NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas.

Trump, trailing in polls ahead of the November 9 presidential election, made his surprise announcement on Twitter on Wednesday, dramatically speeding up the timeline for ending America's longest war.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg repeated the alliance's longstanding position that it will end its mission in Afghanistan only when conditions on the ground permit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/human-rights-group-hails-acquittal-of-pakistani-christian-on-death-row-for-blasphemy-333523">Also read|&nbsp;Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy</a>

"We decided to go into Afghanistan together, we will make decisions on future adjustments together, and when the time is right, we will leave together," Stoltenberg said at a news conference after talks with North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

NATO went into Afghanistan following the 2001 US-led invasion to topple the Taliban in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks.

It ended its combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 and has vastly reduced its presence on the ground, but maintains a 12,000-strong force training and advising local forces.

Stoltenberg said NATO would only leave Afghanistan when it could do so without the risk of the country once again becoming a haven for militants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-us-forces-to-pull-out-from-afghanistan-by-christmas-333352">Also read|&nbsp;Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas</a>

"We will make decisions based on the conditions on the ground, because we think it is extremely important to continue to be committed to the future of Afghanistan, because it is in our interest to preserve the long term security of Afghanistan," he said.

It is not clear whether NATO had any advance warning of Trump's announcement, though Stoltenberg's statement that allies would now "consult on the future of the mission" appeared to indicate that it did not.

After intense US cajoling, the Afghan government and the Taliban last month opened peace talks in Doha, but negotiations have got off to a slow start.

Trump's timeline for withdrawing forces appeared to contradict his own national security advisor Robert O'Brien, who reportedly told an event that the US would cut troops to 2,500 by early 2021.

NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas.

NATO insisted Thursday that its members would consult and decide together on when to leave Afghanistan, after US President Donald Trump vowed to bring American troops home by Christmas. Trump, trailing in polls ahead of the November 9 presidential election, made his surprise announcement on Twitter on Wednesday, dramatically speeding up the timeline for ending America's longest war. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg repeated the alliance's longstanding position that it will end its mission in Afghanistan only when conditions on the ground permit. Also read| Human rights group hails acquittal of Pakistani Christian on death row for blasphemy "We decided to go into Afghanistan together, we will make decisions on future adjustments together, and when the time is right, we will leave together," Stoltenberg said at a news conference after talks with North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. NATO went into Afghanistan following the 2001 US-led invasion to topple the Taliban in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks. It ended its combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 and has vastly reduced its presence on the ground, but maintains a 12,000-strong force training and advising local forces. Stoltenberg said NATO would only leave Afghanistan when it could do so without the risk of the country once again becoming a haven for militants. Also read| Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas "We will make decisions based on the conditions on the ground, because we think it is extremely important to continue to be committed to the future of Afghanistan, because it is in our interest to preserve the long term security of Afghanistan," he said. It is not clear whether NATO had any advance warning of Trump's announcement, though Stoltenberg's statement that allies would now "consult on the future of the mission" appeared to indicate that it did not. After intense US cajoling, the Afghan government and the Taliban last month opened peace talks in Doha, but negotiations have got off to a slow start. Trump's timeline for withdrawing forces appeared to contradict his own national security advisor Robert O'Brien, who reportedly told an event that the US would cut troops to 2,500 by early 2021.

NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as&nbsp;"NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members."

However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria.

Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents&nbsp;were seized by the state and dissent&nbsp; was crushed.

Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states.

As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't&nbsp;represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a>

However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance.

The alliance

NATO, which was created in&nbsp;1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question.

Today,&nbsp;the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.

Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight.

However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year.

In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France.

NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However,&nbsp;Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies.

Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict&nbsp;in Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia.

NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls.

"It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said&nbsp;NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.

Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw.

"Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The conflict began 11 days ago and&nbsp;it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its&nbsp;relationship with many NATO allies is now straining.

Should turkey remain in the military alliance?

NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite&nbsp;vehement objections of the United States and NATO members.

The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's&nbsp;air defences.

The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page.

If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change,&nbsp;veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence.

In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO&nbsp;partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations&nbsp;— countries that share a border with Russia.

Reports say, Erdogan relented&nbsp;only after considerable pressure from Washington and&nbsp;this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all.

Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values.

If you surf the website of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), you will spot that it describes the political and military purpose of NATO as "NATO promotes democratic values. NATO's purpose is to guarantee freedom and security of its members." However, Turkey, a member of NATO, does not fit this criteria. Under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has descended into authoritarianism. He used a failed military coup in 2016 to tighten his grip on power.There was a massive purge within the military, the courts and the education system. Journalists were jailed, assets of political opponents were seized by the state and dissent was crushed. Erdogan has pushed Turkey into a new presidential system where he controls all levers of power. With the country firmly in his grasp Erdogan forged new alliances with Russia and China — two more authoritarian states. As a result, Turkey is now the biggest liability for NATO and it doesn't represent the values of the organisation. It has befriended the adversaries of NATO. All of this has made Turkey an unreliable partner. Also read| Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship However, NATO has still not taken an action on Turkey's changed stance. The alliance NATO, which was created in 1949, has 30 members. In the aftermath of the second world war, the purpose was to secure peace in Europe, especially against the Soviet Union. Then the Soviet Union fell and the relevance of NATO came into question. Today, the NATO says its allies are committed to democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. Turkey joined the organisation in 1952 because there was a synergy of interests. Turkey didn't want to fall under the Soviet influence and its military made key contributions in the fight. However, that is no longer the case. Today, Erdogan is on a collision course with the NATO. It is fighting the allies of NATO itself and that has been visible in Turkey's key activities in the past one year. In January, Turkey violated a United Nations arms embrago in Libya. Turkish warships escorted a vessel suspected of smuggling weapons into Libya. By June, Turkey was locked in a direct face-off against Greece and France. NATO's allies have sworn to protect each other. When one is in trouble, all members come to its rescue. However, Turkey was ready to wage a war against Greece to control oil and gas supplies. Now, Turkey is fueling another conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey is arming Azerbaijan against Armenia. NATO called for a ceasefire, but Turkey refuses to pay heed to such calls. "It is extremely important that we convey a very clear message to all parties that they should cease fighting immediately, that we should support all efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution because there is no military solution to the situation in and around nagorno-karabakh. And this has been a very clear message from me ever since the fighting started because it is dangerous for all those people involved but it is of course also something which is of great concern for all region and all nato allies," said NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg. Turkey wants to dictate the terms and wants NATO to first ask Armenia to withdraw. "Both countries are partners of nato. Therefore, it is normal that nato calls for a balanced ceasefire and a peaceful solution but everyone, namely nato, should call for the resolution of this problem under international laws, u.N. Resolutions and azerbaijan's territorial integrity, armenia immediately withdrawing from this region," said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. The conflict began 11 days ago and it is getting closer to a full scale war. Turkey is sending Syrian fighters to fight for Azerbaijan, and its relationship with many NATO allies is now straining. Should turkey remain in the military alliance? NATO has many reasons to expel Turkey. In 2019, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defence system despite vehement objections of the United States and NATO members. The alliance was concerned about this weapons deal because it is unlikely that Russian weaponry will integrate into NATO's air defences. The fissures between Turkey and NATO are getting wider. It is an alliance that operates on consensus and all members must be on the same page. If Turkey remains at odds with, it can stall any policy change, veto any military move and undermine the policy of collective defence. In fact, it's already doing it as Turkey has blocked NATO partnerships with Israel, Armenia, Egypt and the UAE. For the longest time, it blocked a plan for the defence of Poland and the baltic nations — countries that share a border with Russia. Reports say, Erdogan relented only after considerable pressure from Washington and this is not just about NATO. Having Turkey on such a major military alliance poses a threat for all. Erdogan is triggering conflicts and threatening peace, and an alliance that vows to uphold democractic values and peace, must hold its members accountable o dump them.

