NATO on Wednesday denounced a new bridge linking mainland Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea as "another violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday.

"NATO condemns Russia's construction and partial opening of the Kerch Strait bridge between Russia and Crimea," NATO deputy spokesman Piers Cazalet said.

"Crimea is part of Ukraine and this bridge represents another violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Cazalet said in a statement.

The bridge, which limits sea traffic to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, amounts to "the infringement of its navigational rights in its territorial waters," he added.&nbsp

"Russia continues to demonstrate a clear disregard for international law," Cazalet said, adding that NATO will not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Russian state television showed Putin dressed in jeans and a casual jacket sitting behind the wheel of a construction truck to drive across the bridge and officially open it.

The 29-member NATO is pursuing a dual-track policy towards the Kremlin of defence and deterrence coupled with an offer of dialogue.

Tensions between NATO and Russia are at levels not seen since the Cold War, including over Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday

NATO on Wednesday denounced a new bridge linking mainland Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea as "another violation" of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Atlantic alliance echoed the European Union's earlier condemnation of the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a truck over on Tuesday. "NATO condemns Russia's construction and partial opening of the Kerch Strait bridge between Russia and Crimea," NATO deputy spokesman Piers Cazalet said. "Crimea is part of Ukraine and this bridge represents another violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Cazalet said in a statement. The bridge, which limits sea traffic to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, amounts to "the infringement of its navigational rights in its territorial waters," he added. "Russia continues to demonstrate a clear disregard for international law," Cazalet said, adding that NATO will not recognise Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Russian state television showed Putin dressed in jeans and a casual jacket sitting behind the wheel of a construction truck to drive across the bridge and officially open it. The 29-member NATO is pursuing a dual-track policy towards the Kremlin of defence and deterrence coupled with an offer of dialogue. Tensions between NATO and Russia are at levels not seen since the Cold War, including over Moscow's support for pro-Russian separatists in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

NATO 'condemns' Russia bridge to Moscow-annexed Crimea

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies.

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With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations.

"We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles.

Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue.

Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements.

Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly.

"We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said.

After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House.

"We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman."

Many differences

Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington.

The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron.

Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States.

On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary."&nbsp;

Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit.

On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact.&nbsp;

Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump`s hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies. × With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations. "We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles. Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue. Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements. Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly. "We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said. After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House. "We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman." Many differences Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington. The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron. Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States. On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary." Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit. On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.

Despite warmth, Merkel and Trump still differ on trade and NATO

New US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes.

"There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference after a NATO meeting of foreign ministers.&nbsp

"Absent a substantial fix, absent overcoming the flaws of the deal, he is unlikely to stay in that deal," Pompeo said.

New US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes

New US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes. "There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference after a NATO meeting of foreign ministers. "Absent a substantial fix, absent overcoming the flaws of the deal, he is unlikely to stay in that deal," Pompeo said.

No Trump decision on Iran nuclear deal yet: Mike Pompeo

Turkey's ties with Russia are too strong to be broken by France's president, foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday, after Emmanuel Macron said Ankara's support of missile strikes on Syria showed it had "separated" from Russia.

At a joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Ankara, Cavusoglu added that Turkey's relations with Russia were not an alternative to its ties with NATO, France and the United States.

Macron had said Ankara's support of missile strikes on Syria showed it had "separated" from Russia.

Turkey's ties with Russia are too strong to be broken by France's president, foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday, after Emmanuel Macron said Ankara's support of missile strikes on Syria showed it had "separated" from Russia. At a joint news conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Ankara, Cavusoglu added that Turkey's relations with Russia were not an alternative to its ties with NATO, France and the United States.

Our ties with Russia too strong to be broken by Macron: Turkey

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war.

Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said.

He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday.

"We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government.

Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday.

Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue.

Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations.

"Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said.

Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia.

Moscow denies any involvement in either case.

Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people.

"The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN Security Council action on the war

Germany will join France to push for a new international effort to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Syria, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Saturday, criticising Russia for repeatedly blocking UN&nbspSecurity Council action on the war. Officials from Germany, France, Britain and the United States will meet in London on Sunday to discuss the next steps following coordinated Western air strikes against Syria early on Saturday, he said. He said the initiative was also being discussed by the NATO council that met in Brussels on Saturday, and European Union foreign ministers would debate further concrete measures to address the crisis in Syria on Monday. "We will work together with France for the creation of an international format of influential states that can provide new momentum for the political process," said Maas, a member of the Social Democrats, junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-left coalition government. Germany did not participate in the air strikes, but backed them as a "necessary and appropriate" action to warn Syria against further use of chemical weapons, Merkel said on Saturday. Maas said Germany would use all diplomatic means to seek an end to the seven-year war, and the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. He echoed criticism of Russia made earlier by Merkel and Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, but said Berlin would leverage its bilateral ties with Moscow to ensure Russia adopted a "constructive" stance on the issue. Germany, which relies on Russia for about a third of the gas it uses, has long walked a careful line with Moscow -- at once pushing for continued sanctions for its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, while also maintaining dialogue and trade relations. "Whether we like it or not, without Russia, the political process will not succeed," Maas said. Maas has generally struck a tougher tone toward Moscow than his predecessor Sigmar Gabriel, following a poison attack in Britain on retired double agent Sergei Skripal and a cyber attack on German government networks -- two incidents that intelligence officials say emanated from Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in either case. Maas said it was critical to first achieve a lasting, nationwide ceasefire in Syria, along with humanitarian access, but the next step would be to negotiate a lasting solution that addresses the legitimate interests of the Syrian people. "The key milestones will be creation of a transition government, a constitutional reform and elections," he said.

Germany says will push for new international effort to end war in Syria

The planned delivery of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries to Turkey has been brought forward to July 2019, the Turkish undersecretary for defence industries said, from the first quarter of 2020.

Turkey and Russia signed the S-400 accord in December, finalising a deal which deepened military ties between NATO member Turkey and the Kremlin.

The deal, reportedly worth some $2.5 billion, has worried the West because the system cannot be integrated into NATO's military architecture.

"We brought forward the delivery date in the accord signed with Russia to provide the S-400 system and got a date of July 2019," Turkish Undersecretary for Defence Industries Ismail Demir wrote on Twitter overnight.

His comment came after the two countries' presidents held talks&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;and marked the official start of work to build Turkey's $20 billion first nuclear power station at Akkuyu on its Mediterranean coast.

Turkey and Russia signed the S-400 accord in December, finalising a deal which deepened military ties between NATO member Turkey and the Kremlin

The planned delivery of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries to Turkey has been brought forward to July 2019, the Turkish undersecretary for defence industries said, from the first quarter of 2020. Turkey and Russia signed the S-400 accord in December, finalising a deal which deepened military ties between NATO member Turkey and the Kremlin. The deal, reportedly worth some $2.5 billion, has worried the West because the system cannot be integrated into NATO's military architecture. "We brought forward the delivery date in the accord signed with Russia to provide the S-400 system and got a date of July 2019," Turkish Undersecretary for Defence Industries Ismail Demir wrote on Twitter overnight. His comment came after the two countries' presidents held talks on Tuesday and marked the official start of work to build Turkey's $20 billion first nuclear power station at Akkuyu on its Mediterranean coast.

Turkey says Russian S-400 missile delivery brought forward to July 2019

Russian diplomats expelled from the United States arrived in Moscow on Sunday, with post-Cold War tensions peaking in the wake of a nerve agent attack on a former spy in Britain.

A deepening crisis in ties between Russia and the West has over the past weeks seen the biggest wave of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions in recent memory.

In further signs of tension, Russia warned its nationals on Saturday to think twice before travelling to Britain, where it said they could be singled out for harassment by local authorities.

By expelling 60 Russian diplomats, the US joined a score of Britain's allies in responding to the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4.

Two planes arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on Sunday, bringing home a total of 171 people -- the 60 diplomats and their families -- from Washington and New York.

Russian television showed passengers disembarking from a government plane while several buses waited to pick them up.

More than 150 Russian diplomats have now been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations.

Britain has said it is "highly likely" that Russia was responsible for the Skripal attack using the Soviet-designed Novichok nerve agent. Russia has angrily denied any involvement.

The US alleged the 60 diplomats were "spies" and sent them home from posts around the country and at the Russian mission to the United Nations, as well as closing Russia's consulate in Seattle.

However Washington has since said that Russia is free to apply to accredit more diplomats to replace those expelled.

Moscow responded by expelling 60 US diplomats and closing Washington's consulate in Saint Petersburg on Saturday.

Work to improve ties

US President Donald Trump has often appeared reluctant to criticise Russian leader Vladimir Putin and has said the two could meet for a summit in the near future.

"Now the consulate is closed but our work to improve Russian-US ties is continuing," the US embassy in Moscow said on Twitter.

Moscow also issued further retaliatory measures against Britain on Saturday, demanding that London further slash its diplomatic presence.

"Russia suggested parity. The British side has more than 50 more people," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP.&nbsp

The call came after 23 British diplomats were expelled from Russia last month.

Moscow also closed a British consulate in Saint Petersburg and suspended all projects of the British Council for the first time in nearly 60 years.

Threatening rhetoric

The Russian embassy in London urged Russians to think carefully before travelling to the UK or sending children to summer school there.

The embassy warned that British authorities including police could single out Russians for additional checks, citing "the anti-Russian policies and an escalation of the British side's threatening rhetoric".

Britain acknowledged Saturday that border officials had searched an incoming Aeroflot flight from Moscow in what Russia blasted as an act of "blatant provocation".

Britain said it conducts routine checks on aircraft to protect the UK from organised crime and people attempting to bring harmful substances into the country.

Earlier this week Moscow summoned British ambassador Laurie Bristow, giving London a month to cut the number of diplomatic staff in Russia to the same number Russia has in Britain.&nbsp

He was handed a protest note over the "provocative and unfounded actions of the British side which instigated the unwarranted expulsion of Russian diplomats from a variety of states," the Russian foreign ministry said.&nbsp

Bristow was summoned along with the heads of missions from 23 other countries -- most of them EU member states -- who were told that some of their diplomats had to leave.

France, Germany, Canada and Poland each said that Russia was expelling four of their diplomats.&nbsp

Other countries including Australia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania and Norway were also told to pull their envoys.&nbsp

Russian diplomats expelled from the United States arrived in Moscow on Sunday, with post-Cold War tensions peaking in the wake of a nerve agent attack on a former spy in Britain

Russian diplomats expelled from the United States arrived in Moscow on Sunday, with post-Cold War tensions peaking in the wake of a nerve agent attack on a former spy in Britain. A deepening crisis in ties between Russia and the West has over the past weeks seen the biggest wave of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions in recent memory. In further signs of tension, Russia warned its nationals on Saturday to think twice before travelling to Britain, where it said they could be singled out for harassment by local authorities. By expelling 60 Russian diplomats, the US joined a score of Britain's allies in responding to the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4. Two planes arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport on Sunday, bringing home a total of 171 people -- the 60 diplomats and their families -- from Washington and New York. Russian television showed passengers disembarking from a government plane while several buses waited to pick them up. More than 150 Russian diplomats have now been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations. Britain has said it is "highly likely" that Russia was responsible for the Skripal attack using the Soviet-designed Novichok nerve agent. Russia has angrily denied any involvement. The US alleged the 60 diplomats were "spies" and sent them home from posts around the country and at the Russian mission to the United Nations, as well as closing Russia's consulate in Seattle. However Washington has since said that Russia is free to apply to accredit more diplomats to replace those expelled. Moscow responded by expelling 60 US diplomats and closing Washington's consulate in Saint Petersburg on Saturday. Work to improve ties US President Donald Trump has often appeared reluctant to criticise Russian leader Vladimir Putin and has said the two could meet for a summit in the near future. "Now the consulate is closed but our work to improve Russian-US ties is continuing," the US embassy in Moscow said on Twitter. Moscow also issued further retaliatory measures against Britain on Saturday, demanding that London further slash its diplomatic presence. "Russia suggested parity. The British side has more than 50 more people," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP. The call came after 23 British diplomats were expelled from Russia last month. Moscow also closed a British consulate in Saint Petersburg and suspended all projects of the British Council for the first time in nearly 60 years. Threatening rhetoric The Russian embassy in London urged Russians to think carefully before travelling to the UK or sending children to summer school there. The embassy warned that British authorities including police could single out Russians for additional checks, citing "the anti-Russian policies and an escalation of the British side's threatening rhetoric". Britain acknowledged Saturday that border officials had searched an incoming Aeroflot flight from Moscow in what Russia blasted as an act of "blatant provocation". Britain said it conducts routine checks on aircraft to protect the UK from organised crime and people attempting to bring harmful substances into the country. Earlier this week Moscow summoned British ambassador Laurie Bristow, giving London a month to cut the number of diplomatic staff in Russia to the same number Russia has in Britain. He was handed a protest note over the "provocative and unfounded actions of the British side which instigated the unwarranted expulsion of Russian diplomats from a variety of states," the Russian foreign ministry said. Bristow was summoned along with the heads of missions from 23 other countries -- most of them EU member states -- who were told that some of their diplomats had to leave. France, Germany, Canada and Poland each said that Russia was expelling four of their diplomats. Other countries including Australia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania and Norway were also told to pull their envoys.

Expelled Russians arrive home as Moscow warns against travel to UK

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned of a return to Cold War-like tensions between the United States and Russia following the West's mass expulsions of Russian diplomats.

"I think we are coming to a situation that is similar, to a large extent, to what we lived during the Cold War," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.&nbsp

The United States, European nations and NATO countries have announced the expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the poisoning of a former spy in England.

Russia on Thursday announced it would expel 60 US diplomats and close a consulate in a tit-for-tat move.

Guterres said he was "very concerned" about the lack of mechanisms to defuse tensions, such as special channels for information-sharing between Washington and Moscow, which were dismantled with the end of the Cold War.&nbsp

"I do believe it's time for precautions of this sort, guaranteeing effective communication, guaranteeing capacity to prevent escalation," he said.

President Donald Trump ordered the departure of 48 Russian diplomats serving in missions in the United States and 12 from the Russian mission to the United Nations, the largest US expulsion of Russian or Soviet agents ever.

