Norway has pushed back against former US President Donald Trump’s claims about NATO, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre strongly defending the alliance’s value to the United States. The remarks underline ongoing debates over NATO funding, transatlantic security, and US–Europe relations.

Norway Rejects Trump’s NATO Claim as PM Defends Alliance’s Value

The UK has rejected a bid by the Orkney Islands to break away and join Norway, following complaints of neglect by both the UK and Scottish governments. Orkney, a remote archipelago in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland, was historically under Norwegian control until 1472 when it was handed over to Scotland. The islanders now seek alternative models of governance to address economic opportunities and cultural affinity.

This came after Orkney's council leader, James Stockan, expressed the sentiment of the islanders who feel a strong connection to Norway. A motion for a council debate Tuesday over the issue of Orkney, aimed to explore alternative governance options that would grant Orkney greater economic opportunities.&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>

Orkney's council leader Stockan suggested considering the possibility of Orkney becoming a self-governing "Crown dependency" like Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. Crown dependencies are territories under the sovereignty of the British Crown but are not part of the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

<h2>UK's rejection</h2>

While dismissing the motion, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman reportedly said, "first and foremost, there is no mechanism for the conferral of Crown dependency or overseas territory status on any part of the UK."&nbsp;

The government emphasised the strength of the United Kingdom as a unified entity and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the current arrangement.

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>

"But fundamentally, we are stronger as one United Kingdom, we have no plans to change that," the spokesporson added.

<h2>Warnings against division</h2>

Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrat representative for Orkney in the devolved Scottish parliament, cautioned against the motion, highlighting the potential dangers of creating barriers and divisions within communities. McArthur urged the council to consider the implications of such a move.

The proposal for Orkney's independence poses a potential dilemma for the Scottish National Party (SNP), which controls the government in Edinburgh and advocates for Scotland's independence from the UK.&nbsp;

Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China

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The party must navigate the aspirations of Orkney while maintaining its own goal of breaking free from London.

While the UK government rejected the bid for independence and emphasised the strength of the United Kingdom, the debate surrounding Orkney's future may continue to shape the dynamics between Orkney, Scotland, and the UK in the future.

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The UK has rejected a bid by the Orkney Islands to break away and join Norway, following complaints of neglect by both the UK and Scottish governments. Orkney, a remote archipelago in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland, was historically under Norwegian control until 1472 when it was handed over to Scotland.

The UK has rejected a bid by the Orkney Islands to break away and join Norway, following complaints of neglect by both the UK and Scottish governments. Orkney, a remote archipelago in the North Sea off the northeast coast of Scotland, was historically under Norwegian control until 1472 when it was handed over to Scotland. The islanders now seek alternative models of governance to address economic opportunities and cultural affinity. This came after Orkney's council leader, James Stockan, expressed the sentiment of the islanders who feel a strong connection to Norway. A motion for a council debate Tuesday over the issue of Orkney, aimed to explore alternative governance options that would grant Orkney greater economic opportunities. Also Read | Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back Orkney's council leader Stockan suggested considering the possibility of Orkney becoming a self-governing "Crown dependency" like Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. Crown dependencies are territories under the sovereignty of the British Crown but are not part of the United Kingdom. UK's rejection While dismissing the motion, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman reportedly said, "first and foremost, there is no mechanism for the conferral of Crown dependency or overseas territory status on any part of the UK." The government emphasised the strength of the United Kingdom as a unified entity and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the current arrangement. Also Read | UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office "But fundamentally, we are stronger as one United Kingdom, we have no plans to change that," the spokesporson added. Warnings against division Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrat representative for Orkney in the devolved Scottish parliament, cautioned against the motion, highlighting the potential dangers of creating barriers and divisions within communities. McArthur urged the council to consider the implications of such a move. The proposal for Orkney's independence poses a potential dilemma for the Scottish National Party (SNP), which controls the government in Edinburgh and advocates for Scotland's independence from the UK. Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China × The party must navigate the aspirations of Orkney while maintaining its own goal of breaking free from London. While the UK government rejected the bid for independence and emphasised the strength of the United Kingdom, the debate surrounding Orkney's future may continue to shape the dynamics between Orkney, Scotland, and the UK in the future. 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. ×

