Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made explosive revelations on the attempt to tamper with the country's election in an interview to the Daily Star. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says, 'Offered re-election in return for airbase'

In a&nbsp;sharp reaction to the&nbsp;House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. This comes after the ethics committee, following its&nbsp;nine-month investigation, on November 14 unanimously voted to "refer to the Department of Justice (DOJ) substantial evidence that Representative Santos knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission" and "used campaign funds for personal purposes."&nbsp;

The report claimed that US Representative Santos engaged in "fraudulent conduct" and also breached the "ethics in government act."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sinkholes-tunnels-staggering-wealth-of-microbial-life-in-mexicos-underwater-labyrinth-unravelled-659447">Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled</a>

After the release of the report,&nbsp;Santos took to X and posted that he would go on to serve his constituents till the time he is permitted to do so.

However, he continued that he will "NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time."&nbsp;

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If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the “Ethics committee”, they would have not released this biased report. The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise). 
 
It is a disgusting…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrSantosNY/status/1725182414769512783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He termed the report biased and blamed the federal government for orchestrating a campaign against him.

He also launched a verbal attack on the federal government, lamenting its inaction on the migrants issue at its southern border and America's increased national debt.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-is-us-cdc-suggesting-people-to-get-covid-and-flu-shots-together-659424">Why is US CDC suggesting people to get Covid and flu shots together?</a>

In the post, Santos also declined to speak with media personnel anymore in connection to the controversy that erupted after the report by the ethics committee.

&nbsp;

<h2>What were the findings of House Ethics Committee report?&nbsp;</h2>

In its findings, the ethics report said that Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. He blatantly stole from his campaign. He deceived donors into providing what they thought were contributions to his campaign but were in fact payments for his personal benefit."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwans-opposition-parties-join-forces-in-presidential-bid-659427">Taiwan's opposition parties join forces in presidential bid</a>

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If the report is to be believed, Santos used the guise of "fictitious" loans to try and persuade donors to make further donations, and later diverted more of his campaign money to himself "as purported 'repayments' of those fictitious loans."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a sharp reaction to the House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024.

In a sharp reaction to the House Ethics Committee report, US Representative from New York George Santos on Thursday (Nov 16) said that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. This comes after the ethics committee, following its nine-month investigation, on November 14 unanimously voted to "refer to the Department of Justice (DOJ) substantial evidence that Representative Santos knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission" and "used campaign funds for personal purposes." The report claimed that US Representative Santos engaged in "fraudulent conduct" and also breached the "ethics in government act." Also Read | Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled After the release of the report, Santos took to X and posted that he would go on to serve his constituents till the time he is permitted to do so. However, he continued that he will "NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time." If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the “Ethics committee”, they would have not released this biased report. The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise). It is a disgusting… — George Santos (@MrSantosNY) November 16, 2023 × He termed the report biased and blamed the federal government for orchestrating a campaign against him. He also launched a verbal attack on the federal government, lamenting its inaction on the migrants issue at its southern border and America's increased national debt. Also Read | Why is US CDC suggesting people to get Covid and flu shots together? In the post, Santos also declined to speak with media personnel anymore in connection to the controversy that erupted after the report by the ethics committee. What were the findings of House Ethics Committee report? In its findings, the ethics report said that Santos "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. He blatantly stole from his campaign. He deceived donors into providing what they thought were contributions to his campaign but were in fact payments for his personal benefit." Watch | Taiwan's opposition parties join forces in presidential bid × If the report is to be believed, Santos used the guise of "fictitious" loans to try and persuade donors to make further donations, and later diverted more of his campaign money to himself "as purported 'repayments' of those fictitious loans." (With inputs from agencies)

US Rep Santos to not seek 2024 re-election, says ethics committee report a smear campaign against him

The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump. The account, through the handle @BidenHQ, said that it is a “project of Biden-Harris 2024” and includes a banner image which says “the malarkey ends here”, referencing the signature colloquialism of the president.&nbsp;

Taking to X, the campaign wrote that it has joined Truth Social. “We just joined Truth Social, mostly because we thought it would be very funny," it&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

It added, “Follow us there for truths and retruths or whatever they call them.”&nbsp;

<h2>Campaign uses meme of Biden as “Dark Brandon" in profile image</h2>

The campaign, in its profile image, chose to depict Biden as “Dark Brandon”, a meme in which Biden was shown with laser eyes and&nbsp;stems from the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant rightwing circles to stand in for saltier language opposing the president. This is the latest stunt in a line of memes and quips from the digital team of the president.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-to-visit-israel-on-wednesday-says-antony-blinken-647743">Israel-Hamas war: Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday, says Antony Blinken</a>

Although the new account is aimed to be in jest, it is clear Biden's election campaign has been using it to reach conservatives. Today, the first few posts by the account shared conservatives either giving credit to Biden or criticising Trump.

“Well. Let’s see how this goes. Converts welcome!” wrote Biden’s campaign&nbsp;in its first post on the Truth Social platform.&nbsp;

The campaign of Biden, speaking to Fox News Digital, said that using Truth Social would “meet voters where they are” while further combatting misinformation regarding Biden which spreads on the platform.

The mainstream social media platforms have made efforts to clamp down on hateful conduct and misinformation on their sites.&nbsp;Platforms like Truth Social have been minimally moderating the posts and permitting misinformation to spread more easily.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Biden to visit Israel as Gaza war sparks humanitarian crisis

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However, the social media platform is not used widely. As per estimates, Truth Social has around 2 million users and Facebook has around 3 billion, while X has about a half-billion users.&nbsp;

This is not the first time the campaign of Biden has tried to troll conservatives online by coopting their online spaces and messaging.

