Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement.

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Boosting friendship with Nepal. Watch. <a href="https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO">https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO</a>
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The Prime Minister's Office here had on Monday said that the two Prime <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-nepalese-counterpart-kp-oli-jointly-inaugurates-cross-border-pipeline-248759">Ministers will jointly inaugurate</a> the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar border <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi%27s-nepal-visit-to-focus-on-faith-diplomacy--135958">between the two countries</a> on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-nepal-to-rebuild-india-nepal-ties--135918">PM Narendra Modi to visit Nepal to rebuild India-Nepal ties</a>

<img alt="Narendra Modi, KP Sharma Oli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f033d54-154a-44b7-941c-3da0f554958d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The check post has been built with India's assistance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-modi-has-changed-tack-cooperated-closely-with-nepal-178364">a bid to facilitate trade</a> and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. 
This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

Both Prime Ministers will also witness the remarkable progress in Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal. The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement. Boosting friendship with Nepal. Watch. https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2020 × The Prime Minister's Office here had on Monday said that the two Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar border between the two countries on Tuesday. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi to visit Nepal to rebuild India-Nepal ties [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli (Courtesy: ANI) ] The check post has been built with India's assistance in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018. Both Prime Ministers will also witness the remarkable progress in Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal. The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

Modi, Oli to jointly inaugurate Jogbani-Biratnagar check post today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-appeal-for-calm-dont-listen-to-rumours-pm-modi-on-anti-caa-protest-270189">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Wednesday remembered former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality".

The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan.&nbsp;

Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces". PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality". The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan. Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. "A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.

Good governance is possible by thinking of problems in totality: PM Modi 

Australian Prime Miniter Scott Morrison on Sunday visited firefighters who have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">battling bushfires in the country</a> for months.

Morrison recently apologised for a Hawaiian holiday that ended early after public outrage.

He went on a tour of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, whereby the volunteers have been struggling to contain blazes.

The PM faced flak for going on a family holiday amid the national crisis which has cloaked major cities like Brisbane and Sydney.

"I get it that people would have been upset to know that I was holidaying with my family while their families were under great stress... If you had your time over again and the benefit of hindsight we would have made different decisions," he said.

"I apologise," he said. "There have been lessons learned this week," adding that he believed it was time to move on from the controversy.

"I'm sure Australians are fair-minded and understand that when you make a promise to your kids, you try and keep it," the conservative leader said by way of explanation.

Watch: Catastrophic fires sweep across Australia

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The embattled prime minister again acknowledged some link between climate change and weather patterns that scientists say has fuelled the fire crisis, but he indicated there would be no change in pro-coal policies.

Morrison also praised volunteer firefighters, who in the last 24 hours have faced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-regret-any-offence-caused-to-australians-pm-scott-morrison-apologises-for-hawaii-vacation-amid-bushfire-crisis-269362">catastrophic conditions</a> brought by a record heatwave, gale-force winds and prolonged drought.

Australia's firefighting force is overwhelmingly made up of volunteers who have been strained by the intensity and the length of this year's fire season.

Officials said two fires, already big enough to create their own thunderstorms, to the southwest of Sydney had joined to form another "megafire" on the doorstep of Australia's largest city.

Conditions eased markedly on Sunday, giving them time to try to contain massive blazes near Sydney that are only likely to be extinguished with heavy rainfall.

The news of his vacation has recently triggered protests. People on social media used the hashtag #WhereTheBloodyHellAreYa?

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Miniter Scott Morrison on Sunday visited firefighters who have been battling bushfires in the country for months. Morrison recently apologised for a Hawaiian holiday that ended early after public outrage.

Australian Prime Miniter Scott Morrison on Sunday visited firefighters who have been battling bushfires in the country for months. Morrison recently apologised for a Hawaiian holiday that ended early after public outrage. He went on a tour of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, whereby the volunteers have been struggling to contain blazes. The PM faced flak for going on a family holiday amid the national crisis which has cloaked major cities like Brisbane and Sydney. "I get it that people would have been upset to know that I was holidaying with my family while their families were under great stress... If you had your time over again and the benefit of hindsight we would have made different decisions," he said. "I apologise," he said. "There have been lessons learned this week," adding that he believed it was time to move on from the controversy. "I'm sure Australians are fair-minded and understand that when you make a promise to your kids, you try and keep it," the conservative leader said by way of explanation. Watch: Catastrophic fires sweep across Australia The embattled prime minister again acknowledged some link between climate change and weather patterns that scientists say has fuelled the fire crisis, but he indicated there would be no change in pro-coal policies. Morrison also praised volunteer firefighters, who in the last 24 hours have faced catastrophic conditions brought by a record heatwave, gale-force winds and prolonged drought. Australia's firefighting force is overwhelmingly made up of volunteers who have been strained by the intensity and the length of this year's fire season. Officials said two fires, already big enough to create their own thunderstorms, to the southwest of Sydney had joined to form another "megafire" on the doorstep of Australia's largest city. Conditions eased markedly on Sunday, giving them time to try to contain massive blazes near Sydney that are only likely to be extinguished with heavy rainfall. The news of his vacation has recently triggered protests. People on social media used the hashtag #WhereTheBloodyHellAreYa? (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM visits firefighters after stirring controversy for Hawaii vacation

Manuel Marrero, the longest-serving tourism minister in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/viva-felipe-communist-run-cuba-welcomes-spanish-king-261752">Cuba's history</a>, became the country's first prime minister in more than four decades.

According to sources, Marrero's appointment constitutes a bigger process which involves decentralisation and a discourse shift in terms of the Communist Party's stronghold in the country's politics.

Earlier, in Fidel Castro's administration, Marrero worked as the tourism minister starting 2004. He continued to serve under Castro's brother and the current president.

"This proposal was duly approved by the political bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said while presenting it to the country's National Assembly. The proposal was unanimously signed off.

According to Cuba specialist Arturo Lopez-Levy of Holy Names University in California, Marrero "is not coming to the job to transform, but rather to implement and manage. The president is the one who leads".

Watch: Cuba takes another swipe at dual currency system

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He began his career in government in 1999 as vice president of the powerful Gaviota Hotel Group belonging to the armed forces, becoming its president a year later, a post he held until 2004.

"Throughout his career... (Marrero) has been characterized by his modesty, honesty, work capacity, political sensitivity and loyalty to the party and the revolution," Diaz-Canel said.

"[Marrero] has led the tourism industry in a commendable fashion, which constitutes one of the main lines of development of the national economy," he added.

The position of prime minister was last held by Fidel Castro in 1976.

But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-lashes-trump-issues-rallying-cry-to-fight-imperialism-259758">post was abolished</a> when Castro transitioned to the presidency, taking over from Osvaldo Dorticos after the country's constitution was restructured.

(With inputs from agencies)

Manuel Marrero, the longest-serving tourism minister in Cuba's history, became the country's first prime minister in more than four decades. According to sources, Marrero's appointment constitutes a bigger process which involves decentralisation and a discourse shift in terms of the Communist Party's stronghold in the country's politics.

Manuel Marrero, the longest-serving tourism minister in Cuba's history, became the country's first prime minister in more than four decades. According to sources, Marrero's appointment constitutes a bigger process which involves decentralisation and a discourse shift in terms of the Communist Party's stronghold in the country's politics. Earlier, in Fidel Castro's administration, Marrero worked as the tourism minister starting 2004. He continued to serve under Castro's brother and the current president. "This proposal was duly approved by the political bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said while presenting it to the country's National Assembly. The proposal was unanimously signed off. According to Cuba specialist Arturo Lopez-Levy of Holy Names University in California, Marrero "is not coming to the job to transform, but rather to implement and manage. The president is the one who leads". Watch: Cuba takes another swipe at dual currency system He began his career in government in 1999 as vice president of the powerful Gaviota Hotel Group belonging to the armed forces, becoming its president a year later, a post he held until 2004. "Throughout his career... (Marrero) has been characterized by his modesty, honesty, work capacity, political sensitivity and loyalty to the party and the revolution," Diaz-Canel said. "[Marrero] has led the tourism industry in a commendable fashion, which constitutes one of the main lines of development of the national economy," he added. The position of prime minister was last held by Fidel Castro in 1976. But the post was abolished when Castro transitioned to the presidency, taking over from Osvaldo Dorticos after the country's constitution was restructured. (With inputs from agencies)

Cuba: Manuel Merrero becomes Prime Minister 40 years after Fidel Castro

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-polls-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-in-record-numbers-in-fifth-phase-269265">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality).

Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer &amp; a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added.

While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced.

The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. 
 
On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said.

The PM accused political parties of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">rumour-mongering</a> and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''.

The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. 
 
The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd.

''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-was-passed-to-give-respect-to-those-who-fled-to-india-as-refugees-pm-modi-268376">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> and the National Register of Citizens.

(With inputs from ANI)

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi. Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality). Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer & a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added. While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced. The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said. The PM accused political parties of rumour-mongering and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''. The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd. ''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens. (With inputs from ANI)

'Unity in diversity is India's speciality': Amid nationwide protests, PM Modi addresses Delhi's Ramlila ground

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-to-hold-meeting-on-pensions-as-strike-bites-266909">Emmanuel Macron</a>, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa.

Macron claimed that "[France was seen as] hegemonistic view and the trappings of colonialism that was a grave mistake and a fault of the Republic."

"I belong to a generation which was not part of the colonial-era'', he said.

"Three-fourths of your country never knew colonialism," he said, addressing Ivorians and called on African youth to "build a new partnership of friendship with France."

Earlier, during his election campaign for the presidency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">Macron</a> had referred to French colonisation of Algeria as a ''crime against humanity''.

Looking back at a TV interview in 2017, Macron had referred to eight years of war in Algeria as ''genuinely barbaric, and constitute a part of our past that we have to confront by apologising''. Algeria achieved independence in 1962.

(With inputs from agencies)

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa. Macron claimed that "[France was seen as] hegemonistic view and the trappings of colonialism that was a grave mistake and a fault of the Republic." "I belong to a generation which was not part of the colonial-era'', he said. "Three-fourths of your country never knew colonialism," he said, addressing Ivorians and called on African youth to "build a new partnership of friendship with France." Earlier, during his election campaign for the presidency, Macron had referred to French colonisation of Algeria as a ''crime against humanity''. Looking back at a TV interview in 2017, Macron had referred to eight years of war in Algeria as ''genuinely barbaric, and constitute a part of our past that we have to confront by apologising''. Algeria achieved independence in 1962. (With inputs from agencies)

Colonialism was a grave mistake: French PM Emmanuel Macron

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hariri-may-be-named-pm-but-faces-struggle-to-form-government-268476">Saad al-Hariri</a>, who had been expected to be named premier again.

Hariri had requested the delay to the consultations, which had been scheduled for Monday, in a phone call with President Michel Aoun to allow "more consultation on the subject of the government formation", the presidency said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment from Hariri's office.

Lebanon is in urgent need of a <a href="wionews.com/world/lebanon-is-a-sinking-ship-parliament-speaker-warns-262944">new government</a> to tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, <a href="Lebanese PM Saad al-Hariri resigns as crisis turns violent">resigned </a>as prime minister on October&nbsp;29 in response to mass protests against the ruling elite over decades of state corruption and bad governance.

He has said he would only return as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hariri-ready-to-be-lebanese-prime-minister-again-but-with-conditions-report-258873">prime minister</a> of a cabinet of specialist ministers, believing this would satisfy protesters and allow the government to address the crisis and attract foreign aid.

His political adversaries, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-president-calls-for-merit-based-government-in-nod-to-protesters-259178">Aoun </a>and the powerful, Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, say the new cabinet should include politicians alongside technocrats.

Lebanon's prime minister, who must be a Sunni Muslim, is appointed in binding consultations convened by the head of state with lawmakers. The president must designate the candidate with the greatest support among the 128 lawmakers.

Hariri has been seen as the only candidate for the position since the failure of efforts to form a consensus on several other Sunni figures, and he enjoys the backing of the Sunni religious establishment.

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader Saad al-Hariri, who had been expected to be named premier again.

The Lebanese presidency said it had delayed consultations to designate a new prime minister until Thursday in response to a request from caretaker leader Saad al-Hariri, who had been expected to be named premier again. Hariri had requested the delay to the consultations, which had been scheduled for Monday, in a phone call with President Michel Aoun to allow "more consultation on the subject of the government formation", the presidency said in a statement. There was no immediate comment from Hariri's office. Lebanon is in urgent need of a new government to tackle the worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. Hariri, who is aligned with Western and Gulf Arab states, resigned as prime minister on October 29 in response to mass protests against the ruling elite over decades of state corruption and bad governance. He has said he would only return as prime minister of a cabinet of specialist ministers, believing this would satisfy protesters and allow the government to address the crisis and attract foreign aid. His political adversaries, including Aoun and the powerful, Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, say the new cabinet should include politicians alongside technocrats. Lebanon's prime minister, who must be a Sunni Muslim, is appointed in binding consultations convened by the head of state with lawmakers. The president must designate the candidate with the greatest support among the 128 lawmakers. Hariri has been seen as the only candidate for the position since the failure of efforts to form a consensus on several other Sunni figures, and he enjoys the backing of the Sunni religious establishment.

Consultations to name Lebanese Prime Minister delayed until Thursday

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled.

Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years. They denied all charges, including "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges".

The court in Algiers also handed 10-year prison terms to two former industry ministers, and sentences ranging from three to seven years to five prominent businessmen.

Many former senior officials have been in detention as the army seeks to quell mass protests that began in February demanding the prosecution of people involved in corruption and the removal of the ruling elite.

Tuesday's sentences marked the second verdict since September, when a military court handed long prison terms to the once untouchable intelligence chief and youngest brother of the former president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Bouteflika resigned in April under pressure from the protests which began in February. Demonstrators say Thursday's election will not be fair because some of Bouteflika's allies are still in power.

The army has said the vote will be fair and an election is the only way to get out of the crisis.

Tuesday's verdict is linked to corruption in the car assembly business and "hidden financing" of Bouteflika's campaign for a fifth five-year term in an election that was scrapped earlier this year.

Among the businessmen jailed was Ali Haddad, a former chief of Algeria's largest business association, who was imprisoned for seven years. Former transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane was the only defendant acquitted.

All those on trial were allies of Bouteflika and denied the charges. Sellal's son, Fares, a shareholder in a car assembly plant, was handed a three-year jail sentence.

The court also issued a 20-year prison sentence in absentia to former industry minister Abdesslam Bouchouareb, who is abroad. An international arrest warrant has been issued by the same court.

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled. Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years.

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption on Tuesday, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled. Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 15-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years. They denied all charges, including "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges". The court in Algiers also handed 10-year prison terms to two former industry ministers, and sentences ranging from three to seven years to five prominent businessmen. Many former senior officials have been in detention as the army seeks to quell mass protests that began in February demanding the prosecution of people involved in corruption and the removal of the ruling elite. Tuesday's sentences marked the second verdict since September, when a military court handed long prison terms to the once untouchable intelligence chief and youngest brother of the former president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Bouteflika resigned in April under pressure from the protests which began in February. Demonstrators say Thursday's election will not be fair because some of Bouteflika's allies are still in power. The army has said the vote will be fair and an election is the only way to get out of the crisis. Tuesday's verdict is linked to corruption in the car assembly business and "hidden financing" of Bouteflika's campaign for a fifth five-year term in an election that was scrapped earlier this year. Among the businessmen jailed was Ali Haddad, a former chief of Algeria's largest business association, who was imprisoned for seven years. Former transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane was the only defendant acquitted. All those on trial were allies of Bouteflika and denied the charges. Sellal's son, Fares, a shareholder in a car assembly plant, was handed a three-year jail sentence. The court also issued a 20-year prison sentence in absentia to former industry minister Abdesslam Bouchouareb, who is abroad. An international arrest warrant has been issued by the same court.

Algeria: Two ex-prime ministers jailed two days before election

Sanna Marin – a minister of Finland government – will become the youngest Prime Minister&nbsp;in the world when she takes control of the country next week.

The 34-year old transport minister of Finland has been selected by the Social Democrats to lead the nation.

Sanna Marin narrowly won Sunday's vote to replace outgoing leader Antti Rinne, who resigned on Tuesday after losing the confidence of the coalition partner Centre Party over his handling of a postal strike.

Former PM Antti Rinne had headed Finland's centre-left five-party coalition since June, and Marin's appointment is unlikely to lead to significant policy changes by the Social Democrat-led administration.

At 34, Marin also becomes one of the world's youngest state leaders, ahead of Ukraine's prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, who is currently 35.

Finland's social democrats, who lead the five-party coalition government, picked on Marin to become the country's PM.