Former US president Barack Obama expelled 35 in late 2016 over alleged election meddling.

Relations between the United States and Russia at the UN Security Council have soured over Syria although Moscow has backed Washington's push for sanctions on North Korea.

'I think we are coming to a situation that is similar, to a large extent, to what we lived during the Cold War,' Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned of a return to Cold War-like tensions between the United States and Russia following the West's mass expulsions of Russian diplomats. "I think we are coming to a situation that is similar, to a large extent, to what we lived during the Cold War," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. The United States, European nations and NATO countries have announced the expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the poisoning of a former spy in England. Russia on Thursday announced it would expel 60 US diplomats and close a consulate in a tit-for-tat move. Guterres said he was "very concerned" about the lack of mechanisms to defuse tensions, such as special channels for information-sharing between Washington and Moscow, which were dismantled with the end of the Cold War. "I do believe it's time for precautions of this sort, guaranteeing effective communication, guaranteeing capacity to prevent escalation," he said. President Donald Trump ordered the departure of 48 Russian diplomats serving in missions in the United States and 12 from the Russian mission to the United Nations, the largest US expulsion of Russian or Soviet agents ever. Former US president Barack Obama expelled 35 in late 2016 over alleged election meddling. Relations between the United States and Russia at the UN Security Council have soured over Syria although Moscow has backed Washington's push for sanctions on North Korea.

United Nations chief warns of return to Cold-War-like tensions

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NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

China's Xi wins denuclearisation pledge from North Korea's Kim, affirms friendship China said on Wednesday it won a pledge from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to denuclearise the Korean peninsula during a meeting with President Xi Jinping, who pledged in return that China would uphold its friendship with its isolated neighbour. Stormy Daniels row: White House defends Trump's silence White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday defended United States President Donald Trump's silence on allegations levelled against him by porn star Stormy Daniels. North Korea willing to hold summit with US: Kim Jong Un North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un confirmed on Wednesday his willingness to hold a summit with Washington. Kim's statement came while he was on a surprise visit to China where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to testify before US Congress: Source Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday, as he bows to pressure from lawmakers insisting he explains how 50 million users’ data ended up in the hands of a political consultancy. NATO expels seven Russian diplomats, limits size of mission NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

News brief: Read the five big stories of the day

NATO became the latest entity to dismiss Russian diplomats over Moscow's alleged role in a nerve agent attack against a former double agent in Salisbury, as the trans-Atlantic organisation announced on Tuesday that seven officials would have their accreditation withdrawn.

The US-led military alliance expelled seven Russian staff and denied accreditation to three more, bringing the total number of suspected Russian spies expelled to almost 150, including the 23 initially dispatched by Britain.

"This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behaviour," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels.

In an unprecedented act of coordination, at least 25 countries have echoed Britain's action in response to the March 4 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury.

London and its allies have blamed Moscow, citing the use of a Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok, Russia`s record of targeting dissidents and its history of aggression in recent years, from Crimea to cyber-attacks.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the mass expulsions were "a blow from which Russian intelligence will need many years to recover".

It "could become a turning point", he wrote in The Times newspaper, adding: "The Western alliance took decisive action and Britain`s partners came together against the Kremlin`s reckless ambitions."

Skripal, a Russian military intelligence officer imprisoned by Moscow for passing on information about Russian agents in various European countries, came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap.

Moscow has fiercely denied any involvement in his attempted murder, instead pointing the finger at London.

Chemical weapons experts were currently carrying out an analysis of the agent.

(With inputs from AFP)

NATO expelled seven Russian staff and denied accreditation to three more, bringing the total number of suspected Russian spies expelled to almost 150, including the 23 initially dispatched by Britain.

NATO became the latest entity to dismiss Russian diplomats over Moscow's alleged role in a nerve agent attack against a former double agent in Salisbury, as the trans-Atlantic organisation announced on Tuesday that seven officials would have their accreditation withdrawn. The US-led military alliance expelled seven Russian staff and denied accreditation to three more, bringing the total number of suspected Russian spies expelled to almost 150, including the 23 initially dispatched by Britain. "This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behaviour," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels. In an unprecedented act of coordination, at least 25 countries have echoed Britain's action in response to the March 4 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury. London and its allies have blamed Moscow, citing the use of a Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok, Russia`s record of targeting dissidents and its history of aggression in recent years, from Crimea to cyber-attacks. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the mass expulsions were "a blow from which Russian intelligence will need many years to recover". It "could become a turning point", he wrote in The Times newspaper, adding: "The Western alliance took decisive action and Britain`s partners came together against the Kremlin`s reckless ambitions." Skripal, a Russian military intelligence officer imprisoned by Moscow for passing on information about Russian agents in various European countries, came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap. Moscow has fiercely denied any involvement in his attempted murder, instead pointing the finger at London. Chemical weapons experts were currently carrying out an analysis of the agent. (With inputs from AFP)

Spy poisoning: NATO expels seven Russian diplomats

The United States, EU members, NATO and other nations across three continents have announced the expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats in a coordinated action against Moscow which they accuse of poisoning an ex-spy in Britain.

Here is a list updated to Wednesday of the countries involved and the number of Russians already expelled or put on notice to leave.

US, Canada, Australia

The United States: Expelled 60 alleged "spies" posted around the country and at the Russian mission to the United Nations.&nbsp

It also closed the Russian consulate in Seattle over alleged spying at the nearby Kitsap submarine base and Boeing.

The retaliation against Moscow was taken "in response to Russia's use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Canada: Ousted four diplomats, calling the nerve agent attack "a despicable, heinous and reckless act".

Australia: Followed suit with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying two Russian diplomats had seven days to leave.

NATO&nbsp

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance was expelling seven Russian diplomats and denying accreditation to three more.

"This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behaviour," Stoltenberg said.

European Union

Eighteen EU nations have joined Britain in deciding to expel Russian diplomats following a European Council decision last week to react to Moscow within a common framework.

"Additional measures including further expulsions are not to be excluded in the coming days and weeks," EU President Donald Tusk said.

Britain: Already kicked out 23 Russian diplomats, with Moscow retaliating with a tit-for-tat move.

Belgium: One diplomat

Croatia: One diplomat

Czech Republic: Three diplomats

Denmark: Two diplomats

Estonia: One diplomat

France: Four diplomats&nbsp

Finland: One diplomat

Germany: Four diplomats

Hungary: One diplomat

Ireland: One diplomat

Italy: Two diplomats

Latvia: One diplomat

Lithuania: Three diplomats

Netherlands: Two diplomats

Poland: Four diplomats

Romania: One diplomat

Spain: Two diplomats

Sweden: One diplomat

Outside EU

Albania: Two diplomats

Macedonia: One diplomat

Moldova: three diplomats

Norway: One diplomat

Ukraine: 13 diplomats

President Petro Poroshenko called for even more action to be taken.

"The next step is to increase the price that Moscow has to pay for its international crimes, including the strengthening of personal, financial and economic sanctions," he said.

Additionally, EU members Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Portugal and Slovakia have recalled their ambassadors for consultations but my Wednesday had yet to expel any Russians

The United States, EU members, NATO and other nations across three continents have announced the expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats in a coordinated action against Moscow which they accuse of poisoning an ex-spy in Britain

The United States, EU members, NATO and other nations across three continents have announced the expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats in a coordinated action against Moscow which they accuse of poisoning an ex-spy in Britain. Here is a list updated to Wednesday of the countries involved and the number of Russians already expelled or put on notice to leave. US, Canada, Australia The United States: Expelled 60 alleged "spies" posted around the country and at the Russian mission to the United Nations. It also closed the Russian consulate in Seattle over alleged spying at the nearby Kitsap submarine base and Boeing. The retaliation against Moscow was taken "in response to Russia's use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Canada: Ousted four diplomats, calling the nerve agent attack "a despicable, heinous and reckless act". Australia: Followed suit with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying two Russian diplomats had seven days to leave. NATO NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance was expelling seven Russian diplomats and denying accreditation to three more. "This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behaviour," Stoltenberg said. European Union Eighteen EU nations have joined Britain in deciding to expel Russian diplomats following a European Council decision last week to react to Moscow within a common framework. "Additional measures including further expulsions are not to be excluded in the coming days and weeks," EU President Donald Tusk said. Britain: Already kicked out 23 Russian diplomats, with Moscow retaliating with a tit-for-tat move. Belgium: One diplomat Croatia: One diplomat Czech Republic: Three diplomats Denmark: Two diplomats Estonia: One diplomat France: Four diplomats Finland: One diplomat Germany: Four diplomats Hungary: One diplomat Ireland: One diplomat Italy: Two diplomats Latvia: One diplomat Lithuania: Three diplomats Netherlands: Two diplomats Poland: Four diplomats Romania: One diplomat Spain: Two diplomats Sweden: One diplomat Outside EU Albania: Two diplomats Macedonia: One diplomat Moldova: three diplomats Norway: One diplomat Ukraine: 13 diplomats President Petro Poroshenko called for even more action to be taken. "The next step is to increase the price that Moscow has to pay for its international crimes, including the strengthening of personal, financial and economic sanctions," he said. Additionally, EU members Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Portugal and Slovakia have recalled their ambassadors for consultations but my Wednesday had yet to expel any Russians

United States, EU, NATO and other countries announces expulsion of over 150 Russian diplomats

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signalled Turkey has no plans to follow its NATO and EU allies in expelling Russian diplomats following a spy poisoning in Britain blamed on Moscow, in comments published on Wednesday.

Erdogan, who has forged an increasingly close alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Turkey could not take steps against Moscow "based on an allegation".

More than two dozen governments -- the majority European Union and NATO members -- expelled nearly 150 suspected Russian spies after the March 4 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury.

"Just because some countries took a step based on an allegation, we cannot decide to take the same step," Erdogan said in comments to Turkish journalists published by the Hurriyet newspaper and others.

"There is no question that we must act completely like them," added Erdogan, who earlier this week met EU chiefs for a crunch summit in Bulgaria.

London and its allies were quick to put the blame on Russia, which denies any involvement.

The discovery that Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok was used against the pair and Russia's record on targeting dissidents have put the spotlight on the Kremlin.

The Turkish foreign ministry on Monday issued its first statement on the poisoning -- over three weeks after the attack -- condemning the use of a chemical agent but without mentioning Russia.

Putin is due to arrive in Turkey next week for a two-day visit that will also include a three-way summit on Syria with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani aimed at strengthening cooperation.

To the alarm of Brussels, ties between Moscow and Ankara have flourished in recent months while Turkey is set to buy Russia`s S-400 air defence systems.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Monday stressed the historical regional rivals have a "positive and good relationship right now".

Moscow and Ankara endured a severe crisis over the shooting down of a Russian warplane over Syria in 2015. But analysts say that Erdogan has now made a strong relationship with Moscow a pillar of Turkish foreign policy.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signalled Turkey has no plans to follow its NATO and EU allies in expelling Russian diplomats following a spy poisoning in Britain blamed on Moscow, in comments published on Wednesday

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signalled Turkey has no plans to follow its NATO and EU allies in expelling Russian diplomats following a spy poisoning in Britain blamed on Moscow, in comments published on Wednesday. Erdogan, who has forged an increasingly close alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Turkey could not take steps against Moscow "based on an allegation". More than two dozen governments -- the majority European Union and NATO members -- expelled nearly 150 suspected Russian spies after the March 4 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury. "Just because some countries took a step based on an allegation, we cannot decide to take the same step," Erdogan said in comments to Turkish journalists published by the Hurriyet newspaper and others. "There is no question that we must act completely like them," added Erdogan, who earlier this week met EU chiefs for a crunch summit in Bulgaria. London and its allies were quick to put the blame on Russia, which denies any involvement. The discovery that Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok was used against the pair and Russia's record on targeting dissidents have put the spotlight on the Kremlin. The Turkish foreign ministry on Monday issued its first statement on the poisoning -- over three weeks after the attack -- condemning the use of a chemical agent but without mentioning Russia. Putin is due to arrive in Turkey next week for a two-day visit that will also include a three-way summit on Syria with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani aimed at strengthening cooperation. To the alarm of Brussels, ties between Moscow and Ankara have flourished in recent months while Turkey is set to buy Russia`s S-400 air defence systems. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Monday stressed the historical regional rivals have a "positive and good relationship right now". Moscow and Ankara endured a severe crisis over the shooting down of a Russian warplane over Syria in 2015. But analysts say that Erdogan has now made a strong relationship with Moscow a pillar of Turkish foreign policy.

Turkey won't act against Russia 'based on allegation': Erdogan

NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

Stoltenberg said he had also cut the maximum size of the Russian mission to 20 people from 30, in the latest move by the alliance to reduce what was once one of the biggest national delegations at NATO.

"It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs," Stoltenberg said of the March 4 attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter, which the West blames on Moscow although the Kremlin denies this.

Governments across Europe, the United States and beyond announced plans on Monday to expel more than 100 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the attack.

Stoltenberg said that three Russian diplomats seeking to come to Brussels have been denied accreditation, taking the reduction at the mission to 10,

However, Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, stressed that the alliance would still seek regular talks with Moscow via the NATO-Russia Council, a special forum that groups NATO envoys and Moscow's ambassador to the alliance.

The Russian mission is in the same compound as NATO headquarters in Brussels but Russian diplomats faced sharp limits to their access after Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. They mostly work now from Russian diplomatic premises in central Brussels.

In protest at the Crimean annexation, NATO decided to curtail access to the headquarters for all Russian accredited NATO diplomats barring the Russian ambassador, the deputy head of mission and two support staff.

NATO is awaiting a new Russian ambassador following the departure of Alexander Grushko, who was appointed deputy Russian foreign minister for European relations in January.

Following the end of the Cold War, NATO sought closer ties with Russia and included Russian personnel in its campaign in the Balkans in the 1990s.