UK rejects Orkney islands' bid for independence

After several invitations of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP), India rejects to be a part of the world's biggest free trade deal even as an observer as India wants to cut economic ties with china

India rejects RCEP invitation because of China

The government has asked the collegium to reconsider the elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court, PTI has reported government sources as saying.&nbsp;

Joseph is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court.&nbsp;

The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary.&nbsp;

The government had so far been sitting on Joseph's nomination along with that of Indu Malhotra's. Both names were recommended in January.&nbsp;

Malhotra's name however was cleared yesterday, making her the first woman to directly go from being a lawyer to a Supreme Court judge.&nbsp;

In a ruling in 2016, Justice Joseph had cancelled President's rule in Uttarakhand and brought back the Congress government of Harish Rawat to power. The judgement was seen as major set back to the BJP-ruled government at the Centre.

The government's decision of not approving Joseph's name has evoked sharp reactions with the Supreme Court Bar Association President terming it as "disturbing". 
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra this morning requesting the collegium, a group of five senior-most judges that selects judges for the apex court, to reconsider its decision on recommending Justice Joseph to be a judge of the top court.

Prasad also informed the CJI that senior advocate Malhotra has today been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's — he is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court — nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary

The government has asked the collegium to reconsider the elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court, PTI has reported government sources as saying. Joseph is currently Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. The Centre's decision to not clear Joseph's nomination as a Supreme Court judge is expected to set up a massive confrontation between the government and the judiciary. The government had so far been sitting on Joseph's nomination along with that of Indu Malhotra's. Both names were recommended in January. Malhotra's name however was cleared yesterday, making her the first woman to directly go from being a lawyer to a Supreme Court judge. In a ruling in 2016, Justice Joseph had cancelled President's rule in Uttarakhand and brought back the Congress government of Harish Rawat to power. The judgement was seen as major set back to the BJP-ruled government at the Centre. The government's decision of not approving Joseph's name has evoked sharp reactions with the Supreme Court Bar Association President terming it as "disturbing". Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra this morning requesting the collegium, a group of five senior-most judges that selects judges for the apex court, to reconsider its decision on recommending Justice Joseph to be a judge of the top court. Prasad also informed the CJI that senior advocate Malhotra has today been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. (With inputs from PTI)

Government asks collegium to reconsider elevation of Justice KM Joseph to Supreme Court: Sources

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu today said his decision to reject the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra was "timely and not a hasty one" and came after over a month of due diligence, according to sources.

"Freedom of expression allows that but ultimately truth prevails. I have done the just thing in the best possible manner expected of me," sources quoted Naidu as saying, a day after he rejected the impeachment motion.

He said his decision was in strict conformity with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968.

"I have done my job and am satisfied with it," Naidu was quoted as telling a group of 10 Supreme Court lawyers who met him to compliment him over the decision.&nbsp

The Rajya Sabha chairman's office is not a mere post office but a constitutional functionary, Naidu, who is also the Vice-President, told the group.

According to sources, Naidu said the Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial functionary of the country and "any issue in public domain concerning him requires to be resolved at the earliest following prescribed procedures so as to prevent the atmosphere from being further vitiated".

Naidu yesterday rejected the notice by seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, to impeach the chief justice of India on five grounds of "misbehaviour", saying the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible".

His order was slammed as "hasty, illegal and ill-informed" by the Congress.

Naidu said that he took the decision after over a month of due diligence.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu today said his decision to reject the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra was "timely and not a hasty one" and came after over a month of due diligence, according to sources. "Freedom of expression allows that but ultimately truth prevails. I have done the just thing in the best possible manner expected of me," sources quoted Naidu as saying, a day after he rejected the impeachment motion. He said his decision was in strict conformity with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968. "I have done my job and am satisfied with it," Naidu was quoted as telling a group of 10 Supreme Court lawyers who met him to compliment him over the decision. The Rajya Sabha chairman's office is not a mere post office but a constitutional functionary, Naidu, who is also the Vice-President, told the group. According to sources, Naidu said the Chief Justice of India is the highest judicial functionary of the country and "any issue in public domain concerning him requires to be resolved at the earliest following prescribed procedures so as to prevent the atmosphere from being further vitiated". Naidu yesterday rejected the notice by seven opposition parties, led by the Congress, to impeach the chief justice of India on five grounds of "misbehaviour", saying the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible". His order was slammed as "hasty, illegal and ill-informed" by the Congress.

