I am not sure when it will be, it is a matter of schedule. The PM wanted to come and will come." Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to India in 2018 while Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in July 2017. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. The annual summit has become an occasion for both sides to show special gestures as part of growing ties between the two countries. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi in 2018. It was the first time when such a reception was extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, PM Abe visited PM Modi's home state Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

Putin, Xi Jinping, Merkel, Shinzo Abe and Netanyahu to visit India this year

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

A possible delay to the March 29 exit date, which British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to seek, will top the agenda when EU leaders meet in Brussels late next week.

While German conservatives would prefer Britain to stay in the EU or else adopt Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, senior conservative lawmaker Detlef Seif said that failing those scenarios he would back a delay until end-2020.

In the event of a such delay, Seif told Reuters: "I am of the view that we should change the EU`s guidelines."

After Britain voted to leave in 2016, European negotiators stuck firmly to a two-stage approach, refusing to discuss anything about future trading ties until London settled its financial obligations, agreed mutually acceptable rules for expatriate citizens, and found a way to avoid trouble on the EU`s only land border with the United Kingdom – with the British province of Northern Ireland.

However, the difficulties of negotiating the divorce deal without opening up negotiations on future trading terms have led to problems over EU insistence on a "backstop" insurance policy for the border that has caused British lawmakers to refuse to ratify the deal.

Seif said shifting beyond the two-stage approach could assuage the concerns of Brexiteer members of parliament, including the European Research Group (ERG), who fear the backstop could leave Britain trapped in the customs union forever against its will.

"Psychologically, it is important that we change this, because the European Research Group thinks this is a trick," Seif said.

FUTURE RELATIONSHIP

In the event of a Brexit delay to end-2020, EU leaders could instruct their officials to negotiate with Britain on their future relationship: "In these 21 months to the end of 2020, we could say that we really want to negotiate straight away on the future relationship."

The development of new technology during this period could allow for `light touch` checks at the Irish border.

"Reasonable grounds for this (extension), would be to try to get these technical developments to make the backstop superfluous," Seif added, stressing that Britain would have to say what it wanted from an extension for it to be granted.

He believed Merkel`s conservative bloc in the German lower house could back the idea: "I expect that could find a majority."

Any suggestion from EU powerhouse Germany that Brussels should abandon its "sequencing" and switch to a form of talks more agreeable to London is likely to be seized on by May`s opponents in Britain as an indication a better deal is possible if they hold out.

However, it could also prompt other EU governments, keen to see an end to the uncertainty, to be wary of extending the Brexit deadline.

Merkel wants an orderly Brexit. The leader of her Christian Democratic Union said on Friday the EU should agree to a delay of Britain`s departure from the bloc if it would prevent a disorderly exit.

A German government spokesman said the next move on how to proceed with Brexit must come from London.

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.

Delaying Britain's exit from the European Union could present an opportunity to rework the bloc's approach to negotiating with London, an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday. A possible delay to the March 29 exit date, which British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to seek, will top the agenda when EU leaders meet in Brussels late next week. While German conservatives would prefer Britain to stay in the EU or else adopt Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, senior conservative lawmaker Detlef Seif said that failing those scenarios he would back a delay until end-2020. In the event of a such delay, Seif told Reuters: "I am of the view that we should change the EU`s guidelines." After Britain voted to leave in 2016, European negotiators stuck firmly to a two-stage approach, refusing to discuss anything about future trading ties until London settled its financial obligations, agreed mutually acceptable rules for expatriate citizens, and found a way to avoid trouble on the EU`s only land border with the United Kingdom – with the British province of Northern Ireland. However, the difficulties of negotiating the divorce deal without opening up negotiations on future trading terms have led to problems over EU insistence on a "backstop" insurance policy for the border that has caused British lawmakers to refuse to ratify the deal. Seif said shifting beyond the two-stage approach could assuage the concerns of Brexiteer members of parliament, including the European Research Group (ERG), who fear the backstop could leave Britain trapped in the customs union forever against its will. "Psychologically, it is important that we change this, because the European Research Group thinks this is a trick," Seif said. FUTURE RELATIONSHIP In the event of a Brexit delay to end-2020, EU leaders could instruct their officials to negotiate with Britain on their future relationship: "In these 21 months to the end of 2020, we could say that we really want to negotiate straight away on the future relationship." The development of new technology during this period could allow for `light touch` checks at the Irish border. "Reasonable grounds for this (extension), would be to try to get these technical developments to make the backstop superfluous," Seif added, stressing that Britain would have to say what it wanted from an extension for it to be granted. He believed Merkel`s conservative bloc in the German lower house could back the idea: "I expect that could find a majority." Any suggestion from EU powerhouse Germany that Brussels should abandon its "sequencing" and switch to a form of talks more agreeable to London is likely to be seized on by May`s opponents in Britain as an indication a better deal is possible if they hold out. However, it could also prompt other EU governments, keen to see an end to the uncertainty, to be wary of extending the Brexit deadline. Merkel wants an orderly Brexit. The leader of her Christian Democratic Union said on Friday the EU should agree to a delay of Britain`s departure from the bloc if it would prevent a disorderly exit. A German government spokesman said the next move on how to proceed with Brexit must come from London.