But since Crimea, NATO has suspended all practical military and civilian cooperation with Russia, although it maintains political dialogue and has tried to restart military channels of communication, mainly to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

Stoltenberg said he had also cut the maximum size of the Russian mission to 20 people from 30, in the latest move by the alliance to reduce what was once one of the biggest national delegations at NATO

NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday. Stoltenberg said he had also cut the maximum size of the Russian mission to 20 people from 30, in the latest move by the alliance to reduce what was once one of the biggest national delegations at NATO. "It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs," Stoltenberg said of the March 4 attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter, which the West blames on Moscow although the Kremlin denies this. Governments across Europe, the United States and beyond announced plans on Monday to expel more than 100 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the attack. Stoltenberg said that three Russian diplomats seeking to come to Brussels have been denied accreditation, taking the reduction at the mission to 10, However, Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, stressed that the alliance would still seek regular talks with Moscow via the NATO-Russia Council, a special forum that groups NATO envoys and Moscow's ambassador to the alliance. The Russian mission is in the same compound as NATO headquarters in Brussels but Russian diplomats faced sharp limits to their access after Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. They mostly work now from Russian diplomatic premises in central Brussels. In protest at the Crimean annexation, NATO decided to curtail access to the headquarters for all Russian accredited NATO diplomats barring the Russian ambassador, the deputy head of mission and two support staff. NATO is awaiting a new Russian ambassador following the departure of Alexander Grushko, who was appointed deputy Russian foreign minister for European relations in January. Following the end of the Cold War, NATO sought closer ties with Russia and included Russian personnel in its campaign in the Balkans in the 1990s. But since Crimea, NATO has suspended all practical military and civilian cooperation with Russia, although it maintains political dialogue and has tried to restart military channels of communication, mainly to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

NATO expels seven Russian diplomats, limits size of mission

Russia warned Britain on Tuesday to expect reprisals if it announces sanctions over the poisoning of a former double agent, as the US and other allies joined London in demanding answers on how a Soviet-designed nerve agent was used in the attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was &quot;highly likely&quot; to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers on the March 4 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted &quot;Russia is not guilty&quot;, saying it was ready to cooperate with Britain but complaining that its request for samples of the nerve agent had been rejected.

The Russian embassy said it had formally demanded the government allow a joint investigation, saying &quot;without that, there can be no sense in any statements from London&quot;.

In the first sign of the practical implications of the growing diplomatic crisis, Russia threatened to bar all British media if British authorities banned the Kremlin-backed RT broadcaster.

British regulator Ofcom has warned it could review RT&#39;s licence if Russia were found to have been responsible for the attack on Skripal, who came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap.

The United States, NATO and the European Union have all backed Britain in its stand-off with Moscow, following what is believed to be the first nerve agent attack in Europe since World War II.

In a phone call with May on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said Russia must &quot;provide unambiguous answers&quot;.

The two leaders &quot;agreed on the need for consequences for those who use these heinous weapons in flagrant violation of international norms&quot;, the White House said.

Allies back Britain&nbsp;

May on Monday gave Moscow an ultimatum to explain whether Skripal&#39;s attempted murder was a state-sponsored attack, or whether it had &quot;lost control&quot; of the nerve agent.

She demanded Moscow disclose details of the development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

But addressing OPCW, Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin accused British officials of launching &quot;vicious attacks&quot; against Moscow and &quot;fomenting hysteria&quot;.

Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the late stages of the Cold War, was &quot;more dangerous and sophisticated&quot; than sarin or VX.

May will gather her National Security Council on Wednesday morning &quot;to discuss the response from Russia&quot;, and will then give a statement to MPs, her spokesman said.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson attempted to rally support on Tuesday by calling his counterparts and vowing that if Russian was responsible, &quot;this would be further reckless behaviour which threatens the international community and requires an international response,&quot; according to a Foreign Office statement.

Canadian ambassador Timothy Edwards told the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the two scenarios outlined by May were &quot;deeply troubling&quot;.

European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said the EU was united in &quot;unwavering&quot; solidarity, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was taking the British accusation &quot;extremely seriously&quot;.

French President Emmanuel Macron said for his part the attack was &quot;unacceptable&quot; and &quot;reaffirmed France&#39;s commitment to fighting impunity when it comes to chemical weapons use,&quot; his office said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was &quot;of great concern&quot; amid reports that Britain was consulting NATO allies about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence.

They will not recover

Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4.

May said Moscow had previously produced a group of nerve agents known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets.

Vil Mirzayanov, a chemist who worked on the Novichok programme and now lives in the United States, said the nerve agent&#39;s effects were &quot;brutal&quot;.

&quot;These people are gone -- the man and his daughter. Even if they survive they will not recover,&quot; the 83-year-old told The Telegraph newspaper.

A policeman was also taken ill, and police revealed Tuesday that 35 people were assessed at the time, all but one of whom were swiftly released. That person is being monitored as an outpatient.

The case has prompted comparisons with the 2006 radiation poisoning of former spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which a British public inquiry blamed on Russia.

In a further twist, former senior Russian executive Nikolai Glushkov, linked to late Kremlin opponent Boris Berezovsky, was found dead in London in unexplained circumstances, British and Russian media reported.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was 'highly likely' to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers

Russia warned Britain on Tuesday to expect reprisals if it announces sanctions over the poisoning of a former double agent, as the US and other allies joined London in demanding answers on how a Soviet-designed nerve agent was used in the attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May says Russia was "highly likely" to be behind the attack, giving Moscow until midnight Tuesday to provide answers on the March 4 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted "Russia is not guilty", saying it was ready to cooperate with Britain but complaining that its request for samples of the nerve agent had been rejected. The Russian embassy said it had formally demanded the government allow a joint investigation, saying "without that, there can be no sense in any statements from London". In the first sign of the practical implications of the growing diplomatic crisis, Russia threatened to bar all British media if British authorities banned the Kremlin-backed RT broadcaster. British regulator Ofcom has warned it could review RT's licence if Russia were found to have been responsible for the attack on Skripal, who came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap. The United States, NATO and the European Union have all backed Britain in its stand-off with Moscow, following what is believed to be the first nerve agent attack in Europe since World War II. In a phone call with May on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said Russia must "provide unambiguous answers". The two leaders "agreed on the need for consequences for those who use these heinous weapons in flagrant violation of international norms", the White House said. Allies back Britain May on Monday gave Moscow an ultimatum to explain whether Skripal's attempted murder was a state-sponsored attack, or whether it had "lost control" of the nerve agent. She demanded Moscow disclose details of the development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). But addressing OPCW, Russian ambassador Alexander Shulgin accused British officials of launching "vicious attacks" against Moscow and "fomenting hysteria". Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the late stages of the Cold War, was "more dangerous and sophisticated" than sarin or VX. May will gather her National Security Council on Wednesday morning "to discuss the response from Russia", and will then give a statement to MPs, her spokesman said. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson attempted to rally support on Tuesday by calling his counterparts and vowing that if Russian was responsible, "this would be further reckless behaviour which threatens the international community and requires an international response," according to a Foreign Office statement. Canadian ambassador Timothy Edwards told the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) the two scenarios outlined by May were "deeply troubling". European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said the EU was united in "unwavering" solidarity, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was taking the British accusation "extremely seriously". French President Emmanuel Macron said for his part the attack was "unacceptable" and "reaffirmed France's commitment to fighting impunity when it comes to chemical weapons use," his office said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was "of great concern" amid reports that Britain was consulting NATO allies about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence. They will not recover Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4. May said Moscow had previously produced a group of nerve agents known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets. Vil Mirzayanov, a chemist who worked on the Novichok programme and now lives in the United States, said the nerve agent's effects were "brutal". "These people are gone -- the man and his daughter. Even if they survive they will not recover," the 83-year-old told The Telegraph newspaper. A policeman was also taken ill, and police revealed Tuesday that 35 people were assessed at the time, all but one of whom were swiftly released. That person is being monitored as an outpatient. The case has prompted comparisons with the 2006 radiation poisoning of former spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko, which a British public inquiry blamed on Russia. In a further twist, former senior Russian executive Nikolai Glushkov, linked to late Kremlin opponent Boris Berezovsky, was found dead in London in unexplained circumstances, British and Russian media reported.

Russia warns of reprisals if UK acts over spy attack

Britain will hold new emergency talks today into the brazen nerve agent poisoning of a Russian former double agent on its soil, after the US and NATO backed London in implicating Moscow in the assassination attempt.

As diplomatic tensions soar, Russia has denied accusations of its involvement in the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in southwest England on March 4.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament it was &quot;highly likely&quot; Moscow was behind the poisoning, giving Russia until the end of Tuesday to answer the accusations, in comments that have stoked speculation Britain could call on its allies to mount a joint response.

Both the United States and NATO issued statements in support of London, as concern mounts over the use of what May described as a military-grade nerve agent developed by Russia.

Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in a critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in Salisbury.

Emergency workers in biohazard suits have been deployed in the normally sleepy city, while some 500 people who may have come into minimal contact with the nerve agent were urged to wash clothes and belongings as a precaution.

May told British lawmakers that Moscow had previously used the group of nerve agents, known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets. 
&quot;The government has concluded that it is highly likely that Russia was responsible for the act against Sergei and Yulia Skripal,&quot; she said.

The prime minister added Britain had given Moscow until the end of Tuesday to disclose details of its development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

If there was &quot;no credible response&quot; it will conclude it was &quot;an unlawful use of force by the Russian State against the UK&quot;, she warned, and pledged to outline a &quot;full range of measures&quot; in response on Wednesday.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday that Britain was consulting allies in NATO about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was &quot;of great concern&quot; to the alliance.

&quot;NATO is in touch with the UK authorities on this issue,&quot; he added in a statement issued by his office Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed aside questions about Moscow&#39;s involvement in the attack in Britain, telling the BBC: &quot;First get to the bottom of it there and then we will discuss this.&quot;

Yesterday, Moscow rejected May&#39;s assertions, saying it was &quot;a circus show&quot; and an attempt to undermine trust ahead of its hosting of this summer&#39;s football World Cup.

The prime minister&#39;s statement was part of &quot;another information and political campaign based on provocation,&quot; said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in comments carried by news agencies.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron &quot;offered his solidarity with the UK&quot; in a phone call with May.

&quot;They discussed the wide pattern of aggressive Russian behaviour and agreed that it would be important to continue to act in concert with allies to address it,&quot; Downing Street said.

Britain&#39;s home secretary Amber Rudd will chair a meeting of the government&#39;s emergency Cobra committee at 11:30 am (local time) today for an update on the investigation, the Home Office said.

Skripal, an ex-military intelligence officer who was jailed for selling Russian secrets to London, moved to Britain in a spy swap in 2010, settling in Salisbury.

Police are investigating the attack against him with the assistance of Britain&#39;s armed forces and its military research laboratory at Porton Down.

Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by Russia during the late stages of the Cold War, was &quot;more dangerous and sophisticated&quot; than sarin or VX.

&quot;It causes a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation,&quot; said Gary Stephens, a professor at Britain&#39;s University of Reading.

Britain had voiced its concerns about Russia still having such biological weapons during a 2008 meeting in Paris of countries to discuss such threats, according to WikiLeaks cables reposted on Twitter Monday.

The BBC reported that investigators now believe the nerve agent may have been deployed in powder form through the ventilation system of Skripal&#39;s car.

Other reports in the British media hinted at growing pressure on May for England to boycott this summer&#39;s World Cup in Russia.

&quot;How can we go to Putin&#39;s World Cup now&quot; read the headline of the Daily Mail.

US and NATO backed London in implicating Moscow in the assassination attempt

Britain will hold new emergency talks today into the brazen nerve agent poisoning of a Russian former double agent on its soil, after the US and NATO backed London in implicating Moscow in the assassination attempt. As diplomatic tensions soar, Russia has denied accusations of its involvement in the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in southwest England on March 4. British Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament it was "highly likely" Moscow was behind the poisoning, giving Russia until the end of Tuesday to answer the accusations, in comments that have stoked speculation Britain could call on its allies to mount a joint response. Both the United States and NATO issued statements in support of London, as concern mounts over the use of what May described as a military-grade nerve agent developed by Russia. Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, remain in a critical condition in hospital after being found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in Salisbury. Emergency workers in biohazard suits have been deployed in the normally sleepy city, while some 500 people who may have come into minimal contact with the nerve agent were urged to wash clothes and belongings as a precaution. May told British lawmakers that Moscow had previously used the group of nerve agents, known as Novichok, had a history of state-sponsored assassinations and viewed defectors such as Skripal as legitimate targets. "The government has concluded that it is highly likely that Russia was responsible for the act against Sergei and Yulia Skripal," she said. The prime minister added Britain had given Moscow until the end of Tuesday to disclose details of its development of the Novichok nerve agents programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. If there was "no credible response" it will conclude it was "an unlawful use of force by the Russian State against the UK", she warned, and pledged to outline a "full range of measures" in response on Wednesday. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday that Britain was consulting allies in NATO about possibly invoking its Article 5 principle of common defence. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the incident was "of great concern" to the alliance. "NATO is in touch with the UK authorities on this issue," he added in a statement issued by his office Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed aside questions about Moscow's involvement in the attack in Britain, telling the BBC: "First get to the bottom of it there and then we will discuss this." Yesterday, Moscow rejected May's assertions, saying it was "a circus show" and an attempt to undermine trust ahead of its hosting of this summer's football World Cup. The prime minister's statement was part of "another information and political campaign based on provocation," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in comments carried by news agencies. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron "offered his solidarity with the UK" in a phone call with May. "They discussed the wide pattern of aggressive Russian behaviour and agreed that it would be important to continue to act in concert with allies to address it," Downing Street said. Britain's home secretary Amber Rudd will chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee at 11:30 am (local time) today for an update on the investigation, the Home Office said. Skripal, an ex-military intelligence officer who was jailed for selling Russian secrets to London, moved to Britain in a spy swap in 2010, settling in Salisbury. Police are investigating the attack against him with the assistance of Britain's armed forces and its military research laboratory at Porton Down. Pharmacology experts said Novichok, a broad category of more than 100 nerve agents developed by Russia during the late stages of the Cold War, was "more dangerous and sophisticated" than sarin or VX. "It causes a slowing of the heart and restriction of the airways, leading to death by asphyxiation," said Gary Stephens, a professor at Britain's University of Reading. Britain had voiced its concerns about Russia still having such biological weapons during a 2008 meeting in Paris of countries to discuss such threats, according to WikiLeaks cables reposted on Twitter Monday. The BBC reported that investigators now believe the nerve agent may have been deployed in powder form through the ventilation system of Skripal's car. Other reports in the British media hinted at growing pressure on May for England to boycott this summer's World Cup in Russia. "How can we go to Putin's World Cup now" read the headline of the Daily Mail.

