The United States has slapped sanctions on six North Korean citizens, one Russian national and a Russia firm for supporting North Korea's ballistic missile program.

US hits North Korea with sanctions after ballistic missile test

In Nicaragua, the country's strong man Daniel Ortega has been sworn in as the president for a fourth consecutive year alongside him, first lady Rosario Murillo has also been sworn in for a second time as the vice president.

EU and United States widen sanctions as Daniel Ortega begins new term

Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky has dismissed allegations that his country pushed migrants towards Poland and Lithuania saying "we did not provoke this crisis". &nbsp;&nbsp;

The migrant crisis at the border between Belarus on one side and Poland and three Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia on the other side has seen influx of thousands of migrants, most from countries like Iraq. The development has further worsened the already troubled ties between Minsk and its western neighbours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Andrei Rzheussky, said, "Belarus as a transit country was on the way to western world...We did not provoke this crisis because people were trying to get better life in western countries". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on to end ‘appalling’ Belarus-Poland border crisis. &nbsp;

The envoy also said "a lot of misunderstanding happened especially with neighbouring countries" due to the "presidential elections..which were not recognised" but "it's a decision of our country and we are trying to convince them that sanctions and coercive measures taken towards Belarus is not right approach". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sanctions have been imposed by the EU on Belarus due to "continued repression of civil society, democratic opposition, independent media outlets and journalists," EU said in a statement earlier this month. The December announcement of sanctions by the EU is the fifth package of sanctions against the country. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;What has happened at the border between your country and countries like Poland and Lithuania. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: There has been a lot of speculation from Poland, Lithuania and other countries. First of all, we did not provoke this crisis, we also suffered from what happened on our border. Lot of people were trying to flee war, economic crisis in their own countries. They were headed to the western countries in the search for a better life. Belarus was just a transit country on the way to western world. Numerous people gathered on the border between Belarus and its neighbouring countries, such as Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. We did our best to help the people when Poland, Lithuania and Latvia pushed them away. We provided temporary shelter to migrants along with food. Truely speaking, the problem is with western countries, primary Poland and Lithuania did not fulfil obligations under refugee convention of 1951 as they did not allow migrants to cross over to their country. So, the crisis happened. We could not convince western countries to full obligations. A lot of things happened on the border. Poland used force in the form of water cannons against the people. Several people, including reporters suffered a lot at the border. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Has this situation occurred in past? Are you in conversation with neighbours to solve this issue? &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: From the beginning, we tried to apprise Poland and Lithuania about the situation. We said that it is necessary to sit on the table and find a solution. But unfortunately, we did not get any reply from these countries. It is not the right kind of approach taken by these countries. Before the middle of this year, there was huge cooperation on borders, a lot of projects were going on with western countries like Poland and Lithuania. There were joint programmes on how to prevent illegal immigration. But unfortunately, this programme was shut down and Belarus alone cannot stop the flow. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How did these migrants end up in Belarus. West has been saying migrants are being pushed by your country because of the sanctions that have been imposed on your government. &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: At this moment, we are trying to convince people to return to home countries, some of them agreed for that. As I know some aircrafts have left for countries like Iraq and Syria. As I know, 600-700 people are in temporary camps on the border raised by our government. They are still thinking whether to stay in Belarus or return to home country. All requests for asylum in Belarus will also be considered in a proper way. But majority of the people would like to go to western countries or stay in Belarus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;So, you dismiss the allegations of weaponisation of migrants? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: This is an absolute lie. Migrants always want to go to the western countries. The flow through to Belarus is quite less compared to through Italy or any other country. The migrant flow has been constant but we managed to control it by making joint efforts along with western countries who participated in this programme. At the moment, programme has stopped and we cannot do anything to stop people. So, the crisis happened. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;In London, one of your diplomats has been attacked. &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: As I know from official information, on December 19, the wall of our embassy building was damaged when two diplomats had arrived. In the incident, a diplomat was seriously injured. The person suffered broken nose. Police have arrested the person, who injured our diplomat. The accused was a member of an immigrants' group. As far as I know, CdA of British Embassy in Minsk was called to foreign ministry and a note of protest was given to him with a request to find out what happened and take proper action against the culprits. A criminal case has been registered and investigation is underway. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;But it seems Belarus and its neighbours are heading towards a difficult situation. How can this be solved? &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: Look, Belarus is a peaceful country and we always conducted ourselves in this way. We have always suggested diplomatic solution for every dispute. It is not our fault as a lot of misunderstanding happened from neighbouring countries. The main reason of this is that results of the presidential elections were not recognised by our neighbouring countries as well as many western nations. But this decision was important for our nation. A result is a result and 80% votes were won by our president and its official. We have been trying to convince them that sanctions and coercive measures taken towards Belarus is not the right approach. Sanctions are a deadlock and will never give any positive result. Western countries have imposed sanctions against Belarus government due to which our people are suffering. It's a reality of life. We are trying to act wisely and not react to sanctions but we cannot ignore everything. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;What is the situation in your country over talks of referendum on the constitution, political prisoners, opposition leaving the country, etc. Is your country moving towards authoritarian rule? &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: If you are talking about constitutional reforms, in February, Belorussian assembly decided that it is necessary to come up with constitutional reforms. Our president has announced it. A special constitutional commission was created. Around 77 articles have been changed along with preamble. Lot of challenges have happened. Two days ago, it was announced. Towards the beginning of this year, project will be published for decision. At the end of February, it will be put up for referendum. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;The West is saying that you are moving towards authoritarianism. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: Look, my advice is to come to Belarus and you will see it with your own eyes if there is freedom or not. We are free, absolute free. We have our own foreign policy, which is independent. Maybe it's against the plans of western countries. Due to our policy by our president, people are moving in direction where we want to go. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Have you briefed India about the border situation? &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: We have sent three press releases to all mediapersons, who were in contact with, think tank including Ministry of external affairs. We briefed in November and December. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How do you see India-Belarus ties? &nbsp;