Merkel ally floats idea of broader talks with UK if Brexit delayed

There is still time to find a solution to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-no-deal-eu-exit-far-more-likely-if-parliament-rejects-pm-mays-deal-188021">Britain's exit from the EU</a>, German Chancellor<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-voices-hope-britain-can-avoid-no-deal-brexit-189485"> Angela Merkel </a>said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress.

Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo, Merkel stressed that "on the one hand, time is pressing" and businesses using "just-in-time" delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures.

However, she added, "From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides."

Britain is poised to leave the EU at the end of March following a 2016 referendum.

Merkel acknowledged the issue of the unpopular Northern Ireland backstop provision was "complicating"<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>talks.

The backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to EU customs rules.

She said the issue with the backstop was a "problem that is precisely defined and therefore one should be able to find a precisely defined solution".

"But this solution depends on the question of what the future relationship between Britain and the EU will be like and what type of trade deal we sign with each other," added the chancellor.

Throwing the ball into London's court, she stressed, "It will be very important for us to know what exactly the British side sees as its future relationship with the EU."

After meeting Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Monday, she urged "creativity" and "goodwill" to find a solution.&nbsp;

However, she was clear that any solution could only come via the political declaration attached to the withdrawal agreement — rather than re-opening talks on the actual exit deal.

There are concerns in London that any tweaks to the political declaration will not be legally binding.

Her Monday comments were seen as conciliatory and boosted the pound as British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to engage in further talks with EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock as the exit date approaches.

A top EU official, however, sounded the alarm bell after talks with British MPs.

Martin Selmayr, the right-hand man of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said the meeting had confirmed the view that the EU was right to start in December 2017 preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Merkel said relations between Britain and the EU bloc were currently strong and would remain that way.&nbsp;

"Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union," she quipped to laughter. 
&nbsp;

There is still time to find a solution to Britain's exit from the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress.

There is still time to find a solution to Britain's exit from the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress. Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo, Merkel stressed that "on the one hand, time is pressing" and businesses using "just-in-time" delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures. However, she added, "From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides." Britain is poised to leave the EU at the end of March following a 2016 referendum. Merkel acknowledged the issue of the unpopular Northern Ireland backstop provision was "complicating" Brexit talks. The backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to EU customs rules. She said the issue with the backstop was a "problem that is precisely defined and therefore one should be able to find a precisely defined solution". "But this solution depends on the question of what the future relationship between Britain and the EU will be like and what type of trade deal we sign with each other," added the chancellor. Throwing the ball into London's court, she stressed, "It will be very important for us to know what exactly the British side sees as its future relationship with the EU." After meeting Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Monday, she urged "creativity" and "goodwill" to find a solution. However, she was clear that any solution could only come via the political declaration attached to the withdrawal agreement — rather than re-opening talks on the actual exit deal. There are concerns in London that any tweaks to the political declaration will not be legally binding. Her Monday comments were seen as conciliatory and boosted the pound as British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to engage in further talks with EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock as the exit date approaches. A top EU official, however, sounded the alarm bell after talks with British MPs. Martin Selmayr, the right-hand man of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said the meeting had confirmed the view that the EU was right to start in December 2017 preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit. Merkel said relations between Britain and the EU bloc were currently strong and would remain that way. "Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union," she quipped to laughter.

Germany's Merkel says 'still time' to find Brexit solution

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions.

The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport.

"It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing."

The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk.

Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board.

Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage.&nbsp;

The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction.

Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip.

The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues.

Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled.

Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents. 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing. Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions. The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport. "It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing." The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk. Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board. Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage. The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction. Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip. The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues. Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled. Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents.

Germany's Merkel to miss G20 opening after aircraft woes

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217">joint</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-joint-statement-india-japan-pledge-partnership-in-maritime-security-space-exploration-digital-growth-174217"> statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration &amp; digital growth</a>

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries.

High-speed railway will be promoted, the Japanese PM said during the joint statement, adding that digital partnership will be improved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/lion-air-plane-crash-body-parts-found-as-rescue-agency-says-likely-all-189-aboard-crashed-jet-dead-174197">Lion Air plane crash: Body parts found as rescue agency says ‘likely’ all 189 aboard crashed jet dead</a>

All 189 passenger and crew aboard a crashed Indonesian jet were “likely” killed in the accident, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said Monday, as it announced it had found human remains.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-assumes-charge-as-sri-lankas-new-prime-minister-174191">Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister</a>

Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-merkel-will-not-seek-re-election-as-party-chairman-source-174185">German Chancellor Merkel will not seek re-election as party chairman: Source</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told leaders of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that she will not seek re-election as party chairwoman at a conference in early December, a senior party source said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-arrest-ex-oil-minister-ranatunga-over-shooting-174228">Sri Lanka police arrest ex-oil minister Ranatunga over shooting</a>

Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested deposed oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga over a shooting that killed one person on the weekend, police spokesman said.

In joint statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration & digital growth Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries.