UK, allies point finger at Russia in ex-spy poisoning

Chancellor Angela Merkel&rsquo;s cabinet approved plans on Wednesday to expand Germany&rsquo;s military missions abroad, including in Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq, government sources said.

The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300.

It also changes Germany&rsquo;s military operations in Iraq. After their successful work training Kurdish Peshmerga forces in north, German forces would now also be stationed in Baghdad.

The cabinet&rsquo;s decision implements an agreement on defense made by Merkel&rsquo;s conservatives and the center-left SPD during negotiations about a re-run of the &lsquo;grand coalition&rsquo; that ruled Germany since 2013.

It also includes a plan to add 100 more troops to Germany&rsquo;s 1,000-strong deployment to a UN&nbsp;peacekeeping mission in Mali in order to meet increased maintenance needs and Germany&rsquo;s new responsibility for a military base in Gao.

The decision to increase German military presence in Afghanistan comes against a backdrop of increased violence there and a new peace initiative launched by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen told broadcaster ARD the move should be matched with accelerated reforms by Kabul. She warned the mission would likely extend for some time.

&ldquo;We need patience and a long breath, without question,&rdquo; von der Leyen told ARD, citing a history of progress and setbacks in Afghanistan in recent years.

She praised the military&rsquo;s success in training the Peshmerga, adding, &ldquo;That is moving to a different level now,&rdquo; von der Leyen said.

In addition, the cabinet backed the continuation of surveillance and refueling flights by the German military in support of allied efforts to fight Islamic State, as well as AWACs flights carried out on behalf of NATO.

Germany has carried out limited engagements abroad since World War Two, focusing mainly on training , surveillance, medical rescue and peacekeeping, although it participated in the 1999 air offensive on what was then Yugoslavia.

The minister acknowledged shortfalls in military equipment and personnel disclosed in a critical report last week, but said troops headed on overseas missions like those in Iraq and Afghanistan would be adequately equipped.

The new governing coalition has already agreed to add 10 billion euros to the military budget over the next four years, but von der Leyen has said further increases will be needed to rebuild the German military after years of spending cuts.

The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet approved plans on Wednesday to expand Germany’s military missions abroad, including in Afghanistan, Mali and Iraq, government sources said. The defense bill, which must still be approved by the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, would raise the number of German troops deployed in Afghanistan by a third to 1,300. It also changes Germany’s military operations in Iraq. After their successful work training Kurdish Peshmerga forces in north, German forces would now also be stationed in Baghdad. The cabinet’s decision implements an agreement on defense made by Merkel’s conservatives and the center-left SPD during negotiations about a re-run of the ‘grand coalition’ that ruled Germany since 2013. It also includes a plan to add 100 more troops to Germany’s 1,000-strong deployment to a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali in order to meet increased maintenance needs and Germany’s new responsibility for a military base in Gao. The decision to increase German military presence in Afghanistan comes against a backdrop of increased violence there and a new peace initiative launched by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen told broadcaster ARD the move should be matched with accelerated reforms by Kabul. She warned the mission would likely extend for some time. “We need patience and a long breath, without question,” von der Leyen told ARD, citing a history of progress and setbacks in Afghanistan in recent years. She praised the military’s success in training the Peshmerga, adding, “That is moving to a different level now,” von der Leyen said. In addition, the cabinet backed the continuation of surveillance and refueling flights by the German military in support of allied efforts to fight Islamic State, as well as AWACs flights carried out on behalf of NATO. Germany has carried out limited engagements abroad since World War Two, focusing mainly on training , surveillance, medical rescue and peacekeeping, although it participated in the 1999 air offensive on what was then Yugoslavia. The minister acknowledged shortfalls in military equipment and personnel disclosed in a critical report last week, but said troops headed on overseas missions like those in Iraq and Afghanistan would be adequately equipped. The new governing coalition has already agreed to add 10 billion euros to the military budget over the next four years, but von der Leyen has said further increases will be needed to rebuild the German military after years of spending cuts.

German cabinet approves increase in troops for Afghanistan

US President Donald Trump slapped steep trade tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum Thursday, drawing sharp protests from allies at home and abroad as the contentious move raised the specter of a global trade war.&nbsp;

Signaling a sharp departure from a decades-long US-led drive for more open and less regulated trade, Trump declared that America had been &quot;ravaged by aggressive foreign trade practices.&quot;

&quot;It&#39;s really an assault on our country,&quot; he said, in announcing the tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminum.

Trump said the tariffs -- which will come into effect after 15 days -- will not initially apply to Canada and Mexico, and that close partners on security and trade could negotiate exemptions.

&quot;Many of the countries that treat us the worst on trade and on the military are our allies, as they call them,&quot; he complained.

The tariffs, worth billions of dollars, sparked immediate protests from top trading partners the European Union and Brazil, with retaliatory action expected from China and other economic powers.

Leaning on a little-used and decades old national security clause in US trade law, Trump said he was fulfilling a campaign promise.

&quot;I&#39;ve been talking about this a long time, a lot longer than my political career,&quot; he said. &quot;We&#39;ve been treated very badly by our past administrations, by presidents that represented us that didn&#39;t know what they were doing.&quot;

The mercurial 45th president compared his action to those of predecessors George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley.

Real friends

Canada, America&#39;s neighbor to the north, was its single-largest source of steel last year, followed by Brazil, South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Japan and Germany.

Regarding alumina and aluminum, Canada was also by far the largest supplier followed by China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump had indicated he would be flexible toward &quot;real friends,&quot; and during the signing confirmed Canada and Mexico would be permanently exempted if the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement is successful.

The US leader had also added Australia to a list of likely carve-outs, as a &quot;great country&quot; and &quot;long term partner.&quot;

But he singled out Germany for criticism, reviving a longstanding gripe that European NATO allies do not pay their fair share.

&quot;We have some friends and some enemies where we have been tremendously taken advantage of over the years on trade and on military,&quot; he said.

The EU&#39;s top trade official Cecilia Malmstroem insisted the entire bloc &quot;should be excluded&quot; from the tariffs as a &quot;close ally,&quot; vowing to &quot;seek more clarity&quot; from Washington.&nbsp;

Britain meanwhile said it would &quot;work with EU partners to consider the scope for exemptions outlined today,&quot; saying &quot;tariffs are not the right way&quot; to tackle the problem of global over-capacity in steel.

Major producer Brazil immediately vowed to take &quot;all necessary steps&quot; in order to &quot;protect its rights and interests&quot; in response to the US move.

China had also warned it was ready to respond -- although Trump struck a more conciliatory tone in his announcement, pointing to negotiations under way to trim Washington&#39;s soaring bilateral trade deficit with Beijing.

Partners promise backlash&nbsp;

Last week Trump stunned the world -- and his own aides -- with an off-the-cuff announcement of his plan, even before White House lawyers judged the legality of the tariffs.&nbsp;

The metals are used in everything from cars to construction, roads to railways.&nbsp;

While the full economic impact remains unknown, the political fallout was swift with the top Republican in Congress Paul Ryan publicly denouncing Trump&#39;s move, and vowing to push him to narrow its focus to &quot;countries and practices that violate trade law.&quot;

More than 100 Republican lawmakers had written to Trump expressing &quot;deep concern&quot; about the policy, which threatens to sour already vinegared trans-Atlantic relations.

The European Union has promised tariffs on items from steel to peanut butter, bourbon and denim -- most of which are produced in states that Trump needs to win reelection.

Even as Trump approved the tariffs, 11 partners in the Asia-Pacific were in Santiago, Chile, to sign a multilateral trade deal embraced by president Barack Obama but rejected by Trump.&nbsp;

The White House was left scrambling to catch up following Trump&#39;s shock move last week, as top economic advisor Gary Cohn -- who opposed it -- quit in protest.

&quot;He may be globalist, but I still like him,&quot; Trump joked earlier Thursday, alluding to an ideological clash within his administration that the &quot;nationalists&quot; appear to have decisively won.

Signaling a sharp departure from a decades-long US-led drive for more open and less regulated trade, Trump declared that America had been 'ravaged by aggressive foreign trade practices'

US President Donald Trump slapped steep trade tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum Thursday, drawing sharp protests from allies at home and abroad as the contentious move raised the specter of a global trade war. Signaling a sharp departure from a decades-long US-led drive for more open and less regulated trade, Trump declared that America had been "ravaged by aggressive foreign trade practices." "It's really an assault on our country," he said, in announcing the tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminum. Trump said the tariffs -- which will come into effect after 15 days -- will not initially apply to Canada and Mexico, and that close partners on security and trade could negotiate exemptions. "Many of the countries that treat us the worst on trade and on the military are our allies, as they call them," he complained. The tariffs, worth billions of dollars, sparked immediate protests from top trading partners the European Union and Brazil, with retaliatory action expected from China and other economic powers. Leaning on a little-used and decades old national security clause in US trade law, Trump said he was fulfilling a campaign promise. "I've been talking about this a long time, a lot longer than my political career," he said. "We've been treated very badly by our past administrations, by presidents that represented us that didn't know what they were doing." The mercurial 45th president compared his action to those of predecessors George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley. Real friends Canada, America's neighbor to the north, was its single-largest source of steel last year, followed by Brazil, South Korea, Russia, Mexico, Japan and Germany. Regarding alumina and aluminum, Canada was also by far the largest supplier followed by China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Trump had indicated he would be flexible toward "real friends," and during the signing confirmed Canada and Mexico would be permanently exempted if the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement is successful. The US leader had also added Australia to a list of likely carve-outs, as a "great country" and "long term partner." But he singled out Germany for criticism, reviving a longstanding gripe that European NATO allies do not pay their fair share. "We have some friends and some enemies where we have been tremendously taken advantage of over the years on trade and on military," he said. The EU's top trade official Cecilia Malmstroem insisted the entire bloc "should be excluded" from the tariffs as a "close ally," vowing to "seek more clarity" from Washington. Britain meanwhile said it would "work with EU partners to consider the scope for exemptions outlined today," saying "tariffs are not the right way" to tackle the problem of global over-capacity in steel. Major producer Brazil immediately vowed to take "all necessary steps" in order to "protect its rights and interests" in response to the US move. China had also warned it was ready to respond -- although Trump struck a more conciliatory tone in his announcement, pointing to negotiations under way to trim Washington's soaring bilateral trade deficit with Beijing. Partners promise backlash Last week Trump stunned the world -- and his own aides -- with an off-the-cuff announcement of his plan, even before White House lawyers judged the legality of the tariffs. The metals are used in everything from cars to construction, roads to railways. While the full economic impact remains unknown, the political fallout was swift with the top Republican in Congress Paul Ryan publicly denouncing Trump's move, and vowing to push him to narrow its focus to "countries and practices that violate trade law." More than 100 Republican lawmakers had written to Trump expressing "deep concern" about the policy, which threatens to sour already vinegared trans-Atlantic relations. The European Union has promised tariffs on items from steel to peanut butter, bourbon and denim -- most of which are produced in states that Trump needs to win reelection. Even as Trump approved the tariffs, 11 partners in the Asia-Pacific were in Santiago, Chile, to sign a multilateral trade deal embraced by president Barack Obama but rejected by Trump. The White House was left scrambling to catch up following Trump's shock move last week, as top economic advisor Gary Cohn -- who opposed it -- quit in protest. "He may be globalist, but I still like him," Trump joked earlier Thursday, alluding to an ideological clash within his administration that the "nationalists" appear to have decisively won.

Trump signs sweeping tariffs; Canada, Mexico exempted

Greece is not planning to exchange two soldiers held by Turkey after illegally entering the country with eight Turkish soldiers who seek asylum in Greece, the Greek junior foreign minister said Saturday.

&quot;This is pure fantasy. We are not at war with Turkey to conduct an exchange of prisoners,&quot; junior minister Yiorgos Katrougalos told reporters on Saturday, adding that such &quot;spy stories&quot; originated in Turkish media reports.

&quot;This is not an unusual episode. Such incidents occur on the border,&quot; he said, according to state agency ANA.

Two Greek soldiers were arrested by a Turkish border patrol inside Turkish territory on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Greek army said the pair, a lieutenant and a sergeant, lost their way in poor weather while patrolling the area around the Evros river that separates the two countries.

ANA said the soldiers, who are held at Edirne, will be put on trial on Monday.

Athens insists that they will be tried for illegal entry in a restricted area, but Turkish state agency Anadolu has reported that attempted military espionage is among the charges.

Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Tzanakopoulos on Friday said that the case was one of &quot;illegal entry&quot; and said Athens expected the &quot;imminent return&quot; of the two Greek officers.

The incident risks exacerbating tensions between Ankara and Athens, who have come to the brink of war on several occasions in past decades, despite being NATO allies since 1952.

Turkish and Greek vessels have in the last weeks twice collided off Aegean islets that have been a historic flashpoint in a long-running demarcation dispute.

Another festering sore is Cyprus, where the northern portion of the island is still occupied by Turkish troops following the 1974 invasion in response to an Athens-inspired coup aimed at uniting it with Greece.

Tensions over Cyprus are high as Turkey vows to block any moves by the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government to exploit oil reserves off the Mediterranean island.

But of most immediate concern to Ankara is the presence in Greece of suspects wanted by Turkey on charges linked to the 2016 failed army coup.&nbsp;

The Athens authorities have failed to hand over eight Turkish troops who escaped to Greece by helicopter on the night of the putsch, saying they would not have a fair trial at home.