In July, it used a video of Republican US&nbsp;Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is a Trump supporter, in which it compared Biden to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, to make an online ad.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump.

The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump. The account, through the handle @BidenHQ, said that it is a “project of Biden-Harris 2024” and includes a banner image which says “the malarkey ends here”, referencing the signature colloquialism of the president. Taking to X, the campaign wrote that it has joined Truth Social. “We just joined Truth Social, mostly because we thought it would be very funny," it said. It added, “Follow us there for truths and retruths or whatever they call them.” Campaign uses meme of Biden as “Dark Brandon" in profile image The campaign, in its profile image, chose to depict Biden as “Dark Brandon”, a meme in which Biden was shown with laser eyes and stems from the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant rightwing circles to stand in for saltier language opposing the president. This is the latest stunt in a line of memes and quips from the digital team of the president. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday, says Antony Blinken Although the new account is aimed to be in jest, it is clear Biden's election campaign has been using it to reach conservatives. Today, the first few posts by the account shared conservatives either giving credit to Biden or criticising Trump. “Well. Let’s see how this goes. Converts welcome!” wrote Biden’s campaign in its first post on the Truth Social platform. The campaign of Biden, speaking to Fox News Digital, said that using Truth Social would “meet voters where they are” while further combatting misinformation regarding Biden which spreads on the platform. The mainstream social media platforms have made efforts to clamp down on hateful conduct and misinformation on their sites. Platforms like Truth Social have been minimally moderating the posts and permitting misinformation to spread more easily. WATCH | Israel-Palestine war: Biden to visit Israel as Gaza war sparks humanitarian crisis However, the social media platform is not used widely. As per estimates, Truth Social has around 2 million users and Facebook has around 3 billion, while X has about a half-billion users. This is not the first time the campaign of Biden has tried to troll conservatives online by coopting their online spaces and messaging. In July, it used a video of Republican US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is a Trump supporter, in which it compared Biden to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, to make an online ad. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Biden's re-election campaign joins Trump’s Truth Social, posts ‘Converts welcome!’

Putting an end to all speculations, Senegal President Macky Sall announced Monday in a televised speech that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming elections scheduled for February next year.&nbsp;Speculations had been circulating that Sall would attempt to extend his time in office, which led to unrest and violence in the country since 2021.&nbsp;Critics argued that a third term would be illegal, causing concerns about a potential democratic decline in Senegal.&nbsp;

Senegal has a history of political stability and a relatively peaceful democratic system compared to some other countries in the region.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-offer-hk1-million-bounties-for-hunt-of-exiled-democracy-activists-uk-hits-back-611558">Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back</a>

"There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election. The 2019 term was my second and last term," Sall said adding, "my decision, carefully considered... is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election on Feb. 25, 2024. And this, even though the constitution grants me the right," reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Sall's decision relieves worries of democratic backslide</h2>

By declaring his intention not to run for another term, President Sallis expected to alleviate fears of a democratic regression in Senegal.&nbsp;

Some neighboring countries, such as Ivory Coast and Togo, have previously utilised changes to their constitutions as a means to prolong their stay in power.&nbsp;Regional leaders, including Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, Guinea Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, commended Sall's decision.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-witnesses-its-hottest-june-since-records-began-nearly-140-years-ago-met-office-611507">UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office</a>

President Bazoum specifically mentioned that it would help ease tensions in the country.

<h2>Search for successor&nbsp;</h2>

President Sall's decision triggers the need to find a successor to lead the ruling party ahead of the February elections next year.&nbsp;

Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China

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It remains uncertain who will be nominated as candidates for the main political parties. Supporters at the president's party headquarters had mixed reactions to his announcement, with some applauding his decision while others expressed sadness. A female supporter in tears pledged to support whomever Sall designates as his preferred successor.&nbsp;

<h2>Unrest and allegations of political motivation</h2>

The recent unrest in Senegal was sparked by the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was sentenced to two years in prison on charges related to an alleged rape, which he vehemently denies.&nbsp;Many believe the charges were politically motivated to prevent Sonko from running in the upcoming elections.&nbsp;

Protesters, angered by what they saw as President Sall's marginalisation of opponents, engaged in violent acts such as setting buildings and vehicles on fire and throwing stones at the police.&nbsp;The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, with some reports suggesting that security forces used live ammunition against the demonstrators.

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Putting an end to all speculations, Senegal President Macky Sall announced Monday in a televised speech that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming elections scheduled for February next year.

Putting an end to all speculations, Senegal President Macky Sall announced Monday in a televised speech that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming elections scheduled for February next year. Speculations had been circulating that Sall would attempt to extend his time in office, which led to unrest and violence in the country since 2021. Critics argued that a third term would be illegal, causing concerns about a potential democratic decline in Senegal. Senegal has a history of political stability and a relatively peaceful democratic system compared to some other countries in the region. Also Read | Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back "There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election. The 2019 term was my second and last term," Sall said adding, "my decision, carefully considered... is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election on Feb. 25, 2024. And this, even though the constitution grants me the right," reported Reuters. Sall's decision relieves worries of democratic backslide By declaring his intention not to run for another term, President Sallis expected to alleviate fears of a democratic regression in Senegal. Some neighboring countries, such as Ivory Coast and Togo, have previously utilised changes to their constitutions as a means to prolong their stay in power. Regional leaders, including Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, Guinea Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, commended Sall's decision. Also Read | UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office President Bazoum specifically mentioned that it would help ease tensions in the country. Search for successor President Sall's decision triggers the need to find a successor to lead the ruling party ahead of the February elections next year. Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China × It remains uncertain who will be nominated as candidates for the main political parties. Supporters at the president's party headquarters had mixed reactions to his announcement, with some applauding his decision while others expressed sadness. A female supporter in tears pledged to support whomever Sall designates as his preferred successor. Unrest and allegations of political motivation The recent unrest in Senegal was sparked by the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was sentenced to two years in prison on charges related to an alleged rape, which he vehemently denies. Many believe the charges were politically motivated to prevent Sonko from running in the upcoming elections. Protesters, angered by what they saw as President Sall's marginalisation of opponents, engaged in violent acts such as setting buildings and vehicles on fire and throwing stones at the police. The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, with some reports suggesting that security forces used live ammunition against the demonstrators. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Senegal President Macky Sall ends speculation, rules out re-election bid after unrest