In joint statement, India, Japan pledge partnership in maritime security, space exploration & digital growth Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and PM Modi today released a joint statement emphasising trade, maritime security and space exploration as the driving force between the two countries. High-speed railway will be promoted, the Japanese PM said during the joint statement, adding that digital partnership will be improved. Lion Air plane crash: Body parts found as rescue agency says ‘likely’ all 189 aboard crashed jet dead All 189 passenger and crew aboard a crashed Indonesian jet were “likely” killed in the accident, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said Monday, as it announced it had found human remains. Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister Former Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday assumed charge as Sri Lanka's new prime minister after the surprise sacking of his predecessor Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Maithripala Sirisena which plunged the island nation into an unprecedented political crisis. German Chancellor Merkel will not seek re-election as party chairman: Source German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told leaders of her Christian Democrats (CDU) that she will not seek re-election as party chairwoman at a conference in early December, a senior party source said on Monday. Sri Lanka police arrest ex-oil minister Ranatunga over shooting Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested deposed oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga over a shooting that killed one person on the weekend, police spokesman said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that there was "still a chance" for an accord with Britain to leave the EU but that Berlin was preparing for a no-deal Brexit.

"There is still a chance to achieve a good and sustainable exit accord," Merkel told parliament ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels that will focus on Brexit.

"At the same time it is of course part of responsible and forward-looking governance that we prepare for all scenarios. That includes the possibility that Britain will leave the EU without a deal."

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her ministers on Tuesday they would secure a Brexit deal if they stood together, calling for a show of unity to silence those pressing her to rethink her strategy for leaving the European Union.

A day before heading to Brussels for a summit, May is keen to show she has her cabinet's support after facing pressure from some members of her Conservative Party and the EU to change tack on Brexit, Britain's biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

Merkel&nbsp;said the efforts to find agreement were like "squaring the circle".

Less than six months before Britain is due to leave, the impasse has increased the possibility of a 'no deal' Brexit that could potentially disrupt trade, delay movement of goods and starve the world's fifth largest economy of investment.

May's spokesman said the cabinet had held "a very detailed and thorough discussion" on the border issue, with the team united in rejecting any deal that would split the United Kingdom and might "trap" Britain in the backstop indefinitely.

"The PM said there will no doubt be challenging moments ahead, that is in the nature of negotiations. She said she is committed to securing a Brexit that delivers on the referendum result, safeguards jobs and security, and which preserves our union," her spokesman told reporters.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that there was "still a chance" for an accord with Britain to leave the EU but that Berlin was preparing for a no-deal Brexit.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that there was "still a chance" for an accord with Britain to leave the EU but that Berlin was preparing for a no-deal Brexit. "There is still a chance to achieve a good and sustainable exit accord," Merkel told parliament ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels that will focus on Brexit. "At the same time it is of course part of responsible and forward-looking governance that we prepare for all scenarios. That includes the possibility that Britain will leave the EU without a deal." British Prime Minister Theresa May told her ministers on Tuesday they would secure a Brexit deal if they stood together, calling for a show of unity to silence those pressing her to rethink her strategy for leaving the European Union. A day before heading to Brussels for a summit, May is keen to show she has her cabinet's support after facing pressure from some members of her Conservative Party and the EU to change tack on Brexit, Britain's biggest policy shift in more than 40 years. Merkel said the efforts to find agreement were like "squaring the circle". Less than six months before Britain is due to leave, the impasse has increased the possibility of a 'no deal' Brexit that could potentially disrupt trade, delay movement of goods and starve the world's fifth largest economy of investment. May's spokesman said the cabinet had held "a very detailed and thorough discussion" on the border issue, with the team united in rejecting any deal that would split the United Kingdom and might "trap" Britain in the backstop indefinitely. "The PM said there will no doubt be challenging moments ahead, that is in the nature of negotiations. She said she is committed to securing a Brexit that delivers on the referendum result, safeguards jobs and security, and which preserves our union," her spokesman told reporters.

Merkel says 'still a chance' for deal on Brexit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries.

The visit by Merkel and members of her cabinet comes as part of German-Israeli government consultations held regularly, though the last one in 2017 was postponed, with scheduling conflicts cited as the official reason.

There were reports however that Merkel was unhappy with a law passed then related to Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

There has been no shortage of controversy ahead of this week's visit.

Last week at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Europe of "appeasement" of Iran, a word evoking European capitals' reluctance to stand up to Adolf Hitler in the run-up to World War II.

Netanyahu has been seeking to convince European countries to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Germany, like the other signatories to the hard-fought deal, has sought to keep it alive, saying it is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons for now. 
Netanyahu has also hit out at what he calls the EU's "absolutely crazy" demands of Israel, such as those related to his country's occupation of Palestinian territory.

As a counterweight, he has sought sympathetic ears within the EU among countries whose leaders' nationalist stances have been a thorn in Brussels' side, including Hungary.

Despite those issues and others, both sides seem determined to have the visit run smoothly.

Germany says the discussions will focus on economic ties, innovation and technology, while noting that the government-to-government consultations have been in place for 10 years.

It mentions Merkel's previous comments on the responsibility toward Israel that Germany bears as the perpetrator of the Holocaust.

Felix Klein, who heads the German government's fight against anti-Semitism, will be part of the delegation. Fears of a resurgence in anti-Semitism in Germany are expected to be discussed.

"Germany and Israel are linked by a unique relationship," Merkel said in her weekly podcast. 
"And we are grateful that we are now close partners and friends."

There will be no meetings with Palestinian officials during the one-day visit.

'She's lost hope'

EU nations have repeatedly criticised Israeli settlement building and warned over threats to remaining prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Germany has remained steadfast on the issue.

In recent weeks, it has joined calls against Israel's planned demolition of a Bedouin village located in a strategic area of the occupied West Bank.

