The war that has ravaged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/200-yemen-rebels-to-be-freed-amid-peace-push-saudi-led-coalition-264761">Yemen</a>&nbsp;has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres.

"Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty.

"The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities,&nbsp;who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict,&nbsp;should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid."

The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war.

In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report.

Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities.

These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said.

A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me."

Rageh called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-tough-times-ahead-for-honey-trade-as-war-cripples-country-263486">organisations providing humanitarian aid</a> to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs".&nbsp;

The brutal war and economic collapse had&nbsp;hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities".&nbsp;

"Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves,&nbsp;with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said.

"One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday. The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres. "Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty. "The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities, who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict, should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid." The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war. In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report. Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities. Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities. These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said. A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me." Rageh called on organisations providing humanitarian aid to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs". The brutal war and economic collapse had hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities". "Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves, with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said. "One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

Disabled people hardest hit by war in Yemen: Amnesty

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent&nbsp;of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent&nbsp;required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid.

Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre.

The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-declared-in-venice-following-severe-floods-262727">frequent flooding</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-braces-for-tough-day-as-another-very-high-tide-looms-262740">Venice</a> and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000.

The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems.

In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways. By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid. Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre. The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and frequent flooding. Venice and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000. The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems. In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians reject referendum on splitting from Mestre

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-checks-intensified-as-london-attack-enters-election-fray-265598">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in&nbsp;London&nbsp;by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police.

Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services.

Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences.

"I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr.

He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically.

Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uk-judge-warned-of-london-bridge-attack-convicts-plans-to-carry-out-attack-in-kashmir-265543">being monitored</a> to prevent any threat to the public.

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News.

Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site

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Election echoes

Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts".

"You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech.

Khan's attack, which took place on&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital.

On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others.

The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said.

Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-corbyn-says-convicted-terrorists-should-not-necessarily-serve-full-sentence-265566">organising a conference that Khan was attending</a>, where he chose to start his attack.

Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital.

The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early. Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police. Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services. Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences. "I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr. He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically. Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were being monitored to prevent any threat to the public. Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News. Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site Election echoes Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts". "You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech. Khan's attack, which took place on London Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital. On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others. The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said. Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was organising a conference that Khan was attending, where he chose to start his attack. Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital. The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

Will strengthen prison sentences after London Bridge attack: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Embattled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">Maltese Prime Minister</a> Joseph Muscat announced on Sunday that he planned to step down from his position.&nbsp;

"In the coming period, we will initiate a process so that our country will have a new Prime Minister, a Prime Minister who will continue the work and the strong mandate of this Government and continue to deliver the plan the Maltese population approved in June 2017", Muscat said.

On state television, he said that he would ask his ruling Labour Party to start a process on January 12 to choose a new leader for the country.

"I will write to the president of the Labour Party so that the process for a new leader is set for 12th January 2020. On that day I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. In the days after I will resign as prime minister," Muscat said.

Muscat's government has been in crisis over an investigation into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.&nbsp;

''In the meantime, I will continue to carry out my responsibilities as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. I am ensuring stability in the leadership of the country'', he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rattled-by-journalist-murder-probe-maltas-ruling-party-meets-to-decide-pms-future-265579">Calls for him to step down</a> intensified after the probe led to charges on Saturday against a prominent businessman with alleged ties to government ministers and senior officials.

"Our country thus will start a short process of approximately a month for the Labour Party to choose a new leader and a new prime minister," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Embattled Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced on Sunday that he planned to step down from his position. "In the coming period, we will initiate a process so that our country will have a new Prime Minister, a Prime Minister who will continue the work and the strong mandate of this Government and continue to deliver the plan the Maltese population approved in June 2017", Muscat said.

Embattled Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced on Sunday that he planned to step down from his position. "In the coming period, we will initiate a process so that our country will have a new Prime Minister, a Prime Minister who will continue the work and the strong mandate of this Government and continue to deliver the plan the Maltese population approved in June 2017", Muscat said. On state television, he said that he would ask his ruling Labour Party to start a process on January 12 to choose a new leader for the country. "I will write to the president of the Labour Party so that the process for a new leader is set for 12th January 2020. On that day I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. In the days after I will resign as prime minister," Muscat said. Muscat's government has been in crisis over an investigation into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. ''In the meantime, I will continue to carry out my responsibilities as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. I am ensuring stability in the leadership of the country'', he added. Calls for him to step down intensified after the probe led to charges on Saturday against a prominent businessman with alleged ties to government ministers and senior officials. "Our country thus will start a short process of approximately a month for the Labour Party to choose a new leader and a new prime minister," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Maltese Prime Minister announces plans to step down

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Ukraine's president</a> on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington.

"I did not speak with US President Trump in those terms: you give me this, I give you that," Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European publications including Germany's Der Spiegel magazine.

In remarks published in German, Zelensky said he "did not understand at all" the accusations heard at the hearings and did not "want to give an impression that we are beggars" in Ukraine.

The scandal centres around a phone conversation on July 25 in which the Republican leader is suspected of putting pressure on Ukraine to launch investigations against former Democratic vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company.&nbsp;

Watch: US Ambassador Volker says he did not know Ukraine corruption probe was tied to Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ambassador-volker-says-he-did-not-know-ukraine-corruption-probe-was-tied-to-biden-263265/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The key issue is whether Trump set up a "quid pro quo",&nbsp;Latin for seeking one action in exchange for another,&nbsp;with Zelensky by holding back promised US military aid for Ukraine until the Bidens were investigated.

In the interview published on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-releases-record-of-friendly-first-zelensky-call-262449">Zelensky also played down expectations</a> ahead of a summit on December 9 in Paris in which he is set to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the first time.

He said that an end to the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine could not be discussed until three preliminary steps had been taken.

He said there should first be a prisoner exchange within a "reasonable time period", followed by a genuine ceasefire and the retreat of all armed forces to allow local elections to be held in the region.

"If these three issues are resolved, then we can see if everyone wants to put an end to the conflict."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-adviser-tells-lawmakers-trump-ukraine-call-raised-national-security-concerns-258751">The conflict in Ukraine</a>, which broke out in 2014 after pro-Western politicians took power in Kiev and Russia annexed Crimea, has killed more than 13,000 people.

Ukraine's president on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington.

Ukraine's president on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington. "I did not speak with US President Trump in those terms: you give me this, I give you that," Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European publications including Germany's Der Spiegel magazine. In remarks published in German, Zelensky said he "did not understand at all" the accusations heard at the hearings and did not "want to give an impression that we are beggars" in Ukraine. The scandal centres around a phone conversation on July 25 in which the Republican leader is suspected of putting pressure on Ukraine to launch investigations against former Democratic vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company. Watch: US Ambassador Volker says he did not know Ukraine corruption probe was tied to Biden The key issue is whether Trump set up a "quid pro quo", Latin for seeking one action in exchange for another, with Zelensky by holding back promised US military aid for Ukraine until the Bidens were investigated. In the interview published on Monday, Zelensky also played down expectations ahead of a summit on December 9 in Paris in which he is set to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the first time. He said that an end to the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine could not be discussed until three preliminary steps had been taken. He said there should first be a prisoner exchange within a "reasonable time period", followed by a genuine ceasefire and the retreat of all armed forces to allow local elections to be held in the region. "If these three issues are resolved, then we can see if everyone wants to put an end to the conflict." The conflict in Ukraine, which broke out in 2014 after pro-Western politicians took power in Kiev and Russia annexed Crimea, has killed more than 13,000 people.

Ukraine president Zelensky renews denial of quid pro quo with US president Trump

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. 
 
Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-maha-vikas-aghadi-government-to-face-trust-vote-today-sanjay-raut-claims-support-of-170-mlas-265349">face a trust vote</a> in the Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties.

The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session.

Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test.

"It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly.

Ajit Pawar, the leader of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Saturday said that the ''Maha Vikas Aghadi'' government will prove its majority during the floor test at the State Legislative Assembly. The alliance includes NCP, Congress, and the Shiv Sena. Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government is set to face a trust vote in the Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance between the three parties. The floor test will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Pawar also alluded to his meeting with BJP MP Prataprao Chikhalikar and claimed that it had nothing to do with the floor test. "It was just a courtesy meeting. Even if we are from different parties we all have relations with each other. We did not have any discussion on the floor test. As Sanjay Raut said, our alliance will prove our numbers today in the house," Pawar said. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. (With inputs from ANI)

NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance in Maharashtra will prove its majority during floor test today: Ajit Pawar

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. 
 
Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators. 
 
The floor test proceeding will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. 
 
Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. 
 
"Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted. 
 
Leaders of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP will meet at the Assembly to discuss floor test and Speaker's election at 9.30 am. 
 
At 2 pm today, the vote of confidence will be conducted following the formal introduction of new ministers, six in number, to the Assembly. 
 
On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced. 
 
As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly. 
 
The pro tem speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie.

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators.

Two days after being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray led government will face a trust vote in Maharashtra Assembly today. Thackeray is heading the government of the newly formed alliance - Maha Vikas Aghadi, which enjoys the support of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress legislators. The floor test proceeding will be conducted by pro tem Speaker Dilip Walse Patil, who had replaced BJP's Kalidas Kolambkar on Friday for the two-day special Assembly session. Ahead of the trust vote, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed confidence of the alliance winning the floor test. Taking to Twitter, he claimed that the Maha Vikash Agadhi had the support of over 170 MLAs. "Today is the day to prove majority... 170 +++++..." he tweeted. Leaders of the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP will meet at the Assembly to discuss floor test and Speaker's election at 9.30 am. At 2 pm today, the vote of confidence will be conducted following the formal introduction of new ministers, six in number, to the Assembly. On Sunday, a permanent Speaker will be elected and the name of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) will be also announced. As per the assembly results, the Shiv Sena has 56 MLAs, NCP has 54 and Congress has 44 in the 288-member state assembly. The pro tem speaker has a casting vote in case of a tie.