Fall of democracy: Turkey's Erdogan openly challenging NATO's values

Greece and Turkey set up a military hotline on Thursday to avoid accidental clashes in the eastern Mediterranean, where they are at loggerheads over energy resources and maritime borders, NATO said.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the breakthrough, which comes after several weeks of talks between military officials from the two alliance members.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

The two NATO members agreed to the talks after a standoff over gas exploration in contested waters led to a dramatic ramping-up of tensions, stoking fears that conflict could erupt, perhaps by accident.

"Following a series of technical meetings between the military representatives of Greece and Turkey at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, a bilateral military de-confliction mechanism was established on Thursday," NATO said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The mechanism is designed to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean. It includes the creation of a hotline between Greece and Turkey, to facilitate de-confliction at sea or in the air."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

Tensions between Greece and Turkey have eased somewhat in the last couple of weeks and the two governments have agreed to begin exploratory talks to resolve their dispute.

Stoltenberg thanked both sides for their "constructive engagement".

"This safety mechanism can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying dispute and we stand ready to develop it further," Stoltenberg said.

The announcement of the breakthrough came as EU leaders began tough summit talks on their relations with Turkey.

Greece and Turkey set up a military hotline on Thursday to avoid accidental clashes in the eastern Mediterranean, where they are at loggerheads over energy resources and maritime borders, NATO said.

Greece and Turkey set up a military hotline on Thursday to avoid accidental clashes in the eastern Mediterranean, where they are at loggerheads over energy resources and maritime borders, NATO said. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the breakthrough, which comes after several weeks of talks between military officials from the two alliance members. Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes The two NATO members agreed to the talks after a standoff over gas exploration in contested waters led to a dramatic ramping-up of tensions, stoking fears that conflict could erupt, perhaps by accident. "Following a series of technical meetings between the military representatives of Greece and Turkey at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, a bilateral military de-confliction mechanism was established on Thursday," NATO said in a statement. "The mechanism is designed to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the Eastern Mediterranean. It includes the creation of a hotline between Greece and Turkey, to facilitate de-confliction at sea or in the air." Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea Tensions between Greece and Turkey have eased somewhat in the last couple of weeks and the two governments have agreed to begin exploratory talks to resolve their dispute. Stoltenberg thanked both sides for their "constructive engagement". "This safety mechanism can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying dispute and we stand ready to develop it further," Stoltenberg said. The announcement of the breakthrough came as EU leaders began tough summit talks on their relations with Turkey.

Greece, Turkey set up hotline to avoid clashes in Eastern Mediterranean, says NATO

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Greece next week in a show of support following high tensions in the Mediterranean with Turkey, the State Department announced Thursday.

Pompeo will also travel to Italy, with a stop in Vatican City, to discuss religious freedom, and Croatia on the September 27-October 2 trip.

In his second trip to Greece in less than a year, Pompeo will go both to the northern city of Thessaloniki and the southern island of Crete, where he will meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-says-its-close-to-resuming-maritime-talks-with-turkey-329270">Also read:&nbsp;Greece says it's close to resuming maritime talks with Turkey</a>

Pompeo will "renew our shared commitment to advance security, peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and celebrate the strongest US-Greek relationship in decades," the State Department said.

In Crete, he will visit the NATO base at Souda Bay "to underscore the strong US security partnership with NATO ally Greece," it said.

Historic tensions flared last month when Turkey sent a vessel backed by military frigates to hunt for oil and gas reserves in waters also claimed by Greece.

Greece responded with naval exercises as a warning and has enjoyed especially vocal backing from France.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-against-iran-venezuelas-maduro-329294">Also read:&nbsp;US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro</a>

But the tone has recently softened between Greece and Turkey, also a NATO member, with the two agreeing Tuesday to begin exploratory talks on their dispute.

Pompeo earlier this month also discussed the row on a visit to Cyprus, the majority-Greek island whose northern third is occupied by Turkey.

The United States recently lifted a decades-long arms embargo on Cyprus, outraging Turkey.

But President Donald Trump has maintained warm relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who controversially helped persuade the US leader to pull troops from Syria.

Relations have been growing for several years between Washington and Athens, which has been building energy ties with US ally Israel.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Greece next week in a show of support following high tensions in the Mediterranean with Turkey, the State Department announced Thursday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Greece next week in a show of support following high tensions in the Mediterranean with Turkey, the State Department announced Thursday. Pompeo will also travel to Italy, with a stop in Vatican City, to discuss religious freedom, and Croatia on the September 27-October 2 trip. In his second trip to Greece in less than a year, Pompeo will go both to the northern city of Thessaloniki and the southern island of Crete, where he will meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Also read: Greece says it's close to resuming maritime talks with Turkey Pompeo will "renew our shared commitment to advance security, peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and celebrate the strongest US-Greek relationship in decades," the State Department said. In Crete, he will visit the NATO base at Souda Bay "to underscore the strong US security partnership with NATO ally Greece," it said. Historic tensions flared last month when Turkey sent a vessel backed by military frigates to hunt for oil and gas reserves in waters also claimed by Greece. Greece responded with naval exercises as a warning and has enjoyed especially vocal backing from France. Also read: US imposes sanctions against Iran, Venezuela's Maduro But the tone has recently softened between Greece and Turkey, also a NATO member, with the two agreeing Tuesday to begin exploratory talks on their dispute. Pompeo earlier this month also discussed the row on a visit to Cyprus, the majority-Greek island whose northern third is occupied by Turkey. The United States recently lifted a decades-long arms embargo on Cyprus, outraging Turkey. But President Donald Trump has maintained warm relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who controversially helped persuade the US leader to pull troops from Syria. Relations have been growing for several years between Washington and Athens, which has been building energy ties with US ally Israel.

Pompeo to show support for Greece amid Turkey tensions

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets.

Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes.

Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg don't have jets, they say, making the $6.6 billion&nbsp;plan a waste of money.

"Who is our enemy? Who is attacking a small, neutral country,&nbsp;surrounded by NATO?" asked Priska Seiler Graf, a member of parliament for the left-leaning Social Democrats. "It's really absurd."

Voters get their say on Sunday September&nbsp;27. Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus, the Rafale from France's Dassault, Boeing's&nbsp;F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin&nbsp;F35-A Lightning II.

The aircraft would replace&nbsp;Switzerland's aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets which will go out of service in 2030.

Seiler Graf said cheaper alternatives, such as a fighter version of Leonardo's M346 trainer, offered better value than the "expensive toys" under consideration. &nbsp;

"We need new aircraft, that is not disputed, but buying lighter, simpler aircraft would be enough," she said. "It would be better to have a Fiat than a Maserati."