Two Greek soldiers were arrested by a Turkish border patrol inside Turkish territory on Thursday

Greece is not planning to exchange two soldiers held by Turkey after illegally entering the country with eight Turkish soldiers who seek asylum in Greece, the Greek junior foreign minister said Saturday. "This is pure fantasy. We are not at war with Turkey to conduct an exchange of prisoners," junior minister Yiorgos Katrougalos told reporters on Saturday, adding that such "spy stories" originated in Turkish media reports. "This is not an unusual episode. Such incidents occur on the border," he said, according to state agency ANA. Two Greek soldiers were arrested by a Turkish border patrol inside Turkish territory on Thursday. The Greek army said the pair, a lieutenant and a sergeant, lost their way in poor weather while patrolling the area around the Evros river that separates the two countries. ANA said the soldiers, who are held at Edirne, will be put on trial on Monday. Athens insists that they will be tried for illegal entry in a restricted area, but Turkish state agency Anadolu has reported that attempted military espionage is among the charges. Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Tzanakopoulos on Friday said that the case was one of "illegal entry" and said Athens expected the "imminent return" of the two Greek officers. The incident risks exacerbating tensions between Ankara and Athens, who have come to the brink of war on several occasions in past decades, despite being NATO allies since 1952. Turkish and Greek vessels have in the last weeks twice collided off Aegean islets that have been a historic flashpoint in a long-running demarcation dispute. Another festering sore is Cyprus, where the northern portion of the island is still occupied by Turkish troops following the 1974 invasion in response to an Athens-inspired coup aimed at uniting it with Greece. Tensions over Cyprus are high as Turkey vows to block any moves by the internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government to exploit oil reserves off the Mediterranean island. But of most immediate concern to Ankara is the presence in Greece of suspects wanted by Turkey on charges linked to the 2016 failed army coup. The Athens authorities have failed to hand over eight Turkish troops who escaped to Greece by helicopter on the night of the putsch, saying they would not have a fair trial at home.

Greece not planning soldier exchange with Turkey

India`s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale will participate in Kabul Process Conference in Afghanistan this week.

About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan.

Earlier on February 26, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said that their government will propose an inclusive proposal to Pakistan and the Taliban during the Kabul Process conference.

Ghani will highlight the strong commitment of the Afghan government for ensuring peace in Afghanistan at the conference.

The Kabul government will call on countries in the region to reach a consensus to accept Afghan stability and work on achieving it.

About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan

India`s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale will participate in Kabul Process Conference in Afghanistan this week. About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan. Earlier on February 26, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said that their government will propose an inclusive proposal to Pakistan and the Taliban during the Kabul Process conference. Ghani will highlight the strong commitment of the Afghan government for ensuring peace in Afghanistan at the conference. The Kabul government will call on countries in the region to reach a consensus to accept Afghan stability and work on achieving it.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to participate in Kabul Process Conference

Prime Minister Theresa May made her case on Saturday for a new security treaty with the EU from next year, winning support from EU and US&nbsp;officials who agreed the issue was too important to risk getting subsumed in broader Brexit negotiations.

In a speech to Western leaders and officials in Munich, May promised that London would continue to lead military missions and share intelligence if Brussels agreed to a pact &quot;effective from 2019&quot;, the year Britain is due to leave the bloc.

May`s government is using a series of speeches to set out its vision for Britain outside the European Union. But the loudest applause during her appearance came when the event`s organiser, German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, said: &quot;Things would be so much easier if you stayed.&quot;

But May was adamant: &quot;We are leaving the EU and there is no question of a second referendum or going back, and I think that`s important,&quot; she told the Munich Security Conference.&nbsp;

&quot;The partnership that we need to create is one that offers UK and EU way to combine our efforts to greatest effect where this is in our shared interest,&quot; May said of her security plan.

Britain is one of the top three users of data from European Union police agency Europol. But as it leaves the EU, there is a risk that it will be shut out of this cooperation, becoming more vulnerable to Islamist militants, officials say.&nbsp; 
Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU`s chief executive, welcomed a &quot;security alliance&quot; with Britain, adding that the issue should be separated from the rest of the Brexit debate.&nbsp;

Britain, along with France, is Europe`s biggest military power and leads two European Union military missions while sending troops to Estonia under a NATO flag.

With a host of issues still unresolved and infighting over Brexit dividing May`s government just over a year before Britain is due to leave, security is one of London`s biggest bargaining chips as it seeks a new deal with Brussels.

Britain`s interior minister last year told the EU it could &quot;take our information with us&quot; if it left the bloc without a deal on security.

May emphasised she was committed to European security, warned against competition between Britain and the rest of Europe and said that both sides should do &quot;whatever is most practical and pragmatic in ensuring our collective security.&quot;

Juncker said security should not be conflated with &quot;other questions relating to Brexit,&quot; also quashing any British hopes that a security treaty might be a way into a free-trade deal.

&quot;I wouldn`t like to put security policy considerations with trade policy considerations in one hat. I understand why some would like to do that, but we don`t want to,&quot; he said.

Veiled threat

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed close security cooperation between Britain and the EU after Brexit, while Stoltenberg`s predecessor at the alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, told Reuters May`s was a strong speech.

&quot;I think that is what we should aim for, but any treaty is very time-consuming. The timeline is unrealistic,&quot; Fogh Rasmussen said.

A senior US&nbsp;official said: &quot;We know the goal, but I don`t know if this is the right vehicle.&quot;

But May`s call to set aside &quot;rigid institutional structures&quot; to enable a quick agreement on security was less well received.

&quot;What she meant was not specified and sounded like a veiled threat,&quot; said EU lawmaker Marietje Schaake, a Dutch centrist.

One senior EU official in Munich said that May would need to submit a formal negotiating paper to detail her ideas and then allow EU and British negotiators to move forward.

But the EU official said May`s proposal was essentially not new and could only come after Britain and the EU had agreed a divorce settlement. &quot;The European Union also wants a new security arrangement with Britain, but it can`t be done before we agree on other issues,&quot; the official said.

While the status of the Irish border and citizens rights were broadly settled in December, EU negotiators say they are now waiting for Britain to say what kind of future trade relationship it wants.

Agreement on that front would allow EU leaders to endorse the plan at a Brussels summit on March 22-23 and move on to a special transition arrangement ending in December 2020.

In a speech to Western leaders and officials in Munich, Theresa May promised that London would continue to lead military missions and share intelligence if Brussels agreed to a pact 'effective from 2019', the year Britain is due to leave the bloc

Prime Minister Theresa May made her case on Saturday for a new security treaty with the EU from next year, winning support from EU and US officials who agreed the issue was too important to risk getting subsumed in broader Brexit negotiations. In a speech to Western leaders and officials in Munich, May promised that London would continue to lead military missions and share intelligence if Brussels agreed to a pact "effective from 2019", the year Britain is due to leave the bloc. May`s government is using a series of speeches to set out its vision for Britain outside the European Union. But the loudest applause during her appearance came when the event`s organiser, German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, said: "Things would be so much easier if you stayed." But May was adamant: "We are leaving the EU and there is no question of a second referendum or going back, and I think that`s important," she told the Munich Security Conference. "The partnership that we need to create is one that offers UK and EU way to combine our efforts to greatest effect where this is in our shared interest," May said of her security plan. Britain is one of the top three users of data from European Union police agency Europol. But as it leaves the EU, there is a risk that it will be shut out of this cooperation, becoming more vulnerable to Islamist militants, officials say. Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU`s chief executive, welcomed a "security alliance" with Britain, adding that the issue should be separated from the rest of the Brexit debate. Britain, along with France, is Europe`s biggest military power and leads two European Union military missions while sending troops to Estonia under a NATO flag. With a host of issues still unresolved and infighting over Brexit dividing May`s government just over a year before Britain is due to leave, security is one of London`s biggest bargaining chips as it seeks a new deal with Brussels. Britain`s interior minister last year told the EU it could "take our information with us" if it left the bloc without a deal on security. May emphasised she was committed to European security, warned against competition between Britain and the rest of Europe and said that both sides should do "whatever is most practical and pragmatic in ensuring our collective security." Juncker said security should not be conflated with "other questions relating to Brexit," also quashing any British hopes that a security treaty might be a way into a free-trade deal. "I wouldn`t like to put security policy considerations with trade policy considerations in one hat. I understand why some would like to do that, but we don`t want to," he said. Veiled threat NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also welcomed close security cooperation between Britain and the EU after Brexit, while Stoltenberg`s predecessor at the alliance, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, told Reuters May`s was a strong speech. "I think that is what we should aim for, but any treaty is very time-consuming. The timeline is unrealistic," Fogh Rasmussen said. A senior US official said: "We know the goal, but I don`t know if this is the right vehicle." But May`s call to set aside "rigid institutional structures" to enable a quick agreement on security was less well received. "What she meant was not specified and sounded like a veiled threat," said EU lawmaker Marietje Schaake, a Dutch centrist. One senior EU official in Munich said that May would need to submit a formal negotiating paper to detail her ideas and then allow EU and British negotiators to move forward. But the EU official said May`s proposal was essentially not new and could only come after Britain and the EU had agreed a divorce settlement. "The European Union also wants a new security arrangement with Britain, but it can`t be done before we agree on other issues," the official said. While the status of the Irish border and citizens rights were broadly settled in December, EU negotiators say they are now waiting for Britain to say what kind of future trade relationship it wants. Agreement on that front would allow EU leaders to endorse the plan at a Brussels summit on March 22-23 and move on to a special transition arrangement ending in December 2020.

Britain's May wins backing for EU security pact, timing unclear

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces &quot;difficult&quot; talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour.

Late last month, Ankara began a cross-border offensive in northwestern Syria against what it calls a &quot;terrorist&quot; Kurdish militia supported and armed by Washington whose troops are back local militias against the Islamic State group (IS).

The Turkish operation further raised tensions between the two countries, whose relations were already complicated.

&quot;We are urging them to show restraint in their operations in Afrin, and to show restraint further along the line across the border in northern Syria,&quot; a senior US State Department official told reporters ahead of Tillerson&#39;s tour that begins Sunday and will also take him to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman and Beirut.

&quot;You start with asking for restraint and look for ways that you can help bring it to an end as quickly as possible,&quot; the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the US to pull its troops back from Syria&#39;s Manbij, which is east of Afrin.

&quot;Obviously we need to work with the Turks to figure out more about what their long-term intentions are,&quot; and to try to find a way &quot;to address their legitimate security concerns while, at the same time, minimizing civilian casualties and above all else keeping everything focused on the defeat-ISIS fight, which is not over,&quot; the official said.&nbsp;

It will be &quot;a difficult conversation,&quot; the official continued, referring to the &quot;very hot&quot; Turkish rhetoric on the subject.

Tillerson&#39;s visit is also expected to touch on other sensitive topics.

These include human rights and arrests that the US called &quot;arbitrary&quot; following a state of emergency declared after an attempted coup in 2016.&nbsp;

Turkey last year detained local employees of American diplomatic missions in the country, and arrested Taner Kilic, the president of Amnesty International in Turkey.

&quot;There&#39;s no pulling punches on that,&quot; a second senior State Department official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve been very public in our call to the Turks to let these folks go, and we&#39;ve been very firm in our private conversations with them as well.&quot;

He conceded: &quot;The Turks are angry and this is a difficult time to do business.&quot;

But Washington believes the two countries share fundamental underlying interests including Syria&#39;s stability, the defeat of IS, and countering the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK) which both Ankara and the West consider terrorists.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces "difficult" talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces "difficult" talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour. Late last month, Ankara began a cross-border offensive in northwestern Syria against what it calls a "terrorist" Kurdish militia supported and armed by Washington whose troops are back local militias against the Islamic State group (IS). The Turkish operation further raised tensions between the two countries, whose relations were already complicated. "We are urging them to show restraint in their operations in Afrin, and to show restraint further along the line across the border in northern Syria," a senior US State Department official told reporters ahead of Tillerson's tour that begins Sunday and will also take him to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman and Beirut. "You start with asking for restraint and look for ways that you can help bring it to an end as quickly as possible," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the US to pull its troops back from Syria's Manbij, which is east of Afrin. "Obviously we need to work with the Turks to figure out more about what their long-term intentions are," and to try to find a way "to address their legitimate security concerns while, at the same time, minimizing civilian casualties and above all else keeping everything focused on the defeat-ISIS fight, which is not over," the official said. It will be "a difficult conversation," the official continued, referring to the "very hot" Turkish rhetoric on the subject. Tillerson's visit is also expected to touch on other sensitive topics. These include human rights and arrests that the US called "arbitrary" following a state of emergency declared after an attempted coup in 2016. Turkey last year detained local employees of American diplomatic missions in the country, and arrested Taner Kilic, the president of Amnesty International in Turkey. "There's no pulling punches on that," a second senior State Department official said. "We've been very public in our call to the Turks to let these folks go, and we've been very firm in our private conversations with them as well." He conceded: "The Turks are angry and this is a difficult time to do business." But Washington believes the two countries share fundamental underlying interests including Syria's stability, the defeat of IS, and countering the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which both Ankara and the West consider terrorists.

Tough Turkey talks await Tillerson: Officials

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks rallied outside parliament in Athens on Sunday to protest against the use of the term Macedonia in any settlement the government pursues with the ex-Yugoslav Republic to end a decades-old name row.

According to the law enforcement data, 283 buses brought the protesters to the demonstration site. The demonstration&rsquo;s organizers said that over a million people had been a part of&nbsp;the rally up till Sunday night.

The two countries have agreed to step up negotiations, mediated by the United Nations, this year to settle the dispute, which has frustrated the aspirations of Greece&rsquo;s small northern neighbour to join NATO and the European Union.

Thoroughfares in central Athens turned into a sea of people waving blue and white Greek flags in what locals said was the largest gathering in decades, easily outdoing rallies against austerity foisted by lenders on the crisis-hit country.

Greece objects to Macedonia&rsquo;s name because it has its own region called Macedonia, and argues that its neighbour&rsquo;s use of the name, along with contentious articles in its constitution, imply territorial claims over Greek land.

According to media reports, the police officials are trying to get the situation in control between the far-right and far-left protesters after the far-right demonstrators reportedly attempted to attack anarchists with stones, flag poles, and stun grenades.

Reports further said that the police had to resort to using tear gas against demonstrators.

Protesters hoisted a giant Greek flag over the demonstration with a crane on Sunday. They held banners reading &ldquo;Hands off Macedonia!&rdquo; and chanted the national anthem.