Maharashtra: Maha Vikas Aghadi government to face trust vote today, Sanjay Raut claims support of 170 MLAs

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-japan-to-hold-maiden-22-dialogue-on-november-30-262908">Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2)</a> will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues.

The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation while the Japanese delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. 
 
"The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the MEA statement added.

The Japanese delegation will also meet PM Modi.

India and Japan will also trade views on the contemporary situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the respective efforts made by both sides under India's ''Act East Policy'' and Japan's ''Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'' to achieve the shared goal of peace, prosperity, and progress.

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues.

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues. The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation while the Japanese delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. "The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the MEA statement added. The Japanese delegation will also meet PM Modi. India and Japan will also trade views on the contemporary situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the respective efforts made by both sides under India's ''Act East Policy'' and Japan's ''Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'' to achieve the shared goal of peace, prosperity, and progress.

India-Japan to hold 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi today

Bolivia&nbsp;appointed its&nbsp;first&nbsp;ambassador&nbsp;to the United States in&nbsp;11&nbsp;years&nbsp;on Tuesday, officials said, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-returns-to-normal-as-protests-quell-264496">interim government</a> resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales.

Walter Oscar Serrate Cuellar has been given the key posting, the foreign ministry announced on Twitter, filling a position left vacant since a diplomatic spat between La Paz and Washington in 2008.

The high-profile appointment, which has to be approved by the Senate, comes as the caretaker government prepares to hold new elections that exclude Morales.

Morales' Movement for Socialism party controls the upper house of Congress.

Serrate previously served as&nbsp;Bolivia's&nbsp;ambassador&nbsp;and permanent representative at the United Nations, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-police-use-tear-gas-against-protesters-carrying-coffins-263772">Under Morales</a>,&nbsp;Bolivia's president for nearly 14&nbsp;years, ties with the United States were tense.

Relations took a turn for the worse under former US leader George W. Bush, with the expulsion of ambassadors from both countries in late 2008.

Morales resigned on November 10 and fled to Mexico where he was granted political asylum after disputed October 20 elections ignited street protests.

Morales, who had been seeking a fourth term, claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results were rigged.

Since declaring herself interim president, right-wing senator Jeanine Anez, who has been recognized by the United States, has wasted no time rewriting&nbsp;Bolivia's foreign policy.

She broke ties with socialist Cuba and Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela.

Anez's&nbsp;first&nbsp;foreign policy decision was to recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president, joining a group of around 50 countries.

Foreign Minister Karen Longaric announced Venezuelan diplomats would be sent home for "violating diplomatic norms."

Bolivia&nbsp;also fired all its ambassadors except those to Peru and the Vatican.

Easing tensions&nbsp;

Tuesday's announcement comes as some 20 former members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-congress-approves-law-for-new-elections-without-morales-264143">Morales' government</a> are holed up in Mexico's embassy in La Paz, the foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

Five of them,&nbsp;including Morales' former top minister Juan Ramon Quintana, are wanted for arrest.&nbsp;

Both Morales and Quintana have been accused of sedition and terrorism.&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors are investigating allegations that Morales, after arriving in Mexico, encouraged his supporters to maintain roadblocks that caused severe food and fuel shortages in La Paz.

Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists last Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in&nbsp;Bolivia.

"Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales.

Bolivia&nbsp;has lodged a formal protest to Mexico over Morales's remarks, saying they "contravened" his political asylum status.

Looming new elections and talks between the interim government and opposition groups have helped defuse tensions after weeks of unrest that left dozens dead. &nbsp;

Normal activities are resuming in La Paz and other cities with schools and businesses reopening this week and blockades of major transport routes mostly removed.&nbsp;

An eight-point agreement released by the government pledged, among other things, to set up a commission to free protesters who had not committed any crimes.&nbsp;

Bolivia appointed its first ambassador to the United States in 11 years on Tuesday, officials said, as the interim government resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales.

Bolivia appointed its first ambassador to the United States in 11 years on Tuesday, officials said, as the interim government resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales. Walter Oscar Serrate Cuellar has been given the key posting, the foreign ministry announced on Twitter, filling a position left vacant since a diplomatic spat between La Paz and Washington in 2008. The high-profile appointment, which has to be approved by the Senate, comes as the caretaker government prepares to hold new elections that exclude Morales. Morales' Movement for Socialism party controls the upper house of Congress. Serrate previously served as Bolivia's ambassador and permanent representative at the United Nations, the ministry said. Under Morales, Bolivia's president for nearly 14 years, ties with the United States were tense. Relations took a turn for the worse under former US leader George W. Bush, with the expulsion of ambassadors from both countries in late 2008. Morales resigned on November 10 and fled to Mexico where he was granted political asylum after disputed October 20 elections ignited street protests. Morales, who had been seeking a fourth term, claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results were rigged. Since declaring herself interim president, right-wing senator Jeanine Anez, who has been recognized by the United States, has wasted no time rewriting Bolivia's foreign policy. She broke ties with socialist Cuba and Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela. Anez's first foreign policy decision was to recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president, joining a group of around 50 countries. Foreign Minister Karen Longaric announced Venezuelan diplomats would be sent home for "violating diplomatic norms." Bolivia also fired all its ambassadors except those to Peru and the Vatican. Easing tensions Tuesday's announcement comes as some 20 former members of Morales' government are holed up in Mexico's embassy in La Paz, the foreign ministry said. Five of them, including Morales' former top minister Juan Ramon Quintana, are wanted for arrest. Both Morales and Quintana have been accused of sedition and terrorism. Federal prosecutors are investigating allegations that Morales, after arriving in Mexico, encouraged his supporters to maintain roadblocks that caused severe food and fuel shortages in La Paz. Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists last Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in Bolivia. "Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales. Bolivia has lodged a formal protest to Mexico over Morales's remarks, saying they "contravened" his political asylum status. Looming new elections and talks between the interim government and opposition groups have helped defuse tensions after weeks of unrest that left dozens dead. Normal activities are resuming in La Paz and other cities with schools and businesses reopening this week and blockades of major transport routes mostly removed. An eight-point agreement released by the government pledged, among other things, to set up a commission to free protesters who had not committed any crimes.

Bolivia: First ambassador to United States appointed in 11 years

Two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Monday evening in Kashmir's Pulwama. 
 
One of the terrorists, identified as Irfan Naira, active since 2016, was a category 'A' terrorist. He was a close associate of Riyaz Naikoo. 
 
Another terrorist Irfan Rather was active since 2017. 
 
The two HM terrorists had attacked Army, CRPF and JKP patrol parties earlier.

Two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Monday evening in Kashmir's Pulwama. One of the terrorists, identified as Irfan Naira, active since 2016, was a category 'A' terrorist.

Two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Monday evening in Kashmir's Pulwama. One of the terrorists, identified as Irfan Naira, active since 2016, was a category 'A' terrorist. He was a close associate of Riyaz Naikoo. Another terrorist Irfan Rather was active since 2017. The two HM terrorists had attacked Army, CRPF and JKP patrol parties earlier.

Two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists killed in Pulwama

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-congress-approves-law-for-new-elections-without-morales-264143">after weeks of disruptive protests</a>, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales.

Traffic was heavy in La Paz, the epicentre of demonstrations that have raged since a disputed October 20 presidential election, after gas stations were able to replenish fuel supplies.

Schools re-opened while most supermarkets and restaurants were operating normally in the seat of government as shortages eased.

"We are returning to normal after something very hard and very dramatic," interim President Jeanine Anez told reporters Monday, a day after signing a law authorizing new elections seen as crucial to ending unrest in the landlocked country.&nbsp;

Mother-of-two Jazmin Chavez said her children were pleased to be back at school after nearly a month stuck at home.&nbsp;

"They are happy, they have returned to class, they have seen their friends again," Chavez, 34, told AFP.

Blockades on major transport routes have been mostly removed, officials said, except in the central coca-growing region of Chapare, where farmers loyal to Morales continue obstructing a key highway.

They are demanding justice for nine protesters killed during clashes with police on November 15.&nbsp;

"There are still roadblocks at different points despite an agreement signed" Sunday with the government to lift them, Franz Celis, a deputy police commander in Cochabamba, told reporters. &nbsp;

Ongoing talks between the caretaker government and opposition groups in La Paz aimed at ending the country's worst crisis in 16 years appear to be defusing tensions.&nbsp;

"I've felt a peace that we haven't been able to find for a month," Silvia Maita, an auditor, told AFP.&nbsp;

"I'm happy going back to work and working normal hours. We hope it stays like this."

Hydrocarbons Minister Victor Hugo Zamora said Monday 700,000 propane gas cylinders were available in La Paz and El Alto, which had suffered severe shortages after protesters blocked a key fuel plant.&nbsp;

"We are normalizing fuel distribution," Zamora said.

"We want to convey calm and avoid the worry and despair of users." &nbsp;

Watch: Citizens go hungry as protests snarl cities in Bolivia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolivians-citizens-go-hungry-as-protests-snarl-cities-263283/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Elections

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-police-use-tear-gas-against-protesters-carrying-coffins-263772">Dozens of people have been killed</a> since the disputed October 20 election, many of them in clashes with security forces.&nbsp;

Morales claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results had been rigged.