Voters six years ago rejected the purchase of Gripen jets from Sweden. In 1989 a proposal to scrap its entire army got 35% of voter support.

Pollster Lukas Golder from GFS.Bern said voters are likely to back the plan to buy the jets. Armed neutrality is crucial to how&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;defines itself, he said, going back to the belief a strong army deterred invasion by Nazi Germany in World War II. The Pope's Swiss guards are also a reminder of the country's mercenary past.

Lawmaker Thomas Hurter from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, a former air force pilot, said&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;had to protect itself without relying on other countries.

"If we don't replace these old aircraft, that means we have no air force, there is no protection any more and we are not fulfilling our constitution," he said.

Smaller jets could not fly high enough, he said, or have the acceleration needed to react quickly to emergencies.

"We don't know what's going to happen in the next 50 years," Hurter said. "You need to have the fire brigade ready when there is a burning house, otherwise it's too late."

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets. Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes.

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets. Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes. Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg don't have jets, they say, making the $6.6 billion plan a waste of money. "Who is our enemy? Who is attacking a small, neutral country, surrounded by NATO?" asked Priska Seiler Graf, a member of parliament for the left-leaning Social Democrats. "It's really absurd." Voters get their say on Sunday September 27. Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus, the Rafale from France's Dassault, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin F35-A Lightning II. The aircraft would replace Switzerland's aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets which will go out of service in 2030. Seiler Graf said cheaper alternatives, such as a fighter version of Leonardo's M346 trainer, offered better value than the "expensive toys" under consideration. "We need new aircraft, that is not disputed, but buying lighter, simpler aircraft would be enough," she said. "It would be better to have a Fiat than a Maserati." Voters six years ago rejected the purchase of Gripen jets from Sweden. In 1989 a proposal to scrap its entire army got 35% of voter support. Pollster Lukas Golder from GFS.Bern said voters are likely to back the plan to buy the jets. Armed neutrality is crucial to how Switzerland defines itself, he said, going back to the belief a strong army deterred invasion by Nazi Germany in World War II. The Pope's Swiss guards are also a reminder of the country's mercenary past. Lawmaker Thomas Hurter from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, a former air force pilot, said Switzerland had to protect itself without relying on other countries. "If we don't replace these old aircraft, that means we have no air force, there is no protection any more and we are not fulfilling our constitution," he said. Smaller jets could not fly high enough, he said, or have the acceleration needed to react quickly to emergencies. "We don't know what's going to happen in the next 50 years," Hurter said. "You need to have the fire brigade ready when there is a burning house, otherwise it's too late."

Why is Switzerland holding a referendum to purchase fighter jets?

NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in condemning this 'horrific' attack on the 44-year-old opposition politician.

Russia to probe attempted murder angle in Alexei Navalny case

NATO said Thursday that Greece and Turkey had agreed to talks to ease their dispute over eastern Mediterranean borders and energy rights, but Athens swiftly denied any deal on negotiations.

Alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said he had won the two neighbours' agreement to enter "technical talks" designed to avert accident between their navies that could trigger a broader conflict.

A Greek frigate collided with a Turkish frigate in August and the two NATO members staged rival war games in the energy-rich but disputed region last week.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/turkey-versus-greece-a-long-history-of-disputes-323392">Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes</a>

"Following my discussions with Greek and Turkish leaders, the two allies have agreed to enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military de-confliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the eastern Mediterranean," Stoltenberg said in a statement.

"Greece and Turkey are valued allies, and NATO is an important platform for consultations on all issues that affect our shared security."

But later Thursday Greece denied it had agreed to hold NATO-brokered talks with Turkey.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-not-part-of-nato-brokered-talks-325118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Published information claiming Greece and Turkey have agreed to hold so-called 'technical talks' on de-escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean do not correspond to reality," Greece's foreign ministry said.

"De-escalation will only take place with the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish vessels from the Greek continental shelf," the ministry added.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/now-turkey-stages-military-exercises-in-eastern-mediterranean-amid-tensions-with-greece-323929">Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece</a>

Turkey ready for talks

Ankara said it backed the idea of talks at NATO.

"This initiative is supported by our country," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. "We expect Greece to support the NATO secretary general's initiative."

The Turkish statement stressed that the talks would only focus on avoiding accidents and not resolving the sides' differences over maritime borders and energy exploration rights.

But observers still hope the talks will create an opening for further dialogue in a conflict that threatens to impede Europe's future access to a wealth of natural gas reserves.

NATO's announcement came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the sides to reduce tensions and open diplomatic channels to ease the crisis.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week extended a gas exploration mission near a Greek island at the epicentre of the longstanding rivals' latest dispute.

Erdogan on Tuesday vowed not to be intimidated by Greece's support from European military powers such as France.

The European Union has been watching the row with growing unease.

Germany had been spearheading efforts to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and settle their differences through talks.

The Turkish presidency said Erdogan held video conference talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which he condemned "the support given to Greece’s selfish and unfair stance by some countries".

The EU threatened to put sanctions on Turkey if it refuses to solve the dispute through dialogue.

NATO said Thursday that Greece and Turkey had agreed to talks to ease their dispute over eastern Mediterranean borders and energy rights, but Athens swiftly denied any deal on negotiations.

NATO said Thursday that Greece and Turkey had agreed to talks to ease their dispute over eastern Mediterranean borders and energy rights, but Athens swiftly denied any deal on negotiations. Alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said he had won the two neighbours' agreement to enter "technical talks" designed to avert accident between their navies that could trigger a broader conflict. A Greek frigate collided with a Turkish frigate in August and the two NATO members staged rival war games in the energy-rich but disputed region last week. Also see: Turkey versus Greece: A long history of disputes "Following my discussions with Greek and Turkish leaders, the two allies have agreed to enter into technical talks at NATO to establish mechanisms for military de-confliction to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents in the eastern Mediterranean," Stoltenberg said in a statement. "Greece and Turkey are valued allies, and NATO is an important platform for consultations on all issues that affect our shared security." But later Thursday Greece denied it had agreed to hold NATO-brokered talks with Turkey. "Published information claiming Greece and Turkey have agreed to hold so-called 'technical talks' on de-escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean do not correspond to reality," Greece's foreign ministry said. "De-escalation will only take place with the immediate withdrawal of all Turkish vessels from the Greek continental shelf," the ministry added. Also see: Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece Turkey ready for talks Ankara said it backed the idea of talks at NATO. "This initiative is supported by our country," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. "We expect Greece to support the NATO secretary general's initiative." The Turkish statement stressed that the talks would only focus on avoiding accidents and not resolving the sides' differences over maritime borders and energy exploration rights. But observers still hope the talks will create an opening for further dialogue in a conflict that threatens to impede Europe's future access to a wealth of natural gas reserves. NATO's announcement came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the sides to reduce tensions and open diplomatic channels to ease the crisis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week extended a gas exploration mission near a Greek island at the epicentre of the longstanding rivals' latest dispute. Erdogan on Tuesday vowed not to be intimidated by Greece's support from European military powers such as France. The European Union has been watching the row with growing unease. Germany had been spearheading efforts to get the sides to temper the rhetoric and settle their differences through talks. The Turkish presidency said Erdogan held video conference talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which he condemned "the support given to Greece’s selfish and unfair stance by some countries". The EU threatened to put sanctions on Turkey if it refuses to solve the dispute through dialogue.