Greece considers the name &quot;Macedonia&quot; to be part of its own cultural heritage, as it is also the name of a historic Greek province that was the core of Alexander the Great&#39;s ancient empire.

Athens thus seeks guarantees that the use of the name by its neighbour implies no claim to parts of its own territory.

Because of Greece&#39;s objections, Macedonia in 1993 joined the United Nations as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

To break the deadlock, longterm UN mediator Matthew Nimetz has now proposed several alternative names in Macedonian, including &quot;Republika Nova Makedonija&quot; or the &quot;Republic of New Macedonia&quot;.

Tsipras&#39; government says it is ready to accept a composite name that will establish a clear distinction from Greek Macedonia.

A resolution of the issue is needed before Macedonia can join NATO or the EU.

Greece in 2008 threatened to veto Macedonia&#39;s NATO entry. Skopje subsequently took the issue to the International Court of Justice, which said Athens had been wrong to block its land-locked neighbour&#39;s aspirations.

 
&nbsp;

The two countries have agreed to step up negotiations, mediated by the United Nations, this year to settle the dispute, which has frustrated the aspirations of Greece’s small northern neighbour to join NATO and the European Union

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks rallied outside parliament in Athens on Sunday to protest against the use of the term Macedonia in any settlement the government pursues with the ex-Yugoslav Republic to end a decades-old name row. According to the law enforcement data, 283 buses brought the protesters to the demonstration site. The demonstration’s organizers said that over a million people had been a part of the rally up till Sunday night. The two countries have agreed to step up negotiations, mediated by the United Nations, this year to settle the dispute, which has frustrated the aspirations of Greece’s small northern neighbour to join NATO and the European Union. Thoroughfares in central Athens turned into a sea of people waving blue and white Greek flags in what locals said was the largest gathering in decades, easily outdoing rallies against austerity foisted by lenders on the crisis-hit country. Greece objects to Macedonia’s name because it has its own region called Macedonia, and argues that its neighbour’s use of the name, along with contentious articles in its constitution, imply territorial claims over Greek land. According to media reports, the police officials are trying to get the situation in control between the far-right and far-left protesters after the far-right demonstrators reportedly attempted to attack anarchists with stones, flag poles, and stun grenades. Reports further said that the police had to resort to using tear gas against demonstrators. Protesters hoisted a giant Greek flag over the demonstration with a crane on Sunday. They held banners reading “Hands off Macedonia!” and chanted the national anthem. Greece considers the name "Macedonia" to be part of its own cultural heritage, as it is also the name of a historic Greek province that was the core of Alexander the Great's ancient empire. Athens thus seeks guarantees that the use of the name by its neighbour implies no claim to parts of its own territory. Because of Greece's objections, Macedonia in 1993 joined the United Nations as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). To break the deadlock, longterm UN mediator Matthew Nimetz has now proposed several alternative names in Macedonian, including "Republika Nova Makedonija" or the "Republic of New Macedonia". Tsipras' government says it is ready to accept a composite name that will establish a clear distinction from Greek Macedonia. A resolution of the issue is needed before Macedonia can join NATO or the EU. Greece in 2008 threatened to veto Macedonia's NATO entry. Skopje subsequently took the issue to the International Court of Justice, which said Athens had been wrong to block its land-locked neighbour's aspirations.

Millions of Greeks rally over Macedonia name row

Europe must lead the way in pushing for nuclear disarmament after Washington proposed upgrading and expanding the United States` nuclear arsenal, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday.

&quot;As in the times of the Cold War, we in Europe are especially endangered&quot; by &quot;a renewed nuclear arms race&quot;, Gabriel said.

&quot;That is why precisely we in Europe must begin new initiatives for arms control and disarmament.&quot;

Gabriel was responding to a so-called Nuclear Posture Review released Friday by the Pentagon that details the US military`s vision of nuclear threats and its response in the coming decades.

Upgrading the US arsenal and complementing massive &quot;strategic&quot; bombs with smaller &quot;tactical&quot; weapons was &quot;aimed at making use of nuclear weapons less likely&quot;, President Donald Trump said in a statement.

American nuclear planners believe potential adversaries abroad, especially Russia, assume America would never use its existing arsenal as the effects would be too devastating and provoke globally catastrophic retaliation.

&quot;The US and NATO require a wider range of credible low-yield nuclear options&quot; to deter Russia from using its own smaller nuclear weapons, Greg Weaver, the deputy director of strategic capabilities for the military`s Joint Staff, told reporters Friday.

Gabriel acknowledged that Russia`s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine had led to a &quot;dramatic loss of trust towards Russia&quot; in Europe as well as Washington, and that &quot;signs that Russia is re-arming, not only conventionally but with nuclear weapons, are obvious&quot;.

But instead of developing new weapons, Germany`s top diplomat called for &quot;existing arms control treaties to be upheld unconditionally&quot;.

Berlin would press &quot;with its allies and partners&quot; for further worldwide disarmament, he said.

&quot;Our long-term aim must continue to be a world without nuclear weapons,&quot; Gabriel continued -- the stated aim of US nuclear policy under former president Barack Obama.

Historically a close US ally and key NATO member, nuclear weapons were a divisive issue in Germany`s Cold War politics.

Berlin does not have its own arsenal, but the Pentagon maintained nuclear warheads in Germany as part of a gigantic military presence designed to deter Soviet invasion of western Europe.

The issue has been rediscovered by frontline politicians in the wake of Trump`s election.

Martin Schulz, a failed challenger to Chancellor Angela Merkel in elections last September, called during the campaign for remaining American bombs to be removed from Germany.

The German response to the US nuclear review comes on the heels of condemnations from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

'As in the times of the Cold War, we in Europe are especially endangered' by 'a renewed nuclear arms race', Sigmar Gabriel said

Europe must lead the way in pushing for nuclear disarmament after Washington proposed upgrading and expanding the United States` nuclear arsenal, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday. "As in the times of the Cold War, we in Europe are especially endangered" by "a renewed nuclear arms race", Gabriel said. "That is why precisely we in Europe must begin new initiatives for arms control and disarmament." Gabriel was responding to a so-called Nuclear Posture Review released Friday by the Pentagon that details the US military`s vision of nuclear threats and its response in the coming decades. Upgrading the US arsenal and complementing massive "strategic" bombs with smaller "tactical" weapons was "aimed at making use of nuclear weapons less likely", President Donald Trump said in a statement. American nuclear planners believe potential adversaries abroad, especially Russia, assume America would never use its existing arsenal as the effects would be too devastating and provoke globally catastrophic retaliation. "The US and NATO require a wider range of credible low-yield nuclear options" to deter Russia from using its own smaller nuclear weapons, Greg Weaver, the deputy director of strategic capabilities for the military`s Joint Staff, told reporters Friday. Gabriel acknowledged that Russia`s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine had led to a "dramatic loss of trust towards Russia" in Europe as well as Washington, and that "signs that Russia is re-arming, not only conventionally but with nuclear weapons, are obvious". But instead of developing new weapons, Germany`s top diplomat called for "existing arms control treaties to be upheld unconditionally". Berlin would press "with its allies and partners" for further worldwide disarmament, he said. "Our long-term aim must continue to be a world without nuclear weapons," Gabriel continued -- the stated aim of US nuclear policy under former president Barack Obama. Historically a close US ally and key NATO member, nuclear weapons were a divisive issue in Germany`s Cold War politics. Berlin does not have its own arsenal, but the Pentagon maintained nuclear warheads in Germany as part of a gigantic military presence designed to deter Soviet invasion of western Europe. The issue has been rediscovered by frontline politicians in the wake of Trump`s election. Martin Schulz, a failed challenger to Chancellor Angela Merkel in elections last September, called during the campaign for remaining American bombs to be removed from Germany. The German response to the US nuclear review comes on the heels of condemnations from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

Europe must brake mounting nuclear arms race: Germany

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Florida on Wednesday carrying into orbit a Luxembourg-made communications satellite designed in part to expand NATO`s surveillance reach and its capability to deter cyber attacks on alliance members.

The liftoff at 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station followed a technical glitch that prompted a 24-hour flight delay. It marked the second rocket launch this year for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his privately owned Space Exploration Technologies.

It comes a week before the California-based company is slated to conduct its highly anticipated first test flight of the much larger and more powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, which packs three times the thrust of the Falcon 9.

Wednesday`s payload is a communications satellite built for LuxGovSat S.A., a public-private joint venture between the Luxembourg government and Luxembourg-based telecommunications company SES, in part to fulfil that nation`s growing defence obligations to NATO.

The so-called GovSat-1 satellite will provide, among other things, greater cyber protection for Luxembourg`s European Union partners and NATO allies, including the United States, Luxembourg Defense Minister Etienne Schneider told a news conference on Tuesday.

GovSat-1 also will serve civilian telecommunications security functions.

Thirty-four minutes after liftoff, the satellite was successfully released into orbit 22,370 miles(36,000 km) above the equator, where it will circle the Earth for 15 years, according to SpaceX.

A spokesman for Schneider said the $279 million satellite, which weighs about 4-1/2 tons, is part of a broader policy of doubling the country`s contributions to NATO.

Citing new security threats, a senior NATO official told Reuters in March that the alliance planned to spend more than $3 billion on defence technology, a third of which would go toward satellite communications.&nbsp;

Unlike many recent SpaceX launches, no attempt was made to retrieve the rocket`s reusable main-stage because the SES satellite had to be carried to a higher Earth orbit, leaving the booster without sufficient fuel to fly back to Earth for a return landing.

The same Falcon 9 booster was used last year in a mission to launch a top-secret payload into space for the U.S. government.

&nbsp;

The same Falcon 9 booster was used last year in a mission to launch a top-secret payload into space for the U.S. government

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Florida on Wednesday carrying into orbit a Luxembourg-made communications satellite designed in part to expand NATO`s surveillance reach and its capability to deter cyber attacks on alliance members. The liftoff at 4:25 p.m. EST (2125 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station followed a technical glitch that prompted a 24-hour flight delay. It marked the second rocket launch this year for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his privately owned Space Exploration Technologies. It comes a week before the California-based company is slated to conduct its highly anticipated first test flight of the much larger and more powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, which packs three times the thrust of the Falcon 9. Wednesday`s payload is a communications satellite built for LuxGovSat S.A., a public-private joint venture between the Luxembourg government and Luxembourg-based telecommunications company SES, in part to fulfil that nation`s growing defence obligations to NATO. The so-called GovSat-1 satellite will provide, among other things, greater cyber protection for Luxembourg`s European Union partners and NATO allies, including the United States, Luxembourg Defense Minister Etienne Schneider told a news conference on Tuesday. GovSat-1 also will serve civilian telecommunications security functions. Thirty-four minutes after liftoff, the satellite was successfully released into orbit 22,370 miles(36,000 km) above the equator, where it will circle the Earth for 15 years, according to SpaceX. A spokesman for Schneider said the $279 million satellite, which weighs about 4-1/2 tons, is part of a broader policy of doubling the country`s contributions to NATO. Citing new security threats, a senior NATO official told Reuters in March that the alliance planned to spend more than $3 billion on defence technology, a third of which would go toward satellite communications. Unlike many recent SpaceX launches, no attempt was made to retrieve the rocket`s reusable main-stage because the SES satellite had to be carried to a higher Earth orbit, leaving the booster without sufficient fuel to fly back to Earth for a return landing. The same Falcon 9 booster was used last year in a mission to launch a top-secret payload into space for the U.S. government.

SpaceX rocket launches Luxembourg satellite for NATO

Finland&#39;s moderate President Sauli Niinisto cruised to a rare first-round election win on Sunday as his delicate balancing of ties with neighbour Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance resonated with voters.

The 69-year-old Niinisto, known for cultivating good relations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, won his second six-year term with an overwhelming 62.7 percent of the vote. His closest rival, Pekka Haavisto of the Greens of Finland, secured just 12.4 percent.

&quot;I am very surprised at this kind of support. I must think hard how to be worthy of it,&quot; Niinisto told reporters.

&quot;I have no intention of making changes just for the sake of making changes. We will follow very closely what is happening outside of Finland, globally, and if needed, then we will surely react.&quot;

Pro-EU Niinisto became the first candidate to win a first round victory since the electoral system was changed to a direct popular vote in 1994.

Eurosceptic politicians, Laura Huhtasaari from the nationalist Finns Party and independent Paavo Vayrynen, won 6.9 percent and 6.2 percent of votes, respectively. Turnout was 69.9 percent.

During his first term, Niinisto was instrumental in maintaining relations with Moscow, despite the country backing western economic sanctions against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Finland, which shares an 833-mile (1,340 km) border and a difficult history with Russia, has also developed closer ties with NATO but stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation with Russia.

The president is in charge of foreign and defence policy together with the government, but otherwise the post has become largely ceremonial in the past few decades.

Niinisto has appeared as a low-profile middle-man between East and West, in sharp contrast to his Baltic counterparts who regularly speak out against Moscow.

He was the first Western leader to meet Putin following the annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, and he has also actively pushed for an air safety agreement in the Baltic region.

Father of the nation

Niinisto hopes for the EU to strengthen its defence cooperation, and declines to lock in a stance on Finland&#39;s future NATO membership.

&quot;I think there is no reason to seek a (NATO) membership as long as circumstances are as they are now,&quot; Niinisto said on Sunday. &quot;But if there are crucial changes in the environment, then we might be in a different situation.&quot;

Niinisto originally belonged to the co-ruling, centre-right National Coalition Party but campaigned this time around as an independent.

&quot;When ties between European Union and Russia are tense, people are satisfied that Niinisto has been able to maintain pragmatic and functional dialogue with Russia,&quot; said Markku Jokisipila, director at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies of the University of Turku.

Apart from his long service in politics, Niinisto also taps into sympathy from many Finns because of a series of personal dramas.

A lawyer by training, he was finance minister in the 1990s, becoming known for his government&#39;s austerity measures following Finland&#39;s recession, as well as the decision to join the euro area.

He lost his first wife in a car accident in 1995. He was in Thailand during the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and survived by climbing up an electricity pole with his son.

He expects a baby with his wife Jenni Haukio, 40.

&quot;His habits reflect his experience and ordeal, and that combined with his very moderate policy statements makes him a kind of &#39;father of a nation&#39; figure,&quot; said Juho Rahkonen, Research Manager at pollster Taloustutkimus.

