Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpools-klopp-unsure-how-he-will-approach-two-games-in-24-hours-260260">busy run of fixtures</a> across all competitions.

Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December&nbsp;18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition.

"I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website.

"So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure."

The teams involved in the December&nbsp;11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners.

"We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp.

Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

Klopp's side have an eight-point lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-masterclass-leaves-manchester-city-in-tatters-261238">atop the Premier League</a> as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends.

"Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November&nbsp;23 and January&nbsp;2.

Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December&nbsp;17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game.

Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted.

"The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp says he feels no extra pressure to deliver the team's first Club World Cup title next month but expects an intense tournament in Qatar amidst a busy run of fixtures across all competitions. Liverpool enter the tournament at the semi-final stage and face a second-round winner on December 18 and the German believes the European champions could be pushed hard by unfamiliar opponents in the seven-team competition. "I'm not someone who has to be the first on the moon or the first winning the World Cup with Liverpool, but when we're there we'll try with all we have," Klopp told the FIFA website. "So far, I don't feel any pressure. I see it as an absolute opportunity... the interesting and difficult part is that we'll be playing against teams from other continents, which doesn't happen that often... it'll be a tough one for sure." The teams involved in the December 11-21 tournament are CONCACAF champions Monterrey of Mexico; Qatar champions Al Sadd; Oceania title holders Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia; African champions Esperance of Tunisia; the eventual South American champions and the Asian Champions League winners. "We'll prepare for it as we would usually and we'll see if it's right or wrong... I don't get to see a lot of Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican or Arabic football... so I don't know too much about them... It'll be really intense," added Klopp. Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final in June to claim their sixth European Cup and followed that by beating Europa League winners Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Klopp's side have an eight-point lead atop the Premier League as they target a first English title in 30 years and can add another trophy to their cabinet before the year ends. "Unfortunately, we won't round off 2019 in that moment (with the Club World Cup trophy) because there will be games to come before the year ends," said Klopp, whose side play 12 games across four competitions between November 23 and January 2. Such is the fixture crunch that Liverpool could field two different squads in the League Cup quarter-final on December 17 and Club World Cup the following day due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic game. Klopp said he would not take the Club World Cup for granted. "The only reason for us to go there is for the opportunity to win it and that's what we'll try... the boys want to play it so it'll be interesting... it'll feel big for us, 100 per cent."

Football: No pressure to land Club World Cup crown, says Liverpool's Klopp

India's largest airline IndiGo and Qatar Airways will make a strategic business announcement on November&nbsp;7, the two companies said in a statement on Tuesday, sending shares of the budget carrier higher by as much as 4 per cent.

Qatar has in the past shown interest in investing in IndiGo but the Indian airline has resisted.

"We are very interested in IndiGo ... We are talking to IndiGo of doing codeshare, joint flights but not yet an equity stake in the airline," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told Reuters in an interview in August.

Baker said they had talked to IndiGo but the airline was "not yet ready to take a foreign investor". When it is ready, Qatar will be interested, he had said at the time.

It was not immediately clear if the announcement is about a codeshare agreement, stake sale or any other kind of partnership.

Any deal, however, would come at a time when IndiGo's two co-founders, Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, have been embroiled in a dispute about corporate governance of the airline, sparking concerns among investors it could have an impact on the airline's valuation and strategy.

IndiGo, which has about 40 per cent&nbsp;share of the domestic Indian market, is planning an aggressive push into more international destinations. The airline's CEO Ronojoy Dutta and Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker will "talk about the vision and future for both the airlines", they said in the statement.

Last week, IndiGo placed a historic order for 300 Airbus A320neo-family planes, including the newest jet, a long-range version of the single-aisle A320neo family called the A321XLR.

IndiGo flies to 60 international destinations including Turkey, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia which it has added earlier this year.

India's largest airline IndiGo and Qatar Airways will make a strategic business announcement on November 7, the two companies said in a statement on Tuesday, sending shares of the budget carrier higher by as much as 4 per cent.

India's largest airline IndiGo and Qatar Airways will make a strategic business announcement on November 7, the two companies said in a statement on Tuesday, sending shares of the budget carrier higher by as much as 4 per cent. Qatar has in the past shown interest in investing in IndiGo but the Indian airline has resisted. "We are very interested in IndiGo ... We are talking to IndiGo of doing codeshare, joint flights but not yet an equity stake in the airline," Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker told Reuters in an interview in August. Baker said they had talked to IndiGo but the airline was "not yet ready to take a foreign investor". When it is ready, Qatar will be interested, he had said at the time. It was not immediately clear if the announcement is about a codeshare agreement, stake sale or any other kind of partnership. Any deal, however, would come at a time when IndiGo's two co-founders, Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, have been embroiled in a dispute about corporate governance of the airline, sparking concerns among investors it could have an impact on the airline's valuation and strategy. IndiGo, which has about 40 per cent share of the domestic Indian market, is planning an aggressive push into more international destinations. The airline's CEO Ronojoy Dutta and Qatar Airways CEO Al Baker will "talk about the vision and future for both the airlines", they said in the statement. Last week, IndiGo placed a historic order for 300 Airbus A320neo-family planes, including the newest jet, a long-range version of the single-aisle A320neo family called the A321XLR. IndiGo flies to 60 international destinations including Turkey, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia which it has added earlier this year.

IndiGo, Qatar Airways to announce strategic deal

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December.

Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield in a penalty shootout on Wednesday after their last-16 tie ended 5-5 in regulation.

However, the competition's quarter-finals are set for the week commencing December&nbsp;16, the same week Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-to-inaugurate-new-2022-stadium-during-club-world-cup-252855">FIFA Club World Cup</a>.

"We will not be the victim of this problem," Klopp told reporters. "The Carabao Cup ... if they don't find an appropriate place for us, not 3 a.m. on Christmas Day, then we don't play it.

"FIFA told us the Club World Cup will be there and we have to come there and we will do. The Premier League tells us we have to play in the Premier League, which we do obviously.

"If you have a fixture list where one team cannot be part of all the games, then you have to think about the fixture list. Hopefully it starts now."

Klopp also said that if the quarter-final tie cannot be moved then either their next opponent should advance or Arsenal could take Liverpool's place in the draw, which is to be held later on Thursday.

"We wanted to win it, we did that, and if they don't find a proper date for us then we cannot play the next round and whoever is our opponent will go through. Or Arsenal will play it," the German added.

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December.

Manager Juergen Klopp has said Liverpool will not play their League Cup quarter-final tie if it cannot be rescheduled to a suitable date that avoids clashing with the Club World Cup in December. Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield in a penalty shootout on Wednesday after their last-16 tie ended 5-5 in regulation. However, the competition's quarter-finals are set for the week commencing December 16, the same week Klopp's side travel to Qatar for the FIFA Club World Cup. "We will not be the victim of this problem," Klopp told reporters. "The Carabao Cup ... if they don't find an appropriate place for us, not 3 a.m. on Christmas Day, then we don't play it. "FIFA told us the Club World Cup will be there and we have to come there and we will do. The Premier League tells us we have to play in the Premier League, which we do obviously. "If you have a fixture list where one team cannot be part of all the games, then you have to think about the fixture list. Hopefully it starts now." Klopp also said that if the quarter-final tie cannot be moved then either their next opponent should advance or Arsenal could take Liverpool's place in the draw, which is to be held later on Thursday. "We wanted to win it, we did that, and if they don't find a proper date for us then we cannot play the next round and whoever is our opponent will go through. Or Arsenal will play it," the German added.

Football: Juergen Klopp may pull Liverpool out of League Cup over fixture pile-up

This system is common in Gulf states where large portions of the population is foreign. In Qatar it requires workers to obtain their employers' consent before changing jobs, which advocate groups say leaves them open to abuse. Qatar will abolish Kafala labour.

Qatar to abolish 'Kafala' labour

What Is The Kafala System? Why Is Qatar Abolishing It Now? What is the Kafala labour system? Why is Qatar abolishing it now?

Gravitas: Qatar To Abolish 'kafala' Labour: New Minimum Wage Law To Be Introduced

Qatar moves to announce abolishment of kafala system. Watch video to know more.

Qatar moves to announce abolishment of kafala system

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday.

The 40,000-seat venue seven kilometres (four miles) outside central Doha will also host the third-place play-off and the final of the tournament which gets underway on December 11.

The inaugural game will see Liverpool, as European champions, face either CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey, Al Sadd of Qatar or minnows Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia who are Oceania champions.

The 2022 hosts have so far inaugurated the newly-built al-Janoub stadium in May, as well as the Khalifa International stadium which opened in 1976 and was relaunched in 2017 after a full refurbishment.

