An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.

During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said.

Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources.

Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said.

His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added.

Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24.

He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government.

The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets.

More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. &nbsp;

It says 48 are still in detention.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country. He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence. During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said. Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail. It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources. Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said. His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added. Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24. He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets. More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. It says 48 are still in detention.

US journalist held in Myanmar hit with second charge: lawyer

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

"We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks)&nbsp;in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November.

Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies.

President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically.

"The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not."

Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said.

However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry.

"We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said.

"The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming."

The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years."

However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues."

"We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity. "We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks) in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November. Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday. Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies. President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically. "The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not." Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said. However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry. "We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said. "The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming." The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years." However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues." "We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

US hopes to restart Iran talks but cites 'alarming' nuclear progress

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize.

But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule.&nbsp;

Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June.

But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict.

New hope

Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign.

Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality.

He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors.

But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office.&nbsp;

Peacemaker

In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war.

Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate.

Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over.

Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw.

State of unrest&nbsp;

The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime.

The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response.

Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia.

In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed.

Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region.

War in the north

In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join.

The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order.

Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces.&nbsp;

Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire.

Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions.

Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing.&nbsp;

Election woes

Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda.

The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks.

The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people.&nbsp;

Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power. &nbsp;

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests.

Abiy Ahmed promised a clean break from years of iron-fisted rule in Ethiopia, where he became prime minister in 2018 after several years of anti-government street protests. Africa's second-most populous nation has witnessed rapid and historic change since Abiy's appointment and in 2019 he won the Nobel Peace Prize. But war broke out the following year in the northern Tigray region -- where famine now looms large -- and ethnic violence has increased under his rule. Abiy's ruling party won a landslide victory in national elections in June. But ahead of his swearing-in Monday, he faces international condemnation and growing isolation over the Tigray conflict. New hope Abiy was appointed in April 2018 by Ethiopia's authoritarian ruling coalition after years of agitation by the country's two largest ethnic groups -- the Oromos and Amharas -- forced his predecessor to resign. Ethiopia's first ever Oromo prime minister, Abiy sparked early hopes of a democratic resurgence. Dissidents were freed from prison, exiles welcomed home and a formal apology issued for state brutality. He also announced economic reforms, including liberalising parts of Ethiopia's tightly controlled markets, the creation of a stock exchange, and opening state industries to foreign investors. But he was not universally popular. A grenade attack targeted one of his rallies just two months after he took office. Peacemaker In a surprise move, Abiy made peace with neighbouring Eritrea after a 20-year cold war. Eritrea voted for independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A border dispute then ignited a 1998-2000 war that left 80,000 dead before sliding into a stalemate. Shortly after taking office, Abiy extended an olive branch by accepting the demarcation of the border as drawn by the UN in 2002. He then paid a historic visit to Eritrea, where both sides declared the war over. Abiy won his Nobel in large part for instigating the thaw. State of unrest The opening of political space under Abiy spurred ethno-nationalism that had long been kept at bay by the repressive former regime. The Sidama people in the south voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to create their own region, Ethiopia's 10th, and another referendum was held in September 2021 on whether to form a South West region. Other groups also challenged Abiy for greater ethnic self-rule, sometimes drawing a forceful response. Abiy has struggled to keep a lid on ethnic violence, including in his native Oromia. In June 2020, the shooting of an Oromo pop singer sparked protests that saw 160 people killed in inter-ethnic violence and clashes with security forces. Opposition leaders were rounded up and jailed. Oromia has also witnessed massacres blamed on local rebel groups. Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have been killed in ethnically motivated clashes in Amhara, the second-most populous region. War in the north In late 2019, Abiy disbanded Ethiopia's long-ruling coalition and formed the Prosperity Party. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which dominated national politics before Abiy took power, refused to join. The TPLF complained of being sidelined and openly defied his rule. In September 2020, it held elections in Tigray, ignoring a federal order. Two months later, Abiy accused the TPLF of orchestrating attacks on federal army camps in Tigray and sent troops into the region, aided by Eritrean forces. Although he promised swift victory, TPLF rebels retook the Tigray capital Mekele in June and Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire. Fighting has since spread to neighbouring regions. Ethiopia has faced censure on the world stage over a dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, and its troops have been accused of mass rape and ethnic cleansing. Election woes Abiy vowed to hold the most credible elections Ethiopia had ever seen to secure a mandate for his reform agenda. The poll was initially delayed from August 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and then again until June 21 this year because of logistical setbacks. The Tigray war, and ethnic unrest elsewhere, made voting impossible in many parts of the country of 115 million people. Delayed polls were held in some areas on September 30, but the outcome will not have a significant bearing on the balance of power.

Transformation to conflict: Ethiopia under Abiy Ahmed

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces.

The soft-spoken scion of a Hiroshima political family, Kishida beat popular vaccine chief Taro Kono to win leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week.

The victory effectively ensures he will win a vote later Monday in parliament, where the LDP's ruling coalition holds a commanding majority, and become leader of the world's third largest economy.

Speaking before the vote Monday morning, Kishida said he was ready for the top job.

"I think it will be a new start in its true sense," he told reporters.

"I want to take on challenges with a strong will and firm resolve to face the future."

Kishida is widely considered a safe pair of hands, who commands support from his own faction within the LDP and is not expected to veer significantly from the government's existing policies.

His election came after former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who submitted his resignation on Monday morning, announced he would not stand for the LDP leadership after just one year in office.

Kishida will unveil his new cabinet on Monday afternoon, but details reported in local media suggested he would keep on several ministers in key portfolios.

Both Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi will retain their jobs, local media reported.

Motegi is a Harvard-educated political veteran who has taken the lead in negotiating key trade deals, while Kishi is the brother of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

The finance portfolio will go to Shunichi Suzuki, who is replacing his own brother-in-law Taro Aso.

Suzuki, 68, is also a veteran politician and the son of a former prime minister. He has served in government before, holding both the Olympic minister and environment minister posts.

- Pandemic recovery, election ahead -

The cabinet will reportedly include three women, among them his one-time rival for the leadership Seiko Noda, who will become minister in charge of addressing Japan's declining birthrate.

The posts of vaccine minister and digital minister will also be held by women, with several members of the cabinet appointed to their first ministerial post.

Kishida faces a raft of challenges, from trying to steer a post-pandemic economic recovery to confronting the military threats posed by North Korea and China.

He will also be leading the LDP in general elections that must happen by November.

Local media reported Monday that Kishida is now expected to hold the vote on October 31, a few weeks earlier than expected.

The ruling party and its coalition party are widely expected to retain power, but could be vulnerable to losing some seats with the public unhappy about the government's response to the coronavirus.

Suga's government saw its approval ratings slump as it struggled to tackle waves of infection, including a record virus spike over the summer while the Olympics were being held.

Kishida's leadership campaign emphasised his plans to correct government missteps on the pandemic, including a pledge to unleash new economic stimulus.

Much of Japan has been under virus emergency measures for a large part of the year, with the restrictions finally lifting last week as new infections decline.

Around 60 per cent of the population is now vaccinated, but there are concerns that the country's healthcare system could easily become overwhelmed again in a new virus wave. 
&nbsp;

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces.

Japan's parliament votes Monday to approve Fumio Kishida as the country's next prime minister, with the new leader expected to announce a cabinet including both holdovers and fresh faces. The soft-spoken scion of a Hiroshima political family, Kishida beat popular vaccine chief Taro Kono to win leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week. The victory effectively ensures he will win a vote later Monday in parliament, where the LDP's ruling coalition holds a commanding majority, and become leader of the world's third largest economy. Speaking before the vote Monday morning, Kishida said he was ready for the top job. "I think it will be a new start in its true sense," he told reporters. "I want to take on challenges with a strong will and firm resolve to face the future." Kishida is widely considered a safe pair of hands, who commands support from his own faction within the LDP and is not expected to veer significantly from the government's existing policies. His election came after former prime minister Yoshihide Suga, who submitted his resignation on Monday morning, announced he would not stand for the LDP leadership after just one year in office. Kishida will unveil his new cabinet on Monday afternoon, but details reported in local media suggested he would keep on several ministers in key portfolios. Both Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi will retain their jobs, local media reported. Motegi is a Harvard-educated political veteran who has taken the lead in negotiating key trade deals, while Kishi is the brother of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The finance portfolio will go to Shunichi Suzuki, who is replacing his own brother-in-law Taro Aso. Suzuki, 68, is also a veteran politician and the son of a former prime minister. He has served in government before, holding both the Olympic minister and environment minister posts. - Pandemic recovery, election ahead - The cabinet will reportedly include three women, among them his one-time rival for the leadership Seiko Noda, who will become minister in charge of addressing Japan's declining birthrate. The posts of vaccine minister and digital minister will also be held by women, with several members of the cabinet appointed to their first ministerial post. Kishida faces a raft of challenges, from trying to steer a post-pandemic economic recovery to confronting the military threats posed by North Korea and China. He will also be leading the LDP in general elections that must happen by November. Local media reported Monday that Kishida is now expected to hold the vote on October 31, a few weeks earlier than expected. The ruling party and its coalition party are widely expected to retain power, but could be vulnerable to losing some seats with the public unhappy about the government's response to the coronavirus. Suga's government saw its approval ratings slump as it struggled to tackle waves of infection, including a record virus spike over the summer while the Olympics were being held. Kishida's leadership campaign emphasised his plans to correct government missteps on the pandemic, including a pledge to unleash new economic stimulus. Much of Japan has been under virus emergency measures for a large part of the year, with the restrictions finally lifting last week as new infections decline. Around 60 per cent of the population is now vaccinated, but there are concerns that the country's healthcare system could easily become overwhelmed again in a new virus wave.

Fumio Kishida to be approved Japan's next PM

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines.

Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency.

The mayor of the Philippine capital will run under the political party Aksyon Demokratiko, of which he is the President.

According to a recent survey published by Pulse Asia, 13 per cent of the Filipino respondents expressed support for Domagoso as a "probable" presidential candidate.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-stock-exchange-halts-trading-of-evergrande-shares-418036" hreflang="en">Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares</a>

Monday's development comes two days after incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte announced his retirement from politics, adding that he will not contest for Vice President in 2022 elections.

Meanwhile, his former long-time aid and Senator Christopher Go, 47, has his candidacy for Vice President.

On October 1, Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao became to first candidate to file his official certificate, just days after he announced his retirement from boxing.

The May 9, 2022 elections will elect the President, Vice President, half of the 24-member Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and other local officials.

Candidates have until Friday to file their official certificates to contest the polls.

The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-of-myanmars-suu-kyi-taking-toll-on-her-health-lawyer-418104" hreflang="en">Trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi taking toll on her health: Lawyer</a>

"But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need.&nbsp;

"So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. &nbsp;We need significant change," Frost said.&nbsp;

"But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland."

The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland.

But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK.

Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances.

"That may in the end be the only way to protect our country -- our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned.

Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines. Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency.

Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Monday filed his certificate of candidacy to run for May 2022 presidential elections in the Philippines. Domagoso, 46, popularly known by his celebrity nickname Isko Moreno, and his running-mate Willie Ong, a doctor with more than 16 million followers on Facebook, filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections, reports Xinhua news agency. The mayor of the Philippine capital will run under the political party Aksyon Demokratiko, of which he is the President. According to a recent survey published by Pulse Asia, 13 per cent of the Filipino respondents expressed support for Domagoso as a "probable" presidential candidate. Also Read: Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares Monday's development comes two days after incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte announced his retirement from politics, adding that he will not contest for Vice President in 2022 elections. Meanwhile, his former long-time aid and Senator Christopher Go, 47, has his candidacy for Vice President. On October 1, Filipino boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao became to first candidate to file his official certificate, just days after he announced his retirement from boxing. The May 9, 2022 elections will elect the President, Vice President, half of the 24-member Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and other local officials. Candidates have until Friday to file their official certificates to contest the polls. The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted. Also Read | Trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi taking toll on her health: Lawyer "But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need. "So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. We need significant change," Frost said. "But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland." The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland. But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK. Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances. "That may in the end be the only way to protect our country -- our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned. Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

Manila Mayor officially joins 2022 presidential race

The UK government on Monday said it stood ready to abandon a post-Brexit trading accord for Northern Ireland "soon", unless the EU agreed to wholesale changes.

Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

"The British renaissance has begun," he said, insisting that Brexit was working in terms of recapturing UK sovereignty despite an ongoing supply chain crisis roiling the economy.

But for Northern Ireland in particular, trust in the tricky compromises worked out with Brussels had "collapsed", Frost said, blaming the EU's "heavy-handed actions".

The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-soon-to-tell-fauci-talks-about-christmas-gatherings-as-he-warns-americans-to-not-be-complacent-418125">Also read |&nbsp;'Too soon to tell': Fauci talks about Christmas gatherings as he warns Americans to not be complacent</a>

"But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need.&nbsp;

"So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. &nbsp;We need significant change," Frost said.&nbsp;

"But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland."

The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland.

But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK.

Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances.

"That may in the end be the only way to protect our country our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned.

The UK government on Monday said it stood ready to abandon a post-Brexit trading accord for Northern Ireland "soon", unless the EU agreed to wholesale changes. Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over.

The UK government on Monday said it stood ready to abandon a post-Brexit trading accord for Northern Ireland "soon", unless the EU agreed to wholesale changes. Addressing the annual conference of the ruling Conservative party, Brexit minister David Frost said: "The long bad dream of our EU membership is over. "The British renaissance has begun," he said, insisting that Brexit was working in terms of recapturing UK sovereignty despite an ongoing supply chain crisis roiling the economy. But for Northern Ireland in particular, trust in the tricky compromises worked out with Brussels had "collapsed", Frost said, blaming the EU's "heavy-handed actions". The EU had yet to formally reply to UK proposals made in July to reform the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, he noted. Also read | 'Too soon to tell': Fauci talks about Christmas gatherings as he warns Americans to not be complacent "But from what I hear, I worry that we will not get one which enables the significant change we need. "So I urge the EU to be ambitious. It's no use tinkering around the edges. We need significant change," Frost said. "But we cannot wait for ever. Without an agreed solution soon, we will need to act, using the Article 16 safeguard mechanism, to address the impact the protocol is having on Northern Ireland." The protocol formed part of the UK's drawn-out divorce from the EU, and was designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the bloc's single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland. But pro-UK unionists in Northern Ireland are opposed, arguing that border checks on goods from mainland Great Britain -- England, Scotland and Wales -- effectively creates a border in the Irish Sea, compromising the province's place in the wider UK. Brussels insists that the protocol is not up for renegotiation, and could trigger trade reprisals should the UK invoke its Article 16, which would suspend the pact owing to extraordinary circumstances. "That may in the end be the only way to protect our country our people, our trade, our territorial integrity, the peace process, and the benefits of this great UK of which we are all part," Frost warned.

UK warns EU time running out to fix NI accord

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's health has suffered from her frequent appearances before a court run by the military junta that deposed her government, her lawyer said Monday.

Suu Kyi went on trial in June, four months after she was taken into custody in a coup that plunged the country into turmoil.

The 76-year-old faces a raft of charges, from sedition to illegally importing walkie-talkies, which could see her jailed for decades.

She applied for hearings to take place every two weeks instead of weekly "on the grounds of her health," her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said after her latest court appearance.

After new corruption charges were brought against her last week, the Nobel laureate now must appear most weekdays at a courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw.

The trial had left Suu Kyi feeling "strained", Khin Maung Zaw said, without offering more details.&nbsp;

He added that the judge would make a decision on her request next week.

Eight months since the coup, clashes between junta forces and anti-coup dissidents have escalated, with increasingly bloody attacks and reprisals.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, spearheaded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have failed to make headway.&nbsp;

Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, who was selected as the regional bloc's envoy in August after lengthy wrangling, had called for full access to all parties when he visits.&nbsp;

But last week a junta spokesman told AFP it was unlikely he would be allowed to meet Suu Kyi.

Security forces have killed more than 1,100 civilians since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.&nbsp;

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's health has suffered from her frequent appearances before a court run by the military junta that deposed her government, her lawyer said Monday.

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's health has suffered from her frequent appearances before a court run by the military junta that deposed her government, her lawyer said Monday. Suu Kyi went on trial in June, four months after she was taken into custody in a coup that plunged the country into turmoil. The 76-year-old faces a raft of charges, from sedition to illegally importing walkie-talkies, which could see her jailed for decades. She applied for hearings to take place every two weeks instead of weekly "on the grounds of her health," her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said after her latest court appearance. After new corruption charges were brought against her last week, the Nobel laureate now must appear most weekdays at a courtroom in the military-built capital Naypyidaw. The trial had left Suu Kyi feeling "strained", Khin Maung Zaw said, without offering more details. He added that the judge would make a decision on her request next week. Eight months since the coup, clashes between junta forces and anti-coup dissidents have escalated, with increasingly bloody attacks and reprisals. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, spearheaded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have failed to make headway. Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, who was selected as the regional bloc's envoy in August after lengthy wrangling, had called for full access to all parties when he visits. But last week a junta spokesman told AFP it was unlikely he would be allowed to meet Suu Kyi. Security forces have killed more than 1,100 civilians since the coup, according to a local monitoring group.

Trial of Myanmar's Suu Kyi taking toll on her health: Lawyer

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation.

Thirty men were elected to Qatar's Shura Council at Saturday's polls despite more than two dozen women standing for the body which is seen as a nod to democracy rather than a fully-fledged parliament.

"I'm not happy because all of them (winners) are men -&nbsp;some of them are old. To be honest, I was surprised. It's not fair," said voter Shamma who declined to give her full name.

"We are really sad."

She said she was hopeful that the emir would choose women among his 15 direct appointments to offset the imbalance.

It is not known when the emir's appointments will be announced or when the council will meet.

"Five seats for women will be enough because I believe one woman can change the world," Shamma told AFP.

Of the 284 hopefuls who went into the race for the 30 available council seats, just 28 were women although the final proportion after a number of eleventh-hour candidate withdrawals has not been published.

"You lost the battle of victory, but you won the war of participation!" popular Qatari author Ebtesam al-Saad wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

Several analysts had suggested the emir could directly appoint women "to improve the gender balance" if none were elected -- similar to what happened in Bahrain's legislative election.

Official sources had confirmed to AFP this was a likely outcome in the event no women succeeded at the ballot box.

The final voter turnout was 63.5 per cent according to official data.

Qatar touts the level of representation enjoyed by its women with the health ministry led by a woman and the foreign ministry represented by a spokeswoman.

Women also hold prominent roles in the World Cup organising committee as well as philanthropy and the arts, medicine, law and business.

But in March, Human Rights Watch accused Qatar of restricting the lives of its female population through unclear "guardianship" rules requiring adult women to obtain male approval for everyday activities.

The constitution of Qatar, a conservative Muslim Gulf state, provides for "equal opportunities for all citizens".

The Shura will be allowed to propose legislation, approve the budget and recall ministers, but the all-powerful emir will wield a veto.

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation.

Women voters voiced disappointment Sunday after none were elected in Qatar's first legislative polls with all eyes on whether the emir will use his powers to appoint 15 lawmakers to boost representation. Thirty men were elected to Qatar's Shura Council at Saturday's polls despite more than two dozen women standing for the body which is seen as a nod to democracy rather than a fully-fledged parliament. "I'm not happy because all of them (winners) are men - some of them are old. To be honest, I was surprised. It's not fair," said voter Shamma who declined to give her full name. "We are really sad." She said she was hopeful that the emir would choose women among his 15 direct appointments to offset the imbalance. It is not known when the emir's appointments will be announced or when the council will meet. "Five seats for women will be enough because I believe one woman can change the world," Shamma told AFP. Of the 284 hopefuls who went into the race for the 30 available council seats, just 28 were women although the final proportion after a number of eleventh-hour candidate withdrawals has not been published. "You lost the battle of victory, but you won the war of participation!" popular Qatari author Ebtesam al-Saad wrote on Twitter. Several analysts had suggested the emir could directly appoint women "to improve the gender balance" if none were elected -- similar to what happened in Bahrain's legislative election. Official sources had confirmed to AFP this was a likely outcome in the event no women succeeded at the ballot box. The final voter turnout was 63.5 per cent according to official data. Qatar touts the level of representation enjoyed by its women with the health ministry led by a woman and the foreign ministry represented by a spokeswoman. Women also hold prominent roles in the World Cup organising committee as well as philanthropy and the arts, medicine, law and business. But in March, Human Rights Watch accused Qatar of restricting the lives of its female population through unclear "guardianship" rules requiring adult women to obtain male approval for everyday activities. The constitution of Qatar, a conservative Muslim Gulf state, provides for "equal opportunities for all citizens". The Shura will be allowed to propose legislation, approve the budget and recall ministers, but the all-powerful emir will wield a veto.

Disappointment in Qatar as no women candidates elected

Georgians were voting Saturday in closely watched municipal elections, a day after ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's arrest on his return from exile deepened a protracted political crisis in the Caucasus nation.

The detention of Georgia's foremost opposition figure raised the stakes in the elections seen as a key test for the increasingly unpopular ruling party.

Saakashvili founded Georgia's main opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), and was president between 2003-2013.

The 53-year-old said Friday he had returned from Ukraine, where he heads a Ukrainian government agency steering reforms.

The flamboyant pro-Western reformer was detained shortly afterwards over a 2018 conviction in absentia on abuse of office charges. He denies wrongdoing and had denounced his sentence of six years in jail as politically motivated.

His jailing will almost certainly spark upheaval in the small ex-Soviet nation that has been plagued for years by political instability.

"I want to ask you all to go to the elections so that not a single vote is lost," he wrote on Twitter Saturday, posting a picture of a letter to supporters from prison.&nbsp;

"My freedom and, more importantly, the freedom of Georgia depends entirely on your actions and fighting ability."

Prior to his arrest, he posted a video message on Facebook calling on supporters to take to the streets against the government.

Protracted crisis

The municipal elections are being watched inside and outside Georgia for signs of the ruling party Georgian Dream backsliding on democracy.

Saakashvili - who commands a fiercely loyal following -- called in one video Friday for his supporters to gather on the main thoroughfare in the capital Tbilisi on Sunday.

Critics have accused Georgian Dream -- in power since 2012 -- of using criminal prosecutions to punish political opponents and journalists. Interpol turned down requests from Tbilisi to issue a red notice against Saakashvili.

Opposition parties decried widespread fraud and refused to take their seats after parliamentary elections in October last year, which Georgian Dream won narrowly.

The EU mediated an agreement in May, under which Georgian Dream pledged to hold a snap parliamentary vote if it wins less than 43 percent in Saturday's local elections.

Georgian Dream, which was founded by the country's richest man and a former prime minister, withdrew from the agreement in July, but Saakashvili insists it remains in place.

Georgia's Western partners urged the EU-aspirant country's government to implement the agreement that envisaged sweeping political and judiciary reforms.

With concerns mounting in the West over the ruling party's democratic credentials, the United States has hinted at possible sanctions against Georgian Dream officials.

Georgians were voting Saturday in closely watched municipal elections, a day after ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's arrest on his return from exile deepened a protracted political crisis in the Caucasus nation.

Georgians were voting Saturday in closely watched municipal elections, a day after ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's arrest on his return from exile deepened a protracted political crisis in the Caucasus nation. The detention of Georgia's foremost opposition figure raised the stakes in the elections seen as a key test for the increasingly unpopular ruling party. Saakashvili founded Georgia's main opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), and was president between 2003-2013. The 53-year-old said Friday he had returned from Ukraine, where he heads a Ukrainian government agency steering reforms. The flamboyant pro-Western reformer was detained shortly afterwards over a 2018 conviction in absentia on abuse of office charges. He denies wrongdoing and had denounced his sentence of six years in jail as politically motivated. His jailing will almost certainly spark upheaval in the small ex-Soviet nation that has been plagued for years by political instability. "I want to ask you all to go to the elections so that not a single vote is lost," he wrote on Twitter Saturday, posting a picture of a letter to supporters from prison. "My freedom and, more importantly, the freedom of Georgia depends entirely on your actions and fighting ability." Prior to his arrest, he posted a video message on Facebook calling on supporters to take to the streets against the government. Protracted crisis The municipal elections are being watched inside and outside Georgia for signs of the ruling party Georgian Dream backsliding on democracy. Saakashvili - who commands a fiercely loyal following -- called in one video Friday for his supporters to gather on the main thoroughfare in the capital Tbilisi on Sunday. Critics have accused Georgian Dream -- in power since 2012 -- of using criminal prosecutions to punish political opponents and journalists. Interpol turned down requests from Tbilisi to issue a red notice against Saakashvili. Opposition parties decried widespread fraud and refused to take their seats after parliamentary elections in October last year, which Georgian Dream won narrowly. The EU mediated an agreement in May, under which Georgian Dream pledged to hold a snap parliamentary vote if it wins less than 43 percent in Saturday's local elections. Georgian Dream, which was founded by the country's richest man and a former prime minister, withdrew from the agreement in July, but Saakashvili insists it remains in place. Georgia's Western partners urged the EU-aspirant country's government to implement the agreement that envisaged sweeping political and judiciary reforms. With concerns mounting in the West over the ruling party's democratic credentials, the United States has hinted at possible sanctions against Georgian Dream officials.