With this, Marin joins the ranks of New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Arden and Denmark's Mette Frederiksen. As world leaders under 50.

Meanwhile, the other four parties in Finland are also led by women, three of whom are under 35 years old.

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Finland’s government is now led by these five party leaders. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/newgeneration?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#newgeneration</a> <a href="https://t.co/vis0qB9tO8">pic.twitter.com/vis0qB9tO8</a>
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(With inputs from AFP)

Sanna Marin – a minister of Finland government – will become the youngest Prime Minister in the world when she takes control of the country next week. The 34-year old transport minister of Finland has been selected by the Social Democrats to lead the nation.

Sanna Marin – a minister of Finland government – will become the youngest Prime Minister in the world when she takes control of the country next week. The 34-year old transport minister of Finland has been selected by the Social Democrats to lead the nation. Sanna Marin narrowly won Sunday's vote to replace outgoing leader Antti Rinne, who resigned on Tuesday after losing the confidence of the coalition partner Centre Party over his handling of a postal strike. Former PM Antti Rinne had headed Finland's centre-left five-party coalition since June, and Marin's appointment is unlikely to lead to significant policy changes by the Social Democrat-led administration. At 34, Marin also becomes one of the world's youngest state leaders, ahead of Ukraine's prime minister Oleksiy Honcharuk, who is currently 35. Finland's social democrats, who lead the five-party coalition government, picked on Marin to become the country's PM. With this, Marin joins the ranks of New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Arden and Denmark's Mette Frederiksen. As world leaders under 50. Meanwhile, the other four parties in Finland are also led by women, three of whom are under 35 years old. Finland’s government is now led by these five party leaders. #newgeneration pic.twitter.com/vis0qB9tO8 — Tuomas Niskakangas (@TNiskakangas) December 8, 2019 × (With inputs from AFP)

Sanna Marin, 34, becomes world's youngest-serving prime minister

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">Malta's prime minister</a> blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder.&nbsp;

The sit-in outside the side entrance of the offices of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat began shortly after 7:00 am&nbsp;and involved about 30 protesters.&nbsp;

Activists sat on the ground, shouting and banging on drums and blowing whistles. It was not clear whether Muscat was in his offices at the time.&nbsp;

At one point, journalists covering the sit-in were forced out of the passageway and protesters were locked inside by soldiers. They later exited the passageway, joining other protesters outside the building.

Muscat announced earlier this month that he will resign in January, responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rattled-by-journalist-murder-probe-maltas-ruling-party-meets-to-decide-pms-future-265579">wave of mass protests</a> over a much-criticised probe into the 2017 murder of journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The investigation, which is ongoing, has also led to the resignations of Muscat's chief of staff and tourism minister.

Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 after exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island that implicated top government officials. Her family has accused Muscat of protecting those involved in her murder. &nbsp;

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of Malta's prime minister blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder.

Protesters demanding the immediate resignation of Malta's prime minister blocked an entrance to his office on Monday, the latest demonstrations over his handling of a journalist's murder. The sit-in outside the side entrance of the offices of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat began shortly after 7:00 am and involved about 30 protesters. Activists sat on the ground, shouting and banging on drums and blowing whistles. It was not clear whether Muscat was in his offices at the time. At one point, journalists covering the sit-in were forced out of the passageway and protesters were locked inside by soldiers. They later exited the passageway, joining other protesters outside the building. Muscat announced earlier this month that he will resign in January, responding to a wave of mass protests over a much-criticised probe into the 2017 murder of journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia. The investigation, which is ongoing, has also led to the resignations of Muscat's chief of staff and tourism minister. Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 after exposing corruption on the Mediterranean island that implicated top government officials. Her family has accused Muscat of protecting those involved in her murder.

Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-to-hold-meeting-on-pensions-as-strike-bites-266909">The French government</a> said it would see through planned pension reforms but said the new system that has sparked nationwide strikes would be introduced gradually and public concerns would be addressed.

Transport systems were paralysed for a fourth day on Sunday as unions at state railway SNCF and Paris public transport system RATP extended their strike against the changes.

"I am determined to take this pension reform to its completion and ... I will address people's concerns about it," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"If we do not implement a thorough, serious and progressive reform today, someone else will do one tomorrow, but really brutally," he told the weekly publication.

Philippe has said he would present a detailed outline of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-bans-two-us-pesticides-citing-risk-to-bees-266292">pension reform plan</a> on Wednesday.

Deputy Environment Minister Emmanuel Wargon told radio France Info the government would be flexible about both the timeline and implementation of the reforms.

"Timelines may be relaxed if necessary and we may differentiate how each special pension system converges with the new system under different deadlines and terms," she said.

She said a date would be set to implement the new system but people's pension rights would be calculated proportionally based on how much time they had worked under the new and old systems.

"Some say that everybody will lose under the new system. Not everybody will lose. It will be rather positive for a significant part of French citizens," she said.

Philippe Martinez, the leader of the CGT union, said the CGT would fight until the government dropped the plan.

"We will continue until the plan is withdrawn," he told the JDD, saying the prime minister should "go back to square one."

France has one of the most generous pension systems among countries in the OECD grouping of industrialised nations.

President Emmanuel Macron was elected in 2017 on a platform to liberalise the economy and reform the pension system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-unions-call-for-new-protests-strikes-on-tuesday-over-pension-reforms-266676">Macron wants to introduce a pension system</a> with equal rights for everyone and to do away with a set of sub-systems under which some workers at SNCF, RATP and other institutions can retire in their early fifties, a decade ahead of others.

Unions plan a second demonstration on Tuesday, after a Thursday's first protest attracted 65,000 people in Paris and 806,000 nationwide, according to police figures.

The French government said it would see through planned pension reforms but said the new system that has sparked nationwide strikes would be introduced gradually and public concerns would be addressed.

The French government said it would see through planned pension reforms but said the new system that has sparked nationwide strikes would be introduced gradually and public concerns would be addressed. Transport systems were paralysed for a fourth day on Sunday as unions at state railway SNCF and Paris public transport system RATP extended their strike against the changes. "I am determined to take this pension reform to its completion and ... I will address people's concerns about it," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told Le Journal du Dimanche. "If we do not implement a thorough, serious and progressive reform today, someone else will do one tomorrow, but really brutally," he told the weekly publication. Philippe has said he would present a detailed outline of the pension reform plan on Wednesday. Deputy Environment Minister Emmanuel Wargon told radio France Info the government would be flexible about both the timeline and implementation of the reforms. "Timelines may be relaxed if necessary and we may differentiate how each special pension system converges with the new system under different deadlines and terms," she said. She said a date would be set to implement the new system but people's pension rights would be calculated proportionally based on how much time they had worked under the new and old systems. "Some say that everybody will lose under the new system. Not everybody will lose. It will be rather positive for a significant part of French citizens," she said. Philippe Martinez, the leader of the CGT union, said the CGT would fight until the government dropped the plan. "We will continue until the plan is withdrawn," he told the JDD, saying the prime minister should "go back to square one." France has one of the most generous pension systems among countries in the OECD grouping of industrialised nations. President Emmanuel Macron was elected in 2017 on a platform to liberalise the economy and reform the pension system. Macron wants to introduce a pension system with equal rights for everyone and to do away with a set of sub-systems under which some workers at SNCF, RATP and other institutions can retire in their early fifties, a decade ahead of others. Unions plan a second demonstration on Tuesday, after a Thursday's first protest attracted 65,000 people in Paris and 806,000 nationwide, according to police figures.

Determined to take pension reform to completion, will address people's concerns: French PM

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-malaysians-muslims-handed-jail-terms-for-skipping-friday-prayers-266178">Leaders of&nbsp;Malaysia's</a> ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally.

Mahathir, elected to power in May 2018, had promised to hand over the reins to Anwar, 72, soon after laying the groundwork for a new administration.

But Mahathir has said he may need more time to repair the damage left by the scandal-tainted government of his predecessor, Najib Razak, while Anwar grapples with deep-seated factionalism within his own People's Justice Party (PKR), the largest member of the ruling coalition.

"As far as I am concerned there has been clarity (that it will happen), except for the time," Anwar told a news conference after PKR's annual congress in Malacca, about 150 km from the country's capital Kuala Lumpur.

"But let us work out an acceptable formula so that the transition is smooth and orderly."