Prime Minister Viktor Orban kicked off the official re-election period in Hungary. Orban, in his annual state of the nation speech, accused his opponents of planning a return to economic mismanagement.

Hungary’s PM Orban kicks off re-election campaign, delivers state of nation speech

The Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso has chosen a new government that includes his son as well as an opposition leader, according to a statement read on public television.

The previous government resigned earlier this month in a procedural move after Sassou Nguesso, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, easily won a fifth term in a March election when his main opponent died of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> on polling day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-republic-opposition-presidential-candidate-kolelas-dies-at-61-372372">Congo Republic opposition presidential candidate&nbsp;Kolelas&nbsp;dies at 61</a>

The new government has 36 members including four ministers and eight women, the official statement said on Saturday night.

The president's son Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso will head up the newly-created ministry of international cooperation and public-private partnerships.&nbsp;

Last July, the NGO Global Witness said US federal prosecutors were probing the 46-year-old over alleged embezzlement of several million dollars from the publicly-owned National Society of Petroleum of Congo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-republics-sassou-gets-re-elected-with-88-vote-372940">Congo Republic's Sassou gets re-elected with 88% vote</a>

His 77-year-old father has headed authoritarian regimes in the central African country since 1979, with a brief hiatus early in the 1990s, and constitutional changes could keep him in power until 2031.

Sassou Nguesso's son is one of 11 newcomers to the administration.&nbsp;

Philosophy professor Honore Sayi, who had presided over Congo's largest opposition group the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy, will be energy minister.&nbsp;

Rigobert Roger Andely, a former banker from the same northern Cuvette region as the president, is once again taking the role of finance minister, a job he held from 2002 to 2005.

Seven people were sacked, including Henri Djombo who had served as a minister since 1997 and Yvonne Adelaide Mougany who had been in the government since 2002.

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Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, who was appointed on Wednesday after his predecessor submitted his government's resignation on May 6, was told to put the new team to work "without delay".&nbsp;

Among the challenges the new government faces are making good on delayed payments for retirement pensions and scholarships for university students.

Other economic challenges include dealing with public debt, which stood at 87 per cent of the country's GDP in 2020 before the pandemic, and re-starting negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

The Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso has chosen a new government that includes his son as well as an opposition leader, according to a statement read on public television.

The Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso has chosen a new government that includes his son as well as an opposition leader, according to a statement read on public television. The previous government resigned earlier this month in a procedural move after Sassou Nguesso, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, easily won a fifth term in a March election when his main opponent died of COVID-19 on polling day. Also read | Congo Republic opposition presidential candidate Kolelas dies at 61 The new government has 36 members including four ministers and eight women, the official statement said on Saturday night. The president's son Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso will head up the newly-created ministry of international cooperation and public-private partnerships. Last July, the NGO Global Witness said US federal prosecutors were probing the 46-year-old over alleged embezzlement of several million dollars from the publicly-owned National Society of Petroleum of Congo. Also read | Congo Republic's Sassou gets re-elected with 88% vote His 77-year-old father has headed authoritarian regimes in the central African country since 1979, with a brief hiatus early in the 1990s, and constitutional changes could keep him in power until 2031. Sassou Nguesso's son is one of 11 newcomers to the administration. Philosophy professor Honore Sayi, who had presided over Congo's largest opposition group the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy, will be energy minister. Rigobert Roger Andely, a former banker from the same northern Cuvette region as the president, is once again taking the role of finance minister, a job he held from 2002 to 2005. Seven people were sacked, including Henri Djombo who had served as a minister since 1997 and Yvonne Adelaide Mougany who had been in the government since 2002. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso, who was appointed on Wednesday after his predecessor submitted his government's resignation on May 6, was told to put the new team to work "without delay". Among the challenges the new government faces are making good on delayed payments for retirement pensions and scholarships for university students. Other economic challenges include dealing with public debt, which stood at 87 per cent of the country's GDP in 2020 before the pandemic, and re-starting negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

Congo President names son among new government

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been re-elected with more than 88% of the vote, official results showed on Tuesday, extending his 36 years leading the Central African oil producer despite a prolonged economic crisis.&nbsp;

His closest rival, Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas, who died hours after the polls closed, received less than 8%. Kolelas was being evacuated to France to be treated for Covid-19 when he died.&nbsp;

Diplomats and political analysts had expected an easy victory for Sassou, 77, who has a firm grip on state institutions in the country of 5.4 million.&nbsp;

The main opposition party boycotted the vote and two of his other main rivals were convicted of crimes after the last election in 2016.&nbsp;

"It's a feeling of great responsibility, especially toward young people," Sassou, wearing a white button-down shirt emblasoned with his own face, told supporters in a victory speech.&nbsp;

Sassou is a former paratrooper, who took power in 1979. He lost Congo's first multi-party elections in 1992 but returned to office in 1997 after a civil war.&nbsp;

He changed the constitution in 2015 to extend term limits that would have barred him from standing for re-election the following year.&nbsp;

Congo's economy has been in crisis since 2014 when oil prices collapsed. That caused the country's external debt, much of it owed to private oil traders like Glencore, to soar to over 100% of gross domestic product.&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic and resulting drop in oil prices last year have made matters worse. The economy contracted by more than 8% last year and is expected to grow by less than 1% this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been re-elected with more than 88% of the vote, official results showed on Tuesday, extending his 36 years leading the Central African oil producer despite a prolonged economic crisis.