Andrei Rzheussky: We consider India as a strategic partner in this region. Our government took decision to open additional representation here, CG in Mumbai. The decision was taken in summer. We have almost open our consul general in Mumbai. We are in process of consultations and will open in new year and enhance our activity in India. We have two honorary consular generals, one in Mumbai and other in Kolkata. We have strong relations with India and have a long history since 1947. We have always supported you. We established embassy in 1992 and have good ties at every level. Our president visited India three times--1997, 2007 and 2017 and your President Mukherjee visited Belarus in 2015. Our PM visited India three times. We are working to organise visit of PM Modi to Belarus, something we are trying to do for a couple of years and I hope next year, we will manage to do this. We have projects in mining. In last 3 years, we supplied mining trucks to India. There are huge projects in oil industry. We have helped you to extract more oil from old oil drills. The project was successful. Last project had finished this year. There is cooperation in the field of culture as we gave our premises to shoot an Indian movie Squad that featured on Netflix. We have a huge facility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky has dismissed allegations that his country pushed migrants towards Poland and Lithuania saying "we did not provoke this crisis".

Belarus envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky has dismissed allegations that his country pushed migrants towards Poland and Lithuania saying "we did not provoke this crisis". The migrant crisis at the border between Belarus on one side and Poland and three Baltic countries Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia on the other side has seen influx of thousands of migrants, most from countries like Iraq. The development has further worsened the already troubled ties between Minsk and its western neighbours. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Andrei Rzheussky, said, "Belarus as a transit country was on the way to western world...We did not provoke this crisis because people were trying to get better life in western countries". Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on to end ‘appalling’ Belarus-Poland border crisis. The envoy also said "a lot of misunderstanding happened especially with neighbouring countries" due to the "presidential elections..which were not recognised" but "it's a decision of our country and we are trying to convince them that sanctions and coercive measures taken towards Belarus is not right approach". Sanctions have been imposed by the EU on Belarus due to "continued repression of civil society, democratic opposition, independent media outlets and journalists," EU said in a statement earlier this month. The December announcement of sanctions by the EU is the fifth package of sanctions against the country. Sidhant Sibal: What has happened at the border between your country and countries like Poland and Lithuania. Andrei Rzheussky: There has been a lot of speculation from Poland, Lithuania and other countries. First of all, we did not provoke this crisis, we also suffered from what happened on our border. Lot of people were trying to flee war, economic crisis in their own countries. They were headed to the western countries in the search for a better life. Belarus was just a transit country on the way to western world. Numerous people gathered on the border between Belarus and its neighbouring countries, such as Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. We did our best to help the people when Poland, Lithuania and Latvia pushed them away. We provided temporary shelter to migrants along with food. Truely speaking, the problem is with western countries, primary Poland and Lithuania did not fulfil obligations under refugee convention of 1951 as they did not allow migrants to cross over to their country. So, the crisis happened. We could not convince western countries to full obligations. A lot of things happened on the border. Poland used force in the form of water cannons against the people. Several people, including reporters suffered a lot at the border. Sidhant Sibal: Has this situation occurred in past? Are you in conversation with neighbours to solve this issue? Andrei Rzheussky: From the beginning, we tried to apprise Poland and Lithuania about the situation. We said that it is necessary to sit on the table and find a solution. But unfortunately, we did not get any reply from these countries. It is not the right kind of approach taken by these countries. Before the middle of this year, there was huge cooperation on borders, a lot of projects were going on with western countries like Poland and Lithuania. There were joint programmes on how to prevent illegal immigration. But unfortunately, this programme was shut down and Belarus alone cannot stop the flow. Sidhant Sibal: How did these migrants end up in Belarus. West has been saying migrants are being pushed by your country because of the sanctions that have been imposed on your government. Andrei Rzheussky: At this moment, we are trying to convince people to return to home countries, some of them agreed for that. As I know some aircrafts have left for countries like Iraq and Syria. As I know, 600-700 people are in temporary camps on the border raised by our government. They are still thinking whether to stay in Belarus or return to home country. All requests for asylum in Belarus will also be considered in a proper way. But majority of the people would like to go to western countries or stay in Belarus. Sidhant Sibal: So, you dismiss the allegations of weaponisation