Hundreds of delegates were seen holding "Anwar PM-8" placards at Sunday's congress, a year after he was elected the party's president. PKR was formed 20 years ago to carry on Anwar's reform agenda after he was first jailed on what he has said were trumped-up charges of corruption and sodomy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/malaysia-to-examine-ringgits-fall-as-import-costs-sting-mahathir-265493">Anwar, who would be the country's eighth premier should he take power</a>, has been jailed twice, receiving a second sodomy conviction in 2015. He was granted a royal pardon last May.

Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, describing the accusation as "politics at its worst".

"This is not an ordinary annual conference. It is an important platform for Anwar to legitimise his position as the successor to Mahathir," said Adib Zalkapli, a&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia.

"He won the party leadership last year. This year, Anwar has to show that he is still in control of the party."

But on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-pushes-for-two-term-limit-for-prime-ministers-265975">Anwar's party deputy</a> and perceived rival, Azmin Ali, led a walkout after delegates hit out at the president's critics for allegedly trying to destabilise the party and challenge Anwar.

Azmin denied it was a boycott of the three-day meeting, insisting that their message was for the party to focus on governance and not be hung up on the power transition.

"When the people voted us in, the people wanted us to reform...that should be the focus of the new government," Azmin told reporters.

Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally.

Leaders of Malaysia's ruling party on Sunday renewed a push for Anwar Ibrahim to lead the country, as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad dithers on the timing of the planned power transition he had promised to his former rival-turned-ally. Mahathir, elected to power in May 2018, had promised to hand over the reins to Anwar, 72, soon after laying the groundwork for a new administration. But Mahathir has said he may need more time to repair the damage left by the scandal-tainted government of his predecessor, Najib Razak, while Anwar grapples with deep-seated factionalism within his own People's Justice Party (PKR), the largest member of the ruling coalition. "As far as I am concerned there has been clarity (that it will happen), except for the time," Anwar told a news conference after PKR's annual congress in Malacca, about 150 km from the country's capital Kuala Lumpur. "But let us work out an acceptable formula so that the transition is smooth and orderly." Hundreds of delegates were seen holding "Anwar PM-8" placards at Sunday's congress, a year after he was elected the party's president. PKR was formed 20 years ago to carry on Anwar's reform agenda after he was first jailed on what he has said were trumped-up charges of corruption and sodomy. Anwar, who would be the country's eighth premier should he take power, has been jailed twice, receiving a second sodomy conviction in 2015. He was granted a royal pardon last May. Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations that he had sexually assaulted a former male aide, describing the accusation as "politics at its worst". "This is not an ordinary annual conference. It is an important platform for Anwar to legitimise his position as the successor to Mahathir," said Adib Zalkapli, a Malaysia director with political risk consultancy Bower Group Asia. "He won the party leadership last year. This year, Anwar has to show that he is still in control of the party." But on Saturday, Anwar's party deputy and perceived rival, Azmin Ali, led a walkout after delegates hit out at the president's critics for allegedly trying to destabilise the party and challenge Anwar. Azmin denied it was a boycott of the three-day meeting, insisting that their message was for the party to focus on governance and not be hung up on the power transition. "When the people voted us in, the people wanted us to reform...that should be the focus of the new government," Azmin told reporters.

Malaysia: Ruling party makes fresh push for Anwar to take over as PM

The&nbsp;corruption&nbsp;trial&nbsp;for two former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-ex-pm-questioned-in-widening-probe-into-longtime-elite-214809">Algerian prime ministers</a>, prominent politicians and automotive industry&nbsp;tycoons&nbsp;started Wednesday in Algiers, with defence lawyers boycotting the proceedings.

The&nbsp;trial&nbsp;is the&nbsp;first&nbsp;resulting from sweeping investigations into graft allegations launched after the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the face of mass protests in April.

The accused face charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges in the vehicle assembly industry.

The&nbsp;trial&nbsp;had been adjourned on Monday and the defence vowed to boycott further hearings, criticising the case as "politicised" and marred by a climate of "settling accounts".

Lawyer Mohamed Madjdoub, speaking on behalf of the defence, told the judge that "conditions... do not allow for lawyers to accomplish their mission and therefore, I inform you that the defence has decided to boycott the&nbsp;trial".

The judge asked the lawyers to leave the small, crowded courtroom and said the proceedings would continue.

The nascent Algerian automotive sector got its start in 2014, via partnerships between foreign groups and large Algerian corporations, often owned by businessmen linked to Bouteflika's entourage.

Two former prime ministers who served under Bouteflika appeared as defendants on Wednesday: Ahmed Ouyahia, an unpopular four-time former government head, and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was premier from 2014 to 2017.

It is the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time since&nbsp;Algeria's independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on&nbsp;trial.

The two men argued that the court was not competent to try them, the constitution stipulating that crimes and infractions committed by prime ministers while in office fell under a "High Court of State".

But the organic law to establish this court was not passed and the prosecutor responded that they had to answer for their actions before the ordinary court.&nbsp;

Watch: Algerians protest against presidential election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/algerians-protest-against-presidential-election-263390/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Charges denied

Called&nbsp;first&nbsp;to the stand, Ouyahia was accused of "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, granting undue privileges, conflict of interest,&nbsp;corruption, money laundering and false statements".

He was charged with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-interim-president-calls-for-dialogue-to-prepare-new-elections-225135">favouring certain manufacturers</a> in the automotive sector -- even if they did not fulfil brief specifications -- to the detriment of competitors.

"There is no misappropriation (of public funds) and the choice... was based on the market. These manufacturers were already present and we wanted to keep them", the former prime minister said in his defence.

Sellal also flatly denied all the charges against him, saying he had had "no authority" over his ministers but only a "coordination" role as premier.

Former ministers Bedda Mahdjoub (industry and mines), Youcef Yousfi, who succeeded him in the post, and Abdelghani Zaalane (public works and transport) are other defendants in the case.

Zaalane was questioned over charges related to "secret" financing of Bouteflika's campaigns.&nbsp;

The former minister said that while he was Bouteflika's campaign manager for nine days in March 2019, he was aware of donations from five businessmen amounting to 750 million dinars ($6.2 million), well above the legal campaign spending cap.

Also, standing&nbsp;trial&nbsp;was Ali Haddad, former head of the main <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerian-council-scraps-july-4-presidential-election-223662">Algerian employer organisation</a>, the Forum of Business Leaders (FCE).

The 54-year-old businessman is also the founder and CEO of private construction firm ETRHB.

Among the other businessmen being tried is former FCE vice president Mohamed Bairi, CEO of the Ival group, which owns industrial vehicle plant Iveco.

Ahmed Mazouz, president of the eponymous group that assembles and distributes Chinese-brand vehicles in&nbsp;Algeria, and Hassane Arbaoui, head of Global Group which runs an Algerian factory for South Korean company Kia, are also defendants.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;trial&nbsp;is set to continue on Thursday.

The corruption trial for two former Algerian prime ministers, prominent politicians and automotive industry tycoons started Wednesday in Algiers, with defence lawyers boycotting the proceedings.

The corruption trial for two former Algerian prime ministers, prominent politicians and automotive industry tycoons started Wednesday in Algiers, with defence lawyers boycotting the proceedings. The trial is the first resulting from sweeping investigations into graft allegations launched after the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the face of mass protests in April. The accused face charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges in the vehicle assembly industry. The trial had been adjourned on Monday and the defence vowed to boycott further hearings, criticising the case as "politicised" and marred by a climate of "settling accounts". Lawyer Mohamed Madjdoub, speaking on behalf of the defence, told the judge that "conditions... do not allow for lawyers to accomplish their mission and therefore, I inform you that the defence has decided to boycott the trial". The judge asked the lawyers to leave the small, crowded courtroom and said the proceedings would continue. The nascent Algerian automotive sector got its start in 2014, via partnerships between foreign groups and large Algerian corporations, often owned by businessmen linked to Bouteflika's entourage. Two former prime ministers who served under Bouteflika appeared as defendants on Wednesday: Ahmed Ouyahia, an unpopular four-time former government head, and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was premier from 2014 to 2017. It is the first time since Algeria's independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on trial. The two men argued that the court was not competent to try them, the constitution stipulating that crimes and infractions committed by prime ministers while in office fell under a "High Court of State". But the organic law to establish this court was not passed and the prosecutor responded that they had to answer for their actions before the ordinary court. Watch: Algerians protest against presidential election Charges denied Called first to the stand, Ouyahia was accused of "misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, granting undue privileges, conflict of interest, corruption, money laundering and false statements". He was charged with favouring certain manufacturers in the automotive sector -- even if they did not fulfil brief specifications -- to the detriment of competitors. "There is no misappropriation (of public funds) and the choice... was based on the market. These manufacturers were already present and we wanted to keep them", the former prime minister said in his defence. Sellal also flatly denied all the charges against him, saying he had had "no authority" over his ministers but only a "coordination" role as premier. Former ministers Bedda Mahdjoub (industry and mines), Youcef Yousfi, who succeeded him in the post, and Abdelghani Zaalane (public works and transport) are other defendants in the case. Zaalane was questioned over charges related to "secret" financing of Bouteflika's campaigns. The former minister said that while he was Bouteflika's campaign manager for nine days in March 2019, he was aware of donations from five businessmen amounting to 750 million dinars ($6.2 million), well above the legal campaign spending cap. Also, standing trial was Ali Haddad, former head of the main Algerian employer organisation, the Forum of Business Leaders (FCE). The 54-year-old businessman is also the founder and CEO of private construction firm ETRHB. Among the other businessmen being tried is former FCE vice president Mohamed Bairi, CEO of the Ival group, which owns industrial vehicle plant Iveco. Ahmed Mazouz, president of the eponymous group that assembles and distributes Chinese-brand vehicles in Algeria, and Hassane Arbaoui, head of Global Group which runs an Algerian factory for South Korean company Kia, are also defendants. The trial is set to continue on Thursday.