Georgia holds vote after ex-president Saakashvili's arrest

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office.

"The overwhelming&nbsp;sentiment of the Filipinos is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the constitution" to run for the vice presidency, Duterte said.&nbsp;

"Today I announce my retirement from politics."

Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he was swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term.

The authoritarian firebrand declared in August he would contest the vice presidency in the next election - a move critics said was a smokescreen and motivated by fear that could face criminal charges after leaving office.

Duterte made the surprise announcement at the venue where he was expected to register his candidacy. He did not specify when he would leave politics.

The tough-talking leader has not yet announced his preferred successor, but many expect it will be his daughter, Sara, who has been the front runner in recent polls.

She would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and International Criminal Court prosecutors probing his deadly drug war, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people.

But the mayor of the southern city of Davao - a position held by her father before he became president - has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice presidency.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office. "The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipinos is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the constitution" to run for the vice presidency, Duterte said. "Today I announce my retirement from politics." Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he was swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term. The authoritarian firebrand declared in August he would contest the vice presidency in the next election - a move critics said was a smokescreen and motivated by fear that could face criminal charges after leaving office. Duterte made the surprise announcement at the venue where he was expected to register his candidacy. He did not specify when he would leave politics. The tough-talking leader has not yet announced his preferred successor, but many expect it will be his daughter, Sara, who has been the front runner in recent polls. She would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and International Criminal Court prosecutors probing his deadly drug war, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people. But the mayor of the southern city of Davao - a position held by her father before he became president - has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice presidency.

Philippines' Duterte says will retire from politics

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere.

A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters.

Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency.&nbsp;

Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator.

Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run.

Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday.

A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag.

Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". &nbsp;

Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies.

Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies.

"It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP.

"People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns."

This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals.

Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings.

In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government.

"If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added.

But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system.

Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage.

"The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP.&nbsp;

"The money just flows like water."

- 'Teflon Duterte' -

As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities".

"This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian.

"Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull."

Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest.

Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war.

But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency.

That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP.

Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015.

A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016.

"He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford.

"He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."&nbsp;

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor. A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere. A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters. Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency. Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator. Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run. Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday. A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag. Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies. Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies. "It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP. "People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns." This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals. Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings. In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government. "If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added. But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system. Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage. "The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP. "The money just flows like water." - 'Teflon Duterte' - As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities". "This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian. "Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull." Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest. Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war. But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency. That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP. Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015. A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016. "He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford. "He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."

'It is a circus': Philippine election season kicks off

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops.

Eight months after deposing Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar's military regime finds itself mired in a bloody stalemate, unable to crush fighters resisting its rule who are themselves not strong enough to topple a powerful army.

"We need to be wise with our timing and plan," a member of the local "People's Defence Force" told AFP after the September 25 clash in the small northwestern village of Gone Nyin.

Similar clashes between anti-coup militias and junta troops have escalated in recent weeks, along with bomb blasts and targeted killings of those suspected of collaborating with the regime, leading to bloody reprisals on both sides.

Local media last week reported a whole family -- including a 12-year-old child -- had been shot dead for allegedly helping troops during a search for protesters.

Dissidents have also attacked and disabled cell towers belonging to a military-owned company to deprive the junta of revenue.

A parallel government made up largely of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's party has also sought to fan the flames, calling for a "defensive war" against junta troops and assets.

Shelling

 
Villagers have accused soldiers of torching their homes and massacring their neighbours in acts of vengeance directed at those resisting military rule.

Almost the entire population of the western town of Thantlang fled after troops fired artillery shells following clashes with anti-junta fighters last month, a 50-year-old resident told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Terrified inhabitants had used buckets of water to fight a blaze that started after a shell hit a house and threatened to consume others in the neighbourhood, he said.

The fire service was not working because the wife of the head of the fire department was hit by a shell fragment during the fighting, he said, with the tide turning thanks to a sudden change in the weather.

"Due to the help of God, it rained that day," he said.

Many made the arduous journey across rivers and hills to cross into India for the relative safety of a refugee camp.

On the other side of the country, villagers in eastern Kayah state also fled army shelling after clashes earlier this week, according to a local anti-junta militia.

More than 1,100 civilians have been killed and some 8,000 arrested since the coup, according to local observers.

The junta says the death toll is much lower and denies its troops have committed massacres and torched homes.

'Crush dissent'&nbsp;

 
The military has ramped up violence to "crush dissent and prevent the resistance movement from gaining any ground" after the NUG's call to arms, Manny Maung, Myanmar researcher at Human Rights Watch told AFP.

As fighting rages, democracy icon Suu Kyi, 76, is all but absent from the scene, with contact with the outside world limited to meetings with her lawyers ahead of hearings in her trial in a junta court.

Non-violence is a core principle of Suu Kyi's and was a defining characteristic of the democracy movement she led against a previous junta decades ago.

But many in Myanmar now believe violent tactics are the only way to root out military dominance of the country's politics and economy.

"Much of the population is determined to prevent a return to military rule, at the cost of their lives if necessary," said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group.

"The stage is set for an extended violent stalemate."

For those caught in Sagaing, which has seen some of the most intense recent clashes, there is no end in sight.

Farmers "cannot grow food on their farms," a Buddhist monk from Kani village, upstream from Gone Nyin, told AFP.&nbsp;

"They have to run and hide often," said the monk, who wished to remain anonymous.

"They are exhausted. But they do not like the army."

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops.

Corpses piled high next to a rice field in northern Myanmar show the bloody consequence of a hot-blooded, uncoordinated attack by villagers on battle-hardened junta troops. Eight months after deposing Aung San Suu Kyi's government, Myanmar's military regime finds itself mired in a bloody stalemate, unable to crush fighters resisting its rule who are themselves not strong enough to topple a powerful army. "We need to be wise with our timing and plan," a member of the local "People's Defence Force" told AFP after the September 25 clash in the small northwestern village of Gone Nyin. Similar clashes between anti-coup militias and junta troops have escalated in recent weeks, along with bomb blasts and targeted killings of those suspected of collaborating with the regime, leading to bloody reprisals on both sides. Local media last week reported a whole family -- including a 12-year-old child -- had been shot dead for allegedly helping troops during a search for protesters. Dissidents have also attacked and disabled cell towers belonging to a military-owned company to deprive the junta of revenue. A parallel government made up largely of lawmakers from Suu Kyi's party has also sought to fan the flames, calling for a "defensive war" against junta troops and assets. Shelling Villagers have accused soldiers of torching their homes and massacring their neighbours in acts of vengeance directed at those resisting military rule. Almost the entire population of the western town of Thantlang fled after troops fired artillery shells following clashes with anti-junta fighters last month, a 50-year-old resident told AFP on condition of anonymity. Terrified inhabitants had used buckets of water to fight a blaze that started after a shell hit a house and threatened to consume others in the neighbourhood, he said. The fire service was not working because the wife of the head of the fire department was hit by a shell fragment during the fighting, he said, with the tide turning thanks to a sudden change in the weather. "Due to the help of God, it rained that day," he said. Many made the arduous journey across rivers and hills to cross into India for the relative safety of a refugee camp. On the other side of the country, villagers in eastern Kayah state also fled army shelling after clashes earlier this week, according to a local anti-junta militia. More than 1,100 civilians have been killed and some 8,000 arrested since the coup, according to local observers. The junta says the death toll is much lower and denies its troops have committed massacres and torched homes. 'Crush dissent' The military has ramped up violence to "crush dissent and prevent the resistance movement from gaining any ground" after the NUG's call to arms, Manny Maung, Myanmar researcher at Human Rights Watch told AFP. As fighting rages, democracy icon Suu Kyi, 76, is all but absent from the scene, with contact with the outside world limited to meetings with her lawyers ahead of hearings in her trial in a junta court. Non-violence is a core principle of Suu Kyi's and was a defining characteristic of the democracy movement she led against a previous junta decades ago. But many in Myanmar now believe violent tactics are the only way to root out military dominance of the country's politics and economy. "Much of the population is determined to prevent a return to military rule, at the cost of their lives if necessary," said Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group. "The stage is set for an extended violent stalemate." For those caught in Sagaing, which has seen some of the most intense recent clashes, there is no end in sight. Farmers "cannot grow food on their farms," a Buddhist monk from Kani village, upstream from Gone Nyin, told AFP. "They have to run and hide often," said the monk, who wished to remain anonymous. "They are exhausted. But they do not like the army."

Myanmar anti-coup resistance drags military into bloody stalemate

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday reached out to a miffed Navjot Singh Sidhu and offered to resolve issues through talks, a day after the former cricketer resigned as the Punjab Congress chief.

Channi also said the party is supreme and the government follows the party's ideology.

"I have spoken to Sidhu sahab over the telephone today. Party is supreme and the government accepts the party's ideology and follows that. (I told him that) you should come, sit and talk,&nbsp;he told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ousted-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-meets-home-minister-bjp-leader-shah-sparks-defection-rumours-416855">Ousted Punjab CM Amarinder Singh meets home minister &amp; BJP leader Shah, sparks defection rumours</a>

"The (state) president is the head of the party. The head has to sit among the family," he said, adding that Sidhu had agreed to meet.

Sidhu, who had abruptly put in his papers plunging the Congress into a fresh crisis, on Wednesday broke his silence, questioning the appointments of the director-general of police, state's advocate general and tainted leaders.

Channi, however, defended the appointments, saying he had acted on the basis of feedback from the party members.

I have no objection or any ego in anything,&nbsp;he said, indicating that he was ready to review the decisions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/minister-in-indias-punjab-quits-after-navjot-sidhu-resigns-as-state-congress-chief-416667">Minister in India's Punjab quits after Navjot Sidhu resigns as state Congress chief</a>

Asked what was Sidhu's response to his offer to talk it out, Channi said that Sidhu told him that he would give the time for the meeting.

"We will sit with him and talk," he said.

To a question, Channi said Minister Pargat Singh and some other leaders went to meet Sidhu.

Asked if Sidhu had done the right thing, Channi said he could not comment on it.

I will never deviate from the issues of the people of Punjab,&nbsp;he asserted.

He said, Whatever feedback we got from colleagues and others and whosoever can be appointed, we appointed. But the decisions will be taken according to the will of the people of Punjab.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday reached out to a miffed Navjot Singh Sidhu and offered to resolve issues through talks, a day after the former cricketer resigned as the Punjab Congress chief.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday reached out to a miffed Navjot Singh Sidhu and offered to resolve issues through talks, a day after the former cricketer resigned as the Punjab Congress chief. Channi also said the party is supreme and the government follows the party's ideology. "I have spoken to Sidhu sahab over the telephone today. Party is supreme and the government accepts the party's ideology and follows that. (I told him that) you should come, sit and talk, he told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting. Also read | Ousted Punjab CM Amarinder Singh meets home minister & BJP leader Shah, sparks defection rumours "The (state) president is the head of the party. The head has to sit among the family," he said, adding that Sidhu had agreed to meet. Sidhu, who had abruptly put in his papers plunging the Congress into a fresh crisis, on Wednesday broke his silence, questioning the appointments of the director-general of police, state's advocate general and tainted leaders. Channi, however, defended the appointments, saying he had acted on the basis of feedback from the party members. I have no objection or any ego in anything, he said, indicating that he was ready to review the decisions. Also read | Minister in India's Punjab quits after Navjot Sidhu resigns as state Congress chief Asked what was Sidhu's response to his offer to talk it out, Channi said that Sidhu told him that he would give the time for the meeting. "We will sit with him and talk," he said. To a question, Channi said Minister Pargat Singh and some other leaders went to meet Sidhu. Asked if Sidhu had done the right thing, Channi said he could not comment on it. I will never deviate from the issues of the people of Punjab, he asserted. He said, Whatever feedback we got from colleagues and others and whosoever can be appointed, we appointed. But the decisions will be taken according to the will of the people of Punjab.