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso has been re-elected with more than 88% of the vote, official results showed on Tuesday, extending his 36 years leading the Central African oil producer despite a prolonged economic crisis. His closest rival, Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas, who died hours after the polls closed, received less than 8%. Kolelas was being evacuated to France to be treated for Covid-19 when he died. Diplomats and political analysts had expected an easy victory for Sassou, 77, who has a firm grip on state institutions in the country of 5.4 million. The main opposition party boycotted the vote and two of his other main rivals were convicted of crimes after the last election in 2016. "It's a feeling of great responsibility, especially toward young people," Sassou, wearing a white button-down shirt emblasoned with his own face, told supporters in a victory speech. Sassou is a former paratrooper, who took power in 1979. He lost Congo's first multi-party elections in 1992 but returned to office in 1997 after a civil war. He changed the constitution in 2015 to extend term limits that would have barred him from standing for re-election the following year. Congo's economy has been in crisis since 2014 when oil prices collapsed. That caused the country's external debt, much of it owed to private oil traders like Glencore, to soar to over 100% of gross domestic product. The coronavirus pandemic and resulting drop in oil prices last year have made matters worse. The economy contracted by more than 8% last year and is expected to grow by less than 1% this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Congo Republic's Sassou gets re-elected with 88% vote 

Renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya on Friday dismissed allegations levelled against him by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who accused Acharya of exploiting his dancers and using his position to malign the Cine Dancers Association. 
 
"Saroj Ji is speaking wrong. When the CDA was closed why did not she came to help us to open it. Five coordinators were appointed for CDA by taking Rs 15 lakh from them. 217 masters have signed a letter that they do not need coordinators. Do the Federation people know dancing. Do they know who is a good dancer," said Acharaya while speaking to ANI. 
 
''Saroj Ji should come forward to help dancers. There is a need of re-election for the CDA," he said. 
 
Khan, who represents the CDA and has been working with it over a decade, has accused Acharya of forming a new organisation and badmouthing CDA. She also alleged that Acharya has been stealing its dancers by promising them more money. 
 
Responding to this, Acharya said: "The CDA has shut down six months ago following a legal dispute that began in 2018. However, Deric Biswas, Zahid Shaikh, Al Fahim Surani and Ravi Kanwar reopened it without showing any court orders to do so and fill up the posts without elections. 
 
Now, they are pressuring dancers to join the association again. "I have been standing with dancers. I am emotionally attached to them. This is their problem and that is why they are speaking against me," he said. 
 
Acharya and his father were associated with the CDA. "The members of All India Film Television Events Dancers Association (AIFTEDA) would also like to return to CDA, only after a fair election and wages assured to them," he said. Acharya`s supporters said that he never differentiated among dancers''.&nbsp; 
 
''If there is a need of 50 dancers he takes 100 dancers so that more people can earn. He stands by us in our every problem. Even he stood by those who are criticising him now," a dancer said. 
 
This dispute comes after Acharya accused the CDA of paying dancers less than the mandated rates. On December 26, 2019, the AIFTEDA was formed, allegedly by miffed former members of the CDA.

Renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya on Friday dismissed allegations levelled against him by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who accused Acharya of exploiting his dancers and using his position to malign the Cine Dancers Association.

Renowned choreographer Ganesh Acharya on Friday dismissed allegations levelled against him by veteran choreographer Saroj Khan, who accused Acharya of exploiting his dancers and using his position to malign the Cine Dancers Association. "Saroj Ji is speaking wrong. When the CDA was closed why did not she came to help us to open it. Five coordinators were appointed for CDA by taking Rs 15 lakh from them. 217 masters have signed a letter that they do not need coordinators. Do the Federation people know dancing. Do they know who is a good dancer," said Acharaya while speaking to ANI. ''Saroj Ji should come forward to help dancers. There is a need of re-election for the CDA," he said. Khan, who represents the CDA and has been working with it over a decade, has accused Acharya of forming a new organisation and badmouthing CDA. She also alleged that Acharya has been stealing its dancers by promising them more money. Responding to this, Acharya said: "The CDA has shut down six months ago following a legal dispute that began in 2018. However, Deric Biswas, Zahid Shaikh, Al Fahim Surani and Ravi Kanwar reopened it without showing any court orders to do so and fill up the posts without elections. Now, they are pressuring dancers to join the association again. "I have been standing with dancers. I am emotionally attached to them. This is their problem and that is why they are speaking against me," he said. Acharya and his father were associated with the CDA. "The members of All India Film Television Events Dancers Association (AIFTEDA) would also like to return to CDA, only after a fair election and wages assured to them," he said. Acharya`s supporters said that he never differentiated among dancers''. ''If there is a need of 50 dancers he takes 100 dancers so that more people can earn. He stands by us in our every problem. Even he stood by those who are criticising him now," a dancer said. This dispute comes after Acharya accused the CDA of paying dancers less than the mandated rates. On December 26, 2019, the AIFTEDA was formed, allegedly by miffed former members of the CDA.