Algeria: First corruption trial for ex-PMs, tycoons opened

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn.

UK elections are supposed to be held every five years but this one is the third since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades.

And it is not just Brexit That is at stake. Whoever gets the keys to downing street will radically influence the country's economy.Public services and the road ahead.

650 people will be chosen as members of parliament to decide laws and policies. Most belong to a political party, but some do stand as independents. These MPs are elected to the house of commons.

In the UK, general elections are supposed to be held every five years. But, three elections have already taken place in just &nbsp;4 years.

The national health service and immigration were issues that were the biggest concern for the voters. &nbsp;

Now, Brexit - the UK's departure from the European Union - is a prime concern.

The whole point of these elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament. But it is a huge gamble for prime minister Boris Johnson and leader of the conservative party.

Politicians are divided on this issue, some want the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some would prefer another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether.&nbsp;

Prime minister Boris Johnson doesn't have enough MPs to easily pass new laws. He hopes an early election will increase the number of conservative MPs, making his Brexit plans easier to achieve.

If the UK prime minister fails, pro-remain parties will try to stop Brexit altogether.There is the labour party which wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum.

The liberal democrat under the leadership of Jo Swinson have pledged to cancel Brexit if they are voted to power at the general elections.

The Scottish National party, welsh party Plaid Cymru and the greens are all in favour of a second referendum.Voting takes place between 7:00 am and 10 pm on December 12. The results are declared through the night and the following day.&nbsp;

When the overall result is known, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham palace to ask the queen for permission to form a new government.Often they will stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming years.

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn.

Just 10 days left before Britain goes back to the ballot boxes to pick its prime minister. The question is who will the UK voters vote for - will it be Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn. UK elections are supposed to be held every five years but this one is the third since 2015. It's predicted to be one of the most volatile general elections in decades. And it is not just Brexit That is at stake. Whoever gets the keys to downing street will radically influence the country's economy.Public services and the road ahead. 650 people will be chosen as members of parliament to decide laws and policies. Most belong to a political party, but some do stand as independents. These MPs are elected to the house of commons. In the UK, general elections are supposed to be held every five years. But, three elections have already taken place in just 4 years. The national health service and immigration were issues that were the biggest concern for the voters. Now, Brexit - the UK's departure from the European Union - is a prime concern. The whole point of these elections is to break the Brexit deadlock in parliament. But it is a huge gamble for prime minister Boris Johnson and leader of the conservative party. Politicians are divided on this issue, some want the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible, some would prefer another referendum, and others to cancel Brexit altogether. Prime minister Boris Johnson doesn't have enough MPs to easily pass new laws. He hopes an early election will increase the number of conservative MPs, making his Brexit plans easier to achieve. If the UK prime minister fails, pro-remain parties will try to stop Brexit altogether.There is the labour party which wants to renegotiate Johnson's Brexit deal and put it to another referendum. The liberal democrat under the leadership of Jo Swinson have pledged to cancel Brexit if they are voted to power at the general elections. The Scottish National party, welsh party Plaid Cymru and the greens are all in favour of a second referendum.Voting takes place between 7:00 am and 10 pm on December 12. The results are declared through the night and the following day. When the overall result is known, the leader of the winning party visits Buckingham palace to ask the queen for permission to form a new government.Often they will stand outside to deliver a speech about their party's plans for the coming years.

Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn: Who will be the next UK Prime Minister

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

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

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

Maltese Prime Minister announces plans to step down

Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;can&nbsp;stay&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-deadlock-in-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-running-out-of-options-264457">on&nbsp;in his post</a> although he has been indicted&nbsp;on&nbsp;corruption charges, Israel's&nbsp;attorney&nbsp;general&nbsp;said Monday.

Avichai Mandelblit, in a statement, said,&nbsp;"there is no legal obligation for the prime minister to resign".

Under Israeli law, while ministers cannot keep their posts after the indictment, a prime minister is not legally required to step down unless convicted and with all appeals exhausted.

But the embattled premier has faced calls to resign from several politicians since Mandelblit last Thursday charged him with bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu acts unperturbed by indictment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/benjamin-netanyahu-acts-unperturbed-by-indictment-264254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;comes as Israel edges closer to its third&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-faces-court-party-challenges-after-indictment-264271">general&nbsp;election in a year</a>, after two inconclusive polls in April and September, with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and centrist rival Benny Gantz unable to form a government.

Gantz's Blue and White party won one more seat than&nbsp;Netanyahu's rightwing Likud in the September polls.

Parliament now has less than three weeks to find a candidate who can gain the support of more than half of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, or a deeply unpopular third election will be called.

Netanyahu&nbsp;remains the country's interim premier.

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

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

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

Australia's Prime Minister on Thursday denied his climate policies had caused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-threat-spreads-wreaks-havoc-in-australia-as-sydney-chokes-263481">unprecedented bushfires</a> ravaging the country and insisted his government was doing enough to tackle global warming.

As dozens of new blazes scorched the countryside and the country's largest city was cloaked in hazardous smoke, conservative leader Scott Morrison defended his climate record, saying Australia was "doing our bit".

His comments came after weeks spent refusing to speak about the link between climate change and deadly fires described by the emergency services as unprecedented in number and scale for the early bushfire season.

As more people in the southeast of the country were told to evacuate their homes and schoolchildren in Sydney were again forced to play indoors, Morrison dismissed mounting calls for action.

"The suggestion that any way shape or form that Australia, accounting for 1.3 per cent of the world's emissions... are impacting directly on specific fire events, whether it is here or anywhere else in the world, that doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence," he told ABC radio.

Scientists, former fire chiefs and residents touched by bushfires have all drawn the link between this season's more intense fires and climate change.

Drought, unseasonably hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled the unprecedented blazes. Scientists believe many of those factors are made worse by rising global temperatures.

On Thursday bushfires burned across every region of Australia with residents in Victoria warned to leave high-risk areas and officials in New South Wales reporting more than 600 homes have been destroyed in recent weeks.

Morrison is facing calls to cut greenhouse gas emissions and rapidly transition to renewable energy -- a sensitive debate in light of Australia's lucrative mining industry.

Australia has committed to globally agreed climate targets to help limit warming, but its emissions continue to rise and targets are only being met with the use of some creative carbon accounting,&nbsp;using credits gained in past decades.

While Australia's burning of fossil fuels accounts for only a fraction of global emissions, coal dug up Down Under and burned around the world makes the country a major emissions exporter.

Watch: Hazardous layer of bushfire smoke covers Sydney

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-hazardous-thick-layer-of-bushfire-smoke-covered-sydney-263107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Code red'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Sydney%3A+People+asked+to+stay+indoors+as+hazardous+smog+from+bushfires+eclipses+city">Devastating fires along the country's</a> east coast have claimed six lives since mid-October.

Now the fire danger has moved into states further south, with more than 60 fires breaking out in Victoria on Thursday,&nbsp;including five at "emergency" level,&nbsp;after a so-called "Code Red" fire danger was declared for the first time in a decade.