Punjab CM Channi reaches out to Sidhu, offers to talk it out

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is a polarising figure. He is due for re-election next year. But political campaigning has already begun after his detractors are baking cookies to get their message across. WION brings you a report.

Bakery in Sao Paulo dishes out a 'political cookies' that taste of Bolsonaro's impeachment

New&nbsp;York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in&nbsp;crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a&nbsp;mayoral&nbsp;race&nbsp;set to be decided in June.

Crime&nbsp;was endemic in the Big Apple in the 1970s and 1980s when America's largest metropolis was gripped by a budgetary crisis, but it has been on a continuous downward trend since the mid-1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child">Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child</a>

However, the picture has deteriorated drastically since last summer. What initially looked like a byproduct of the movement against police violence following George Floyd's murder and social dislocation caused by the pandemic appears no longer to be the case.

From knife attacks on the subway to a surge in shootings, including in Times Square last weekend, violence is 'definitely up,'&nbsp;says John Pfaff, a criminal law professor at Fordham University.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man">New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man</a>

'The spike of 2020 does run the risk of continuing into 2021,'&nbsp;he told AFP.

"I see a huge economic uncertainty, a huge emotional stress, you have institutions that are shut down across the board. All these things are going to contribute to violence and then that violence can be somewhat self-perpetuating going forward," Pfaff added.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;is gradually beginning to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and unemployment is falling, but&nbsp;crime&nbsp;statistics are far from improving.&nbsp;

The latest figures, released on May 9, showed 505 victims of shootings since the beginning of January, the highest in 10 years. It was up from 275 for the same period in 2020.

There have been 146 murders so far this year, up 40 percent from 2019 when 104 people were killed and up 27 percent on last year.&nbsp;

Officially,&nbsp;crime&nbsp;in the subway is down 43 percent, but many experts note that is misleading as ridership plummeted with the pandemic.

A shooting in broad daylight in Times Square on May 8, which injured two women and a child, propelled&nbsp;rising&nbsp;violent&nbsp;crime&nbsp;to the forefront of the&nbsp;mayoral&nbsp;campaign, six weeks before the Democratic primary on June 22.

The primary effectively nominates the winner of the November election due to the unpopularity of Republicans in&nbsp;New&nbsp;York.

The main candidates -- which include ex-presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Brooklyn president and ex-police officer Eric Adams, and ex-Wall Street executive Raymond McGuire, have all promised decisive action to improve safety if elected.

And during their first virtual debate on Thursday night, the subject kept coming back like a boomerang.

On Friday, Pat Foye, president of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;transport authority, increased the pressure, demanding 'an immediate injection'&nbsp;of hundreds of police officers at stations, where their presence has already been reinforced in recent weeks.

He even described&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's outgoing mayor, the left-leaning Democrat Bill de Blasio as 'irresponsible,'&nbsp;accusing him of 'ignoring the reality'&nbsp;of passengers.

When asked about it on local radio, De Blasio repeated his mantra:&nbsp;crime&nbsp;will drop with the resumption of economic activity, which is taking shape with almost all pandemic-era restrictions about to be lifted.

He accused Foye of "fear-mongering" at the behest of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who frequently accuses the mayor of inaction on&nbsp;crime.

Republicans are also trying to use the rise in violence to their advantage. Some in the camp, like Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, present&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;as a no-go area, far from the reality on the ground.

Others, especially in Democratic circles, call for perspective.

"Nobody is saying to me, 'I feel so unsafe'," said Susan Kang, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

'It is a way to shift the political narrative to the issue of police.'

'Even if the&nbsp;crime&nbsp;numbers are growing, the numbers are still quite low,'&nbsp;she added, especially when most US cities have witnessed an increase over the past year.

The movement against police violence has pushed some Democrats to demand a reduction in the budget of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;police force, which is the largest in the country with around 35,000 officers. They want to see money redirected to underprivileged communities.

Kang regrets that the discussion is now moving towards police deployments being insufficient.

"Times Square has a significant presence of police officers already. To what extent would more police officers improve the situation?" she asked.

Whatever approach is taken, the situation is 'only going to get worse in the next few weeks,'&nbsp;believes Christopher Herrmann, another expert at John Jay.

'The&nbsp;new&nbsp;mayor is going to walk in with this pile of bad news on his desk,'&nbsp;he said.

New York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a mayoral race set to be decided in June.

New York, which has long prided itself on being one of the world's safest cities, is experiencing a surge in crime, with the topic becoming a central theme of a mayoral race set to be decided in June. Crime was endemic in the Big Apple in the 1970s and 1980s when America's largest metropolis was gripped by a budgetary crisis, but it has been on a continuous downward trend since the mid-1990s. Also read: Shooting at New York Times Square injures 3, including a child However, the picture has deteriorated drastically since last summer. What initially looked like a byproduct of the movement against police violence following George Floyd's murder and social dislocation caused by the pandemic appears no longer to be the case. From knife attacks on the subway to a surge in shootings, including in Times Square last weekend, violence is 'definitely up,' says John Pfaff, a criminal law professor at Fordham University. Also read: New York Police probe 'hate crime' targetting Chinese American man 'The spike of 2020 does run the risk of continuing into 2021,' he told AFP. "I see a huge economic uncertainty, a huge emotional stress, you have institutions that are shut down across the board. All these things are going to contribute to violence and then that violence can be somewhat self-perpetuating going forward," Pfaff added. New York is gradually beginning to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and unemployment is falling, but crime statistics are far from improving. The latest figures, released on May 9, showed 505 victims of shootings since the beginning of January, the highest in 10 years. It was up from 275 for the same period in 2020. There have been 146 murders so far this year, up 40 percent from 2019 when 104 people were killed and up 27 percent on last year. Officially, crime in the subway is down 43 percent, but many experts note that is misleading as ridership plummeted with the pandemic. A shooting in broad daylight in Times Square on May 8, which injured two women and a child, propelled rising violent crime to the forefront of the mayoral campaign, six weeks before the Democratic primary on June 22. The primary effectively nominates the winner of the November election due to the unpopularity of Republicans in New York. The main candidates -- which include ex-presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Brooklyn president and ex-police officer Eric Adams, and ex-Wall Street executive Raymond McGuire, have all promised decisive action to improve safety if elected. And during their first virtual debate on Thursday night, the subject kept coming back like a boomerang. On Friday, Pat Foye, president of the New York transport authority, increased the pressure, demanding 'an immediate injection' of hundreds of police officers at stations, where their presence has already been reinforced in recent weeks. He even described New York's outgoing mayor, the left-leaning Democrat Bill de Blasio as 'irresponsible,' accusing him of 'ignoring the reality' of passengers. When asked about it on local radio, De Blasio repeated his mantra: crime will drop with the resumption of economic activity, which is taking shape with almost all pandemic-era restrictions about to be lifted. He accused Foye of "fear-mongering" at the behest of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who frequently accuses the mayor of inaction on crime. Republicans are also trying to use the rise in violence to their advantage. Some in the camp, like Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, present New York as a no-go area, far from the reality on the ground. Others, especially in Democratic circles, call for perspective. "Nobody is saying to me, 'I feel so unsafe'," said Susan Kang, professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 'It is a way to shift the political narrative to the issue of police.' 'Even if the crime numbers are growing, the numbers are still quite low,' she added, especially when most US cities have witnessed an increase over the past year. The movement against police violence has pushed some Democrats to demand a reduction in the budget of the New York police force, which is the largest in the country with around 35,000 officers. They want to see money redirected to underprivileged communities. Kang regrets that the discussion is now moving towards police deployments being insufficient. "Times Square has a significant presence of police officers already. To what extent would more police officers improve the situation?" she asked. Whatever approach is taken, the situation is 'only going to get worse in the next few weeks,' believes Christopher Herrmann, another expert at John Jay. 'The new mayor is going to walk in with this pile of bad news on his desk,' he said.

Rising crime takes centre stage in New York mayoral race

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world.

Amazon employee Kevin Jackson told National Labour Relations Board that&nbsp;security guards at the Alabama warehouse&nbsp;had access to keys of the mailbox containing ballots of the high-profile union election held earlier this year.

Jackson added that&nbsp;while he was finishing up a night shift, he saw the guards going through the opened mailbox for "a minute or two"&nbsp;as though looking for something.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union">Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union</a>

If true, this directly breaches the legality imbued in the elections, for only the US Postal Service had the right to open the ballots.&nbsp;Now, many believe such invasion could prompt the National Labor Relations Board to overturn the results.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday">Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday</a>

The mailbox was installed by US Postal Services at Amazon's request. Now,&nbsp;workers have accused the company of spying over them. They found Amazon's interference&nbsp;illegal as law restricts the surveillance of employees’ union election activities.&nbsp;

In an April 16 complaint, Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union accused Amazon of misconduct for issuing anti-union threats, firing an employee for distributing union cards, and pressuring workers to use the mailbox to cast their votes.

Amazon has constantly refused the allegations saying, "This mailbox — which only the USPS had access to — was a simple, secure, and completely optional way to make it easy for employees to vote, no more and no less." However, Jackson's testimony contradicted Amazon's assertion.&nbsp;

Out of 1798 who voted, 738 Amazon employees cast votes&nbsp;against the union with 505 other disputed ballots uncounted. The labour board holds the power of rejecting the polls if this could have altered the outcome and prevented employees from their choice to unionise.

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world.

Recent reports suggest that Amazon had access to the ballots from the recent union elections which worked out in favour of the company and had the potential to alter the future of workers rights in Amazon warehouses across the world. Amazon employee Kevin Jackson told National Labour Relations Board that security guards at the Alabama warehouse had access to keys of the mailbox containing ballots of the high-profile union election held earlier this year. Jackson added that while he was finishing up a night shift, he saw the guards going through the opened mailbox for "a minute or two" as though looking for something. Also read: Why Amazon’s workers sided with the company over a union If true, this directly breaches the legality imbued in the elections, for only the US Postal Service had the right to open the ballots. Now, many believe such invasion could prompt the National Labor Relations Board to overturn the results. Also read: Amazon leads union election by 2-1; count to resume on Friday The mailbox was installed by US Postal Services at Amazon's request. Now, workers have accused the company of spying over them. They found Amazon's interference illegal as law restricts the surveillance of employees’ union election activities. In an April 16 complaint, Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union accused Amazon of misconduct for issuing anti-union threats, firing an employee for distributing union cards, and pressuring workers to use the mailbox to cast their votes. Amazon has constantly refused the allegations saying, "This mailbox — which only the USPS had access to — was a simple, secure, and completely optional way to make it easy for employees to vote, no more and no less." However, Jackson's testimony contradicted Amazon's assertion. Out of 1798 who voted, 738 Amazon employees cast votes against the union with 505 other disputed ballots uncounted. The labour board holds the power of rejecting the polls if this could have altered the outcome and prevented employees from their choice to unionise.

Amazon employees say company had access to warehouse ballots in Alabama. What happens now?

Pro-independence&nbsp;parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result meant she would push ahead with plans for a second&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum once the COVID-19 pandemic was over, adding that it would be absurd and outrageous if Johnson were to try to ignore the democratic will of the people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

"There is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for Boris Johnson, or indeed for anyone else, seeking to block the right of the people of Scotland to choose our own future," Sturgeon said.

"It is the will of the country," she added&nbsp;after&nbsp;her&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;National Party (SNP) was returned for a fourth consecutive term in office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count">Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count</a>

The British government argues Johnson must give approval for any referendum and he has repeatedly made clear he would refuse. He has said it would be irresponsible to hold one now, pointing out that Scots had backed staying in the United Kingdom in a "once in a generation" poll in 2014.