He fled to Mexico, where he was granted political asylum following his November 10 resignation, after losing the support of the police and military.&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday gave a green light for a new vote without Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president. He had been seeking a fourth term after nearly 14 years as leader of the poor but resource-rich country.

Anez, a right-wing senator who declared herself interim leader after Morales quit, signed the bill into law Sunday, vowing "clean, fair and transparent" elections.

The law annuls the results of the October 20 vote and bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position.

That prevents Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot.

The next step will be for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-president-asks-congress-to-approve-law-for-new-elections-263484">Congress to agree on a new seven-member electoral court</a> after members of the previous panel were removed for allegedly manipulating results.

The tribunal will be tasked with setting a date for the new vote, which Anez said previously she wants to happen as soon as possible.

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening after weeks of disruptive protests, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales.

Bolivia slowly resumed normal activities on Monday, with schools and businesses reopening after weeks of disruptive protests, as the country prepares for new elections without ex-president Evo Morales. Traffic was heavy in La Paz, the epicentre of demonstrations that have raged since a disputed October 20 presidential election, after gas stations were able to replenish fuel supplies. Schools re-opened while most supermarkets and restaurants were operating normally in the seat of government as shortages eased. "We are returning to normal after something very hard and very dramatic," interim President Jeanine Anez told reporters Monday, a day after signing a law authorizing new elections seen as crucial to ending unrest in the landlocked country. Mother-of-two Jazmin Chavez said her children were pleased to be back at school after nearly a month stuck at home. "They are happy, they have returned to class, they have seen their friends again," Chavez, 34, told AFP. Blockades on major transport routes have been mostly removed, officials said, except in the central coca-growing region of Chapare, where farmers loyal to Morales continue obstructing a key highway. They are demanding justice for nine protesters killed during clashes with police on November 15. "There are still roadblocks at different points despite an agreement signed" Sunday with the government to lift them, Franz Celis, a deputy police commander in Cochabamba, told reporters. Ongoing talks between the caretaker government and opposition groups in La Paz aimed at ending the country's worst crisis in 16 years appear to be defusing tensions. "I've felt a peace that we haven't been able to find for a month," Silvia Maita, an auditor, told AFP. "I'm happy going back to work and working normal hours. We hope it stays like this." Hydrocarbons Minister Victor Hugo Zamora said Monday 700,000 propane gas cylinders were available in La Paz and El Alto, which had suffered severe shortages after protesters blocked a key fuel plant. "We are normalizing fuel distribution," Zamora said. "We want to convey calm and avoid the worry and despair of users." Watch: Citizens go hungry as protests snarl cities in Bolivia Elections Dozens of people have been killed since the disputed October 20 election, many of them in clashes with security forces. Morales claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results had been rigged. He fled to Mexico, where he was granted political asylum following his November 10 resignation, after losing the support of the police and military. Congress on Saturday gave a green light for a new vote without Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president. He had been seeking a fourth term after nearly 14 years as leader of the poor but resource-rich country. Anez, a right-wing senator who declared herself interim leader after Morales quit, signed the bill into law Sunday, vowing "clean, fair and transparent" elections. The law annuls the results of the October 20 vote and bars candidates who served in both of the two previous terms from seeking re-election for the same position. That prevents Morales from contesting the presidency in the new ballot. The next step will be for Congress to agree on a new seven-member electoral court after members of the previous panel were removed for allegedly manipulating results. The tribunal will be tasked with setting a date for the new vote, which Anez said previously she wants to happen as soon as possible.

Bolivia returns to 'normal' as protests quelled

Two political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir were on Monday shifted from the MLA hostel to their residences, where they will be kept under house arrest. 
 
The two leaders, Ashraf Mir of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hakeem Yaseen of People's Democratic Front (PDF).&nbsp;were detained after Article 370, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5. 
 
Several other leaders are also under house arrest in the region.

Two political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir were on Monday shifted from the MLA hostel to their residences, where they will be kept under house arrest. The two leaders, Ashraf Mir of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hakeem Yaseen of People's Democratic Front (PDF).

Two political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir were on Monday shifted from the MLA hostel to their residences, where they will be kept under house arrest. The two leaders, Ashraf Mir of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hakeem Yaseen of People's Democratic Front (PDF). were detained after Article 370, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5. Several other leaders are also under house arrest in the region.

J&K: Two political leaders shifted to their homes, will remain under house arrest

Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;can&nbsp;stay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-deadlock-in-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-running-out-of-options-264457">on&nbsp;in his post</a> although he has been indicted&nbsp;on&nbsp;corruption charges, Israel's&nbsp;attorney&nbsp;general&nbsp;said Monday.

Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said,&nbsp;"there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign".

Under Israeli law, while ministers cannot keep their posts after the indictment, a prime minister is not legally required to step down unless convicted and with all appeals exhausted.

But the embattled premier has faced calls to resign from several politicians since Mandelblit last Thursday charged him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu acts unperturbed by indictment

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The&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;comes as Israel edges closer to its third&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-faces-court-party-challenges-after-indictment-264271">general&nbsp;election in a year</a>, after two inconclusive polls in April and September, with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and centrist rival Benny Gantz unable to form a government.

Gantz's Blue and White party won one more seat than&nbsp;Netanyahu's rightwing Likud in the September polls.

Parliament now has less than three weeks to find a candidate who can gain the support of more than half of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, or a deeply unpopular third election will be called.

Netanyahu&nbsp;remains the country's interim premier.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can stay on in his post although he has been indicted on corruption charges, Israel's attorney general said Monday. Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said, "there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can stay on in his post although he has been indicted on corruption charges, Israel's attorney general said Monday. Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said, "there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign". Under Israeli law, while ministers cannot keep their posts after the indictment, a prime minister is not legally required to step down unless convicted and with all appeals exhausted. But the embattled premier has faced calls to resign from several politicians since Mandelblit last Thursday charged him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu acts unperturbed by indictment The indictment comes as Israel edges closer to its third general election in a year, after two inconclusive polls in April and September, with Netanyahu and centrist rival Benny Gantz unable to form a government. Gantz's Blue and White party won one more seat than Netanyahu's rightwing Likud in the September polls. Parliament now has less than three weeks to find a candidate who can gain the support of more than half of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, or a deeply unpopular third election will be called. Netanyahu remains the country's interim premier.

Netanyahu can stay on as Prime Minister despite indictment: Israel's Attorney General

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution. 
 
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the Indian Constitution talks about both rights and duties of the citizens. 
 
"The Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens. This is a special aspect of our Constitution...Let us think about how we can fulfil the duties enshrined in our Constitution," Modi said. 
 
He said that the citizens ensured that the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are always upheld. 
 
He also outlined Indian citizens' faith in the democracy and stated that the holy book of constitution functions as guiding light. 
 
"I especially bow down to 130 crore Indians, who never let their faith in India's democracy diminish. Always considered our constitution to be a holy book, a guiding light," the Prime Minister told the parliamentarians.

Watch: India celebrates Constitution Day

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to all the citizens on the occasion of the Constitution Day. 
 
"As a true sentinel of the Constitution, the Modi government is committed to working for the welfare of the 130 crore Indians as well as to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by following the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. Greetings to all the countrymen on the Constitution Day," he tweeted. 
 
"The Constitution is the soul of our democracy. Our constitution, which binds the world's largest democracy in the thread of unity, is also federal and unitary," the Union Minister said in another tweet. 
 
November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. 
 
Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adoption&nbsp;of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic. 
 
The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. 
 
The declaration regarding the same was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai.

On the 70th anniversary, the government has also planned to launch a campaign to make aware people about the fundamental duties that are mentioned in Part-5A of the Constitution. 
 
Meanwhile, Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Parliament as a joint sitting of both the Houses was underway in the Central Hall. 
 
Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, AK Antony among others boycotted the joint-session and protested outside the Parliament premises in front of the Ambedkar Statue opposing government formation in Maharashtra by BJP. 
 
The Opposition parties have announced to boycott the President Ram Nath Kovind's address at the joint sitting as well.

(With inputs from ANI)

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution.

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the Indian Constitution talks about both rights and duties of the citizens. "The Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens. This is a special aspect of our Constitution...Let us think about how we can fulfil the duties enshrined in our Constitution," Modi said. He said that the citizens ensured that the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are always upheld. He also outlined Indian citizens' faith in the democracy and stated that the holy book of constitution functions as guiding light. "I especially bow down to 130 crore Indians, who never let their faith in India's democracy diminish. Always considered our constitution to be a holy book, a guiding light," the Prime Minister told the parliamentarians. Watch: India celebrates Constitution Day Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to all the citizens on the occasion of the Constitution Day. "As a true sentinel of the Constitution, the Modi government is committed to working for the welfare of the 130 crore Indians as well as to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by following the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. Greetings to all the countrymen on the Constitution Day," he tweeted. "The Constitution is the soul of our democracy. Our constitution, which binds the world's largest democracy in the thread of unity, is also federal and unitary," the Union Minister said in another tweet. November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic. The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. The declaration regarding the same was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai. On the 70th anniversary, the government has also planned to launch a campaign to make aware people about the fundamental duties that are mentioned in Part-5A of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Parliament as a joint sitting of both the Houses was underway in the Central Hall. Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, AK Antony among others boycotted the joint-session and protested outside the Parliament premises in front of the Ambedkar Statue opposing government formation in Maharashtra by BJP. The Opposition parties have announced to boycott the President Ram Nath Kovind's address at the joint sitting as well. (With inputs from ANI)

Constitution Day: PM Modi addresses joint session of Parliament, says he 'bows down to 130 crore Indians'

Chilean police and soldiers backed by their commanders have carried out "generalized" attacks on people protesting over inequality with the intention of "punishing and harming" them, Amnesty International said in a report published on Thursday (November 21).

Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them - Amnesty

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-china-cpec-project-will-hamstringing-pm-imran-khans-reform-agenda-us-263755">China</a> is seeking to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence-peddling, Canberra's ex-spymaster said in an interview published Friday.

Duncan Lewis, who resigned in September after five years at the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said China could target anyone in political office, with the impact potentially not known for years to come.

"Espionage and foreign interference are insidious. Its effects might not present for decades and by that time it's too late," Lewis was quoted as telling the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;Morning Herald in his first interview since leaving the office.&nbsp;

"You wake up one day and find decisions made in our country that are not in the interests of our country," he said.

"Not only in politics but also in the community or in business. It takes over, basically, pulling the strings from offshore," he added in the interview with the newspaper's foreign editor.

Lewis singled out incidents of Chinese agents making large contributions to Australian political parties as part of a wide-ranging influence-peddling campaign that also targeted media and the country's universities.

"It's quite clear to me that any person in political office is potentially a target. I'm not trying to create paranoia, but there does need to be a level of sensible awareness," he said.

The former spy chief said the help of Australia's large ethnic Chinese community was "vital in the work against foreign covert influence" much like Muslim-Australians who have aided in the fight against terrorism.

While running ASIO, Lewis, who also held senior military positions and served as Australia's ambassador to Belgium and NATO, frequently warned of the dangers of foreign espionage, but avoided singling out China for criticism.

His latest remarks are sure to rile Beijing, which has angrily denied allegations its ruling Communist Party was covertly meddling in Australian affairs.

Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-lgbtq-people-in-china-forced-into-illegal-conversion-therapy-groups-263636">China barred</a> a planned visit by two MPs from the governing Liberal party over their criticism of Chinese activities in Australia and across the Pacific.

And a group of Australian universities last week announced measures to combat foreign interference in key areas of research collaboration, cybersecurity, and international partnerships,&nbsp;a move seen as targeting China.

China is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services.

China is seeking to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence-peddling, Canberra's ex-spymaster said in an interview published Friday.

China is seeking to "take over" Australia's political system with an "insidious" and systematic campaign of espionage and influence-peddling, Canberra's ex-spymaster said in an interview published Friday. Duncan Lewis, who resigned in September after five years at the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said China could target anyone in political office, with the impact potentially not known for years to come. "Espionage and foreign interference are insidious. Its effects might not present for decades and by that time it's too late," Lewis was quoted as telling the Sydney Morning Herald in his first interview since leaving the office. "You wake up one day and find decisions made in our country that are not in the interests of our country," he said. "Not only in politics but also in the community or in business. It takes over, basically, pulling the strings from offshore," he added in the interview with the newspaper's foreign editor. Lewis singled out incidents of Chinese agents making large contributions to Australian political parties as part of a wide-ranging influence-peddling campaign that also targeted media and the country's universities. "It's quite clear to me that any person in political office is potentially a target. I'm not trying to create paranoia, but there does need to be a level of sensible awareness," he said. The former spy chief said the help of Australia's large ethnic Chinese community was "vital in the work against foreign covert influence" much like Muslim-Australians who have aided in the fight against terrorism. While running ASIO, Lewis, who also held senior military positions and served as Australia's ambassador to Belgium and NATO, frequently warned of the dangers of foreign espionage, but avoided singling out China for criticism. His latest remarks are sure to rile Beijing, which has angrily denied allegations its ruling Communist Party was covertly meddling in Australian affairs. Earlier this month, China barred a planned visit by two MPs from the governing Liberal party over their criticism of Chinese activities in Australia and across the Pacific. And a group of Australian universities last week announced measures to combat foreign interference in key areas of research collaboration, cybersecurity, and international partnerships, a move seen as targeting China. China is also widely suspected of being behind major intrusions into the computer systems of Australia's parliament and a university with close ties to the government and security services.

China wants to 'take over' Australian politics: ex-spy chief

Canada's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-to-shuffle-cabinet-foreign-minister-set-for-big-new-role-263365">Justin Trudeau</a> unveiled an inward-looking cabinet Wednesday, with rising star Chrystia Freeland swapping foreign affairs for a new role healing the country's internal divisions.

The former foreign minister has been promoted to deputy leader tasked, alongside new Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, with wooing western provinces alienated by Ottawa's environmental policies.

Trudeau expanded his cabinet to a slightly larger 36 members after the Liberals lost 20 seats on October 21, reducing a once-mighty juggernaut to a minority government.

The laundry list of looming issues is also longer and more complex than when Trudeau took office in 2015,&nbsp;including a slowing economy and geographic political divisions.

One particular worry for his chastened Liberals is the emergence of a separatist movement in the western province of Alberta, where the party was shut out at the ballot box.

Climate change emerged as one of the few galvanizing issues in the election, with two-thirds of Canadians voting for parties promising a tougher response.

But oil-rich provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have rejected a federal carbon tax -- one of the few of its scope in the world -- unveiled earlier this year.

"As we move forward on issues that matter across the country like energy and environment and other large issues, we will have to engage in a strong and positive way with different orders of government right across the country," said Trudeau.&nbsp;

"I am very much looking forward to doing that with Chrystia by my side," he said, to help bridge "very different perspectives across the country."

Watch: Justin Trudeau set to begin second term as PM

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Then and now

T<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-to-seek-formal-backing-for-minority-government-261740">rudeau exploded onto the world stage in 2015</a> as a strong liberal voice and a counterbalance to the rising right, declaring: "Canada is back!"

But the debonair world statesman faces an emboldened opposition at home, making every vote in parliament count.

The outlook is further complicated by a resurgence in chauvinism in the French-speaking province of Quebec that has triggered a revival of the separatist Bloc Quebecois.

In Ottawa, the government's fortunes have been placed in the hands of veteran MP Pablo Rodriguez.

As House leader, Rodriguez will have to negotiate with a fractious parliament to push the government's agenda, which will be unveiled in detail on December 5. A middle-class tax cut will be the first order of business, Trudeau said.

On the international stage, Freeland's replacement Francois-Philippe Champagne will have to deal with a diplomatic and trade row with China.

Freeland, however, will continue to nurture Canada's key relationship with the United States and handle ratification of a new continental trade pact with its neighbour and Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-cites-positive-momentum-on-trade-deal-as-us-official-visits-260455">Trudeau noted that Canadian businesses</a> benefit tremendously from trade with China, but said his government would "stand up" to Beijing over its "arbitrary detention" of two Canadians in apparent retaliation over the arrest on a US warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver last December.

Several ministers in Trudeau's previous cabinet kept their jobs in the shuffle: David Lametti remains justice minister, Bill Morneau keeps his finance portfolio and Harjit Sajjan stays at defence.

Former cop Bill Blair was made public safety minister, and will work on tougher gun-control measures.

Newcomer to the cabinet, Marco Mendicino, becomes immigration minister, while Mary Ng&nbsp;adds trade to her official duties.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled an inward-looking cabinet Wednesday, with rising star Chrystia Freeland swapping foreign affairs for a new role healing the country's internal divisions.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled an inward-looking cabinet Wednesday, with rising star Chrystia Freeland swapping foreign affairs for a new role healing the country's internal divisions. The former foreign minister has been promoted to deputy leader tasked, alongside new Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, with wooing western provinces alienated by Ottawa's environmental policies. Trudeau expanded his cabinet to a slightly larger 36 members after the Liberals lost 20 seats on October 21, reducing a once-mighty juggernaut to a minority government. The laundry list of looming issues is also longer and more complex than when Trudeau took office in 2015, including a slowing economy and geographic political divisions. One particular worry for his chastened Liberals is the emergence of a separatist movement in the western province of Alberta, where the party was shut out at the ballot box. Climate change emerged as one of the few galvanizing issues in the election, with two-thirds of Canadians voting for parties promising a tougher response. But oil-rich provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have rejected a federal carbon tax -- one of the few of its scope in the world -- unveiled earlier this year. "As we move forward on issues that matter across the country like energy and environment and other large issues, we will have to engage in a strong and positive way with different orders of government right across the country," said Trudeau. "I am very much looking forward to doing that with Chrystia by my side," he said, to help bridge "very different perspectives across the country." Watch: Justin Trudeau set to begin second term as PM Then and now Trudeau exploded onto the world stage in 2015 as a strong liberal voice and a counterbalance to the rising right, declaring: "Canada is back!" But the debonair world statesman faces an emboldened opposition at home, making every vote in parliament count. The outlook is further complicated by a resurgence in chauvinism in the French-speaking province of Quebec that has triggered a revival of the separatist Bloc Quebecois. In Ottawa, the government's fortunes have been placed in the hands of veteran MP Pablo Rodriguez. As House leader, Rodriguez will have to negotiate with a fractious parliament to push the government's agenda, which will be unveiled in detail on December 5. A middle-class tax cut will be the first order of business, Trudeau said. On the international stage, Freeland's replacement Francois-Philippe Champagne will have to deal with a diplomatic and trade row with China. Freeland, however, will continue to nurture Canada's key relationship with the United States and handle ratification of a new continental trade pact with its neighbour and Mexico. Trudeau noted that Canadian businesses benefit tremendously from trade with China, but said his government would "stand up" to Beijing over its "arbitrary detention" of two Canadians in apparent retaliation over the arrest on a US warrant of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver last December. Several ministers in Trudeau's previous cabinet kept their jobs in the shuffle: David Lametti remains justice minister, Bill Morneau keeps his finance portfolio and Harjit Sajjan stays at defence. Former cop Bill Blair was made public safety minister, and will work on tougher gun-control measures. Newcomer to the cabinet, Marco Mendicino, becomes immigration minister, while Mary Ng adds trade to her official duties.

