In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority. He said the required measures are underway to reach this goal, but he also vowed to prevent further bloodshed in the country. &nbsp;

Thanking the Afghan forces for their bravery in defending the country, Ghani said he will not allow the “imposed war” to bring more devastation and death to the people.&nbsp;

“Under the current situation, remobilising of the security and defence forces is our top priority and required measures are underway for this purpose,” Ghani said.&nbsp;

“I know that you are concerned about your present and future but I assure you as your president that my focus is to prevent further instability, violence and displacement of my people,” he added. &nbsp;

“To do this, I have started widespread consultations within and outside the government, with political leaders and international partners and I will soon share the results with the people,” the president said, while adding that he will not allow the imposed war on Afghans to bring further killings, loss of the gains of the last 20 years, destruction of public property and continued instability.&nbsp;

In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority.

In a pre-recorded message to the nation on Friday, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani said remobilisation of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) is his top priority. He said the required measures are underway to reach this goal, but he also vowed to prevent further bloodshed in the country. Thanking the Afghan forces for their bravery in defending the country, Ghani said he will not allow the “imposed war” to bring more devastation and death to the people. “Under the current situation, remobilising of the security and defence forces is our top priority and required measures are underway for this purpose,” Ghani said. “I know that you are concerned about your present and future but I assure you as your president that my focus is to prevent further instability, violence and displacement of my people,” he added. “To do this, I have started widespread consultations within and outside the government, with political leaders and international partners and I will soon share the results with the people,” the president said, while adding that he will not allow the imposed war on Afghans to bring further killings, loss of the gains of the last 20 years, destruction of public property and continued instability.

In address to nation, Afghan President vows to prevent further instability

The government minister responsible for this year’s UN climate change conference in Glasgow has flown to 30 countries in the past seven months.&nbsp;

According to Daily Mail, Ashok Sharma was appointed as president of Cop26 in January and has visited countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya since February.

He visited India in March, as well as Costa Rica, Qatar and the UAE. In April, he saw trips to the Far East, before he travelled to Bangladesh in June.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-regrets-meeting-convicted-sex-offender-epstein-403409">Also read |&nbsp;Bill Gates regrets meeting convicted sex offender Epstein</a>

Not all of the 30 known journeys were return flights to the UK.

Sharma also visited a group of countries on one trip.&nbsp;

However, travel to and from all the destinations Sharma has visited would stretch to 200,000 miles.

The aviation industry produced 915m tonnes of CO2 in 2019, which is equivalent to 2 per cent of all human-made CO2 emissions.

The government minister responsible for this year’s UN climate change conference in Glasgow has flown to 30 countries in the past seven months. According to Daily Mail, Ashok Sharma was appointed as president of Cop26 in January and has visited countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya since February.

The government minister responsible for this year’s UN climate change conference in Glasgow has flown to 30 countries in the past seven months. According to Daily Mail, Ashok Sharma was appointed as president of Cop26 in January and has visited countries including Brazil, Indonesia and Kenya since February. He visited India in March, as well as Costa Rica, Qatar and the UAE. In April, he saw trips to the Far East, before he travelled to Bangladesh in June. Also read | Bill Gates regrets meeting convicted sex offender Epstein Not all of the 30 known journeys were return flights to the UK. Sharma also visited a group of countries on one trip. However, travel to and from all the destinations Sharma has visited would stretch to 200,000 miles. The aviation industry produced 915m tonnes of CO2 in 2019, which is equivalent to 2 per cent of all human-made CO2 emissions.

Climate change summit Cop26's president Alok Sharma flew to 30 countries in 7 months

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing.&nbsp;

At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-403178">In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi</a>

Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage.

During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted.&nbsp;

"I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament

During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing.&nbsp;

Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page.

In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad. The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing. At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage. During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted. "I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing. Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page. In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks

In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’.&nbsp;

While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security.&nbsp;

“A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said.&nbsp;

The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan.&nbsp;

Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.” &nbsp;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’. The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said. Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’. While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security. “A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said. The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan. Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.”

Afghan President: Taliban have turned more 'cruel’ in 20 years  

Donald Trump seems to be on a roll nowadays as his political organisation has raised nearly $102 million in cash reserves, a CNN report said.&nbsp;

This unprecedented war chest is huge at this stage in the election cycle for a former president. The new figures also mean that Trump is again refusing to step down, but just in a different sense this time. &nbsp;

The fundraising haul shows his continued ability to raise money from small-dollar donors online. Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud last year also continue though.&nbsp;

According to the former US president’s team, 3.2 million contributions flowed into the Trump's political committees in first six months of the year.&nbsp;

Complaining of a 'stolen' election again, Trump, in a statement, has cited the donations to be a sign that millions of Americans "share my outrage and want me to continue to fight for the truth."&nbsp;

The fundraising apparatus of Trump comprises two political action committees, namely, ‘Save America’ leadership PAC and the ‘Make America Great Again’ PAC, along with a separate joint fundraising committee.&nbsp;

New filings show that most Trump's cash reserves are stockpiled in ‘Save America’ leadership PAC. It has around $90 million in its accounts as of June 30.&nbsp;

Donald Trump seems to be on a roll nowadays as his political organisation has raised nearly $102 million in cash reserves, a CNN report said. This unprecedented war chest is huge at this stage in the election cycle for a former president.

Donald Trump seems to be on a roll nowadays as his political organisation has raised nearly $102 million in cash reserves, a CNN report said. This unprecedented war chest is huge at this stage in the election cycle for a former president. The new figures also mean that Trump is again refusing to step down, but just in a different sense this time. The fundraising haul shows his continued ability to raise money from small-dollar donors online. Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud last year also continue though. According to the former US president’s team, 3.2 million contributions flowed into the Trump's political committees in first six months of the year. Complaining of a 'stolen' election again, Trump, in a statement, has cited the donations to be a sign that millions of Americans "share my outrage and want me to continue to fight for the truth." The fundraising apparatus of Trump comprises two political action committees, namely, ‘Save America’ leadership PAC and the ‘Make America Great Again’ PAC, along with a separate joint fundraising committee. New filings show that most Trump's cash reserves are stockpiled in ‘Save America’ leadership PAC. It has around $90 million in its accounts as of June 30.

Former US president Donald Trump's fundraising initiatives raise $100 million  

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August&nbsp;5,&nbsp;which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers.&nbsp;

This will be Jaishankar's&nbsp;second visit to Iran in a matter of&nbsp;a&nbsp;month. Last month,&nbsp;he had visited Iran while going to Moscow. During the stopover,&nbsp;he called on President-elect Ebrahim Raisi,&nbsp;who is&nbsp;the first foreign minister to&nbsp;be slated to become president. During his meeting with the Iranian President-elect, he handed over a personal message from Indian PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

In a tweet after the meet, Indian EAM said, "Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. <a href="https://t.co/Ef7iEutkZi">pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1412769835470180355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also held talks with Iran's foreign minister Zarif during which Afghanistan was the key focus. Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said,&nbsp;"The two sides also stressed&nbsp;on&nbsp;the need to strengthen intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan,&nbsp;which leads to a comprehensive political solution".&nbsp;

Iran is&nbsp;the&nbsp;key to India's connectivity to the west due to the Chabahar port in which New Delhi has invested. The port provides connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and will be part of the North-South International transport corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August 5, which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Iran this week to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new Iran President Ebrahim Raisi. The ceremony will take place in Tehran on August 5, which will see participation by several heads of government and foreign ministers. This will be Jaishankar's second visit to Iran in a matter of a month. Last month, he had visited Iran while going to Moscow. During the stopover, he called on President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, who is the first foreign minister to be slated to become president. During his meeting with the Iranian President-elect, he handed over a personal message from Indian PM Narendra Modi. In a tweet after the meet, Indian EAM said, "Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues." Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 7, 2021 × He also held talks with Iran's foreign minister Zarif during which Afghanistan was the key focus. Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said, "The two sides also stressed on the need to strengthen intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan, which leads to a comprehensive political solution". Iran is the key to India's connectivity to the west due to the Chabahar port in which New Delhi has invested. The port provides connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and will be part of the North-South International transport corridor that connects Mumbai with Moscow.

EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Iran President Raisi's oath-taking ceremony 

Tunisian&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;on Friday arrested a member of parliament who condemned&nbsp;President&nbsp;Kais&nbsp;Saied's power grab as a "military&nbsp;coup", his party said.

The&nbsp;president's shock move, including a 30-day suspension of parliament, has plunged Tunisia into political turmoil.

"It is a&nbsp;military&nbsp;coup," independent&nbsp;MP&nbsp;Yassine Ayari said on Facebook after the&nbsp;president&nbsp;last Sunday suspended parliament and sacked the premier.

Ayari, 30, is a vocal critic of authorities who has had many run-ins with the law in past years.

He was sentenced to six months in prison in 2015 for defaming the army and was handed a three-month jail sentence in 2018 for criticising the&nbsp;military.

His party, Hope and Labour, said he was arrested by members of the&nbsp;president's&nbsp;security&nbsp;team who did not provide any&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;warrant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisian-presidency-sacks-head-of-national-tv-channel-401347">Also read |&nbsp;Tunisian presidency sacks head of national TV channel</a>

Ayari's wife said on Facebook that his detention was "violent".

There was no immediate confirmation from the&nbsp;president's office or prosecutors on the&nbsp;arrest.

His opponents accuse him of having staged a "coup", but&nbsp;Saied&nbsp;has said his actions are justified under the constitution which allows the head of state to take unspecified exceptional measures in the event of an "imminent threat".

In a Facebook post, Ayari said the&nbsp;president's actions represented "a reversal of the constitution... with the use of the army".

Saied&nbsp;has also declared a crackdown on corruption, accusing 460 businessmen of embezzlement.&nbsp;

On top of the political turmoil, the North African nation is beset by a crippling economic crisis including soaring inflation and high unemployment, as well as surging COVID-19 infections.

Tunisian security forces on Friday arrested a member of parliament who condemned President Kais Saied's power grab as a "military coup", his party said. The president's shock move, including a 30-day suspension of parliament, has plunged Tunisia into political turmoil.

Tunisian security forces on Friday arrested a member of parliament who condemned President Kais Saied's power grab as a "military coup", his party said. The president's shock move, including a 30-day suspension of parliament, has plunged Tunisia into political turmoil. "It is a military coup," independent MP Yassine Ayari said on Facebook after the president last Sunday suspended parliament and sacked the premier. Ayari, 30, is a vocal critic of authorities who has had many run-ins with the law in past years. He was sentenced to six months in prison in 2015 for defaming the army and was handed a three-month jail sentence in 2018 for criticising the military. His party, Hope and Labour, said he was arrested by members of the president's security team who did not provide any arrest warrant. Also read | Tunisian presidency sacks head of national TV channel Ayari's wife said on Facebook that his detention was "violent". There was no immediate confirmation from the president's office or prosecutors on the arrest. His opponents accuse him of having staged a "coup", but Saied has said his actions are justified under the constitution which allows the head of state to take unspecified exceptional measures in the event of an "imminent threat". In a Facebook post, Ayari said the president's actions represented "a reversal of the constitution... with the use of the army". Saied has also declared a crackdown on corruption, accusing 460 businessmen of embezzlement. On top of the political turmoil, the North African nation is beset by a crippling economic crisis including soaring inflation and high unemployment, as well as surging COVID-19 infections.

Tunisian MP critical of president's power grab arrested: party

During a meeting with governors on Friday, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin.

When the President received the message, he was in the middle of a meeting on the White House grounds on wildfire prevention.&nbsp;

A video showing Biden's staffer handing him the message as Vice President Kamala Harris was speaking to the governors was quickly published on Twitter by the Republican National Committee (RNC).&nbsp;

“After a staffer gives Joe Biden a note saying, ‘there’s something on your chin,’ Biden wipes his chin,” tweeted the account, “[He] Then appears to put whatever was on his chin in his mouth?”&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After a staffer gives Joe Biden a note saying, “there’s something on your chin,” Biden wipes his chin. 
 