Decision to reject impeachment motion against CJI was not hasty: Venkaiah Naidu

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

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"I have applied my mind to all five charges made out in impeachment motion and examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehavior,"&nbsp;ANI reported Naidu as saying.&nbsp;

Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had on Friday initiated an unprecedented step for the impeachment of the CJI, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.&nbsp;

Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Naidu said the motion lacked substantial merit and that the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The vice president in his order held that that the allegations emerging from the present case have a serious tendency of "undermining" the independence of the judiciary.

Naidu based his decision on the opinion of top legal and constitutional experts, including former secretary generals of Lok Sabha and other legal luminaries with whom he held extensive consultations.&nbsp;

He also held the views of top legal and constitutional experts, including former chief justices and judges, before taking the decision, sources said.

"This is a really important matter. We don't know what was the reason for the rejection. Congress and other opposition parties will talk to some legal experts and take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">the next step</a>," ANI&nbsp;reported the Congress' PL Punia as saying on Monday.

The Congress had on Sunday said Misra should consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative work till he was cleared of allegations of misconduct.

The Congress also attacked the BJP for coming out in "defence" of the CJI and said the ruling party was compromising the position and office of the chief justice as the neutral arbitrator and head of the judiciary.

The party was doing great a disservice to the independence of the judicial system, it said.

"The CJI must come out and tell the BJP not to politicise his office," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.

He further said the CJI did not belong to any political party and questioned why he had to be defended by members and ministers of the ruling BJP.

The Chief Justice of India should be above suspicion, Surjewala said, adding that if CJI Misra's conduct had come under a cloud, he should consider recusing himself from performing his judicial and administrative duties.

"Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. And that's why we left it to his (CJI) conscience. If his own conduct is under a cloud, should he not consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative duties and submit himself to the inquiry so that the high office and his individual integrity are cleared?" Surjewala asked.

This will ensure that the process of law is followed in an appropriate manner, the Congress leader added.&nbsp;

Further attacking the BJP over the issue, another Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha wondered how the BJP could relate the CJI to Odisha.

He is the chief justice of the entire nation and belongs to the entire country, Tankha said. 
Tankha, who is also an advocate, said as an MP, he was confident that the Rajya Sabha chairman would take an appropriate decision on the matter under the provisions of the Constitution.

"The country and citizens are looking for answers. And until then I feel the CJI should voluntarily submit himself for the inquiry," he said.

Speaking at the same press conference, senior advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member K T S Tulsi said people took great pride in the integrity of judges.

But if there was even the slightest suspicion, it became the duty of Parliament to take note of that, he said.

"As MPs we are performing our duty with a very heavy heart but it is in the interest of the nation and interest of democracy that the inquiry should be held. And if no inquiry is held it would do much greater damage to the Supreme Court of the country," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The motion had been moved by seven opposition parties led by the Congress. The parties had accused the CJI of 'misbehaviour' and 'misuse' of authority

