Lawmakers in the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;Assembly&nbsp;have suspended their&nbsp;impeachment investigation of Governor Andrew&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;in light of his promise to step down from office over sexual harassment complaints, Speaker Carl&nbsp;Heastie said in a statement on Friday.

The&nbsp;Assembly, controlled by&nbsp;Cuomo's fellow Democrats, opened the&nbsp;impeachment investigation in March&nbsp;after&nbsp;at least two women who formerly worked for the&nbsp;governor went public with complaints that&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;had sexually harassed them.

A damning report released this month by the&nbsp;state's attorney general concluded&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;had broken state and federal law by harassing at least 11 women, including aides and a state trooper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-in-portland-oregon-close-early-amid-scorching-heat-405201">Also read |&nbsp;Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat</a>

Cuomo&nbsp;said on Tuesday&nbsp;he&nbsp;would resign and leave office in two weeks.&nbsp;He&nbsp;has denied harassing anyone, though&nbsp;he&nbsp;has acknowledged making some women uncomfortable by engaging in what&nbsp;he&nbsp;characterized as well-intentioned efforts to show affection.

Heastie said the&nbsp;impeachment inquiry was no longer needed since its purpose was "to determine whether Governor&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;should remain in office."

He&nbsp;also said lawmakers have been advised by legal counsel that the&nbsp;state's constitution does not allow the&nbsp;legislature to&nbsp;impeach&nbsp;an elected official who is no longer in office.

If&nbsp;impeached in the&nbsp;state&nbsp;Assembly,&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;would have faced a trial in the&nbsp;state Senate, which also has a Democratic majority. A conviction would permit lawmakers to bar&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;from ever holding public office again.

Prior to his resignation,&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;appeared almost certain to be&nbsp;impeached and ousted from office, as Democratic legislators abandoned him following the&nbsp;report from Attorney General Letitia James' office.

The&nbsp;impeachment probe was not limited to the&nbsp;harassment allegations.

Investigators were also examining whether the&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;administration deliberately under-reported nursing home deaths during the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic as well as whether&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;improperly used state resources in penning a published memoir.

While incomplete, the&nbsp;inquiry had gathered enough evidence to likely result in&nbsp;impeachment had&nbsp;Cuomo&nbsp;not stepped down,&nbsp;Heastie said.

Cuomo&nbsp;has denied any wrongdoing with regard to nursing home data as well as his book.

He&nbsp;still faces potential criminal investigations from several district attorneys' offices.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, will become the&nbsp;state's first female governor when she&nbsp;takes over for&nbsp;Cuomo. She&nbsp;announced on Thursday she&nbsp;intends to run for a full term in 2022.

Lawmakers in the New York Assembly have suspended their impeachment investigation of Governor Andrew Cuomo in light of his promise to step down from office over sexual harassment complaints, Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement on Friday.

Lawmakers in the New York Assembly have suspended their impeachment investigation of Governor Andrew Cuomo in light of his promise to step down from office over sexual harassment complaints, Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement on Friday. The Assembly, controlled by Cuomo's fellow Democrats, opened the impeachment investigation in March after at least two women who formerly worked for the governor went public with complaints that Cuomo had sexually harassed them. A damning report released this month by the state's attorney general concluded Cuomo had broken state and federal law by harassing at least 11 women, including aides and a state trooper. Also read | Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat Cuomo said on Tuesday he would resign and leave office in two weeks. He has denied harassing anyone, though he has acknowledged making some women uncomfortable by engaging in what he characterized as well-intentioned efforts to show affection. Heastie said the impeachment inquiry was no longer needed since its purpose was "to determine whether Governor Cuomo should remain in office." He also said lawmakers have been advised by legal counsel that the state's constitution does not allow the legislature to impeach an elected official who is no longer in office. If impeached in the state Assembly, Cuomo would have faced a trial in the state Senate, which also has a Democratic majority. A conviction would permit lawmakers to bar Cuomo from ever holding public office again. Prior to his resignation, Cuomo appeared almost certain to be impeached and ousted from office, as Democratic legislators abandoned him following the report from Attorney General Letitia James' office. The impeachment probe was not limited to the harassment allegations. Investigators were also examining whether the Cuomo administration deliberately under-reported nursing home deaths during the coronavirus pandemic as well as whether Cuomo improperly used state resources in penning a published memoir. While incomplete, the inquiry had gathered enough evidence to likely result in impeachment had Cuomo not stepped down, Heastie said. Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing with regard to nursing home data as well as his book. He still faces potential criminal investigations from several district attorneys' offices. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, will become the state's first female governor when she takes over for Cuomo. She announced on Thursday she intends to run for a full term in 2022.

New York Assembly suspends Cuomo impeachment effort after his resignation

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri stepped down after failing to form the government for months. The country has been unable to come up with a new administration since the resignation of Hassan Diab's Cabinet on 10 August 2020, six days after the massive blast that hit Port of Beirut.

PM-designate Saad Hariri steps down amid Lebanon's currency carnage

Hundreds of Palestinians on Saturday protested against President Mahmud Abbas and demanded his resignation. The protest took place in West Bank. The protests were sparked by last month's death of activist. The activist died in custody.

Relatives of Nizar Banat, who died after security forces stormed his home and violently arrested him, were at the forefront of the protest in Ramallah where Abbas's Palestinian Authority (PA) is based.

Mother of Banat held up a portrait of her son.

Demonstrators also carried pictures of Banat, a vocal critic of alleged corruption within the PA, while others held up a huge banner that carried the words "Abbas Leave", an AFP reporter said.

"This rally is a message of allegiance to Nizar Banat and to the authorities, who must bring to justice those responsible for his death," Hassan Khreishah, a former head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told AFP. 
Palestinian police and security forces blocked the road leading to Abbas's headquarters in Ramallah.

A counter-protest organised by Abbas's Fatah faction was meanwhile held in the city of Hebron to express support for the Palestinian leader.

Banat's death on June 24 sparked days of protest in the occupied West Bank and triggered international condemnation.

The 43-year-old had registered as a candidate in Palestinian parliamentary elections that were set for May, until Abbas postponed them indefinitely.

According to an autopsy, he had been beaten on the head, chest, neck, legs and hands, with less than an hour elapsing between his arrest and his death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of Palestinians on Saturday protested against President Mahmud Abbas and demanded his resignation. The protest took place in West Bank. The protests were sparked by last month's death of activist.

