Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-president-morales-resigns-after-protests-over-disputed-october-vote-261231">buildings set on fire</a> in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month

Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked.

Tensions around the country, which have been simmering for weeks, mounted late into the night amid a political vacuum after Morales, his Vice President and many of his political allies in government stepped down.

In the capital and the eastern city of Santa Cruz, crowds cheered the resignation of Morales, who drew ire by running for a fourth term in defiance of term limits before claiming victory in an election mired in allegations of fraud.

But as night fell gangs roamed the streets, looting businesses and setting fire to properties. Prominent opposition figure and academic Waldo Albarracin tweeted that his house had been burned by pro-Morales supporters.

Another widely-shared video appeared to show people inside leftist leader Morales' property with graffiti daubed on the walls after he flew to another part of the country.

It was not initially clear who would take the helm of the country pending planned new elections, though an opposition Senator, Jeanine Añez, said in televised comments that she would accept the responsibility.

According to Bolivian law, in the absence of the president and vice president, the head of the Senate would normally take over provisionally. However, Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also stepped down late on Sunday.

Legislators are expected to meet on Monday to agree on an interim commission or legislator who would have temporary administrative control of the country, according to a constitutional lawyer who spoke to Reuters.

A report from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-agrees-to-new-elections-after-damning-organisation-of-american-states-audit-261204">Organisation of American States (OAS)</a> released early on Sunday had said the October&nbsp;20 election should be annulled and a new vote held after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that called into question Morales' win.

Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with buildings set on fire in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked.

Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with buildings set on fire in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked. Tensions around the country, which have been simmering for weeks, mounted late into the night amid a political vacuum after Morales, his Vice President and many of his political allies in government stepped down. In the capital and the eastern city of Santa Cruz, crowds cheered the resignation of Morales, who drew ire by running for a fourth term in defiance of term limits before claiming victory in an election mired in allegations of fraud. But as night fell gangs roamed the streets, looting businesses and setting fire to properties. Prominent opposition figure and academic Waldo Albarracin tweeted that his house had been burned by pro-Morales supporters. Another widely-shared video appeared to show people inside leftist leader Morales' property with graffiti daubed on the walls after he flew to another part of the country. It was not initially clear who would take the helm of the country pending planned new elections, though an opposition Senator, Jeanine Añez, said in televised comments that she would accept the responsibility. According to Bolivian law, in the absence of the president and vice president, the head of the Senate would normally take over provisionally. However, Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also stepped down late on Sunday. Legislators are expected to meet on Monday to agree on an interim commission or legislator who would have temporary administrative control of the country, according to a constitutional lawyer who spoke to Reuters. A report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) released early on Sunday had said the October 20 election should be annulled and a new vote held after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that called into question Morales' win.

Morales' exit in Bolivia sparks night of violence, leaves a political vacuum

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-britain-france-germany-to-hold-syria-summit-260882">northeast Syria</a> controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said.

The ministry said the bombing, which it blamed on the Kurdish YPG militia, took place southeast of the Syrian town of Tel Abyad which Turkey captured in a military offensive that began one month ago.

Turkey halted its military advance when it struck deals with the United States and Russia calling for the YPG to be moved at least 30 km&nbsp;away from Syria's border with Turkey.

The village of Suluk, where Sunday's explosion took place, is around 10 km south of the border. A small truck exploded outside a bakery there, an emergency worker said.

Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebel fighters launched the incursion to clear the border region of the YPG, which Ankara has designated a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency in southeast Turkey.

The offensive faced international criticism over fears that it could undermine efforts to prevent Islamic State re-emerging in Syria and unleash another humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict.

The YPG was the lead force in the Syrian Democratic Forces, Washington's main ally in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria. US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has faced domestic criticism for announcing a troop withdrawal which was seen as a green light for Turkey's incursion.

Erdogan has said both Moscow and Washington have failed to meet their commitments under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-talks-to-reconvene-in-geneva-on-november-25-un-envoy-260850">last month's agreements</a> for the YPG to withdraw from the border, and has said Turkey could resume its offensive if terms are not adhered to.

He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Saturday and is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday.

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of northeast Syria controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said.

Eight people were killed when a bomb exploded on Sunday in an area of northeast Syria controlled by Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies, Turkey's defence ministry and local emergency workers said. The ministry said the bombing, which it blamed on the Kurdish YPG militia, took place southeast of the Syrian town of Tel Abyad which Turkey captured in a military offensive that began one month ago. Turkey halted its military advance when it struck deals with the United States and Russia calling for the YPG to be moved at least 30 km away from Syria's border with Turkey. The village of Suluk, where Sunday's explosion took place, is around 10 km south of the border. A small truck exploded outside a bakery there, an emergency worker said. Turkish soldiers and Syrian rebel fighters launched the incursion to clear the border region of the YPG, which Ankara has designated a terrorist group because of its ties to Kurdish militants waging an insurgency in southeast Turkey. The offensive faced international criticism over fears that it could undermine efforts to prevent Islamic State re-emerging in Syria and unleash another humanitarian crisis in Syria's eight-year conflict. The YPG was the lead force in the Syrian Democratic Forces, Washington's main ally in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria. US President Donald Trump has faced domestic criticism for announcing a troop withdrawal which was seen as a green light for Turkey's incursion. Erdogan has said both Moscow and Washington have failed to meet their commitments under last month's agreements for the YPG to withdraw from the border, and has said Turkey could resume its offensive if terms are not adhered to. He spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Saturday and is due to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday.

Eight killed in bombing in Turkish-controlled northeast Syria

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irregularities-in-disputed-bolivia-vote-should-hold-new-elections-organisation-of-american-states-261191">new presidential elections</a> after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October&nbsp;20 vote won by the leftist leader.

Morales' victory last month sparked widespread protests around the country.

The OAS report, issued earlier on Sunday, said the October vote should be annulled after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that meant it could not verify the result.

Morales, speaking at a press conference in La Paz, also said he would replace the country's electoral body. The department has come under heavy criticism after an unexplained halt to the vote count sparked widespread allegations of fraud and prompted the OAS audit.

Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia's first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but had said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit.

The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue.

"The manipulations to the computer systems are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary OAS report said.

"The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again," the OAS added in a separate statement.

Voting should take place as soon as conditions are in place to guarantee it being able to go ahead, including a newly composed electoral body, the OAS said.

The OAS added that it was statistically "unlikely" that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-seize-state-run-media-in-bolivia-as-tensions-soar-261099">Morales had secured the 10 percentage point</a> margin of victory needed to win outright.

In an outright win that had allowed Morales to avoid a riskier second-round run-off, he was declared the winner of the election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa.

The protests erupted afterwards, particularly because of a nearly 24-hour halt during the vote count.

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold new presidential elections after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October 20 vote won by the leftist leader.

Bolivian President Evo Morales agreed on Sunday to hold new presidential elections after a damning report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) found serious irregularities in an October 20 vote won by the leftist leader. Morales' victory last month sparked widespread protests around the country. The OAS report, issued earlier on Sunday, said the October vote should be annulled after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that meant it could not verify the result. Morales, speaking at a press conference in La Paz, also said he would replace the country's electoral body. The department has come under heavy criticism after an unexplained halt to the vote count sparked widespread allegations of fraud and prompted the OAS audit. Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia's first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but had said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue. "The manipulations to the computer systems are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary OAS report said. "The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again," the OAS added in a separate statement. Voting should take place as soon as conditions are in place to guarantee it being able to go ahead, including a newly composed electoral body, the OAS said. The OAS added that it was statistically "unlikely" that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright. In an outright win that had allowed Morales to avoid a riskier second-round run-off, he was declared the winner of the election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa. The protests erupted afterwards, particularly because of a nearly 24-hour halt during the vote count.

Bolivia's Morales agrees to new elections after damning OAS audit

President Donald Trump on Friday said that the US has a "very good" relationship with India and "lots of things" are happening between the two countries 
On the possible visit to India, the US president Trump said that he will go to the country at "some point". He also made a reference to the Houston event in Texas in September. 
 
"We are dealing with India on lots of different things. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very great friend of mine. you saw me at Houston. We have a lots of things are happening with India," Trump told reporters outside the White House when asked about the progress in his trade deal with India. 
 
In September while sharing a stage with Trump in Houston, Modi had invited the US President and his family to visit India, saying it will give a new height to the shared dreams of the two countries. 
 
Watch: US president to visit India soon, PM Modi invited him with family

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-to-visit-india-soon-pm-modi-invited-him-with-family-261000/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Delhi and Washington are engaged in talks to resolve the trade tensions between the two countries. 
 
Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. 
 
India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers.

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Friday said that the US has a "very good" relationship with India and "lots of things" are happening between the two countries On the possible visit to India, the US president Trump said that he will go to the country at "some point".