Mediterranean crisis: Greece, Turkey agree de-escalation talks says NATO

Greece and Turkey have agreed to talks to avoid accidental clashes in the Eastern Mediterranean, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO: Greece, Turkey agree to talks over Eastern Mediterranean

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the&nbsp;poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny.

After Germany declared that it has&nbsp;"unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter.

Vladimir Putin-led Russia, however, has denied all accusations. So much so, a Russian toxicologist said Navalny's health could have deteriorated due to dieting or stress.&nbsp;

"The patient used diets to lose weight," chief regional toxicologist Alexander Sabayev told local media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-urges-russia-to-cooperate-in-navalny-probe-threatens-restrictive-measures-325084">Also read:&nbsp;EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures'</a>

"This situation could have been provoked not only by diets, it could have also been provoked by possible instances of drinking to excess which we don't know about. It could have been provoked by stress and fatigue," he added.

"Any external factors could have triggered a sudden deterioration. Even a simple lack of breakfast."

However, NATO is now pressing for an urgent international probe into this matter, and has asked Kremlin&nbsp;to reveal its Novichok nerve agent programme to the global chemical weapons watchdog.

NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and&nbsp;alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in&nbsp;condemning this "horrific" attack on the&nbsp;44-year-old opposition politician.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-world-chemical-arms-watchdog-expresses-concern-over-navalnys-poisoning-case-325029">Also Read:&nbsp;Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case</a>

"The Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation," Stoltenberg said.

"We also call on Russia to provide complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the OPCW."

Russia has further declined all accusations saying,&nbsp;"A whole number of theories including poisoning were considered from the very first days," Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;Kremlin Press Secretary said. "According to our doctors, this theory has not been proved."

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. After Germany declared that it has "unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter.

Russia has defied all threats of Western sanctions on Friday regarding the ongoing controversy over the poisoning of the Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny. After Germany declared that it has "unequivocal evidence" that Navalny was poisoned, western leaders expressed shock and asked for Kremlin to come clean upon the matter. Vladimir Putin-led Russia, however, has denied all accusations. So much so, a Russian toxicologist said Navalny's health could have deteriorated due to dieting or stress. "The patient used diets to lose weight," chief regional toxicologist Alexander Sabayev told local media. Also read: EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures' "This situation could have been provoked not only by diets, it could have also been provoked by possible instances of drinking to excess which we don't know about. It could have been provoked by stress and fatigue," he added. "Any external factors could have triggered a sudden deterioration. Even a simple lack of breakfast." However, NATO is now pressing for an urgent international probe into this matter, and has asked Kremlin to reveal its Novichok nerve agent programme to the global chemical weapons watchdog. NATO called an emergency meeting on this matter and alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said all countries were united in condemning this "horrific" attack on the 44-year-old opposition politician. Also Read: Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case "The Russian government must fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on an impartial international investigation," Stoltenberg said. "We also call on Russia to provide complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the OPCW." Russia has further declined all accusations saying, "A whole number of theories including poisoning were considered from the very first days," Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Press Secretary said. "According to our doctors, this theory has not been proved."

Russia defies West sanctions after NATO's emergency meeting over Navalny

NATO said on Thursday that Greece and Turkey had agreed to talks to ease their dispute over eastern Mediterranean borders and energy rights, but Athens swiftly denied any deal on negotiations. But later Greece denied it had agreed to hold NATO-brokered talks with Turkey.

Greece: Not part of NATO-brokered talks

Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.

The 65-year-old,&nbsp;who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote&nbsp;in the August 9 ballot, made the comments while inspecting military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service.

Lukashenko denounced the recent&nbsp;mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl".

"It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said.

His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31.

The former collective farm director said that NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania were "seriously stirring" near their borders with Belarus and ordered his troops into full combat readiness.

NATO&nbsp;said the claims were "baseless".

"As we have already made clear, NATO poses no threat to Belarus or any other country and has no military buildup in the region," it said in a statement.

Both countries also denied the accusation.

"The regime is trying to divert attention from Belarus's internal problems at any cost with totally baseless statements about imaginary external threats," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told AFP.

The Polish president's chief of staff, Krzysztof Szczerski, for his part dismissed the claim that Poland planned to violate Belarusian territorial integrity as "regime propaganda", calling it "sad and surprising".

"Poland... has no such intention," he told the Polish news agency PAP.

Mass protests

Lithuania's foreign ministry announced that US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Vilnius and Russia next week for talks on Belarus and the elections fallout.

He is notably planning to meet with Lukashenko's election challenger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20200822-tsikhanouskaya-says-she-would-not-seek-belarus-presidency-if-new-elections-held" target="_self">Svetlana Tikhanovskaya</a>&nbsp;in Lithuania, where she is now in exile, her representatives told AFP.

Tikhanovskaya, who fled Belarus after the disputed ballot in which she claims victory, said Saturday "we are not afraid."

"I am so proud of Belarusians now because after 26 years of fear they are ready to defend their rights," she told AFP.

"I call them to continue, not to stop, because it's really important now to continue to be united in the struggle for the rights."

Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down.

The opposition has called for a major rally in Minsk on Sunday after more than 100,000 people flooded onto the streets of the capital and other cities in Belarus last weekend demanding Lukashenko's resignation.

The European Union this week rejected his re-election and vowed to levy sanctions against what it said was a substantial number of people responsible for rigging the vote and cracking down on protests.

The Belarusian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power.

Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power.

On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement.

Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after the crackdown on post-election protests.

Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.

Belarus's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory. The 65-year-old, who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote in the August 9 ballot, made the comments while inspecting military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service. Lukashenko denounced the recent mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl". "It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said. His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31. The former collective farm director said that NATO troops in Poland and Lithuania were "seriously stirring" near their borders with Belarus and ordered his troops into full combat readiness. NATO said the claims were "baseless". "As we have already made clear, NATO poses no threat to Belarus or any other country and has no military buildup in the region," it said in a statement. Both countries also denied the accusation. "The regime is trying to divert attention from Belarus's internal problems at any cost with totally baseless statements about imaginary external threats," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told AFP. The Polish president's chief of staff, Krzysztof Szczerski, for his part dismissed the claim that Poland planned to violate Belarusian territorial integrity as "regime propaganda", calling it "sad and surprising". "Poland... has no such intention," he told the Polish news agency PAP. Mass protests Lithuania's foreign ministry announced that US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Vilnius and Russia next week for talks on Belarus and the elections fallout. He is notably planning to meet with Lukashenko's election challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in Lithuania, where she is now in exile, her representatives told AFP. Tikhanovskaya, who fled Belarus after the disputed ballot in which she claims victory, said Saturday "we are not afraid." "I am so proud of Belarusians now because after 26 years of fear they are ready to defend their rights," she told AFP. "I call them to continue, not to stop, because it's really important now to continue to be united in the struggle for the rights." Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down. The opposition has called for a major rally in Minsk on Sunday after more than 100,000 people flooded onto the streets of the capital and other cities in Belarus last weekend demanding Lukashenko's resignation. The European Union this week rejected his re-election and vowed to levy sanctions against what it said was a substantial number of people responsible for rigging the vote and cracking down on protests. The Belarusian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power. Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power. On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement. Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after the crackdown on post-election protests.