Canada's Trudeau unveils new cabinet with focus on domestic issues

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday (November 20) shuffled his cabinet and moved Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland into a new job where she will be asked to help tackle a looming national unity crisis.

Canada's Trudeau unveils new cabinet; foreign minister gets tough new role

Bolivians are starting to feel the pinch of weeks-long turmoil roiling the South American country, with fuel shortages mounting and grocery stores short of basic goods as supporters of unseated leader Evo Morales blockade key transport routes.

"We're desperate to buy anything": Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities

The United States announced Monday it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-guards-warn-protesters-of-decisive-action-if-unrest-continues-262988">halt sanctions waivers for Iran's Fordow plant</a>, likely ending a key component of a landmark nuclear deal after Tehran said it had resumed enrichment activities.

Piling pressure as protests hit Iran, the move is intended to discourage work led by Russia's state-owned nuclear company Rosatom at the once-secret site, which was supposed to be transformed into a civilian research centre&nbsp;under the 2015 agreement.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's announcement of renewed activity at Fordow, one of a series of steps taken by Tehran as it presses Europeans to make good on sanctions relief promised for compliance.

"Therefore the United States will terminate the sanctions waiver related to the nuclear facility at Fordow effective December 15, 2019," Pompeo told a news conference.&nbsp;

"The right amount of uranium enrichment for the world's largest state sponsor of terror is zero," Pompeo said.

"There is no legitimate reason for Iran to resume enrichment at this previously clandestine site. Iran should reverse its activity there immediately," he said.

President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the denuclearisation accord and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran, aiming to inflict economic pain and reduce the Shiite clerical regime's influence in Arab countries.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-developed-vast-influence-in-iraq-spy-agency-leaks-say-262919">Trump administration</a> has still granted waivers to let other nations implement the nuclear deal, which was negotiated under former President Barack Obama, without facing penalties in the United States.

Critics of Trump have said that the waivers proved the administration saw the benefits of the deal, which sharply expanded access for international inspectors. Iran had been in compliance before the US withdrawal.

US waivers remain in place for other nuclear sites including Bushehr, a nuclear power plant off the Gulf coast being developed with Russia under safeguards.

Hawkish Republicans have been pressing on Pompeo to end the waivers. Senator Tom Cotton praised the decision as he pointed to the weekend protests in Iran over gas price hikes.

"The mullahs are playing with atoms in an underground bunker at Fordow instead of helping their own people, who are demonstrating in the street," he tweeted.

Latest step by Iran

Iran, which insists its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, has taken a series of measures that fall well short of developing a nuclear weapon but are meant to put pressure on European powers.

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors had crossed the level agreed upon in the 2015 accord for the first time.

Iran's stock of heavy water, which can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium,&nbsp;was 131.5 tonnes, above the 130-tonne limit, said a spokesperson for the agency in Vienna.

At Fordow, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-condemns-us-show-of-support-for-rioters-262870">Iran</a> said it began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges.

Britain, France, Germany and the European Union said Iran's decision was "inconsistent" with the nuclear deal.

Iran has accused European nations of hypocrisy over the nuclear deal and also attacked the United States for its statements of support for protesters.

Major roads have been blocked, banks torched and shops looted since Friday's abrupt hike in gas prices.

Pompeo again voiced solidarity with the protesters, saying: "The world's watching."

"The Iranian people will enjoy a better future when their government begins to respect basic human rights, abandon its revolutionary posture and its destabilizing foreign policy in the region, and behaves simply like a normal nation," he said.

The United States announced Monday it would halt sanctions waivers for Iran's Fordow plant, likely ending a key component of a landmark nuclear deal after Tehran said it had resumed enrichment activities.

The United States announced Monday it would halt sanctions waivers for Iran's Fordow plant, likely ending a key component of a landmark nuclear deal after Tehran said it had resumed enrichment activities. Piling pressure as protests hit Iran, the move is intended to discourage work led by Russia's state-owned nuclear company Rosatom at the once-secret site, which was supposed to be transformed into a civilian research centre under the 2015 agreement. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pointed to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's announcement of renewed activity at Fordow, one of a series of steps taken by Tehran as it presses Europeans to make good on sanctions relief promised for compliance. "Therefore the United States will terminate the sanctions waiver related to the nuclear facility at Fordow effective December 15, 2019," Pompeo told a news conference. "The right amount of uranium enrichment for the world's largest state sponsor of terror is zero," Pompeo said. "There is no legitimate reason for Iran to resume enrichment at this previously clandestine site. Iran should reverse its activity there immediately," he said. President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the denuclearisation accord and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran, aiming to inflict economic pain and reduce the Shiite clerical regime's influence in Arab countries. But the Trump administration has still granted waivers to let other nations implement the nuclear deal, which was negotiated under former President Barack Obama, without facing penalties in the United States. Critics of Trump have said that the waivers proved the administration saw the benefits of the deal, which sharply expanded access for international inspectors. Iran had been in compliance before the US withdrawal. US waivers remain in place for other nuclear sites including Bushehr, a nuclear power plant off the Gulf coast being developed with Russia under safeguards. Hawkish Republicans have been pressing on Pompeo to end the waivers. Senator Tom Cotton praised the decision as he pointed to the weekend protests in Iran over gas price hikes. "The mullahs are playing with atoms in an underground bunker at Fordow instead of helping their own people, who are demonstrating in the street," he tweeted. Latest step by Iran Iran, which insists its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, has taken a series of measures that fall well short of developing a nuclear weapon but are meant to put pressure on European powers. The UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday that Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors had crossed the level agreed upon in the 2015 accord for the first time. Iran's stock of heavy water, which can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium, was 131.5 tonnes, above the 130-tonne limit, said a spokesperson for the agency in Vienna. At Fordow, Iran said it began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges. Britain, France, Germany and the European Union said Iran's decision was "inconsistent" with the nuclear deal. Iran has accused European nations of hypocrisy over the nuclear deal and also attacked the United States for its statements of support for protesters. Major roads have been blocked, banks torched and shops looted since Friday's abrupt hike in gas prices. Pompeo again voiced solidarity with the protesters, saying: "The world's watching." "The Iranian people will enjoy a better future when their government begins to respect basic human rights, abandon its revolutionary posture and its destabilizing foreign policy in the region, and behaves simply like a normal nation," he said.

United States ends sanction waivers for Fordow nuclear plant in Iran

On the road where they say nine local people were shot by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-announce-transparent-elections-soon-bolivias-interim-president-jeanine-anez-262795">Bolivian security</a> forces last week, coca growers mourn the dead and vow to resist interim president Jeanine Anez.

The farmers are supporters of ex-president Evo Morales, who was forced to resign in what he said was a coup as Bolivia has been rocked by violent protests after a disputed election.

The farmers say the military and police opened fire when pro-Morales protesters tried to enter the central city of Cochabamba on Friday, in the deadliest incident of the month-long wave of demonstrations.

Shortly before, Anez had issued a presidential decree granting security forces immunity from prosecution.

"Before this, there were protests, but they did not use bullets... now anyone can come, fire bullets and not get punished," said Jaime Marcas, 26, wearing a woollen cap with earmuffs.

The road from Sacaba, the site of the killings, to Cochabamba,&nbsp;a Morales stronghold,&nbsp;has been blocked by security forces.

"They don't let us into the city. They check everything, as if it were a border," Leonor Gonzalez told AFP, her face full of fury.

She said the security forces on Friday deceived them by saying that they would let women go first into the city, but then they shot the men who were kept behind.

Watch: Bolivia - When chemistry sparked a political crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bolivia-when-chemistry-sparked-a-political-crisis-262179/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Interior Minister Arturo Murillo has hinted that the farmers may have fired at each other, but they deny being armed.

Scattered stones, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivians-queue-for-chicken-and-fuel-as-protests-cripple-highways-262779">burnt tires and bundles of abandoned hats</a> and shoes mark the scene of the incident.

"These are from those people who managed to run," said one of the farmers standing guard amid the crowd.

Nearby, nine black metal crosses with floral tributes wilting in the heat have been erected to remember the dead.

The unrest in Bolivia first erupted after Morales,&nbsp;the country's first indigenous president,&nbsp;was accused of rigging the results of the October 20 polls to gain reelection to a fourth term.

He resigned and fled to Mexico after losing the support of the security forces.

Anez, the former deputy speaker of the Senate, declared herself the interim president and has pledged to call elections soon.

But in Sacaba, nobody wants to hear about new elections until Anez steps down.

"We do not want this government, we do not know it. We feel anger, all the people in general. Now people are not afraid,&nbsp;the government have reneged (on its promises), and we push through to the end," warned Marcelo Pacchi, 42.

When one person in the crowd mentioned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-crisis-could-spin-out-of-control-as-death-toll-keeps-increasing-united-nations-262639">all-party talks as the way forward for Bolivia</a>, it sparked fury in the crowd.

"No dialogue!" shouted another, earning loud applause.

On the road where they say nine local people were shot by Bolivian security forces last week, coca growers mourn the dead and vow to resist interim president Jeanine Anez.