"With all three venues located a maximum of 12 kilometres from central Doha, the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 will provide a glimpse of Qatar's compact nature ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022," FIFA said in a statement.

"Taking place around the same time of the year and with matches kicking off from 17:00 local time, this year's tournament will also give teams and fans alike the chance to experience Qatar's mild winter."

Average temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 24 Celsius, it added.

Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said following Al-Janoub's opening in May that two further new stadiums would be ready "by the end of this year (or) first-quarter" 2020.

The exact date would depend on the timing of events to launch the two venues, he added.

"By 2021 all our stadiums will be ready," he said.

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday.

Qatar will inaugurate the third of its eight World Cup stadiums when the Education City ground hosts the Club World Cup semi-final tie on December 18, FIFA said on Monday. The 40,000-seat venue seven kilometres (four miles) outside central Doha will also host the third-place play-off and the final of the tournament which gets underway on December 11. The inaugural game will see Liverpool, as European champions, face either CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey, Al Sadd of Qatar or minnows Hienghene Sport of New Caledonia who are Oceania champions. The 2022 hosts have so far inaugurated the newly-built al-Janoub stadium in May, as well as the Khalifa International stadium which opened in 1976 and was relaunched in 2017 after a full refurbishment. "With all three venues located a maximum of 12 kilometres from central Doha, the FIFA Club World Cup 2019 will provide a glimpse of Qatar's compact nature ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022," FIFA said in a statement. "Taking place around the same time of the year and with matches kicking off from 17:00 local time, this year's tournament will also give teams and fans alike the chance to experience Qatar's mild winter." Average temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 24 Celsius, it added. Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary-general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said following Al-Janoub's opening in May that two further new stadiums would be ready "by the end of this year (or) first-quarter" 2020. The exact date would depend on the timing of events to launch the two venues, he added. "By 2021 all our stadiums will be ready," he said.

Qatar to inaugurate new 2022 stadium during Club World Cup

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will embark on a three-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar from September 7 to 12 to engage with his counterparts in oil and gas as well as steel sectors in these countries.

He will be accompanied by an official and business delegation during his visit, an official statement said.

In Saudi Arabia, Pradhan will hold meetings with his counterpart Khalid Al-Falih and the senior management of Aramco, the national oil company of the kingdom country.

"During his meetings, the minister will seek to further enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the entire value chain of hydro-carbon sector. Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a top supplier of crude oil to India," the statement said.

During his visit to the UAE, Pradhan is scheduled to meet his counterparts Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry and Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and the ADNOC Group CEO and discuss issues of bilateral hydrocarbon as well as steel sector engagement within the overall framework of India-UAE Strategic Partnership.

The Union Minister will also participate in the eighth Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER) at Abu Dhabi on September 10, where India is the co-host along with the UAE.

India will co-host the ninth edition of Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable in 2021, according to the statement.

On the sidelines of the roundtable, Pradhan will meet his counterparts from the Asian region and heads of international energy organisations, who are attending the Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable and the World Energy Congress.

In Qatar, Pradhan will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, apart from meeting his counterpart, the Minister of State of Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, said the statement.

Qatar is India's largest LNG and LPG supplier. (ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will embark on a three-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar from September 7 to 12 to engage with his counterparts in oil and gas as well as steel sectors in these countries.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will embark on a three-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar from September 7 to 12 to engage with his counterparts in oil and gas as well as steel sectors in these countries. He will be accompanied by an official and business delegation during his visit, an official statement said. In Saudi Arabia, Pradhan will hold meetings with his counterpart Khalid Al-Falih and the senior management of Aramco, the national oil company of the kingdom country. "During his meetings, the minister will seek to further enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the entire value chain of hydro-carbon sector. Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a top supplier of crude oil to India," the statement said. During his visit to the UAE, Pradhan is scheduled to meet his counterparts Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry and Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and the ADNOC Group CEO and discuss issues of bilateral hydrocarbon as well as steel sector engagement within the overall framework of India-UAE Strategic Partnership. The Union Minister will also participate in the eighth Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER) at Abu Dhabi on September 10, where India is the co-host along with the UAE. India will co-host the ninth edition of Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable in 2021, according to the statement. On the sidelines of the roundtable, Pradhan will meet his counterparts from the Asian region and heads of international energy organisations, who are attending the Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable and the World Energy Congress. In Qatar, Pradhan will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, apart from meeting his counterpart, the Minister of State of Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, said the statement. Qatar is India's largest LNG and LPG supplier. (ANI)

Dharmendra Pradhan to embark on three-nation visit to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar today

Little suggests that fabulously wealthy Gulf states and their Middle Eastern and North African beneficiaries have recognised what is perhaps the most important lesson of this year’s popular uprisings in Algeria and Sudan and the 2011 Arab revolts: All that glitters is not gold.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and to a lesser extent Kuwait have in the last decade invested billions of dollars in either reversing or hollowing out the revolts’ achievements in a bid to ensure that political change elsewhere in the region does not come to haunt them.

Qatar, in a counterintuitive strategy that has earned it the ire of the rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has sought to achieve the same goal by attempting to be on the right side of the region’s forces of change.

The irony is that both approaches, despite also involving huge investments at home in economic diversification, education and healthcare, could produce the very result Gulf states seek to avoid: A region that has many of the trappings of 21st century knowledge states but that is incapable of catering to the aspirations of a youth bulge expected to annually increase the workforce by a million people over the next 12 years.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, concluded earlier this year, that the region’s youth bulge was a double-edged sword. It could either pose a threat to regional stability or be an asset for development.

Turning the youth bulge into an asset “Requires urgent and significant investment to create opportunities for meaningful learning, social engagement and work, all of which are currently limited, particularly for young women and the most vulnerable,” the UN agency said in a report entitled MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Generation 2030.

UNICEF arrived at its conclusion even though Gulf states have adopted grandiose plans that envision them becoming within a matter of a decade or two diversified, knowledge-driven economies that enact the social reforms needed to create an opportunity for all segments of society.

The group’s conclusion applies as much to the wealthy Gulf states as it does to the Arab beneficiaries of their politically motivated financial largesse.

The problems with the flexing of the Gulf states’ financial muscle as well as the implementation of reform plans are multi-fold.

They relate as much to quality of the upgrading of services such as education as they are about how political intent shapes development efforts and how high domestic debt in countries like Egypt, where 27 per cent of government expenditure goes to interest payments, and Lebanon, which spends 38 per cent of its budget on debt servicing, benefits Gulf banks and stymies social and economic development.

Credit rating agency Fitch recently downgraded Lebanon’s credit rating to CCC from B- because of "intensifying pressure on Lebanon's financing model and increasing risks to the government's debt-servicing capacity."

Gulf scholar Rohan Advani notes that Gulf institutions account for most of the financial sector investment in countries like Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

“In Lebanon, just over 50 per cent of the country’s bank assets are held by GCC-related banks, in Palestine this figure is 63 per cent, and in Jordan it is as high as 86 per cent,” Advani wrote in a review of political economist Adam Hanieh’s study of Gulf finance, Money, Markets, and Monarchies.

Hanieh argues that the bulk of the debt payments are to financial establishments whose major shareholders include Gulf institutions in a process in which “the Arab state…increasingly mediates the transfer of national wealth to large Gulf-related banks.”

Advani warned that “Indebted governments are compelled to intensify a politics of austerity, further trapping these societies in cycles of debt. Investments in social programs or infrastructural developments are often stalled. Popular movements are unable to realise their demands at the state level due to the requirements of foreign creditors and domestic capitalists. The ensuing scenario is one where alternative politics are asphyxiated and increasingly circumscribed by an atrophied status quo.”

That may well be the purpose of the exercise with economic diversification efforts in the Gulf being driven more by the need of autocracies to upgrade their autocratic style and create an opportunity for a restive youth in a bid to ensure regime survival rather than by the acknowledgement of a government’s responsibility to serve the people.

The result is a flawed approach to all aspects of reform.

In Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic and social reform plan that calls for greater private sector involvement has turned into a top-down effort that emphasises state control with the government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the key player.

A combination of depressed oil prices and the recent replacement of energy minister Khalid al-Falih as chairman of the board of Aramco by PIF head Yasir al-Rumayyan, a close associate of Prince Mohammed, raises questions about the state oil company’s positioning in advance of a much-touted initial public offering.

Ellen Wald, an energy analyst and author of a history of Aramco, the kingdom’s main source of revenue, noted that at PIF Al-Rumayyan had overseen investments more geared towards speculative gains than the sustainable growth of Saudi wealth.

Wald said that raised the question of whether Al-Rumayyan’s objective with Aramco would be to serve the company’s long-term interests or those of the PIF.