Lukashenko warns of NATO troops near borders as Belarus opposition calls for Minsk rally

NATO dismissed on Sunday allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that it was conducting a military buildup near the country’s western border

NATO denies Belarus claim of military buildup

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland.

Pompeo and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in Warsaw that sets out the legal framework for the additional troop presence.

The pact supplements an existing NATO Status of Forces Agreement and allows for the enhancement and modernisation of existing capabilities and facilities by granting US forces to access additional Polish military installations. It also sets out a formula for sharing the logistical and infrastructure costs of an expanded US presence in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-send-troops-from-germany-to-poland-to-send-signal-to-russia-308394">Trump to send troops from Germany to Poland to send signal to Russia</a>

Some 4,500 US troops are currently based in Poland, but about 1,000 more are to be added, under a bilateral decision announced last year.

Last month, in line with President Donald Trump's demand to reduce troop numbers in Germany, the Pentagon announced that some 12,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany with about 5,600 moving to other countries in Europe, including Poland.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873">Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany</a>

In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year.

Trump has long and loudly complained that Germany does not spend enough on defense and has repeatedly accused Germany of failing to pay NATO bills, which is a misstatement of the issue. NATO nations have pledged to dedicate 2 per cent&nbsp;of their gross domestic product.

In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year.

Saturday's signing came just a day after the Trump administration suffered an embarrassing diplomatic loss at the United Nations when its proposal to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Iran was soundly defeated in a UN Security Council vote that saw only one country side with the US Pompeo will visit that country, the Dominican Republic, on Sunday for the inauguration of its new president.

Pompeo has used his Europe trip to warn the region's young democracies about threats posed by Russia and China and has received a warm welcome.

In Poland, the reception was particularly kind given the friendship between Trump and conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda, who was sworn in for a second five-year term earlier this month after a hotly contested election.

Many of Duda's Law and Justice party's policies have put Poland at odds with the European Union, which is concerned that government efforts to reshape the judiciary and other actions have eroded the rule of law and democracy in the EU member country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sealed a defence cooperation deal with Polish officials that will pave the way for the redeployment of American troops from Germany to Poland. Pompeo and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in Warsaw that sets out the legal framework for the additional troop presence. The pact supplements an existing NATO Status of Forces Agreement and allows for the enhancement and modernisation of existing capabilities and facilities by granting US forces to access additional Polish military installations. It also sets out a formula for sharing the logistical and infrastructure costs of an expanded US presence in the country. Also read: Trump to send troops from Germany to Poland to send signal to Russia Some 4,500 US troops are currently based in Poland, but about 1,000 more are to be added, under a bilateral decision announced last year. Last month, in line with President Donald Trump's demand to reduce troop numbers in Germany, the Pentagon announced that some 12,000 troops would be withdrawn from Germany with about 5,600 moving to other countries in Europe, including Poland. Also read: Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year. Trump has long and loudly complained that Germany does not spend enough on defense and has repeatedly accused Germany of failing to pay NATO bills, which is a misstatement of the issue. NATO nations have pledged to dedicate 2 per cent of their gross domestic product. In addition, several US military commands will be moved out of Germany, including the US Army V Corps overseas headquarters that will relocate to Poland next year. Saturday's signing came just a day after the Trump administration suffered an embarrassing diplomatic loss at the United Nations when its proposal to indefinitely extend an arms embargo on Iran was soundly defeated in a UN Security Council vote that saw only one country side with the US Pompeo will visit that country, the Dominican Republic, on Sunday for the inauguration of its new president. Pompeo has used his Europe trip to warn the region's young democracies about threats posed by Russia and China and has received a warm welcome. In Poland, the reception was particularly kind given the friendship between Trump and conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda, who was sworn in for a second five-year term earlier this month after a hotly contested election. Many of Duda's Law and Justice party's policies have put Poland at odds with the European Union, which is concerned that government efforts to reshape the judiciary and other actions have eroded the rule of law and democracy in the EU member country.

Pompeo signs deal for US troops move from Germany to Poland

The training will allow the U.S. forces to integrate with their Polish-NATO Allies.

WION Fineprint: 'Defender Europe-20' kicks off in Poland | US-Polish troops | World

Russia-backed hackers have been&nbsp;engaged in a sustained campaign to compromise news websites to plant false stories aimed at discrediting Nato, according to a latest report.

The campaign is divided into several segments and a particular called ''Ghostwriter'' have was responsible for hacking news portals, gaining access for publishing and&nbsp;deleting stories. Hackers replaced&nbsp;the deleted stories&nbsp;with false news that sought to delegitimise the transatlantic alliance.

In September last year, a news site was compromised&nbsp;and a few false articles was inserted into its archive. Included one wrongly claiming that German soldiers serving with Nato had desecrated a Jewish cemetery.

Similarly in Poland, in May,&nbsp;a series of Polish sites were targeted and fake stories and quotes were published. They claimed the commander of the US army in Europe&nbsp;he&nbsp;ridiculed the capability of the Polish military.

According to&nbsp;research put together by an organisation called&nbsp;Mandiant, a specialist cybersecurity firm,&nbsp;14 isolated incidents of similar kind were reported. They have argued that they are part of a broader anti-Nato campaign that has been since running since at least March 2017.

“The method of hacking media sites to push fabricated narratives is a powerful one,” said&nbsp;John Hultquist, senior director of intelligence analysis at Mandiant.

It is being used&nbsp;“as a means to alter perception there” he added.

NATO has previously accused Russia Today and Sputnik of a&nbsp;“a number of specific disinformation attacks”.

The European Union on Thursday imposed travel and financial sanctions on a department of&nbsp;Russia's military intelligence service.&nbsp;In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime, the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the&nbsp;Russian military intelligence service, known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the&nbsp;Russian Federation, it said in a statement.

Russia

Russia-backed hackers have been engaged in a sustained campaign to compromise news websites to plant false stories aimed at discrediting Nato, according to a latest report.

Russia-backed hackers have been engaged in a sustained campaign to compromise news websites to plant false stories aimed at discrediting Nato, according to a latest report. The campaign is divided into several segments and a particular called ''Ghostwriter'' have was responsible for hacking news portals, gaining access for publishing and deleting stories. Hackers replaced the deleted stories with false news that sought to delegitimise the transatlantic alliance. In September last year, a news site was compromised and a few false articles was inserted into its archive. Included one wrongly claiming that German soldiers serving with Nato had desecrated a Jewish cemetery. Similarly in Poland, in May, a series of Polish sites were targeted and fake stories and quotes were published. They claimed the commander of the US army in Europe he ridiculed the capability of the Polish military. According to research put together by an organisation called Mandiant, a specialist cybersecurity firm, 14 isolated incidents of similar kind were reported. They have argued that they are part of a broader anti-Nato campaign that has been since running since at least March 2017. “The method of hacking media sites to push fabricated narratives is a powerful one,” said John Hultquist, senior director of intelligence analysis at Mandiant. It is being used “as a means to alter perception there” he added. NATO has previously accused Russia Today and Sputnik of a “a number of specific disinformation attacks”. The European Union on Thursday imposed travel and financial sanctions on a department of Russia's military intelligence service. In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime, the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the Russian military intelligence service, known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it said in a statement. Russia

Russia-backed hackers running anti-NATO fake news campaign: Report

The U.S. military on Wednesday unveiled plans to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany. Trump announced his intention last month to cut by about a third the 36,000-strong U.S. troop contingent in Germany

U.S to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany; Trump says 'The move is strategic'

US Troops withdrawal from Germany | Trump's move hints at growing cracks in NATO

The White House national security advisor has said the US is "very sympathetic" toward France in its dispute with Turkey over a naval standoff in the Mediterranean Sea.