Hundreds of Palestinians on Saturday protested against President Mahmud Abbas and demanded his resignation. The protest took place in West Bank. The protests were sparked by last month's death of activist. The activist died in custody. Relatives of Nizar Banat, who died after security forces stormed his home and violently arrested him, were at the forefront of the protest in Ramallah where Abbas's Palestinian Authority (PA) is based. Mother of Banat held up a portrait of her son. Demonstrators also carried pictures of Banat, a vocal critic of alleged corruption within the PA, while others held up a huge banner that carried the words "Abbas Leave", an AFP reporter said. "This rally is a message of allegiance to Nizar Banat and to the authorities, who must bring to justice those responsible for his death," Hassan Khreishah, a former head of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told AFP. Palestinian police and security forces blocked the road leading to Abbas's headquarters in Ramallah. A counter-protest organised by Abbas's Fatah faction was meanwhile held in the city of Hebron to express support for the Palestinian leader. Banat's death on June 24 sparked days of protest in the occupied West Bank and triggered international condemnation. The 43-year-old had registered as a candidate in Palestinian parliamentary elections that were set for May, until Abbas postponed them indefinitely. According to an autopsy, he had been beaten on the head, chest, neck, legs and hands, with less than an hour elapsing between his arrest and his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinians protest in Ramallah, demand Abbas' resignation

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter.&nbsp;

Asked on returning from Delaware if Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, should step down, Biden told reporters: "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us."&nbsp;

Cuomo faces accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct levelled by at least seven women, including former aides, and has come under pressure from disclosures that his administration withheld the number of nursing home residents killed in the state by Covid-19.&nbsp;

On Friday, New York's two Democratic US senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and most of the state's congressional delegation, including leading progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged Cuomo, now in his third term as governor, to resign.&nbsp;

Cuomo, 63, who is divorced, repeated his denial of the allegations on Friday and said it was 'reckless and dangerous' for politicians to ask him to resign before they have all the facts.&nbsp;

"Women have a right to come forward and be heard, and I encourage that fully. But I also want to be clear: There is still a question of the truth. I did not do what has been alleged, period,” Cuomo said on a call with reporters.&nbsp;

Asked if he ever had consensual romantic relationships with any of the women, Cuomo said he never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and was sorry if he did.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi declined to join the call for Cuomo's resignation, telling ABC's "This Week" programme the allegations must be investigated.&nbsp;

"What these women have said must be treated with respect. They are credible and serious charges," Pelosi said. "The governor should look inside his heart - he loves New York - to see if he can govern effectively."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter.

President Joe Biden declined on Sunday to call on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, saying he wanted to await the outcome of an investigation into the matter. Asked on returning from Delaware if Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, should step down, Biden told reporters: "I think the investigation is underway and we should see what it brings us." Cuomo faces accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct levelled by at least seven women, including former aides, and has come under pressure from disclosures that his administration withheld the number of nursing home residents killed in the state by Covid-19. On Friday, New York's two Democratic US senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and most of the state's congressional delegation, including leading progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged Cuomo, now in his third term as governor, to resign. Cuomo, 63, who is divorced, repeated his denial of the allegations on Friday and said it was 'reckless and dangerous' for politicians to ask him to resign before they have all the facts. "Women have a right to come forward and be heard, and I encourage that fully. But I also want to be clear: There is still a question of the truth. I did not do what has been alleged, period,” Cuomo said on a call with reporters. Asked if he ever had consensual romantic relationships with any of the women, Cuomo said he never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, and was sorry if he did. On Sunday, Democratic US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi declined to join the call for Cuomo's resignation, telling ABC's "This Week" programme the allegations must be investigated. "What these women have said must be treated with respect. They are credible and serious charges," Pelosi said. "The governor should look inside his heart - he loves New York - to see if he can govern effectively." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to await outcome of sexual misconduct probe for Cuomo's resignation

The Governor of New York has decided not to step down even after serious allegations against him. The decision remains the same even after top US officials demand his resignation.

New York: Andrew Cuomo continues to stay defiant

Kuwaiti Cabinet Ministers have handed their resignations to Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah just days after legislators submitted a motion asking to question the premier over issues including the cabinet’s makeup.

Kuwait's Cabinet Ministers resign amid dispute with Parliament

The executive committee of&nbsp;Russia's suspended&nbsp;athletics federation resigned on Monday and transferred its authority to a working group designed to lift the organisation out of a 4-1/2-year doping crisis, the federation said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-imposes-four-year-ban-on-russia-over-doping-data-manipulation-267195">WADA imposes four year ban on Russia over doping data manipulation</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../no-chance-of-winning-wada-ban-appeal-russia- anti-doping-chief-267261">Russia's&nbsp;athletics federation</a> was suspended in 2015 after a report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found evidence of mass doping among the country's track and field athletes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-officially-challenges-four-year-doping-ban-270611">Russia officially challenges four year doping ban</a>

The federation was plunged into deeper crisis when its president and six other people were provisionally suspended last November for having provided false explanations and forged documents to justify three missed doping tests by high jumper Danil Lysenko.

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WADA Executive Committee unanimously endorses four-year period of non-compliance for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency:<a href="https://t.co/K8QjAz7u4R">https://t.co/K8QjAz7u4R</a>
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The charges prompted World&nbsp;Athletics, the sport's global governing body, to suspend the federation's reinstatement procedure and bar&nbsp;Russian track and field athletes from competing internationally as neutrals.

The&nbsp;Russian federation's woes worsened last week when the&nbsp;Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the global body overseeing integrity in the sport, said the organisation had shown a "total lack of contrition" in its response to the Lysenko case and recommended that it be expelled from global&nbsp;athletics.

The federation said on Monday that its leadership was resigning and all responsibilities, including liaising with World&nbsp;Athletics, the AIU and other global organisations, was being transferred to a working group run by the&nbsp;Russian Olympic Committee.

"The crisis in&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;athletics has already lasted five years and it is clear to everyone that is had dragged on," the federation quoted Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin as saying.

"Our common goal is to promptly normalise cooperation with World&nbsp;Athletics in order to restore our membership."

World&nbsp;Athletics said last week that the federation could avoid expulsion if its officials admitted to their involvement in the scandal.

Russia&nbsp;is also in the process of appealing a four-year ban from competing under its flag at major international events as punishment for having provided WADA with doctored laboratory data.

The executive committee of Russia's suspended athletics federation resigned on Monday and transferred its authority to a working group designed to lift the organisation out of a 4-1/2-year doping crisis, the federation said.

The executive committee of Russia's suspended athletics federation resigned on Monday and transferred its authority to a working group designed to lift the organisation out of a 4-1/2-year doping crisis, the federation said. Also read: WADA imposes four year ban on Russia over doping data manipulation Russia's athletics federation was suspended in 2015 after a report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found evidence of mass doping among the country's track and field athletes. Also read: Russia officially challenges four year doping ban The federation was plunged into deeper crisis when its president and six other people were provisionally suspended last November for having provided false explanations and forged documents to justify three missed doping tests by high jumper Danil Lysenko. WADA Executive Committee unanimously endorses four-year period of non-compliance for the Russian Anti-Doping Agency:https://t.co/K8QjAz7u4R — WADA (@wada_ama) December 9, 2019 × The charges prompted World Athletics, the sport's global governing body, to suspend the federation's reinstatement procedure and bar Russian track and field athletes from competing internationally as neutrals. The Russian federation's woes worsened last week when the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the global body overseeing integrity in the sport, said the organisation had shown a "total lack of contrition" in its response to the Lysenko case and recommended that it be expelled from global athletics. The federation said on Monday that its leadership was resigning and all responsibilities, including liaising with World Athletics, the AIU and other global organisations, was being transferred to a working group run by the Russian Olympic Committee. "The crisis in Russian athletics has already lasted five years and it is clear to everyone that is had dragged on," the federation quoted Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin as saying. "Our common goal is to promptly normalise cooperation with World Athletics in order to restore our membership." World Athletics said last week that the federation could avoid expulsion if its officials admitted to their involvement in the scandal. Russia is also in the process of appealing a four-year ban from competing under its flag at major international events as punishment for having provided WADA with doctored laboratory data.

Leadership of Russia's suspended federation resigns amid scandal

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics.

Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk had offered to quit after the leaked recording revealed him saying the president had a "primitive understanding" of the economy.&nbsp;

"I have decided to give you and your government a second chance," Zelensky said during a meeting with Goncharuk in a video released by the presidency.

It marked the first major political test for Zelensky, a comedian with no previous political experience, who swept to power in a landslide victory at last year's presidential election.

His "Servant of the People" party later won a large majority in parliament.

He has been embroiled in the US impeachment process and faced tough talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but had thus far managed to avoid any significant domestic political problems.

The audio recording was leaked on social media on Wednesday and came from an informal December meeting between ministers and senior officials from the National Bank.

According to local media reports, the participants discussed how to explain recent economic developments to Zelensky.

"Zelensky has a very primitive understanding of economic processes, or rather a simple understanding," Goncharuk said on the recording, adding that he himself was an economic "ignoramus".

After initially denying reports he would step down, Goncharuk announced on his official Facebook page on Friday that he had offered to resign.

"To remove any doubts about our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter," wrote Goncharuk.

<h6><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45f44a09-88c9-4800-ab70-b64c7623acee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_30.jpg" /> 
Image: Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk (C) attends a session of the parliament in Kiev on January 17, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

'Looks like theatre'

In the video released by the presidency, Zelensky did not mention the leaked comments but did refer to "a scandal" and "a very unpleasant situation".&nbsp;

He urged the prime minister to "improve the cooperation with parliament and to optimise the salaries of government officials".

The payment of large bonuses to officials has caused a scandal in recent weeks in the former Soviet republic, one of the poorest countries in Europe.

"Such wages cannot occur in Ukraine with the current state of the economy," Zelensky said in the video, which depicted a round-table meeting with Goncharuk in an ornate, gilded room.

Goncharuk thanked the president for his confidence, admitting a "shortcoming in the work" of the government.

Before Zelensky rejected the resignation offer, several analysts were sceptical he would ever accept.

"It looks like theatre... in which Zelensky plays the role of a good tsar" by refusing the offer, said analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk of Democracy House in Kiev.

He said the crisis likely reflected an internal struggle for influence over the new president.

<h6><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30061a38-c29a-487f-a865-b6994052e5f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_17.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;In this file photo taken on September 02, 2019 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) listens as the Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk speaks during a meeting with the new members of the government and new president of Parliament, in Kiev | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

'Important test'

Goncharuk, 35, became Ukraine's youngest-ever prime minister after Zelensky nominated him in August, part of a team of fresh faces he promised would shake up the stagnant political scene.&nbsp;

The lawyer was tasked with helping to revive an economy hit hard by corruption and Ukraine's five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east.

Considered a supporter of liberal economic reforms, Goncharuk had co-founded a law firm at the age of 24 and managed an EU-funded NGO to improve the business environment in Ukraine.

Timothy Ash, a London-based economist and expert on Ukraine, said accepting the resignation would have sent "a very negative message to reformers".

"This is an important test of Zelensky's reform credentials," he said.

The hiring and firing of prime ministers is the formal remit of the parliament and some criticised Goncharuk for sending his letter directly to the president.

Zelensky came to power promising sweeping change and has since taken several steps to resolve the separatist conflict, including prisoner exchanges and a landmark meeting with Putin in Paris last month.

But critics have accused him of doing little so far to boost the economy or tackle endemic corruption.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday he wanted to give his prime minister a "second chance" and refused to accept his resignation after a recording emerged of the premier questioning the head of state's grasp of economics. Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk had offered to quit after the leaked recording revealed him saying the president had a "primitive understanding" of the economy. "I have decided to give you and your government a second chance," Zelensky said during a meeting with Goncharuk in a video released by the presidency. It marked the first major political test for Zelensky, a comedian with no previous political experience, who swept to power in a landslide victory at last year's presidential election. His "Servant of the People" party later won a large majority in parliament. He has been embroiled in the US impeachment process and faced tough talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but had thus far managed to avoid any significant domestic political problems. The audio recording was leaked on social media on Wednesday and came from an informal December meeting between ministers and senior officials from the National Bank. According to local media reports, the participants discussed how to explain recent economic developments to Zelensky. "Zelensky has a very primitive understanding of economic processes, or rather a simple understanding," Goncharuk said on the recording, adding that he himself was an economic "ignoramus". After initially denying reports he would step down, Goncharuk announced on his official Facebook page on Friday that he had offered to resign. "To remove any doubts about our respect for and trust in the president, I have written a resignation letter," wrote Goncharuk. Image: Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk (C) attends a session of the parliament in Kiev on January 17, 2020 | AFP 'Looks like theatre' In the video released by the presidency, Zelensky did not mention the leaked comments but did refer to "a scandal" and "a very unpleasant situation". He urged the prime minister to "improve the cooperation with parliament and to optimise the salaries of government officials". The payment of large bonuses to officials has caused a scandal in recent weeks in the former Soviet republic, one of the poorest countries in Europe. "Such wages cannot occur in Ukraine with the current state of the economy," Zelensky said in the video, which depicted a round-table meeting with Goncharuk in an ornate, gilded room. Goncharuk thanked the president for his confidence, admitting a "shortcoming in the work" of the government. Before Zelensky rejected the resignation offer, several analysts were sceptical he would ever accept. "It looks like theatre... in which Zelensky plays the role of a good tsar" by refusing the offer, said analyst Anatoliy Oktysiuk of Democracy House in Kiev. He said the crisis likely reflected an internal struggle for influence over the new president. Image: In this file photo taken on September 02, 2019 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) listens as the Prime Minister Oleksiy Goncharuk speaks during a meeting with the new members of the government and new president of Parliament, in Kiev | AFP 'Important test' Goncharuk, 35, became Ukraine's youngest-ever prime minister after Zelensky nominated him in August, part of a team of fresh faces he promised would shake up the stagnant political scene. The lawyer was tasked with helping to revive an economy hit hard by corruption and Ukraine's five-year conflict with Moscow-backed separatists in the east. Considered a supporter of liberal economic reforms, Goncharuk had co-founded a law firm at the age of 24 and managed an EU-funded NGO to improve the business environment in Ukraine. Timothy Ash, a London-based economist and expert on Ukraine, said accepting the resignation would have sent "a very negative message to reformers". "This is an important test of Zelensky's reform credentials," he said. The hiring and firing of prime ministers is the formal remit of the parliament and some criticised Goncharuk for sending his letter directly to the president. Zelensky came to power promising sweeping change and has since taken several steps to resolve the separatist conflict, including prisoner exchanges and a landmark meeting with Putin in Paris last month. But critics have accused him of doing little so far to boost the economy or tackle endemic corruption.

Ukraine President Zelensky rejects PM's resignation after leaked recording

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../we-dominated-the-series-shikhar-dhawan-india- beat-sri-lanka-to-sweep-the-series-273519">Lasith Malinga</a> said Sunday he was ready to stand down as Sri Lanka's Twenty20 skipper after the team's humiliating 2-0 loss to India in their latest foreign tour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/3rd-t20i-ind-vs-lanka-virat-kohli-and-jasprit-bumrah-break-records-after-emphatic-victory-over-sri-lanka-273577">Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka</a>

Returning from the series, the 36-year-old told reporters that Sri Lanka was just not good enough to make an impact in the 20 over game.

He said Sri Lankan bowlers weren't able to restrict opponents while the batsmen were incapable of putting up the 170 runs needed for a fighting chance in a match.