The result underlined how presidential candidates are to a large extent given priority over their parties, analysts said.

Matti Vanhanen, a candidate from Prime Minister Juha Sipila&#39;s Centre Party, received only 4.1 percent of votes, while the biggest opposition party Social Democrats&#39; candidate, Tuula Haatainen, won just 3.3 percent.

While around 20 percent of Finns back the idea of joining NATO, the only pro-NATO candidate, Nils Torvalds from the Swedish People&#39;s Party, won only 1.5 percent of votes.

Sauli Niinisto won his second six-year term with an overwhelming 62.7 percent of the vote

Finland's moderate President Sauli Niinisto cruised to a rare first-round election win on Sunday as his delicate balancing of ties with neighbour Russia and the US-led NATO military alliance resonated with voters. The 69-year-old Niinisto, known for cultivating good relations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, won his second six-year term with an overwhelming 62.7 percent of the vote. His closest rival, Pekka Haavisto of the Greens of Finland, secured just 12.4 percent. "I am very surprised at this kind of support. I must think hard how to be worthy of it," Niinisto told reporters. "I have no intention of making changes just for the sake of making changes. We will follow very closely what is happening outside of Finland, globally, and if needed, then we will surely react." Pro-EU Niinisto became the first candidate to win a first round victory since the electoral system was changed to a direct popular vote in 1994. Eurosceptic politicians, Laura Huhtasaari from the nationalist Finns Party and independent Paavo Vayrynen, won 6.9 percent and 6.2 percent of votes, respectively. Turnout was 69.9 percent. During his first term, Niinisto was instrumental in maintaining relations with Moscow, despite the country backing western economic sanctions against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Finland, which shares an 833-mile (1,340 km) border and a difficult history with Russia, has also developed closer ties with NATO but stopped short of full membership in line with a tradition of avoiding confrontation with Russia. The president is in charge of foreign and defence policy together with the government, but otherwise the post has become largely ceremonial in the past few decades. Niinisto has appeared as a low-profile middle-man between East and West, in sharp contrast to his Baltic counterparts who regularly speak out against Moscow. He was the first Western leader to meet Putin following the annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula, and he has also actively pushed for an air safety agreement in the Baltic region. Father of the nation Niinisto hopes for the EU to strengthen its defence cooperation, and declines to lock in a stance on Finland's future NATO membership. "I think there is no reason to seek a (NATO) membership as long as circumstances are as they are now," Niinisto said on Sunday. "But if there are crucial changes in the environment, then we might be in a different situation." Niinisto originally belonged to the co-ruling, centre-right National Coalition Party but campaigned this time around as an independent. "When ties between European Union and Russia are tense, people are satisfied that Niinisto has been able to maintain pragmatic and functional dialogue with Russia," said Markku Jokisipila, director at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies of the University of Turku. Apart from his long service in politics, Niinisto also taps into sympathy from many Finns because of a series of personal dramas. A lawyer by training, he was finance minister in the 1990s, becoming known for his government's austerity measures following Finland's recession, as well as the decision to join the euro area. He lost his first wife in a car accident in 1995. He was in Thailand during the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and survived by climbing up an electricity pole with his son. He expects a baby with his wife Jenni Haukio, 40. "His habits reflect his experience and ordeal, and that combined with his very moderate policy statements makes him a kind of 'father of a nation' figure," said Juho Rahkonen, Research Manager at pollster Taloustutkimus. The result underlined how presidential candidates are to a large extent given priority over their parties, analysts said. Matti Vanhanen, a candidate from Prime Minister Juha Sipila's Centre Party, received only 4.1 percent of votes, while the biggest opposition party Social Democrats' candidate, Tuula Haatainen, won just 3.3 percent. While around 20 percent of Finns back the idea of joining NATO, the only pro-NATO candidate, Nils Torvalds from the Swedish People's Party, won only 1.5 percent of votes.

Finns, worried by Russia, hand cautious president huge election win

Germany&#39;s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Saturday hosts his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks as Berlin and Ankara try to end a festering crisis.

Relations between the NATO partners have been badly strained, especially since Turkey&#39;s 2016 failed coup and subsequent crackdown which saw tens of thousands arrested, including several German or dual citizens.

Germany, home to a three-million-strong ethnic Turkish community, last year advised its investors and holiday-makers to avoid Turkey and urged a cut in EU funding linked to its stalled membership talks.

However, Ankara has in recent weeks sent a flurry of signals that it wants a return to warmer relations with the EU and Germany, at a time it is on tense terms with the United States, Israel and some Gulf states.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, having declared last month that Turkey &quot;must reduce the number of enemies and increase the number of friends&quot;, met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris Friday.

Adding a personal touch to Saturday&#39;s talks, Gabriel has invited Turkey&#39;s foreign minister to his home town of Goslar, after the two had meet in November in Cavusoglu`s southern home region of Antalya.

Following press statements around 1000 GMT, Gabriel will take his guest on a stroll through the heritage-listed medieval old town of Goslar, situated near Brunswick on the slopes of the Harz mountains.

Cavusoglu in a newspaper commentary Friday urged an end to the &quot;megaphone diplomacy&quot; between Turkey and Germany and a &quot;fresh start&quot; based on friendship and cooperation between &quot;equal partners&quot;.

Germany also sought a &quot;step by step&quot; rapprochement and said Saturday&#39;s talks would cover a full range of topics including the &quot;difficult&quot; ones, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said.The main hurdle now is the detention of Die Welt daily&#39;s German-Turkish correspondent Deniz Yucel on terror charges since last February, and of another six Germans Berlin says are jailed for &quot;political reasons&quot;.

Turkey has in recent weeks released several of the Germans whom Gabriel has labelled &quot;hostages&quot;, among them journalist Mesale Tolu.

Hopes grew that Yucel&#39;s case too could be resolved after the Turkish government this week addressed it for the first time in 10 months with a submission to the constitutional court, which could soon rule on whether to release him from pre-trial detention.

Cavusoglu stressed the independence of Turkish courts but pledged that &quot;we`re doing everything in our political power to speed up the judicial process&quot;.

The bilateral crisis of recent years has been fuelled by other disputes -- over a German TV comic harshly lampooning Erdogan, a 2016 German parliamentary resolution on the Armenian genocide, and Turkey denying military base visits to German MPs.

Ankara has accused Berlin of failing to pursue followers of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom it blames for the 2016 coup attempt, and of failing to crack down on Kurdish militants.

When Germany last year repeatedly denied Turkish politicians&#39;&nbsp;requests to campaign for votes among the Turkish-German community, Ankara accused the government of &quot;Nazi methods&quot;.

But Gabriel recently suggested to news weekly Der Spiegel that Western countries should tone down lecturing Erdogan&#39;s Turkey on democratic values because it could be counterproductive.

Calling for an &quot;enlightened debate&quot; on the issue, Gabriel said that &quot;to constantly accuse each other of betraying values will neither get someone out of jail nor will it strengthen us&quot;.

Relations between the NATO partners have been badly strained, especially since Turkey's 2016 failed coup

Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Saturday hosts his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks as Berlin and Ankara try to end a festering crisis. Relations between the NATO partners have been badly strained, especially since Turkey's 2016 failed coup and subsequent crackdown which saw tens of thousands arrested, including several German or dual citizens. Germany, home to a three-million-strong ethnic Turkish community, last year advised its investors and holiday-makers to avoid Turkey and urged a cut in EU funding linked to its stalled membership talks. However, Ankara has in recent weeks sent a flurry of signals that it wants a return to warmer relations with the EU and Germany, at a time it is on tense terms with the United States, Israel and some Gulf states. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, having declared last month that Turkey "must reduce the number of enemies and increase the number of friends", met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris Friday. Adding a personal touch to Saturday's talks, Gabriel has invited Turkey's foreign minister to his home town of Goslar, after the two had meet in November in Cavusoglu`s southern home region of Antalya. Following press statements around 1000 GMT, Gabriel will take his guest on a stroll through the heritage-listed medieval old town of Goslar, situated near Brunswick on the slopes of the Harz mountains. Cavusoglu in a newspaper commentary Friday urged an end to the "megaphone diplomacy" between Turkey and Germany and a "fresh start" based on friendship and cooperation between "equal partners". Germany also sought a "step by step" rapprochement and said Saturday's talks would cover a full range of topics including the "difficult" ones, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said.The main hurdle now is the detention of Die Welt daily's German-Turkish correspondent Deniz Yucel on terror charges since last February, and of another six Germans Berlin says are jailed for "political reasons". Turkey has in recent weeks released several of the Germans whom Gabriel has labelled "hostages", among them journalist Mesale Tolu. Hopes grew that Yucel's case too could be resolved after the Turkish government this week addressed it for the first time in 10 months with a submission to the constitutional court, which could soon rule on whether to release him from pre-trial detention. Cavusoglu stressed the independence of Turkish courts but pledged that "we`re doing everything in our political power to speed up the judicial process". The bilateral crisis of recent years has been fuelled by other disputes -- over a German TV comic harshly lampooning Erdogan, a 2016 German parliamentary resolution on the Armenian genocide, and Turkey denying military base visits to German MPs. Ankara has accused Berlin of failing to pursue followers of US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom it blames for the 2016 coup attempt, and of failing to crack down on Kurdish militants. When Germany last year repeatedly denied Turkish politicians' requests to campaign for votes among the Turkish-German community, Ankara accused the government of "Nazi methods". But Gabriel recently suggested to news weekly Der Spiegel that Western countries should tone down lecturing Erdogan's Turkey on democratic values because it could be counterproductive. Calling for an "enlightened debate" on the issue, Gabriel said that "to constantly accuse each other of betraying values will neither get someone out of jail nor will it strengthen us".

German, Turkish top diplomats meet to ease row

One of the major Islamic countries of Europe, Turkey is the only Islamic country which is part of America-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. When Mustafa Kamal Ataturk fought the Turkish War of Independence, he himself did not think that the country would be in such a state after few decades. The country has been inhibited by Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and other communities before, finally, surrendering to Islamic invaders in the late eleventh century.

&nbsp;

Traditionally, Turkey had been considered as a moderate Islamic country but in the recent times, the inclination of this country, which acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia, had been overtly hard-line Islamic, making it a matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 1952, when the Cold War started and America wanted to isolate the then mighty USSR, it had no option but to include Turkey in the NATO.&nbsp; Particularly, because the country was virtually controlling every movement from the Black Sea and, indirectly,&nbsp; was restricting the entire USSR Navy to operate in global waters.

&nbsp;

During the initial phase of Cold War, Turkey got immensely benefited from the economic, political and diplomatic support of United States and emerged as one of the major allies of the European Union. Even after the Cold War ended, the Mediterranean country&rsquo;s importance did not reduce but because of its strategic location and active support to America in all perspectives, it flourished.

&nbsp;

Even till now, Turkey has the second biggest standing force in NATO with over 5 lakh soldiers. Not only this, it is governed by the nuclear weapon sharing programme with the US. Accordingly, the US has housed a total of 90 B61 Nuclear warheads at its Incirlik Air Base, out of which 40 are at the disposal of Turkish Air Force.

&nbsp;

In 1991, Turkey played an important role in establishing NATO footholds in the Central Asian countries, which were liberated out of erstwhile USSR since they share the same culture and linguistic heritage. Things were going fine but after the win of AKP in the elections in 2002, the situation started deteriorating. Earlier Turkey used to support every move of the United States but for the first time in 2003, a major part of the AKP legislatures joined the Opposition party to prevent the government from supporting US decision to invade Iraq from the Turkish Territory.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That was a game-changing moment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tayyip Recep Erdogan had been one of the founders of AKP and is considered a hardliner Islamic politician. Everyone feared that his becoming the President will negatively affect the secular nature of Turkey. And the fear came true when he took over the country as Prime Minister in 2003 and then as President in 2014.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Erdogan started affecting the country&rsquo;s politics soon after his party came to power. He negotiated the membership of Turkey with the European Union, made changes in the Constitution in 2007 and 2010 and curbed the powers of his military, anticipating any future coup.

&nbsp;

He actively supported some hardliner Islamic movements within the country and nurtured their leaders and this is what disturbs the West. The over-inclination of Erdogan with the hardliner Islamic elements, the ISIS factor, the recent statements of the Turkish government against the US are challenging the existence of the country as a major NATO ally.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are several other issues too.&nbsp; The US support to Kurdish fighters is a point of friction as is Turkey supporting some of the ISIS elements. Turkish government officials gave statements, indicating the US as their enemy in open forum. Turkey believes that the US supported FETO movement to the July 2016 Coup. Turkey&rsquo;s increasing inclination to Russia and its joining of Moscow-Beijing led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is another matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Turkey is not only doing joint military exercises with Russia but also procuring S-400 Anti-Missile system, which will be integrated with the NATO defence systems. This is a clear breach of trust. US has also included Turkey as a joint partner in F-35 Program, which is a sensitive military programme but with the current inclination of this country, a leakage of technology into wrong hands can&rsquo;t be ruled out. The support of Turkey to Pakistan and some of its terror elements is also a serious matter of concern.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But what is compelling the US to keep Turkey as its major NATO ally? Because even keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What Erdogan thinks is that by playing this game, he can be in a win-win situation with respect to both the US and Russia. But if he would ever compare himself to these two countries, one led by a sharp businessman and other by an ex KGB operative, Erdogan is a novice and he must accept that.

&nbsp;

Ironically, Turkey is caught between his own moves and this would not lead the country anywhere. There are serious undercurrents in the government which was evident from the July 2016 Coup. Different governments have different ideologies and priorities which affect the nation to a great sense. The future has a lot in store for Turkey.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO.