On the road where they say nine local people were shot by Bolivian security forces last week, coca growers mourn the dead and vow to resist interim president Jeanine Anez. The farmers are supporters of ex-president Evo Morales, who was forced to resign in what he said was a coup as Bolivia has been rocked by violent protests after a disputed election. The farmers say the military and police opened fire when pro-Morales protesters tried to enter the central city of Cochabamba on Friday, in the deadliest incident of the month-long wave of demonstrations. Shortly before, Anez had issued a presidential decree granting security forces immunity from prosecution. "Before this, there were protests, but they did not use bullets... now anyone can come, fire bullets and not get punished," said Jaime Marcas, 26, wearing a woollen cap with earmuffs. The road from Sacaba, the site of the killings, to Cochabamba, a Morales stronghold, has been blocked by security forces. "They don't let us into the city. They check everything, as if it were a border," Leonor Gonzalez told AFP, her face full of fury. She said the security forces on Friday deceived them by saying that they would let women go first into the city, but then they shot the men who were kept behind. Watch: Bolivia - When chemistry sparked a political crisis Interior Minister Arturo Murillo has hinted that the farmers may have fired at each other, but they deny being armed. Scattered stones, burnt tires and bundles of abandoned hats and shoes mark the scene of the incident. "These are from those people who managed to run," said one of the farmers standing guard amid the crowd. Nearby, nine black metal crosses with floral tributes wilting in the heat have been erected to remember the dead. The unrest in Bolivia first erupted after Morales, the country's first indigenous president, was accused of rigging the results of the October 20 polls to gain reelection to a fourth term. He resigned and fled to Mexico after losing the support of the security forces. Anez, the former deputy speaker of the Senate, declared herself the interim president and has pledged to call elections soon. But in Sacaba, nobody wants to hear about new elections until Anez steps down. "We do not want this government, we do not know it. We feel anger, all the people in general. Now people are not afraid, the government have reneged (on its promises), and we push through to the end," warned Marcelo Pacchi, 42. When one person in the crowd mentioned all-party talks as the way forward for Bolivia, it sparked fury in the crowd. "No dialogue!" shouted another, earning loud applause.

Bolivian farmers protest against interim president at site of killings

The United States must end its joint exercises with Seoul "once and for all" to facilitate dialogue with Pyongyang, North Korea said Tuesday, just days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-interested-in-meaningless-talks-just-so-trump-can-boast-north-korea-262928">allies postponed planned drills</a>.

The US and South Korea said Sunday they would delay annual joint aerial exercises slated for this month in an act of "goodwill" after months of deadlocked nuclear talks.

Pyongyang has long protested the joint drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and Seoul and Washington last year cancelled several training sessions in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un.

But Kim Yong Chol, a senior North Korean official who formerly led talks with the US, said the weekend postponement was irrelevant.

"We demand that the US quit the drill or stop it once and for all," Kim said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency.

Watch: US-South Korea drills postponed to bolster N Korea peace effort

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-south-korea-military-drills-postponed-in-bid-to-bolster-north-korea-peace-effort-262787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The suspension of the drill does not mean ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and is not helpful to the diplomatic efforts," he added.

The North had "no intention" to sit down with the "tricky US" and would not return to talks "before the complete and irrevocable withdrawal of its hostile policy".

"From now on, the DPRK will get due compensation for every administrative achievement the US president has talked too much about for over a year," Kim added, referring to the North by its official name.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-the-deal-done-trump-tweets-at-north-koreas-kim-tells-him-to-act-quickly-262780">Trump has repeatedly pointed to North Korea's moratorium</a> on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches as foreign policy successes for him.

But negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit in February broke up in disagreement over sanctions relief, while October's working-level talks rapidly broke down in Sweden.

Tuesday's statement was the latest in a series of increasingly assertive comments from the North as its end-of-year deadline for the US to come up with a fresh offer approaches, and it has also carried out multiple weapons tests in recent weeks.

Trump hinted at the prospect of a fourth meeting with Kim in a tweet at the weekend, only to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-korea-went-too-far-in-calling-biden-rabid-dog-262772">dismissed by the North</a>, which said it had no interest in summits "that bring nothing to us".

The United States must end its joint exercises with Seoul "once and for all" to facilitate dialogue with Pyongyang, North Korea said Tuesday, just days after the allies postponed planned drills.

The United States must end its joint exercises with Seoul "once and for all" to facilitate dialogue with Pyongyang, North Korea said Tuesday, just days after the allies postponed planned drills. The US and South Korea said Sunday they would delay annual joint aerial exercises slated for this month in an act of "goodwill" after months of deadlocked nuclear talks. Pyongyang has long protested the joint drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and Seoul and Washington last year cancelled several training sessions in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un. But Kim Yong Chol, a senior North Korean official who formerly led talks with the US, said the weekend postponement was irrelevant. "We demand that the US quit the drill or stop it once and for all," Kim said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency. Watch: US-South Korea drills postponed to bolster N Korea peace effort "The suspension of the drill does not mean ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and is not helpful to the diplomatic efforts," he added. The North had "no intention" to sit down with the "tricky US" and would not return to talks "before the complete and irrevocable withdrawal of its hostile policy". "From now on, the DPRK will get due compensation for every administrative achievement the US president has talked too much about for over a year," Kim added, referring to the North by its official name. Trump has repeatedly pointed to North Korea's moratorium on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches as foreign policy successes for him. But negotiations have been gridlocked since the Hanoi summit in February broke up in disagreement over sanctions relief, while October's working-level talks rapidly broke down in Sweden. Tuesday's statement was the latest in a series of increasingly assertive comments from the North as its end-of-year deadline for the US to come up with a fresh offer approaches, and it has also carried out multiple weapons tests in recent weeks. Trump hinted at the prospect of a fourth meeting with Kim in a tweet at the weekend, only to be dismissed by the North, which said it had no interest in summits "that bring nothing to us".

Quit drill with South Korea, stop it once and for all: North Korean media to US

The all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi commenced here on Sunday, a day ahead of the winter session of the Parliament. 
 
Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal arrived at the Parliament Library Building for the meeting convened by Joshi for the leaders of parties in the House. 
 
Opposition leaders such as TDP's Jaydev Galla, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Satish Mishra of BSP are participating in the meeting. 
 
TMC lawmakers Derek O'Brien and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, LJP lawmaker Chirag Paswan, RPI leader Ramdas Athawale, AIADMK's Navneet Krishnan and Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (S) are also present in the meeting. 
 
Other leaders including MDMK's Vaiko, TK Rangarajan of CPM, TR Balu of DMK, YSRCP's V Vijayasai Reddy, Manoj Jha of RJD and Ram Gopal Yadav of SP are among those present in the meet. 
 
While the government is expected to lay thrust on its legislative agenda, the opposition parties are likely to raise the issues of their concern. The Parliament session will continue till December 13. 
 
On Saturday, an all-party meet was convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session in an effort to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

The all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi commenced here on Sunday, a day ahead of the winter session of the Parliament. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal arrived at the Parliament Library Building for the meeting convened by Joshi for the leaders of parties in the House.

The all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi commenced here on Sunday, a day ahead of the winter session of the Parliament. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal arrived at the Parliament Library Building for the meeting convened by Joshi for the leaders of parties in the House. Opposition leaders such as TDP's Jaydev Galla, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Satish Mishra of BSP are participating in the meeting. TMC lawmakers Derek O'Brien and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, LJP lawmaker Chirag Paswan, RPI leader Ramdas Athawale, AIADMK's Navneet Krishnan and Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (S) are also present in the meeting. Other leaders including MDMK's Vaiko, TK Rangarajan of CPM, TR Balu of DMK, YSRCP's V Vijayasai Reddy, Manoj Jha of RJD and Ram Gopal Yadav of SP are among those present in the meet. While the government is expected to lay thrust on its legislative agenda, the opposition parties are likely to raise the issues of their concern. The Parliament session will continue till December 13. On Saturday, an all-party meet was convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session in an effort to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

New Delhi: All party meeting begins ahead of Parliament's winter session

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated.&nbsp;

He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career.&nbsp;

"My task to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya has come to an end. The time has come to retire for people like me. I will retire from politics once a rule to control population growth kicks in," the minister said.

Singh, 67, is infamous for making controversial remarks and had strongly favoured legislation to control the population in the country.

The BJP has a policy of not fielding leaders into elections who are older than 75 years. By that logic, he has eight years before his position in the party is invalidated.&nbsp;

In October this month, Singh participated in a yatra organised to spread awareness regarding population control and called for checking it.

Earlier, in January, the minister suggested that certain communities were especially responsible for the population explosion.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated. He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated. He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career. "My task to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya has come to an end. The time has come to retire for people like me. I will retire from politics once a rule to control population growth kicks in," the minister said. Singh, 67, is infamous for making controversial remarks and had strongly favoured legislation to control the population in the country. The BJP has a policy of not fielding leaders into elections who are older than 75 years. By that logic, he has eight years before his position in the party is invalidated. In October this month, Singh participated in a yatra organised to spread awareness regarding population control and called for checking it. Earlier, in January, the minister suggested that certain communities were especially responsible for the population explosion. (With inputs from ANI)

Will retire from politics as soon as population explosion is curbed: Giriraj Singh

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped.

Cambodia has recently faced pressure over human rights amid the European Union threatening trade benefits. Kem Sokha was freed from house arrest last weekend and authoritarian leader Hun Sen ordered the release of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodian-prime-minister-orders-to-free-more-than-70-opposition-activists-on-bail-262041">70 opposition activists</a> on Thursday.

Investigating judge Ky Rithy's lawyer on Friday said in a letter, "we decide to close the investigation from this time onward".

Kem Sokha's daughter Monovithya Kem said on Twitter: "Next step is either the prosecutor drops the charges or takes the case to trial. We demand that all charges be dropped."

A spokesman for the court said he was not aware of the decision to close the investigation so could not comment.

Kem Sokha faced arrest in 2017, with this Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) facing a ban in the run-up to an election last year. The election was swept by the ruling party and was referred by Western countries as a farce.

Kem Sokha has dismissed the charges against him as ''nonsense''.