President Donald Trump on Friday said that the US has a "very good" relationship with India and "lots of things" are happening between the two countries On the possible visit to India, the US president Trump said that he will go to the country at "some point". He also made a reference to the Houston event in Texas in September. "We are dealing with India on lots of different things. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very great friend of mine. you saw me at Houston. We have a lots of things are happening with India," Trump told reporters outside the White House when asked about the progress in his trade deal with India. In September while sharing a stage with Trump in Houston, Modi had invited the US President and his family to visit India, saying it will give a new height to the shared dreams of the two countries. Watch: US president to visit India soon, PM Modi invited him with family New Delhi and Washington are engaged in talks to resolve the trade tensions between the two countries. Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers.

United States President Donald Trump to visit India 'at some point'

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day.&nbsp;

But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party,&nbsp;which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year.

After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh. Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day. But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party, which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year. After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Rainsy arrives in Malaysia

Nigerian police have freed 259 people being held at an Islamic rehabilitation centre in the southwestern city of Ibadan, police said on Tuesday (November 5), adding that some complained of being beaten regularly by their captors.

Nigerian police free 259 people held at Islamic institution

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-set-to-announce-new-cabinet-257602">Indonesian President Joko Widodo</a> said on Friday he had no plan to revoke a new law that critics fear could curb the powers of the country's anti-corruption agency and that has triggered nationwide demonstrations.

Passed into law in September, the revised 2002 bill governing the Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, means the agency will be overseen by a committee and no longer able to independently wiretap suspects.

Concerns over the bill that presides over the KPK has sparked nationwide protests for the past two months, during which there have been five deaths and scores injured.

Shortly after the bill was passed, Widodo had said he would consider replacing it by issuing a presidential regulation in lieu of a law.

But on Friday he told reporters he would press on with selecting members for the committee and also let the Constitutional Court decide upon a judicial review which was filed by students in the hope that the bill is dropped.

"Since the judicial review process is ongoing don't let there be a compounding legal decision," he told a meeting of reporters that was broadcast on television.

Widodo said he was currently selecting members for the overseeing committee for the KPK, with their inauguration set in December.

"We will choose those with the best credibility," he told reporters.

Mahfud MD, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">Indonesia's</a> security minister, also said in an interview with the Kompas TV station that he understood Widodo would not issue the regulation "because it has entered the judicial review process".

Critics of the new bill have also raised concerns about the makeup of the KPK’s new board of commissioners. Firli Bahuri, a police inspector general, will be inaugurated in December as the agency's chief. He has been accused of ethical violations during a previous attachment at the KPK, which he denies.

The KPK has prosecuted hundreds of politicians, officials and businessmen since its formation in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies.

Adnan Topan Husodo, the coordinator of Indonesia Corruption Watch, accused Widodo of backtracking on pledges to support the fight against corruption.

"It has stopped being all about corruption eradication, and being more about politics," he said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had no plan to revoke a new law that critics fear could curb the powers of the country's anti-corruption agency and that has triggered nationwide demonstrations.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had no plan to revoke a new law that critics fear could curb the powers of the country's anti-corruption agency and that has triggered nationwide demonstrations. Passed into law in September, the revised 2002 bill governing the Corruption Eradication Commission, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, means the agency will be overseen by a committee and no longer able to independently wiretap suspects. Concerns over the bill that presides over the KPK has sparked nationwide protests for the past two months, during which there have been five deaths and scores injured. Shortly after the bill was passed, Widodo had said he would consider replacing it by issuing a presidential regulation in lieu of a law. But on Friday he told reporters he would press on with selecting members for the committee and also let the Constitutional Court decide upon a judicial review which was filed by students in the hope that the bill is dropped. "Since the judicial review process is ongoing don't let there be a compounding legal decision," he told a meeting of reporters that was broadcast on television. Widodo said he was currently selecting members for the overseeing committee for the KPK, with their inauguration set in December. "We will choose those with the best credibility," he told reporters. Mahfud MD, Indonesia's security minister, also said in an interview with the Kompas TV station that he understood Widodo would not issue the regulation "because it has entered the judicial review process". Critics of the new bill have also raised concerns about the makeup of the KPK’s new board of commissioners. Firli Bahuri, a police inspector general, will be inaugurated in December as the agency's chief. He has been accused of ethical violations during a previous attachment at the KPK, which he denies. The KPK has prosecuted hundreds of politicians, officials and businessmen since its formation in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies. Adnan Topan Husodo, the coordinator of Indonesia Corruption Watch, accused Widodo of backtracking on pledges to support the fight against corruption. "It has stopped being all about corruption eradication, and being more about politics," he said.

Indonesia president says no plan to drop controversial anti-graft bill

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-kurdish-ypg-still-in-syria-border-area-as-deadline-looms-258685">Syrian Kurdish</a> YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols. 
 
Watch: Baghdadi killed in US operation in Syria

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"Inter-delegation talks with Russia have concluded a short while ago. An agreement was largely reached. Our efforts continue in a mutually constructive, understanding way," Akar was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the Syrian Kurdish YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols. Watch: Baghdadi killed in US operation in Syria "Inter-delegation talks with Russia have concluded a short while ago. An agreement was largely reached. Our efforts continue in a mutually constructive, understanding way," Akar was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Turkey says "largely" reached agreement with Russia in Syria talks: Report

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence.

Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When the premier refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi al-Amiri to help oust him.

Amiri, who leads a parliamentary alliance of Iran-backed Shi'ite militia that holds the second-largest amount of seats in parliament behind Sadr's alliance,&nbsp;issued a statement late on Tuesday agreeing to help oust the prime minister.

"We will work together to secure the interests of the Iraqi people and save the nation in accordance with the public good," Amiri said in a statement.

Abdul Mahdi took office just a year ago after weeks of political deadlock in which Sadr and Amiri both failed to secure enough votes to form a government. They appointed Abdul Mahdi as a compromise candidate to lead a fragile coalition government.

Mass protests driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption have broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October&nbsp;1.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shi'ite south only to be met with violence. Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When the premier refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi al-Amiri to help oust him. Amiri, who leads a parliamentary alliance of Iran-backed Shi'ite militia that holds the second-largest amount of seats in parliament behind Sadr's alliance, issued a statement late on Tuesday agreeing to help oust the prime minister. "We will work together to secure the interests of the Iraqi people and save the nation in accordance with the public good," Amiri said in a statement. Abdul Mahdi took office just a year ago after weeks of political deadlock in which Sadr and Amiri both failed to secure enough votes to form a government. They appointed Abdul Mahdi as a compromise candidate to lead a fragile coalition government. Mass protests driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption have broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1.

Iraqi prime minister's main backers agree to oust him

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-lawmakers-hear-from-corroborating-witness-in-trump-impeachment-probe-258323">United States</a>&nbsp;military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US&nbsp;official said, as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, was unable to say whether the operation against Baghdadi was successful. Newsweek said the operation took place in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence.

The official did not disclose details of the operation and other US&nbsp;officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT (1830 IST)&nbsp;on Sunday.

Gidley gave no further details.

The president gave an indication that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!"

Trump has been frustrated by the US&nbsp;news media's heavy focus on the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry, which he calls an illegitimate witch hunt.

He has also faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies.

Trump was expected to make the statement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">White House</a> Diplomatic Reception Room, which he has used to make a number of major announcements.

Just last week he used the same room to announce that a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds had taken hold.

The United States military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US official said, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning.

The United States military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US official said, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, was unable to say whether the operation against Baghdadi was successful. Newsweek said the operation took place in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence. The official did not disclose details of the operation and other US officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT (1830 IST) on Sunday. Gidley gave no further details. The president gave an indication that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!" Trump has been frustrated by the US news media's heavy focus on the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry, which he calls an illegitimate witch hunt. He has also faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies. Trump was expected to make the statement in the White House Diplomatic Reception Room, which he has used to make a number of major announcements. Just last week he used the same room to announce that a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds had taken hold.

Islamic State leader targeted by United States forces as Trump plans Sunday statement

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">persistent mass protests</a> across the country.

Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead.

Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc,&nbsp;parliament's largest with 54 MPs,&nbsp;escalated the situation.

MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding."

Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier.

The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government.&nbsp;

He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them.

Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness.

Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light.&nbsp;

Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. 
&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests

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Vows of 'revenge'

In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf.

They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.

<a href="wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">The latest round of demonstrations</a> has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.

That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220.

Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country.

Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services.&nbsp;

"Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.

But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr.&nbsp;

"The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers".

"Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

'It's enough!'

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25.

The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell.

Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began.

But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed</a> by the government's efforts.

"They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side.

Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis.&nbsp;

"Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday.

"We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.&nbsp;

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country.

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country. Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead. Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections. Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc, parliament's largest with 54 MPs, escalated the situation. MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding." Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier. The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government. He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them. Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness. Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light. Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests Vows of 'revenge' In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf. They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. The latest round of demonstrations has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission. That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220. Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country. Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services. "Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr. "The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter. The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers". "Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. 'It's enough!' Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell. Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began. But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum. Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed by the government's efforts. "They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side. Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. "Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday. "We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.

Sit-in puts pressure on Iraq government amid relentless protests

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

The 44-year-old&nbsp;still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest.

Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest".

Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018.

He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since.

The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May.

"Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter.

Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee.

Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday. The 44-year-old still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest. Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest". Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018. He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since. The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May. "Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter. Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee. Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

First woman named as Belgian prime minister

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-he-wants-early-election-on-december-12-258016">snap election</a> he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday.

But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed.

Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels.

EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday.

"If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford.

He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303">Johnson has proposed</a> an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then.

The SNP and Lib Dems,&nbsp;who both strongly oppose Brexit,&nbsp;want an election on December 9.

Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal.

"Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January. Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday. But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed. Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels. EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date. The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday. "If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford. He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk. Johnson has proposed an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then. The SNP and Lib Dems, who both strongly oppose Brexit, want an election on December 9. Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal. "Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

United Kingdom opposition parties outline election plan

As many as a million&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-protesters-stay-in-streets-as-pinera-says-their-demands-loud-and-clear-258097">Chileans protested peacefully late</a> into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation.

Protesters waving national flags, dancing, banging pots with wooden spoons and bearing placards urging political and social change streamed through the streets, walking for kilometres&nbsp;from around Santiago to converge on Plaza Italia. Traffic already hobbled by truck and taxi drivers protesting road tolls ground to a standstill in Santiago as crowds shut down major avenues and public transport closed early ahead of marches that built throughout the afternoon.

By mid-evening, most had made their way home in the dark ahead of an 11 p.m. military curfew.

Santiago Governor Karla Rubilar said a million people marched in the capital, more than five per cent of the country's population. Protesters elsewhere took to the streets in every major&nbsp;Chilean city.

"Today is a historic day," Rubilar wrote on Twitter. "The Metropolitan Region is host to a peaceful march of almost one million people who represent a dream for a new&nbsp;Chile."

Some local commentators estimated the Santiago rally well over the million marks&nbsp;describing it as the largest single march since the dying years of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Chile's unrest is the latest in a flare-up of protests in South America and around the world - from Beirut to Barcelona - each with local triggers but also sharing underlying anger at social disparities and ruling elites.

Protests in&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;that started over a hike in public transport fares last Friday boiled into riots, arson and looting that have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused more than $1.4 billion of losses to&nbsp;Chilean businesses.

Chile's military has taken over security in Santiago, a city of 6 million people now under a state of emergency with night-time curfews as 20,000 soldiers patrol the streets.

Clotilde Soto, a retired teacher aged 82, said she had taken to the streets because she did not want to die without seeing change for the better in her country.

"Above all we need better salaries and better pensions," she said.

Chile's centre-right President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman, trounced the opposition in the most recent 2017 election, dealing the centre-left ruling coalition its biggest loss since the country's return to democracy in 1990.

But as protests ignited this week, Pinera scrapped previous plans and promised instead to boost the minimum wage and pensions, ditch fare hikes on public transportation and fix the country's ailing health care system.

"We've all heard the message. We've all changed," said Pinera on Twitter following the peak of the rallies. "Today's joyful and peaceful march, in which&nbsp;Chileans have asked for a more just and unified&nbsp;Chile, opens hopeful paths into the future."

Still, many protest placards, chants and graffiti scrawled on buildings around the city call for his exit. 
 
Multicoloured crowd

As crowds of colourful demonstrators stretched along <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chiles-response-to-pineras-reforms-a-strike-and-more-protests-257826">Santiago's thoroughfares</a> as far as the eye could see, the noise of pots and pans being clanged with spoons, a clamour that has become the soundtrack for the popular uprising, was ear-splitting.

"The people, united, will never be defeated," the crowds chanted over the din.

By early evening there had been no signs of violence or clashes with the security forces, who maintained a significant but low-key presence inside paint-spattered and stone-dented armoured vehicles parked in side streets.

Beatriz Demur, 42, a yoga teacher from the suburb of Barrio Brazil, joined a stream of demonstrators shuffling toward Plaza Italia with her daughter Tabatha, 22.

"We want&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;to be a better place," said Demur. "The most powerful have privatised everything. It's been that way for 30 years."Eyeing the crowds packing the square, her daughter said: "I have waited for this a long time ... It's not scary, it's exciting. It means change."

Anali Parra, 26, a street hawker, was with her daughter Catalina, 9, and five-month-old son Gideon Jesus, his buggy decked in streamers and an indigenous Mapuche flag.

"This isn't going to go away," Parra said. "Pinera should just go now." 
 
'Urgent' reforms

On Friday morning, trucks, cars and taxis had slowed to a crawl on major roads, honking horns and waving&nbsp;Chilean flags. "No more tolls! Enough with the abuse!" read bright yellow-and-red signs plastered to the front of vehicles.

Many bus drivers in Santiago also staged a walk-off on Friday after one of their members was shot.

While much of the wealthy east Santiago has remained calm under evening lockdown, the poorer side of the city has seen widespread vandalism and looting.

Pinera told the nation on Thursday he had heard the demands of&nbsp;Chileans "loud and clear."

He has sent lawmakers legislation to overturn a recent hike in electricity rates and called for reforms to guarantee a minimum wage of $480 a month and introduce state medical insurance for catastrophes.

Seated with a group of elderly&nbsp;Chileans over lunch on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-announces-social-measures-to-stem-street-violence-257629">Pinera put finishing touches</a> on a bill to hike minimum pensions by 20 per cent. "We must approve these projects with the urgency that&nbsp;Chileans demand," Pinera said.

Lawmakers pushing the reforms forward were nonetheless forced to evacuate the country's Congress in the port city of Valparaiso earlier in the day when angry protesters rushed the building, overwhelming security forces.

An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between October&nbsp;22-23 found 83 per cent&nbsp;of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent&nbsp;opposed violence as a method of protest.

The principal causes of the protests were low salaries, high utility prices, poor pensions and economic inequality, it said.

As many as a million Chileans protested peacefully late into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation.

As many as a million Chileans protested peacefully late into the evening on Friday in the capital Santiago in the biggest rallies yet since violence broke out a week ago over entrenched inequality in the South American nation. Protesters waving national flags, dancing, banging pots with wooden spoons and bearing placards urging political and social change streamed through the streets, walking for kilometres from around Santiago to converge on Plaza Italia. Traffic already hobbled by truck and taxi drivers protesting road tolls ground to a standstill in Santiago as crowds shut down major avenues and public transport closed early ahead of marches that built throughout the afternoon. By mid-evening, most had made their way home in the dark ahead of an 11 p.m. military curfew. Santiago Governor Karla Rubilar said a million people marched in the capital, more than five per cent of the country's population. Protesters elsewhere took to the streets in every major Chilean city. "Today is a historic day," Rubilar wrote on Twitter. "The Metropolitan Region is host to a peaceful march of almost one million people who represent a dream for a new Chile." Some local commentators estimated the Santiago rally well over the million marks describing it as the largest single march since the dying years of the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Chile's unrest is the latest in a flare-up of protests in South America and around the world - from Beirut to Barcelona - each with local triggers but also sharing underlying anger at social disparities and ruling elites. Protests in Chile that started over a hike in public transport fares last Friday boiled into riots, arson and looting that have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, resulted in more than 7,000 arrests and caused more than $1.4 billion of losses to Chilean businesses. Chile's military has taken over security in Santiago, a city of 6 million people now under a state of emergency with night-time curfews as 20,000 soldiers patrol the streets. Clotilde Soto, a retired teacher aged 82, said she had taken to the streets because she did not want to die without seeing change for the better in her country. "Above all we need better salaries and better pensions," she said. Chile's centre-right President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman, trounced the opposition in the most recent 2017 election, dealing the centre-left ruling coalition its biggest loss since the country's return to democracy in 1990. But as protests ignited this week, Pinera scrapped previous plans and promised instead to boost the minimum wage and pensions, ditch fare hikes on public transportation and fix the country's ailing health care system. "We've all heard the message. We've all changed," said Pinera on Twitter following the peak of the rallies. "Today's joyful and peaceful march, in which Chileans have asked for a more just and unified Chile, opens hopeful paths into the future." Still, many protest placards, chants and graffiti scrawled on buildings around the city call for his exit. Multicoloured crowd As crowds of colourful demonstrators stretched along Santiago's thoroughfares as far as the eye could see, the noise of pots and pans being clanged with spoons, a clamour that has become the soundtrack for the popular uprising, was ear-splitting. "The people, united, will never be defeated," the crowds chanted over the din. By early evening there had been no signs of violence or clashes with the security forces, who maintained a significant but low-key presence inside paint-spattered and stone-dented armoured vehicles parked in side streets. Beatriz Demur, 42, a yoga teacher from the suburb of Barrio Brazil, joined a stream of demonstrators shuffling toward Plaza Italia with her daughter Tabatha, 22. "We want Chile to be a better place," said Demur. "The most powerful have privatised everything. It's been that way for 30 years."Eyeing the crowds packing the square, her daughter said: "I have waited for this a long time ... It's not scary, it's exciting. It means change." Anali Parra, 26, a street hawker, was with her daughter Catalina, 9, and five-month-old son Gideon Jesus, his buggy decked in streamers and an indigenous Mapuche flag. "This isn't going to go away," Parra said. "Pinera should just go now." 'Urgent' reforms On Friday morning, trucks, cars and taxis had slowed to a crawl on major roads, honking horns and waving Chilean flags. "No more tolls! Enough with the abuse!" read bright yellow-and-red signs plastered to the front of vehicles. Many bus drivers in Santiago also staged a walk-off on Friday after one of their members was shot. While much of the wealthy east Santiago has remained calm under evening lockdown, the poorer side of the city has seen widespread vandalism and looting. Pinera told the nation on Thursday he had heard the demands of Chileans "loud and clear." He has sent lawmakers legislation to overturn a recent hike in electricity rates and called for reforms to guarantee a minimum wage of $480 a month and introduce state medical insurance for catastrophes. Seated with a group of elderly Chileans over lunch on Friday, Pinera put finishing touches on a bill to hike minimum pensions by 20 per cent. "We must approve these projects with the urgency that Chileans demand," Pinera said. Lawmakers pushing the reforms forward were nonetheless forced to evacuate the country's Congress in the port city of Valparaiso earlier in the day when angry protesters rushed the building, overwhelming security forces. An online poll conducted by local company Activa Research of 2,090 people between October 22-23 found 83 per cent of respondents said they supported the goals of the demonstrators, but 72.5 per cent opposed violence as a method of protest. The principal causes of the protests were low salaries, high utility prices, poor pensions and economic inequality, it said.