The&nbsp;election&nbsp;outcome is likely to be a bitter clash between the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;government in Edinburgh and Johnson's United Kingdom-wide administration in London, with Scotland's 314-year union with England and Wales at stake.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls">Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls</a>

The&nbsp;nationalists&nbsp;argue that they have democratic authority on their side; the British government say the law is with them. It is likely the final decision on a referendum will be settled in the courts.

"I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Alister Jack, the UK government's Scotland minister, said dealing with the coronavirus crisis and the vaccine rollout should be the priority.

"We must not allow ourselves to be distracted - COVID recovery must be the sole priority of Scotland’s two governments," he said.

The SNP had been hopeful of&nbsp;winning an outright majority which would have strengthened their call for a secession&nbsp;vote&nbsp;but they looked set to fall one seat short of the 65 required in the 129-seat&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;parliament, partly because of an electoral system that helps smaller parties.

Pro-union supporters argue that the SNP's failure to get a majority has made it easier for Johnson to rebut their argument that they have a mandate for a referendum.

However, the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Greens, who have promised to support a referendum, picked up eight seats, meaning overall there will be a comfortable pro-independence&nbsp;majority in the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;assembly.

Scottish&nbsp;politics has been diverging from other parts of the United Kingdom for some time, but Scots remain divided over holding another&nbsp;independence&nbsp;plebiscite.

However, Britain's exit from the European Union - opposed by a majority of Scots - as well as a perception that Sturgeon's government has handled the COVID-19 crisis well, along with antipathy to Johnson's Conservative government in London, have all bolstered support for the&nbsp;independence&nbsp;movement.

Scots&nbsp;voted by 55-45 per cent in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom, and polls suggest a second referendum would be too close to call.

Sturgeon said her first task was dealing with the pandemic and the SNP has indicated that a referendum is unlikely until 2023. But she said any legal challenge by Johnson's government to a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;would show a total disregard for&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;democracy.

"The absurdity and outrageous nature of a Westminster government potentially going to court to overturn&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;democracy, I can't think of a more colourful argument for&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;independence&nbsp;than that myself," she said.

Pro-independence parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom.

Pro-independence parties won a majority in Scotland's parliament on Saturday, paving the way to a high-stakes political, legal and constitutional battle with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the future of the United Kingdom. Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result meant she would push ahead with plans for a second independence referendum once the COVID-19 pandemic was over, adding that it would be absurd and outrageous if Johnson were to try to ignore the democratic will of the people. Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority "There is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for Boris Johnson, or indeed for anyone else, seeking to block the right of the people of Scotland to choose our own future," Sturgeon said. "It is the will of the country," she added after her Scottish National Party (SNP) was returned for a fourth consecutive term in office. Also read | Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count The British government argues Johnson must give approval for any referendum and he has repeatedly made clear he would refuse. He has said it would be irresponsible to hold one now, pointing out that Scots had backed staying in the United Kingdom in a "once in a generation" poll in 2014. The election outcome is likely to be a bitter clash between the Scottish government in Edinburgh and Johnson's United Kingdom-wide administration in London, with Scotland's 314-year union with England and Wales at stake. Also read | Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls The nationalists argue that they have democratic authority on their side; the British government say the law is with them. It is likely the final decision on a referendum will be settled in the courts. "I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the Daily Telegraph newspaper. Alister Jack, the UK government's Scotland minister, said dealing with the coronavirus crisis and the vaccine rollout should be the priority. "We must not allow ourselves to be distracted - COVID recovery must be the sole priority of Scotland’s two governments," he said. The SNP had been hopeful of winning an outright majority which would have strengthened their call for a secession vote but they looked set to fall one seat short of the 65 required in the 129-seat Scottish parliament, partly because of an electoral system that helps smaller parties. Pro-union supporters argue that the SNP's failure to get a majority has made it easier for Johnson to rebut their argument that they have a mandate for a referendum. However, the Scottish Greens, who have promised to support a referendum, picked up eight seats, meaning overall there will be a comfortable pro-independence majority in the Scottish assembly. Scottish politics has been diverging from other parts of the United Kingdom for some time, but Scots remain divided over holding another independence plebiscite. However, Britain's exit from the European Union - opposed by a majority of Scots - as well as a perception that Sturgeon's government has handled the COVID-19 crisis well, along with antipathy to Johnson's Conservative government in London, have all bolstered support for the independence movement. Scots voted by 55-45 per cent in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom, and polls suggest a second referendum would be too close to call. Sturgeon said her first task was dealing with the pandemic and the SNP has indicated that a referendum is unlikely until 2023. But she said any legal challenge by Johnson's government to a vote would show a total disregard for Scottish democracy. "The absurdity and outrageous nature of a Westminster government potentially going to court to overturn Scottish democracy, I can't think of a more colourful argument for Scottish independence than that myself," she said.

Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed &nbsp;Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.&nbsp;

His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe.

"The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon ">US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon&nbsp;</a>

"Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said.

The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar ">Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar&nbsp;</a>

His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees &nbsp;military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow.

More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? ">Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues?&nbsp;</a>

Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation.

A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar.

A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television.

"For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok.

"We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures.

This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions.&nbsp;

As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials.

But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy.

Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March.

Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks.

Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists.

Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II.

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed Russia will "firmly" defend national interests and denounced the return of "Russophobia", as the country marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II. His speech to thousands of soldiers and veterans on Red Square came as recent tensions between Moscow and the West have recalled the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine and a litany of spy scandals in Europe. "The Soviet people kept their sacred oath, defended the homeland and freed the countries of Europe from the black plague," Putin told the crowd. Also read | US President Biden says he is confident he can meet Russia's Putin soon "Russia consistently defends international law. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people," he said. The Russian leader also condemned what he called a creeping return of ideologies of the time, when "slogans of racial and national superiority, of anti-semitism and Russophobia, became ever more cynical". Also read | Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar His speech came at the start of an annual parade that sees military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow. More than 12,000 military personnel took part in Sunday's parade, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters. Also read | Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? Victory Day parades, which only became an annual event after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and have taken on increasing importance in projecting Russia's renewed military might during Putin's two decades in power, also took place Sunday in dozens of cities across the nation. A survey this week by state-run pollster VTsIOM showed that 69 percent of Russians view Victory Day as the most important holiday on the calendar. A third of respondents said they would take part in the celebrations, while a fifth said they would watch on television. "For me and my family, this holiday marks the victory of the entire Russian people," Yulia Gulevskikh, a 31-year-old accountant told AFP in the Far East city of Vladivostok. "We are proud, remember and honour all our relatives and friends. And all the brave soldiers," she added, noting she was happy the parade took place despite pandemic measures. This year's Victory Day was the second during the coronavirus pandemic. Russia has lifted nearly all of its measures to limit the spread of the virus, though a ban remains in place on mass gatherings in most regions. As of Sunday, total infections stood at nearly 4.9 million and fatalities at over 113,000, according to a tally by health officials. But authorities have been criticised for downplaying the severity Russia's outbreak by counting only fatalities where the coronavirus was found to be the primary cause of death after an autopsy. Figures released by Russia's statistics agency last month showed that the country had actually recorded some 250,000 virus-related deaths by the end of March. Sunday's commemorations came as Russia in recent weeks has seen its diplomats expelled from a clutch of European countries over espionage scandals, while the United States and the European Union have levied new sanctions on Moscow over the treatment of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and allegations of hacking and cyberattacks. Tensions have also soared over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and where Moscow is widely seen as backing pro-Russia separatists. Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Russia last month amassed 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders and in Crimea, its biggest buildup since 2014, though it quickly announced a drawdown in what many saw as a test for new US President Joe Biden. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Kiev in a show of support for Ukraine against Russia, and before an expected summit between Putin and Biden next month. On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky travelled with European diplomats to the pro-Russian breakaway eastern region of Lugansk to commemorate the end of WWII.

Putin on WWII Victory Day vows to 'firmly' defend Russian interests

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak&nbsp;pro-democracy&nbsp;movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.&nbsp;

Protesters&nbsp;changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks.&nbsp;

"Whatever you do, we will not stop,"&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Algeria detains leading opposition figure">Algeria detains leading opposition figure</a>

Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release.&nbsp;

"Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions.&nbsp;

Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released.&nbsp;

Amnesty International on Friday called on&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;authorities to "allow for peaceful protests&nbsp;without resorting to&nbsp;force&nbsp;and other punitive measures&nbsp;unnecessarily".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director.&nbsp;

"The police forces'&nbsp;heavy-handed response to brave&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;taking part in the&nbsp;Hirak&nbsp;movement exemplifies why&nbsp;people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The&nbsp;use of&nbsp;unlawful&nbsp;force and&nbsp;arbitrary&nbsp;detentions&nbsp;is&nbsp;unacceptable."

The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.&nbsp;

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.&nbsp;

Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;have returned to the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;since February as the movement regains momentum.&nbsp;

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said.

Thousands protested in Algiers Friday during a weekly demonstration of the Hirak pro-democracy movement despite a heavy police presence, AFP correspondents said. Protesters changed route for the first time since marches resumed in February in order to avoid police roadblocks. "Whatever you do, we will not stop," protesters shouted, addressing a massive police presence in the centre of the capital. Also read | Algeria detains leading opposition figure Some held pictures of prisoners of conscience -- opposition and Hirak activists -- demanding their release. "Repression only strengthens the will to fight and cements the solidarity of those subjected to it," other signs read. The CNLD prisoners' rights group says over 70 people are currently imprisoned in connection to the Hirak or cases related to freedom of expression, and that some detainees have begun hunger strikes to protest their conditions. Police used force to break up last Friday's rally in Algiers and made several arrests. Most of those detained have since been released. Amnesty International on Friday called on Algerian authorities to "allow for peaceful protests without resorting to force and other punitive measures unnecessarily". "All those detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association or peaceful assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released and have all charges against them dropped," said Amna Guellali, Amnesty's regional deputy director. "The police forces' heavy-handed response to brave protesters taking part in the Hirak movement exemplifies why people across Algeria are calling for political reform," she added in a statement. "The use of unlawful force and arbitrary detentions is unacceptable." The Hirak protest movement was sparked over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but protesters have returned to the streets since February as the movement regains momentum.

Algerian pro-democracy protesters hit streets

Colombia's government on Thursday invited&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;to a&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured.

Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests ">Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests&nbsp;</a>

They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces.

"We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching."

Ceballos said the government would meet&nbsp;protest&nbsp;leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday.

"The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos.

The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students.

Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting.

Protest&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries.

"The&nbsp;dialogue&nbsp;needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets.

Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn.

Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country.

The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers.

The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force.

Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque.

Colombia's government on Thursday invited protest leaders to a dialogue in an attempt to calm tensions following more than a week of deadly demonstrations against President Ivan Duque. At least 24 people have died in clashes between protesters and security forces while hundreds more have been injured. Thousands of Colombians including indigenous people, unions and students have taken to the streets to express anger over the government's policies on health, education and inequality. Also read | Colombia's president withdraws tax reform after protests They have also denounced what they see as a heavy-handed and lethal response from security forces. "We have to listen to all sectors of the country but the country also has to listen to the government," presidential advisor Miguel Ceballos told Blu Radio. "That includes those marching but also those not marching." Ceballos said the government would meet protest leaders, including the National Strike Committee, on Monday. "The government first wanted to invite those that organize the National Strike Committee although understanding that the mobilizations are not exclusive to this group," said Ceballos. The National Strike Committee represents various groups including indigenous people, unions, environmentalists and students. Ceballos later wrote on Twitter that Duque and Vice President Lucia Ramirez would attend the meeting. Protest leaders have said they would be prepared to have talks directly with Duque, but not with intermediaries. "The dialogue needs to be those on the streets, which is young people," said Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez, one of the protesters' main targets. Duque has faced occasional mass protests against his rule since 2019 and the latest social movement began on April 28, initially against a tax reform that has since been withdrawn. Although the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been violent clashes throughout the country. The government blames the violence on armed groups including left-wing rebels and drug traffickers. The United Nations, European Union, United States and NGOs have accused security forces of using excessive force. Speaking to journalists in Washington on Thursday, Interior Minister Daniel Palacios said various government agencies were collaborating to determine who was responsible for the violence and "if there has been any use of excessive force for them to be held accountable."