On Tuesday, the European Union gave the government a one-month deadline to respond to a preliminary report on the suspension of trade preferences over the crackdown on the opposition, non-governmental groups and the media.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander, has ruled the country of 16 million for more than 34 years.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped.

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped. Cambodia has recently faced pressure over human rights amid the European Union threatening trade benefits. Kem Sokha was freed from house arrest last weekend and authoritarian leader Hun Sen ordered the release of more than 70 opposition activists on Thursday. Investigating judge Ky Rithy's lawyer on Friday said in a letter, "we decide to close the investigation from this time onward". Kem Sokha's daughter Monovithya Kem said on Twitter: "Next step is either the prosecutor drops the charges or takes the case to trial. We demand that all charges be dropped." A spokesman for the court said he was not aware of the decision to close the investigation so could not comment. Kem Sokha faced arrest in 2017, with this Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) facing a ban in the run-up to an election last year. The election was swept by the ruling party and was referred by Western countries as a farce. Kem Sokha has dismissed the charges against him as ''nonsense''. On Tuesday, the European Union gave the government a one-month deadline to respond to a preliminary report on the suspension of trade preferences over the crackdown on the opposition, non-governmental groups and the media. Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander, has ruled the country of 16 million for more than 34 years. (With inputs from Reuters)

Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha could be brought to trial as judge ends investigation

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US&nbsp;Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-fm-says-us-envoy-did-not-link-joe-biden-probe-to-aid-262160">Joe Biden</a> for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down.

The official KCNA news agency did not say how Biden had insulted the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, but the 2020 presidential hopeful has been critical of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's policy, saying he was coddling a murderous dictator.

Misspelling Biden's name, KCNA said the former vice president was showing signs of "the final stage of dementia", and the "time has come for him to depart his life".

In a commentary, it said, "Such a guy had the temerity to dare slander the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK," using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"It was the last-ditch efforts of the rabid dog expediting his death," KCNA said. "Rabid dogs like Baiden [sic] can hurt lots of people if they are allowed to run about. They must be beaten to death with a stick, before it is too late."

In contrast, the North has credited a "close personal relationship" between Kim and Trump for saving ties between their countries from a destructive pattern of hostility.

The leaders have met three times to discuss improving ties and ending the North's nuclear weapons programme.

Trump backed a previous personal attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-trump-ally-admits-tying-ukraine-aid-to-biden-investigation-260217">Biden</a> by the North and dismissed criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American.

In May, North Korea had called Biden "an imbecile" for criticising its leader.

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US Vice President Joe Biden for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down.

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US Vice President Joe Biden for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down. The official KCNA news agency did not say how Biden had insulted the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, but the 2020 presidential hopeful has been critical of US President Donald Trump's policy, saying he was coddling a murderous dictator. Misspelling Biden's name, KCNA said the former vice president was showing signs of "the final stage of dementia", and the "time has come for him to depart his life". In a commentary, it said, "Such a guy had the temerity to dare slander the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK," using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "It was the last-ditch efforts of the rabid dog expediting his death," KCNA said. "Rabid dogs like Baiden [sic] can hurt lots of people if they are allowed to run about. They must be beaten to death with a stick, before it is too late." In contrast, the North has credited a "close personal relationship" between Kim and Trump for saving ties between their countries from a destructive pattern of hostility. The leaders have met three times to discuss improving ties and ending the North's nuclear weapons programme. Trump backed a previous personal attack on Biden by the North and dismissed criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American. In May, North Korea had called Biden "an imbecile" for criticising its leader.

North Korea calls United States' Biden a 'rabid dog' nearing death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Bolivia's interim government</a> and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday.

"Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role.

She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect.

"Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate.

Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October&nbsp;20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud.

Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm.

Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico.

No fourth term

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">Evo Morales</a> does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits.

She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said.

Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights."

Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS.

"We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue.

"There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more."

Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week.

Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz.

Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment.

Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held.

The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off.

In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704">Morales</a>, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis. In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday. "Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role. She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect. "Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said. Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate. Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October 20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud. Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm. Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico. No fourth term "Evo Morales does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits. She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said. Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights." Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS. "We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue. "There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more." Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week. Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz. Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment. Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held. The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off. In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms. Morales, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's rival parties strike deal to end political chaos

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-to-be-granted-asylum-his-life-at-risk-in-bolivia-mexico-261494">Bolivia's</a> former leader Evo Morales was flying to Mexico for asylum on Tuesday as security forces sought to quell violence over the long-serving leftist's resignation and lawmakers searched for an interim replacement.

Morales, who quit after weeks of protests over a disputed October election, flew in a Mexican Air Force plane from the town of Chimore, a stronghold where Bolivia's first indigenous president retreated as his 14-year rule imploded.

The plane stopped in Paraguay to refuel, before flying on to Mexico where it was due around 9 am&nbsp;local time.

"His life and integrity are safe," tweeted Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, whose leftist government has supported Morales' accusations of a coup against him by political rivals.

Ebrard tweeted a photo of Morales seated alone in the jet with a downcast, unsmiling expression, displaying Mexico's red, white and green flag across his lap.

In Bolivia's highland capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-exit-in-bolivia-sparks-night-of-violence-leaves-a-political-vacuum-261397">La Paz</a>, roadblocks were still in place after soldiers and police patrolled late into the night to deter fighting between rival political groups and looting that erupted after Morales' resignation.

The charismatic, 60-year-old, former coca leaf farmer was beloved by the poor when he won power in 2006, but alienated Bolivians by insisting on seeking a fourth term.

New president sought

Lawmakers were expected to meet on Tuesday to formally accept Morales' resignation and begin deciding an interim leadership prior to a new election.

The government collapsed on Sunday after the Organization of American States (OAS) delivered a damning report on irregularities during the October vote, prompting ruling party allies to quit and the army to urge Morales' departure.

With Morales' deputy and many allies in government and parliament also gone, opposition politician and Senate second vice-president Jeanine Anez may take the top job temporarily.

Bolivia and Latin America are starkly divided by Morales' fall, with detractors exulting in the fall of a "dictator" and supporters denouncing a coup by right-wing foes determined to put Bolivia's capitalist elite back in charge.

Morales' Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta also resigned on Tuesday and called on election runner-up Carlos Mesa and protest leader Luis Fernando Camacho to avoid violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-president-morales-resigns-after-protests-over-disputed-october-vote-261231">Morales achieved steady economic growth</a> in one of the region's poorest nations and was for many years hugely popular, but his successful legal challenge to a 2016 referendum stopping him running for another term brought accusations of autocracy.

His departure has added to a wave of unrest around Latin America, including in nearby Ecuador and Chile where protesters have been berating leaders over social inequalities.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador praised Morales for resigning rather than putting lives at risk.

Bolivia's former leader Evo Morales was flying to Mexico for asylum on Tuesday as security forces sought to quell violence over the long-serving leftist's resignation and lawmakers searched for an interim replacement.

Bolivia's former leader Evo Morales was flying to Mexico for asylum on Tuesday as security forces sought to quell violence over the long-serving leftist's resignation and lawmakers searched for an interim replacement. Morales, who quit after weeks of protests over a disputed October election, flew in a Mexican Air Force plane from the town of Chimore, a stronghold where Bolivia's first indigenous president retreated as his 14-year rule imploded. The plane stopped in Paraguay to refuel, before flying on to Mexico where it was due around 9 am local time. "His life and integrity are safe," tweeted Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, whose leftist government has supported Morales' accusations of a coup against him by political rivals. Ebrard tweeted a photo of Morales seated alone in the jet with a downcast, unsmiling expression, displaying Mexico's red, white and green flag across his lap. In Bolivia's highland capital La Paz, roadblocks were still in place after soldiers and police patrolled late into the night to deter fighting between rival political groups and looting that erupted after Morales' resignation. The charismatic, 60-year-old, former coca leaf farmer was beloved by the poor when he won power in 2006, but alienated Bolivians by insisting on seeking a fourth term. New president sought Lawmakers were expected to meet on Tuesday to formally accept Morales' resignation and begin deciding an interim leadership prior to a new election. The government collapsed on Sunday after the Organization of American States (OAS) delivered a damning report on irregularities during the October vote, prompting ruling party allies to quit and the army to urge Morales' departure. With Morales' deputy and many allies in government and parliament also gone, opposition politician and Senate second vice-president Jeanine Anez may take the top job temporarily. Bolivia and Latin America are starkly divided by Morales' fall, with detractors exulting in the fall of a "dictator" and supporters denouncing a coup by right-wing foes determined to put Bolivia's capitalist elite back in charge. Morales' Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta also resigned on Tuesday and called on election runner-up Carlos Mesa and protest leader Luis Fernando Camacho to avoid violence. Morales achieved steady economic growth in one of the region's poorest nations and was for many years hugely popular, but his successful legal challenge to a 2016 referendum stopping him running for another term brought accusations of autocracy. His departure has added to a wave of unrest around Latin America, including in nearby Ecuador and Chile where protesters have been berating leaders over social inequalities. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador praised Morales for resigning rather than putting lives at risk.

Bolivia seeks new leader as Morales heads for Mexico refuge

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-freedom-party-extends-conditional-support-to-gotabhaya-rajapaksa-254755">election becomes due early next year</a>.

Two other brothers are political strategists for their Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and one of them is considering a shot at becoming the speaker in parliament. Three men of the family's next generation are also in politics.

The Rajapaksas, best known for the brutal defeat of separatist Tamil rebels and then drawing Sri Lanka into China's orbit when the West and India shunned the Indian Ocean island, are back at the centre of the nation's deeply divisive politics and it is stoking fear.