One million Chileans march in Santiago, city grinds to halt

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-set-to-win-outright-as-disputed-vote-count-nears-completion-257985">controversial election</a> count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing.

Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa.

A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in.

The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent&nbsp;on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote.

Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency.

The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest.

Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending.

The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico.

After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear.

"Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders."

Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional.

"The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. 
 
Steady growth

A former union leader for coca farmers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-election-sparks-protest-as-rivals-clash-over-results-257398">Morales has overseen steady growth</a> and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging.

Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports.

The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website.

Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales.

Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said.

The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here."

The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades. Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing. Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa. A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in. The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote. Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency. The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest. Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending. The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico. After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear. "Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders." Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional. "The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. Steady growth A former union leader for coca farmers, Morales has overseen steady growth and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging. Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports. The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website. Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales. Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said. The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism. Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here." The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians bang on pots and pans in protest at Morales election win

A United States&nbsp;judge on Friday validated the legality of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-to-unveil-measure-knocking-trump-impeachment-effort-258014">Democratic-led impeachment enquiry</a> against President Donald Trump and ordered his administration to hand over an unredacted copy of former special counsel Robert Mueller's report detailing Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

US&nbsp;District Judge Beryl Howell, handing a major victory to the Democratic-led House of Representatives, undercut an argument that Trump's fellow Republicans have made in attacking the impeachment inquiry. The judge said the House need not approve a resolution formally initiating the effort.

The US&nbsp;Constitution gives the House wide latitude in handling impeachment. Democrats began the enquiry without putting such a resolution to a vote.

The judge gave the Justice Department until next Wednesday to provide the blacked-out material from the Mueller report that was subpoenaed by the House Judiciary Committee.

"The reality is that DOJ and the White House have been openly stonewalling the House's efforts to get information by subpoena and by agreement, and the White House has flatly stated that the Administration will not cooperate with congressional requests for information," the judge wrote, using an acronym for the Justice Department.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the ruling "another blow to President Trump's attempt to put himself above the law."

"This critical court ruling affirms Congress's authority to expose the truth for the American people," Pelosi, the top elected Democratic official, said in a statement, adding, "The President will be held accountable&nbsp;because no one is above the law."

The Justice Department had argued that the redacted information could not be disclosed because it contained material from grand jury proceedings that was required to be kept secret, but the judge strongly disagreed.

"DOJ is wrong," Howell said, adding that the committee's need for disclosure of the materials "is greater than the need for continued secrecy."

"Impeachment based on anything less than all relevant evidence would compromise the public's faith in the process," added Howell, a former federal prosecutor appointed to the bench by Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama.

Howell also ruled that the House has undertaken a legal and legitimate impeachment enquiry and criticised efforts by the Justice Department and the committee's ranking Republican Doug Collins to argue that Democrats had not met the legal threshold.

"Blocking access to evidence collected by a grand jury relevant to an impeachment inquiry, as DOJ urges, undermines the House's ability to carry out its constitutional responsibility with due diligence," the judge added.

The Democrats sought access to the redacted materials as part of their effort to build a case for removing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-again-attacks-federal-reserve-says-central-bank-derelict-in-its-duties-258005">Trump</a> from office.

The committee, Howell ruled, "has presented sufficient evidence that its investigation has the preliminary purpose of determining whether to recommend articles (of) impeachment," referring to formal charges that the House could approve that would trigger a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump from office.

A Republican resolution introduced in the Senate on Thursday criticised the process that House Democrats are using in the impeachment inquiry. It argued that a resolution is needed to initiate such an inquiry. The judge disagreed.

"Even in cases of presidential impeachment, a House resolution has never, in fact, been required to begin an impeachment enquiry," the judge wrote.

Watch: Donald Trump claims he's a victim of lynching

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-claims-hes-a-victim-of-lynching-257613/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
'Thoughtful ruling'

Democrat Jerrold Nadler, the panel's chairman, lauded the ruling.

"The court's thoughtful ruling recognises that our impeachment inquiry fully comports with the Constitution and thoroughly rejects the spurious White House claims to the contrary," Nadler said.

Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said the department is reviewing the decision.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sought to minimise the importance of the judge's comments on an impeachment resolution, saying Republicans had argued that it was "unfair and wrong" but "not unconstitutional" for the House to have failed to pass such a measure.

Mueller submitted his report to US&nbsp;Attorney General William Barr in March after completing a 22-month investigation that detailed Russia's campaign of hacking and propaganda to boost Trump's candidacy in the 2016 election as well as extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

But when Barr, a Trump appointee who Democrats have accused of trying to protect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-compares-impeachment-to-lynching-faces-backlash-257586">Trump</a> politically, made the 448-page report public the following month, some parts were blacked out or redacted.

Mueller said his investigation found insufficient evidence to establish that Trump and his campaign had engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia.

Trump's administration has refused to comply with subpoenas from House committees in the impeachment inquiry seeking documents and testimony. But some current and former administration officials have defied the White House and testified in the impeachment inquiry.

The impeachment inquiry centres not on the Mueller report but on Trump's request that Ukraine investigates a domestic political rival, Democrat Joe Biden.

A United States judge on Friday validated the legality of the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry against President Donald Trump and ordered his administration to hand over an unredacted copy of former special counsel Robert Mueller's report detailing Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

A United States judge on Friday validated the legality of the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry against President Donald Trump and ordered his administration to hand over an unredacted copy of former special counsel Robert Mueller's report detailing Russian meddling in the 2016 election. US District Judge Beryl Howell, handing a major victory to the Democratic-led House of Representatives, undercut an argument that Trump's fellow Republicans have made in attacking the impeachment inquiry. The judge said the House need not approve a resolution formally initiating the effort. The US Constitution gives the House wide latitude in handling impeachment. Democrats began the enquiry without putting such a resolution to a vote. The judge gave the Justice Department until next Wednesday to provide the blacked-out material from the Mueller report that was subpoenaed by the House Judiciary Committee. "The reality is that DOJ and the White House have been openly stonewalling the House's efforts to get information by subpoena and by agreement, and the White House has flatly stated that the Administration will not cooperate with congressional requests for information," the judge wrote, using an acronym for the Justice Department. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the ruling "another blow to President Trump's attempt to put himself above the law." "This critical court ruling affirms Congress's authority to expose the truth for the American people," Pelosi, the top elected Democratic official, said in a statement, adding, "The President will be held accountable because no one is above the law." The Justice Department had argued that the redacted information could not be disclosed because it contained material from grand jury proceedings that was required to be kept secret, but the judge strongly disagreed. "DOJ is wrong," Howell said, adding that the committee's need for disclosure of the materials "is greater than the need for continued secrecy." "Impeachment based on anything less than all relevant evidence would compromise the public's faith in the process," added Howell, a former federal prosecutor appointed to the bench by Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. Howell also ruled that the House has undertaken a legal and legitimate impeachment enquiry and criticised efforts by the Justice Department and the committee's ranking Republican Doug Collins to argue that Democrats had not met the legal threshold. "Blocking access to evidence collected by a grand jury relevant to an impeachment inquiry, as DOJ urges, undermines the House's ability to carry out its constitutional responsibility with due diligence," the judge added. The Democrats sought access to the redacted materials as part of their effort to build a case for removing Trump from office. The committee, Howell ruled, "has presented sufficient evidence that its investigation has the preliminary purpose of determining whether to recommend articles (of) impeachment," referring to formal charges that the House could approve that would trigger a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump from office. A Republican resolution introduced in the Senate on Thursday criticised the process that House Democrats are using in the impeachment inquiry. It argued that a resolution is needed to initiate such an inquiry. The judge disagreed. "Even in cases of presidential impeachment, a House resolution has never, in fact, been required to begin an impeachment enquiry," the judge wrote. Watch: Donald Trump claims he's a victim of lynching 'Thoughtful ruling' Democrat Jerrold Nadler, the panel's chairman, lauded the ruling. "The court's thoughtful ruling recognises that our impeachment inquiry fully comports with the Constitution and thoroughly rejects the spurious White House claims to the contrary," Nadler said. Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said the department is reviewing the decision. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sought to minimise the importance of the judge's comments on an impeachment resolution, saying Republicans had argued that it was "unfair and wrong" but "not unconstitutional" for the House to have failed to pass such a measure. Mueller submitted his report to US Attorney General William Barr in March after completing a 22-month investigation that detailed Russia's campaign of hacking and propaganda to boost Trump's candidacy in the 2016 election as well as extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow. But when Barr, a Trump appointee who Democrats have accused of trying to protect Trump politically, made the 448-page report public the following month, some parts were blacked out or redacted. Mueller said his investigation found insufficient evidence to establish that Trump and his campaign had engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia. Trump's administration has refused to comply with subpoenas from House committees in the impeachment inquiry seeking documents and testimony. But some current and former administration officials have defied the White House and testified in the impeachment inquiry. The impeachment inquiry centres not on the Mueller report but on Trump's request that Ukraine investigates a domestic political rival, Democrat Joe Biden.