On Tuesday, residents of the village, Khan al-Ahmar, displayed signs with Merkel's picture calling for help.

Yoram Ben-Zeev, a former Israeli ambassador to Germany, said Merkel would likely only "go through the motions" during the visit on issues related to the conflict with the Palestinians.

"I think that for the time being she's lost hope that things can move," Ben-Zeev told AFP, noting Trump's confusing statements on the conflict, Netanyahu's right-wing stance and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's unpopularity.

"Why should she put her hands in the fire?"&nbsp;

Netanyahu will likely want to speak about his country's main enemy Iran while possibly requesting Merkel's assistance in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Ben-Zeev.

Russia has been angered by the recent accidental downing of one of its planes by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid in Syria.

It has delivered the advanced S-300 air defence system to Syria as part of its response, which could limit Israel's strikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets there.

A visit to Israel by Germany's then-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel in 2017 ended in acrimony when Netanyahu cancelled their meeting.

Netanyahu made the decision after Gabriel refused to call off meetings with rights groups critical of Israel's government.

When Gabriel visited again in January, the two met but Netanyahu publicly corrected him over his stance on a two-state solution.

Gabriel had said he was "very thankful to hear that, of course, also the government of Israel wants to have two states" with secure Israeli borders.

Netanyahu interjected to reiterate his position that Israel must maintain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement.

He declined to say whether that would mean Palestinian statehood or some lesser form of autonomy. 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries. The visit by Merkel and members of her cabinet comes as part of German-Israeli government consultations held regularly, though the last one in 2017 was postponed, with scheduling conflicts cited as the official reason. There were reports however that Merkel was unhappy with a law passed then related to Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank. There has been no shortage of controversy ahead of this week's visit. Last week at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Europe of "appeasement" of Iran, a word evoking European capitals' reluctance to stand up to Adolf Hitler in the run-up to World War II. Netanyahu has been seeking to convince European countries to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Germany, like the other signatories to the hard-fought deal, has sought to keep it alive, saying it is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons for now. Netanyahu has also hit out at what he calls the EU's "absolutely crazy" demands of Israel, such as those related to his country's occupation of Palestinian territory. As a counterweight, he has sought sympathetic ears within the EU among countries whose leaders' nationalist stances have been a thorn in Brussels' side, including Hungary. Despite those issues and others, both sides seem determined to have the visit run smoothly. Germany says the discussions will focus on economic ties, innovation and technology, while noting that the government-to-government consultations have been in place for 10 years. It mentions Merkel's previous comments on the responsibility toward Israel that Germany bears as the perpetrator of the Holocaust. Felix Klein, who heads the German government's fight against anti-Semitism, will be part of the delegation. Fears of a resurgence in anti-Semitism in Germany are expected to be discussed. "Germany and Israel are linked by a unique relationship," Merkel said in her weekly podcast. "And we are grateful that we are now close partners and friends." There will be no meetings with Palestinian officials during the one-day visit. 'She's lost hope' EU nations have repeatedly criticised Israeli settlement building and warned over threats to remaining prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Germany has remained steadfast on the issue. In recent weeks, it has joined calls against Israel's planned demolition of a Bedouin village located in a strategic area of the occupied West Bank. On Tuesday, residents of the village, Khan al-Ahmar, displayed signs with Merkel's picture calling for help. Yoram Ben-Zeev, a former Israeli ambassador to Germany, said Merkel would likely only "go through the motions" during the visit on issues related to the conflict with the Palestinians. "I think that for the time being she's lost hope that things can move," Ben-Zeev told AFP, noting Trump's confusing statements on the conflict, Netanyahu's right-wing stance and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's unpopularity. "Why should she put her hands in the fire?" Netanyahu will likely want to speak about his country's main enemy Iran while possibly requesting Merkel's assistance in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Ben-Zeev. Russia has been angered by the recent accidental downing of one of its planes by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid in Syria. It has delivered the advanced S-300 air defence system to Syria as part of its response, which could limit Israel's strikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets there. A visit to Israel by Germany's then-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel in 2017 ended in acrimony when Netanyahu cancelled their meeting. Netanyahu made the decision after Gabriel refused to call off meetings with rights groups critical of Israel's government. When Gabriel visited again in January, the two met but Netanyahu publicly corrected him over his stance on a two-state solution. Gabriel had said he was "very thankful to hear that, of course, also the government of Israel wants to have two states" with secure Israeli borders. Netanyahu interjected to reiterate his position that Israel must maintain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement. He declined to say whether that would mean Palestinian statehood or some lesser form of autonomy.

Merkel, Netanyahu seek to brush past differences for Israel talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement.

Success in the upcoming negotiations depended "largely on what it is Britain really wants, and on this the discussion has still not been entirely clear", Merkel told a business conference in Berlin.

Merkel reiterated the stance of the remaining 27 EU members that "you can't belong to a single market if you want to stick to just one of its principles but not the other three".

Brussels believes May wants Britain to keep the benefits of free trade on goods with the EU without following its three other core principles, the free movement of people, services and capital over borders.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had hit back Friday at the EU after it roundly rejected her Brexit plan, saying its refusal to compromise was "not acceptable" and warning she was still prepared to walk away from the talks.

May blamed Brussels for the "impasse" just weeks ahead of a deadline to seal a deal -- and six months before Britain leaves the EU in March.