Ganesh Acharya dismisses allegations levelled against him by Saroj Khan, says CDA needs re-election

Puerto Rico's governor said on Sunday (July 21) he would not seek re-election next year and would step down as head of his party following nine days of sometimes violent protests demanding his resignation over vulgar chat messages. Watch full video to knowe more.

Puerto Rico governor says he will not seek re-election

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 20th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 19th, 2019

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Wednesday said he will stand for re-election as the head of football's world governing body next year.

Infantino said earlier that FIFA had been clinically dead when he took over in 2016 from long-time president Sepp Blatter who was engulfed by corruption allegations.

Two years later, it was very much alive and full of joy, with a clear vision for its future.

Meanwhile, Blatter is being investigated by Swiss prosecutors for alleged corruption during his 17-year reign at the head of FIFA.

Elections that handed the World Cup to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 have since been the target of allegations of bribery and hastened the end of Blatter's time in office. He continues to protest his innocence.

Infantino has put FIFA on a sound financial footing and made efforts to address allegations that FIFA had become riddled with corruption and its senior officials open to bribes.

The 48-year-old Swiss has also ushered in the introduction of innovations such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to analyse controversial on-pitch incidents during matches.

VAR will make its World Cup debut in Russia.

Infantino said earlier that FIFA had been clinically dead when he took over in 2016

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Wednesday said he will stand for re-election as the head of football's world governing body next year. Infantino said earlier that FIFA had been clinically dead when he took over in 2016 from long-time president Sepp Blatter who was engulfed by corruption allegations. Two years later, it was very much alive and full of joy, with a clear vision for its future. Meanwhile, Blatter is being investigated by Swiss prosecutors for alleged corruption during his 17-year reign at the head of FIFA. Elections that handed the World Cup to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 have since been the target of allegations of bribery and hastened the end of Blatter's time in office. He continues to protest his innocence. Infantino has put FIFA on a sound financial footing and made efforts to address allegations that FIFA had become riddled with corruption and its senior officials open to bribes. The 48-year-old Swiss has also ushered in the introduction of innovations such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to analyse controversial on-pitch incidents during matches. VAR will make its World Cup debut in Russia.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election in 2019

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a six-year term on Sunday in a vote condemned by foes as the "coronation" of a dictator and likely to bring fresh foreign sanctions.

With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity.

That could trigger oil sanctions from the U.S. government, and more censure from the European Union and Latin America.

The self-described "son" of Hugo Chavez says he is battling an "imperialist" plot to crush socialism and take over the OPEC nation's oil wealth. But opponents say the leftist leader has destroyed Venezuela's once-wealthy economy and ruthlessly crushed dissent.

Maduro's main challenger is former state governor Henri Falcon, who predicts an upset on the back of some polls showing him ahead and widespread fury among Venezuela's 30 million people at the collapse of their economy.

"I will free Venezuela from dictatorship!" Falcon, 56, vowed at his last rally. "Venezuelans want you to disappear, Maduro, you've done too much damage," he added, scattering fake $100 bills to symbolize his proposal for replacing the collapsed bolivar currency.

Most analysts believe, however, that Falcon has only a slim chance given anticipated abstention, the opposition split over his break with the boycott, the vote-winning power of state handouts, and Maduro's allies on the election board.

"These are not elections. They are a farce intended to keep Maduro in power without popular support," said Juan Pablo Guanipa, of the main opposition coalition, which is boycotting the vote.

Further hurting Falcon's chances by splitting the anti-Maduro vote is a third candidate, evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci, who has picked up quite a following on the campaign trail, not least thanks to his free soup handouts.

On the streets, many Venezuelans are disillusioned and angry over the election: They criticize Maduro for economic hardships and the opposition for its dysfunctional splits.

Reeling from a fifth year of recession, falling oil production and U.S. sanctions blocking new debt issues, Venezuela is seeing growing levels of malnutrition and hunger, hyperinflation, and mass emigration.

"If you give me victory, I will defeat the economic war," Maduro roared at his final campaign event, blaming opponents for the country's mess but giving no specifics of possible reforms to nearly two decades of state-led economic policies.

Given Venezuelans' despondency over the crisis, campaign rallies have been poorly attended compared with previous votes and the atmosphere has been the most lackluster in memory.

Pro-boycott activists were planning some scattered protests on Sunday, but authorities deployed 300,000 soldiers and policemen around the nation to protect voting stations.

Results are expected by late evening.

"I'm not voting. No one trusts the politicians. Both sides are useless, government and opposition," said bank worker Jhonny Castro, 36, in central Barquisimeto city.

"People are resigned, you hardly see any election publicity. I ask around at work and among my friends, and for every five people, three or four won't vote."

Should Maduro win, he may choose to use the domestic political advantage to deepen a successful purge of critics within the ruling "Chavismo" movement.

Various high-profile figures, including former ministers under both him and Chavez, are in exile or jail.

Abroad, Maduro is likely to face an avalanche of western protests should he win, although Russia and China remain big allies and have been important financial backers.

With oil output at a 30-year low, foreign debtors looking to up the pressure, and multinationals departing or minimizing operations in Venezuela, Maduro will face a Herculean task to turn around the moribund economy.