Judge validates impeachment enquiry against Donald Trump, orders Mueller document release

The United States&nbsp;and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-united-states-made-progress-in-trade-talks-chinese-vice-foreign-minister-257388">a trade agreement</a> after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously."

The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress.

"They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said.

Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on October&nbsp;11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile.

Agricultural products are a major area of discussion.

Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US&nbsp;commodities like soybeans.

The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions.

The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth.

"They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible."

Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion&nbsp;in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact.

White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US&nbsp;companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. 
 
Tariffs take the lead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-hopes-china-will-ease-restrictions-on-diplomats-257221">Beijing</a> was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December&nbsp;15, two US-based sources told Reuters.

Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs imposed on September&nbsp;1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said.

US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started.

In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US&nbsp;agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US&nbsp;put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods.&nbsp;

Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December&nbsp;15 tariffs.

Phase One will not cover US&nbsp;allegations of Chinese hacking into US&nbsp;companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said.

An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said.

 
Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-china-seeks-sanctions-on-us-in-world-trade-organisation-257427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A scaled-down deal

&nbsp;

If an agreement on China buying US&nbsp;agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US&nbsp;agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters.

But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau.

One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing.

USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US&nbsp;genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US&nbsp;sources say could pave the way for much higher US&nbsp;farm exports to China.

Friday's high-level call came a day after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing.

While the US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US&nbsp;grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model.

Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US&nbsp;election in 2020.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-closer-military-coordination-with-united-states-despite-disagreements-defence-minister-257203">US-China talks</a> change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously." The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress. "They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said. Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on October 11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile. Agricultural products are a major area of discussion. Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US commodities like soybeans. The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions. The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth. "They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible." Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact. White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. Tariffs take the lead Beijing was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December 15, two US-based sources told Reuters. Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent tariffs imposed on September 1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said. US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started. In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December 15 tariffs. Phase One will not cover US allegations of Chinese hacking into US companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said. An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said. Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation A scaled-down deal If an agreement on China buying US agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters. But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau. One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing. USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US sources say could pave the way for much higher US farm exports to China. Friday's high-level call came a day after US Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing. While the US tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model. Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US election in 2020. "US-China talks change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

United States, China 'close to finalising' part of Phase One trade deal: Report

Former Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-grants-bail-to-nawaz-sharif-on-medical-grounds-258146">Nawaz Sharif</a> suffered a heart attack at Services Hospital in Lahore, a senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir claimed on Saturday.

"Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffered heart attack in Services Hospital Lahore doctors saying he survived this heart attack but feeling weakness," Mir said in a tweet.

Geo News reported that the former Prime Minister's health had deteriorated since he was rushed to Services Hospital earlier this week with critically low platelet count in his blood.

The Pakistan based media outlet stated that after transfusion, his platelet count returned to normal. However, it dropped again later in the day. Sharif was again injected with platelets and has since been under treatment.

On Friday, Lahore High Court had granted bail to Sharif on medical grounds, in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. 
 
According to the court order, the Former Premier will have to submit two surety bonds worth PKR 10 million for release in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, Dawn had reported. 
On Thursday, the health of the jailed leader, who was hospitalised after being diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia, was reported to be improving.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffered a heart attack at Services Hospital in Lahore, a senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir claimed on Saturday. "Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffered heart attack in Services Hospital Lahore doctors saying he survived this heart attack but feeling weakness," Mir said in a tweet.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffered a heart attack at Services Hospital in Lahore, a senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir claimed on Saturday. "Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffered heart attack in Services Hospital Lahore doctors saying he survived this heart attack but feeling weakness," Mir said in a tweet. Geo News reported that the former Prime Minister's health had deteriorated since he was rushed to Services Hospital earlier this week with critically low platelet count in his blood. The Pakistan based media outlet stated that after transfusion, his platelet count returned to normal. However, it dropped again later in the day. Sharif was again injected with platelets and has since been under treatment. On Friday, Lahore High Court had granted bail to Sharif on medical grounds, in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. According to the court order, the Former Premier will have to submit two surety bonds worth PKR 10 million for release in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case, Dawn had reported. On Thursday, the health of the jailed leader, who was hospitalised after being diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia, was reported to be improving.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif suffers heart attack

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he would give parliament more time to scrutinise his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-delay-looms-after-uk-mps-demand-more-time-to-debate-deal-257603">Brexit plan</a> if it agrees to hold a snap general election on December 12.

He said if MPs really wanted more time to study his deal, "they can have it, but they have to agree on a general election on December 12", Johnson said in televised remarks.

EU member states on Wednesday delayed a decision on whether to grant Britain a three-month&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;extension, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if the deadline is deferred to the end of January he would call an election by Christmas.

Johnson is opposed to delaying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-vote-eu-says-done-all-in-our-power-for-orderly-departure-257542">Britain's exit</a> from the European Union a third time.&nbsp;

But lawmakers on Tuesday also gave their support "in principle" for the agreement. It marked the first time the House of Commons had backed any Brexit proposal since the 2016 EU referendum.

The EU is expected to agree the length of a Brexit deadline extension on Friday.

At parliament's behest, Johnson has formally submitted a request for a three-month delay.

Johnson said Thursday that the only way to achieve a breakthrough in the process was for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-go-for-general-elections-if-parliament-refuses-to-allow-brexit-to-happen-johnson-257576">parliament to vote in favour of holding a general election</a>.

"The way to get Brexit done is, I think, to be reasonable with parliament and say if they genuinely want more time to study this excellent deal, they can have it,&nbsp;but they have to agree on a general election on December 12," he said.

Watch: EU considers Brexit extension, Boris Johnson battles to save deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-considers-brexit-extension-boris-johnson-battles-to-save-deal-257370/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's time, frankly, that the opposition summoned up the nerve to submit themselves to the judgement of our collective boss, which is the people of the UK."

Johnson must win the support of two-thirds of MPs in the House of Commons to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-next-after-uk-parliaments-votes-on-brexit-deal-257608">hold early polls</a> under current election rules.

The government could also try a different legal route that only requires a simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote.

But such a proposal would be amendable and allow the opposition to either change the date or make the vote conditional on other issues.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he would give parliament more time to scrutinise his Brexit plan if it agrees to hold a snap general election on December 12.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he would give parliament more time to scrutinise his Brexit plan if it agrees to hold a snap general election on December 12. He said if MPs really wanted more time to study his deal, "they can have it, but they have to agree on a general election on December 12", Johnson said in televised remarks. EU member states on Wednesday delayed a decision on whether to grant Britain a three-month Brexit extension, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said if the deadline is deferred to the end of January he would call an election by Christmas. Johnson is opposed to delaying Britain's exit from the European Union a third time. But lawmakers on Tuesday also gave their support "in principle" for the agreement. It marked the first time the House of Commons had backed any Brexit proposal since the 2016 EU referendum. The EU is expected to agree the length of a Brexit deadline extension on Friday. At parliament's behest, Johnson has formally submitted a request for a three-month delay. Johnson said Thursday that the only way to achieve a breakthrough in the process was for parliament to vote in favour of holding a general election. "The way to get Brexit done is, I think, to be reasonable with parliament and say if they genuinely want more time to study this excellent deal, they can have it, but they have to agree on a general election on December 12," he said. Watch: EU considers Brexit extension, Boris Johnson battles to save deal "It's time, frankly, that the opposition summoned up the nerve to submit themselves to the judgement of our collective boss, which is the people of the UK." Johnson must win the support of two-thirds of MPs in the House of Commons to hold early polls under current election rules. The government could also try a different legal route that only requires a simple majority of 50 percent plus one vote. But such a proposal would be amendable and allow the opposition to either change the date or make the vote conditional on other issues.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he wants early election on December 12

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, &nbsp;prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country.