"We don't have that," Malinga said, adding that it was unfair to expect a winning performance from the team given they were ranked just ninth in the world when returned to the captaincy just over a year ago.

But he added that he was "ready to accept" his responsibility for the team's performance.&nbsp;

"I am ready any time. I am ready to quit," he said.

Malinga led Sri Lanka to the T20 World Cup title in 2014 and remained in charge until early 2016.

His return to the top job in December 2018 was a surprise as he had lost his spot in the team after recurring injuries forced him to sit out several tournaments.

Frictions were evident in the Sri Lankan team under Malinga's leadership, the local media reported.

"There seems to be deep divisions in the side. As captain, he has also sidelined his predecessors" including Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews, the paper said.

The first match in Guwahati was abandoned after rain, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri- lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">India won the second </a>by India by seven wickets and the third by 78 runs.

Lasith Malinga said Sunday he was ready to stand down as Sri Lanka's Twenty20 skipper after the team's humiliating 2-0 loss to India in their latest foreign tour.

Lasith Malinga said Sunday he was ready to stand down as Sri Lanka's Twenty20 skipper after the team's humiliating 2-0 loss to India in their latest foreign tour. Also read: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah shatter records as India claim series win against Sri Lanka Returning from the series, the 36-year-old told reporters that Sri Lanka was just not good enough to make an impact in the 20 over game. He said Sri Lankan bowlers weren't able to restrict opponents while the batsmen were incapable of putting up the 170 runs needed for a fighting chance in a match. "We don't have that," Malinga said, adding that it was unfair to expect a winning performance from the team given they were ranked just ninth in the world when returned to the captaincy just over a year ago. But he added that he was "ready to accept" his responsibility for the team's performance. "I am ready any time. I am ready to quit," he said. Malinga led Sri Lanka to the T20 World Cup title in 2014 and remained in charge until early 2016. His return to the top job in December 2018 was a surprise as he had lost his spot in the team after recurring injuries forced him to sit out several tournaments. Frictions were evident in the Sri Lankan team under Malinga's leadership, the local media reported. "There seems to be deep divisions in the side. As captain, he has also sidelined his predecessors" including Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews, the paper said. The first match in Guwahati was abandoned after rain, but India won the second by India by seven wickets and the third by 78 runs.

Malinga ready to quit after T20 debacle in India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-cabinet-resignation-265571">Iraq's parliament</a> voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country.

Abdul Mahdi's decision to quit on Friday came after a call by Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for parliament to consider withdrawing its support for Abdul Mahdi's government to stem the violence.

"The Iraqi parliament will ask the president of the state to nominate a new prime minister," a statement from parliament's media office said.

Lawmakers said Abdul Mahdi's government, including the prime minister himself, would stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is chosen.

Under the constitution, President Barham Salih is expected to ask the largest bloc in parliament to nominate a new prime minister to form a government, a move expected to trigger weeks of political wrangling.

Iraqi forces have killed nearly 400 mostly young, unarmed demonstrators since mass anti-government protests broke out on Oct. 1. More than a dozen members of the security forces have also died in clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-burn-shrine-entrance-in-holy-city-pm-quitting-not-enough-265525">Abdul Mahdi’s resignation</a>, though welcomed by protesters, is not expected to end the demonstrations, which have called for an overhaul of a political system accused of being corrupt and keeping most of the population in poverty.

Protesters on Sunday torched the Iranian consulate in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf for the second time in a week, police and civil defence sources said.

Demonstrators entered the consulate in Najaf on Wednesday and set fire to the entire building, drawing a deadly response from security forces and escalating the unrest that has led to Abdul Mahdi’s resignation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-tyres-in-southern-iraq-in-renewed-anti-government-rage-265432">Demonstrations are continuing in Baghdad</a> and other southern regions. Security forces killed one protester and wounded nine others near a bridge in the capital on Sunday, police and a medical source said.

In Nassiriya, two protesters died on Sunday from wounds sustained in previous clashes with security forces in the southern city, police and medical sources said.

The unrest poses the biggest challenge for Iraq since Islamic State insurgents seized swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014.

It pits mostly young, disaffected Shi’ite protesters against a Shi’ite-dominated government backed by Iran and accused of squandering Iraq’s oil wealth while infrastructure and living standards deteriorate.

Iraq's parliament voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country.

Iraq's parliament voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country. Abdul Mahdi's decision to quit on Friday came after a call by Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for parliament to consider withdrawing its support for Abdul Mahdi's government to stem the violence. "The Iraqi parliament will ask the president of the state to nominate a new prime minister," a statement from parliament's media office said. Lawmakers said Abdul Mahdi's government, including the prime minister himself, would stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is chosen. Under the constitution, President Barham Salih is expected to ask the largest bloc in parliament to nominate a new prime minister to form a government, a move expected to trigger weeks of political wrangling. Iraqi forces have killed nearly 400 mostly young, unarmed demonstrators since mass anti-government protests broke out on Oct. 1. More than a dozen members of the security forces have also died in clashes. Abdul Mahdi’s resignation, though welcomed by protesters, is not expected to end the demonstrations, which have called for an overhaul of a political system accused of being corrupt and keeping most of the population in poverty. Protesters on Sunday torched the Iranian consulate in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf for the second time in a week, police and civil defence sources said. Demonstrators entered the consulate in Najaf on Wednesday and set fire to the entire building, drawing a deadly response from security forces and escalating the unrest that has led to Abdul Mahdi’s resignation. Demonstrations are continuing in Baghdad and other southern regions. Security forces killed one protester and wounded nine others near a bridge in the capital on Sunday, police and a medical source said. In Nassiriya, two protesters died on Sunday from wounds sustained in previous clashes with security forces in the southern city, police and medical sources said. The unrest poses the biggest challenge for Iraq since Islamic State insurgents seized swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014. It pits mostly young, disaffected Shi’ite protesters against a Shi’ite-dominated government backed by Iran and accused of squandering Iraq’s oil wealth while infrastructure and living standards deteriorate.

Iraq: Parliament approves resignation of Prime Minister Mahdi

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

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

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

Maltese Prime Minister announces plans to step down

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

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

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

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign today

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

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

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

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

Peru's&nbsp;vice&nbsp;president Mercedes Araoz, resigned and called for&nbsp;elections&nbsp;Tuesday, hours after parliament appointed her to lead the fight against the&nbsp;president's dissolution of the body amid a bitter&nbsp;deadlock&nbsp;over corruption and appointments to the Supreme Court.

"I have decided to resign irrevocably from the position of Second Constitutional&nbsp;Vice&nbsp;President&nbsp;of the Republic," Mercedes Araoz wrote on Twitter alongside a resignation letter, adding she hoped for "general&nbsp;elections&nbsp;in the shortest term."

Lawmakers had accused&nbsp;President&nbsp;Martin Vizcarra of a "coup d'etat" after he dissolved the opposition-dominated Congress and called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-president-dissolves-parliaments-calls-fresh-elections-253037">fresh&nbsp;elections</a>&nbsp;Monday, voting to suspend him temporarily from the presidency and appointing Araoz as the leader.&nbsp;

But thousands poured into the streets of Lima and other cities in a show of support for Vizcarra, whose anti-graft drive is widely popular,&nbsp;with the armed forces and police confirming their backing of the&nbsp;president&nbsp;and a dozen regional governors joining celebratory street protests. &nbsp;

"There's too much corruption. Too much of it without any shame. It's high time this happened, that there's a change," said protester Jenny Sanchez in Lima, as demonstrators waved flags saying "New&nbsp;Peru."