Victoria Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said firefighters were batting "some of the worst conditions that you'd expect to see, often in February or March, and we're seeing them in November".

"It is incredibly dry, it will continue to get drier as the months go on over this summer, so the conditions we see today are likely conditions that we'll confront over this summer," she said.

The Bureau of Meteorology said "large areas" of central and eastern Victoria broke maximum temperature records for November,&nbsp;including in Melbourne where the mercury reached 40.9 Celsius, while a dramatic dust storm swept through the town of Mildura, turning the sky a vivid orange.

Country Fire Authority chief Steve Warrington earlier told people living in high-risk rural areas to leave for the safety of cities.

"We are saying, 'do not be there, do not be there when a fire occurs, because you will not survive if you are there'," he said.

The fire danger was also elevated to "extreme" in the island state of Tasmania off mainland Australia's southeastern coast, one of several areas where a total fire ban was declared.

For the second time in three days, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-braces-for-heavy-winds-lightning-as-bushfire-threat-lingers-262193">smoke from bushfires blanketed Sydney</a>, Australia's biggest city and an area that is home to more than five million people, sending air quality plummeting to hazardous levels.

In South Australia, the state capital Adelaide was also shrouded in bushfire smoke and residents were being told to stay indoors for health reasons.

More than 110 fires are still burning in worst-hit New South Wales and neighbouring Queensland, while in South Australia&nbsp;more than 40 fires broke out during catastrophic fire conditions Wednesday.&nbsp;

The country is bracing for challenging fire conditions to continue throughout the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Australia's Prime Minister on Thursday denied his climate policies had caused unprecedented bushfires ravaging the country and insisted his government was doing enough to tackle global warming.

Australia's Prime Minister on Thursday denied his climate policies had caused unprecedented bushfires ravaging the country and insisted his government was doing enough to tackle global warming. As dozens of new blazes scorched the countryside and the country's largest city was cloaked in hazardous smoke, conservative leader Scott Morrison defended his climate record, saying Australia was "doing our bit". His comments came after weeks spent refusing to speak about the link between climate change and deadly fires described by the emergency services as unprecedented in number and scale for the early bushfire season. As more people in the southeast of the country were told to evacuate their homes and schoolchildren in Sydney were again forced to play indoors, Morrison dismissed mounting calls for action. "The suggestion that any way shape or form that Australia, accounting for 1.3 per cent of the world's emissions... are impacting directly on specific fire events, whether it is here or anywhere else in the world, that doesn't bear up to credible scientific evidence," he told ABC radio. Scientists, former fire chiefs and residents touched by bushfires have all drawn the link between this season's more intense fires and climate change. Drought, unseasonably hot, dry and windy conditions have fuelled the unprecedented blazes. Scientists believe many of those factors are made worse by rising global temperatures. On Thursday bushfires burned across every region of Australia with residents in Victoria warned to leave high-risk areas and officials in New South Wales reporting more than 600 homes have been destroyed in recent weeks. Morrison is facing calls to cut greenhouse gas emissions and rapidly transition to renewable energy -- a sensitive debate in light of Australia's lucrative mining industry. Australia has committed to globally agreed climate targets to help limit warming, but its emissions continue to rise and targets are only being met with the use of some creative carbon accounting, using credits gained in past decades. While Australia's burning of fossil fuels accounts for only a fraction of global emissions, coal dug up Down Under and burned around the world makes the country a major emissions exporter. Watch: Hazardous layer of bushfire smoke covers Sydney 'Code red' Devastating fires along the country's east coast have claimed six lives since mid-October. Now the fire danger has moved into states further south, with more than 60 fires breaking out in Victoria on Thursday, including five at "emergency" level, after a so-called "Code Red" fire danger was declared for the first time in a decade. Victoria Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said firefighters were batting "some of the worst conditions that you'd expect to see, often in February or March, and we're seeing them in November". "It is incredibly dry, it will continue to get drier as the months go on over this summer, so the conditions we see today are likely conditions that we'll confront over this summer," she said. The Bureau of Meteorology said "large areas" of central and eastern Victoria broke maximum temperature records for November, including in Melbourne where the mercury reached 40.9 Celsius, while a dramatic dust storm swept through the town of Mildura, turning the sky a vivid orange. Country Fire Authority chief Steve Warrington earlier told people living in high-risk rural areas to leave for the safety of cities. "We are saying, 'do not be there, do not be there when a fire occurs, because you will not survive if you are there'," he said. The fire danger was also elevated to "extreme" in the island state of Tasmania off mainland Australia's southeastern coast, one of several areas where a total fire ban was declared. For the second time in three days, smoke from bushfires blanketed Sydney, Australia's biggest city and an area that is home to more than five million people, sending air quality plummeting to hazardous levels. In South Australia, the state capital Adelaide was also shrouded in bushfire smoke and residents were being told to stay indoors for health reasons. More than 110 fires are still burning in worst-hit New South Wales and neighbouring Queensland, while in South Australia more than 40 fires broke out during catastrophic fire conditions Wednesday. The country is bracing for challenging fire conditions to continue throughout the Southern Hemisphere summer.

As bushfires rage and choke Sydney, Australian PM denies link to climate policies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> will be sworn in as the new prime minister of Sri Lanka today. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation.

Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

According to Colombo Page, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-prime-minister-wickremesinghe-to-resign-today-263336">Wickremesinghe</a> took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions.&nbsp;

Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-sri-lanka-pm-announces-resignation-263469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. 
 
The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war.&nbsp; 
 
The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses.

(With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as the new prime minister of Sri Lanka today. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation.

Mahinda Rajapaksa will be sworn in as the new prime minister of Sri Lanka today. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. According to Colombo Page, Wickremesinghe took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions. Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war. The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses. (With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa to be sworn-in as Sri Lankan Prime Minister today

Incumbent PM Ranil Wickremesinghe announces resignation on Thursday. To know more watch the video

Incumbent PM Ranil Wickremesinghe announces resignation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation.

Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

According to Colombo Page, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-prime-minister-wickremesinghe-to-resign-today-263336">Wickremesinghe</a> took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions.&nbsp;

Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-sri-lanka-pm-announces-resignation-263469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. 
 
The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war.&nbsp; 
 
The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses.

(With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. According to Colombo Page, Wickremesinghe took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions. Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war. The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses. (With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn-in as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became Japan's longest-serving premier on Wednesday, a remarkable feat for a leader who once quit in humiliation, but the day was marred by questions about possible election law violations and worries about the economy.

Japan's Abe sets record as longest-serving PM with 2,887 days in charge

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-17-members-of-pm-secretariat-tender-resignations-261147">shuffle his cabinet</a>&nbsp;today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley.

''I will be reshuffling the cabinet tomorrow. Some of you might be replaced by new faces; you will know my decision the next day. I thank you all for your support and ask you not to take it otherwise," a minister requesting not to be identified by name quoted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as saying after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.

The latest cabinet meeting was held at PM's residence in Baluwatar. 
 
"He (Prime Minister) did not give any hints about who would be going off the seat and who will be chaired. Even I don't have a clue whether I would remain minister for remaining days or it's my last day in the post," the minister added.

This did not happen out of the blue as the PM had been planning to reshuffle the cabinet for a long time and even asked his secretariat members to resign from the post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-appoints-governors-of-all-seven-provinces-260040">The incumbent government</a> under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli was formed in February of 2018 after the landslide victory in the Federal Election. The erstwhile Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist Leninist won the maximum seats after forming an alliance of Leftist parties in Nepal.

(With inputs from ANI)

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to shuffle his cabinet today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley.

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to shuffle his cabinet today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley. ''I will be reshuffling the cabinet tomorrow. Some of you might be replaced by new faces; you will know my decision the next day. I thank you all for your support and ask you not to take it otherwise," a minister requesting not to be identified by name quoted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as saying after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. The latest cabinet meeting was held at PM's residence in Baluwatar. "He (Prime Minister) did not give any hints about who would be going off the seat and who will be chaired. Even I don't have a clue whether I would remain minister for remaining days or it's my last day in the post," the minister added. This did not happen out of the blue as the PM had been planning to reshuffle the cabinet for a long time and even asked his secretariat members to resign from the post. The incumbent government under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli was formed in February of 2018 after the landslide victory in the Federal Election. The erstwhile Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist Leninist won the maximum seats after forming an alliance of Leftist parties in Nepal. (With inputs from ANI)

Nepal: PM Oli to shuffle the cabinet today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankas-newly-elected-president-accepts-pm-modis-invitation-to-visit-india-on-november-29-263217">Sri Lankan</a> Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported. 
 