President Klaus Iohannis last week tasked Ludovic Orban, chief of the National Liberal Party (PNL), to form a new government after the previous Social Democratic Party (PSD) &nbsp;administration lost a no-confidence vote.

"We are in a moment in which we need a government to put Romania on the right track", Orban told a press conference flanked by his 17 cabinet members, all but two from his party.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romania-government-faces-collapse-in-no-confidence-vote-254858">The new cabinet</a> needs the approval of parliament, which is a challenge, given that PNL holds only 96 of the 465 seats, leaving it well short of the 233 majority threshold after talks with several other parties failed.

Orban, 56, a former transport minister,&nbsp;wants a confidence vote to take place next week, while the PSD, which has 201 seats and says it will not back the new government -- is trying to delay it until early November.

If he does survive, his government will likely be a transitional one until late 2020 when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled.

The new ministers are all from PNL except for four-star general Nicolae Ciuca who takes on defence and career diplomat Bogdan Aurescu, nominated as foreign minister.

Among its priorities, the government aims to keep the annual budget deficit under three per cent of GDP, the EU limit, and to reverse "harmful" judicial reforms introduced by the PSD.

Since taking power in late 2016, the PSD government faced massive protests and criticism from Brussels over the reforms seen as helping politicians to escape corruption sentences.

The liberals also intend to nominate a new European Commissioner after social democrat Rovana Plumb was rejected by the European Parliament.

The political crisis in Romania comes one month before the first round of presidential elections, scheduled for November 10.

Incumbent Iohannis, himself a liberal, seeks a second term with the support of the PNL and is a clear favourite.

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country.

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country. President Klaus Iohannis last week tasked Ludovic Orban, chief of the National Liberal Party (PNL), to form a new government after the previous Social Democratic Party (PSD) administration lost a no-confidence vote. "We are in a moment in which we need a government to put Romania on the right track", Orban told a press conference flanked by his 17 cabinet members, all but two from his party. The new cabinet needs the approval of parliament, which is a challenge, given that PNL holds only 96 of the 465 seats, leaving it well short of the 233 majority threshold after talks with several other parties failed. Orban, 56, a former transport minister, wants a confidence vote to take place next week, while the PSD, which has 201 seats and says it will not back the new government -- is trying to delay it until early November. If he does survive, his government will likely be a transitional one until late 2020 when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled. The new ministers are all from PNL except for four-star general Nicolae Ciuca who takes on defence and career diplomat Bogdan Aurescu, nominated as foreign minister. Among its priorities, the government aims to keep the annual budget deficit under three per cent of GDP, the EU limit, and to reverse "harmful" judicial reforms introduced by the PSD. Since taking power in late 2016, the PSD government faced massive protests and criticism from Brussels over the reforms seen as helping politicians to escape corruption sentences. The liberals also intend to nominate a new European Commissioner after social democrat Rovana Plumb was rejected by the European Parliament. The political crisis in Romania comes one month before the first round of presidential elections, scheduled for November 10. Incumbent Iohannis, himself a liberal, seeks a second term with the support of the PNL and is a clear favourite.

Romania's liberals present minority government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-election-sparks-protest-as-rivals-clash-over-results-257398">Bolivia's leftist leader Evo Morales</a> was on track to win a fraught presidential race outright, edging to a decisive 10-point lead over his main rival after accusing the opposition on Wednesday of attempting a "coup" against him.

Delays during the count following Sunday's election and a sudden shift in fortunes in Morales favour fanned tensions, resulting in protests and marches in the main cities of one of South America's poorest countries.

On Wednesday evening, with the counting almost done, hundreds of flag-waving opposition supporters kept up their protest outside the electoral building in La Paz, chanting and setting off fireworks.

At around midnight in Bolivia, the official count showed Morales, who has governed landlocked Bolivia for almost 14 years, had 46.77 per cent&nbsp;of the vote with just over 98 per cent&nbsp;of ballots counted, putting him 10 points ahead of main rival Carlos Mesa.

If Morales holds onto that lead he would win outright and avoid a risky second-round run-off in a vote that has drawn allegations of fraud.

After all the demonstrations over the past few days, the mood in the plaza outside the electoral building had turned more boisterous than angry, with small bonfires and mostly young people chanting that they did not want to live in a dictatorship.

"Evo has accumulated so much power. Look at everything that has happened, he doesn't want to leave," said Franco Garcia, 21, adding he voted for Mesa, a former president because he would be easier to topple if needed.

"If we continue with Evo, then something like Venezuela awaits us. He has too much power."

The unrest, already the severest test of Morales' rule since he came to power in 2006, could spread if the outright victory is confirmed, after monitors, foreign governments and the opposition called on Morales to hold a second-round vote.

The tensions began after an official quick vote count was disrupted by a day-long halt starting late on Sunday when a preliminary count of almost 84% of ballots showed the two main rivals heading to a second round. 
 
'Coup D'etat'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-leads-bolivia-election-but-faces-run-off-257140">Morales, the country's first indigenous leader</a>, struck a defiant tone on Wednesday.

In a fiery speech at the government office in La Paz, Morales criticized recent violence that saw electoral offices torched and skirmishes between protesters and police, blaming it on the right-wing opposition and what he described as their foreign backers.

"I have called this conference to denounce, in front of the Bolivian people and the entire world, that a coup d'etat is in progress. In advance, the right had prepared with international support for a coup," he said.

Morales called on the people to "defend democracy." Later in the day, he sought to shore up backing from the country's military at an event in the region of Cochabamba, a key source of political support.

At an evening news conference, government minister Carlos Romero denounced "violent groups," which he said were seeking to confront police with explosives, adding the government would look to hold responsible those promoting the violence.

Mesa, in a video statement on Wednesday, called for "permanent protests" until a second-round vote was confirmed, and said he would present evidence of electoral fraud.

Protesters have demonstrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Potosi, with strikes also called in some cities. 
 
'What's he afraid of?'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-voice-outrage-over-bolivian-leaders-response-to-forest-fires-254027">Morales, a former union leader for coca farmers</a>, has overseen relative stability and economic growth but angered many by running for a fourth consecutive term in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum that voted against him doing so.

"If he wants to be elected cleanly, he should accept a second-round election. What's he afraid of?" asked Maria Luz Vargas, 65, a newspaper seller in La Paz who had joined the protests.

The official election monitor, the Organisation of American States, had called the count into question and cited a "drastic" and inexplicable shift in the vote, which it said hurt voters' confidence in the electoral process.

Antonio Costas, one of the six-member electoral team coordinating the vote, stepped down on Tuesday in protest at the halt to the rapid count, although he told Reuters he had not come under political pressure.

A number of foreign governments, including the United States, Brazil and the European Union, also voiced concerns about the integrity of the vote.

At a meeting on Wednesday, the OAS recommended a second-round vote go ahead even if Morales reached a 10-point lead.

Morales has maintained throughout that when the final vote count was announced, he would obtain a first-round win, helped by strong support in the countryside.

"Our triumph has always been with the votes from the rural areas with the votes of the indigenous movement," he said on Wednesday, adding he would respect the final result.

Bolivia's leftist leader Evo Morales was on track to win a fraught presidential race outright, edging to a decisive 10-point lead over his main rival after accusing the opposition on Wednesday of attempting a "coup" against him.