With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a six-year term on Sunday in a vote condemned by foes as the "coronation" of a dictator and likely to bring fresh foreign sanctions. With the mainstream opposition boycotting the election, two of his most popular rivals barred from standing and state institutions in loyalists' hands, the 55-year-old former bus driver is expected to win despite his unpopularity. That could trigger oil sanctions from the U.S. government, and more censure from the European Union and Latin America. The self-described "son" of Hugo Chavez says he is battling an "imperialist" plot to crush socialism and take over the OPEC nation's oil wealth. But opponents say the leftist leader has destroyed Venezuela's once-wealthy economy and ruthlessly crushed dissent. Maduro's main challenger is former state governor Henri Falcon, who predicts an upset on the back of some polls showing him ahead and widespread fury among Venezuela's 30 million people at the collapse of their economy. "I will free Venezuela from dictatorship!" Falcon, 56, vowed at his last rally. "Venezuelans want you to disappear, Maduro, you've done too much damage," he added, scattering fake $100 bills to symbolize his proposal for replacing the collapsed bolivar currency. Most analysts believe, however, that Falcon has only a slim chance given anticipated abstention, the opposition split over his break with the boycott, the vote-winning power of state handouts, and Maduro's allies on the election board. "These are not elections. They are a farce intended to keep Maduro in power without popular support," said Juan Pablo Guanipa, of the main opposition coalition, which is boycotting the vote. Further hurting Falcon's chances by splitting the anti-Maduro vote is a third candidate, evangelical pastor Javier Bertucci, who has picked up quite a following on the campaign trail, not least thanks to his free soup handouts. On the streets, many Venezuelans are disillusioned and angry over the election: They criticize Maduro for economic hardships and the opposition for its dysfunctional splits. Reeling from a fifth year of recession, falling oil production and U.S. sanctions blocking new debt issues, Venezuela is seeing growing levels of malnutrition and hunger, hyperinflation, and mass emigration. "If you give me victory, I will defeat the economic war," Maduro roared at his final campaign event, blaming opponents for the country's mess but giving no specifics of possible reforms to nearly two decades of state-led economic policies. Given Venezuelans' despondency over the crisis, campaign rallies have been poorly attended compared with previous votes and the atmosphere has been the most lackluster in memory. Pro-boycott activists were planning some scattered protests on Sunday, but authorities deployed 300,000 soldiers and policemen around the nation to protect voting stations. Results are expected by late evening. "I'm not voting. No one trusts the politicians. Both sides are useless, government and opposition," said bank worker Jhonny Castro, 36, in central Barquisimeto city. "People are resigned, you hardly see any election publicity. I ask around at work and among my friends, and for every five people, three or four won't vote." Should Maduro win, he may choose to use the domestic political advantage to deepen a successful purge of critics within the ruling "Chavismo" movement. Various high-profile figures, including former ministers under both him and Chavez, are in exile or jail. Abroad, Maduro is likely to face an avalanche of western protests should he win, although Russia and China remain big allies and have been important financial backers. With oil output at a 30-year low, foreign debtors looking to up the pressure, and multinationals departing or minimizing operations in Venezuela, Maduro will face a Herculean task to turn around the moribund economy.

Defying global pressure, Maduro seeks re-election in Venezuela

US House Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has told confidants he will announce soon that he will not seek re-election&nbsp;in November, Axios news site reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter.

Ryan's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, news agency Reuters reported.

According to Reuters, Ryan's departure have circulated for months.

Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections.

The Axios report cites unidentified friends as saying Ryan, a longtime champion of tax reform, was ready to step down after passing a tax reform bill.

The legislation was President Donald Trump's first major legislative victory since he took office in January 2017 despite being helped by Republican control of Congress.

Meanwhile, President Trump lauded the achievement of the House Speaker and said that&nbsp; Ryan leaves a ''legacy of achievement'' that nobody can question.&nbsp;

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Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/984066131303583746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections.

US House Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, has told confidants he will announce soon that he will not seek re-election in November, Axios news site reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter. Ryan's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, news agency Reuters reported. According to Reuters, Ryan's departure have circulated for months. Politico reported in December that Ryan told confidants he would like to retire after the 2018 congressional elections. The Axios report cites unidentified friends as saying Ryan, a longtime champion of tax reform, was ready to step down after passing a tax reform bill. The legislation was President Donald Trump's first major legislative victory since he took office in January 2017 despite being helped by Republican control of Congress. Meanwhile, President Trump lauded the achievement of the House Speaker and said that Ryan leaves a ''legacy of achievement'' that nobody can question. Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 ×

US House Speaker Paul Ryan to retire, not seek re-election

President Donald Trump will raise about US $5 million for his prospective re-election campaign in 2020 and for the Republican National Committee at a fundraising event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, a party official said on Monday.

This is the first time in 14 months he will be visiting the populous state.Trump lost California by a two-to-one margin in 2016, worse than any modern Republican presidential nominee, and the state&rsquo;s political leaders have since led the nation in challenging Trump&rsquo;s policies on immigration, health care and the environment.

Trump will headline a fundraiser in Beverly Hills as part of what will be his first trip to California since he assumed the presidency in January 2017.

A party official said the $5 million will come from 90 people expected to attend the fundraiser. RNC Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel and finance chair Todd Ricketts will also attend.