Then appears to put whatever was on his chin in his mouth? <a href="https://t.co/VvN17i4IWY">pic.twitter.com/VvN17i4IWY</a>
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1421160907367927813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, the president flipped the sheet of paper over, exposing the message to everybody.

He was also seen wiping his chin and then inspecting his hand to see whether he had properly wiped it off in the footage.&nbsp;

On Twitter, his opponents mocked him for the gaffe, referring to his age — a common taunt of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who was known for making blunders while in government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During a meeting with governors on Friday, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin.

During a meeting with governors on Friday, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin. When the President received the message, he was in the middle of a meeting on the White House grounds on wildfire prevention. A video showing Biden's staffer handing him the message as Vice President Kamala Harris was speaking to the governors was quickly published on Twitter by the Republican National Committee (RNC). “After a staffer gives Joe Biden a note saying, ‘there’s something on your chin,’ Biden wipes his chin,” tweeted the account, “[He] Then appears to put whatever was on his chin in his mouth?” After a staffer gives Joe Biden a note saying, “there’s something on your chin,” Biden wipes his chin. Then appears to put whatever was on his chin in his mouth? pic.twitter.com/VvN17i4IWY — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 30, 2021 × However, the president flipped the sheet of paper over, exposing the message to everybody. He was also seen wiping his chin and then inspecting his hand to see whether he had properly wiped it off in the footage. On Twitter, his opponents mocked him for the gaffe, referring to his age — a common taunt of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who was known for making blunders while in government. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: ‘Sir, there is something on your chin’ — Biden accidentally reveals staff note

US President Joe Biden has chosen Pakistani-origin Khizr Khan as commissioner (head) of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, said White House in a statement on Friday.&nbsp;

During the last year's US presidential elections, Khan had endorsed Biden.&nbsp;As per a CNN report, the White House recognises Khan as 'an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity’.&nbsp;

The White House also said, “Khizr Khan devotes a substantial amount of his time to providing legal services to veterans, men and women serving in uniform, and their families. Today's announcement underscores the president's commitment to build an administration that looks like America and reflects people of all faiths." &nbsp;

Recently, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia. It could be one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House. &nbsp;

In the Obama administration, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, had served as ambassador to Japan. &nbsp;

Kennedy is an ally, donor and longtime friend of Biden, who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign. She also spoke last summer at the Democratic convention. &nbsp;

A spokesperson of White House declined to comment on the matter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has chosen Pakistani-origin Khizr Khan as commissioner (head) of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, said White House in a statement on Friday.

US President Joe Biden has chosen Pakistani-origin Khizr Khan as commissioner (head) of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, said White House in a statement on Friday. During the last year's US presidential elections, Khan had endorsed Biden. As per a CNN report, the White House recognises Khan as 'an advocate for religious freedom as a core element of human dignity’. The White House also said, “Khizr Khan devotes a substantial amount of his time to providing legal services to veterans, men and women serving in uniform, and their families. Today's announcement underscores the president's commitment to build an administration that looks like America and reflects people of all faiths." Recently, US President Joe Biden seems to be poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as the country’s ambassador to Australia. It could be one of the highest-profile envoy selections by the White House. In the Obama administration, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, had served as ambassador to Japan. Kennedy is an ally, donor and longtime friend of Biden, who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign. She also spoke last summer at the Democratic convention. A spokesperson of White House declined to comment on the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden appoints Pak-origin Khizr Khan as chief of religious freedom commission 

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil.

"I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law.

The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori.

Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-wants-a-president-thousands-march-in-lima-as-election-result-drags-396358">Also read |&nbsp;'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags</a>

Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats.&nbsp;

He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury.

Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests.

Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support.

'New deal' with investors

"This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit.

He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea.

"During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets).&nbsp;It is totally false.&nbsp;We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors."

Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite.

He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation.

He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion.

Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate.

An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent.

Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country."

&nbsp;President of all Peruvians

It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru.

A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November.

Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft.

Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids.

The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders.

"Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP.

On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis."

Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency.

This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro.

Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime.

Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term.

Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.&nbsp;

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution.

Leftist Pedro Castillo was sworn in as Peru's fifth president in three years Wednesday on the 200th anniversary of the country's independence, promising an end to corruption and a new constitution. The 51-year-old rural schoolteacher, who has vowed to upend a quarter-century of neo-liberal government, enters the job with a lengthy to-do list: tame the coronavirus epidemic, reactivate a flagging economy and end years of political turmoil. "I swear by the people of Peru for a country without corruption and for a new constitution," he declared before Congress, coming back to a campaign promise to change Peru's free market-friendly founding law. The existing charter is a relic of ex-president Alberto Fujimori, serving jail time for corruption and crimes against humanity, and father of Castillo's main presidential rival, right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori. Insisting Peru could not "remain a prisoner" of the 1993 constitution, Castillo said he would send a bill to parliament with a view to organising a referendum on replacing it. Also read | 'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags Castillo's Free Peru party does not enjoy a majority in a fragmented congress, holding 37 of the 130 seats. He was declared the election victor on July 19, more than six weeks after a runoff race against Fujimori, whose allegations of voter fraud then had to be reviewed by an electoral jury. Wednesday's swearing-in was attended by Spanish King Felipe VI, five Latin American leaders, former Bolivian president Evo Morales and the United States education secretary, among other guests. Some 10,000 police officers were deployed in the capital Lima, and Castillo voters came out waving banners in a show of support. 'New deal' with investors "This is the first time this country will be governed by a peasant," Castillo told guests, sporting his trademark, traditional white sombrero and a typical black Andean suit. He also sought to calm fears among investors, the business community and backers of Fujimori, who had sought to portray him as a communist who would turn Peru into a new Venezuela or North Korea. "During the election campaign it was said that we are going to expropriate (assets). It is totally false. We want the economy to have order," the new president said, adding, however, that he would be looking for a "new deal with private investors." Castillo is Peru's first president in decades with no ties to the country's political or economic elite. He has promised reform to ensure there are "no more poor people in a rich country," but has softened his initial campaign talk of nationalisation. He is a devout Catholic opposed to gay marriage and abortion. Peru has been hard-hit by the coronavirus epidemic. With nearly 200,000 deaths among its 32 million population, it has the world's highest reported mortality rate. An extended pandemic lockdown in 2020 is blamed for the loss of millions of jobs and dumping the country into recession. GDP dropped more than 11 percent. Castillo has appointed as his chief economic advisor World Bank economist Pedro Francke, who recently told AFP: "We will not expropriate, we will not nationalise, we will not impose generalised price controls, we will not make any exchange control that prevents you from buying and selling dollars or taking dollars out of the country." President of all Peruvians It is widely hoped Castillo will bring an end to years of political upheaval in Peru. A series of corruption scandals saw three different presidents in office in a single week last November. Seven of the country's last 10 leaders have either been convicted or are under investigation for graft. Now that she has lost, Fujimori faces a corruption trial for allegedly taking illicit campaign funding for two previous presidential bids. The election campaign has also been deeply polarizing, with often vehement public support on both sides of the political spectrum for the final two contenders. "Castillo must rapidly position himself as a president of all Peruvians and not as a president of half of Peruvians," political analyst Jessica Smith told AFP. On Monday, Castillo received congratulations in a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who "reinforced our shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic prosperity" and thanked Peru for support "in addressing the Venezuela crisis." Shortly after Wednesday's inauguration ceremony, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza arrived in Lima, according to the Andina news agency. This marked a turning point in bilateral relations, with Peru among dozens of countries -- including the United States -- to have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate leader over President Nicolas Maduro. Free Peru is one of few left-wing Peruvian parties to defend Maduro's regime. Castillo, who has vowed to renounce his presidential salary, said Wednesday he would also not govern from the official presidential residence, Pizarro Palace, in a "break with the colonial symbols," and said he would return to his schoolteacher's job at the end of his five-year term. Three days of ceremonies will culminate in a military parade in Lima on Friday to mark the swearing in.

Peru's new president promises constitution change

Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;President Alassane&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11&nbsp;conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind&nbsp;us".

"How are you, Laurent? Happy to see you,"&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;said as Gbagbo arrived at the presidential palace in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan.

At a joint news conference&nbsp;after&nbsp;their meeting,&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;said: "This crisis created differences, but that is&nbsp;behind&nbsp;us. What is important for&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;is peace in our country."

Gbagbo, for his part, called for the release of prisoners held since the crisis, which was sparked by his refusal to accept defeat at the ballot box to&nbsp;Ouattara.

Gbagbo, 76, has leapt into the spotlight since returning last month from Europe,&nbsp;after&nbsp;having been acquitted for crimes against humanity in a landmark case heard at the International Criminal Court.

The post-electoral&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;claimed more than 3,000 lives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-dead-in-ivory-coast-coach-and-minibus-crash-398348">Also read |&nbsp;25 dead in Ivory Coast coach and minibus crash</a>

After&nbsp;he was ousted, Gbagbo was flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity, of which he was eventually acquitted.

'Sign of healing'&nbsp;

Tuesday's meeting was closely watched for signs of whether the two former rivals have buried the hatchet, boosting hopes for national rapprochement&nbsp;after&nbsp;deadly clashes last year.

"The mere fact of seeing&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;and Gbagbo together is being seen as a sign of healing and a strong image for Ivorians in their quest for peace and national reconciliation," the opposition newspaper Notre Voie (Our Way) said.

But Gbagbo's spokesman Justin Katinan Kone urged the public "not to make too much" of the meeting.

"This is a courtesy visit to his elder... If it helps to ease the political atmosphere, so much the better," he said.

A onetime international banker,&nbsp;Ouattara, 79, won a landslide victory in the last elections on October 31. But the credibility of the win was undermined by an opposition boycott.

In the run-up to the vote, scores of people died in clashes with police&nbsp;after&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;unveiled his controversial bid for a third term.

In this context,&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;has officially welcomed Gbagbo's return, hoping it will ease tensions.

But the question is whether Gbagbo will stick to the script of statesman or prefer an active political role that may challenge&nbsp;Ouattara.

'Sustainable peace'

Gbagbo&nbsp;rose in the 1970s as a left-wing campaigner who helped end&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast's one-party system following independence from France in 1960.

His years in power were marked by rebellion, civil war, national divisions and repeatedly postponed elections, but he retains considerable grassroots support.

His defenders portray him as a champion of the poor and oppressed.

Commentators are also watching the interplay among&nbsp;Ouattara,&nbsp;Gbagbo&nbsp;and former president Henri Konan Bedie, 87, three men who have dominated the political stage for decades.

Bedie teamed up with&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;in the 2010 elections, but in 2018 his Democratic Party of the&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;(PDCI) joined the opposition.

In March, it forged an electoral alliance with Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party, and on July 11,&nbsp;Gbagbo&nbsp;and Bedie announced they were united in the goal of forging "final and sustainable peace".

"The PDCI welcomes the new disposition of the president towards dialogue," one of the party's directors, N'Goran Djedri, told AFP&nbsp;after&nbsp;the press conference, adding that&nbsp;Ouattara&nbsp;was following in Bedie and Gbagbo's footsteps by embracing "this spirit of inclusive dialogue".

"We believe that Ivorians can feel the ground shifting in favour of peace and reconciliation, and that benefits everyone."&nbsp;

One lingering matter is a 20-year jail sentence for Gbagbo, who was convicted in absentia of "looting" the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) during the 2010-11&nbsp;conflict.

Authorities have hinted that this sentence will be lifted.

Issiaka Diaby, who heads an association called the Collective of&nbsp;Ivory&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Victims, lashed out at "selective" decisions by the judicial system.