Bolivia's leftist leader Evo Morales was on track to win a fraught presidential race outright, edging to a decisive 10-point lead over his main rival after accusing the opposition on Wednesday of attempting a "coup" against him. Delays during the count following Sunday's election and a sudden shift in fortunes in Morales favour fanned tensions, resulting in protests and marches in the main cities of one of South America's poorest countries. On Wednesday evening, with the counting almost done, hundreds of flag-waving opposition supporters kept up their protest outside the electoral building in La Paz, chanting and setting off fireworks. At around midnight in Bolivia, the official count showed Morales, who has governed landlocked Bolivia for almost 14 years, had 46.77 per cent of the vote with just over 98 per cent of ballots counted, putting him 10 points ahead of main rival Carlos Mesa. If Morales holds onto that lead he would win outright and avoid a risky second-round run-off in a vote that has drawn allegations of fraud. After all the demonstrations over the past few days, the mood in the plaza outside the electoral building had turned more boisterous than angry, with small bonfires and mostly young people chanting that they did not want to live in a dictatorship. "Evo has accumulated so much power. Look at everything that has happened, he doesn't want to leave," said Franco Garcia, 21, adding he voted for Mesa, a former president because he would be easier to topple if needed. "If we continue with Evo, then something like Venezuela awaits us. He has too much power." The unrest, already the severest test of Morales' rule since he came to power in 2006, could spread if the outright victory is confirmed, after monitors, foreign governments and the opposition called on Morales to hold a second-round vote. The tensions began after an official quick vote count was disrupted by a day-long halt starting late on Sunday when a preliminary count of almost 84% of ballots showed the two main rivals heading to a second round. 'Coup D'etat' Morales, the country's first indigenous leader, struck a defiant tone on Wednesday. In a fiery speech at the government office in La Paz, Morales criticized recent violence that saw electoral offices torched and skirmishes between protesters and police, blaming it on the right-wing opposition and what he described as their foreign backers. "I have called this conference to denounce, in front of the Bolivian people and the entire world, that a coup d'etat is in progress. In advance, the right had prepared with international support for a coup," he said. Morales called on the people to "defend democracy." Later in the day, he sought to shore up backing from the country's military at an event in the region of Cochabamba, a key source of political support. At an evening news conference, government minister Carlos Romero denounced "violent groups," which he said were seeking to confront police with explosives, adding the government would look to hold responsible those promoting the violence. Mesa, in a video statement on Wednesday, called for "permanent protests" until a second-round vote was confirmed, and said he would present evidence of electoral fraud. Protesters have demonstrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz and Potosi, with strikes also called in some cities. 'What's he afraid of?' Morales, a former union leader for coca farmers, has overseen relative stability and economic growth but angered many by running for a fourth consecutive term in defiance of term limits and a 2016 referendum that voted against him doing so. "If he wants to be elected cleanly, he should accept a second-round election. What's he afraid of?" asked Maria Luz Vargas, 65, a newspaper seller in La Paz who had joined the protests. The official election monitor, the Organisation of American States, had called the count into question and cited a "drastic" and inexplicable shift in the vote, which it said hurt voters' confidence in the electoral process. Antonio Costas, one of the six-member electoral team coordinating the vote, stepped down on Tuesday in protest at the halt to the rapid count, although he told Reuters he had not come under political pressure. A number of foreign governments, including the United States, Brazil and the European Union, also voiced concerns about the integrity of the vote. At a meeting on Wednesday, the OAS recommended a second-round vote go ahead even if Morales reached a 10-point lead. Morales has maintained throughout that when the final vote count was announced, he would obtain a first-round win, helped by strong support in the countryside. "Our triumph has always been with the votes from the rural areas with the votes of the indigenous movement," he said on Wednesday, adding he would respect the final result.

Bolivia's Morales set to win outright as disputed vote count nears completion

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt</a> in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

"We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona.

It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20.

"We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said.

Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos.

Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for.

Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016.

Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself.

'Saddened by crackdown'

After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">hundreds took to the streets</a> in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators.

Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response.

"I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?"

In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014.

Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number.

In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors.

Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president.

"People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview.

"Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added.

Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, &nbsp;Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed.

A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed.

Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force.

'Getting rid of Sisi'

Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-says-world-must-find-solution-for-libya-crisis-213108">any challenge to Sisi's rule</a>, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them.

"The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP.

"The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said.

The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi.

Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos.&nbsp;

He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials.

Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him.

"The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said.

And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests.

"I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations. "We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona. It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20. "We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said. Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos. Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for. Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016. Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself. 'Saddened by crackdown' After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, hundreds took to the streets in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response. "I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?" In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014. Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number. In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors. Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president. "People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview. "Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added. Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed. A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed. Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force. 'Getting rid of Sisi' Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising any challenge to Sisi's rule, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them. "The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP. "The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said. The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi. Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos. He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials. Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him. "The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said. And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests. "I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

Exiled Egyptian dissident determined to topple Sisi

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-lebanon-protestors-ditch-rioting-and-turn-revolution-into-rave-257684">a week of unprecedented protests</a> on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators.

"I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17.

The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities.

The protesters have been&nbsp;venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.

"The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse</a>," Aoun said.

"It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters.

In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian&nbsp;Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-cabinet-set-for-key-meeting-as-protests-swell-257249">president also echoed calls on the street</a> to stamp out graft.

"Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said.

Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported.

Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years.

"We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech.

"But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17. The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities. The protesters have been venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken. Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities. "The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse," Aoun said. "It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters. In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition. The president also echoed calls on the street to stamp out graft. "Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said. Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported. Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years. "We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech. "But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese president says willing to meet protesters

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa.

18-year-old Nusrat, residing in the small town of Feni, was set on fire on April 6 two weeks after she registered a complaint against sexual abuse by the principal, reported BD News 24.

The principal, Siraj-Ud-Doula, who reportedly orchestrated the attack is among those sentenced.

Feni Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid handed down the verdict.

On April 6, Nusrat was tricked into coming on top of the roof of the madrasa where the perpetrators set her on fire after she refused to withdraw the case. 
 
She was taken to a hospital later,&nbsp;however, she succumbed to her injuries on April 10.

Nusrat's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman filed a case on April 8 against eight people.

The incident shocked the entire country and led to a series of protests against the oppression of woman and girls.

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa.

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa. 18-year-old Nusrat, residing in the small town of Feni, was set on fire on April 6 two weeks after she registered a complaint against sexual abuse by the principal, reported BD News 24. The principal, Siraj-Ud-Doula, who reportedly orchestrated the attack is among those sentenced. Feni Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid handed down the verdict. On April 6, Nusrat was tricked into coming on top of the roof of the madrasa where the perpetrators set her on fire after she refused to withdraw the case. She was taken to a hospital later, however, she succumbed to her injuries on April 10. Nusrat's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman filed a case on April 8 against eight people. The incident shocked the entire country and led to a series of protests against the oppression of woman and girls.

Bangladesh court sentences 16 people to death in Nusrat Jahan Rafi's murder case

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed.

Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018.

State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity."

Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party.

The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

'National interests'

While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions.

Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977.

Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days.

While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible,&nbsp;that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018.

"Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog.

The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added.

Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.

"Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said.

"Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important.

"This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC."

Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength.

But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States.

China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy. The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed. Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018. State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping. The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity." Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party. The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life. 'National interests' While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions. Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977. Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days. While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible, that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018. "Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog. The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added. Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong. "Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said. "Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important. "This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC." Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength. But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States. China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's leaders to hold key conclave next week

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-rival-gantz-to-be-named-to-try-to-form-next-israeli-government-257632">official mandate</a> on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power.

After inconclusive elections in April and September, Gantz's nomination marked the first time since 2008 that someone other than Netanyahu, 70, has been asked by Israel's president to build a ruling coalition.

"Everyone expects us to bring political chaos to an absolute end. Everyone demands us to allow the whole country to gradually return to a normal, functioning, safe and calm life routine. An entire country is awaiting a breath of relief", Gantz said.

Head of the centrist Blue and White party, Gantz will have 28 days to complete the task assigned by President Reuven Rivlin. Failure could lead to a new election, the third within a year.

Watch Video

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elections-referendum-or-netanyahu-250142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I decided today to give you, member of the Knesset Benny Gantz, the possibility to establish a government. The law gives you 28 days starting tomorrow to establish a government", Rivlin said.

Rivlin gave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-calls-off-israel-unity-government-talks-reports-253192">Netanyahu the chance to form a government first</a>. But the prime minister, who leads the right-wing Likud party, said on Monday that he was abandoning the effort, opening the way for Gantz, his strongest rival.

"I promised to establish a liberal unity government, and that, I intend to do. In the government that I will establish, I will serve all citizens of Israel and will work to benefit all citizens of Israel. I will act to form a functioning government, a government that Israel needs so much", Benny Gantz said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an official mandate on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power.

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an official mandate on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power. After inconclusive elections in April and September, Gantz's nomination marked the first time since 2008 that someone other than Netanyahu, 70, has been asked by Israel's president to build a ruling coalition. "Everyone expects us to bring political chaos to an absolute end. Everyone demands us to allow the whole country to gradually return to a normal, functioning, safe and calm life routine. An entire country is awaiting a breath of relief", Gantz said. Head of the centrist Blue and White party, Gantz will have 28 days to complete the task assigned by President Reuven Rivlin. Failure could lead to a new election, the third within a year. Watch Video "I decided today to give you, member of the Knesset Benny Gantz, the possibility to establish a government. The law gives you 28 days starting tomorrow to establish a government", Rivlin said. Rivlin gave Netanyahu the chance to form a government first. But the prime minister, who leads the right-wing Likud party, said on Monday that he was abandoning the effort, opening the way for Gantz, his strongest rival. "I promised to establish a liberal unity government, and that, I intend to do. In the government that I will establish, I will serve all citizens of Israel and will work to benefit all citizens of Israel. I will act to form a functioning government, a government that Israel needs so much", Benny Gantz said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Former military chief Gantz receives official mandate to form government in Israel

The government of Bolivian President Evo Morales on Tuesday (October 22) asked an official observer of the country's disputed presidential election to conduct an audit of a binding vote count after an official quick tally showing him winning sparked a backlash and violent street protests.

Unrest in Bolivia grows as observers call on government to respect vote results

Thousands of Bolivians furious over what they saw as an attempt by leftist President Evo Morales to rig Sunday's election protested outside the hotel in the capital city of La Paz where the country's electoral board was processing remaining ballots on Tuesday (October 22).

'A giant fraud'- Protests flare over disputed Bolivia election

It is unfortunate that political games are being played over the state of the Indian economy, says Senior Journalist Lalit Shastri.

Video analysis: Politics over state of Indian economy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-liberals-take-early-lead-after-first-canadian-polls-close-257389">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a> held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

The man former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely.

Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern.

"The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down."

Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight.

On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media.