Minimum contributions are $35,000, and guests can pay up to $250,000 each for a roundtable discussion and photo with the president, reports said.&nbsp;

The fundraiser will be hosted by &nbsp;Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, national finance chairman Todd Ricketts and deputy national finance chairman Elliott Broidy. 
&nbsp;

Trump will headline a fundraiser in Beverly Hills as part of what will be his first trip to California since he assumed the presidency in January 2017

President Donald Trump will raise about US $5 million for his prospective re-election campaign in 2020 and for the Republican National Committee at a fundraising event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, a party official said on Monday. This is the first time in 14 months he will be visiting the populous state.Trump lost California by a two-to-one margin in 2016, worse than any modern Republican presidential nominee, and the state’s political leaders have since led the nation in challenging Trump’s policies on immigration, health care and the environment. Trump will headline a fundraiser in Beverly Hills as part of what will be his first trip to California since he assumed the presidency in January 2017. A party official said the $5 million will come from 90 people expected to attend the fundraiser. RNC Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel and finance chair Todd Ricketts will also attend. Minimum contributions are $35,000, and guests can pay up to $250,000 each for a roundtable discussion and photo with the president, reports said. The fundraiser will be hosted by Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, national finance chairman Todd Ricketts and deputy national finance chairman Elliott Broidy.

Trump expected to raise US $5 million in California re-election

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he would decide very soon whether to run for re-election next year, something he is widely expected to do and comfortably win.

Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000.

If, as expected, he contests and wins what would be a fourth presidential term in March, he would be eligible to serve another six years until 2024.

In a glitzy event in Moscow attended by young people, a host asked Putin if he would be running for re-election in March.

The Russian leader, who polls regularly show enjoys a popularity rating of around 80 percent, asked the audience if they supported him running in the elections. &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; the audience shouted back, applauding him loudly.

&ldquo;I understand that this decision must be taken in the near future and it will be taken in the near future,&rdquo; Putin told the audience.

&ldquo;And when taking it I will, of course, take into account our conversation today and your reaction.&rdquo;

Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he would decide very soon whether to run for re-election next year, something he is widely expected to do and comfortably win. Putin, 65, has been in power, either as president or prime minister, since 2000. If, as expected, he contests and wins what would be a fourth presidential term in March, he would be eligible to serve another six years until 2024. In a glitzy event in Moscow attended by young people, a host asked Putin if he would be running for re-election in March. The Russian leader, who polls regularly show enjoys a popularity rating of around 80 percent, asked the audience if they supported him running in the elections. “Yes,” the audience shouted back, applauding him loudly. “I understand that this decision must be taken in the near future and it will be taken in the near future,” Putin told the audience. “And when taking it I will, of course, take into account our conversation today and your reaction.”

Will take decision to run for re-election in near future: Putin

EU leaders gave Britain breathing space on Tuesday by accepting it needed time to absorb a shock Brexit vote before triggering a divorce but insisted the crunch move could not wait months. 
 
Prime Minister David Cameron came face-to-face with European colleagues for the first time since last week&#39;s vote at a Brussels summit which leaders said was &quot;sad&quot; but pragmatic. 
 
Trillions of dollars have been wiped off world markets since Thursday&#39;s vote to leave the EU, while the United Kingdom&#39;s future has been thrown into doubt after Scotland said it would push for a new independence referendum. 
 
Further shockwaves juddered through British politics as Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour party, vowed to fight on despite losing a crushing no-confidence vote among his party&#39;s lawmakers. 
 
Thousands of people took to the streets of London, which voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU, to protest against the referendum result, waving EU flags and placards saying: &quot;Stop Brexit&quot;. 
 
After hours of talks in Brussels, EU president Donald Tusk said that he understood that time was needed &quot;for the dust to settle&quot; in Britain before the next steps can be taken. 
 
But reflecting wider concerns of a domino effect of other states wanting to leave, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Britain did not have &quot;months to meditate&quot;. 
 
He set a clear timetable for triggering Article 50, the EU treaty clause that begins the two-year withdrawal process, after Cameron&#39;s successor takes office in early September. 
 
Juncker said that if the new prime minister was a pro-remain figure, Article 50 should be activated &quot;in two weeks after his appointment&quot; - but if it was a supporter of the leave campaign, &quot;it should be done the day after his appointment,&quot; he added. 
 
The current favourites to take over from Cameron are leading Leave campaigner Boris Johnson and interior minister Theresa May, a low-key backer of EU membership. 
 
&#39;&#39;You&#39;re not laughing now&quot; 
 
Over a dinner of poached veal tenderloin followed by strawberries, a chastened Cameron urged EU leaders to consider reforming rules on freedom of movement, one of the EU&#39;s central tenets, to cement a close relationship with Britain post-Brexit. 
 
He said Britain and the EU should &quot;have as close an economic relationship as possible and that the key to staying close is really to look at reform to free movement,&quot; a Downing Street source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 
 
A British government source added that Cameron believed that free movement was &quot;one of the driving factors in people voting to leave&quot;. 
 
At a press conference, Cameron insisted he had no regrets about holding the referendum. 
 
Earlier, US President Barack Obama warned against &quot;hysteria&quot; as stock markets and the pound staged a tentative recovery after days of losses that saw sterling slump to a 31-year low. 
 
But with so much still remaining uncertain, analysts warned the recovery could be short-lived. 
 
Late Monday, Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s and Fitch both cut their credit ratings for Britain as a result of the referendum. 
 
One happy man was Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party, who told a jeering European Parliament - after a hug with his old sparring partner Juncker - that the joke was now on them. 
 
&quot;When I came here 17 years ago and I said I wanted to lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the EU, you all laughed at me,&quot; he said. &quot;But you are not laughing now.&quot; 
 
Breaking up is hard 
 
European powers are loath to give Britain an easy ride as it leaves the EU, partly because they do not want to send a signal to other countries which may eventually head in the same direction. 
 
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned Cameron could not &quot;cherry-pick&quot; the terms of the exit negotiations and that there would be no informal talks before Article 50 was triggered. 
 