The EU summit in Salzburg had also raised the stakes by putting on ice a special summit planned for November to seal a deal, saying it would only happen if there is progress next month.

Merkel said the November special summit would "probably" take place but warned that "six to eight weeks of intense work lie ahead in which we have to make political decisions".

Progress could be achieved in October, she said, but added that any proposal should "formulate in the most concrete terms possible" what future relations should look like.

Otherwise, warned the chancellor, "the transition period could become too short to reach any kind of reasonable agreement".

May's government faces heightening pressure as it lacks a stable majority in parliament and could face defeat by MPs if and when it brings a final deal with Brussels for a vote.

Critics of May's Brexit proposal have launched a "Save Brexit Campaign" to push for a clean break with the EU.

Polls show the country is still more or less divided on Brexit, although a narrow majority might now support staying in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement. Success in the upcoming negotiations depended "largely on what it is Britain really wants, and on this the discussion has still not been entirely clear", Merkel told a business conference in Berlin. Merkel reiterated the stance of the remaining 27 EU members that "you can't belong to a single market if you want to stick to just one of its principles but not the other three". Brussels believes May wants Britain to keep the benefits of free trade on goods with the EU without following its three other core principles, the free movement of people, services and capital over borders. British Prime Minister Theresa May had hit back Friday at the EU after it roundly rejected her Brexit plan, saying its refusal to compromise was "not acceptable" and warning she was still prepared to walk away from the talks. May blamed Brussels for the "impasse" just weeks ahead of a deadline to seal a deal -- and six months before Britain leaves the EU in March. The EU summit in Salzburg had also raised the stakes by putting on ice a special summit planned for November to seal a deal, saying it would only happen if there is progress next month. Merkel said the November special summit would "probably" take place but warned that "six to eight weeks of intense work lie ahead in which we have to make political decisions". Progress could be achieved in October, she said, but added that any proposal should "formulate in the most concrete terms possible" what future relations should look like. Otherwise, warned the chancellor, "the transition period could become too short to reach any kind of reasonable agreement". May's government faces heightening pressure as it lacks a stable majority in parliament and could face defeat by MPs if and when it brings a final deal with Brussels for a vote. Critics of May's Brexit proposal have launched a "Save Brexit Campaign" to push for a clean break with the EU. Polls show the country is still more or less divided on Brexit, although a narrow majority might now support staying in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says still unclear what Britain wants in Brexit talks

Out of a hundred photos that were taken during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, this particular picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood out after it was surfaced on social media on Saturday..

The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit.

Merkel, in the picture can be seen, staring down US President Donald Trump while standing behind a table with both hands pressed firmly into its surface atop some documents.

With as neutral an expression as possible, she stares directly at President Trump, who sits on the other side of the table.

Merkel captioned the picture: "Day two of the G-7 summit in Canada: spontaneous meeting between two working sessions."

Though it is not known that what was really going on at that moment, the image garnered plenty of commentary from some experts on the internet.

While many said that the picture sums up Trump's time at G-7, several others called it a 'power dynamic'.&nbsp"Big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram," said a journalist Elena Cresci.

To many social media users the picture was something more than "a thousand words" while several others had a deeper interpretation of the photograph.

"It looks as if Madam Merkel is teaching The Donald a lesson! Preach Chacellor, preach!", "As US we apologise for his childish behavior", "Show him who's the boss Angela," a social media user said.

"It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times," tweeted American journalist Dan Rather.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram <a href="https://t.co/GK0EFWXqel">pic.twitter.com/GK0EFWXqel</a>
— Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) <a href="https://twitter.com/elenacresci/status/1005501663929565185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times. <a href="https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ">https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ</a>
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRather/status/1005579871978967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Merkel and Trump are also surrounded by slew of other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.

On the first day of the summit, which is being held in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies.

Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June.

The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit

Out of a hundred photos that were taken during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, this particular picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood out after it was surfaced on social media on Saturday.. The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit. Merkel, in the picture can be seen, staring down US President Donald Trump while standing behind a table with both hands pressed firmly into its surface atop some documents. With as neutral an expression as possible, she stares directly at President Trump, who sits on the other side of the table. Merkel captioned the picture: "Day two of the G-7 summit in Canada: spontaneous meeting between two working sessions." Though it is not known that what was really going on at that moment, the image garnered plenty of commentary from some experts on the internet. While many said that the picture sums up Trump's time at G-7, several others called it a 'power dynamic'. "Big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram," said a journalist Elena Cresci. To many social media users the picture was something more than "a thousand words" while several others had a deeper interpretation of the photograph. "It looks as if Madam Merkel is teaching The Donald a lesson! Preach Chacellor, preach!", "As US we apologise for his childish behavior", "Show him who's the boss Angela," a social media user said. "It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times," tweeted American journalist Dan Rather. big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram pic.twitter.com/GK0EFWXqel — Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) June 9, 2018 × It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times. https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ — Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 9, 2018 × Merkel and Trump are also surrounded by slew of other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. national security adviser John Bolton. On the first day of the summit, which is being held in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies. Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June.

This picture from G-7 summit 'speaks a thousand words'

Premier&nbsp;Li Keqiang said on Thursday&nbsp;China's constitution protects&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;after he was asked&nbsp;about&nbsp;Liu Xia, the widow of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo, with concern growing that&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;will not allow her to leave the country.