Aramco this year bought a 70 per cent stake in petrochemicals maker Saudi Basic Industries Corp for $69 billion in an effort to raise funds for PIF and delay the Aramco IPO that had originally been scheduled for 2018 but has since been delayed until 2020 or 2021. The megadeal is expected to boost the oil company’s downstream growth plans.

Nonetheless, Wald cautions that Al-Rumayyan’s appointment “Doesn't necessarily bode well for Aramco, which is a different kind of company. It has to make stable decisions for the long term," she said.

By the same token, UNICEF warned that poverty, violent conflict, restrictive social norms, patriarchy, rights violations and lack of safe spaces for expression and recreation were limiting opportunities as well as civic adolescent and youth engagement.

Gulf emphasis on geopolitical dominance, regime survival and return on financial investment produces short term solutions that often exacerbate conflict, produce little trickle-down effect and few prospects for long-term stability.

“As a result, adolescents and youth in MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) feel disillusioned, with girls and young women, refugees, those with disabilities and the poor being particularly marginalised and underrepresented,” the UNICEF report said.

“Youth unemployment in the region is currently the highest in the world. Education systems are failing to prepare adolescents and youth for the workplace, and markets are not generating urgently needed jobs,” the report warned.

Gulf wealth glitters but if the UNICEF report is anything to go by, it has yet to demonstrate that it can produce the gold of a development that is sustainable and benefits not only all segments of Gulf societies but also of those across the region that have become dependent on it. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Little suggests that fabulously wealthy Gulf states and their Middle Eastern and North African beneficiaries have recognised what is perhaps the most important lesson of this year’s popular uprisings in Algeria and Sudan and the 2011 Arab revolts: All that glitters is not gold.

Little suggests that fabulously wealthy Gulf states and their Middle Eastern and North African beneficiaries have recognised what is perhaps the most important lesson of this year’s popular uprisings in Algeria and Sudan and the 2011 Arab revolts: All that glitters is not gold. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and to a lesser extent Kuwait have in the last decade invested billions of dollars in either reversing or hollowing out the revolts’ achievements in a bid to ensure that political change elsewhere in the region does not come to haunt them. Qatar, in a counterintuitive strategy that has earned it the ire of the rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has sought to achieve the same goal by attempting to be on the right side of the region’s forces of change. The irony is that both approaches, despite also involving huge investments at home in economic diversification, education and healthcare, could produce the very result Gulf states seek to avoid: A region that has many of the trappings of 21st century knowledge states but that is incapable of catering to the aspirations of a youth bulge expected to annually increase the workforce by a million people over the next 12 years. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, concluded earlier this year, that the region’s youth bulge was a double-edged sword. It could either pose a threat to regional stability or be an asset for development. Turning the youth bulge into an asset “Requires urgent and significant investment to create opportunities for meaningful learning, social engagement and work, all of which are currently limited, particularly for young women and the most vulnerable,” the UN agency said in a report entitled MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Generation 2030. UNICEF arrived at its conclusion even though Gulf states have adopted grandiose plans that envision them becoming within a matter of a decade or two diversified, knowledge-driven economies that enact the social reforms needed to create an opportunity for all segments of society. The group’s conclusion applies as much to the wealthy Gulf states as it does to the Arab beneficiaries of their politically motivated financial largesse. The problems with the flexing of the Gulf states’ financial muscle as well as the implementation of reform plans are multi-fold. They relate as much to quality of the upgrading of services such as education as they are about how political intent shapes development efforts and how high domestic debt in countries like Egypt, where 27 per cent of government expenditure goes to interest payments, and Lebanon, which spends 38 per cent of its budget on debt servicing, benefits Gulf banks and stymies social and economic development. Credit rating agency Fitch recently downgraded Lebanon’s credit rating to CCC from B- because of "intensifying pressure on Lebanon's financing model and increasing risks to the government's debt-servicing capacity." Gulf scholar Rohan Advani notes that Gulf institutions account for most of the financial sector investment in countries like Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Syria, and Yemen. “In Lebanon, just over 50 per cent of the country’s bank assets are held by GCC-related banks, in Palestine this figure is 63 per cent, and in Jordan it is as high as 86 per cent,” Advani wrote in a review of political economist Adam Hanieh’s study of Gulf finance, Money, Markets, and Monarchies. Hanieh argues that the bulk of the debt payments are to financial establishments whose major shareholders include Gulf institutions in a process in which “the Arab state…increasingly mediates the transfer of national wealth to large Gulf-related banks.” Advani warned that “Indebted governments are compelled to intensify a politics of austerity, further trapping these societies in cycles of debt. Investments in social programs or infrastructural developments are often stalled. Popular movements are unable to realise their demands at the state level due to the requirements of foreign creditors and domestic capitalists. The ensuing scenario is one where alternative politics are asphyxiated and increasingly circumscribed by an atrophied status quo.” That may well be the purpose of the exercise with economic diversification efforts in the Gulf being driven more by the need of autocracies to upgrade their autocratic style and create an opportunity for a restive youth in a bid to ensure regime survival rather than by the acknowledgement of a government’s responsibility to serve the people. The result is a flawed approach to all aspects of reform. In Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic and social reform plan that calls for greater private sector involvement has turned into a top-down effort that emphasises state control with the government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the key player. A combination of depressed oil prices and the recent replacement of energy minister Khalid al-Falih as chairman of the board of Aramco by PIF head Yasir al-Rumayyan, a close associate of Prince Mohammed, raises questions about the state oil company’s positioning in advance of a much-touted initial public offering. Ellen Wald, an energy analyst and author of a history of Aramco, the kingdom’s main source of revenue, noted that at PIF Al-Rumayyan had overseen investments more geared towards speculative gains than the sustainable growth of Saudi wealth. Wald said that raised the question of whether Al-Rumayyan’s objective with Aramco would be to serve the company’s long-term interests or those of the PIF. Aramco this year bought a 70 per cent stake in petrochemicals maker Saudi Basic Industries Corp for $69 billion in an effort to raise funds for PIF and delay the Aramco IPO that had originally been scheduled for 2018 but has since been delayed until 2020 or 2021. The megadeal is expected to boost the oil company’s downstream growth plans. Nonetheless, Wald cautions that Al-Rumayyan’s appointment “Doesn't necessarily bode well for Aramco, which is a different kind of company. It has to make stable decisions for the long term," she said. By the same token, UNICEF warned that poverty, violent conflict, restrictive social norms, patriarchy, rights violations and lack of safe spaces for expression and recreation were limiting opportunities as well as civic adolescent and youth engagement. Gulf emphasis on geopolitical dominance, regime survival and return on financial investment produces short term solutions that often exacerbate conflict, produce little trickle-down effect and few prospects for long-term stability. “As a result, adolescents and youth in MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) feel disillusioned, with girls and young women, refugees, those with disabilities and the poor being particularly marginalised and underrepresented,” the UNICEF report said. “Youth unemployment in the region is currently the highest in the world. Education systems are failing to prepare adolescents and youth for the workplace, and markets are not generating urgently needed jobs,” the report warned. Gulf wealth glitters but if the UNICEF report is anything to go by, it has yet to demonstrate that it can produce the gold of a development that is sustainable and benefits not only all segments of Gulf societies but also of those across the region that have become dependent on it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Gulf economies: All that glitters is not gold

Qatar becomes the first Muslim-majority country to oppose china's persecution of Uighur Muslims.

WION Gravitas: Qatar opposes China on its treatment of Uighur Muslims

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-taliban-peace-talks-the-only-losers-in-the-settlement-will-be-afghans-236552">Taliban</a> have indicated that they are willing to sign the peace agreement, US Special Representative for Peace in Afghanistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/zalmay-khalilzad-to-visit-afghanistan-to-finalise-us-taliban-peace-deal-possibly-by-september-1-237275">Zalmay Khalilzad</a> said on Friday.

"The Taliban are signaling they would like to conclude an agreement. We are ready for a good agreement", Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

The Ambassador arrived in Qatar`s capital city of Doha earlier in the day for a crucial round of peace negotiations between the US and the Taliban aimed at ending the 18 year long war in Afghanistan.

The two sides are getting closer to a deal centered around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism.

In a separate tweet, Khalilzad said that the US sees the deal as a "peace agreement" and the withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions based".

"Just got to #Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a #peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement; a peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our presence in #Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," Khalilzad wrote.

Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for the Taliban's political office in Qatar, had recently told the Voice of America that they are hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the upcoming talks.

Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process.

Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders.