"We believe that reconciliation cannot be boiled down to a meeting between two citizens," he said on Tuesday at ceremonies in an Abidjan graveyard to honour fatalities in the 2010-11 crisis.

"We need truth, justice."

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11 conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind us".

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara offered a hearty welcome to his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday as the rivals met for the first time since the West African country's deadly 2010-11 conflict, saying the turmoil was "behind us". "How are you, Laurent? Happy to see you," Ouattara said as Gbagbo arrived at the presidential palace in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan. At a joint news conference after their meeting, Ouattara said: "This crisis created differences, but that is behind us. What is important for Ivory Coast is peace in our country." Gbagbo, for his part, called for the release of prisoners held since the crisis, which was sparked by his refusal to accept defeat at the ballot box to Ouattara. Gbagbo, 76, has leapt into the spotlight since returning last month from Europe, after having been acquitted for crimes against humanity in a landmark case heard at the International Criminal Court. The post-electoral conflict claimed more than 3,000 lives. Also read | 25 dead in Ivory Coast coach and minibus crash After he was ousted, Gbagbo was flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity, of which he was eventually acquitted. 'Sign of healing' Tuesday's meeting was closely watched for signs of whether the two former rivals have buried the hatchet, boosting hopes for national rapprochement after deadly clashes last year. "The mere fact of seeing Ouattara and Gbagbo together is being seen as a sign of healing and a strong image for Ivorians in their quest for peace and national reconciliation," the opposition newspaper Notre Voie (Our Way) said. But Gbagbo's spokesman Justin Katinan Kone urged the public "not to make too much" of the meeting. "This is a courtesy visit to his elder... If it helps to ease the political atmosphere, so much the better," he said. A onetime international banker, Ouattara, 79, won a landslide victory in the last elections on October 31. But the credibility of the win was undermined by an opposition boycott. In the run-up to the vote, scores of people died in clashes with police after Ouattara unveiled his controversial bid for a third term. In this context, Ouattara has officially welcomed Gbagbo's return, hoping it will ease tensions. But the question is whether Gbagbo will stick to the script of statesman or prefer an active political role that may challenge Ouattara. 'Sustainable peace' Gbagbo rose in the 1970s as a left-wing campaigner who helped end Ivory Coast's one-party system following independence from France in 1960. His years in power were marked by rebellion, civil war, national divisions and repeatedly postponed elections, but he retains considerable grassroots support. His defenders portray him as a champion of the poor and oppressed. Commentators are also watching the interplay among Ouattara, Gbagbo and former president Henri Konan Bedie, 87, three men who have dominated the political stage for decades. Bedie teamed up with Ouattara in the 2010 elections, but in 2018 his Democratic Party of the Ivory Coast (PDCI) joined the opposition. In March, it forged an electoral alliance with Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party, and on July 11, Gbagbo and Bedie announced they were united in the goal of forging "final and sustainable peace". "The PDCI welcomes the new disposition of the president towards dialogue," one of the party's directors, N'Goran Djedri, told AFP after the press conference, adding that Ouattara was following in Bedie and Gbagbo's footsteps by embracing "this spirit of inclusive dialogue". "We believe that Ivorians can feel the ground shifting in favour of peace and reconciliation, and that benefits everyone." One lingering matter is a 20-year jail sentence for Gbagbo, who was convicted in absentia of "looting" the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) during the 2010-11 conflict. Authorities have hinted that this sentence will be lifted. Issiaka Diaby, who heads an association called the Collective of Ivory Coast Victims, lashed out at "selective" decisions by the judicial system. "We believe that reconciliation cannot be boiled down to a meeting between two citizens," he said on Tuesday at ceremonies in an Abidjan graveyard to honour fatalities in the 2010-11 crisis. "We need truth, justice."

Conflict 'behind us', Ivory Coast's Ouattara says after greeting rival

Another presidential candidate was arrested in&nbsp;Nicaragua&nbsp;on Saturday, police said -- the seventh potential contender detained by Daniel Ortega's government in the lead-up to elections on November 7.

Noel Vidaurre was put under house arrest, accused of "undermining the sovereignty" of the country, in the latest of a series of arrests condemned by the United States and European Union.

Long-term Nicaraguan leader Ortega will seek a fourth consecutive presidential term at the elections.

Ortega, 75, will be the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front's candidate for the presidential vote, Gustavo Porras, the speaker of&nbsp;Nicaragua's assembly, confirmed last week.

Seven opposition presidential hopefuls have been among 28 people detained by Ortega's government.

In a clampdown that began on June 2, Ortega's government has rounded up political rivals in a series of house raids and nighttime arrests on charges of threatening&nbsp;Nicaragua's "sovereignty."

The charges are rooted in a law initiated by Ortega and approved by lawmakers in December, widely criticized as a means of freezing out challengers and silencing opponents ahead of the election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicaragua-lambastes-spanish-foreign-minister-in-furious-broadside-394227">Also read |&nbsp;Nicaragua lambastes Spanish foreign minister in furious broadside</a>

The law bars "those who ask for, celebrate and applaud the imposition of sanctions against the Nicaraguan state" from seeking public office.

Vidaurre, 66, was one potential candidate for the Alianza Ciudadanos por la Libertad group standing against Ortega.

Presidential candidates will be able to register from July 28 to August 2.

Ortega says the people rounded up by his forces are "criminals" seeking to overthrow him with US backing.

But the clampdown has drawn international condemnation and fresh sanctions, with the United States branding the long-term leader a "dictator."

The European Union has said it was "inconceivable" the November elections "will be anything remotely approaching a democratic competition."

A firebrand Marxist in his younger days, Ortega and his Sandinistas toppled a corrupt autocratic regime to popular applause and seized control of the country in 1979.

He was elected president in 1984 and ruled until 1990 when he was beaten by Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, then returned to power in 2007. He has won two successive reelections.

Cristiana Chamorro, ex-president Chamorro's daughter and widely seen as the favorite to beat Ortega this year, was the first to be targeted and is now under house arrest on government claims of money laundering.

Ortega has been accused of increasing authoritarianism, especially following the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations in 2018 which left more than 300 dead and thousands in exile, according to rights bodies.

His vice president since 2017 is his wife, Rosario Murillo.&nbsp;

Another presidential candidate was arrested in Nicaragua on Saturday, police said -- the seventh potential contender detained by Daniel Ortega's government in the lead-up to elections on November 7.

Another presidential candidate was arrested in Nicaragua on Saturday, police said -- the seventh potential contender detained by Daniel Ortega's government in the lead-up to elections on November 7. Noel Vidaurre was put under house arrest, accused of "undermining the sovereignty" of the country, in the latest of a series of arrests condemned by the United States and European Union. Long-term Nicaraguan leader Ortega will seek a fourth consecutive presidential term at the elections. Ortega, 75, will be the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front's candidate for the presidential vote, Gustavo Porras, the speaker of Nicaragua's assembly, confirmed last week. Seven opposition presidential hopefuls have been among 28 people detained by Ortega's government. In a clampdown that began on June 2, Ortega's government has rounded up political rivals in a series of house raids and nighttime arrests on charges of threatening Nicaragua's "sovereignty." The charges are rooted in a law initiated by Ortega and approved by lawmakers in December, widely criticized as a means of freezing out challengers and silencing opponents ahead of the election. Also read | Nicaragua lambastes Spanish foreign minister in furious broadside The law bars "those who ask for, celebrate and applaud the imposition of sanctions against the Nicaraguan state" from seeking public office. Vidaurre, 66, was one potential candidate for the Alianza Ciudadanos por la Libertad group standing against Ortega. Presidential candidates will be able to register from July 28 to August 2. Ortega says the people rounded up by his forces are "criminals" seeking to overthrow him with US backing. But the clampdown has drawn international condemnation and fresh sanctions, with the United States branding the long-term leader a "dictator." The European Union has said it was "inconceivable" the November elections "will be anything remotely approaching a democratic competition." A firebrand Marxist in his younger days, Ortega and his Sandinistas toppled a corrupt autocratic regime to popular applause and seized control of the country in 1979. He was elected president in 1984 and ruled until 1990 when he was beaten by Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, then returned to power in 2007. He has won two successive reelections. Cristiana Chamorro, ex-president Chamorro's daughter and widely seen as the favorite to beat Ortega this year, was the first to be targeted and is now under house arrest on government claims of money laundering. Ortega has been accused of increasing authoritarianism, especially following the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations in 2018 which left more than 300 dead and thousands in exile, according to rights bodies. His vice president since 2017 is his wife, Rosario Murillo.

Another presidential hopeful arrested in Nicaragua

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday.

"President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday called Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over the loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The governor apprised the President about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said. As many as 129 people have died in rain-related incidents, including multiple landslides, in Maharashtra over the last two days, according to official data updated till Friday. "President Shri Ram Nath Kovind called Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and expressed his concern over loss of life and property in the state due to rains and floods. The Governor apprised him about rescue and relief works undertaken to mitigate people's plight," the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.

Indian Prez calls Maharashtra governor, expresses concern over loss of life due to rains, floods

In a recent interview,&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen&nbsp;said the group is ready to&nbsp;lay down&nbsp;arms&nbsp;after&nbsp;a negotiated government acceptable to all sides&nbsp;of&nbsp;the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed.

Shaheen, who is also a member of the group’s negotiating team,&nbsp;gave interview to&nbsp;The Associated Press news agency.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“I want to make it clear that we do not believe in the monopoly of power because any governments,&nbsp;who (sought) to&nbsp;monopolise&nbsp;power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also&nbsp;apparently included&nbsp;the Taliban’s own five-year rule in the&nbsp;assessment, and added,&nbsp;“So,&nbsp;we do not want to repeat that same formula.”&nbsp;He&nbsp;laid out the group’s stance on what should come next in the&nbsp;war-torn&nbsp;country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say.&nbsp;

The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country.&nbsp;

The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent interview, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the group is ready to lay down arms after a negotiated government acceptable to all sides of the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed.

In a recent interview, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the group is ready to lay down arms after a negotiated government acceptable to all sides of the conflict is installed in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed. Shaheen, who is also a member of the group’s negotiating team, gave interview to The Associated Press news agency. The spokesman said, “I want to make it clear that we do not believe in the monopoly of power because any governments, who (sought) to monopolise power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments.” He also apparently included the Taliban’s own five-year rule in the assessment, and added, “So, we do not want to repeat that same formula.” He laid out the group’s stance on what should come next in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, after reeling from a surge in battlefield losses, Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure, Afghan and US officials say. The politically perilous strategy will inevitably cede territory to Taliban insurgents. But officials say it appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. The consolidation of forces, which has been publicly acknowledged but not reported in such detail before, coincides with the US military withdrawal ahead of a formal end to the military mission on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban offer peace deal, but want Afghan President removed 

China's&nbsp;President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping visited the&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official&nbsp;Xinhua news agency, in his&nbsp;first&nbsp;recorded visit as leader of the nation.

Xi&nbsp;flew into the city of Nyingchi on Wednesday and took a train to&nbsp;Tibetan capital Lhasa the following day along a section of the high-elevation railway being built to link the mountainous border region with Sichuan province.

In Lhasa,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;visited a monastery and the Potala Palace Square, and "inspected ethnic religion" and&nbsp;Tibetan cultural heritage protection, according to&nbsp;Xinhua. The palace is the traditional home of&nbsp;Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who is in exile and has been branded a dangerous separatist by Beijing.

In Nyingchi, he also inspected rural rejuvenation and environmental protection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-wuhan-lab-leak-study-china-opposes-virus-origins-probe-399644">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe</a>

Tibet, on&nbsp;China's&nbsp;border with India, is seen as having critical strategic importance to Beijing. Last year China and India saw the most serious clash in decades on their disputed border in the Himalayas, with deaths on both sides.

Photos released by&nbsp;Xinhua show&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;was accompanied by Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Central Military Commission and a senior general in the People's Liberation Army.