The resignation of Araoz who had allied with supporters of corruption-tainted former opposition leader Keiko Fujimori&nbsp;comes after the Organization of American States (OAS) refused to get involved in the&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;power dispute.

The body said Tuesday that it was up to&nbsp;Peru's Constitutional Court to decide on the legality of the dissolution and that it was "fair that the political polarization in the country will be resolved by the people at the polls."

A number of lawmakers were considering appealing to the court to revoke the dissolution, according to Congress speaker Pedro Olaechea.

Despite the heated stand-off,&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;went about its business as usual on Tuesday, with the only noticeable change being heightened security around the government palace and Congress.

January elections

Vizcarra's call for fresh polls on January 26 was validated Tuesday by&nbsp;the independent National Jury of&nbsp;Elections.

The upcoming polls will likely favour leftist parties like Nuevo&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;and Frente Amplio, which supported the dissolution, political analyst Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP.

Under an electoral reform enacted last year, lawmakers cannot run for re-election.

A new Congress would only have a mandate until 2021, to complete the five-year period for which the dissolved Congress was elected.

Until the&nbsp;elections, legislative duties will fall to a 27-member Permanent Congressional Commission, 18 of whom are opposition lawmakers, led by Congress speaker Pedro Olaechea, who accuses Vizcarra of unlawfully seizing power.

Vizcarra has repeatedly clashed with Congress, which is dominated by the Popular Force party of Keiko Fujimori.

He had warned Congress on Sunday that he would dissolve the body if it denied him a&nbsp;vote&nbsp;of confidence Monday on reforming the method of appointing magistrates.

The move was aimed at preventing the opposition from taking control of the Supreme Court.

Stand-off

Peru's grinding political stand-off has its roots in the 2016 presidential&nbsp;election when banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski beat Keiko Fujimori.

Although she lost her bid for the presidency, her party won an overwhelming majority in Congress, eventually forcing Kuczynski's resignation last year amid a corruption scandal.

Kuczynski was replaced by Vizcarra, then first&nbsp;vice&nbsp;president, who has vowed to clean up Peruvian politics.

Fujimori is the eldest daughter of disgraced former&nbsp;president&nbsp;Alberto Fujimori and is herself in prison awaiting trial after being accused of accepting $1.2 million in illicit party funding from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht for her 2011 presidential campaign.

The Supreme Court is currently debating whether to free Keiko once&nbsp;Peru's most popular politician from pre-trial detention.

Odebrecht has admitted paying at least $29 million in bribes to Peruvian officials since 2004.

Three former presidents, including Kuczynski, are also being investigated over Odebrecht, while a fourth, Alan Garcia, committed suicide in April after police arrived at his house to arrest him for money laundering.&nbsp;

Peru's vice president Mercedes Araoz, resigned and called for elections Tuesday, hours after parliament appointed her to lead the fight against the president's dissolution of the body amid a bitter deadlock over corruption and appointments to the Supreme Court.

Peru's vice president Mercedes Araoz, resigned and called for elections Tuesday, hours after parliament appointed her to lead the fight against the president's dissolution of the body amid a bitter deadlock over corruption and appointments to the Supreme Court. "I have decided to resign irrevocably from the position of Second Constitutional Vice President of the Republic," Mercedes Araoz wrote on Twitter alongside a resignation letter, adding she hoped for "general elections in the shortest term." Lawmakers had accused President Martin Vizcarra of a "coup d'etat" after he dissolved the opposition-dominated Congress and called for fresh elections Monday, voting to suspend him temporarily from the presidency and appointing Araoz as the leader. But thousands poured into the streets of Lima and other cities in a show of support for Vizcarra, whose anti-graft drive is widely popular, with the armed forces and police confirming their backing of the president and a dozen regional governors joining celebratory street protests. "There's too much corruption. Too much of it without any shame. It's high time this happened, that there's a change," said protester Jenny Sanchez in Lima, as demonstrators waved flags saying "New Peru." The resignation of Araoz who had allied with supporters of corruption-tainted former opposition leader Keiko Fujimori comes after the Organization of American States (OAS) refused to get involved in the Peru power dispute. The body said Tuesday that it was up to Peru's Constitutional Court to decide on the legality of the dissolution and that it was "fair that the political polarization in the country will be resolved by the people at the polls." A number of lawmakers were considering appealing to the court to revoke the dissolution, according to Congress speaker Pedro Olaechea. Despite the heated stand-off, Peru went about its business as usual on Tuesday, with the only noticeable change being heightened security around the government palace and Congress. January elections Vizcarra's call for fresh polls on January 26 was validated Tuesday by the independent National Jury of Elections. The upcoming polls will likely favour leftist parties like Nuevo Peru and Frente Amplio, which supported the dissolution, political analyst Fernando Rospigliosi told AFP. Under an electoral reform enacted last year, lawmakers cannot run for re-election. A new Congress would only have a mandate until 2021, to complete the five-year period for which the dissolved Congress was elected. Until the elections, legislative duties will fall to a 27-member Permanent Congressional Commission, 18 of whom are opposition lawmakers, led by Congress speaker Pedro Olaechea, who accuses Vizcarra of unlawfully seizing power. Vizcarra has repeatedly clashed with Congress, which is dominated by the Popular Force party of Keiko Fujimori. He had warned Congress on Sunday that he would dissolve the body if it denied him a vote of confidence Monday on reforming the method of appointing magistrates. The move was aimed at preventing the opposition from taking control of the Supreme Court. Stand-off Peru's grinding political stand-off has its roots in the 2016 presidential election when banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski beat Keiko Fujimori. Although she lost her bid for the presidency, her party won an overwhelming majority in Congress, eventually forcing Kuczynski's resignation last year amid a corruption scandal. Kuczynski was replaced by Vizcarra, then first vice president, who has vowed to clean up Peruvian politics. Fujimori is the eldest daughter of disgraced former president Alberto Fujimori and is herself in prison awaiting trial after being accused of accepting $1.2 million in illicit party funding from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht for her 2011 presidential campaign. The Supreme Court is currently debating whether to free Keiko once Peru's most popular politician from pre-trial detention. Odebrecht has admitted paying at least $29 million in bribes to Peruvian officials since 2004. Three former presidents, including Kuczynski, are also being investigated over Odebrecht, while a fourth, Alan Garcia, committed suicide in April after police arrived at his house to arrest him for money laundering.

Peru Vice President resigns, calls for elections to break deadlock

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening.

The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story.

His appointment was controversial.

He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year.

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"."

A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics.

But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank.

Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute.

"We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying.