Liu Xia, an artist and poet who suffers from depression, has been under effective house arrest since her husband was awarded the prize in 2010. She has never been charged with any crime.

Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer in July while in Chinese custody, having been jailed in 2009 for inciting subversion.

Li answered a question&nbsp;about&nbsp;Liu Xia's freedom by saying&nbsp;China's constitution states that it respects and protects&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights. He said at a joint briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;he hoped&nbsp;China&nbsp;and Germany could&nbsp;talk&nbsp;about&nbsp;individual&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;cases on an equal basis.

"China&nbsp;will respect the actions taken in accordance with the law by judicial and law enforcement bodies, but at the same time we must respect&nbsp;humanitarianism and follow&nbsp;humanitarian principles," Li said.

"On relevant individual cases, we hope to have a dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We will explain our situation," Li said, without elaborating or mentioning Liu Xia by name.

Merkel&nbsp;had brought up&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights&nbsp;issues with him and&nbsp;China&nbsp;was willing to hold&nbsp;talks on the subject with Germany by the end of this year, he said.

China&nbsp;has repeatedly said Liu Xia is free and is accorded all&nbsp;rights&nbsp;guaranteed to her by Chinese law.

However,&nbsp;Beijing-based Western diplomats say she has been closely monitored by Chinese authorities since her husband's death and has only been able to meet and speak to friends and family in pre-arranged phone calls and visits.

Repeated delays by&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;in recent months over discussions that would allow Liu Xia to leave China&nbsp;have raised concern that she will be unable to fulfil her wish to live overseas, a Western diplomat involved in the case told Reuters.

Dozens of writers, poets and artists from around the world called last week for&nbsp;China&nbsp;to release Liu Xia after a friend who lives in Germany released details of a phone conversation where Liu Xia said she was prepared to die in&nbsp;China.

Western diplomats in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;took the rare step two weeks ago of attempting to visit Liu Xia in her home but were turned away by security personnel, an official of one of the embassies involved told Reuters. The official declined to be identified.

Germany and China were among the five nations that negotiated the Iran deal and have called for it to continue despite the U.S. pullout.

Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday China's constitution protects human rights after he was asked about Liu Xia, the widow of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Liu Xiaobo, with concern growing that Beijing will not allow her to leave the country. Liu Xia, an artist and poet who suffers from depression, has been under effective house arrest since her husband was awarded the prize in 2010. She has never been charged with any crime. Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer in July while in Chinese custody, having been jailed in 2009 for inciting subversion. Li answered a question about Liu Xia's freedom by saying China's constitution states that it respects and protects human rights. He said at a joint briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing he hoped China and Germany could talk about individual human rights cases on an equal basis. "China will respect the actions taken in accordance with the law by judicial and law enforcement bodies, but at the same time we must respect humanitarianism and follow humanitarian principles," Li said. "On relevant individual cases, we hope to have a dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and equality. We will explain our situation," Li said, without elaborating or mentioning Liu Xia by name. Merkel had brought up human rights issues with him and China was willing to hold talks on the subject with Germany by the end of this year, he said. China has repeatedly said Liu Xia is free and is accorded all rights guaranteed to her by Chinese law. However, Beijing-based Western diplomats say she has been closely monitored by Chinese authorities since her husband's death and has only been able to meet and speak to friends and family in pre-arranged phone calls and visits. Repeated delays by Beijing in recent months over discussions that would allow Liu Xia to leave China have raised concern that she will be unable to fulfil her wish to live overseas, a Western diplomat involved in the case told Reuters. Dozens of writers, poets and artists from around the world called last week for China to release Liu Xia after a friend who lives in Germany released details of a phone conversation where Liu Xia said she was prepared to die in China. Western diplomats in Beijing took the rare step two weeks ago of attempting to visit Liu Xia in her home but were turned away by security personnel, an official of one of the embassies involved told Reuters. The official declined to be identified.

China Premier meets Germany's Merkel in Beijing, hopes to talk about human rights

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US&nbsppressure to limit its influence in the Middle East.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, a long-time critic of the deal reached between Iran and six powers in 2015 before he took office, has threatened to pull out by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its “flaws”.

Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were rescinded in January 2016.

Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all.

"We are not worried about America's cruel decisions ... We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

"If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran."

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"If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be," said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation.

"But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist."

Tehran has made repeated threats to walk away if Trump does, but several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that as long as Tehran was not excluded from the global financial and trading system, it could consider respecting the accord.

Diplomats say Tehran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place.

EUROPEAN POWERS VOW TO UPHOLD DEAL

Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

Whatever Trump decides, France, Britain and Germany will stick to the deal because it is the best way to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb, French Foreign Minister Yean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday after meeting his German counterpart.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the deal, which is being policed by U.N. nuclear inspectors, "makes the world safer", and would do everything possible to uphold it.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, now in Washington for talks, said the deal had weaknesses but these could be remedied. "...At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times.

"I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them."

Even if Trump rejects a possible remedy being worked out by U.S. and European officials and decides to bring back sanctions, the most drastic U.S. measures targeting Iran's oil sales will not immediately resume.

There are at least two avenues potentially offering more time for talks after May 12.

The agreement has a dispute resolution clause that provides at least 35 days to consider a claim that any party has violated its terms. That can be extended if all parties agree.