It may be noted that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani's government, denouncing it as a puppet administration.&nbsp;

The Taliban have indicated that they are willing to sign the peace agreement, US Special Representative for Peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Friday.

The Taliban have indicated that they are willing to sign the peace agreement, US Special Representative for Peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Friday. "The Taliban are signaling they would like to conclude an agreement. We are ready for a good agreement", Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. The Ambassador arrived in Qatar`s capital city of Doha earlier in the day for a crucial round of peace negotiations between the US and the Taliban aimed at ending the 18 year long war in Afghanistan. The two sides are getting closer to a deal centered around the latter`s promise to withdraw its troops from the war torn country, in exchange for the guarantee by the former that the Afghan soil, particularly the areas under the Taliban`s control, would not become a platform for transnational terrorism. In a separate tweet, Khalilzad said that the US sees the deal as a "peace agreement" and the withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions based". "Just got to #Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. We are pursuing a #peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement; a peace agreement that enables withdrawal. Our presence in #Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions-based," Khalilzad wrote. Suhail Shaheen, the spokesperson for the Taliban's political office in Qatar, had recently told the Voice of America that they are hopeful of reaching an agreement with the United States during the upcoming talks. Shaheen added that the Taliban negotiators have done their part and it is now up to the American side whether they have "made up their mind" and take the next step of winding up the dialogue process. Understandably, once the agreement between the US and the Taliban is inked, it will require the latter to immediately enter into negotiations with Afghan stakeholders. It may be noted that the Taliban, so far, have consistently refused to hold direct talks with President Ashraf Ghani's government, denouncing it as a puppet administration.

Taliban indicated a willingness to strike a peace deal: Zalmay Khalilzad

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-three-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-police-base-238912">Taliban said on Sunday</a> they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-talks-could-happen-within-two-weeks-238906">meeting within the next two weeks</a>, a senior Taliban official said.

"Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar.

On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks".

The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month.

The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government".

Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society.

Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo.

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-afghan-agree-to-peace-road-map-234159/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said. "Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar. On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks". The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month. The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government". Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society. Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo. Watch: Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Will not hold direct talks with Afghanistan government: Senior Taliban official

Sudan murals commemorate protest 'martyrs'

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks.

Government forces, have been facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-taliban-us-violence-for-upper-hand-in-afghan-deal-237189">Taliban</a> attacks across much of the country, and have responded with airstrikes aimed at killing insurgent leaders, even as US and Afghan representatives have been negotiating with the militants in Qatar.

The seven civilians, including women and children, were killed in Logar province, just south of Kabul, on Sunday night said Hasib Stanekzai, a member of Logar's provincial council. Six people were wounded, he said.

Provincial police confirmed the attack on militants by government forces but said they were investigating the casualties.

"According to our initial information a number of militants were killed or wounded, but local people gathered in the area, claiming that a house belonging to a Kuchi family had been bombed, causing civilian casualties," said Shahpor Ahmadzai, a spokesman for Logar police.

Kuchi is nomadic herders, but some now live in permanent settlements.

Ahmadzai, who said police were investigating, also said foreign force was involved in the attack on the militants. Officials with Afghanistan's NATO force were not immediately available to confirm or deny their involvement in the operation.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-has-no-military-solution-says-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-in-us-diaspora-address-237567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKiM2hvsjjAhUIPo8KHbTxBNIQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw13XcLzzXPbUvinqsOphqlU">Afghan forces</a>, backed by US advisers, have in recent months stepped up their airstrikes and raids to the highest levels since 2014.

The latest phase of Afghanistan's war - which began when US-backed forces overthrew the Taliban following September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States - has intensified despite the most sustained peace talks of the war.

The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern about civilian casualties, which reached their highest level last year since detailed accounting began nearly a decade ago.

The war claimed 3,804 civilian lives in 2018, that included 927 children, both figures all-time highs, representing an 11% increase in civilian deaths compared with 2017, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in February.

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks.

Afghan government forces mistakenly killed seven civilians, including children, in an attack on militants south of the capital, a provincial official said on Monday, the latest victims of a war undiminished by peace talks. Government forces, have been facing Taliban attacks across much of the country, and have responded with airstrikes aimed at killing insurgent leaders, even as US and Afghan representatives have been negotiating with the militants in Qatar. The seven civilians, including women and children, were killed in Logar province, just south of Kabul, on Sunday night said Hasib Stanekzai, a member of Logar's provincial council. Six people were wounded, he said. Provincial police confirmed the attack on militants by government forces but said they were investigating the casualties. "According to our initial information a number of militants were killed or wounded, but local people gathered in the area, claiming that a house belonging to a Kuchi family had been bombed, causing civilian casualties," said Shahpor Ahmadzai, a spokesman for Logar police. Kuchi is nomadic herders, but some now live in permanent settlements. Ahmadzai, who said police were investigating, also said foreign force was involved in the attack on the militants. Officials with Afghanistan's NATO force were not immediately available to confirm or deny their involvement in the operation. Afghan forces, backed by US advisers, have in recent months stepped up their airstrikes and raids to the highest levels since 2014. The latest phase of Afghanistan's war - which began when US-backed forces overthrew the Taliban following September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States - has intensified despite the most sustained peace talks of the war. The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern about civilian casualties, which reached their highest level last year since detailed accounting began nearly a decade ago. The war claimed 3,804 civilian lives in 2018, that included 927 children, both figures all-time highs, representing an 11% increase in civilian deaths compared with 2017, UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in February.

Afghan forces kill seven civilians in attack on militants

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin.

Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/caster-semenya-accuses-iaaf-of-using-her-as-a-human-guinea-pig-228483&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0wSgXkncfrDpIVYWMvED9f">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour."

IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination.

"We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/iaaf-maintains-ban-on-russian-athletics-over-doping-scandal-202632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0eC0_r3jAhVM8HMBHcBfC-4QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hak-x-5O8qOz6NMioLVSZ">IAAF </a>Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said.

Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha.

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IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! 
Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/QDILgouvgL">pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL</a>
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTUshaOfficial/status/1151665580065226753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics!

Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Veteran Pin. Usha in a tweet on Thursday conveyed her gratitude to the international governing body for athletics, saying, "IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you, IAAF for this incredible honour." IAAF CEO Jon Ridgeon in a letter congratulated the athlete on her nomination. "We are delighted that you have been nominated by your Area Association as a recipient of the IAAF Veteran Pin for your long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics," the letter said. Ridgeon invited Usha to attend the award ceremony which will take place on the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress on September 24 in Doha. IAAF Veteran Pin for the long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics! Thank you IAAF for this incredible honour 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QDILgouvgL — P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) July 18, 2019 × "It is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the award ceremony which will take place during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on the evening of September 24," the letter added.

Former Olympian P T Usha nominated for IAAF Veteran Pin

Wary representatives of Afghan society met Taliban officials in Qatar on Monday for a second day of talks, with bloody insurgent attacks back home casting a pall over efforts to end Afghanistan's years of war. The Taliban on Sunday detonated a car bomb outside a government security compound in central Afghanistan killing 14 people and wounding 180, including scores of children. The attack came at the onset of a two-day meeting between Afghan citizens and the militants, meant to open the way to a peace process that should build on a hoped-for deal between the United States and the Taliban to end the longest ever U.S. war.

Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-meet-in-doha-for-fresh-round-of-talks-as-us-eyes-peace-with-taliban-233144">Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks</a> with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together.

Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw.

Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar.

"History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday.

A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT.

Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session.

The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue".

The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides.

Most productive

US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs".

The Taliban said they were "happy with progress".

The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women.

The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity".

Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks.

Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May.

An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terrorists-joining-hands-with-afghan-outfits-after-balakot-strike-sources-233866">Afghanistan</a> and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists.&nbsp;

The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago.

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights.