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has rejected the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. × "I have applied my mind to all five charges made out in impeachment motion and examined all annexed documents. All facts as stated in motion don't make out a case which can lead any reasonable mind to conclude that CJI on these facts can be ever held guilty of misbehavior," ANI reported Naidu as saying. Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had on Friday initiated an unprecedented step for the impeachment of the CJI, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Apart from the Congress, the group consisted of the CPI(M), CPI, NCP, SP, BSP and the Muslim League. Naidu said the motion lacked substantial merit and that the allegations were neither "tenable nor admissible". The vice president in his order held that that the allegations emerging from the present case have a serious tendency of "undermining" the independence of the judiciary. Naidu based his decision on the opinion of top legal and constitutional experts, including former secretary generals of Lok Sabha and other legal luminaries with whom he held extensive consultations. He also held the views of top legal and constitutional experts, including former chief justices and judges, before taking the decision, sources said. "This is a really important matter. We don't know what was the reason for the rejection. Congress and other opposition parties will talk to some legal experts and take the next step," ANI reported the Congress' PL Punia as saying on Monday. The Congress had on Sunday said Misra should consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative work till he was cleared of allegations of misconduct. The Congress also attacked the BJP for coming out in "defence" of the CJI and said the ruling party was compromising the position and office of the chief justice as the neutral arbitrator and head of the judiciary. The party was doing great a disservice to the independence of the judicial system, it said. "The CJI must come out and tell the BJP not to politicise his office," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here. He further said the CJI did not belong to any political party and questioned why he had to be defended by members and ministers of the ruling BJP. The Chief Justice of India should be above suspicion, Surjewala said, adding that if CJI Misra's conduct had come under a cloud, he should consider recusing himself from performing his judicial and administrative duties. "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. And that's why we left it to his (CJI) conscience. If his own conduct is under a cloud, should he not consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative duties and submit himself to the inquiry so that the high office and his individual integrity are cleared?" Surjewala asked. This will ensure that the process of law is followed in an appropriate manner, the Congress leader added. Further attacking the BJP over the issue, another Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha wondered how the BJP could relate the CJI to Odisha. He is the chief justice of the entire nation and belongs to the entire country, Tankha said. Tankha, who is also an advocate, said as an MP, he was confident that the Rajya Sabha chairman would take an appropriate decision on the matter under the provisions of the Constitution. "The country and citizens are looking for answers. And until then I feel the CJI should voluntarily submit himself for the inquiry," he said. Speaking at the same press conference, senior advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member K T S Tulsi said people took great pride in the integrity of judges. But if there was even the slightest suspicion, it became the duty of Parliament to take note of that, he said. "As MPs we are performing our duty with a very heavy heart but it is in the interest of the nation and interest of democracy that the inquiry should be held. And if no inquiry is held it would do much greater damage to the Supreme Court of the country," he added. (With inputs from PTI)

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu rejects impeachment motion against CJI Dipak Misra

Burundi said it would refuse to allow United Nations police onto its territory to monitor the security and human rights situation after the UN Security Council voted to send 228 officers. 
 
More than 450 people have been killed since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term last year, a move his opponents say violated both the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. Government and opposition officials were among those killed in tit-for-tat violence by rival sides. 
 
About a quarter of a million people have fled the violence, which has alarmed neighbouring countries in a region where memories of Rwanda&#39;s 1994 genocide remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority. 
 
The Security Council voted on Friday to authorise the police deployment, though four of the 15 members abstained. 
 
&quot;Concerning the deployment of the police force, the government of Burundi reminds the Security Council that...every resolution...has to be approved by the host country, which was not, unfortunately, the case,&quot; government spokesman Phillipe Nzobonariba said in a statement late on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;The government...rejects any resolution measure in connection with sending any force on its territory in violation of elementary rules governing the family of United Nations and especially violating the sovereignty of its territory.&quot; 
 
Burundi&#39;s UN Ambassador Albert Shingiro said in July his country would only accept up to 50 unarmed UN police. 
 
(Reuters)

More than 450 people have been killed since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term last year. Many thousands have fled the violence

Burundi said it would refuse to allow United Nations police onto its territory to monitor the security and human rights situation after the UN Security Council voted to send 228 officers. More than 450 people have been killed since President Pierre Nkurunziza won a third term last year, a move his opponents say violated both the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005. Government and opposition officials were among those killed in tit-for-tat violence by rival sides. About a quarter of a million people have fled the violence, which has alarmed neighbouring countries in a region where memories of Rwanda's 1994 genocide remain raw. Like Rwanda, Burundi has an ethnic Hutu majority and a Tutsi minority. The Security Council voted on Friday to authorise the police deployment, though four of the 15 members abstained. "Concerning the deployment of the police force, the government of Burundi reminds the Security Council that...every resolution...has to be approved by the host country, which was not, unfortunately, the case," government spokesman Phillipe Nzobonariba said in a statement late on Tuesday. "The government...rejects any resolution measure in connection with sending any force on its territory in violation of elementary rules governing the family of United Nations and especially violating the sovereignty of its territory." Burundi's UN Ambassador Albert Shingiro said in July his country would only accept up to 50 unarmed UN police. (Reuters)

Burundi rejects UN police deployment after Security Council vote

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