One of the major Islamic countries of Europe, Turkey is the only Islamic country which is part of America-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. When Mustafa Kamal Ataturk fought the Turkish War of Independence, he himself did not think that the country would be in such a state after few decades. The country has been inhibited by Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Persians and other communities before, finally, surrendering to Islamic invaders in the late eleventh century. Traditionally, Turkey had been considered as a moderate Islamic country but in the recent times, the inclination of this country, which acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia, had been overtly hard-line Islamic, making it a matter of concern. In 1952, when the Cold War started and America wanted to isolate the then mighty USSR, it had no option but to include Turkey in the NATO. Particularly, because the country was virtually controlling every movement from the Black Sea and, indirectly, was restricting the entire USSR Navy to operate in global waters. During the initial phase of Cold War, Turkey got immensely benefited from the economic, political and diplomatic support of United States and emerged as one of the major allies of the European Union. Even after the Cold War ended, the Mediterranean country’s importance did not reduce but because of its strategic location and active support to America in all perspectives, it flourished. Even till now, Turkey has the second biggest standing force in NATO with over 5 lakh soldiers. Not only this, it is governed by the nuclear weapon sharing programme with the US. Accordingly, the US has housed a total of 90 B61 Nuclear warheads at its Incirlik Air Base, out of which 40 are at the disposal of Turkish Air Force. In 1991, Turkey played an important role in establishing NATO footholds in the Central Asian countries, which were liberated out of erstwhile USSR since they share the same culture and linguistic heritage. Things were going fine but after the win of AKP in the elections in 2002, the situation started deteriorating. Earlier Turkey used to support every move of the United States but for the first time in 2003, a major part of the AKP legislatures joined the Opposition party to prevent the government from supporting US decision to invade Iraq from the Turkish Territory. That was a game-changing moment. Tayyip Recep Erdogan had been one of the founders of AKP and is considered a hardliner Islamic politician. Everyone feared that his becoming the President will negatively affect the secular nature of Turkey. And the fear came true when he took over the country as Prime Minister in 2003 and then as President in 2014. Erdogan started affecting the country’s politics soon after his party came to power. He negotiated the membership of Turkey with the European Union, made changes in the Constitution in 2007 and 2010 and curbed the powers of his military, anticipating any future coup. He actively supported some hardliner Islamic movements within the country and nurtured their leaders and this is what disturbs the West. The over-inclination of Erdogan with the hardliner Islamic elements, the ISIS factor, the recent statements of the Turkish government against the US are challenging the existence of the country as a major NATO ally. There are several other issues too. The US support to Kurdish fighters is a point of friction as is Turkey supporting some of the ISIS elements. Turkish government officials gave statements, indicating the US as their enemy in open forum. Turkey believes that the US supported FETO movement to the July 2016 Coup. Turkey’s increasing inclination to Russia and its joining of Moscow-Beijing led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is another matter of concern. Turkey is not only doing joint military exercises with Russia but also procuring S-400 Anti-Missile system, which will be integrated with the NATO defence systems. This is a clear breach of trust. US has also included Turkey as a joint partner in F-35 Program, which is a sensitive military programme but with the current inclination of this country, a leakage of technology into wrong hands can’t be ruled out. The support of Turkey to Pakistan and some of its terror elements is also a serious matter of concern. But what is compelling the US to keep Turkey as its major NATO ally? Because even keeping Turkey out of NATO is not easy for the US as this organisation is run by consensus and, if needed, Turkey could paralyse all decisions, impacting the efficiency of NATO. What Erdogan thinks is that by playing this game, he can be in a win-win situation with respect to both the US and Russia. But if he would ever compare himself to these two countries, one led by a sharp businessman and other by an ex KGB operative, Erdogan is a novice and he must accept that. Ironically, Turkey is caught between his own moves and this would not lead the country anywhere. There are serious undercurrents in the government which was evident from the July 2016 Coup. Different governments have different ideologies and priorities which affect the nation to a great sense. The future has a lot in store for Turkey. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Erdogan's Turkey a threat or a trusted ally of NATO?

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

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

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

Tillerson to meet EU, NATO leaders to discuss North Korea

Rex Tillerson will meet European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday for talks on boosting transatlantic cooperation, the EU said, as the US secretary of state&#39;s political future appeared to hang by a thread.

&quot;Foreign affairs ministers will have an informal meeting with the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson in Brussels on 5 December,&quot; the European Council said Friday.

Tillerson is also expected to attend a NATO meeting on the same day.

With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump&#39;s &#39;America First&#39; policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers &quot;will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges.&quot;

Since Trump&#39;s election, the EU and US have disagreed on issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal, climate change and trade.

Mogherini said in a letter to the EU ministers that she was &quot;convinced that the meeting will be an excellent opportunity to address topical foreign policy issues and discuss how we can strengthen transatlantic cooperation.&quot;

News of the visit comes as Trump refused to rule out Tillerson&#39;s imminent departure amid reports of a plan to replace the former oil man with CIA director Mike Pompeo, seen as more amenable to the president&#39;s hardline views.

Asked if he wants Tillerson to remain in his post, Trump said only that &quot;Rex is here&quot; at the White House, a break from the usual expression of confidence in such a circumstances.

The State Department said that Tillerson &quot;enjoys this job&quot;, adding that he also had meetings planned in Vienna and Paris.

With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges

Rex Tillerson will meet European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday for talks on boosting transatlantic cooperation, the EU said, as the US secretary of state's political future appeared to hang by a thread. "Foreign affairs ministers will have an informal meeting with the US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson in Brussels on 5 December," the European Council said Friday. Tillerson is also expected to attend a NATO meeting on the same day. With ties between Brussels and Washington strained by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Tillerson, EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and the ministers "will discuss how to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on major global challenges." Since Trump's election, the EU and US have disagreed on issues ranging from the Iran nuclear deal, climate change and trade. Mogherini said in a letter to the EU ministers that she was "convinced that the meeting will be an excellent opportunity to address topical foreign policy issues and discuss how we can strengthen transatlantic cooperation." News of the visit comes as Trump refused to rule out Tillerson's imminent departure amid reports of a plan to replace the former oil man with CIA director Mike Pompeo, seen as more amenable to the president's hardline views. Asked if he wants Tillerson to remain in his post, Trump said only that "Rex is here" at the White House, a break from the usual expression of confidence in such a circumstances. The State Department said that Tillerson "enjoys this job", adding that he also had meetings planned in Vienna and Paris.

Tillerson to meet EU ministers in Brussels on Tuesday

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel for the informal talks in Antalya, both sides said in statements on Twitter.

Berlin has been outraged by the detention of German nationals under Turkey&#39;s state of emergency imposed after last year&#39;s failed coup, while Ankara has accused Germany of meddling in its affairs.

The meeting is the first between the two diplomats since tensions reached a new peak in the run-up to the German elections on September 24.

&quot;I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations,&quot; Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

The German foreign ministry issued a similar statement.

Pictures showed the two men, dressed in jackets without ties, chatting informally under blue skies in Antalya, Cavusoglu&#39;s home region.

The meeting comes just over a week after German activist Peter Steudtner was released following his arrest along with members of Amnesty International in July on disputed terror charges.

Another German citizen, who was not identified, was also released in a separate case but cannot leave the country, the German foreign ministry said Friday.

But nine Germans still remain behind bars in Turkey including most prominently Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in February, and German journalist Mesale Tolu.

Gabriel had last month thanked former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who retains warm personal ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for helping broker the releases.

But Ankara denied any such deal.

The tensions have risen into one of the worst ever crises between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish minority. Berlin has repeatedly expressed scepticism about the future of Turkey&#39;s EU membership bid.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged a cut in EU funding linked to Turkey&#39;s membership talks to signal the bloc&#39;s unhappiness over the crackdown in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup.

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies

The top diplomats of Germany and Turkey on Saturday met for previously unannounced talks in a southern Turkish resort, as a range of bitter rows strain ties between the two NATO allies. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel for the informal talks in Antalya, both sides said in statements on Twitter. Berlin has been outraged by the detention of German nationals under Turkey's state of emergency imposed after last year's failed coup, while Ankara has accused Germany of meddling in its affairs. The meeting is the first between the two diplomats since tensions reached a new peak in the run-up to the German elections on September 24. "I met my colleague @sigmargabriel in Antalya informally to discuss bilateral relations; including the difficult issues and mutual expectations," Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter. The German foreign ministry issued a similar statement. Pictures showed the two men, dressed in jackets without ties, chatting informally under blue skies in Antalya, Cavusoglu's home region. The meeting comes just over a week after German activist Peter Steudtner was released following his arrest along with members of Amnesty International in July on disputed terror charges. Another German citizen, who was not identified, was also released in a separate case but cannot leave the country, the German foreign ministry said Friday. But nine Germans still remain behind bars in Turkey including most prominently Die Welt daily correspondent Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in February, and German journalist Mesale Tolu. Gabriel had last month thanked former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who retains warm personal ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for helping broker the releases. But Ankara denied any such deal. The tensions have risen into one of the worst ever crises between Turkey and Germany, which is home to a large Turkish minority. Berlin has repeatedly expressed scepticism about the future of Turkey's EU membership bid. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged a cut in EU funding linked to Turkey's membership talks to signal the bloc's unhappiness over the crackdown in the wake of the failed July 2016 coup.

Germany, Turkey top diplomats hold talks amid tensions

Military intervention against North Korea would have &quot;devastating consequences&quot;, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Friday, after US President Donald Trump said diplomatic efforts had failed.

Tensions over North Korea&#39;s weapons programmes have soared in recent months, with Pyongyang launching a flurry of missiles and conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month in defiance of international sanctions.

Trump&#39;s continued threats of military action against Pyongyang to tame its weapons ambitions have fuelled fears of a conflict on the Korean peninsula and next week the US and South Korea will begin a major naval drill as a show of force against the North.

Stoltenberg, who will visit South Korea and Japan in the coming weeks as a show of support, stressed that Washington had the right to defend itself and its allies, but called for greater diplomatic efforts.

&quot;The use of military force will have devastating consequences, I think nobody really wants that, therefore we need to continue to push for a negotiated solution,&quot; Stoltenberg said in an interview at NATO head quarters in Brussels.

&quot;The US has the right to defend itself, to defend its allies, but at same time I am absolutely certain no one wants a military solution, so we still see a united effort to try to step up the pressure against North Korea.&quot;

Trump met his national security team on Tuesday and discussed a &quot;range of options&quot; to respond to Pyongyang&#39;s repeated recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The meeting came days after Trump, who last month threatened to &quot;destroy&quot; North Korea, said on Twitter that years of talks with Pyongyang had achieved nothing and &quot;only one thing will work&quot;.

&#39;Catastrophic consequences&#39;&nbsp;

Next week&#39;s naval drills in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea will feature the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and two US destroyers alongside South Korean Navy vessels, part of a flurry of military hardware movement in the region in recent days.

Earlier this week two supersonic US heavy bombers flew over the Korean peninsula, staging the first night-time joint aviation exercises with Japan and South Korea, the latest in a series of flyovers.

NATO&#39;s covenant of self-defence, under which an attack on one member triggers a response from all, does not apply to South Korea or Japan despite their status as &quot;global partners&quot; and Stoltenberg stressed that NATO was &quot;not planning any military presence in that part of the world&quot;.

But he cautioned that a strike on Japan or South Korea would &quot;trigger a really dangerous situation, it would have catastrophic consequences&quot;.

And the growing range and accuracy seen in the North&#39;s missile tests have prompted the 29-nation alliance to review its missile defence system, which has been partially operational from a base in Romania since last year.

&quot;Our experts are working on technology, on how to improve our systems,&quot; Stoltenberg said.

The North Korea crisis will be high on the agenda at a meeting of EU foreign minister next week, where a fresh package of sanctions against Kim Jong-Un&#39;s regime is set to be approved.

Three individuals and six entities will be added to the blacklist, a senior EU official said, and the bloc plans to step up diplomatic pressure on countries who are not enforcing tough international sanctions against the North.

A strike on Japan or South Korea would 'trigger a really dangerous situation, it would have catastrophic consequences', said Stoltenberg

Military intervention against North Korea would have "devastating consequences", NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Friday, after US President Donald Trump said diplomatic efforts had failed. Tensions over North Korea's weapons programmes have soared in recent months, with Pyongyang launching a flurry of missiles and conducting its sixth and most powerful nuclear test last month in defiance of international sanctions. Trump's continued threats of military action against Pyongyang to tame its weapons ambitions have fuelled fears of a conflict on the Korean peninsula and next week the US and South Korea will begin a major naval drill as a show of force against the North. Stoltenberg, who will visit South Korea and Japan in the coming weeks as a show of support, stressed that Washington had the right to defend itself and its allies, but called for greater diplomatic efforts. "The use of military force will have devastating consequences, I think nobody really wants that, therefore we need to continue to push for a negotiated solution," Stoltenberg said in an interview at NATO head quarters in Brussels. "The US has the right to defend itself, to defend its allies, but at same time I am absolutely certain no one wants a military solution, so we still see a united effort to try to step up the pressure against North Korea." Trump met his national security team on Tuesday and discussed a "range of options" to respond to Pyongyang's repeated recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests. The meeting came days after Trump, who last month threatened to "destroy" North Korea, said on Twitter that years of talks with Pyongyang had achieved nothing and "only one thing will work". 'Catastrophic consequences' Next week's naval drills in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea will feature the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and two US destroyers alongside South Korean Navy vessels, part of a flurry of military hardware movement in the region in recent days. Earlier this week two supersonic US heavy bombers flew over the Korean peninsula, staging the first night-time joint aviation exercises with Japan and South Korea, the latest in a series of flyovers. NATO's covenant of self-defence, under which an attack on one member triggers a response from all, does not apply to South Korea or Japan despite their status as "global partners" and Stoltenberg stressed that NATO was "not planning any military presence in that part of the world". But he cautioned that a strike on Japan or South Korea would "trigger a really dangerous situation, it would have catastrophic consequences". And the growing range and accuracy seen in the North's missile tests have prompted the 29-nation alliance to review its missile defence system, which has been partially operational from a base in Romania since last year. "Our experts are working on technology, on how to improve our systems," Stoltenberg said. The North Korea crisis will be high on the agenda at a meeting of EU foreign minister next week, where a fresh package of sanctions against Kim Jong-Un's regime is set to be approved. Three individuals and six entities will be added to the blacklist, a senior EU official said, and the bloc plans to step up diplomatic pressure on countries who are not enforcing tough international sanctions against the North.

NATO warns N.Korea military action would have 'devastating consequences'

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