The row has also, in a way, exposed NATO's struggle to keep order among its ranks, demeaning US leadership under President Donald Trump.

"NATO allies shouldn't be turning fire control radars on each other. That's not good," national security adviser Robert O'Brien told reporters in Paris on Wednesday.

"We are very sympathetic to the French concerns," O'Brien said, while acknowledging differing accounts of what happened. "We're taking it very seriously."

He added Trump was available to help defuse tensions, thanks to his personal relationships with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to French accounts of the June 10 incident, the frigate Courbet was illuminated by the targetting radar of a Turkish warship that was escorting a cargo ship.

France said it was acting on intelligence from NATO that the civilian ship could be involved in trafficking arms to Libya. The Courbet was part of the alliance's operation Sea Guardian, which helps provide maritime security in the Mediterranean.

Turkey's foreign minister accused France of lying, and Turkey's ambassador to France said the French navy was harassing the Turkish convoy.

Macron has also accused Turkey of flouting its commitments by ramping up its military presence in Libya and bringing in jihadi fighters from Syria.

The White House national security advisor has said the US is "very sympathetic" toward France in its dispute with Turkey over a naval standoff in the Mediterranean Sea.

The White House national security advisor has said the US is "very sympathetic" toward France in its dispute with Turkey over a naval standoff in the Mediterranean Sea. The row has also, in a way, exposed NATO's struggle to keep order among its ranks, demeaning US leadership under President Donald Trump. "NATO allies shouldn't be turning fire control radars on each other. That's not good," national security adviser Robert O'Brien told reporters in Paris on Wednesday. "We are very sympathetic to the French concerns," O'Brien said, while acknowledging differing accounts of what happened. "We're taking it very seriously." He added Trump was available to help defuse tensions, thanks to his personal relationships with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to French accounts of the June 10 incident, the frigate Courbet was illuminated by the targetting radar of a Turkish warship that was escorting a cargo ship. France said it was acting on intelligence from NATO that the civilian ship could be involved in trafficking arms to Libya. The Courbet was part of the alliance's operation Sea Guardian, which helps provide maritime security in the Mediterranean. Turkey's foreign minister accused France of lying, and Turkey's ambassador to France said the French navy was harassing the Turkish convoy. Macron has also accused Turkey of flouting its commitments by ramping up its military presence in Libya and bringing in jihadi fighters from Syria.

US backs France in stand-off with Turkey over warships

France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey.

"We have decided to temporarily withdraw our assets from the operation Sea Guardian" until France's concerns are addressed, a French defence official, who asked not to be named, told reporters.&nbsp;

The decision follows an escalation in tensions with Turkey over the Libya conflict which has seen both sides exchange accusations with increasing bitterness in recent days.

Earlier this month, France denounced an "extremely aggressive" intervention by Turkish ships against a French navy vessel participating in the NATO mission in the Mediterranean, a claim Ankara dismissed as "groundless".

Ankara supports the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Libya conflict against rebel strongman Khalifa Haftar.

France is suspected by analysts of backing Haftar alongside Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, but insists it is neutral in the conflict.

Paris accuses Ankara of shipping arms to Libya in defiance of a UN embargo as well sending in pro-Turkey Syrian militia fighters fresh from the conflict there.

"It does not seem to us healthy to maintain our assets in an operation supposed, among its various tasks, to control an embargo alongside allies who do not respect it", said the official in apparent reference to Turkey.

Paris demands in particular "that allies solemnly reaffirm their attachment and their commitment to the respect of the embargo" on weapons to Libya.&nbsp;

France also wants a better conflict-resolution mechanism within the military alliance, the official added.

Macron said last week that he believed the naval incident between France and Turkey was worrying proof of his belief that NATO is in the throes of "brain death".

According to NATO, the Sea Guardian operation was launched in November 2016 and is aimed at "carrying out maritime security capacity building, and providing support to maritime situational awareness and to maritime counter-terrorism".

France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey.

France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey. "We have decided to temporarily withdraw our assets from the operation Sea Guardian" until France's concerns are addressed, a French defence official, who asked not to be named, told reporters. The decision follows an escalation in tensions with Turkey over the Libya conflict which has seen both sides exchange accusations with increasing bitterness in recent days. Earlier this month, France denounced an "extremely aggressive" intervention by Turkish ships against a French navy vessel participating in the NATO mission in the Mediterranean, a claim Ankara dismissed as "groundless". Ankara supports the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Libya conflict against rebel strongman Khalifa Haftar. France is suspected by analysts of backing Haftar alongside Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, but insists it is neutral in the conflict. Paris accuses Ankara of shipping arms to Libya in defiance of a UN embargo as well sending in pro-Turkey Syrian militia fighters fresh from the conflict there. "It does not seem to us healthy to maintain our assets in an operation supposed, among its various tasks, to control an embargo alongside allies who do not respect it", said the official in apparent reference to Turkey. Paris demands in particular "that allies solemnly reaffirm their attachment and their commitment to the respect of the embargo" on weapons to Libya. France also wants a better conflict-resolution mechanism within the military alliance, the official added. Macron said last week that he believed the naval incident between France and Turkey was worrying proof of his belief that NATO is in the throes of "brain death". According to NATO, the Sea Guardian operation was launched in November 2016 and is aimed at "carrying out maritime security capacity building, and providing support to maritime situational awareness and to maritime counter-terrorism".

France pulls out of NATO Med operation over Turkey tensions

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-met-our-part-of-commitment-with-taliban-top-us-commander-307023">Also read|&nbsp;We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander</a>

This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations&nbsp;in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process.

"The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account.

"There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a>

"Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats."

The Taliban started a withdrawal&nbsp;agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied.

Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks.&nbsp;NATO and the Afghan government have objected in&nbsp;setting these prisoners free.

The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way.

Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Afghanistan has released over 3,000&nbsp; prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues. Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks. Also read| We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process. "The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account. "There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat. Also read| Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks "Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats." The Taliban started a withdrawal agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied. Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks. NATO and the Afghan government have objected in setting these prisoners free. The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way. Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Afghanistan has released over 3,000 prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners

The move would reduce US troop numbers in Germany to 25,000, compared with the 34,500 currently there, a senior US official said.

Trump orders to withdraw 9500 US troops from Germany

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact.

The United States on Thursday announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries.

The administration said Russia has repeatedly violated the pact's terms. Senior officials said the pullout will formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms.