But before long, key allies turned hard to the right,&nbsp;the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president.

In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry.

The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption.

Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona.

Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country.

Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 
 
'Voice to be needed more'

On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority.

"It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected."

The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election.

In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders.

"Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished. The man former US President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely. Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern. "The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down." Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight. On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media. But before long, key allies turned hard to the right, the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president. In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry. The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption. Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona. Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country. Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 'Voice to be needed more' On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority. "It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected." The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election. In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders. "Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canada's Trudeau clings to power, but loses some of his lustre

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-votes-as-trudeau-his-sunny-ways-dimmed-by-scandals-seeks-to-retain-power-257377">Canada's ruling Liberals</a> took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives.

The Liberals were leading or elected in 25 of 32 electoral districts in Atlantic Canada by&nbsp;0030 GMT on Tuesday&nbsp;despite a drop in their overall popular vote from the 2015 election, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

Some Liberal losses had been expected in the region after Trudeau led the party to a clean sweep there four years ago. Atlantic Canada makes up less than 10% of the seats in the House of Commons.

The national race was expected to be closer as Trudeau, who took power as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," battles Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the chance to form the next government.

Polls close in the vote-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec at 0130 GMT on Tuesday. National voting is scheduled to end in the Pacific Coast province of British Columbia at 0200 GMT on Tuesday.

Trudeau, 47, the Liberal Party leader, was endorsed by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies.

But he was shaken during the campaign by a blackface scandal and has been dogged by criticism of his handling of a corruption case involving a major Canadian construction company. Trudeau, the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government.

Trudeau, accompanied by his family, voted in Montreal on Monday after a marathon sprint campaigning across the country in the past four days. Scheer voted in his Saskatchewan electoral district.

On Twitter, he repeatedly urged people to get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial for the Liberals, who privately fear low engagement will affect them more than the Conservatives.

"The truth is it's a coin toss right now," Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said.

A year ago, no one would have predicted that Trudeau risked becoming the first prime minister since the 1930s to secure a parliamentary majority and then fail to win a second term.

The latest opinion polls suggest he may narrowly avert that result and could win a minority in the 338-seat House of Commons. That would still leave him in a weakened position and needing the support of left-leaning opposition parties to push through key pieces of legislation.

"(A minority government) would force people to talk to each other, which is what we need," said Naomi Higgins, a 25-year-old voter in Toronto who supported the Liberals four years ago but switched to the Greens in this election. "We need to ... start doing what's best for everyone instead of what makes one party or the other look best."

Liberal campaign strategists say four members of Trudeau's Cabinet could lose their parliamentary seats, including Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, a veteran member of parliament who is seen as one of the government's heavyweights.

Goodale, 70, is the only Liberal member of parliament from the western province of Saskatchewan, where anger at Trudeau is mounting over federal environmental policies that the energy industry says will harm output.

The oil industry’s top lobbying group has blamed Trudeau’s policies for throttling investment in the sector, and some global energy companies have shed assets in the oil sands region of Alberta, the country's main oil-producing province.

Canada's economy, however, has been on a general upswing in 2019. The Canadian dollar has been the best-performing G10 currency this year, rising more than 4% against its U.S. counterpart, as the economy added jobs at a robust pace and inflation stayed close to the Bank of Canada's 2 per cent&nbsp;target.

Bumpy campaign ride

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liberals-tories-slug-it-out-on-last-day-of-canada-election-257159">The six-week official campaign</a> period has been a rough and meandering ride with dirty tactics on both sides.

The liberal image of Trudeau, who has championed diversity as prime minister and whose father opened the country to mass immigration, took a severe blow when pictures emerged early in the campaign of him wearing blackface in the early 1990s and in 2001.

Trudeau had already been wrestling with the fallout from accusations he pressured his justice minister to help shield engineering firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc&nbsp;from corruption charges. In August, a top watchdog said Trudeau breached ethics rules.

Scheer also has proven to be a determined opponent.

"He can't even remember how many times he put blackface on because the fact of the matter is he's always wearing a mask," Scheer said during a leaders' debate. "Mr&nbsp;Trudeau, you are a phoney and you are a fraud and you do not deserve to govern this country."

Scheer, 40, is also promising to balance the federal budget and eliminate a "carbon tax" on fossil fuels. He is running his first campaign as party leader after winning a bitter leadership fight in 2017.

Given the fact that neither of the front-runners could come away with a parliamentary majority, it is the smaller left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) or the separatist Bloc Quebecois that could end up holding the balance of power.

"I am a lifelong Liberal voter and I am stumped on this one, mostly because I am really concerned about a Conservative win and just trying to figure out how to vote strategically," said Kristin Street, 33, a strategy manager at a computer games company, in Port Moody, British Columbia.

EKOS Research pollster Frank Graves said the Liberals needed turn out to be similar to four years ago or otherwise the Conservatives may have an edge.

"We may well be waiting until the final vote tallies in British Columbia to see who will win on Monday," Graves said.

Canada's ruling Liberals took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives.

Canada's ruling Liberals took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives. The Liberals were leading or elected in 25 of 32 electoral districts in Atlantic Canada by 0030 GMT on Tuesday despite a drop in their overall popular vote from the 2015 election, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Some Liberal losses had been expected in the region after Trudeau led the party to a clean sweep there four years ago. Atlantic Canada makes up less than 10% of the seats in the House of Commons. The national race was expected to be closer as Trudeau, who took power as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," battles Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the chance to form the next government. Polls close in the vote-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec at 0130 GMT on Tuesday. National voting is scheduled to end in the Pacific Coast province of British Columbia at 0200 GMT on Tuesday. Trudeau, 47, the Liberal Party leader, was endorsed by former US President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies. But he was shaken during the campaign by a blackface scandal and has been dogged by criticism of his handling of a corruption case involving a major Canadian construction company. Trudeau, the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government. Trudeau, accompanied by his family, voted in Montreal on Monday after a marathon sprint campaigning across the country in the past four days. Scheer voted in his Saskatchewan electoral district. On Twitter, he repeatedly urged people to get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial for the Liberals, who privately fear low engagement will affect them more than the Conservatives. "The truth is it's a coin toss right now," Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said. A year ago, no one would have predicted that Trudeau risked becoming the first prime minister since the 1930s to secure a parliamentary majority and then fail to win a second term. The latest opinion polls suggest he may narrowly avert that result and could win a minority in the 338-seat House of Commons. That would still leave him in a weakened position and needing the support of left-leaning opposition parties to push through key pieces of legislation. "(A minority government) would force people to talk to each other, which is what we need," said Naomi Higgins, a 25-year-old voter in Toronto who supported the Liberals four years ago but switched to the Greens in this election. "We need to ... start doing what's best for everyone instead of what makes one party or the other look best." Liberal campaign strategists say four members of Trudeau's Cabinet could lose their parliamentary seats, including Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, a veteran member of parliament who is seen as one of the government's heavyweights. Goodale, 70, is the only Liberal member of parliament from the western province of Saskatchewan, where anger at Trudeau is mounting over federal environmental policies that the energy industry says will harm output. The oil industry’s top lobbying group has blamed Trudeau’s policies for throttling investment in the sector, and some global energy companies have shed assets in the oil sands region of Alberta, the country's main oil-producing province. Canada's economy, however, has been on a general upswing in 2019. The Canadian dollar has been the best-performing G10 currency this year, rising more than 4% against its U.S. counterpart, as the economy added jobs at a robust pace and inflation stayed close to the Bank of Canada's 2 per cent target. Bumpy campaign ride The six-week official campaign period has been a rough and meandering ride with dirty tactics on both sides. The liberal image of Trudeau, who has championed diversity as prime minister and whose father opened the country to mass immigration, took a severe blow when pictures emerged early in the campaign of him wearing blackface in the early 1990s and in 2001. Trudeau had already been wrestling with the fallout from accusations he pressured his justice minister to help shield engineering firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc from corruption charges. In August, a top watchdog said Trudeau breached ethics rules. Scheer also has proven to be a determined opponent. "He can't even remember how many times he put blackface on because the fact of the matter is he's always wearing a mask," Scheer said during a leaders' debate. "Mr Trudeau, you are a phoney and you are a fraud and you do not deserve to govern this country." Scheer, 40, is also promising to balance the federal budget and eliminate a "carbon tax" on fossil fuels. He is running his first campaign as party leader after winning a bitter leadership fight in 2017. Given the fact that neither of the front-runners could come away with a parliamentary majority, it is the smaller left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) or the separatist Bloc Quebecois that could end up holding the balance of power. "I am a lifelong Liberal voter and I am stumped on this one, mostly because I am really concerned about a Conservative win and just trying to figure out how to vote strategically," said Kristin Street, 33, a strategy manager at a computer games company, in Port Moody, British Columbia. EKOS Research pollster Frank Graves said the Liberals needed turn out to be similar to four years ago or otherwise the Conservatives may have an edge. "We may well be waiting until the final vote tallies in British Columbia to see who will win on Monday," Graves said.

Trudeau's Liberals take early lead after first Canadian polls close

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