"If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff sent in a letter of resignation, after two months in his job, but Zelensky has not signed it, according to a statement on the presidential website on Friday. Mystery has surrounded the status of Andriy Bogdan, the head of the presidential administration, since Thursday evening. The local news agency Interfax Ukraine had reported Bogdan's resignation but later retracted the story. His appointment was controversial. He was previously a lawyer for Ihor Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most powerful tycoons, whose business ties to Zelensky have been under scrutiny since the start of Zelenskiy's election campaign this year. "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the existence of a letter of resignation of the chief of his staff," a statement on the presidential website said. "The head of the state clarified that he had not signed the letter yet"." A comedian with no prior political experience, Zelensky won the presidential election in April by a landslide on promises to fight corruption and transform Ukrainian politics. But he has come under the spotlight for his business ties to Kolomoisky, who is one of Ukraine's richest men and who has been at loggerheads with the authorities over control of PrivatBank, the country's largest bank. Zelensky has repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that he would take Kolomoisky's side in the PrivatBank dispute. "We -- all the key people who came with me -- agreed from the beginning that we would write letters of resignations," the statement quoted Zelensky as saying. "If society or the President feels that one or the other person cannot cope with the tasks set by Ukraine, then at any moment, this person... will resign".

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's staff chief tries to quit after two months

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&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu.

Speaking to media persons hours after Punjab lawmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ending-suspense-navjot-singh-sidhu-sends-resignation-to-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-236075">Sidhu claimed to have sent his resignation</a> letter to him, Amarinder said, "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it and then see what is to be done."

He also talked about the ways in which he had supported both Sidhu and his wife in the past and said, "have never opposed Mrs Sidhu, in fact, I was the one who recommended to Rahul Ji that she contest from Bathinda. It was Sidhu who said that his wife will not contest from Bathinda but from Chandigarh. So it was not for him to decide this, the party decides these things."

Earlier in the day, Sidhu sent his resignation to the Chief Minister at his official residence, ending speculations that ensued through the weekend following the announcement of his exit from the Cabinet.

Last month, the cricketer-turned-politician had submitted his resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi instead of Amarinder Singh. It remains unclear as to why the resignation was not sent to Singh in the past one month.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan last year where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy back home.

The rift was further widened during the general elections when Sidhu and his wife accused Amarinder of having had a hand in the denial of ticket to her to contest from either Chandigarh or Amritsar.

On June 6, the Congress leader was stripped of the portfolios of Local government, Tourism and Culture Ministry by the Chief Minister after the party won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.

Meanwhile, in Delhi today the Punjab CM met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament, as a courtesy call.

After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday downplayed the speculations of all not being well between him and his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu by stating that he not only gave Sidhu an important portfolio but also recommended an LS ticket from Bhatinda for his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to media persons hours after Punjab lawmaker Sidhu claimed to have sent his resignation letter to him, Amarinder said, "I have no issues with him, I had in fact given him a very important portfolio after the reshuffle. It was his decision to quit the Cabinet. I have been told that he has sent the letter to my office, will go through it and then see what is to be done." He also talked about the ways in which he had supported both Sidhu and his wife in the past and said, "have never opposed Mrs Sidhu, in fact, I was the one who recommended to Rahul Ji that she contest from Bathinda. It was Sidhu who said that his wife will not contest from Bathinda but from Chandigarh. So it was not for him to decide this, the party decides these things." Earlier in the day, Sidhu sent his resignation to the Chief Minister at his official residence, ending speculations that ensued through the weekend following the announcement of his exit from the Cabinet. Last month, the cricketer-turned-politician had submitted his resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi instead of Amarinder Singh. It remains unclear as to why the resignation was not sent to Singh in the past one month. Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan last year where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy back home. The rift was further widened during the general elections when Sidhu and his wife accused Amarinder of having had a hand in the denial of ticket to her to contest from either Chandigarh or Amritsar. On June 6, the Congress leader was stripped of the portfolios of Local government, Tourism and Culture Ministry by the Chief Minister after the party won eight parliamentary seats out of 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. Meanwhile, in Delhi today the Punjab CM met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament, as a courtesy call. After the meeting, he said, "I wanted to meet the PM because I haven't met him since he joined as PM for his second tenure. So I met him officially today."

No issues with Sidhu, gave him important portfolio: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

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Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lets-not-indulge-in-speculation-congress-on-rahul-gandhis-resignation-222433">withdraw his offer to resign</a>.

Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence. After coming out, she remained silent on whether she was able to meet the Gandhi scion.&nbsp;

Sources said she could not meet Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

A close aide of the Delhi Congress chief said Dikshit left a message for the Congress president in which she asked Gandhi to withdraw his offer to resign.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-refuses-to-meet-senior-leaders-remains-adamant-on-his-decision-to-step-down-as-congress-chief-222324">Gandhi is not meeting any party leaders</a>. So, Dikshit left her message urging Gandhi to reconsider his decision in the interest of the party with K Raju, a confidante of the party chief," the close aide added.

Boxer Vijender Singh, who had fought the Lok Sabha polls from the South Delhi constituency and ended up at the third spot said workers do not want Rahul Gandhi to resign as he is an "able and hardworking" leader.

Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi obdurate on stepping down as Congress Prez

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"He has not resigned. We have come to talk to him. He has made an offer to resign but people do not want him to go.&nbsp;He has worked hard. If the results are not in our favour, it hurts but we are fighters. Nobody else can work like him. He is a leader who takes everyone together," Singh said.

Slogans of 'Rahulji, we are with you' and 'Please do not resign' rang through the air. Several workers were carrying placards with Gandhi's photos urging him not to resign.

Some workers were even demanding that elections be held again in a fair manner with ballot papers instead of EVMs since the latter could have tampered.

Congress leader Jagdish Tytler said there are millions of Congress workers who do not want Gandhi to resign.

"We had to be here because we do not want him to resign. There are millions of Congress workers who do not want him to resign. We are disappointed with the results but not with the leadership," he said.&nbsp;

The crisis in the Congress showed no signs of easing with Gandhi sticking to his decision to resign as party chief after its Lok Sabha poll debacle and staying away from meeting party leaders.

On Tuesday, Gandhi had only met his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, besides senior party leader K C Venugopal and the Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot went to meet Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence on Tuesday, but they only met Priyanka.

Senior Congress leaders have been pressing Gandhi to take back his decision to resign and revamp the party at all levels in these challenging times.

Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to withdraw his offer to resign. Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence.

Congress workers gathered outside party chief Rahul Gandhi's residence on Wednesday urging him to withdraw his offer to resign. Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit visited Gandhi's Tughlak Lane residence. After coming out, she remained silent on whether she was able to meet the Gandhi scion. Sources said she could not meet Rahul Gandhi. A close aide of the Delhi Congress chief said Dikshit left a message for the Congress president in which she asked Gandhi to withdraw his offer to resign. "Gandhi is not meeting any party leaders. So, Dikshit left her message urging Gandhi to reconsider his decision in the interest of the party with K Raju, a confidante of the party chief," the close aide added. Boxer Vijender Singh, who had fought the Lok Sabha polls from the South Delhi constituency and ended up at the third spot said workers do not want Rahul Gandhi to resign as he is an "able and hardworking" leader. Watch: Rahul Gandhi obdurate on stepping down as Congress Prez "He has not resigned. We have come to talk to him. He has made an offer to resign but people do not want him to go. He has worked hard. If the results are not in our favour, it hurts but we are fighters. Nobody else can work like him. He is a leader who takes everyone together," Singh said. Slogans of 'Rahulji, we are with you' and 'Please do not resign' rang through the air. Several workers were carrying placards with Gandhi's photos urging him not to resign. Some workers were even demanding that elections be held again in a fair manner with ballot papers instead of EVMs since the latter could have tampered. Congress leader Jagdish Tytler said there are millions of Congress workers who do not want Gandhi to resign. "We had to be here because we do not want him to resign. There are millions of Congress workers who do not want him to resign. We are disappointed with the results but not with the leadership," he said. The crisis in the Congress showed no signs of easing with Gandhi sticking to his decision to resign as party chief after its Lok Sabha poll debacle and staying away from meeting party leaders. On Tuesday, Gandhi had only met his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, besides senior party leader K C Venugopal and the Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot went to meet Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence on Tuesday, but they only met Priyanka. Senior Congress leaders have been pressing Gandhi to take back his decision to resign and revamp the party at all levels in these challenging times.