Wickremesinghe discussed this matter when he met Rajapaksa on Tuesday. 
 
A special Cabinet meeting is slated to be held at 4 pm today, after which the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will announce his resignation from the post, according to the Sri Lankan daily. 
 
Later, Rajapaksa is expected to appoint a small Cabinet for a brief period till the dissolution of the Parliament after March 1, 2020. 
 
Leaders of the parties that backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Rajapaksa</a> during the presidential polls will be given preference in the Cabinet. According to sources, the Cabinet will have 15 members. 
 
70-year old Rajapaksa defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded presidential elections, the country's election commission said on Sunday. 
 
On Monday, Rajapaksa took oath as the president at Ruwanweliseya, a Buddhist pagoda, in Anuradhapura, situated in northcentral Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. 
 
His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported. Wickremesinghe discussed this matter when he met Rajapaksa on Tuesday. A special Cabinet meeting is slated to be held at 4 pm today, after which the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will announce his resignation from the post, according to the Sri Lankan daily. Later, Rajapaksa is expected to appoint a small Cabinet for a brief period till the dissolution of the Parliament after March 1, 2020. Leaders of the parties that backed Rajapaksa during the presidential polls will be given preference in the Cabinet. According to sources, the Cabinet will have 15 members. 70-year old Rajapaksa defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded presidential elections, the country's election commission said on Sunday. On Monday, Rajapaksa took oath as the president at Ruwanweliseya, a Buddhist pagoda, in Anuradhapura, situated in northcentral Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-japan-to-hike-payments-for-us-troops-to-8-billion-foreign-policy-262592">Japan</a> Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval rating has taken a hit in the past month, a media poll shows, amid opposition accusations that his office may have violated political spending laws.

Allegations that his political office sponsored a party for supporters are the latest in a string of gift-giving scandals that have brought down politicians across Japan in recent months, eroding public sentiment.

A monthly Yomiuri Shimbun poll conducted late last week showed an approval rating of 49 per cent&nbsp;for Abe's cabinet, down 6 points from the October poll, and falling below 50 per cent&nbsp;for the first time since February.

The disapproval rating rose to 36 per cent&nbsp;from 34 per cent&nbsp;last month, with 45 per cent&nbsp;of respondents citing "lack of trust in the prime minister" over the party-funding allegations.

Abe on Monday confirmed that 800 guests attended the dinner reception at a five-star hotel in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-emperor-performs-thanksgiving-rite-with-sun-goddess-262141">central Tokyo</a> in April, which he and his wife attended, adding that attendees each paid a 5,000 yen ($46) admission fee.

"Neither my office nor the party's supporters organisation contributed funding towards admission for guests or myself at the dinner event," Abe told reporters on Monday, adding that his office held no record of the event.

Opposition parties say that the admission price was much lower than that of other receptions held at the Hotel New Otani, which start at 11,000 yen per head, according to the hotel's website. They say if Abe subsidised the admission, it may violate the Political Offices Election Law and Political Funds Control Law.

"Abe has said that his office sponsored the reception, so it's mandatory that it keeps records of the event for bookkeeping purposes," Jun Azumi, deputy secretary-general of the centre-left Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters. "The fact that these records do not exist shows that his office had no intention to keep such records, that his office doesn't acknowledge the event. This is an issue."

Politicians are strictly forbidden to give anything to constituents that even hints at being a gift. The rule is so strict that one cabinet minister quit in 2014 after distributing paper fans during the summer.

Last month, two government officials separately resigned over accusations that they had given fruit and vegetables to constituents as gifts.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval rating has taken a hit in the past month, a media poll shows, amid opposition accusations that his office may have violated political spending laws.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's approval rating has taken a hit in the past month, a media poll shows, amid opposition accusations that his office may have violated political spending laws. Allegations that his political office sponsored a party for supporters are the latest in a string of gift-giving scandals that have brought down politicians across Japan in recent months, eroding public sentiment. A monthly Yomiuri Shimbun poll conducted late last week showed an approval rating of 49 per cent for Abe's cabinet, down 6 points from the October poll, and falling below 50 per cent for the first time since February. The disapproval rating rose to 36 per cent from 34 per cent last month, with 45 per cent of respondents citing "lack of trust in the prime minister" over the party-funding allegations. Abe on Monday confirmed that 800 guests attended the dinner reception at a five-star hotel in central Tokyo in April, which he and his wife attended, adding that attendees each paid a 5,000 yen ($46) admission fee. "Neither my office nor the party's supporters organisation contributed funding towards admission for guests or myself at the dinner event," Abe told reporters on Monday, adding that his office held no record of the event. Opposition parties say that the admission price was much lower than that of other receptions held at the Hotel New Otani, which start at 11,000 yen per head, according to the hotel's website. They say if Abe subsidised the admission, it may violate the Political Offices Election Law and Political Funds Control Law. "Abe has said that his office sponsored the reception, so it's mandatory that it keeps records of the event for bookkeeping purposes," Jun Azumi, deputy secretary-general of the centre-left Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters. "The fact that these records do not exist shows that his office had no intention to keep such records, that his office doesn't acknowledge the event. This is an issue." Politicians are strictly forbidden to give anything to constituents that even hints at being a gift. The rule is so strict that one cabinet minister quit in 2014 after distributing paper fans during the summer. Last month, two government officials separately resigned over accusations that they had given fruit and vegetables to constituents as gifts.

Japanese prime minister Abe's approval rating sags due to accusations of violating laws for political spending

Three major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-slides-deeper-into-chaos-no-sign-of-new-government-261811">Lebanese parties</a> agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis.

Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October&nbsp;29 in the face of an unprecedented wave of protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

The consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a leading Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal.

The news was first reported by Lebanese broadcasters LBCI and MTV.

A source familiar with the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination, adding that MPs from Hariri's Future Movement would nominate Safadi in a formal process expected to begin soon.

A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting.

There was no official confirmation from the parties or Safadi.

Safadi, 75, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He previously served as finance minister and minister of economy and trade.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

The next government will face huge challenges.

It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis while addressing the challenge posed by a nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power.

Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began. Banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals.

Served under Mikati, Siniora

Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister of a Cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-lebanon-to-form-government-of-competence-banks-close-261669">aid and save Lebanon</a> from the crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties.

But while Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have been insisting that the Cabinet include both technocrats and politicians.

Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament.

The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult MPs on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes.

Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now.

Safadi was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

In 2008, he became minister of economy and trade in the government of Western-backed Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. He held that post again in a Hariri-led Cabinet formed in 2009.

Safadi was part of the Hariri-led "March 14" alliance that emerged after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. March 14 mobilised against the presence of Syrian forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 and was then locked in years of political conflict with Hezbollah over its weapons.

A 2009 US&nbsp;Embassy cable published by WikiLeaks described Safadi as having made his fortune in Saudi Arabia and being close to the Saudi royal family.

He was first elected as an MP in Tripoli in 2000 but did not stand in the last election.

His wife, Violette Safadi, is the minister of state for economic empowerment of women and youth in the Hariri cabinet.

Three major Lebanese parties agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis.

Three major Lebanese parties agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis. Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October 29 in the face of an unprecedented wave of protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. The consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a leading Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal. The news was first reported by Lebanese broadcasters LBCI and MTV. A source familiar with the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination, adding that MPs from Hariri's Future Movement would nominate Safadi in a formal process expected to begin soon. A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting. There was no official confirmation from the parties or Safadi. Safadi, 75, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He previously served as finance minister and minister of economy and trade. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. The next government will face huge challenges. It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis while addressing the challenge posed by a nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power. Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began. Banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals. Served under Mikati, Siniora Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister of a Cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win aid and save Lebanon from the crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties. But while Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have been insisting that the Cabinet include both technocrats and politicians. Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament. The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult MPs on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes. Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now. Safadi was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In 2008, he became minister of economy and trade in the government of Western-backed Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. He held that post again in a Hariri-led Cabinet formed in 2009. Safadi was part of the Hariri-led "March 14" alliance that emerged after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. March 14 mobilised against the presence of Syrian forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 and was then locked in years of political conflict with Hezbollah over its weapons. A 2009 US Embassy cable published by WikiLeaks described Safadi as having made his fortune in Saudi Arabia and being close to the Saudi royal family. He was first elected as an MP in Tripoli in 2000 but did not stand in the last election. His wife, Violette Safadi, is the minister of state for economic empowerment of women and youth in the Hariri cabinet.