Colombia calls for dialogue with protest leaders

Florida&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Ron DeSantis, a potential Republican US presidential candidate in 2024, signed into&nbsp;law&nbsp;Thursday an election security bill certain to please supporters of Donald&nbsp;Trump, but which critics warn poses blatant barriers to voting.

By implementing SB90, which restricts voting by mail, requires valid&nbsp;voter&nbsp;identification and prohibits use of private funds to finance campaigns,&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;joins a growing list of Republican-run states that have tweaked&nbsp;voter&nbsp;laws&nbsp;following&nbsp;Trump's baseless charge of fraud in last year's election.

DeSantis signed the&nbsp;law&nbsp;in Palm Beach near the private Mar-a-Lago club where&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has resided since leaving the White House in January.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="'From the Desk of...': Donald Trump launches his own social media space">'From the Desk of...': Donald Trump launches his own social media space</a>

The event itself stirred controversy. Supporters of the former president were in attendance, and Fox News — seen by many as pro-Trump&nbsp;— was the only television network allowed, as other local channels were barred entry.&nbsp;

In a statement, DeSantis said the bill will "strengthen the security of our elections." As he signed the measure he defended one of its many controversial elements: the restriction of vote-by-mail drop boxes.

"They need to be monitored," DeSantis told morning show Fox &amp; Friends as supporters behind him cheered. "You can't just leave these boxes out where there's no supervision."

Although there was no suspicion of fraud in&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;during November's presidential election, DeSantis said the&nbsp;law&nbsp;will ensure Floridians that "your vote is going to be cast with integrity and transparency."

More Democrats than Republicans voted by mail in November because of the pandemic and these ballots helped tip the balance in favor of&nbsp;Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Suffering reelection defeat,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;claimed&nbsp;voter&nbsp;fraud — a baseless charge dismissed by dozens of courts across multiple states.

Florida&nbsp;Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only Democrat elected in the state's administration, accused DeSantis of signing the&nbsp;law&nbsp;to satisfy&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and his&nbsp;base, whose support the&nbsp;governor&nbsp;seeks as he weighs his political future.

"The only fraud that I saw was by the Republicans," Fried told reporters.

"We know that the only reason to sign this piece of legislation... was for one person," she said, referring to&nbsp;Trump.

Critics of the new measure say the bill, approved last week by&nbsp;Florida's Republican-controlled legislature, is a form of&nbsp;voter&nbsp;suppression.

"Republicans across the country know they're failing to connect with and deliver for the American people, so they’ve decided their winning playbook centers on making it harder for them to make their voices heard," said Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison.

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund said it "creates barriers and burdens that impact all&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;voters, and disproportionally impacts the ability of Black voters, Latino voters and voters with disabilities to cast their ballot."

Unlike many other countries, the United States does not issue national identification cards.

Identity during US elections is verified through a driver's license or other forms of acceptable ID, which some people, disproportionally low-income and minority Americans, do not have.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential Republican US presidential candidate in 2024, signed into law Thursday an election security bill certain to please supporters of Donald Trump, but which critics warn poses blatant barriers to voting.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential Republican US presidential candidate in 2024, signed into law Thursday an election security bill certain to please supporters of Donald Trump, but which critics warn poses blatant barriers to voting. By implementing SB90, which restricts voting by mail, requires valid voter identification and prohibits use of private funds to finance campaigns, Florida joins a growing list of Republican-run states that have tweaked voter laws following Trump's baseless charge of fraud in last year's election. DeSantis signed the law in Palm Beach near the private Mar-a-Lago club where Trump has resided since leaving the White House in January. Also read: 'From the Desk of...': Donald Trump launches his own social media space The event itself stirred controversy. Supporters of the former president were in attendance, and Fox News — seen by many as pro-Trump — was the only television network allowed, as other local channels were barred entry. In a statement, DeSantis said the bill will "strengthen the security of our elections." As he signed the measure he defended one of its many controversial elements: the restriction of vote-by-mail drop boxes. "They need to be monitored," DeSantis told morning show Fox & Friends as supporters behind him cheered. "You can't just leave these boxes out where there's no supervision." Although there was no suspicion of fraud in Florida during November's presidential election, DeSantis said the law will ensure Floridians that "your vote is going to be cast with integrity and transparency." More Democrats than Republicans voted by mail in November because of the pandemic and these ballots helped tip the balance in favor of Trump's Democratic rival Joe Biden. Suffering reelection defeat, Trump claimed voter fraud — a baseless charge dismissed by dozens of courts across multiple states. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only Democrat elected in the state's administration, accused DeSantis of signing the law to satisfy Trump and his base, whose support the governor seeks as he weighs his political future. "The only fraud that I saw was by the Republicans," Fried told reporters. "We know that the only reason to sign this piece of legislation... was for one person," she said, referring to Trump. Critics of the new measure say the bill, approved last week by Florida's Republican-controlled legislature, is a form of voter suppression. "Republicans across the country know they're failing to connect with and deliver for the American people, so they’ve decided their winning playbook centers on making it harder for them to make their voices heard," said Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund said it "creates barriers and burdens that impact all Florida voters, and disproportionally impacts the ability of Black voters, Latino voters and voters with disabilities to cast their ballot." Unlike many other countries, the United States does not issue national identification cards. Identity during US elections is verified through a driver's license or other forms of acceptable ID, which some people, disproportionally low-income and minority Americans, do not have.

Florida governor tightens voter law in appeal to Trump base

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate.

"People are not following the Janata Curfew properly. They are not abiding by our warnings. Hence, lockdown could be inevitable," he told reporters near Annamma Devi Temple here ahead of a crucial meeting later Friday in view of the alarming rise in coronavirus cases.

According to him, the government will finalise in a day or two about the stringent measures required to control Covid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

"If people wish that stringent measures should not be taken, then people should cooperate by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing," the Chief Minister said.

Otherwise, strong measures will become necessary, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night">COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night</a>

Regarding the oxygen crisis, Yediyurappa said he has been trying to resolve the issue honestly.

To a question on Covid patients and their relatives coming to the CM's house and Vidhana Soudha seeking a hospital bed, he said this was improper and people should stop it.

"I won't say it is wrong to voice their woes. I understand their sufferings and I am trying to resolve their problems because we are pro-people," the Chief Minister said.

He said people should avoid coming to CM House or Vidhana Soudha as the officials would get in touch with them.

The Chief Minister hailed Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya for exposing the hospital bed scam in which the beds reserved for Covid&nbsp;patients in private hospitals were blocked by a few people and allotted for a bribe.

"Tejasvi Surya had obtained the list (of scamsters) after much effort and brought the irregularities in allotment of bed to the Covid&nbsp;patients to the notice of the government," Yediyurappa said.

He, however, took a dig at Congress MLA and former minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan for speaking ill of Tejasvi Surya.

Yediyurappa was referring to the expose`by the young MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya who claimed that 4,065 hospital beds were blocked and allotted for a bribe in the city.

During the live expose, Surya read out the names of 17 Muslims, who were deployed at the Covid war room, seeking their credentials.

The Basavanagudi BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya, who accompanied Surya, asked the officials whether they have converted the Covid War Room into a Madrassa.

Taking strong exception to framing only Muslims, Khan said in a video message in social media as to why Surya did not see anyone else other than Muslims.

"There were 205 employees of Crystal Company, who were deployed in the Covid&nbsp;War Room on contract basis but you singled out only 16 Muslims. How fair is this It shows how venomous you are, Tejasvi Surya," Khan said.

Khan even claimed that only one person, Mohammed Zaid was assigned with the task of bed allotment while others were given different jobs.

The Covid cases in Karnataka have increased at an alarming proportion.

The state is reporting about 50,000 cases daily and has about 5.5 lakh active cases.

The daily fatalities too were exceeding 300.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate. "People are not following the Janata Curfew properly.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday said a lockdown to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases could be inevitable if people do not cooperate. "People are not following the Janata Curfew properly. They are not abiding by our warnings. Hence, lockdown could be inevitable," he told reporters near Annamma Devi Temple here ahead of a crucial meeting later Friday in view of the alarming rise in coronavirus cases. According to him, the government will finalise in a day or two about the stringent measures required to control Covid. Also read: India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 "If people wish that stringent measures should not be taken, then people should cooperate by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing," the Chief Minister said. Otherwise, strong measures will become necessary, he added. Also read: COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night Regarding the oxygen crisis, Yediyurappa said he has been trying to resolve the issue honestly. To a question on Covid patients and their relatives coming to the CM's house and Vidhana Soudha seeking a hospital bed, he said this was improper and people should stop it. "I won't say it is wrong to voice their woes. I understand their sufferings and I am trying to resolve their problems because we are pro-people," the Chief Minister said. He said people should avoid coming to CM House or Vidhana Soudha as the officials would get in touch with them. The Chief Minister hailed Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya for exposing the hospital bed scam in which the beds reserved for Covid patients in private hospitals were blocked by a few people and allotted for a bribe. "Tejasvi Surya had obtained the list (of scamsters) after much effort and brought the irregularities in allotment of bed to the Covid patients to the notice of the government," Yediyurappa said. He, however, took a dig at Congress MLA and former minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan for speaking ill of Tejasvi Surya. Yediyurappa was referring to the expose`by the young MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya who claimed that 4,065 hospital beds were blocked and allotted for a bribe in the city. During the live expose, Surya read out the names of 17 Muslims, who were deployed at the Covid war room, seeking their credentials. The Basavanagudi BJP MLA Ravi Subramanya, who accompanied Surya, asked the officials whether they have converted the Covid War Room into a Madrassa. Taking strong exception to framing only Muslims, Khan said in a video message in social media as to why Surya did not see anyone else other than Muslims. "There were 205 employees of Crystal Company, who were deployed in the Covid War Room on contract basis but you singled out only 16 Muslims. How fair is this It shows how venomous you are, Tejasvi Surya," Khan said. Khan even claimed that only one person, Mohammed Zaid was assigned with the task of bed allotment while others were given different jobs. The Covid cases in Karnataka have increased at an alarming proportion. The state is reporting about 50,000 cases daily and has about 5.5 lakh active cases. The daily fatalities too were exceeding 300.

Covid in India: Karnataka chief minister says lockdown inevitable if people do not cooperate with curbs

Police&nbsp;in&nbsp;Honduras, whose president the United States accuses of being a "co-conspirator" in drug-trafficking, unearthed&nbsp;1.5&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;buried&nbsp;in the ground in a small village in the country's north.

They found some 1,450 packets of drugs in 58 sacks&nbsp;buried&nbsp;in three large holes dug with heavy machinery, a&nbsp;police&nbsp;statement said.

The drugs had apparently been brought to Francia, which is near the coast, by sea.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport">US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport</a>

The haul was the result of intelligence work and served to "demonstrate the hard work done by the National&nbsp;Police&nbsp;in coordination with other institutions, with the aim of dismantling drug trafficking structures operating in the country," according to the head of the special forces&nbsp;police&nbsp;directorate, Miguel Perez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far this year, Honduran&nbsp;police&nbsp;have seized more than eight&nbsp;tons&nbsp;of drugs, said the statement.

President Juan Orlando Hernandez has stepped up the fight against drug cartels even as his brother, Tony, was found guilty in a US court in October 2019 of conspiring to import&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;into the United States.

In March this year, he was sentenced to live in prison on this and other charges.

During his trial, the US government argued the former Honduran congressman was a large-scale drug trafficker who smuggled more than 185&nbsp;tons&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;into the United States.

Judge P Kevin Castel found Tony Hernandez had acted as an intermediary in providing bribes to politicians, including his president brother and the ruling National Party.

US prosecutors said the president had been a "co-conspirator" in Tony Hernandez's crimes, though he has not been charged.

Hernandez, who has styled himself as a champion in the fight against drugs, has repeatedly denied allegations of drug trafficking.

In March this year, a New York jury found Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez, an alleged associate of the president, guilty of drug trafficking.

During his trial, US prosecutors said the Honduran leader had helped Fuentes smuggle&nbsp;tons&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;into the United States.

President Hernandez accuses the US justice system of giving credibility to drug lords seeking "revenge" for having been extradited to the United States by his government.

Police in Honduras, whose president the United States accuses of being a "co-conspirator" in drug-trafficking, unearthed 1.5 tonnes of cocaine buried in the ground in a small village in the country's north.