Russia, to this end, said this would affect the interests of all of its participants, who are also members of NATO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">Also read |&nbsp;US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

The Open Skies treaty, proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955, was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002. The idea is to let member nations make surveillance flights over each other's countries to build trust.

The US move deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord, which imposes the last remaining limits on U.S. and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each. It expires in February.

US allies in the NATO have pressed Washington to not leave the Open Skies pact, whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence and providing members forewarning of surprise military attacks.

 
&nbsp;

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact. The United States on Thursday announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries. The administration said Russia has repeatedly violated the pact's terms. Senior officials said the pullout will formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms. Russia, to this end, said this would affect the interests of all of its participants, who are also members of NATO. Also read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members The Open Skies treaty, proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955, was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002. The idea is to let member nations make surveillance flights over each other's countries to build trust. The US move deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord, which imposes the last remaining limits on U.S. and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each. It expires in February. US allies in the NATO have pressed Washington to not leave the Open Skies pact, whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence and providing members forewarning of surprise military attacks.

NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted.

Turkey backs Libya`s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). It has signed a military cooperation deal with the GNA, which has been trying to fend off an offensive by Haftar`s forces.

Ankara views Haftar`s forces, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, as "putschists".

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"If our missions and our interests in Libya are targeted, we will deem Haftar`s forces legitimate targets," the foreign ministry said in a statement in which it also slammed the United Nations for not taking action over Haftar`s attacks.

"It is unacceptable for the United Nations to remain silent against this carnage any longer," it said. "Countries providing military, financial and political aid to Haftar are responsible for the suffering that the people of Libya are enduring and the chaos and instability the country is being dragged into."

It also said attacks on Tripoli`s Mitiga airport early on Saturday, part of an intensified barrage of artillery fire on the capital, were war crimes.

On Thursday, Turkey and Italy said the area around their embassies in Tripoli had been shelled.

Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) has been fighting for more than a year to capture Tripoli from the GNA with frequent shelling of the capital. The United Nations said four fifths of the 130 civilian casualties recorded in the Libyan conflict in the first quarter of 2020 were caused by LNA ground fighting.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the LNA was in a "period of regression" after NATO member Turkey threw its support behind the GNA.

"Even the efforts of countries that provide him (Haftar) with unlimited financial support and weapons will not be able to save him," Erdogan said.

Pro-GNA forces have retaken some territory from the LNA around Tripoli during an escalation of fighting in recent weeks with the help of Turkish-supplied drones.

The LNA says Turkey has established a military drone base at Mitiga, but the GNA denies this.

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted.

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted. Turkey backs Libya`s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). It has signed a military cooperation deal with the GNA, which has been trying to fend off an offensive by Haftar`s forces. Ankara views Haftar`s forces, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, as "putschists". Also watch: Social distancing benches become new normal in Turkey "If our missions and our interests in Libya are targeted, we will deem Haftar`s forces legitimate targets," the foreign ministry said in a statement in which it also slammed the United Nations for not taking action over Haftar`s attacks. "It is unacceptable for the United Nations to remain silent against this carnage any longer," it said. "Countries providing military, financial and political aid to Haftar are responsible for the suffering that the people of Libya are enduring and the chaos and instability the country is being dragged into." It also said attacks on Tripoli`s Mitiga airport early on Saturday, part of an intensified barrage of artillery fire on the capital, were war crimes. On Thursday, Turkey and Italy said the area around their embassies in Tripoli had been shelled. Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) has been fighting for more than a year to capture Tripoli from the GNA with frequent shelling of the capital. The United Nations said four fifths of the 130 civilian casualties recorded in the Libyan conflict in the first quarter of 2020 were caused by LNA ground fighting. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the LNA was in a "period of regression" after NATO member Turkey threw its support behind the GNA. "Even the efforts of countries that provide him (Haftar) with unlimited financial support and weapons will not be able to save him," Erdogan said. Pro-GNA forces have retaken some territory from the LNA around Tripoli during an escalation of fighting in recent weeks with the help of Turkish-supplied drones. The LNA says Turkey has established a military drone base at Mitiga, but the GNA denies this.

Turkey threatens to target Haftar's forces in Libya if attacks persist

May 9 in history: First birth control pill, Russia's biggest military parade and more

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks.&nbsp;

The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-and-bitter-rival-abdullah-reach-tentative-agreement-296157">Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement</a>

It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bombing-in-kabul-province-kills-three-wounds-15-295535">Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15</a>

"Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report.&nbsp;

The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban"

However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future.&nbsp;

Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks.

"So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said.&nbsp;

"The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis.&nbsp;

In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces.&nbsp;

During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures. Also read | Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region. Also read | Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15 "Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report. The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups. RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban" However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future. Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks. "So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said. "The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis. In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces. During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces. (With inputs from AFP)

NATO withholds key information on Taliban attacks, says US watchdog

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its&nbsp;regional security program.

Georgia's desire&nbsp;to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia&nbsp;since 2008.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-a-grim-record-reports-7933-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-296066" hreflang="en">Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day</a>

NATO promised Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;that it would one day join the alliance.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prime-minister-mikhail-mishustin-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-295929" hreflang="en">Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus</a>

As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber&nbsp;and misinformation threats.

A four-step strategy has been made&nbsp;for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus.

''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,''&nbsp;Appathurai said.

Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions.

As per NATO policy,&nbsp;countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day NATO promised Georgia that it would one day join the alliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance. Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber and misinformation threats. A four-step strategy has been made for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus. ''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,'' Appathurai said. Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions. As per NATO policy, countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

NATO to provide 'hybrid defence' to Georgia against Russia

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.&nbsp;

The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-33-rockets-target-us-uk-troops-in-iraq-286428">At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq</a>

Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya.&nbsp;

The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-donald-trump-after-us-carried-air-strikes-in-iraq-286169">Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq</a>

Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier.

No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state.&nbsp;

The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats.

But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah.

The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad.

Outraged,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country.&nbsp;

The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.&nbsp;

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week. The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties. Also read: At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya. The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier. No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state. The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats. But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah. The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. Outraged, Iran launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country. The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.

Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US-led coalition: Military

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday.

"He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

In a tweet sent to a well-wisher, the former Spanish foreign minister said he was "getting better".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-health-minister-nadine-dorries-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285519">British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus</a>

Solana, 77, served as NATO secretary-general from 1995 to 1999, then as the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2009.

Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus between Friday and Saturday raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy.

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All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Madrid region, where the bulk of the cases have been recorded, in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.

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Among those who have been infected are two members of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet as well as the leader of far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal.

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday. "He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday. "He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday. In a tweet sent to a well-wisher, the former Spanish foreign minister said he was "getting better". Also read: British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus Solana, 77, served as NATO secretary-general from 1995 to 1999, then as the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2009. Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus between Friday and Saturday raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy. Also see: Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Madrid region, where the bulk of the cases have been recorded, in an effort to stop the spread of the disease. Also see: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to be in quarantine after wife tests COVID-19 positive Among those who have been infected are two members of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet as well as the leader of far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal.

Former NATO chief Javier Solana has coronavirus

March 12 in history: Series of bomb blasts in Mumbai, Fukushima nuclear tragedy and more!