And if Trump restores the core U.S. sanctions, under U.S. law he must wait at least 180 days before reimposing penalties on banks of nations that do not slash purchases of Iranian oil.

Iran's clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as demanded by the United States and its European allies. Tehran says its missile capabilities are purely defensive and nuclear ambitions only civilian in nature.

The UN&nbspnuclear watchdog says it is maintaining the "world's most robust verification regime" in Iran and has repeatedly said Tehran is complying with the deal terms.

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US&nbsppressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, a long-time critic of the deal reached between Iran and six powers in 2015 before he took office, has threatened to pull out by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its “flaws”. Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were rescinded in January 2016. Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all. "We are not worried about America's cruel decisions ... We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran." If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be,' said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation × "If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be," said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation. "But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist." Tehran has made repeated threats to walk away if Trump does, but several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that as long as Tehran was not excluded from the global financial and trading system, it could consider respecting the accord. Diplomats say Tehran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place. EUROPEAN POWERS VOW TO UPHOLD DEAL Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. Whatever Trump decides, France, Britain and Germany will stick to the deal because it is the best way to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb, French Foreign Minister Yean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday after meeting his German counterpart. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the deal, which is being policed by U.N. nuclear inspectors, "makes the world safer", and would do everything possible to uphold it. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, now in Washington for talks, said the deal had weaknesses but these could be remedied. "...At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times. "I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them." Even if Trump rejects a possible remedy being worked out by U.S. and European officials and decides to bring back sanctions, the most drastic U.S. measures targeting Iran's oil sales will not immediately resume. There are at least two avenues potentially offering more time for talks after May 12. The agreement has a dispute resolution clause that provides at least 35 days to consider a claim that any party has violated its terms. That can be extended if all parties agree. And if Trump restores the core U.S. sanctions, under U.S. law he must wait at least 180 days before reimposing penalties on banks of nations that do not slash purchases of Iranian oil. Iran's clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as demanded by the United States and its European allies. Tehran says its missile capabilities are purely defensive and nuclear ambitions only civilian in nature. The UN&nbspnuclear watchdog says it is maintaining the "world's most robust verification regime" in Iran and has repeatedly said Tehran is complying with the deal terms.

Iran says could remain in nuclear deal if its interests guaranteed: State TV

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote.

"That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said.

Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively.

Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time.

Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership

Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Saturday to attract more women to their ranks or else lose their status as one of Germany's two big popular parties, or 'Volksparteien'. Speaking on the 70th anniversary of her conservatives' women's union, Merkel said the CDU needed to boost the proportion of women in its membership above some 25 percent if it wanted to win more than 40 percent of the vote. "That's why this is not just a question of women who want to make a career, but it is a survival matter for this Volkspartei," she said. Both the mainstream political blocs - the CDU and their Bavarian allies, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD) - suffered their worst post-war election results in last September's national election - 33 and 21 percent respectively. Frustration about the influx of more than a million migrants since 2015 propelled the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) into parliament for the first time. Merkel, 63, is the CDU's first female leader and the first woman to be German chancellor. Earlier this year, the CDU elected another woman, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is sometimes dubbed 'mini-Merkel', as party general-secretary, putting her in pole position to succeed Merkel as chancellor.

We must attract more women to survive, Merkel tells her party

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that plans for a controversial second underwater pipeline to bring gas from Russia could not go forward without Ukrainian involvement in overland transit.

After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy.

"A Nord Stream 2 project without clarity about the Ukrainian transit role is not possible," Merkel said, after talks in Berlin with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The German leader said the pipeline plans, which have long thrown a wrench in bilateral ties, had played a big role in their discussions.

Merkel, who had previously called Nord Stream 2 a purely "economic project", admitted Tuesday there were "political factors that must be taken into account".

She added that in her talks with Poroshenko, "I listened closely to the concerns of Ukraine".

"The fact is that we cannot allow that, with Nord Stream 2, Ukraine would have no significance at all any more with regard to gas transit," Merkel told reporters at a joint press conference.&nbsp

She noted that while there would "always be dependence on Russian gas", Ukraine relied heavily on income from transit fees.&nbsp

"We never raised the question of stopping Ukraine transit," chief executive of Russian state gas company Gazprom Alexei Miller responded later Tuesday.

Between 10 and 15 million cubic metres per year could still reach Europe via Ukraine in future, he added -- although "the Ukrainian side must prove the economic expediency of a new transit contract".

15 billion cubic metres annually would represent a fraction of the gas volume that Russia hopes to supply to Europe by routes bypassing Ukraine once the existing transit contract expires in 2019.

Nord Stream's twin pipelines are slated to bring in 55 billion cubic metres per year, with a further 31.5 billion delivered via the dual Turkstream pipeline through Turkey.

In 2017, some 93.5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas transited Ukraine bound for Europe.

'Extremely unreliable partner'&nbsp

In an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt on Monday, Poroshenko urged Berlin to abandon plans to build Nord Stream 2, saying it would enable an "economic and energy blockade" against Ukraine and blasting it as "political bribe money for loyalty to Russia".

Authorities in Germany issued the final permits needed for construction of Nord Stream 2 on its territory and in its waters to begin last month, although other nations' green lights are still needed.

But "the Ukrainian transit pipeline is much cheaper and can be modernised cheaply and easily," Poroshenko insisted in the Handelsblatt interview.