Xi&nbsp;was last in&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;in 2011, when he was vice&nbsp;president.

Beijing sent troops into&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest.

China's President Xi Jinping visited the Tibet Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official Xinhua news agency, in his first recorded visit as leader of the nation.

China's President Xi Jinping visited the Tibet Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official Xinhua news agency, in his first recorded visit as leader of the nation. Xi flew into the city of Nyingchi on Wednesday and took a train to Tibetan capital Lhasa the following day along a section of the high-elevation railway being built to link the mountainous border region with Sichuan province. In Lhasa, Xi visited a monastery and the Potala Palace Square, and "inspected ethnic religion" and Tibetan cultural heritage protection, according to Xinhua. The palace is the traditional home of Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who is in exile and has been branded a dangerous separatist by Beijing. In Nyingchi, he also inspected rural rejuvenation and environmental protection. Also read | COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe Tibet, on China's border with India, is seen as having critical strategic importance to Beijing. Last year China and India saw the most serious clash in decades on their disputed border in the Himalayas, with deaths on both sides. Photos released by Xinhua show Xi was accompanied by Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a senior general in the People's Liberation Army. Xi was last in Tibet in 2011, when he was vice president. Beijing sent troops into Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest.

China's Xi visits Tibet for first time as president

The President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, has said that under his leadership he will "make sure the members move forward" in the process of UN Security Council reforms.

The President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, has said that under his leadership he will "make sure the members move forward" in the process of UN Security Council reforms. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Abdulla, who is on a Delhi visit, pointed out that his "presidency of hope" will have a focus on Covid crisis, rebuilding sustainably, reviving the economic devastation, UNSC reforms and climate change as the main issues. India is the first stop of his destination after the victory in June. He is also the foreign minister of Maldives and called ties with India "special". Asked about threats to Indian diplomats, as the foreign minister of his country he assured, "We do not take any of these threats lightly", adding his government has taken "appropriate security measures to protect the Indian diplomats in the country". WION: What will be your key focus areas during your Delhi visit? Also, congratulations on your new role as the UNGA president starting September. Abdulla Shahid: Thank you very much for your kind wishes. I am looking forward to calling on the Prime Minister and meeting [External Affairs Minister] Dr Jaishankar. We will be discussing multilateral issues as well as bilateral issues between the two countries. We have been able to consolidate the Maldives-India relationship during the past two and half years of President Solih's government. We have been working very closely at the multilateral forums promoting mutual issues. It will be an opportunity to catch up. WION: What will be your key focus areas as the president of the United Nations General assembly starting from September? Abdulla Shahid: I came promising the presidency of hope. I choose the theme of the presidency of hope, taking into account the loss, pain, and devastation that COVID-19 has taken in all countries of the world. I felt that it is the time we look to the future. Take into heart the goodness that we have inside, every individual. during the pandemic, we have seen the kindness, the humanity of so many, the frontline workers, the healthcare workers--nurses and doctors, so selflessly giving themselves to the cause of humanity. we have seen a miraculous vaccine invented during record time, there is light at the end of the tunnel. That is why I came to promising--the presidency of hope. During the presidency of home, it is my submission to the international community that we build a presidency of hope on 5 rays of hope--recovering from COVID-19, rebuilding sustainably, reviving from the economic devastation, we have to reform the United Nations, we have to address the climate issues and we have to respect human rights, the right of all. These are the areas that I will be concentrating on during my presidency. WION: Reforming the United Nations Security Council has been something that is much talked about with a lot of focus here in Delhi. How will you make sure things move forward? Abdulla Shahid: The United Nations Security Council reform is a membership-driven process. The role of the president of the general assembly is to bring the members together. The membership-driven process of UNSC reforms, I hope will gain momentum during my presidency. You would recall that the Maldives was one of the 10 countries that initiated the Security Council reform process way back in the early 1970s. We are committed to it, Maldives is committed to it. As the president of UNGA, I will do my utmost to make sure the members move forward on this process. WION: As UNGA president, your focus is on Afghanistan, especially forming consensus. It is a neighbour and SAARC member. What will your message be for the people of Afghanistan? Abdulla Shahid: For the people of Afghanistan, my message is that they are resilient people. That they will be able to come together and they should be fully committed as they are to the promotion of democracy and respect for human rights, good governance. I wish them all the best. WION: The entire world is divided on the issue of cross border terrorism. India has been calling for a single definition on the issue of terror. What is your focus area, especially on consensus formation? Abdulla Shahid: Terrorism is a scourge that has taken so many victims and it may hit anywhere because it is one person to cause so much damage. It is clear that the international community must come together and come together to make sure that we condemn all forms of terrorism. We can't pick and choose when it comes to terrorism. The definition that has been so long in coming within the United Nations is still not forthcoming. I hope given the experience of so many countries with terrorism, we will be able to come to a clear definition of terrorism. That will be the most clear signal for those perpetrators who so callously take innocent lives. we need to come together WION: You are also the foreign minister of Maldives. Speaking of the ties, what is the sentiment for India in the Maldives and how do you characterise this relationship? Abdulla Shahid: The Maldives has always believed that India is a special friend. It has always come to us at the most needed time, irrespective of the government in place, either in Male or in Delhi, the special relationship has flourished. Look at the 1988 coup, terror attack on the Maldives, India was the first responder. Look at the Indian Ocean tsunami that totally devastated the island, Indian Navy was the first responder. During President Yameen's time, we had the Male water crisis. The entire Male ran out of water, India was the first responder. Clearly shows, irrespective of government in either in Male or Delhi, the special relationship has never changed. When it came to the Covid crisis, India was the first responder, India made sure, when you rolled out the vaccines here in India, within 48 hours, the vaccines reached the Maldives and we started our rollout. These great acts of kindness, timely kindness are, remembered and appreciated in the Maldives. WION: Who is behind the anti-India campaign, especially on social media? Abdulla Shahid: It is very clear, the former government when they were in place, they were in government, they did not have a proper foreign policy. They had only one policy, that is to try and play one country against the other. It is clear that the India out campaign that is going by a few people on social, that is also an act of trying to play one country against other. It does not work in this day and age. In this day and age, we need to engage with all countries, and President Solih's govt will engage with everyone. We are reaping the fruits of engagement with everyone. WION: There seems to be a threat to Indian diplomats. What measures is the Maldives taking to ensure their safety? Abdulla Shahid: We do not take any of these threats lightly. The government has taken appropriate security measures to protect the Indian diplomats in the country and Sidhant you would know that when it comes to social media, and the internet, it takes just one person to float such a threat. It should not be seen as the majority of Maldivians supporting this kind of violent propaganda. Fake news is an issue that not only Maldives has to deal with, here in India it is the same, in the United States it is the same, we all have to live with this in this day and age of such proliferation of information which takes one individual to right something on media. WION: Both India and Maldives working for the security of the wider Indian ocean. Since you are at the heart of the Indian Ocean, are you worried about illegal fishing, piracy? Abdulla Shahid: I am very happy that you mentioned the Maldives as the heart of the Indian ocean, that is something that I firmly believe in. We are in the heart of the Indian Ocean. We are a large ocean state, huge ocean territory and we also have most of our wealth in that area. The fish stocks, we can't let fish stocks be captured by the illegal trawlers, we can't let our territory be used as a transit point for drugs, people who are trading in drugs, we cant have peace and stability of the Indian ocean be compromised. Because peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indian ocean are of utmost importance for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Maldives. Vice versa, stability, prosperity, and peace of Maldives is required for the greater Indian ocean prosperity. So it is a relationship that is connected and the Maldives will be playing the role it is required to. Recently we became a member of the Indian Ocean rim association and we will take that responsibility seriously, we will work together with India, Sri Lanka, and many many other countries of the region to make sure we maintain this ocean of our stable, peaceful, and prosperous ocean.

'Will take UNSC reform forward', says UNGA President-elect Abdulla Shahid

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise&nbsp;long-delayed elections.

Henry was installed as head of a new government in an attempt to stabilisee a country on the brink of chaos since the murder of president Jovenel Moise at his residence in the early hours of July 7.

The swearing-in of Henry, who was named to the post by Moise days before his death, was seen as a key step towards holding elections as demanded by many Haitians and the international community.

After the president was killed by armed commandos, acting prime minister Claude Joseph declared a "state of siege" and said he was in charge, launching a power tussle in the violence-wracked, impoverished Caribbean nation.

"One of my priority tasks will be to reassure the people that we will do everything to restore order and security," Henry said Tuesday to&nbsp;Haiti's population of 10 million people.

"This is one of the main issues that the president wanted me to tackle, because he understood that it was a necessary step if we were to succeed in his other concern of organising credible, honest, transparent and inclusive elections."

The inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince was preceded by solemn tributes to Moise, including speeches, dancing and music on a stage set with bouquets of white flowers and a giant portrait of the assassinated president.

Haitian authorities, with the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, are still investigating the murky motives for Moise's assassination.&nbsp;

More than 20 people, many of them retired Colombian military personnel, have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Ruled by decree

In the new government, Joseph, who agreed to stand down and cede the role to Henry, returned to his former post as foreign minister.

Moise, 53, had ruled&nbsp;Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of multiple disputes, including on when his own term ended.

As well as presidential, legislative and local elections,&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;had been due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the power struggle after Moise's killing, the balance tipped towards Henry when ambassadors -- including from the United States, France and the United Nations -- informally threw their support behind the 71-year-old neurosurgeon.

Haiti&nbsp;has no working parliament and no workable succession process, and was already mired deep in a political and security crisis when Moise was killed.

Haitian police have accused a Haitian doctor with ties to Florida, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, of being a mastermind of the plot and having "political objectives."

"All the culprits, perpetrators and sponsors must be identified and brought before Haitian justice," Henry, who has previously held several ministerial jobs, said in his speech.

"And I hope that exemplary and dissuasive sentences will be pronounced. The nation expects no less from its leaders. Never again will we have to relive such a tragedy."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haitis-acting-pm-to-resign-in-wake-of-moises-assassination-report-399184">Also read |&nbsp;Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s&nbsp;assassination: Report&nbsp;</a>

"The solution to the Haitian crisis must come from the Haitians," he added.

"Everything is negotiable, except democracy, elections and the rule of law."

Henry also thanked international partners for the arrival of the country's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, which arrived last week in a nation with scarce health resources.

The United States, which exerts wide influence in&nbsp;Haiti, welcomed the new government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying it was "a positive and necessary step to respond to the Haitian people’s needs and begin restoring&nbsp;Haiti's democratic institutions."

Moise will be laid to rest on Friday in the northern city of Cap-Haitien. His widow Martine, who was seriously wounded in the attack, was treated in a Miami hospital before returning home over the weekend.

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise long-delayed elections.