Dozens of powerful Afghans resumed talks with the Taliban on Monday in Doha, where a possible ceasefire is on the table along with key issues such as women's rights. Stakes are high for the talks which follow a week of US-Taliban negotiations with both sides eyeing a resolution to the bloody 18-year conflict. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Afghan gathering "has been a long time coming" and praised the country's "government, civil society, women, and Taliban" for coming together. Washington has said it wants to seal a political deal with the Taliban ahead of Afghan presidential polls due in September to allow foreign forces to begin to withdraw. Around 70 delegates are attending the two-day gathering which has been organized by Germany and Qatar. "History will remember those who were able to set their differences aside for the sake of the country," said Germany envoy Markus Potzel as he opened the gathering Sunday. A German source confirmed the second day of talks got underway just before 0600 GMT. Delegate Asila Wardak, a member of the High Peace Council established by former president Hamid Karzai to engage with Taliban elements, said: "everybody is emphasizing on a ceasefire" during Sunday's session. The Taliban spoke about "women's role, economic development, (and) the role of minorities" in a future settlement, she added. Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said on Twitter that he looked "forward to a constructive dialogue". The so-called intra-Afghan meetings follow six days of direct US-Taliban talks that have been put on hold for the two-day Afghan conference and are set to resume Tuesday, according to both sides. Most productive US lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad said Saturday that the latest round of US-Taliban talks "have been the most productive of the rounds we've had with the Talibs". The Taliban said they were "happy with progress". The United States is not participating directly in the two-day Afghan summit, which is being attended by political heavyweights, government officials, and at least six women. The Taliban, who have steadfastly refused to negotiate with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, have stressed that those attending are only doing so in a "personal capacity". Ghani's administration, which the Taliban consider a puppet regime, has also been excluded from the direct US-Taliban talks. Sunday and Monday's gathering is the third such meeting following landmark summits in Moscow in February and May. An agreement with the Taliban is expected to have two main pillars -- a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commitment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The Taliban's relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration remain unresolved.

Afghanistan rivals resume talks for peace with Taliban in Doha

Taliban attacked government security compound in central Afghanistan on Sunday amid peace talks in Qatar. Watch this video to know more.

Attack amid Afghanistan peace talks in Qatar

In what comes as a relief to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-signs-375-million-syndicated-loan-with-uae-banks-231580">cash-strapped Pakistan</a>, Qatar has deposited the first tranche of US $500 million in the State Bank of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/those-manufactured-in-the-nursery-of-military-dictatorship-calling-me-selected-imran-khan-231597">Pakistan</a>.

"US $500 million received from Qatar," the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed to The Express Tribune on Saturday Doha had on June 24 announced that it has decided to invest US $3 billion in Pakistan which is grappling to overcome a severe financial crisis.

This was announced on Monday after a two-day visit of Qatar`s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to Pakistan as the Imran Khan-led government continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis.

"Upon the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced new investments in the form of deposits and direct investments in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan worth a total of US $3 billion," the Qatar News Agency said.

With this new investment package, the size of the Qatari-Pakistani economic partnership will amount to US $9 billion, it said.

Taking to Twitter, Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, the Pakistan Prime Minister`s financial adviser, said, "Want to thank the Emir of Qatar HRH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for announcing US $3 Billion in #deposits and direct #investments for #Pakistan and for #Qatar`s affirmation to further develop relations between the two countries."

Qatar is the fourth country to provide a bailout package to Pakistan, after China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

China has given to Pakistan US $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans while Saudi Arabia has announced a bailout package worth US $3 billion in addition to US $3.2 billion oil facility on deferred payments.

The UAE has provided a bailout package of US $2 billion to Pakistan.

Last month, Islamabad had reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package of US $6 billion.&nbsp;

The deal is expected to be approved by the IMF Executive Board on July 3.

Besides the assistance by the global finance body, Pakistan will receive additional funds worth nearly US $2-3 billion from institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.&nbsp;

In what comes as a relief to cash-strapped Pakistan, Qatar has deposited the first tranche of US $500 million in the State Bank of Pakistan. "US $500 million received from Qatar," the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed to The Express Tribune on Saturday Doha had on June 24 announced that it has decided to invest US $3 billion in Pakistan which is grappling to overcome a severe financial crisis.

In what comes as a relief to cash-strapped Pakistan, Qatar has deposited the first tranche of US $500 million in the State Bank of Pakistan. "US $500 million received from Qatar," the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed to The Express Tribune on Saturday Doha had on June 24 announced that it has decided to invest US $3 billion in Pakistan which is grappling to overcome a severe financial crisis. This was announced on Monday after a two-day visit of Qatar`s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to Pakistan as the Imran Khan-led government continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis. "Upon the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced new investments in the form of deposits and direct investments in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan worth a total of US $3 billion," the Qatar News Agency said. With this new investment package, the size of the Qatari-Pakistani economic partnership will amount to US $9 billion, it said. Taking to Twitter, Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, the Pakistan Prime Minister`s financial adviser, said, "Want to thank the Emir of Qatar HRH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for announcing US $3 Billion in #deposits and direct #investments for #Pakistan and for #Qatar`s affirmation to further develop relations between the two countries." Qatar is the fourth country to provide a bailout package to Pakistan, after China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. China has given to Pakistan US $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans while Saudi Arabia has announced a bailout package worth US $3 billion in addition to US $3.2 billion oil facility on deferred payments. The UAE has provided a bailout package of US $2 billion to Pakistan. Last month, Islamabad had reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package of US $6 billion. The deal is expected to be approved by the IMF Executive Board on July 3. Besides the assistance by the global finance body, Pakistan will receive additional funds worth nearly US $2-3 billion from institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.

Cash-strapped Pakistan receives $500 million from Qatar

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday.

Argentina's win over the Asian champions, thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Sergio Aguero, has put them into a quarter-final against Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

"We played a good game and we won, and that was what mattered," Messi said. "We needed a game like this to gain some confidence and calm."

"As we play more games the team grows each one and that game was good for that."

Argentina came into the match under fire after losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia and then being held 1-1 by Paraguay.

Too many of their top players have failed to reproduce their club form at international level but they were at least creating chances up front against Qatar, even if they were vulnerable at the back throughout.

The score did not reflect the number of chances – Argentina had 17 shots on goal to Qatar’s four - but neither did it flatter the Qataris, who matched Argentina for most of the first half before running out of steam.

But while no one should draw too many conclusions from a victory over Qatar, who finished with one point for the tournament, the win sets Argentina up for a run at the title they have not won since 1993.

Coach Lionel Scaloni said he was content with the performance and delighted to still be in with a chance of silverware.

"Of course there are things we can improve on but we're satisfied," he said.

"We always tried to play football and pressure them high up the pitch. I think the second half was very good.

"The message has to be that as long as we’re in the Copa America we need to keep pushing forward."

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday.

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday. Argentina's win over the Asian champions, thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Sergio Aguero, has put them into a quarter-final against Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. "We played a good game and we won, and that was what mattered," Messi said. "We needed a game like this to gain some confidence and calm." "As we play more games the team grows each one and that game was good for that." Argentina came into the match under fire after losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia and then being held 1-1 by Paraguay. Too many of their top players have failed to reproduce their club form at international level but they were at least creating chances up front against Qatar, even if they were vulnerable at the back throughout. The score did not reflect the number of chances – Argentina had 17 shots on goal to Qatar’s four - but neither did it flatter the Qataris, who matched Argentina for most of the first half before running out of steam. But while no one should draw too many conclusions from a victory over Qatar, who finished with one point for the tournament, the win sets Argentina up for a run at the title they have not won since 1993. Coach Lionel Scaloni said he was content with the performance and delighted to still be in with a chance of silverware. "Of course there are things we can improve on but we're satisfied," he said. "We always tried to play football and pressure them high up the pitch. I think the second half was very good. "The message has to be that as long as we’re in the Copa America we need to keep pushing forward."

Copa America: Lionel Messi says win over Qatar can give Argentina needed boost

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela.

Argentina took the lead after three minutes when an atrocious pass out of defence went straight to Martinez, who made no mistake from 15 meters out.

The first half was an even affair with Martinez and Aguero missing good chances for Argentina and Bassam Alrawi clipping the post from a free kick for the Asian champions.

But even with Lionel Messi looking more spritely than in Argentina's first two games, it took them until the second half before they were able to seal the points.

With eight minutes remaining Aguero ran on to a through ball and angled a fine drive past the Qatari keeper.

"When we scored the first goal we just needed to keep our calm until the end and we were qualified," Martinez said. "We were playing a good team, we couldn't make a mess of it."

Argentina's win, their first after a loss to Colombia and a draw with Paraguay, leaves them in second place in Group B on four points behind group winners Colombia, who beat Paraguay 1-0.

They will now play Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while the other quarter-final ties will only be decided after Monday's final Group C matches.

"Now we need to stay focused and win the next game and keep progressing," Martinez said.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stage along with the two best third-placed sides.

Brazil and Venezuela qualified from Group A on Saturday and third place Peru will join them.

Group C will be decided on Monday when Chile play Uruguay and Ecuador take on Japan.

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela.