Congress workers gather outside Rahul Gandhi's residence urging him not to resign

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday announced she will step down as Conservative leader on June 7 after failing to convince MPs to support her Brexit deal.

"It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit," May said in a statement outside her Downing Street residence.

May was meeting the head of the governing party committee in charge of leadership elections to agree a timetable to stand down and allow a successor to be chosen, the reports said.

The leader of the party automatically becomes the prime minister.

MPs have already overwhelmingly rejected her withdrawal agreement, struck with European Union leaders last year, three times.

May's latest proposals, which included giving them the option of holding a referendum on the deal, prompted a furious reaction from Conservatives -- including cabinet members.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday announced she will step down as Conservative leader on June 7 after failing to convince MPs to support her Brexit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday announced she will step down as Conservative leader on June 7 after failing to convince MPs to support her Brexit deal. "It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit," May said in a statement outside her Downing Street residence. May was meeting the head of the governing party committee in charge of leadership elections to agree a timetable to stand down and allow a successor to be chosen, the reports said. The leader of the party automatically becomes the prime minister. MPs have already overwhelmingly rejected her withdrawal agreement, struck with European Union leaders last year, three times. May's latest proposals, which included giving them the option of holding a referendum on the deal, prompted a furious reaction from Conservatives -- including cabinet members.

British PM Theresa May announces resignation over Brexit deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-sacks-defence-minister-williamson-over-huawei-leak-215201">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday.

Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, told BBC Radio that May had been asked to give "clarity" at next Wednesday's meeting after she failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving the government in a state of limbo.

"It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding (of when she will leave) at the end of the meeting," Brady said.

May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc.

But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament, defeated by lawmakers in her own party who want a much more comprehensive break from Brussels and those who want a second referendum to reverse the process.

Brady, head of the group which oversees the party's leadership contests and represents the wishes of backbench lawmakers, said he thought May had been reluctant to set a date because of the impact it would have on any future Brexit vote.

"I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely," he said.

Tensions within the Conservative Party have grown after May failed to deliver Brexit on the original deadline of March 29. The prime minister has since opened talks with the opposition Labour Party to try to find a compromise before the next departure date in October.

The deadlock damaged both parties at local elections earlier this month and could have a similar impact when elections are held for the European Parliament on May 23.

One of the Conservative Party's prominent financial backers, Jeremy Hosking, told the Financial Times he had donated 200,000 pounds to Nigel Farage's Brexit party because the European elections had become, by default, a second referendum on Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday. Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, told BBC Radio that May had been asked to give "clarity" at next Wednesday's meeting after she failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving the government in a state of limbo. "It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding (of when she will leave) at the end of the meeting," Brady said. May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc. But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament, defeated by lawmakers in her own party who want a much more comprehensive break from Brussels and those who want a second referendum to reverse the process. Brady, head of the group which oversees the party's leadership contests and represents the wishes of backbench lawmakers, said he thought May had been reluctant to set a date because of the impact it would have on any future Brexit vote. "I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely," he said. Tensions within the Conservative Party have grown after May failed to deliver Brexit on the original deadline of March 29. The prime minister has since opened talks with the opposition Labour Party to try to find a compromise before the next departure date in October. The deadlock damaged both parties at local elections earlier this month and could have a similar impact when elections are held for the European Parliament on May 23. One of the Conservative Party's prominent financial backers, Jeremy Hosking, told the Financial Times he had donated 200,000 pounds to Nigel Farage's Brexit party because the European elections had become, by default, a second referendum on Brexit.

Britain's Theresa May should set resignation date next week: Lawmaker

Protest-hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-bouteflika-announces-new-government-207088">Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika</a> resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect.

Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported.

"I have the honour to formally notify you of my decision to terminate my term of office as President of the Republic from today, Tuesday," state news agency APS quoted his resignation letter as saying.

"This decision which I take in my soul and conscience is destined to contribute to the appeasement of the hearts and minds of my compatriots, to allow them to take Algeria towards a better future to which they legitimately aspire," it added.

The resignation comes shortly after the military demanded impeachment proceedings be launched against Bouteflika.

The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers.

Now the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised.

(With inputs from AFP)

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect. Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported.

Protest-hit Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned on Tuesday, state media reported. He submitted his resignation with immediate effect. Bouteflika "officially advised the Constitutional Council of the end of his term of office as President of the Republic", state television reported. "I have the honour to formally notify you of my decision to terminate my term of office as President of the Republic from today, Tuesday," state news agency APS quoted his resignation letter as saying. "This decision which I take in my soul and conscience is destined to contribute to the appeasement of the hearts and minds of my compatriots, to allow them to take Algeria towards a better future to which they legitimately aspire," it added. The resignation comes shortly after the military demanded impeachment proceedings be launched against Bouteflika. The country celebrated the leader's step down by cheering and waving the national flag at Grand Post square, the epicentre of the protest against his rule in downtown Algiers. Now the speaker of Algeria's upper house of parliament Abdelkader Bensalah would act as an interim leader for up to 90 days during which a presidential election must be organised. (With inputs from AFP)

Algeria President Bouteflika submits resignation with immediate effect

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel announces resignation

India's government and its central bank are getting close to ironing out some of their policy differences, said two sources familiar with the discussions, as they seek to defuse worsening tensions that had threatened to unnerve investors.

While the rift is far from healed, the sources said enough progress had been made to avoid acrimony at a board meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) next Monday. The threat that RBI <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">Governor Urjit Patel would quit</a>, as reported by some newspapers last week, is also thought to be off the table, for now, they said.

The uneasy truce is likely to see the RBI ease up on some lending restrictions to help the government stimulate the economy, said the sources. One source said the RBI could agree to tweak restrictions on lending to improve credit flows for smaller companies with a borrowing limit of 250 million rupees ($3.4 million).

Neither the RBI nor the finance ministry responded to requests for comment for this article. The prime minister’s office declined to comment.&nbsp;

It is unclear how much of a role Prime Minister Narendra Modi played in defusing the tension. Local media reported that Modi met Patel last week in an attempt to sort out the contentious issues but officials in the prime minister`s office and the RBI said they did not know of such a meeting.&nbsp;

Modi had appointed Patel as the RBI governor in 2016 for a three-year term that ends in September next year.&nbsp;

For weeks, government officials in New Delhi have been pressuring the Mumbai-based RBI to accede to a range of demands, from easing lending curbs to handing over surplus reserves to the government. This prompted RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya to warn late last month that undermining a central bank`s independence could be "catastrophic," bringing the feud into the open.&nbsp;

Tensions were expected to come to a head at Monday`s meeting as government representatives on the board appeared to be ready to turn up the heat on Patel and accuse the RBI of being intransigent in the face of government demands. &nbsp;

Now, it seems likely there will be a more constructive atmosphere with agreement on some issues, and disputed questions shelved for another day, the sources said.