Haiti's new prime minister Ariel Henry took office Tuesday in the aftermath of the president's assassination two weeks ago, pledging to improve the country's dire security and to organise long-delayed elections. Henry was installed as head of a new government in an attempt to stabilisee a country on the brink of chaos since the murder of president Jovenel Moise at his residence in the early hours of July 7. The swearing-in of Henry, who was named to the post by Moise days before his death, was seen as a key step towards holding elections as demanded by many Haitians and the international community. After the president was killed by armed commandos, acting prime minister Claude Joseph declared a "state of siege" and said he was in charge, launching a power tussle in the violence-wracked, impoverished Caribbean nation. "One of my priority tasks will be to reassure the people that we will do everything to restore order and security," Henry said Tuesday to Haiti's population of 10 million people. "This is one of the main issues that the president wanted me to tackle, because he understood that it was a necessary step if we were to succeed in his other concern of organising credible, honest, transparent and inclusive elections." The inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince was preceded by solemn tributes to Moise, including speeches, dancing and music on a stage set with bouquets of white flowers and a giant portrait of the assassinated president. Haitian authorities, with the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, are still investigating the murky motives for Moise's assassination. More than 20 people, many of them retired Colombian military personnel, have been arrested in connection with the killing. Ruled by decree In the new government, Joseph, who agreed to stand down and cede the role to Henry, returned to his former post as foreign minister. Moise, 53, had ruled Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of multiple disputes, including on when his own term ended. As well as presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti had been due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the power struggle after Moise's killing, the balance tipped towards Henry when ambassadors -- including from the United States, France and the United Nations -- informally threw their support behind the 71-year-old neurosurgeon. Haiti has no working parliament and no workable succession process, and was already mired deep in a political and security crisis when Moise was killed. Haitian police have accused a Haitian doctor with ties to Florida, Christian Emmanuel Sanon, of being a mastermind of the plot and having "political objectives." "All the culprits, perpetrators and sponsors must be identified and brought before Haitian justice," Henry, who has previously held several ministerial jobs, said in his speech. "And I hope that exemplary and dissuasive sentences will be pronounced. The nation expects no less from its leaders. Never again will we have to relive such a tragedy." Also read | Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s assassination: Report "The solution to the Haitian crisis must come from the Haitians," he added. "Everything is negotiable, except democracy, elections and the rule of law." Henry also thanked international partners for the arrival of the country's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, which arrived last week in a nation with scarce health resources. The United States, which exerts wide influence in Haiti, welcomed the new government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying it was "a positive and necessary step to respond to the Haitian people’s needs and begin restoring Haiti's democratic institutions." Moise will be laid to rest on Friday in the northern city of Cap-Haitien. His widow Martine, who was seriously wounded in the attack, was treated in a Miami hospital before returning home over the weekend.

Roiled by presidential assassination, Haiti swears in new PM

The&nbsp;Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6.

In a brief notice, the Inspector General's office said it would evaluate the extent to which&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;officials could detect and respond if the Presidential Emergency Satchel were "lost, stolen or compromised."

"We may revise the objective as the evaluation proceeds," it said.

One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said concerns surrounding the Jan. 6 siege helped trigger the evaluation. On that date, Vice President Mike Pence was at the US&nbsp;Capitol, accompanied by a military aide carrying a backup nuclear football when the building was stormed by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

The satchel holds the codes the president would use to authenticate an order to launch nuclear missiles should he or she not be at the White House.

Security footage made public during Trump's subsequent impeachment trial showed Pence and the military aide - who had the satchel - being ushered to safety as protesters got closer to their location.

"At no point was it ever compromised," said a source familiar with the situation.

Even if rioters had taken possession of the satchel, any nuclear strike order would still have needed to be confirmed and processed by the military.

But January&nbsp;6 was just one of several times during Trump's presidency that the security of the nuclear football came into question.

In November 2017, when Trump was in Beijing having lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese security official got into a tussle in another room with the US&nbsp;military aide carrying the briefcase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-anybody-is-lying-here-it-is-you-fauci-and-paul-clash-on-coronavirus-origins-399370">Also read |&nbsp;‘If anybody is lying here, it is you’: Fauci and Paul clash on coronavirus origins</a>

Then-White House chief of staff John Kelly, a tall, imposing retired general, intervened and got into a physical altercation with the Chinese official to ensure the nuclear football did not get away from the military aide, a former senior Trump administration official said.

When a senior US&nbsp;official spoke to Chinese officials about the incident at the scene, the Chinese wanted to extend an apology to Kelly over the episode. But Kelly refused to accept the apology, the official said.

"Tell them they can come apologise to me in Washington," Kelly said, according to the official.

On January&nbsp;20 of this year, Trump insisted on leaving Washington before the inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, meaning a live football would have to go with him to be on hand until Biden was sworn in.

Trump was accompanied by a military aide carrying a nuclear football.

The Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan.

The Pentagon's watchdog said on Tuesday it would evaluate the safety protocols surrounding the president's "nuclear football" - containing codes needed for a strike - after one such briefcase nearly came within range of rioters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6. In a brief notice, the Inspector General's office said it would evaluate the extent to which Pentagon officials could detect and respond if the Presidential Emergency Satchel were "lost, stolen or compromised." "We may revise the objective as the evaluation proceeds," it said. One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said concerns surrounding the Jan. 6 siege helped trigger the evaluation. On that date, Vice President Mike Pence was at the US Capitol, accompanied by a military aide carrying a backup nuclear football when the building was stormed by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The satchel holds the codes the president would use to authenticate an order to launch nuclear missiles should he or she not be at the White House. Security footage made public during Trump's subsequent impeachment trial showed Pence and the military aide - who had the satchel - being ushered to safety as protesters got closer to their location. "At no point was it ever compromised," said a source familiar with the situation. Even if rioters had taken possession of the satchel, any nuclear strike order would still have needed to be confirmed and processed by the military. But January 6 was just one of several times during Trump's presidency that the security of the nuclear football came into question. In November 2017, when Trump was in Beijing having lunch with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a Chinese security official got into a tussle in another room with the US military aide carrying the briefcase. Also read | ‘If anybody is lying here, it is you’: Fauci and Paul clash on coronavirus origins Then-White House chief of staff John Kelly, a tall, imposing retired general, intervened and got into a physical altercation with the Chinese official to ensure the nuclear football did not get away from the military aide, a former senior Trump administration official said. When a senior US official spoke to Chinese officials about the incident at the scene, the Chinese wanted to extend an apology to Kelly over the episode. But Kelly refused to accept the apology, the official said. "Tell them they can come apologise to me in Washington," Kelly said, according to the official. On January 20 of this year, Trump insisted on leaving Washington before the inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, meaning a live football would have to go with him to be on hand until Biden was sworn in. Trump was accompanied by a military aide carrying a nuclear football.

Pentagon watchdog: Evaluate safety protocols surrounding the president's 'nuclear football'

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner. 
 
Castillo came out of the June 6 run-off vote ahead by a scant 44,000 vote margin. The official result has been delayed by appeals from Fujimori aimed at annulling some ballots over fraud accusations, despite little evidence. 
 
Fujimori said she was bound by law to recognise the official election result, expected to be announced in the days ahead. 
 
"I am going to recognise the results because it is what the law and the constitution that I have sworn to defend, mandates. The truth is going to come out anyway," she told reporters. 
 
Peru's electoral authority said earlier on Monday,&nbsp;it would announce a winner of the election this week after it tossed out the last appeals by Fujimori, a conservative, who is the daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori. 
 
"They have stolen thousands of votes from us," Fujimori said at a news conference. Faced with the "imminent" naming of Castillo as president-elect, Fujimori called on her followers to protest peacefully. 
 
"We have the right to mobilise... but in a peaceful manner and within the framework of the law," she said. 
 
The National Jury of Elections said on Twitter, it had ruled inadmissible the final appeals presented last week by Fujimori. 
 
The Organization of American States, European Union and Britain have all said the election was clean. 
 
Castillo, if confirmed in time, would take office on July 28 for a five-year term as leader of the world's second largest copper-producing nation. 
 
A 51-year-old former school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, Castillo has pledged to redraft the constitution and hike taxes on mining firms, but has in recent weeks softened his rhetoric and hinted at a more moderate, market-friendly approach.

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner.

Peruvian right-wing presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori admitted she was headed for defeat on Monday, but pledged to mobilise her supporters and lashed out against socialist rival Pedro Castillo as having won in an 'illegitimate' manner. Castillo came out of the June 6 run-off vote ahead by a scant 44,000 vote margin. The official result has been delayed by appeals from Fujimori aimed at annulling some ballots over fraud accusations, despite little evidence. Fujimori said she was bound by law to recognise the official election result, expected to be announced in the days ahead. "I am going to recognise the results because it is what the law and the constitution that I have sworn to defend, mandates. The truth is going to come out anyway," she told reporters. Peru's electoral authority said earlier on Monday, it would announce a winner of the election this week after it tossed out the last appeals by Fujimori, a conservative, who is the daughter of jailed former President Alberto Fujimori. "They have stolen thousands of votes from us," Fujimori said at a news conference. Faced with the "imminent" naming of Castillo as president-elect, Fujimori called on her followers to protest peacefully. "We have the right to mobilise... but in a peaceful manner and within the framework of the law," she said. The National Jury of Elections said on Twitter, it had ruled inadmissible the final appeals presented last week by Fujimori. The Organization of American States, European Union and Britain have all said the election was clean. Castillo, if confirmed in time, would take office on July 28 for a five-year term as leader of the world's second largest copper-producing nation. A 51-year-old former school teacher and the son of peasant farmers, Castillo has pledged to redraft the constitution and hike taxes on mining firms, but has in recent weeks softened his rhetoric and hinted at a more moderate, market-friendly approach.

Peru set to name Castillo as president as rival says she will recognise result

According to a top&nbsp;official,&nbsp;Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will&nbsp;resign from his post.&nbsp;The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise.&nbsp;

Negotiations are still ongoing, but Ariel Henry, who&nbsp;Moise had designated to replace&nbsp;Joseph a day before he was killed, will lead the country, said&nbsp;elections minister Mathias Pierre as per&nbsp;a report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the attack at their private residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time."&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government".&nbsp;

"To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph.&nbsp;

The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States.&nbsp;

"As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said.&nbsp;

The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a top official, Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will resign from his post. The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise.

According to a top official, Haiti’s interim prime minister Claude Joseph will resign from his post. The move comes in the wake of the July 7 assassination of president Jovenel Moise. Negotiations are still ongoing, but Ariel Henry, who Moise had designated to replace Joseph a day before he was killed, will lead the country, said elections minister Mathias Pierre as per a report. Earlier, Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the attack at their private residence. Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan. The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling. Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time." Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government". "To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph. The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States. "As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said. The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible". (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti’s acting PM to resign in wake of Moise’s assassination: Report 

Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation on Saturday for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the July 7 attack at their private residence. 
 
Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan. 
 
The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport on Saturday, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling. She was greeted by Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph. 
 
"The Prime Minister, Dr&nbsp;Claude Joseph, welcomes the First Lady, Martine Moise, who arrives in Haiti for the funeral of her husband," the Prime Minister's office said. 
 
Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time." 
 
Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government". 
 
"To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph. 
 
The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States. 
 
"As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said. 
 
The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible". 
 
Senior opposition Senator Patrice Dumont, one of only 10 sitting lawmakers in the normally 30-seat Senate said on Thursday that fair elections cannot be held for at least a year due to the influence of violent gangs and a compromised electoral council. 
 
On Friday a Colombian police chief said the assassination may have ordered by a former Haitian justice ministry official, citing a preliminary investigation that has implicated Haitian-Americans and former Colombian soldiers.

Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation on Saturday for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the July 7 attack at their private residence.

Martine Moise, the widow of Haiti's assassinated president Jovenel Moise, returned to the Caribbean nation on Saturday for his funeral after she was treated in a Miami hospital for injuries sustained during the July 7 attack at their private residence. Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, tipping the country into uncertainty and sparking a frenzied investigation to identify the authors of the plan. The Prime Minister's office tweeted a video of Martine Moise arriving back at the Haitian capital's Toussaint Louverture international airport on Saturday, wearing all black clothing, donning a bullet proof vest and with her right arm in a sling. She was greeted by Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph. "The Prime Minister, Dr Claude Joseph, welcomes the First Lady, Martine Moise, who arrives in Haiti for the funeral of her husband," the Prime Minister's office said. Martine Moise had tweeted earlier this week while in Miami that she was still coming to terms with the killing of her husband and had thanked a "team of guardian angels who helped me through this terrible time." Earlier on Saturday, the important Core Group of international ambassadors and representatives had urged "the formation of a consensual and inclusive government". "To this end, we strongly encourage the designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry to continue the mission entrusted to him to form such a government," the group said. Henry, who Moise designated Prime Minister shortly before being killed, has not been sworn into his position and the country is being led by Joseph. The Core Group is made up of ambassadors from Germany, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, the European Union and special representatives from the United Nations and the Organization of American States. "As Haiti faces serious dangers, the members of the group express the wish that all political, economic and civil society actors in the country fully support the authorities in their efforts to restore security throughout the country," it said. The group also called for the organization of "free, fair, transparent and credible legislative and presidential elections as quickly as possible". Senior opposition Senator Patrice Dumont, one of only 10 sitting lawmakers in the normally 30-seat Senate said on Thursday that fair elections cannot be held for at least a year due to the influence of violent gangs and a compromised electoral council. On Friday a Colombian police chief said the assassination may have ordered by a former Haitian justice ministry official, citing a preliminary investigation that has implicated Haitian-Americans and former Colombian soldiers.