&nbsp;The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-rejects-taliban-demand-to-free-5000-prisoners-283605">Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban demand to free 5,000 prisoners</a>

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners to be released this week, Reuters reported on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-ghani-appeals-to-taliban-to-enter-negotiations-283988">&nbsp;President Ghani appeals to Taliban to enter negotiations</a>

A senior Taliban leader in Doha, the capital of Qatar where negotiations between the militants and US&nbsp;officials have taken place, said vehicles had been sent to an area near Bagram Prison to fetch the freed fighters.

The prisoner release is part of a deal signed by the United States and the Taliban last month that allows US&nbsp;forces and NATO troops to withdraw from Afghanistan to end more than 18 years of war.

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The Taliban have demanded the release of the prisoners as a confidence-building measure.

Ghani, who was sworn in on Monday at a ceremony attended by US&nbsp;Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, had earlier rejected the Taliban demand for its fighters to be released.

"After our conversation with Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday, in which he conveyed to us the release of our 5,000 prisoners, we sent vehicles to pick them up," the senior Taliban leader said via phone from Doha.

It is unclear how many prisoners will be released immediately, but three other sources told Reuters on Monday that it could vary between 1,000 to 1,800. It was also unclear whether prisoners would be released from other prisons aside from Bagram.

The US&nbsp;Embassy declined to comment. A spokesman for NATO's mission referred questions to the Afghan government.

The Taliban leader in Doha also confirmed the group had finalised arrangements for the release of 1,000 prisoners held by them, adding that they had shifted all prisoners to safe locations in Afghanistan.

"We are planning to release the 1,000 prisoners of the Afghan government to the Red Crescent and they could then shift them to their hometowns or pay them cash for travelling home," he said.

An official Taliban spokesman said he could not comment as he had yet to be informed of the plans.

The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said.

The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said. Also read: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban demand to free 5,000 prisoners Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners to be released this week, Reuters reported on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents. Also read: President Ghani appeals to Taliban to enter negotiations A senior Taliban leader in Doha, the capital of Qatar where negotiations between the militants and US officials have taken place, said vehicles had been sent to an area near Bagram Prison to fetch the freed fighters. The prisoner release is part of a deal signed by the United States and the Taliban last month that allows US forces and NATO troops to withdraw from Afghanistan to end more than 18 years of war. × The Taliban have demanded the release of the prisoners as a confidence-building measure. Ghani, who was sworn in on Monday at a ceremony attended by US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, had earlier rejected the Taliban demand for its fighters to be released. "After our conversation with Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday, in which he conveyed to us the release of our 5,000 prisoners, we sent vehicles to pick them up," the senior Taliban leader said via phone from Doha. It is unclear how many prisoners will be released immediately, but three other sources told Reuters on Monday that it could vary between 1,000 to 1,800. It was also unclear whether prisoners would be released from other prisons aside from Bagram. The US Embassy declined to comment. A spokesman for NATO's mission referred questions to the Afghan government. The Taliban leader in Doha also confirmed the group had finalised arrangements for the release of 1,000 prisoners held by them, adding that they had shifted all prisoners to safe locations in Afghanistan. "We are planning to release the 1,000 prisoners of the Afghan government to the Red Crescent and they could then shift them to their hometowns or pay them cash for travelling home," he said. An official Taliban spokesman said he could not comment as he had yet to be informed of the plans.

Taliban wait for Afghan president to order release of fighters in prisoner swap

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge.

The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan forces since signing a deal with Washington at the weekend, casting doubt over peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban, due to begin on March 10.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-trump-call-taliban-attacks-kill-20-in-afghanistan-officials-284194">Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials</a>

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said&nbsp;that a "long and hard" road to peace lay ahead but warned the Taliban that if they reneged on the agreement, foreign forces would not leave.

"It is a very difficult situation and the Taliban must honour their commitment. We need to see a reduction in violence," Stoltenberg said&nbsp;in an interview in Zagreb, where he attended a meeting of EU defence ministers.

"We can only deliver our side of the deal if the Taliban deliver their side of the deal."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/first-time-in-11-days-of-truce-us-hits-taliban-with-air-strike-military-spokesperson-284201">First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike: Military spokesperson</a>

US President Donald Trump has touted the deal, signed in Doha, as a way to end the bloody 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan.

But overnight, Taliban militants killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of attacks in the latest breach of the partial truce.

Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the government of President Ashraf Ghani.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-tough-people-i-understand-you-are-fighting-for-your-homeland-trump-to-taliban-284181">You are tough people;&nbsp;I understand you are fighting for your homeland: Trump to Taliban</a>

NATO, which has a 16,000-strong training and support mission in Afghanistan, has long insisted it would only leave when conditions were right -- in particular that terrorists could not use the country as a springboard for attacks abroad.

"The agreement that was signed on Saturday was an important first step, but it's only a first step," said Stoltenberg, who as prime minister of Norway sent troops to Afghanistan following the US-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001.

"The road towards peace will be long and hard and we have to be prepared for disappointments."

"At the same time, there is no alternative. The only way to have a peaceful solution is a negotiated agreement and to talk to the Taliban."

With an election coming up in November, Trump is keen to make good on a pledge to end America's longest war, but observers say it appears the Taliban have yet to be convinced to come to the negotiating table with Kabul.

Barely three days after signing the partial truce deal, the Taliban announced they were resuming their offensive against Afghan government forces.

In a sign of their intent, the militants have mounted 30 attacks in 15 of the country's 34 provinces in the space of 24 hours, according to the Afghan interior ministry.

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge.

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge. The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan forces since signing a deal with Washington at the weekend, casting doubt over peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban, due to begin on March 10. Also read: Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that a "long and hard" road to peace lay ahead but warned the Taliban that if they reneged on the agreement, foreign forces would not leave. "It is a very difficult situation and the Taliban must honour their commitment. We need to see a reduction in violence," Stoltenberg said in an interview in Zagreb, where he attended a meeting of EU defence ministers. "We can only deliver our side of the deal if the Taliban deliver their side of the deal." Also read: First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike: Military spokesperson US President Donald Trump has touted the deal, signed in Doha, as a way to end the bloody 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan. But overnight, Taliban militants killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of attacks in the latest breach of the partial truce. Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the government of President Ashraf Ghani. Also read: You are tough people; I understand you are fighting for your homeland: Trump to Taliban NATO, which has a 16,000-strong training and support mission in Afghanistan, has long insisted it would only leave when conditions were right -- in particular that terrorists could not use the country as a springboard for attacks abroad. "The agreement that was signed on Saturday was an important first step, but it's only a first step," said Stoltenberg, who as prime minister of Norway sent troops to Afghanistan following the US-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001. "The road towards peace will be long and hard and we have to be prepared for disappointments." "At the same time, there is no alternative. The only way to have a peaceful solution is a negotiated agreement and to talk to the Taliban." With an election coming up in November, Trump is keen to make good on a pledge to end America's longest war, but observers say it appears the Taliban have yet to be convinced to come to the negotiating table with Kabul. Barely three days after signing the partial truce deal, the Taliban announced they were resuming their offensive against Afghan government forces. In a sign of their intent, the militants have mounted 30 attacks in 15 of the country's 34 provinces in the space of 24 hours, according to the Afghan interior ministry.

NATO chief warns of hard road to Afghan peace as violence soars

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