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela. Argentina took the lead after three minutes when an atrocious pass out of defence went straight to Martinez, who made no mistake from 15 meters out. The first half was an even affair with Martinez and Aguero missing good chances for Argentina and Bassam Alrawi clipping the post from a free kick for the Asian champions. But even with Lionel Messi looking more spritely than in Argentina's first two games, it took them until the second half before they were able to seal the points. With eight minutes remaining Aguero ran on to a through ball and angled a fine drive past the Qatari keeper. "When we scored the first goal we just needed to keep our calm until the end and we were qualified," Martinez said. "We were playing a good team, we couldn't make a mess of it." Argentina's win, their first after a loss to Colombia and a draw with Paraguay, leaves them in second place in Group B on four points behind group winners Colombia, who beat Paraguay 1-0. They will now play Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while the other quarter-final ties will only be decided after Monday's final Group C matches. "Now we need to stay focused and win the next game and keep progressing," Martinez said. The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stage along with the two best third-placed sides. Brazil and Venezuela qualified from Group A on Saturday and third place Peru will join them. Group C will be decided on Monday when Chile play Uruguay and Ecuador take on Japan.

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify for Copa America last eight

In another embarrassment for Pakistan, the cash-strapped country on Monday secured a bailout package of $3 billion from oil-rich Qatar, a day after Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad concluded his visit to Islamabad and agreed to cooperate in the fields of trade, anti-money laundering and curbing terror financing.

According to reports, the government of Pakistan had contacted Qatar government and there were reports of Pakistan getting an investment of $22billion in its various sectors.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the Emir will announce investments deals worth $22 billion during his visit.

"This comes as a second major investment in the country after the Kingdom of Saudi had announced to invest $21 billion in Pakistan in three phases under its investment plan," he said.

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Upon the directives of HH the Amir, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announces of new investments in the form of deposits and direct investments worth a total of QR3 billion in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/zmH07cFRew">pic.twitter.com/zmH07cFRew</a>
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In January, Khan had visited Qatar to promote trade ties between the two nations. During his visit, the Pakistani premier met the Qatari leadership and the business and investment communities of Qatar.

The Gulf state is the fourth nation that has come forward to rescue Pakistan from default during the past 11 months as the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan tries to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis.

Earlier, China gave $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans and Saudi Arabia provided $3 billion cash deposit and $3.2 billion oil facility on deferred payments. The United Arab Emirates also provided a $2 billion cash deposit.

(With inputs from PTI)

In another embarrassment for Pakistan, the cash-strapped country on Monday secured a bailout package of $3 billion from oil-rich Qatar, a day after Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad concluded his visit to Islamabad and agreed to cooperate in the fields of trade, anti-money laundering and curbing terror financing.

In another embarrassment for Pakistan, the cash-strapped country on Monday secured a bailout package of $3 billion from oil-rich Qatar, a day after Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad concluded his visit to Islamabad and agreed to cooperate in the fields of trade, anti-money laundering and curbing terror financing. According to reports, the government of Pakistan had contacted Qatar government and there were reports of Pakistan getting an investment of $22billion in its various sectors. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the Emir will announce investments deals worth $22 billion during his visit. "This comes as a second major investment in the country after the Kingdom of Saudi had announced to invest $21 billion in Pakistan in three phases under its investment plan," he said. Upon the directives of HH the Amir, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announces of new investments in the form of deposits and direct investments worth a total of QR3 billion in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/zmH07cFRew — Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 24, 2019 × In January, Khan had visited Qatar to promote trade ties between the two nations. During his visit, the Pakistani premier met the Qatari leadership and the business and investment communities of Qatar. The Gulf state is the fourth nation that has come forward to rescue Pakistan from default during the past 11 months as the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan tries to overcome a ballooning balance-of-payments crisis. Earlier, China gave $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans and Saudi Arabia provided $3 billion cash deposit and $3.2 billion oil facility on deferred payments. The United Arab Emirates also provided a $2 billion cash deposit. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan's claims fall short as Qatar announces $3 billion bailout instead of $22 billion

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-urges-de-escalation-in-us-iran-row-225787">Qatar</a> is making $3 billion worth of new investments in Pakistan, in the form of deposits and direct investments, the Qatari state news agency QNA said on Monday.

Following this investment, the economic partnership between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-scramble-as-thai-airways-cancels-flights-over-pakistan-200174">Qatar and Pakistan</a> will reach $9 billion, the agency reported, quoting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

Last month, Pakistan reached an accord in principle with the International Monetary Fund for a three-year, $6 billion bailout package aimed at shoring up its fragile public finances and strengthening a slowing economy.

The Qatari announcement came after a visit by Qatar's emir to Pakistan. During the visit, Pakistan and Qatar signed several memoranda of understanding for trade and investment, tourism and business and for cooperation in financial intelligence, according to the Pakistani government's Twitter account.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's government is seeking to stabilise its economy with loans from Gulf countries and international donors.

Saudi Arabia earlier provided Pakistan with a $3 billion loan and a similar amount every year in oil supply on deferred payments. The United Arab Emirates also announced a $3 billion loan package.

Qatar is making $3 billion worth of new investments in Pakistan, in the form of deposits and direct investments, the Qatari state news agency QNA said on Monday.

Qatar is making $3 billion worth of new investments in Pakistan, in the form of deposits and direct investments, the Qatari state news agency QNA said on Monday. Following this investment, the economic partnership between Qatar and Pakistan will reach $9 billion, the agency reported, quoting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. Last month, Pakistan reached an accord in principle with the International Monetary Fund for a three-year, $6 billion bailout package aimed at shoring up its fragile public finances and strengthening a slowing economy. The Qatari announcement came after a visit by Qatar's emir to Pakistan. During the visit, Pakistan and Qatar signed several memoranda of understanding for trade and investment, tourism and business and for cooperation in financial intelligence, according to the Pakistani government's Twitter account. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's government is seeking to stabilise its economy with loans from Gulf countries and international donors. Saudi Arabia earlier provided Pakistan with a $3 billion loan and a similar amount every year in oil supply on deferred payments. The United Arab Emirates also announced a $3 billion loan package.

Qatar says it will invest $3 billion in Pakistan: Report

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium.

Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games.

For <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-not-far-away-says-defender-yerry-mina-228411&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA-eiHrffiAhUMc3AKHc0dAusQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3IuB-JRWgi8uSxGEVS0a8V">Colombia</a>, Radamel Falcao started on the bench and James Rodriguez's impact was limited, at least until the latter set up the winner with a sublime pass.

In the final minutes of the game, Duvan Zapata's header came as a lifeline for Colombia as they were not able to score before that.

Zapata headed the ball to the goal in the 86th minute, the only goal in the match. Interestingly Zapata scored two goals in the tournament so far and both come in the 86th minute.

The 55th FIFA ranked Qatar showcased a quality game as they appeared organised in every department.

Qatar did not allow their opponent to score freely as they kept their defence solid.

Although Colombia attacked Qatar's goal-post but could not end with a goal.

The score-line after the completion of full time ended with 1-0 in favour of Colombia.

In their opening match, Qatar played a draw against Paraguay while Colombia outclassed Argentina in their first game.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-roger-martinez-cracker-helps-colombia-past-argentina-227523&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA-eiHrffiAhUMc3AKHc0dAusQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3v6VFT4mZzUEcRA622-SmR">Colombia </a>will next play against Paraguay while Qatar will take on Argentina on June 26.

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium. Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games.

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium. Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games. For Colombia, Radamel Falcao started on the bench and James Rodriguez's impact was limited, at least until the latter set up the winner with a sublime pass. In the final minutes of the game, Duvan Zapata's header came as a lifeline for Colombia as they were not able to score before that. Zapata headed the ball to the goal in the 86th minute, the only goal in the match. Interestingly Zapata scored two goals in the tournament so far and both come in the 86th minute. The 55th FIFA ranked Qatar showcased a quality game as they appeared organised in every department. Qatar did not allow their opponent to score freely as they kept their defence solid. Although Colombia attacked Qatar's goal-post but could not end with a goal. The score-line after the completion of full time ended with 1-0 in favour of Colombia. In their opening match, Qatar played a draw against Paraguay while Colombia outclassed Argentina in their first game. Colombia will next play against Paraguay while Qatar will take on Argentina on June 26.

Copa America: Colombia defeats Qatar 1-0, moves to quarterfinal

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Argentina captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-hopes-to-end-trophy-heartache-at-copa-america-227262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0S9rt5n8yfIwVxG_EtPMbW">Lionel Messi</a> pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review.

Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing.

Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half.

Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday.

Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country.

The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on.

Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.

Argentina's caretaker coach <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-scaloni-expects-a-tough-start-as-argentina-prepare-to-face-colombia-227344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XE6nDgYka9nVQPK-s7ZRU">Lionel Scaloni</a> admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal.

'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY'

"Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters.

"They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal,"&nbsp;Scaloni added.