Police in Honduras, whose president the United States accuses of being a "co-conspirator" in drug-trafficking, unearthed 1.5 tonnes of cocaine buried in the ground in a small village in the country's north. They found some 1,450 packets of drugs in 58 sacks buried in three large holes dug with heavy machinery, a police statement said. The drugs had apparently been brought to Francia, which is near the coast, by sea. Also read- US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport The haul was the result of intelligence work and served to "demonstrate the hard work done by the National Police in coordination with other institutions, with the aim of dismantling drug trafficking structures operating in the country," according to the head of the special forces police directorate, Miguel Perez. So far this year, Honduran police have seized more than eight tons of drugs, said the statement. President Juan Orlando Hernandez has stepped up the fight against drug cartels even as his brother, Tony, was found guilty in a US court in October 2019 of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. In March this year, he was sentenced to live in prison on this and other charges. During his trial, the US government argued the former Honduran congressman was a large-scale drug trafficker who smuggled more than 185 tons of cocaine into the United States. Judge P Kevin Castel found Tony Hernandez had acted as an intermediary in providing bribes to politicians, including his president brother and the ruling National Party. US prosecutors said the president had been a "co-conspirator" in Tony Hernandez's crimes, though he has not been charged. Hernandez, who has styled himself as a champion in the fight against drugs, has repeatedly denied allegations of drug trafficking. In March this year, a New York jury found Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez, an alleged associate of the president, guilty of drug trafficking. During his trial, US prosecutors said the Honduran leader had helped Fuentes smuggle tons of cocaine into the United States. President Hernandez accuses the US justice system of giving credibility to drug lords seeking "revenge" for having been extradited to the United States by his government.

Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;is set to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;through a&nbsp;new&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;law&nbsp;on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his&nbsp;green&nbsp;credentials one year ahead of national&nbsp;elections.

The draft legislation is almost certain to be approved in a first reading by the lower house of&nbsp;parliament, where Macron has a working majority, but it has been heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by environmental&nbsp;groups.

Campaigners see it as too timid given the pace of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change globally and accuse the&nbsp;French&nbsp;leader of half-hearted commitment to a cause he has admitted to embracing belatedly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion">As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion</a>

France's environment minister, Barbara Pompili, has defended the text, saying it "will affect the daily life of all of our citizens" and is "one of the biggest&nbsp;laws&nbsp;of the (president's) term".

Measures include bans on domestic flights under two and half hours that can be done by train, restrictions on renting badly insulated properties, or the creation of a&nbsp;new&nbsp;"ecocide" crime to punish polluters.

The overall aim is to put in place measures that will enable France to meet its target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared with 1990 levels by a deadline of 2030.

Lobby&nbsp;groups&nbsp;such as Greenpeace have called it a "lost opportunity of Macron's term", while even the president's own environmental advisory council said it would "have a potentially limited impact".

It is also less ambitious than&nbsp;new&nbsp;targets for 55 per cent cuts agreed at the EU level and falls short of a German plan which was rejected last week by the country's constitutional court as "insufficient".

Climate&nbsp;change and protection of the environment are likely to be bigger themes in next year's presidential&nbsp;election&nbsp;than the last one in 2017, which Macron won while barely campaigning on the issue.

The main&nbsp;Green&nbsp;party in France made major gains in cities such as Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lyon in local&nbsp;elections&nbsp;last year, mirroring a Europe-wide trend in favour of environmental&nbsp;groups.

In Germany, the&nbsp;Green&nbsp;party has overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in recent polls.

The&nbsp;climate&nbsp;law&nbsp;has also been a test of what Macron billed as a more inclusive form of government that has seen members of the public invited to help draft the legislation.

After anti-government riots by so-called "yellow vest" protesters in 2018, he pledged to change his leadership style which was seen by critics as too centralised and removed from the wider public.

A hundred and fifty people were chosen at random to form a "Citizen's Convention on&nbsp;Climate" which was tasked with recommending measures that would enable the country to meet its emissions targets.

But after seeing the legislation submitted to&nbsp;parliament, many members felt let down and accused Macron of reneging on a commitment to adopt their ideas.

Cyril Dion, a leading figure from the convention, attended a protest rally calling for bolder action in March and said the&nbsp;law&nbsp;"absolutely does not enable France to meet its objectives."

The government counters that is trying to find a balance between reducing emissions while protecting workers and industry at a time when the economy has been battered by the Covid pandemic.

"With the&nbsp;law, we are walking a fine line, making big changes while keeping it economically and socially acceptable," Pompili told the Financial Times last week.

Macron was stung by the "yellow vest" protests which were initially sparked by environmental policies such as raising taxes on diesel as well as old, polluting cars.

His predecessor Francois Hollande was forced into a U-turn by truck drivers, known as the "red hats", who protested against his efforts to impose an environmental tax on heavy-goods vehicles.

Even if passed by the lower house and the Senate, the&nbsp;new&nbsp;law&nbsp;will almost certainly need to be updated in order for France to keep up with evolving European Union targets for emissions reductions.

The European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;and EU member states agreed a target in late April of cuts of at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels -- compared to the 40 per cent target set in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;law.

The French parliament is set to vote through a new climate change law on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his green credentials one year ahead of national elections.

The French parliament is set to vote through a new climate change law on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his green credentials one year ahead of national elections. The draft legislation is almost certain to be approved in a first reading by the lower house of parliament, where Macron has a working majority, but it has been heavily criticised by environmental groups. Campaigners see it as too timid given the pace of climate change globally and accuse the French leader of half-hearted commitment to a cause he has admitted to embracing belatedly. Also read: As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion France's environment minister, Barbara Pompili, has defended the text, saying it "will affect the daily life of all of our citizens" and is "one of the biggest laws of the (president's) term". Measures include bans on domestic flights under two and half hours that can be done by train, restrictions on renting badly insulated properties, or the creation of a new "ecocide" crime to punish polluters. The overall aim is to put in place measures that will enable France to meet its target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared with 1990 levels by a deadline of 2030. Lobby groups such as Greenpeace have called it a "lost opportunity of Macron's term", while even the president's own environmental advisory council said it would "have a potentially limited impact". It is also less ambitious than new targets for 55 per cent cuts agreed at the EU level and falls short of a German plan which was rejected last week by the country's constitutional court as "insufficient". Climate change and protection of the environment are likely to be bigger themes in next year's presidential election than the last one in 2017, which Macron won while barely campaigning on the issue. The main Green party in France made major gains in cities such as Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lyon in local elections last year, mirroring a Europe-wide trend in favour of environmental groups. In Germany, the Green party has overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in recent polls. The climate law has also been a test of what Macron billed as a more inclusive form of government that has seen members of the public invited to help draft the legislation. After anti-government riots by so-called "yellow vest" protesters in 2018, he pledged to change his leadership style which was seen by critics as too centralised and removed from the wider public. A hundred and fifty people were chosen at random to form a "Citizen's Convention on Climate" which was tasked with recommending measures that would enable the country to meet its emissions targets. But after seeing the legislation submitted to parliament, many members felt let down and accused Macron of reneging on a commitment to adopt their ideas. Cyril Dion, a leading figure from the convention, attended a protest rally calling for bolder action in March and said the law "absolutely does not enable France to meet its objectives." The government counters that is trying to find a balance between reducing emissions while protecting workers and industry at a time when the economy has been battered by the Covid pandemic. "With the law, we are walking a fine line, making big changes while keeping it economically and socially acceptable," Pompili told the Financial Times last week. Macron was stung by the "yellow vest" protests which were initially sparked by environmental policies such as raising taxes on diesel as well as old, polluting cars. His predecessor Francois Hollande was forced into a U-turn by truck drivers, known as the "red hats", who protested against his efforts to impose an environmental tax on heavy-goods vehicles. Even if passed by the lower house and the Senate, the new law will almost certainly need to be updated in order for France to keep up with evolving European Union targets for emissions reductions. The European Parliament and EU member states agreed a target in late April of cuts of at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels -- compared to the 40 per cent target set in the French law.

French parliament to vote new climate law criticised by green groups

President Joe Biden announced on Monday, after coming under fierce criticism, that he was raising the maximum number of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;allowed into the United States this year to 62,500 -- up from the 15,000 cap imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump.

The change follows backlash from allies over Biden's earlier decision to keep the Trump-era limits -- a politically costly moment of confusion that stood out in a White House notable for its iron discipline in its first three months.

"This erases the historically low number set by the previous administration of 15,000, which did not reflect America's values as a nation that welcomes and supports&nbsp;refugees," Biden said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="Joe Biden urges everyone to get vaccinated at 'Vax Live' concert event">Joe Biden urges everyone to get vaccinated at 'Vax Live' concert event</a>

"The new&nbsp;admissions&nbsp;cap will also reinforce efforts that are already underway to expand the United States' capacity to admit&nbsp;refugees, so that we can reach the goal of 125,000&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;admissions&nbsp;that I intend to set for the coming fiscal year."

The programme is only for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;selected by US security and intelligence agencies from United Nations camps around the world.

The course correction was quickly welcomed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is controlled by Biden's Democratic party.

"I welcome the Biden administration's announcement that it will increase the number of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;allowed to be resettled in the United States. This is an important step in continuing our proud, bipartisan tradition of providing&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;protection through resettlement," the committee chairman, Senator Bob Menendez, tweeted.

The American Civil Liberties Union, a powerful advocacy group, also voiced approval, saying that the country's "reputation" was at stake.

"We are pleased to see President Biden has abandoned the Trump administration’s abysmal&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;goal and recommitted to prioritizing helping people who are fleeing persecution around the globe," ACLU representative Manar Waheed said.

"We recognise that the goal may not be easy and it requires rebuilding a system that was decimated by the Trump administration, but candidate Biden promised," Waheed said. "He must fulfill that promise, lives are at stake."

Trump clamped down on&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;as part of the hardline border policies at the heart of his nationalist political platform.

Biden campaigned on promises to restore more traditional US attitudes. But he then backtracked after his government ran into difficulties in handling a surge of migrants entering the country illegally or claiming asylum at the Mexican border.

Last month, the White House said it needed more time to "rebuild" the post-Trump&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;program and would therefore keep the cap at 15,000 for the year.

After a top Democrat and&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;aid groups slammed Biden's target as "appallingly low" and "deeply disappointing," the White House issued a statement hours later saying the low number was only provisional.

In another shift from Trump's policies, Biden announced in April that quotas were being expanded for&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;from Central America, the Middle East and Africa, while also opening the doors to three mostly Muslim countries -- Somalia, Syria and Yemen.

With Monday's announcement, the White House will hope to have calmed the political waters among Democrats just when it needs party unity to push forward on huge proposed social and infrastructure spending plans in an almost evenly divided Congress.

"We are amid the largest global&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;crisis in history, and after four years of slashing admittances to the lowest point on record, we need to return to our leadership position," another Democratic senator, Tim Kaine, said.

"I am heartened by today's announcement that moved toward upholding our values of accepting&nbsp;refugees."

Trump set the 15,000 cap nearly a month before the November 2020 presidential election, which he lost.

Under his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama, with whom Biden served as vice president, an average of 100,000 people were welcomed into the United States each year.

"It is in our DNA as a nation to open our door to those seeking refuge," said US secretary of state Antony Blinken in response to Biden's announcement Monday.

"It remains in our national interest to treat individuals applying for these programs fairly and with dignity and respect."

President Joe Biden announced on Monday, after coming under fierce criticism, that he was raising the maximum number of refugees allowed into the United States this year to 62,500 -- up from the 15,000 cap imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump.