The European Parliament has called on Britain to initiate the departure process &quot;as soon as possible&quot;, its president Martin Schulz saying Cameron was &quot;taking the destiny of our entire continent hostage purely for internal political reasons&quot;. 
 
The Brexit vote has also put the remaining 27 members of the EU under pressure to come up with an adequate response to prevent other countries following suit. 
 
The 27 will meet without Cameron on Wednesday and Tusk proposed holding another summit in September in Bratislava. 
 
Westminster chaos 
 
The referendum result has caused a political earthquake in Britain, claiming not only Cameron&#39;s scalp but also leaving Corbyn fighting for survival. 
 
On Tuesday the veteran socialist, who has been accused of not campaigning hard enough to stay in the EU, lost a no-confidence vote among Labour MPs by 172 to 40. 
 
Dozens of Corbyn&#39;s shadow cabinet have already quit but he has insisted he will not &quot;betray&quot; grassroots Labour party members who elected him last year by resigning. 
 
In Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon fleshed out her proposals for about splitting the country off from Britain to keep it in the EU. 
 
She travels to Brussels for talks on Wednesday, saying she was &quot;utterly determined to preserve Scotland&#39;s relationship and place within the EU&quot;. 
 
Scotland voted against independence in a referendum in 2014 but Sturgeon has said that the Britain of that time &quot;does not exist any more&quot; following the Brexit vote. 
 
(AFP)

EU president Donald Tusk said he understood that time was needed before the next steps can be taken in Britain

EU leaders gave Britain breathing space on Tuesday by accepting it needed time to absorb a shock Brexit vote before triggering a divorce but insisted the crunch move could not wait months. Prime Minister David Cameron came face-to-face with European colleagues for the first time since last week's vote at a Brussels summit which leaders said was "sad" but pragmatic. Trillions of dollars have been wiped off world markets since Thursday's vote to leave the EU, while the United Kingdom's future has been thrown into doubt after Scotland said it would push for a new independence referendum. Further shockwaves juddered through British politics as Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour party, vowed to fight on despite losing a crushing no-confidence vote among his party's lawmakers. Thousands of people took to the streets of London, which voted overwhelmingly to stay in the EU, to protest against the referendum result, waving EU flags and placards saying: "Stop Brexit". After hours of talks in Brussels, EU president Donald Tusk said that he understood that time was needed "for the dust to settle" in Britain before the next steps can be taken. But reflecting wider concerns of a domino effect of other states wanting to leave, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said Britain did not have "months to meditate". He set a clear timetable for triggering Article 50, the EU treaty clause that begins the two-year withdrawal process, after Cameron's successor takes office in early September. Juncker said that if the new prime minister was a pro-remain figure, Article 50 should be activated "in two weeks after his appointment" - but if it was a supporter of the leave campaign, "it should be done the day after his appointment," he added. The current favourites to take over from Cameron are leading Leave campaigner Boris Johnson and interior minister Theresa May, a low-key backer of EU membership. ''You're not laughing now" Over a dinner of poached veal tenderloin followed by strawberries, a chastened Cameron urged EU leaders to consider reforming rules on freedom of movement, one of the EU's central tenets, to cement a close relationship with Britain post-Brexit. He said Britain and the EU should "have as close an economic relationship as possible and that the key to staying close is really to look at reform to free movement," a Downing Street source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A British government source added that Cameron believed that free movement was "one of the driving factors in people voting to leave". At a press conference, Cameron insisted he had no regrets about holding the referendum. Earlier, US President Barack Obama warned against "hysteria" as stock markets and the pound staged a tentative recovery after days of losses that saw sterling slump to a 31-year low. But with so much still remaining uncertain, analysts warned the recovery could be short-lived. Late Monday, Standard & Poor's and Fitch both cut their credit ratings for Britain as a result of the referendum. One happy man was Nigel Farage, head of the UK Independence Party, who told a jeering European Parliament - after a hug with his old sparring partner Juncker - that the joke was now on them. "When I came here 17 years ago and I said I wanted to lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the EU, you all laughed at me," he said. "But you are not laughing now." Breaking up is hard European powers are loath to give Britain an easy ride as it leaves the EU, partly because they do not want to send a signal to other countries which may eventually head in the same direction. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned Cameron could not "cherry-pick" the terms of the exit negotiations and that there would be no informal talks before Article 50 was triggered. The European Parliament has called on Britain to initiate the departure process "as soon as possible", its president Martin Schulz saying Cameron was "taking the destiny of our entire continent hostage purely for internal political reasons". The Brexit vote has also put the remaining 27 members of the EU under pressure to come up with an adequate response to prevent other countries following suit. The 27 will meet without Cameron on Wednesday and Tusk proposed holding another summit in September in Bratislava. Westminster chaos The referendum result has caused a political earthquake in Britain, claiming not only Cameron's scalp but also leaving Corbyn fighting for survival. On Tuesday the veteran socialist, who has been accused of not campaigning hard enough to stay in the EU, lost a no-confidence vote among Labour MPs by 172 to 40. Dozens of Corbyn's shadow cabinet have already quit but he has insisted he will not "betray" grassroots Labour party members who elected him last year by resigning. In Scotland, which voted overwhelmingly to remain, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon fleshed out her proposals for about splitting the country off from Britain to keep it in the EU. She travels to Brussels for talks on Wednesday, saying she was "utterly determined to preserve Scotland's relationship and place within the EU". Scotland voted against independence in a referendum in 2014 but Sturgeon has said that the Britain of that time "does not exist any more" following the Brexit vote. (AFP)

Britain wins Brexit breathing space at gloomy EU summit

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