Martine Moise, widow of assassinated president, returns to Haiti

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. 
 
The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. 
 
Psaki listed areas of shared interest, such as energy and health and said Biden looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Iraq on "security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat" of the Islamic State militant group. 
 
Psaki made no reference to Iran, which exercises influence in neighboring Iraq through its close relations with the Baghdad government and by backing Shi'ite militia forces that mount attacks on military facilities hosting US&nbsp;forces. 
 
A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander urged Iraqi Shi'ite militias to step up attacks on US&nbsp;targets during a meeting in Baghdad last week, three militia sources and two Iraqi security sources familiar with the gathering said.

US President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

US President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said on Friday. The visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the two countries and advance bilateral cooperation under a 2008 agreement that governed the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Psaki listed areas of shared interest, such as energy and health and said Biden looked forward to strengthening cooperation with Iraq on "security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat" of the Islamic State militant group. Psaki made no reference to Iran, which exercises influence in neighboring Iraq through its close relations with the Baghdad government and by backing Shi'ite militia forces that mount attacks on military facilities hosting US forces. A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander urged Iraqi Shi'ite militias to step up attacks on US targets during a meeting in Baghdad last week, three militia sources and two Iraqi security sources familiar with the gathering said.

Biden to host Iraq's prime minister at White House on July 26

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs.

Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.&nbsp;

Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-riddled-him-with-bullets-didnt-let-him-say-a-word-haiti-presidents-widow-speaks-up-on-his-assassination-397263">They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination</a>

Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US&nbsp;assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed.&nbsp;

Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back.

According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward."

No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN.

As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haiti-assassination-aftermath-haitian-first-lady-martine-moise-recounts-the-attack-397307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator&nbsp;have shocked the already struggling country.&nbsp;

A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead.

Haitian police are yet to make a comment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gang-boss-wades-into-haiti-turmoil-sees-conspiracy-behind-presidents-killing-397310">Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing</a>

Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday.&nbsp;He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise.&nbsp;

Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil.

The United States will be sending a technical team to Haiti to help determine what are the nation's security needs. Following the assassination of Haiti president Jovenel Moise last week, the country was thrown further into turmoil. Moise was killed by a unit of assassins that, according to Haitian authorities, was composed of 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. These attackers reportedly gunned down the deceased President in his Port-au-Prince home early on Wednesday, grievously injuring his wife, Martine Moise, in the process. Also read | They riddled him with bullets, didn't let him say a word: Haiti president's widow speaks up on his assassination Amid deep uncertainty over its political future, the country had requested US assistance in investigating the attack that killed President Jovenel Moise, but the request was rebuffed. Now the US has extended help. The proposed team will investigate and report back. According to a senior Biden administration official, the team upon their return will brief US president, Joe Biden, who will "then make decisions about the way forward." No word was immediately available on which US departments would send representatives to Haiti or how long they would be there. Washington would also be consulting its partners in the region and with the UN. As the US readies a team, the group of Colombians and Haitian Americans suspected of assassinating Haitian President Jovenel Moise have, according to a Miami Herald report, told investigators that they were there to arrest Moise and not kill him. The murder and uncertainty over the perpetrator have shocked the already struggling country. A source said James Solages and Joseph Vincent, two Haitian Americans, told investigators they worked as translators for a Colombian commando unit that had an arrest warrant. However, when they arrived, he was already dead. Haitian police are yet to make a comment. Also read | Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing Jimmy Cherizier, a former cop known as Barbecue and one of Haiti's top gang leaders, said his men would protest the killing on Saturday. He calls the assassination, a police and opposition politicians conspiracy with the "stinking bourgeoisie" to sacrifice Moise. Overnight, gunfire rang out in the capital, which is suffering from gang violence, displacing thousands and limiting economic activity.

As Moise’s suspected assassins plead innocence, US agrees to tentatively aid Haiti

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos,&nbsp;one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.&nbsp; 
 
Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue&nbsp;railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs.

In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." 
 
"We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." 
 
At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. 
 
The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US&nbsp;and UN assistance. 
 
Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. 
 
"It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. 
 
Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise.

(With inputs from agencies)

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Threatening to pitch the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into chaos, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders said on Saturday, his men would take to the streets to protest the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Former cop Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue railed against police and opposition politicians, whom he accused of colluding with the 'stinking bourgeoisie' to 'sacrifice' Moise this week. He heads the so-called G9 federation of nine gangs. In a video address, Cherizier while being dressed in khaki military fatigues and sitting in front of a Haitian flag, said, "It was a national and international conspiracy against the Haitian people." "We tell all bases to mobilise and take to the streets for light to be shed on the president's assassination." At his Port-au-Prince home, Moise was gunned down before dawn on Wednesday by what Haitian authorities said was a unit of trained assassins comprising 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. The murder and the still murky plot behind it has caused further political instability in the long-troubled country, prompting the government to call for US and UN assistance. Cherizier said his followers would practice 'legitimate violence' and that it was time for 'the masters of the system' - business magnates of Syrian and Lebanese descent, who dominate parts of the economy - to 'give back' the country. "It's time for Black people with kinky hair like us to own supermarkets, to have car dealerships and own banks," he said. Some of the magnates had been at loggerheads with Moise. (With inputs from agencies)

Gang boss wades into Haiti turmoil, sees conspiracy behind president's killing

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival. 
 
Supporters of Castillo, carrying colourful Wiphala Andean flags and banners with pictures of the socialist former teacher, marched toward Congress demanding that his narrow lead of some 44,000 votes be upheld. 
 
Across town, supporters of right-wing Keiko Fujimori rallied to back her claims of voter fraud and attempts to annul some ballots, a push her party has stuck with even though election observers say the vote was carried out cleanly. 
 
"Peru wants a president and here we have professor Pedro Castillo elected," said Santos Saavedra, the head of a rural defence group known as the Rondas Campesinas said during a march. "We are going to defend that popular will." 
 
Castillo, 51, the son of peasant farmers, came out ahead in the June 6 run-off vote, rattling Peru's political and business establishment with pledges to shake up the copper-rich Andean country's constitution and hike taxes on mining. 
 
Electoral authorities are scrutinising ballots after challenges by Fujimori, who has claimed fraud with little evidence. They must complete the process before confirming the result, with the new president set to take office on July 28. 
 
"The match is not over and there is still no winner. We are waiting for that result," Fujimori said in another part of Lima, the capital, surrounded by her followers. 
 
Fujimori's push to flip the result has, however, lost some momentum with allies appearing to pull support for the delay. The interim government has rejected her request for an international audit of the vote. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival.

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest uncertainty over the result of the presidential election a month ago, as the confirmation of leftist Pedro Castillo is held up by ballot challenges from his conservative rival. Supporters of Castillo, carrying colourful Wiphala Andean flags and banners with pictures of the socialist former teacher, marched toward Congress demanding that his narrow lead of some 44,000 votes be upheld. Across town, supporters of right-wing Keiko Fujimori rallied to back her claims of voter fraud and attempts to annul some ballots, a push her party has stuck with even though election observers say the vote was carried out cleanly. "Peru wants a president and here we have professor Pedro Castillo elected," said Santos Saavedra, the head of a rural defence group known as the Rondas Campesinas said during a march. "We are going to defend that popular will." Castillo, 51, the son of peasant farmers, came out ahead in the June 6 run-off vote, rattling Peru's political and business establishment with pledges to shake up the copper-rich Andean country's constitution and hike taxes on mining. Electoral authorities are scrutinising ballots after challenges by Fujimori, who has claimed fraud with little evidence. They must complete the process before confirming the result, with the new president set to take office on July 28. "The match is not over and there is still no winner. We are waiting for that result," Fujimori said in another part of Lima, the capital, surrounded by her followers. Fujimori's push to flip the result has, however, lost some momentum with allies appearing to pull support for the delay. The interim government has rejected her request for an international audit of the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

'Peru wants a president': Thousands march in Lima as election result drags

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Xi, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the PLA, promoted 58-year-old Xu to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active service in China.

The other officers, who were promoted to the rank of General included Commander of the Southern Theatre Command Wang Xiubin, Commander of the PLA Army Liu Zhenli, and Commander of the PLA Strategic Support (Missile) Force Ju Qiansheng, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi presented certificates of the orders he signed to them at a ceremony held by the CMC in Beijing on Monday. 
Xu, who held the rank of Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;previously, was appointed to head Western Theatre Command ground in June last year.

Xinhua in its report referred to Xu as the Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command.&nbsp;Regarded as the rising star in the PLA, Xu was one of the young generals promoted by Xi after he took the helm of the PLA in late 2012.

India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year.&nbsp;However, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong Lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. 
India has been particularly pressing for disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang.

According to military officials, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive high altitude sector.&nbsp;There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach to this issue at the 11th round of military talks.

On June 25, India and China held a virtual meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs during which they had agreed to hold the next round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

The two sides had a 'frank exchange' of views and decided to maintain dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution for withdrawal of troops in all friction points to enable progress in the overall ties, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted Xu Qiling, Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command which oversees the borders with India, to the rank of a General, amid the continued standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Xi, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the PLA, promoted 58-year-old Xu to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active service in China. The other officers, who were promoted to the rank of General included Commander of the Southern Theatre Command Wang Xiubin, Commander of the PLA Army Liu Zhenli, and Commander of the PLA Strategic Support (Missile) Force Ju Qiansheng, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Xi presented certificates of the orders he signed to them at a ceremony held by the CMC in Beijing on Monday. Xu, who held the rank of Lt Gen previously, was appointed to head Western Theatre Command ground in June last year. Xinhua in its report referred to Xu as the Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command. Regarded as the rising star in the PLA, Xu was one of the young generals promoted by Xi after he took the helm of the PLA in late 2012. India and China were locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year. However, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong Lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks. The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. India has been particularly pressing for disengagement of troops in Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang. According to military officials, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive high altitude sector. There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops in the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach to this issue at the 11th round of military talks. On June 25, India and China held a virtual meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs during which they had agreed to hold the next round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. The two sides had a 'frank exchange' of views and decided to maintain dialogue to reach a mutually acceptable solution for withdrawal of troops in all friction points to enable progress in the overall ties, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

President Xi promotes PLA Commander overseeing India border to rank of General 

Interpol&nbsp;issued&nbsp;an&nbsp;international&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;Monday for Karim Keita, a&nbsp;son&nbsp;of&nbsp;Mali's former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, over the 2016 disappearance of an investigative journalist, legal sources said.

The red notice for Keita, himself a former influential lawmaker, was&nbsp;issued&nbsp;at the request of an investigating magistrate in the Malian capital Bamako, said a source close to the case speaking on condition of anonymity.

News of the&nbsp;warrant&nbsp;was confirmed by a source inside Interpol's&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;office, who also spoke on condition of anonymity.

Keita has lived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, since the military coup that overthrew his father in August 2020.

Investigative journalist Birama Toure had been working for the Bamako weekly Le Sphinx in the months before his disappearance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/9-arrested-over-alleged-plot-to-plant-bombs-around-hong-kong-396124">Also read |&nbsp;9 arrested over alleged plot to plant bombs around Hong Kong</a>

He has not been seen since January 29, 2016, according to his family and the director of the magazine, Adama Drame.