Argentina's best move came when substitute <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-agueros-return-lifts-messis-hopes-of-copa-america-glory-for-argentina-226159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw35BeC1jNSmLRAWr-4LRXa7">Aguero </a>chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley.

The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez.

Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris.

The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work.

Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times. Argentina captain Lionel Messi pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review. Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing. Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half. Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday. Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country. The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on. Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals. Argentina's caretaker coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal. 'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY' "Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters. "They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal," Scaloni added. Argentina's best move came when substitute Aguero chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley. The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez. Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris. The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work. Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Copa America: Lionel Messi's penalty rescues Argentina against Paraguay

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press.

"I have always been at peace because I feel totally foreign to any of these matters. This is an old case, you know it, we explained it. I have always expressed myself with full transparency in all the newspapers. That's it, it goes on, they investigate, they search," said Platini after his release.

"A lot of noise for nothing. There you go, very long questioning. Michel Platini gave his testimony by answering as sincerely and precisely as he could, to all the questions put to him. I would remind you that he was heard 18 months ago as well, as a witness in a free hearing. We do not consider in any way that Michel Platini can be considered a suspect in any way, either yesterday or today or tomorrow. So it's a done deal for us," his lawyer William Bourdon said.

The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-uefa-chief-michel-platini-arrested-in-2022-qatar-world-cup-probe-228291">taken into custody</a> by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state Qatar.

Watch Platini's&nbsp;reaction:&nbsp;

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Also questioned on Tuesday were two one-time associates of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, adding a layer of political intrigue to the investigation of the hugely controversial decision to hold football's showcase tournament in a desert country so scorching hot in June and July that the matches will be played instead in November and December.

Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter.

Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar.

Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press.

Former UEFA chief Michel Platini was released from custody by the French Police early on Wednesday. No charges were brought against the former number 10 of Les Bleus after almost 15 hours of questioning, reported news agency Associated Press. "I have always been at peace because I feel totally foreign to any of these matters. This is an old case, you know it, we explained it. I have always expressed myself with full transparency in all the newspapers. That's it, it goes on, they investigate, they search," said Platini after his release. "A lot of noise for nothing. There you go, very long questioning. Michel Platini gave his testimony by answering as sincerely and precisely as he could, to all the questions put to him. I would remind you that he was heard 18 months ago as well, as a witness in a free hearing. We do not consider in any way that Michel Platini can be considered a suspect in any way, either yesterday or today or tomorrow. So it's a done deal for us," his lawyer William Bourdon said. The French football legend elected to lead European football's governing body in 2007 was taken into custody by French anti-corruption police investigating the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to the gas-rich Gulf state Qatar. Watch Platini's reaction: × Also questioned on Tuesday were two one-time associates of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, adding a layer of political intrigue to the investigation of the hugely controversial decision to hold football's showcase tournament in a desert country so scorching hot in June and July that the matches will be played instead in November and December. Platini, 63, led UEFA until 2015 when he was banned from football for four years for ethics violations including receiving $2 million payment from the disgraced former head of FIFA Sepp Blatter. Qatar has been accused of buying votes in its bid to stage the World Cup and a subsequent report by US independent investigator Michael Garcia unearthed an array of suspect financial dealings, many linked to Sandro Rosell, the ex-Barcelona president who served as a consultant for Qatar. Platini, a triple Ballon d'Or winner, was expected to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 before his fall from grace. He has been battling to clear his name ever since.

Ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini released, says he is at 'peace'

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-still-driven-to-win-with-argentina-insists-sergio-aguero-223110&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vLSmTKr7TrCRkeUUa479k">Sergio Aguero</a> has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010.

But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil.

Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games.

But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile.

"I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports.

"Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said

Just as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-broke-down-in-dressing-room-after-barcelonas-humiliating-defeat-to-liverpool-217028&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwqY2g4-DiAhVK6nMBHW0zClgQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15Hbae0VU2MWfGomU-GTV_">Messi </a>has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-after-sergio-aguero-misses-penalty-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-clash-209187&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EcRrRprAD6q3d184eUW26">Aguero </a>also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble.

"I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added.

Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign.

However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team.

He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez.

Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition.

"We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said.

"There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said.

Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America. Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010. But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil. Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games. But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile. "I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports. "Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said Just as Messi has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, Aguero also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble. "I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added. Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals. Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign. However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team. He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez. Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition. "We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said. "There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said. Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Sergio Aguero's return lifts Messi's hopes of Copa America glory for Argentina

Qatar and other countries have been talking to both Iran and the United States about de-escalation, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Sunday, urging both sides to meet and find a compromise.

“We believe that at one point there should an engagement – it cannot last forever like this," he told reporters in London on Sunday. “Since they are not willing to engage in further escalation, they should come up with ideas that open the doors.”

Sheikh Mohammed said several countries including Qatar, Oman Iraq and Japan had been urging de-escalation with the two sides.

"All these countries are concerned what escalation could lead to," he said. "There were attempts by Qatar and by other countries in the region to de-escalate the situation: we have been speaking to the U.S. and we have been talking to the Iranians as well."

"What we are trying to do is really to bridge the gap and create a conversation between the two parties as escalation is not going to benefit anyone in the region," he said.

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington reimposed economic sanctions on Iran after pulling out of a big-power nuclear deal, and sending forces to the Middle East in a show of force to counter what U.S. officials called Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests.

Qatar and other countries have been talking to both Iran and the United States about de-escalation, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Sunday, urging both sides to meet and find a compromise.

Qatar and other countries have been talking to both Iran and the United States about de-escalation, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said on Sunday, urging both sides to meet and find a compromise. “We believe that at one point there should an engagement – it cannot last forever like this," he told reporters in London on Sunday. “Since they are not willing to engage in further escalation, they should come up with ideas that open the doors.” Sheikh Mohammed said several countries including Qatar, Oman Iraq and Japan had been urging de-escalation with the two sides. "All these countries are concerned what escalation could lead to," he said. "There were attempts by Qatar and by other countries in the region to de-escalate the situation: we have been speaking to the U.S. and we have been talking to the Iranians as well." "What we are trying to do is really to bridge the gap and create a conversation between the two parties as escalation is not going to benefit anyone in the region," he said. Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington reimposed economic sanctions on Iran after pulling out of a big-power nuclear deal, and sending forces to the Middle East in a show of force to counter what U.S. officials called Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests.

Qatar urges de-escalation in US-Iran row

Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will meet with President Donald Trump next month as the country continues to endure the two-year economic squeeze from its US-backed Gulf Arab rivals, the White House announced Friday.

The emir will meet Trump in Washington on July 9 for talks on regional politics, security and counterterrorism cooperation, according to the announcement, amid a US effort to build pressure on Gulf power Iran.

"The visit will build on the longstanding partnership between the United States and Qatar and further strengthen our already substantial economic and security ties," the White House said.

Washington has sought to keep up relations with Qatar, an oil-and-gas-rich state which has maintained cordial relations with Tehran even as other Gulf Arab states led by Saudi Arabia have cooperated with Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran.

For two years Saudi Arabia and its allies the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have barred Qatari flights from their airports and airspace, banned most Qatari visitors, cut trade and shipping links, and closed their borders, unhappy about Doha's insistence on maintaining its own approach to regional relations.

Washington was less than enthusiastic about the embargo on Qatar, which hosts two US military bases and the forward headquarters of the US Central Command, which oversees the Pentagon's operations across the Middle East.

Qatar is also slated to take part in the June 25-26 Bahrain conference on the Trump administration's Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative, where Washington hopes to raise financial pledges to support the Palestinian economy.

Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will meet with President Donald Trump next month as the country continues to endure the two-year economic squeeze from its US-backed Gulf Arab rivals, the White House announced Friday.

Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will meet with President Donald Trump next month as the country continues to endure the two-year economic squeeze from its US-backed Gulf Arab rivals, the White House announced Friday. The emir will meet Trump in Washington on July 9 for talks on regional politics, security and counterterrorism cooperation, according to the announcement, amid a US effort to build pressure on Gulf power Iran. "The visit will build on the longstanding partnership between the United States and Qatar and further strengthen our already substantial economic and security ties," the White House said. Washington has sought to keep up relations with Qatar, an oil-and-gas-rich state which has maintained cordial relations with Tehran even as other Gulf Arab states led by Saudi Arabia have cooperated with Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. For two years Saudi Arabia and its allies the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have barred Qatari flights from their airports and airspace, banned most Qatari visitors, cut trade and shipping links, and closed their borders, unhappy about Doha's insistence on maintaining its own approach to regional relations. Washington was less than enthusiastic about the embargo on Qatar, which hosts two US military bases and the forward headquarters of the US Central Command, which oversees the Pentagon's operations across the Middle East. Qatar is also slated to take part in the June 25-26 Bahrain conference on the Trump administration's Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative, where Washington hopes to raise financial pledges to support the Palestinian economy.