While there are no formal opinion polls, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the hot favourite to win the presidential election this Saturday. His chief opponent Sajith Premadasa, a government minister, is seen to be trailing.

Gotabaya led the operations against the Tamil Tigers when his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president. Gotabaya has faced lawsuits in Sri Lanka and in the United States over allegations of staged killings of Tamil separatists, critics and journalists during the war.

Both brothers deny the allegations as part of a Western conspiracy to interfere in the island nation of 22 million that sits astride vital shipping lanes and has long been a tinder-box of tensions between the dominant Sinhalese Buddhists and minority ethnic Tamils. In recent months, Sinhalese hardliners have also targeted the tiny Muslim community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mahinda lost the 2015 presidential election to a cabinet colleague who turned against him - Maithripala Sirisena. After his ouster, the family's fortunes fell into decline.

But Easter Sunday bombings on hotels and churches, in which more than 250 people were killed, derailed Sirisena's presidency, and he has announced he will not contest this year. The attacks, claimed by Islamic State, have rekindled support for the Rajapaksas and their brand of Sinhalese nationalism.

Mahinda is barred from running for president again, and is on the stump for Gotabaya, bringing an affable touch to the campaign against the rather gruff manner of his brother, more known for his military machismo.

Another brother, Basil, handles the party finances and striking deals with rival groups while a fourth brother and former speaker, Chamal, campaigns in the family borough in the south of the island.

Family prospects

Mahinda, who is currently the leader of the opposition in parliament, is the obvious choice for prime minister when parliamentary elections are held early next year, said Keheliya Rambukwella, spokesman for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-sri-lanka-a-polarising-politician-reaches-out-to-minorities-247080">Gotabaya campaign</a>.

Chamal Rajapaksa would be the choice for parliament speaker, a position he has previously held, political experts, say. In all, seven members of the family are involved in politics, and some of the others could also end up in parliament.

"We are going to see family rule again, and all the excesses that came up with it the last time," said Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne, who is opposed to the Rajapaksas. "They will suppress all dissent."

In a front-page editorial, the state-run Sunday Observer said it was "afraid" of a Gotabaya presidency and appealed to voters to make the "right choice."

"A wrong choice will send the country hurtling toward authoritarianism and iron-fisted rule," it said.

Gotabaya's spokesman dismissed warnings of family rule, saying the candidate was quite clear merit will be only considered for top political jobs.&nbsp;

"When Gotabaya comes to power he will appoint people with qualification to the positions, irrespective of their ties to him," Rambukwella said.

On the campaign, Gotabaya has been uncompromising about the need to strengthen security, repeatedly raising the circumstances that led to the Easter Sunday attacks.

At a campaign rally in Wellawaye in central Sri Lanka Gotabaya said during his time as defence secretary, he had raised special military and intelligence units to tackle extremism, drug trafficking networks and the underworld. These cells had since been weakened, he said.

"There can be no higher priority than national security," he said.

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that election becomes due early next year.

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that election becomes due early next year. Two other brothers are political strategists for their Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and one of them is considering a shot at becoming the speaker in parliament. Three men of the family's next generation are also in politics. The Rajapaksas, best known for the brutal defeat of separatist Tamil rebels and then drawing Sri Lanka into China's orbit when the West and India shunned the Indian Ocean island, are back at the centre of the nation's deeply divisive politics and it is stoking fear. While there are no formal opinion polls, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the hot favourite to win the presidential election this Saturday. His chief opponent Sajith Premadasa, a government minister, is seen to be trailing. Gotabaya led the operations against the Tamil Tigers when his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president. Gotabaya has faced lawsuits in Sri Lanka and in the United States over allegations of staged killings of Tamil separatists, critics and journalists during the war. Both brothers deny the allegations as part of a Western conspiracy to interfere in the island nation of 22 million that sits astride vital shipping lanes and has long been a tinder-box of tensions between the dominant Sinhalese Buddhists and minority ethnic Tamils. In recent months, Sinhalese hardliners have also targeted the tiny Muslim community. Mahinda lost the 2015 presidential election to a cabinet colleague who turned against him - Maithripala Sirisena. After his ouster, the family's fortunes fell into decline. But Easter Sunday bombings on hotels and churches, in which more than 250 people were killed, derailed Sirisena's presidency, and he has announced he will not contest this year. The attacks, claimed by Islamic State, have rekindled support for the Rajapaksas and their brand of Sinhalese nationalism. Mahinda is barred from running for president again, and is on the stump for Gotabaya, bringing an affable touch to the campaign against the rather gruff manner of his brother, more known for his military machismo. Another brother, Basil, handles the party finances and striking deals with rival groups while a fourth brother and former speaker, Chamal, campaigns in the family borough in the south of the island. Family prospects Mahinda, who is currently the leader of the opposition in parliament, is the obvious choice for prime minister when parliamentary elections are held early next year, said Keheliya Rambukwella, spokesman for the Gotabaya campaign. Chamal Rajapaksa would be the choice for parliament speaker, a position he has previously held, political experts, say. In all, seven members of the family are involved in politics, and some of the others could also end up in parliament. "We are going to see family rule again, and all the excesses that came up with it the last time," said Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne, who is opposed to the Rajapaksas. "They will suppress all dissent." In a front-page editorial, the state-run Sunday Observer said it was "afraid" of a Gotabaya presidency and appealed to voters to make the "right choice." "A wrong choice will send the country hurtling toward authoritarianism and iron-fisted rule," it said. Gotabaya's spokesman dismissed warnings of family rule, saying the candidate was quite clear merit will be only considered for top political jobs. "When Gotabaya comes to power he will appoint people with qualification to the positions, irrespective of their ties to him," Rambukwella said. On the campaign, Gotabaya has been uncompromising about the need to strengthen security, repeatedly raising the circumstances that led to the Easter Sunday attacks. At a campaign rally in Wellawaye in central Sri Lanka Gotabaya said during his time as defence secretary, he had raised special military and intelligence units to tackle extremism, drug trafficking networks and the underworld. These cells had since been weakened, he said. "There can be no higher priority than national security," he said.

Rajapaksa brothers set to dominate Sri Lanka again after hiatus

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../turkey-starts-repatriation-of-captured-islamic- state-militants-report-261349">European Union</a> extended sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wion-wallet-teachers-continue-protest-in- venezuela-for-better-working-conditions-257868">Venezuela</a> by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses.

The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government.

The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights".

"These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said.

"The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population."

The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since.

In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on. An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses. The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government. The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights". "These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said. "The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population." The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since. In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

European Union extends sanctions against Venezuela for a year amid crisis

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-block-spain-france-highway-261375">repeat election</a> which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April.

The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April.

But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats,&nbsp;three fewer than in April,&nbsp;while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around.

Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament.

The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner.

It won 52 seats,&nbsp;more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975.

'Practically impossible'

The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-doubles-seats-in-hung-parliament-difficult-talks-ahead-261232">hands of the far-right</a>, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive.

Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.

"My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB).

"All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added.

Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57.

On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do".

'Change in criteria'

The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so.

"We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television.

The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government.

But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government."

Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years</a> since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place.

Spain's Socialists faced tough talks to form a government on Monday after the party emerged on top but weakened from a repeat election which produced an even more divided parliament and propelled far-right Vox into third place. Neither the left nor the right bloc is anywhere near an absolute majority in the 350-seat assembly following Sunday's polls, prolonging a political deadlock in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy after a similar result in the previous general election in April. The "elections did not solve the difficulties in achieving a governing majority. On the contrary, (they) worsened them," top-selling daily newspaper El Pais wrote in an editorial. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez triggered the repeat polls, Spain's fourth in four years, after his Socialists failed to reach an agreement with other parties to forge a parliamentary majority in April. But his gamble resulted in the party winning just 120 parliamentary seats, three fewer than in April, while far-left Podemos party slumped to 35 seats from 42 the last time around. Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias urged the left to unite this time and said he was willing to start negotiating with Sanchez. However, their two parties together would still need the support of several smaller parties to build a working majority of 176 seats in parliament. The main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) recovered from its worst-ever showing in April, finishing second with 88 seats, up from 66, while Vox was the biggest winner. It won 52 seats, more than doubling the 24 it took during its April parliamentary debut in the most significant showing by a far-right faction since Spain's return to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's death in 1975. 'Practically impossible' The deepening Catalan separatist crisis played squarely into the hands of the far-right, which has vowed to clamp down aggressively on Catalonia's independence drive. Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017. "My hypothesis is it will be practically impossible to form a government in Spain... It will be harder than in the past," said Joan Botella, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB). "All parties have a rival to their left, another rival to their right, and that blocks strategic options," he added. Business-friendly Ciudadanos, which had been another option as a governing partner for the Socialists, suffered a drubbing, winning just 10 seats, down from 57. On Monday, Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera resigned, saying it was "the responsible thing to do". 'Change in criteria' The Socialist have hinted they would like to govern in a minority and have appealed for "generosity" and a "sense of responsibility" to allow it to do so. "We ask for a change in criteria from everyone, of generosity in the interests of this country," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said in an interview with public television. The Socialist Party is already pressuring the PP to abstain from voting during a confidence vote in parliament to allow it to form a government. But Eurasia analyst Frederic Santini said that given the improved performance of the right bloc, the "PP's leadership will now likely be more comfortable with the idea of a new election...and therefore even more reluctant to back a Socialist government." Oriol Bartomeus, another AUB political scientist, said the PP was "threatened by the rise of Vox, and as a result has much less incentive to join forces with the Socialists." Spain has been mired in political paralysis for four years since Podemos and Ciudadanos entered parliament following a December 2015 election that shattered the decades-long hegemony of the Socialists and the PP.

Spain's fourth election in four years fails to break deadlock

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