Drame said Toure had been working on a story that would have damaged Keita's reputation and had approached him about it when he disappeared.

Drame and Toure's family suspect he was abducted, tortured and killed after several months in detention.

Keita himself has always denied any role in Toure's disappearance and in 2019 filed a defamation action against the director of the magazine and a radio journalist over the allegations.

The courts in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;threw out the case for technical reasons, but Drame himself, fearing for his safety, is now exiled in France.

For many Malians, Karim Keita personified what they say was the corruption at the heart of his father's regime.

He escaped&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;by the military when they overthrew his father on August 18, 2020, appearing in Ivory Coast a few days later.

Interpol issued an international arrest warrant Monday for Karim Keita, a son of Mali's former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, over the 2016 disappearance of an investigative journalist, legal sources said.

Interpol issued an international arrest warrant Monday for Karim Keita, a son of Mali's former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, over the 2016 disappearance of an investigative journalist, legal sources said. The red notice for Keita, himself a former influential lawmaker, was issued at the request of an investigating magistrate in the Malian capital Bamako, said a source close to the case speaking on condition of anonymity. News of the warrant was confirmed by a source inside Interpol's Mali office, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. Keita has lived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, since the military coup that overthrew his father in August 2020. Investigative journalist Birama Toure had been working for the Bamako weekly Le Sphinx in the months before his disappearance. Also read | 9 arrested over alleged plot to plant bombs around Hong Kong He has not been seen since January 29, 2016, according to his family and the director of the magazine, Adama Drame. Drame said Toure had been working on a story that would have damaged Keita's reputation and had approached him about it when he disappeared. Drame and Toure's family suspect he was abducted, tortured and killed after several months in detention. Keita himself has always denied any role in Toure's disappearance and in 2019 filed a defamation action against the director of the magazine and a radio journalist over the allegations. The courts in Mali threw out the case for technical reasons, but Drame himself, fearing for his safety, is now exiled in France. For many Malians, Karim Keita personified what they say was the corruption at the heart of his father's regime. He escaped arrest by the military when they overthrew his father on August 18, 2020, appearing in Ivory Coast a few days later.

Interpol seeks arrest of son of Mali ex-president

A two-year break from boxing has left Philippine legend Manny&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;"hungry" to get back in the&nbsp;ring&nbsp;for what could be the last fight of his storied career -- and a warm-up for a presidential rumble.

The eight-division world champion and beloved national hero will have tens of millions of fans from the boxing-mad archipelago in his corner when he faces American Errol Spence in Las Vegas on August 21.

Pacquiao's comeback fight is a chance to prove his mettle at 42 -- an age when most boxers have already hung up their gloves -- and score a lucrative payday before a widely expected tilt at the presidency next year.&nbsp;

"I'm a politician, all politicians are dreaming for the higher position," the elected senator told AFP in his southern hometown of General Santos, where he is training.&nbsp;

"I'm going to announce (my decision) in the proper time, maybe after the fight."&nbsp;

Pacquiao's star power in a country famed for its celebrity-obsessed politics would put him in a strong position in the presidential race.&nbsp;

But it would not guarantee victory.

A public skirmish between&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;and&nbsp;President&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte over the latter's handling of the South China Sea dispute with Beijing and official graft could erode support for the boxer.

Duterte -- who is allowed to serve only one term as&nbsp;president&nbsp;-- rivals&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;for the affections of many Filipinos and has even flagged a possible run for the vice presidency in 2022.&nbsp;

Until recently,&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;was a high-profile backer of Duterte and his controversial drug war, which International Criminal Court prosecutors want to investigate for the alleged unlawful killing of possibly tens of thousands of people.

Pacquiao&nbsp;told AFP he would continue the crackdown, but in a "proper way" that does not abuse "the rights of individuals".

Asked if he would protect the current&nbsp;president&nbsp;from criminal charges if he became leader, he said: "All of us are bound to the law."

Pacquiao&nbsp;would face a formidable opponent if Duterte's daughter, Sara, were to run for the&nbsp;top&nbsp;job.

A recent poll showed the Davao city mayor -- the same position her father held before he took power in 2016 -- with the most voter support, well ahead of&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;and other potential contenders.&nbsp;

But a lot can change between now and the October deadline for candidates to register.

"Right now my expectation is that (Pacquiao) runs, but not as Duterte's chosen successor," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford.

"But it's the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;so it's very unpredictable."

Decisions on whether to retire after the Spence fight or run for the highest office are in God's hands, according to&nbsp;Pacquiao, a father of five.

Religion looms large in the life of the boxer, who became a devout evangelical Christian about a decade ago after giving up his playboy lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-report-of-china-building-more-than-100-nuclear-missile-silos-concerning-395234">Also Read |&nbsp;US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning'</a>

He even relies on his faith -- and vitamin C -- to ward off Covid-19 while he considers getting vaccinated against the deadly disease.&nbsp;

"I always keep in trusting God because he's the one who give me the ability to accomplish all those things," he said.

'Idol of everyone'&nbsp;

Pacquiao&nbsp;is deeply admired in the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;for his generosity and hauling himself out of poverty to become one of the world's greatest and wealthiest boxers.

Dozens of locals wait outside his gym in downtown General Santos in the hope of catching a glimpse of the rags-to-riches hero -- and receiving some money -- before he climbs into an olive green Hummer to drive back to his manicured compound.

"Pacquiao&nbsp;is the idol of everyone in this city," said Meme Dipundato, a 40-year-old tricycle driver.&nbsp;

"What I really like about&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;is not his boxing but his act of helping the poor."

But the fighter has stirred controversy since entering politics in 2010 -- first as a congressman and then a more high-profile position in the Senate -- supporting the death penalty and describing gay couples as "worse than animals".

He promises to pull no punches if he were to become&nbsp;president&nbsp;-- starting with sending "hundreds or thousands" of crooked politicians to a purpose-built "mega prison".

"There are so many problems in this country caused by corruption... there's no economic growth and development, there's no improvement," he said.&nbsp;

'I feel so hungry again'

For now,&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;said his mind was focused on the looming showdown with fellow southpaw Spence, the 31-year-old unbeaten unified welterweight world champion.

Pacquiao, who boasts a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw record, will be fighting for the first time since he beat Keith Thurman in July 2019 for the WBA welterweight title -- which he lost during the coronavirus pandemic due to inactivity.&nbsp;

He will fly to Los Angeles this month where he will be reunited with veteran trainer Freddie Roach.

In the meantime, he shadow boxes and spars with long-time associate Buboy Fernandez at his Pacman Wild Card Gym.&nbsp;

"I believe 110 percent that Manny is going to win. His stamina is still there," Fernandez told AFP.

Hanging above the&nbsp;ring, along with photos of his bloody fights, are biblical proverbs on the importance of "self-discipline" and faith.

Despite his age and long absence from the&nbsp;ring,&nbsp;Pacquiao&nbsp;said he was undaunted.&nbsp;

"It's good for me to have (a) rest for almost two years," he said.&nbsp;

"I feel so hungry again and excited (for) the fight... I feel that same feeling that I had when I was at 22, 23 years old."

A two-year break from boxing has left Philippine legend Manny Pacquiao "hungry" to get back in the ring for what could be the last fight of his storied career -- and a warm-up for a presidential rumble.

A two-year break from boxing has left Philippine legend Manny Pacquiao "hungry" to get back in the ring for what could be the last fight of his storied career -- and a warm-up for a presidential rumble. The eight-division world champion and beloved national hero will have tens of millions of fans from the boxing-mad archipelago in his corner when he faces American Errol Spence in Las Vegas on August 21. Pacquiao's comeback fight is a chance to prove his mettle at 42 -- an age when most boxers have already hung up their gloves -- and score a lucrative payday before a widely expected tilt at the presidency next year. "I'm a politician, all politicians are dreaming for the higher position," the elected senator told AFP in his southern hometown of General Santos, where he is training. "I'm going to announce (my decision) in the proper time, maybe after the fight." Pacquiao's star power in a country famed for its celebrity-obsessed politics would put him in a strong position in the presidential race. But it would not guarantee victory. A public skirmish between Pacquiao and President Rodrigo Duterte over the latter's handling of the South China Sea dispute with Beijing and official graft could erode support for the boxer. Duterte -- who is allowed to serve only one term as president -- rivals Pacquiao for the affections of many Filipinos and has even flagged a possible run for the vice presidency in 2022. Until recently, Pacquiao was a high-profile backer of Duterte and his controversial drug war, which International Criminal Court prosecutors want to investigate for the alleged unlawful killing of possibly tens of thousands of people. Pacquiao told AFP he would continue the crackdown, but in a "proper way" that does not abuse "the rights of individuals". Asked if he would protect the current president from criminal charges if he became leader, he said: "All of us are bound to the law." Pacquiao would face a formidable opponent if Duterte's daughter, Sara, were to run for the top job. A recent poll showed the Davao city mayor -- the same position her father held before he took power in 2016 -- with the most voter support, well ahead of Pacquiao and other potential contenders. But a lot can change between now and the October deadline for candidates to register. "Right now my expectation is that (Pacquiao) runs, but not as Duterte's chosen successor," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford. "But it's the Philippines so it's very unpredictable." Decisions on whether to retire after the Spence fight or run for the highest office are in God's hands, according to Pacquiao, a father of five. Religion looms large in the life of the boxer, who became a devout evangelical Christian about a decade ago after giving up his playboy lifestyle. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' He even relies on his faith -- and vitamin C -- to ward off Covid-19 while he considers getting vaccinated against the deadly disease. "I always keep in trusting God because he's the one who give me the ability to accomplish all those things," he said. 'Idol of everyone' Pacquiao is deeply admired in the Philippines for his generosity and hauling himself out of poverty to become one of the world's greatest and wealthiest boxers. Dozens of locals wait outside his gym in downtown General Santos in the hope of catching a glimpse of the rags-to-riches hero -- and receiving some money -- before he climbs into an olive green Hummer to drive back to his manicured compound. "Pacquiao is the idol of everyone in this city," said Meme Dipundato, a 40-year-old tricycle driver. "What I really like about Pacquiao is not his boxing but his act of helping the poor." But the fighter has stirred controversy since entering politics in 2010 -- first as a congressman and then a more high-profile position in the Senate -- supporting the death penalty and describing gay couples as "worse than animals". He promises to pull no punches if he were to become president -- starting with sending "hundreds or thousands" of crooked politicians to a purpose-built "mega prison". "There are so many problems in this country caused by corruption... there's no economic growth and development, there's no improvement," he said. 'I feel so hungry again' For now, Pacquiao said his mind was focused on the looming showdown with fellow southpaw Spence, the 31-year-old unbeaten unified welterweight world champion. Pacquiao, who boasts a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw record, will be fighting for the first time since he beat Keith Thurman in July 2019 for the WBA welterweight title -- which he lost during the coronavirus pandemic due to inactivity. He will fly to Los Angeles this month where he will be reunited with veteran trainer Freddie Roach. In the meantime, he shadow boxes and spars with long-time associate Buboy Fernandez at his Pacman Wild Card Gym. "I believe 110 percent that Manny is going to win. His stamina is still there," Fernandez told AFP. Hanging above the ring, along with photos of his bloody fights, are biblical proverbs on the importance of "self-discipline" and faith. Despite his age and long absence from the ring, Pacquiao said he was undaunted. "It's good for me to have (a) rest for almost two years," he said. "I feel so hungry again and excited (for) the fight... I feel that same feeling that I had when I was at 22, 23 years old."

President Pacquiao? King of the ring mulls Philippines' top job

Philippine former president Benigno Aquino was laid to rest in a Manila cemetery on Saturday beside his parents, two of the Southeast Asian country's democracy icons. 
 
Hundreds of mourners in black and white, some also wearing yellow - the colour associated with the Aquino family and a 1986 revolution that toppled a dictator - ribbons and face masks, attended a funeral mass and burial ceremony. 
 