Qatar emir to visit White House amid Gulf tensions

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-football-star-neymar-denies-alleged-rape-in-paris-223567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0mTLmhgxofGmcQuTfwQLeY">Neymar</a> sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel.

Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia.

"It was aggression together with rape," said the woman in an interview broadcast on the SBT network. The full interview is scheduled to air on Monday.

Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged that she initially liked Neymar - full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior -&nbsp;and wanted to have sex with him.

The football megastar paid for a plane ticket to bring her from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel.

Watch her TV interview:

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Things changed dramatically at their first encounter, Trindade said. "He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages.''

"Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said.

After some kissing and caressing, she said, "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt."

According to Trindade, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/depression-injuries-rape-allegation-and-more-heres-a-look-back-at-neymars-difficult-season-224188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw26UNcGooXYCWWS8FrZsj6Z">Neymar </a>apologized, but then continued hurting her while they had sex.

Separately, the G1 news website reported that police have a video that Trindade recorded of an alleged second encounter between the two.

The contents were not made public.

Neymar, who was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world-record 222 million euros ($248.5 million) in 2017, wrote on Instagram that the evening's game would be the most difficult of his career "due to the circumstances."

In the end, he only lasted 20 minutes in the game and limped off the field aided by two members of the team's support staff with an ice pack wrapped around his ankle.

Brazil's talk of the town

Since the scandal exploded over the weekend the story has dominated the news in Brazil, as fans fear that Neymar's troubles will affect their team's performance in the upcoming Copa America -- South America's continental championship, which Brazil is hosting and last won in 2007.

Brazil's national coach Tite said he had no plans to drop the striker.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-defends-neymar-against-rape-accusation-224846">Neymar </a>is a different kind of player that I'll want in the team until the last moment because of his talent," Tite said.

When asked how the striker was feeling, Tite -- visibly moved -- said: "I just want the situation to resolve itself, I'm not taking sides. I want it to be resolved by hard work"

Neymar, who insists on his innocence, published a video stating that he was the victim of entrapment.

In the same video he also posted intimate WhatsApp messages he said he had received from his accuser and photographs of her topless in a bed.

One of the most colourful phrases of the exchange was "Good morning, an object of my libido" - which has quickly become an online catchphrase across Brazil.

'Forgive that girl'

Brazil's football chief said Wednesday that Neymar would play in the Copa America, which kicks off on June 14, despite the rape allegations, although the late Wednesday injury may change those plans.

The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy in the Copa. &nbsp;

Neymar's father has claimed his son was the victim of a blackmail attempt, which the accuser's former lawyers have rejected.

Adding to Neymar's woes is a police investigation into the publication of intimate information in his Instagram video without the woman's permission. Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-accused-of-raping-woman-in-paris-reports-223525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj714f7nNTiAhXTgeYKHVZpCQAQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lhN4Lf6PX7xcxw3--v4B8">Neymar's </a>mother Nadine Goncalves posted an emotional message on Instagram on Tuesday urging her son to "forgive that girl" and "return to Jesus".&nbsp;

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar Neymar sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel. Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia.

Brazilians for the first time late Wednesday heard from the woman who says that football superstar Neymar sexually assaulted her at a Paris hotel. Extracts of a televised interview with Najila Trindade Mendes de Souza, the alleged victim, aired just one hour before Neymar was about to enter the pitch for a friendly game between Brazil's national team and Qatar in the capital Brasilia. "It was aggression together with rape," said the woman in an interview broadcast on the SBT network. The full interview is scheduled to air on Monday. Trindade, who says she works as a model, acknowledged that she initially liked Neymar - full name Neymar da Silva Santos Junior - and wanted to have sex with him. The football megastar paid for a plane ticket to bring her from Brazil and put her up in a Paris hotel. Watch her TV interview: × Things changed dramatically at their first encounter, Trindade said. "He was aggressive, totally different than the boy that I got to know on the messages.'' "Since I really wanted to be with him I said, OK, I'm going to try to handle this," she said. After some kissing and caressing, she said, "he started to hit me ... then he began to hurt me a lot, and I asked him to stop because it hurt." According to Trindade, Neymar apologized, but then continued hurting her while they had sex. Separately, the G1 news website reported that police have a video that Trindade recorded of an alleged second encounter between the two. The contents were not made public. Neymar, who was transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a world-record 222 million euros ($248.5 million) in 2017, wrote on Instagram that the evening's game would be the most difficult of his career "due to the circumstances." In the end, he only lasted 20 minutes in the game and limped off the field aided by two members of the team's support staff with an ice pack wrapped around his ankle. Brazil's talk of the town Since the scandal exploded over the weekend the story has dominated the news in Brazil, as fans fear that Neymar's troubles will affect their team's performance in the upcoming Copa America -- South America's continental championship, which Brazil is hosting and last won in 2007. Brazil's national coach Tite said he had no plans to drop the striker. "Neymar is a different kind of player that I'll want in the team until the last moment because of his talent," Tite said. When asked how the striker was feeling, Tite -- visibly moved -- said: "I just want the situation to resolve itself, I'm not taking sides. I want it to be resolved by hard work" Neymar, who insists on his innocence, published a video stating that he was the victim of entrapment. In the same video he also posted intimate WhatsApp messages he said he had received from his accuser and photographs of her topless in a bed. One of the most colourful phrases of the exchange was "Good morning, an object of my libido" - which has quickly become an online catchphrase across Brazil. 'Forgive that girl' Brazil's football chief said Wednesday that Neymar would play in the Copa America, which kicks off on June 14, despite the rape allegations, although the late Wednesday injury may change those plans. The scandal caps a troubled season for the player, on and off the field. It has been marred by a recurring injury, two separate suspensions for insulting a referee and hitting a fan, and the loss of Brazil's captaincy in the Copa. Neymar's father has claimed his son was the victim of a blackmail attempt, which the accuser's former lawyers have rejected. Adding to Neymar's woes is a police investigation into the publication of intimate information in his Instagram video without the woman's permission. Such an offence carries a maximum five-year jail term. Neymar's mother Nadine Goncalves posted an emotional message on Instagram on Tuesday urging her son to "forgive that girl" and "return to Jesus".

Woman who accused Brazil's Neymar of rape gives details in TV interview

Qatar said on Sunday that it had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-not-invited-to-emergency-arab-summits-in-saudi-arabia-qatari-official-220108">emergency regional talks</a> to discuss mounting tensions between Iran and the United States.

Riyadh had called two gatherings -- one for Arab League members, the other for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional bloc nations -- after a spate of attacks.

Several tankers in Gulf waters were targeted under mysterious circumstances and a Saudi crude pipeline was hit by drone strikes coordinated by Yemen rebels who Riyadh said were acting on Iranian orders.

King Salman had invited Gulf leaders and Arab League members to summits in Mecca on May 30 but it was not stated if Qatar was also invited to the Arab bloc deliberations.

It was unclear if Qatar -- subject to a Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott over alleged support for Iran and Islamist movements -- would be invited at all, with Doha initially reporting it had not received an invite.

Qatar's emir "has received a written message" inviting the government to join the crisis talks, the government's information office said in a statement.

The invitation was received by Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani during a meeting with the secretary general of the GCC, it added.

Al-Thani has previously called for a "dialogue" between Iran and the United States to resolve the crisis between their countries.

Qatar said on Sunday that it had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend emergency regional talks to discuss mounting tensions between Iran and the United States.

Qatar said on Sunday that it had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend emergency regional talks to discuss mounting tensions between Iran and the United States. Riyadh had called two gatherings -- one for Arab League members, the other for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional bloc nations -- after a spate of attacks. Several tankers in Gulf waters were targeted under mysterious circumstances and a Saudi crude pipeline was hit by drone strikes coordinated by Yemen rebels who Riyadh said were acting on Iranian orders. King Salman had invited Gulf leaders and Arab League members to summits in Mecca on May 30 but it was not stated if Qatar was also invited to the Arab bloc deliberations. It was unclear if Qatar -- subject to a Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott over alleged support for Iran and Islamist movements -- would be invited at all, with Doha initially reporting it had not received an invite. Qatar's emir "has received a written message" inviting the government to join the crisis talks, the government's information office said in a statement. The invitation was received by Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani during a meeting with the secretary general of the GCC, it added. Al-Thani has previously called for a "dialogue" between Iran and the United States to resolve the crisis between their countries.

Qatar invited by Saudi Arabia to talks over Iran tensions

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