Lebanon's Safadi emerges as prime minister of choice for three parties

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi</a> for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful.

"We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict.

The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar"&nbsp;(a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor"&nbsp;(thief).

BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification.

"The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said.

The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse.

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed a contempt case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "chowkidar chor hai" (Watchman is the thief) remark with a "word of caution" to him and observed that no court should be dragged into political discourse. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi closed the contempt petition and accepted Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful. "We would not like to continue these proceedings further and, thus, close the contempt proceedings with a word of caution for the contemnor to be more careful in the future. No court should be dragged into this political discourse," the apex court stated in the verdict. The comments were made by Gandhi in pursuant to the top court's order on the Rafale deal. Gandhi, who was then the president of the Congress party, allegedly said that the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar" (a reference to Prime Minister Modi), is a "chor" (thief). BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi accused Gandhi of misquoting the court and filed a contempt petition. Gandhi had then tendered an unconditional apology to the court and sought closure of the contempt proceedings against him. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, today observed that Gandhi made allegations without verification. "The contemnor (Rahul Gandhi) deemed it appropriate to make statements as if this Court had given an imprimatur to his allegations against the Prime Minister, which was far from the truth," the bench said. The top court said that initially Gandhi did not accept his mistake or tendered an apology, but later during the course of proceedings, a "better wisdom" dawned on him.

Court should not be dragged into political discourse: Supreme Court on Rahul Gandhi contempt case

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here. 
 
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Khan said he became aware of the importance of Kartarpur Sahib only a year ago. 
 
"I only got to know a year ago regarding the value of Kartarpur Sahib. This is the Medina for the Sikhs of the world," The Express News reported. 
 
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu were present at the gathering during Khan's address. 
 
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. 
 
India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Khan said he became aware of the importance of Kartarpur Sahib only a year ago. "I only got to know a year ago regarding the value of Kartarpur Sahib. This is the Medina for the Sikhs of the world," The Express News reported. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu were present at the gathering during Khan's address. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan officially inaugurates Kartarpur corridor

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was on Thursday evening discharged from the Grande International Hospital here where he was admitted on Wednesday morning for a health check-up, the hospital said. 
 
Oli underwent kidney dialysis twice within two days during his stay at the hospital, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said. 
 
67-year old Oli had undergone a kidney transplant 13 years ago at the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi. In the following years, he has undergone several health check-ups in Delhi and Singapore. 
 
In August, this year, he was admitted to Singapore-based National University Hospital where he underwent plasmapheresis.

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was on Thursday evening discharged from the Grande International Hospital here where he was admitted on Wednesday morning for a health check-up, the hospital said.

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was on Thursday evening discharged from the Grande International Hospital here where he was admitted on Wednesday morning for a health check-up, the hospital said. Oli underwent kidney dialysis twice within two days during his stay at the hospital, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said. 67-year old Oli had undergone a kidney transplant 13 years ago at the Apollo Hospital in New Delhi. In the following years, he has undergone several health check-ups in Delhi and Singapore. In August, this year, he was admitted to Singapore-based National University Hospital where he underwent plasmapheresis.

Nepalese Prime Minister Oli discharged from hospital

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">prime minister</a> of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states.

The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US&nbsp;dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday.

Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis.

The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them.

The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">Lebanon's</a> sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters.

Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group.

Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy.

But banks remained closed for an 11th working day.

There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation.

President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government.

There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.

Pound under pressure

Hariri, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">Lebanon's leading Sunni politician</a>, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves.

The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen.

Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed.

The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only".

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people.

"The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse.

Saad al-Hariri is ready to return as prime minister of a new government, a senior official familiar thinking said, on condition it includes technocrats and be capable of quickly implementing reforms needed to stave off economic collapse. Hariri's resignation on Tuesday has left Lebanon with a political vacuum at a moment of acute crisis with reforms urgently needed to ward off even deeper financial problems in one of the world's most heavily indebted states. The crisis has weighed on Lebanese sovereign debt prices and compounded pressure on the pegged Lebanese pound, which has been weakening on a parallel market below the official rate of 1,507.5 pounds. Prices cited in the black market for US dollars varied from 1,750 pounds to 1,850 on Wednesday. Hariri resigned after nearly two weeks of massive protests against the political elite, accused by demonstrators of overseeing rampant state corruption, saying he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis. The senior official, who declined to be identified, said any new cabinet led by Hariri should be devoid of a group of top-tier politicians who were in the outgoing coalition government, without naming them. The outgoing cabinet comprised top representatives of most of Lebanon's sectarian parties, among them foreign minister Gebran Bassil of the Christian Free Patriotic Movement who has been a prominent target of protesters. Bassil is a political ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, which had opposed the government's resignation and has yet to comment on the resignation of Hariri, a long-time opponent of the group. Main roads in Lebanon reopened on Wednesday as security forces sought to restore the semblance of normalcy. But banks remained closed for an 11th working day. There was no word yet on when they might reopen even as traffic began moving along major traffic arteries that had been blocked for days by demonstrators whose demands included the cabinet's resignation. President Michel Aoun formally asked Hariri on Wednesday to continue in a caretaker role until a new cabinet is formed, as required by Lebanon's system of government. There is no obvious alternative to Hariri to fill the post of the prime minister, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system. Pound under pressure Hariri, Lebanon's leading Sunni politician, is seen as the focal point for Western and Gulf Arab support to Lebanon, which is in dire need of external financial support to revive its economy and boost its foreign exchange reserves. The banks have publicly cited security concerns as the reason for the closure. Bankers and analysts have also cited concern about a rush by savers to withdraw their savings or transfer them abroad once the banks reopen. Early on Wednesday, troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television images showed. The Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital opened after negotiations with some protesters who did not want to leave, saying they wanted more of the authorities to resign. Many protesters stayed on, but did not block the whole road. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri made his resignation speech on Tuesday after a crowd loyal to Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. The strife was the most serious on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the formation of a new government responsive to the needs of the Lebanese people. "The Lebanese people want an efficient and effective government, economic reform, and an end to endemic corruption," he said.

Hariri ready to be Lebanese Prime Minister again but with conditions: Report

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Troops cleared one major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lebanon-in-deadlock-protesters-form-human-chain-258437">route north of Beirut</a> after briefly scuffling with demonstrators in the morning. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television footage showed.

At the Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital, a security officer tried to persuade crowds to clear the way to nearby hospitals. "I am staying here," one woman told Reuters as she spread blankets across the road.

Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon's prime minister on Tuesday, toppling his coalition government. He said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite.

In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only".

The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces.

Hariri made his resignation speech after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut.

It was the most serious strife on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time.

The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory.

The protests have compounded Lebanon's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-stresses-urgency-of-reforms-in-lebanon-to-restore-economic-stability-258530">already serious economic woes</a> and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign.

Lebanese soldiers and security officials urged protesters to open blocked roads on Wednesday so life could return to normal after 13 days demonstrations paralysed the country and forced the prime minister to resign. Troops cleared one major route north of Beirut after briefly scuffling with demonstrators in the morning. A group of soldiers tried to pick up a vehicle blocking the highway before it drove off, al-Jadeed television footage showed. At the Ring Bridge in the centre of the capital, a security officer tried to persuade crowds to clear the way to nearby hospitals. "I am staying here," one woman told Reuters as she spread blankets across the road. Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon's prime minister on Tuesday, toppling his coalition government. He said he had hit a "dead end" in trying to resolve the crisis unleashed by the huge protests against the ruling elite. In a statement, the army command said people had a right to protest, but that applied "in public squares only". The main protest camp in a square in the centre of the capital was quiet but was closed to traffic by security forces. Hariri made his resignation speech after a crowd loyal to the Shi'ite Muslim Hezbollah and Amal movements attacked and destroyed a camp in central Beirut. It was the most serious strife on the streets of Beirut since 2008, when Hezbollah fighters seized control of the capital in a brief eruption of armed conflict with Lebanese adversaries loyal to Hariri and his allies at the time. The departure of Hariri, who has been traditionally backed by the West and Sunni Gulf Arab allies, pushes Lebanon into unpredictable political territory. The protests have compounded Lebanon's already serious economic woes and banks kept their doors shut on Wednesday.

Lebanese army urges protesters to open roads after prime minister's resignation

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

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

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

Iraqi prime minister's main backers agree to oust him

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