CAN'T AGREE TO EVERYTHING

The government is keen to provide more stimulus to the economy heading into next year`s election, especially as the incomes of many farmers have been hit by low crop prices. At the same time, it doesn`t want a bust-up with the central bank, which could badly affect investor sentiment and provide political fodder to the opposition Congress party. 
"The government understands the regulator will remain a regulator and can`t agree to all demands," said a government official, who declined to be named, referring to the RBI.&nbsp;

While the official did not give any details of the solutions being worked out with the RBI, he acknowledged that the government did not want to trigger Patel`s departure at such a sensitive time.&nbsp;

There are five key state elections in the next few weeks and a general election due by May. The Congress party has already been harrying the government over allegations of corruption in a military jet deal with France and infighting between the top officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).&nbsp;

An RBI board member said that helping to ease tensions was the idea that both sides wanted a healthy economy. It was just a question of how to get there. "The main issue is how to boost credit growth," the member said referring to the credit crunch facing small companies.&nbsp;

Economics Affairs Secretary S.C. Garg is expected to make a presentation in the board meeting to outline the concerns of the finance ministry and could bring up the question about the transfer of surplus cash reserves held by the RBI, the sources said.&nbsp;

The board member said that an expert panel may be set up to work out the appropriate level of contingency reserves for the RBI, effectively kicking that question down the road. The RBI introduced a so-called corrective action plan in 2014 for 11 state-run banks with bad loan issues and depleted capital. That plan included curbs on risky lending and RBI officials said, as a result, the banks` loan growth fell to zero and had remained there since 2016, from 10 per cent in 2014.&nbsp;

According to the RBI board member, the government wants the RBI to ease those curbs and lower capital requirements for the 11. &nbsp;

Some improvements in the balance sheets of those lenders might give the RBI leeway to do that, although the RBI would prefer to give the mending process more time, said another official who is aware of discussions within the central bank.

India's government and its central bank are getting close to ironing out some of their policy differences, said two sources familiar with the discussions, as they seek to defuse worsening tensions that had threatened to unnerve investors.

India's government and its central bank are getting close to ironing out some of their policy differences, said two sources familiar with the discussions, as they seek to defuse worsening tensions that had threatened to unnerve investors. While the rift is far from healed, the sources said enough progress had been made to avoid acrimony at a board meeting of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) next Monday. The threat that RBI Governor Urjit Patel would quit, as reported by some newspapers last week, is also thought to be off the table, for now, they said. The uneasy truce is likely to see the RBI ease up on some lending restrictions to help the government stimulate the economy, said the sources. One source said the RBI could agree to tweak restrictions on lending to improve credit flows for smaller companies with a borrowing limit of 250 million rupees ($3.4 million). Neither the RBI nor the finance ministry responded to requests for comment for this article. The prime minister’s office declined to comment. It is unclear how much of a role Prime Minister Narendra Modi played in defusing the tension. Local media reported that Modi met Patel last week in an attempt to sort out the contentious issues but officials in the prime minister`s office and the RBI said they did not know of such a meeting. Modi had appointed Patel as the RBI governor in 2016 for a three-year term that ends in September next year. For weeks, government officials in New Delhi have been pressuring the Mumbai-based RBI to accede to a range of demands, from easing lending curbs to handing over surplus reserves to the government. This prompted RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya to warn late last month that undermining a central bank`s independence could be "catastrophic," bringing the feud into the open. Tensions were expected to come to a head at Monday`s meeting as government representatives on the board appeared to be ready to turn up the heat on Patel and accuse the RBI of being intransigent in the face of government demands. Now, it seems likely there will be a more constructive atmosphere with agreement on some issues, and disputed questions shelved for another day, the sources said. CAN'T AGREE TO EVERYTHING The government is keen to provide more stimulus to the economy heading into next year`s election, especially as the incomes of many farmers have been hit by low crop prices. At the same time, it doesn`t want a bust-up with the central bank, which could badly affect investor sentiment and provide political fodder to the opposition Congress party. "The government understands the regulator will remain a regulator and can`t agree to all demands," said a government official, who declined to be named, referring to the RBI. While the official did not give any details of the solutions being worked out with the RBI, he acknowledged that the government did not want to trigger Patel`s departure at such a sensitive time. There are five key state elections in the next few weeks and a general election due by May. The Congress party has already been harrying the government over allegations of corruption in a military jet deal with France and infighting between the top officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). An RBI board member said that helping to ease tensions was the idea that both sides wanted a healthy economy. It was just a question of how to get there. "The main issue is how to boost credit growth," the member said referring to the credit crunch facing small companies. Economics Affairs Secretary S.C. Garg is expected to make a presentation in the board meeting to outline the concerns of the finance ministry and could bring up the question about the transfer of surplus cash reserves held by the RBI, the sources said. The board member said that an expert panel may be set up to work out the appropriate level of contingency reserves for the RBI, effectively kicking that question down the road. The RBI introduced a so-called corrective action plan in 2014 for 11 state-run banks with bad loan issues and depleted capital. That plan included curbs on risky lending and RBI officials said, as a result, the banks` loan growth fell to zero and had remained there since 2016, from 10 per cent in 2014. According to the RBI board member, the government wants the RBI to ease those curbs and lower capital requirements for the 11. Some improvements in the balance sheets of those lenders might give the RBI leeway to do that, although the RBI would prefer to give the mending process more time, said another official who is aware of discussions within the central bank.

Govt, RBI nearing truce, threat of Urjit Patel resigning off table: Sources

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, a staunch proponent of separate Vidarbha state, has announced his resignation as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as well as from the primary membership of the party.

Speculation is that Deshmukh is joining the Congress, as he is meeting party president Rahul Gandhi in Wardha this evening. Gandhi is in Wardha to attend the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

Deshmukh, who represents Katol constituency in Nagpur district, will meet Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde Wednesday to submit his resignation.

He has accused the BJP government of ignoring the plight of farmers and youths in the country and indulging in "divisive and vote bank politics".

Deshmukh, the son of former president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Ranjeet Deshmukh, has been demanding that Vidarbha be carved out from Maharashtra.

"The situation of farmers and the youth has worsened in the last four years but the government is indulged only in the politics of vote bank for wining elections and dividing the nation," he said.

As the BJP has been ignoring the people of India, I am tendering my resignation as an MLA and a member of the BJP, he added.

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, a staunch proponent of separate Vidarbha state, has announced his resignation as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as well as from the primary membership of the party.

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh, a staunch proponent of separate Vidarbha state, has announced his resignation as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as well as from the primary membership of the party. Speculation is that Deshmukh is joining the Congress, as he is meeting party president Rahul Gandhi in Wardha this evening. Gandhi is in Wardha to attend the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC). Deshmukh, who represents Katol constituency in Nagpur district, will meet Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde Wednesday to submit his resignation. He has accused the BJP government of ignoring the plight of farmers and youths in the country and indulging in "divisive and vote bank politics". Deshmukh, the son of former president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Ranjeet Deshmukh, has been demanding that Vidarbha be carved out from Maharashtra. "The situation of farmers and the youth has worsened in the last four years but the government is indulged only in the politics of vote bank for wining elections and dividing the nation," he said. As the BJP has been ignoring the people of India, I am tendering my resignation as an MLA and a member of the BJP, he added.

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh announces resignation; to meet Rahul

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