He accused Russia of being an "extremely unreliable partner" in energy provision, pointing to state-owned energy firm Gazprom's refusal to pay Ukraine billions of euros after shutting off gas supplies in the middle of winter.

Ukraine has also urged sanctions against former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder over his vocal support of the Russian government and $500,000-a-year job on the board of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft, calling him "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's most important lobbyist".

&nbsp'Question our solidarity'

Gazprom accounts for around one third of Europe's gas supply.

Less and less gas has arrived via Ukraine in recent years, after Moscow's conflict with its former satellite which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula in 2014 -- prompting EU sanctions in response.

The pipeline project has also proved a bone of contention within Germany.

A rare cross-party alliance of high-ranking German politicians warned in February against allowing Nord Stream 2 to go ahead.

It would "split the EU politically and call into question our solidarity with Poland, our Baltic neighbours, Slovakia and Ukraine, but also Sweden and Denmark," they wrote.

During a visit to Berlin in February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki cautioned that a single gas producer -- Russia -- must "not be allowed to have a monopoly and force its prices on the European Union".

During their press conference, both Merkel and Poroshenko denounced repeated violations of a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, with Merkel calling progress in reducing tensions "limited". &nbsp

The armed conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed rebels has claimed more than 10,000 lives since its outbreak in 2014.

Kiev and the West accuse Russia of supporting the separatists by deploying troops and arms, which Moscow denies despite evidence to the contrary.&nbsp

A string of ceasefire deals have helped to reduce the violence but nevertheless sporadic clashes still erupt between the warring sides.

After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that plans for a controversial second underwater pipeline to bring gas from Russia could not go forward without Ukrainian involvement in overland transit. After months of tension with eastern neighbours and the European Commission over the so-called Nord Stream 2 project, Merkel's concession to Kiev's grave concerns marks a striking shift in policy. "A Nord Stream 2 project without clarity about the Ukrainian transit role is not possible," Merkel said, after talks in Berlin with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The German leader said the pipeline plans, which have long thrown a wrench in bilateral ties, had played a big role in their discussions. Merkel, who had previously called Nord Stream 2 a purely "economic project", admitted Tuesday there were "political factors that must be taken into account". She added that in her talks with Poroshenko, "I listened closely to the concerns of Ukraine". "The fact is that we cannot allow that, with Nord Stream 2, Ukraine would have no significance at all any more with regard to gas transit," Merkel told reporters at a joint press conference. She noted that while there would "always be dependence on Russian gas", Ukraine relied heavily on income from transit fees. "We never raised the question of stopping Ukraine transit," chief executive of Russian state gas company Gazprom Alexei Miller responded later Tuesday. Between 10 and 15 million cubic metres per year could still reach Europe via Ukraine in future, he added -- although "the Ukrainian side must prove the economic expediency of a new transit contract". 15 billion cubic metres annually would represent a fraction of the gas volume that Russia hopes to supply to Europe by routes bypassing Ukraine once the existing transit contract expires in 2019. Nord Stream's twin pipelines are slated to bring in 55 billion cubic metres per year, with a further 31.5 billion delivered via the dual Turkstream pipeline through Turkey. In 2017, some 93.5 billion cubic metres of Russian gas transited Ukraine bound for Europe. 'Extremely unreliable partner' In an interview with German business daily Handelsblatt on Monday, Poroshenko urged Berlin to abandon plans to build Nord Stream 2, saying it would enable an "economic and energy blockade" against Ukraine and blasting it as "political bribe money for loyalty to Russia". Authorities in Germany issued the final permits needed for construction of Nord Stream 2 on its territory and in its waters to begin last month, although other nations' green lights are still needed. But "the Ukrainian transit pipeline is much cheaper and can be modernised cheaply and easily," Poroshenko insisted in the Handelsblatt interview. He accused Russia of being an "extremely unreliable partner" in energy provision, pointing to state-owned energy firm Gazprom's refusal to pay Ukraine billions of euros after shutting off gas supplies in the middle of winter. Ukraine has also urged sanctions against former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder over his vocal support of the Russian government and $500,000-a-year job on the board of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft, calling him "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's most important lobbyist". 'Question our solidarity' Gazprom accounts for around one third of Europe's gas supply. Less and less gas has arrived via Ukraine in recent years, after Moscow's conflict with its former satellite which saw Russia annex the Crimean peninsula in 2014 -- prompting EU sanctions in response. The pipeline project has also proved a bone of contention within Germany. A rare cross-party alliance of high-ranking German politicians warned in February against allowing Nord Stream 2 to go ahead. It would "split the EU politically and call into question our solidarity with Poland, our Baltic neighbours, Slovakia and Ukraine, but also Sweden and Denmark," they wrote. During a visit to Berlin in February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki cautioned that a single gas producer -- Russia -- must "not be allowed to have a monopoly and force its prices on the European Union". During their press conference, both Merkel and Poroshenko denounced repeated violations of a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, with Merkel calling progress in reducing tensions "limited". The armed conflict between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed rebels has claimed more than 10,000 lives since its outbreak in 2014. Kiev and the West accuse Russia of supporting the separatists by deploying troops and arms, which Moscow denies despite evidence to the contrary. A string of ceasefire deals have helped to reduce the violence but nevertheless sporadic clashes still erupt between the warring sides.

No Russia-German pipeline plan without Ukraine role: Merkel

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