Aquino, president from 2010 to 2016, died at age 61 in a Manila hospital on Thursday of kidney failure as a result of diabetes. 
 
"To the man we were so blessed to have as our brother, we will forever be proud of you, thank you, long for you and love you," Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz, an older sister of Aquino, said at the funeral mass. 
 
Aquino's remains were cremated on Thursday. Thousands queued for the public viewing in a church in his alma mater on Friday. 
 
Filipinos lined up along roads to pay respect during the one-hour convoy of dozens of vehicles from his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, to the cemetery south of the capital. 
 
The military gave a 21-gun salute and a helicopter rained down yellow flowers. At the Aquino residence at the heart of the capital, supporters left chrysanthemums, yellow bell and sunflower for the late leader. 
 
Among those paying respects to Aquino was vice president and political ally Leni Robredo, and close friends. Most supporters were blocked at the entrance of the cemetery to prevent mass gathering and the spread of COVID-19. 
 
"I pray for another family with the attitude like Noy and his parents that will fight for truth, justice, loyalty, love for God and country," Thelma Chua, 64, wearing a yellow shirt at the funeral, told Reuters. 
 
Known popularly as Noynoy, Aquino rode a wave of public support to the presidency after the 2009 death of his mother, the revered 'People Power' leader Corazon Aquino, who was president from 1986 to 1992. 
 
His namesake father, a staunch critic of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was assassinated when he returned from political exile in 1983, planting the seeds for the 1986 People Power revolution that booted the strongman from office. 
 
As president, the younger Aquino led the Philippines in shedding its perennial 'sick man of Asia' image through better governance and robust economic growth. He challenged Beijing's sweeping claims of the South China Sea before the arbitration court in The Hague in 2013. 
 
Aquino, who led a private life after stepping down, is survived by four sisters. 
 
The best tribute for the late president is "to bring back, recover, preserve, safeguard and never again to compromise our dignity as a people and the decency of our leaders as servants, not bosses," Archbishop Socrates Villegas, former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said in his homily. 
 
President Rodrigo Duterte, criticised by the Catholic church and rights group for crassness and his bloody war on drugs but hugely popular as a man of the people, did not attend the funeral.

Philippine former president Benigno Aquino was laid to rest in a Manila cemetery on Saturday beside his parents, two of the Southeast Asian country's democracy icons.

Philippine former president Benigno Aquino was laid to rest in a Manila cemetery on Saturday beside his parents, two of the Southeast Asian country's democracy icons. Hundreds of mourners in black and white, some also wearing yellow - the colour associated with the Aquino family and a 1986 revolution that toppled a dictator - ribbons and face masks, attended a funeral mass and burial ceremony. Aquino, president from 2010 to 2016, died at age 61 in a Manila hospital on Thursday of kidney failure as a result of diabetes. "To the man we were so blessed to have as our brother, we will forever be proud of you, thank you, long for you and love you," Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz, an older sister of Aquino, said at the funeral mass. Aquino's remains were cremated on Thursday. Thousands queued for the public viewing in a church in his alma mater on Friday. Filipinos lined up along roads to pay respect during the one-hour convoy of dozens of vehicles from his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, to the cemetery south of the capital. The military gave a 21-gun salute and a helicopter rained down yellow flowers. At the Aquino residence at the heart of the capital, supporters left chrysanthemums, yellow bell and sunflower for the late leader. Among those paying respects to Aquino was vice president and political ally Leni Robredo, and close friends. Most supporters were blocked at the entrance of the cemetery to prevent mass gathering and the spread of COVID-19. "I pray for another family with the attitude like Noy and his parents that will fight for truth, justice, loyalty, love for God and country," Thelma Chua, 64, wearing a yellow shirt at the funeral, told Reuters. Known popularly as Noynoy, Aquino rode a wave of public support to the presidency after the 2009 death of his mother, the revered 'People Power' leader Corazon Aquino, who was president from 1986 to 1992. His namesake father, a staunch critic of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was assassinated when he returned from political exile in 1983, planting the seeds for the 1986 People Power revolution that booted the strongman from office. As president, the younger Aquino led the Philippines in shedding its perennial 'sick man of Asia' image through better governance and robust economic growth. He challenged Beijing's sweeping claims of the South China Sea before the arbitration court in The Hague in 2013. Aquino, who led a private life after stepping down, is survived by four sisters. The best tribute for the late president is "to bring back, recover, preserve, safeguard and never again to compromise our dignity as a people and the decency of our leaders as servants, not bosses," Archbishop Socrates Villegas, former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said in his homily. President Rodrigo Duterte, criticised by the Catholic church and rights group for crassness and his bloody war on drugs but hugely popular as a man of the people, did not attend the funeral.

Filipinos bid farewell to former president Benigno Aquino

Former Philippine president&nbsp;Benigno&nbsp;"Noynoy"&nbsp;Aquino, the reserved scion of one of Asia's most famous political families, died Thursday. He was 61.

Aquino, who was in office from 2010 to 2016, was the only son of the late former president Corazon&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;and her assassinated husband, senator&nbsp;Benigno&nbsp;"Ninoy"&nbsp;Aquino, both revered for leading the struggle to restore democracy in the archipelago nation.

President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman announced&nbsp;Aquino's death hours after local media reported the former leader had been rushed to a Manila hospital.

"We commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of former president&nbsp;Benigno&nbsp;Simeon 'Noynoy'&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;III as we extend our condolences on his untimely demise," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

"We are grateful to the former president for his contributions and services to the country and we ask our people to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of the former chief executive."

Details about the unmarried politician's death were not announced. The&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;clan was expected to issue a statement shortly.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin tweeted his "grief over the death of a sea-green incorruptible".

He said&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;was&nbsp;"brave under armed attack, wounded in crossfire, indifferent to power and its trappings, and ruled our country with a puzzling coldness but only because he hid his feelings so well it was thought he had none".

Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen, who was&nbsp;Aquino's former peace negotiator with Muslim rebels, expressed "profound sadness" over the former leader's death.

"I knew him to be a kind man, driven by his passion to serve our people, diligent in his duties, and with an avid and consuming curiosity about new knowledge and the world in general," Leonen said.

Aquino, who was succeeded by President Rodrigo Duterte, waged an anti-corruption campaign during a term that ushered in key economic reforms.

Unusually for the conservative Catholic country,&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;remained a bachelor throughout his life, though had relationships with a number of women.

Powerful family name

Aquino&nbsp;was born on February 8, 1960, to one of the country's wealthiest land-owning political families.

A latecomer to the presidential race in 2010, he declared his candidacy only after his mother's death from cancer the previous year had plunged the country into mourning, and demonstrated the power of the family name.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/go-to-india-or-us-philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-warns-anti-vaxxers-393537">Also Read |&nbsp;'Go to India or US': Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warns anti-vaxxers</a>

He made fighting corruption his mantra, capitalising on his family's clean reputation, and vowed to reduce the poverty afflicting a third of the population.

His administration delivered average annual economic growth of just over 6.0 per cent, the highest since the 1970s, handing the country investment-grade status -- but poverty remained endemic.&nbsp;

Aquino, who earned an economics degree from the elite Ateneo de Manila University, was long mocked by opponents as a fortunately surnamed under-achiever with no administrative or business experience.

They also said he had little to show for the more than a decade he spent as a congressman and senator.

But the chain-smoking&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;blossomed during the election campaign into a confident public speaker and the nation's leading critic of his predecessor, Gloria Arroyo, who was arrested for corruption after she left office.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;family name was stamped into Philippine political history through tragedy.

Military personnel shot dead "Ninoy"&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from US exile to lead the democracy movement against dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The event shocked the world and ignited the non-violent "People Power" movement that toppled Marcos. The martyred politician's widow, Corazon, led the revolution and succeeded Marcos as president in 1986.

Aquino&nbsp;had a bullet lodged in his neck -- one of five that struck him when rebel soldiers attacked the presidential palace in 1987 in a coup attempt against his mother.

Unlike Duterte,&nbsp;Aquino&nbsp;put the Philippines' long-running dispute with China over competing claims to the South China Sea at the top of his foreign policy agenda.&nbsp;

He launched a landmark case with an UN-backed tribunal to challenge Beijing's claims to most of the sea, which ruled in favour of the Philippines.&nbsp;

But Beijing rejected the decision.

Aquino&nbsp;is survived by four sisters.

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Former Philippine president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, the reserved scion of one of Asia's most famous political families, died Thursday. He was 61. Aquino, who was in office from 2010 to 2016, was the only son of the late former president Corazon Aquino and her assassinated husband, senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, both revered for leading the struggle to restore democracy in the archipelago nation.

Former Philippine president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, the reserved scion of one of Asia's most famous political families, died Thursday. He was 61. Aquino, who was in office from 2010 to 2016, was the only son of the late former president Corazon Aquino and her assassinated husband, senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, both revered for leading the struggle to restore democracy in the archipelago nation. President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman announced Aquino's death hours after local media reported the former leader had been rushed to a Manila hospital. "We commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of former president Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III as we extend our condolences on his untimely demise," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said. "We are grateful to the former president for his contributions and services to the country and we ask our people to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of the former chief executive." Details about the unmarried politician's death were not announced. The Aquino clan was expected to issue a statement shortly. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin tweeted his "grief over the death of a sea-green incorruptible". He said Aquino was "brave under armed attack, wounded in crossfire, indifferent to power and its trappings, and ruled our country with a puzzling coldness but only because he hid his feelings so well it was thought he had none". Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen, who was Aquino's former peace negotiator with Muslim rebels, expressed "profound sadness" over the former leader's death. "I knew him to be a kind man, driven by his passion to serve our people, diligent in his duties, and with an avid and consuming curiosity about new knowledge and the world in general," Leonen said. Aquino, who was succeeded by President Rodrigo Duterte, waged an anti-corruption campaign during a term that ushered in key economic reforms. Unusually for the conservative Catholic country, Aquino remained a bachelor throughout his life, though had relationships with a number of women. Powerful family name Aquino was born on February 8, 1960, to one of the country's wealthiest land-owning political families. A latecomer to the presidential race in 2010, he declared his candidacy only after his mother's death from cancer the previous year had plunged the country into mourning, and demonstrated the power of the family name. Also Read | 'Go to India or US': Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warns anti-vaxxers He made fighting corruption his mantra, capitalising on his family's clean reputation, and vowed to reduce the poverty afflicting a third of the population. His administration delivered average annual economic growth of just over 6.0 per cent, the highest since the 1970s, handing the country investment-grade status -- but poverty remained endemic. Aquino, who earned an economics degree from the elite Ateneo de Manila University, was long mocked by opponents as a fortunately surnamed under-achiever with no administrative or business experience. They also said he had little to show for the more than a decade he spent as a congressman and senator. But the chain-smoking Aquino blossomed during the election campaign into a confident public speaker and the nation's leading critic of his predecessor, Gloria Arroyo, who was arrested for corruption after she left office. The Aquino family name was stamped into Philippine political history through tragedy. Military personnel shot dead "Ninoy" Aquino at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from US exile to lead the democracy movement against dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The event shocked the world and ignited the non-violent "People Power" movement that toppled Marcos. The martyred politician's widow, Corazon, led the revolution and succeeded Marcos as president in 1986. Aquino had a bullet lodged in his neck -- one of five that struck him when rebel soldiers attacked the presidential palace in 1987 in a coup attempt against his mother. Unlike Duterte, Aquino put the Philippines' long-running dispute with China over competing claims to the South China Sea at the top of his foreign policy agenda. He launched a landmark case with an UN-backed tribunal to challenge Beijing's claims to most of the sea, which ruled in favour of the Philippines. But Beijing rejected the decision. Aquino is survived by four sisters.

Philippines' ex-president 'Noynoy' Aquino dies

president

President, News on President, stories on President, articles on President, President stories at Wion, President news, President latest news