President Joe Biden announced on Monday, after coming under fierce criticism, that he was raising the maximum number of refugees allowed into the United States this year to 62,500 -- up from the 15,000 cap imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump. The change follows backlash from allies over Biden's earlier decision to keep the Trump-era limits -- a politically costly moment of confusion that stood out in a White House notable for its iron discipline in its first three months. "This erases the historically low number set by the previous administration of 15,000, which did not reflect America's values as a nation that welcomes and supports refugees," Biden said in a statement. Also read: Joe Biden urges everyone to get vaccinated at 'Vax Live' concert event "The new admissions cap will also reinforce efforts that are already underway to expand the United States' capacity to admit refugees, so that we can reach the goal of 125,000 refugee admissions that I intend to set for the coming fiscal year." The programme is only for refugees selected by US security and intelligence agencies from United Nations camps around the world. The course correction was quickly welcomed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is controlled by Biden's Democratic party. "I welcome the Biden administration's announcement that it will increase the number of refugees allowed to be resettled in the United States. This is an important step in continuing our proud, bipartisan tradition of providing refugees protection through resettlement," the committee chairman, Senator Bob Menendez, tweeted. The American Civil Liberties Union, a powerful advocacy group, also voiced approval, saying that the country's "reputation" was at stake. "We are pleased to see President Biden has abandoned the Trump administration’s abysmal refugee goal and recommitted to prioritizing helping people who are fleeing persecution around the globe," ACLU representative Manar Waheed said. "We recognise that the goal may not be easy and it requires rebuilding a system that was decimated by the Trump administration, but candidate Biden promised," Waheed said. "He must fulfill that promise, lives are at stake." Trump clamped down on refugees as part of the hardline border policies at the heart of his nationalist political platform. Biden campaigned on promises to restore more traditional US attitudes. But he then backtracked after his government ran into difficulties in handling a surge of migrants entering the country illegally or claiming asylum at the Mexican border. Last month, the White House said it needed more time to "rebuild" the post-Trump refugee program and would therefore keep the cap at 15,000 for the year. After a top Democrat and refugee aid groups slammed Biden's target as "appallingly low" and "deeply disappointing," the White House issued a statement hours later saying the low number was only provisional. In another shift from Trump's policies, Biden announced in April that quotas were being expanded for refugees from Central America, the Middle East and Africa, while also opening the doors to three mostly Muslim countries -- Somalia, Syria and Yemen. With Monday's announcement, the White House will hope to have calmed the political waters among Democrats just when it needs party unity to push forward on huge proposed social and infrastructure spending plans in an almost evenly divided Congress. "We are amid the largest global refugee crisis in history, and after four years of slashing admittances to the lowest point on record, we need to return to our leadership position," another Democratic senator, Tim Kaine, said. "I am heartened by today's announcement that moved toward upholding our values of accepting refugees." Trump set the 15,000 cap nearly a month before the November 2020 presidential election, which he lost. Under his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama, with whom Biden served as vice president, an average of 100,000 people were welcomed into the United States each year. "It is in our DNA as a nation to open our door to those seeking refuge," said US secretary of state Antony Blinken in response to Biden's announcement Monday. "It remains in our national interest to treat individuals applying for these programs fairly and with dignity and respect."

Biden to allow up to 62,500 refugees into US after criticism over delay

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds.

Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress.

President Joe Biden announced a halt to border wall construction after taking office in January.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion">Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion</a>

"Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokesman Jamal Brown said.

Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects."

"Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said.

Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015 with a pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and to make Mexico pay for it.

Mexico refused and so did the House of Representatives after Democrats took control in 2018.

Trump ultimately bypassed Congress by controversially dipping directly into the&nbsp;Pentagon's coffers, forcing the Defence Department to allocate billions of dollars for the project.

The Pentagon said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds. Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress.

The Pentagon said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds. Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress. President Joe Biden announced a halt to border wall construction after taking office in January. Also read: Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion "Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said. Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects." "Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said. Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015 with a pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and to make Mexico pay for it. Mexico refused and so did the House of Representatives after Democrats took control in 2018. Trump ultimately bypassed Congress by controversially dipping directly into the Pentagon's coffers, forcing the Defence Department to allocate billions of dollars for the project.

Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow">Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow</a>

It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April.

The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine.

Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat.

Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it".&nbsp;

Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country.

According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national.

Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage.

Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014.

Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal.

Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula.

At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind.

Moscow announced on Monday it was expelling a Ukrainian embassy worker, the latest in a wave of diplomatic expulsions that have embroiled Russian and European diplomats, while Kiev vowed to respond in kind. The expulsion came amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev over an uptick in fighting between Ukraine's army and pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement that due to "unfriendly actions taken by the Ukrainian side... an employee of the Ukrainian embassy in Russia was declared persona non grata". Also read: Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow It added that the diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April. The ministry warned Ukraine that further measures would be taken against embassy staff in Moscow "in the event of continuing hostile actions" against Russian diplomats in Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko told AFP that "in the near future" Kiev will announce the expulsion of a Russian diplomat. Nikolenko said that the expulsion of the Ukrainian diplomat is "another provocation of the Russian side...devoid of logic, without any reasons behind it". Ukraine last week expelled a Russian diplomat in response to Moscow's order for a Ukrainian consul in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg to leave the country. According to Russia's security agency, the consul was trying to obtain sensitive information from a Russian national. Recent weeks have seen a wave of expulsions of Russian officials from European countries and the United States over claims of hacking and espionage. Romania on Monday said it was removing a Russian diplomat in solidarity with the Czech Republic, which recently ordered out 18 Russian embassy staff over a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014. Russia earlier Monday expelled an Italian naval attache responding to a similar move by Rome last month in the fallout of a spying scandal. Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists in its eastern breakaway regions since 2014, following Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula. At least 31 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the start of the year, compared to 50 in all of 2020, while the separatists say 22 of their fighters have died.

Russia expels Ukrainian diplomat in ongoing spat

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. 
 
In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". 
 
The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave">Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave</a> 
 
In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. 
 
"During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables.

The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. 
 
Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2.

In the wake of uncontrolled increase of Covid cases across the country, the Election Commission (EC) has banned all kinds of victory processions after the poll results are declared on May 2. The commission has also put a cap on the number of persons assisting the candidates at the counting halls. In view of the surge in Covid cases throughout the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provision to be followed during the process of counting, in addition to existing broad guidelines dated August 21, 2020 and has directed, "No victory procession after the counting on 2.5.2021 shall be permissible". The EC also said, "Not more than two persons shall be allowed to accompany the winning candidate or his/her authorised representative will receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer concerned". Also read: Madras High Court raps election body for political rallies during Covid second wave In addition to this, the commission has made an extensive arrangement for counting that will be conducted in 705 halls in Bengal with a maximum of seven tables in each of the hall to maintain physical distancing and other health protocols related with management of Covid. Mask, sanitisers and face shields will be made compulsory for all at the counting venues. "During the last assembly elections counting was held in 385 halls. We have almost doubled the counting venues that have gone up to 705. In the majority of the counting halls there will be seven tables and in some where the space is large there may be 14 tables. The blueprint is expected to be finalised by Tuesday after holding a video conference with the district election officers (DEOs)," Aariz Aftab, state Chief Electoral Officer said. "There will be temperature check at the entry point in all the venues," he added. Meanwhile, the EC on Monday announced that voting at booth no 126 at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar will be held on April 29 with the last phase of the ongoing election. During the fourth phase of polls held in April 10, four persons were killed in firing by central forces near the polling booth at Sitalkuchi and the Commission had declared voting at that polling station to be void.

COVID-19: Indian election body bans all victory processions after poll results

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.

Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January.

But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone".

"None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News.

The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post.&nbsp;

"We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer.&nbsp;

"We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else."

But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed.

"These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted.

"The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster."&nbsp;

Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid.

But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours.

Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony.

The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation.

Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated. In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January. But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone". "None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News. The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post. "We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer. "We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else." But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed. "These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted. "The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster." Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid. But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours. Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony. The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation. Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment

The co-leader of Germany's Greens, Annalena Baerbock, said on Monday, she would run to become chancellor in September's elections, the first time the left-leaning party has sought the top job in its 40-year history.&nbsp;

Baerbock, a former champion trampolinist, who has seen support for her party rise over the past year, said she would offer a 'new start' and focus on investing in education, digital and green technologies.&nbsp;

Analysts said the chance of an outright win for the ecologist party was still a long shot - though the Greens have become a formidable force that has profited from voters' fatigue with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. &nbsp;

Baerbock's group still trails the conservatives by around five points in the polls, despite signs of divisions in the conservative camp that has ruled Germany for 16 years.&nbsp;

Baerbock, 40, sought to allay fears about her relative lack of experience. "Democracy lives off change. Yes, I was never a chancellor and never a minister," she told a news conference. "I stand for renewal. Other stand for the status-quo."&nbsp;

"We would like to lead this government - but since politics is not a wish-fulfillment exercise, it will be up to the voters to decide who will come out of this election with how much strength," she added.&nbsp;

Baerbock was nominated for the chancellorship by her party and formally presented on Monday by co-leader Robert Habeck - an orderly process that stood in contrast to public divisions among the conservatives.&nbsp;

Armin Laschet, chairman of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Markus Soeder of their CSU Bavarian sister party, remained at loggerheads on Monday over which of them should lead their increasingly strained alliance.&nbsp;

"While Laschet and Soeder are still fighting in the arena and the potential damage to the party could be great, the Greens have delivered a masterpiece of political professionalism," ING economist Carsten Brzeski said.&nbsp;

The Greens, who were born in 1980 out of the ecologist movement of the late 1960s and 1970s, govern the southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, a former conservative stronghold.&nbsp;

A Forsa poll last week put support for the Greens on 23%, behind 27% for Merkel's alliance.&nbsp;

To lead a coalition government, the Greens could team up with the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD), which the Forsa poll showed to have 15% support, and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), at 9%. Another three-way tie-up could be with the SPD and the far-left Linke.&nbsp;

In a more likely scenario, given the current numbers, the Greens could also join government as junior partner to Merkel`s conservatives. &nbsp;

Finance Minister and SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz was quick to congratulate Baerbock on her candidacy, tweeting that he was "looking forward to an exciting and fair competition".&nbsp;

A person close to Scholz, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Scholz and Baerbock had a good and professional relationship and their parties had many overlapping policy goals. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The co-leader of Germany's Greens, Annalena Baerbock, said on Monday, she would run to become chancellor in September's elections, the first time the left-leaning party has sought the top job in its 40-year history.

The co-leader of Germany's Greens, Annalena Baerbock, said on Monday, she would run to become chancellor in September's elections, the first time the left-leaning party has sought the top job in its 40-year history. Baerbock, a former champion trampolinist, who has seen support for her party rise over the past year, said she would offer a 'new start' and focus on investing in education, digital and green technologies. Analysts said the chance of an outright win for the ecologist party was still a long shot - though the Greens have become a formidable force that has profited from voters' fatigue with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. Baerbock's group still trails the conservatives by around five points in the polls, despite signs of divisions in the conservative camp that has ruled Germany for 16 years. Baerbock, 40, sought to allay fears about her relative lack of experience. "Democracy lives off change. Yes, I was never a chancellor and never a minister," she told a news conference. "I stand for renewal. Other stand for the status-quo." "We would like to lead this government - but since politics is not a wish-fulfillment exercise, it will be up to the voters to decide who will come out of this election with how much strength," she added. Baerbock was nominated for the chancellorship by her party and formally presented on Monday by co-leader Robert Habeck - an orderly process that stood in contrast to public divisions among the conservatives. Armin Laschet, chairman of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and Markus Soeder of their CSU Bavarian sister party, remained at loggerheads on Monday over which of them should lead their increasingly strained alliance. "While Laschet and Soeder are still fighting in the arena and the potential damage to the party could be great, the Greens have delivered a masterpiece of political professionalism," ING economist Carsten Brzeski said. The Greens, who were born in 1980 out of the ecologist movement of the late 1960s and 1970s, govern the southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, a former conservative stronghold. A Forsa poll last week put support for the Greens on 23%, behind 27% for Merkel's alliance. To lead a coalition government, the Greens could team up with the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD), which the Forsa poll showed to have 15% support, and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), at 9%. Another three-way tie-up could be with the SPD and the far-left Linke. In a more likely scenario, given the current numbers, the Greens could also join government as junior partner to Merkel`s conservatives. Finance Minister and SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz was quick to congratulate Baerbock on her candidacy, tweeting that he was "looking forward to an exciting and fair competition". A person close to Scholz, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Scholz and Baerbock had a good and professional relationship and their parties had many overlapping policy goals. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany's Greens make first bid for chancellery, promise change 

On Gravitas Plus | The virus is becoming more dangerous, but politics is impeding our response. Vaccines are being locked by patents. Rich countries are hoarding them as low-income nations lie unprotected. Palki Sharma says it's time to put people before profit.

Gravitas Plus: Vaccine hyper nationalism is helping no one

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