of migrants? Andrei Rzheussky: This is an absolute lie. Migrants always want to go to the western countries. The flow through to Belarus is quite less compared to through Italy or any other country. The migrant flow has been constant but we managed to control it by making joint efforts along with western countries who participated in this programme. At the moment, programme has stopped and we cannot do anything to stop people. So, the crisis happened. Sidhant Sibal: In London, one of your diplomats has been attacked. Andrei Rzheussky: As I know from official information, on December 19, the wall of our embassy building was damaged when two diplomats had arrived. In the incident, a diplomat was seriously injured. The person suffered broken nose. Police have arrested the person, who injured our diplomat. The accused was a member of an immigrants' group. As far as I know, CdA of British Embassy in Minsk was called to foreign ministry and a note of protest was given to him with a request to find out what happened and take proper action against the culprits. A criminal case has been registered and investigation is underway. Sidhant Sibal: But it seems Belarus and its neighbours are heading towards a difficult situation. How can this be solved? Andrei Rzheussky: Look, Belarus is a peaceful country and we always conducted ourselves in this way. We have always suggested diplomatic solution for every dispute. It is not our fault as a lot of misunderstanding happened from neighbouring countries. The main reason of this is that results of the presidential elections were not recognised by our neighbouring countries as well as many western nations. But this decision was important for our nation. A result is a result and 80% votes were won by our president and its official. We have been trying to convince them that sanctions and coercive measures taken towards Belarus is not the right approach. Sanctions are a deadlock and will never give any positive result. Western countries have imposed sanctions against Belarus government due to which our people are suffering. It's a reality of life. We are trying to act wisely and not react to sanctions but we cannot ignore everything. Sidhant Sibal: What is the situation in your country over talks of referendum on the constitution, political prisoners, opposition leaving the country, etc. Is your country moving towards authoritarian rule? Andrei Rzheussky: If you are talking about constitutional reforms, in February, Belorussian assembly decided that it is necessary to come up with constitutional reforms. Our president has announced it. A special constitutional commission was created. Around 77 articles have been changed along with preamble. Lot of challenges have happened. Two days ago, it was announced. Towards the beginning of this year, project will be published for decision. At the end of February, it will be put up for referendum. Sidhant Sibal: The West is saying that you are moving towards authoritarianism. Andrei Rzheussky: Look, my advice is to come to Belarus and you will see it with your own eyes if there is freedom or not. We are free, absolute free. We have our own foreign policy, which is independent. Maybe it's against the plans of western countries. Due to our policy by our president, people are moving in direction where we want to go. Sidhant Sibal: Have you briefed India about the border situation? Andrei Rzheussky: We have sent three press releases to all mediapersons, who were in contact with, think tank including Ministry of external affairs. We briefed in November and December. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Belarus ties? Andrei Rzheussky: We consider India as a strategic partner in this region. Our government took decision to open additional representation here, CG in Mumbai. The decision was taken in summer. We have almost open our consul general in Mumbai. We are in process of consultations and will open in new year and enhance our activity in India. We have two honorary consular generals, one in Mumbai and other in Kolkata. We have strong relations with India and have a long history since 1947. We have always supported you. We established embassy in 1992 and have good ties at every level. Our president visited India three times--1997, 2007 and 2017 and your President Mukherjee visited Belarus in 2015. Our PM visited India three times. We are working to organise visit of PM Modi to Belarus, something we are trying to do for a couple of years and I hope next year, we will manage to do this. We have projects in mining. In last 3 years, we supplied mining trucks to India. There are huge projects in oil industry. We have helped you to extract more oil from old oil drills. The project was successful. Last project had finished this year. There is cooperation in the field of culture as we gave our premises to shoot an Indian movie Squad that featured on Netflix. We have a huge facility.

Belarus envoy dismisses allegations of migrants being pushed into EU

In retaliation to US imposing curbs on Chinese officials over the Human Rights issue, China has barred four US officials from entering the Asian nation.

China imposes sanctions on 4 US officials in retaliation after US imposed curbs on Chinese officials

Bangladesh's elite paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion is under the international scanner over alleged political violence under the guise of a war on drugs. The US imposed sanctions on RAB.

The US impose extensive human rights-related sanctions on Bangladesh's paramilitary force RAB

The United States has imposed extensive human rights-related sanctions on Bangladesh's paramilitary force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The sanctions took aim at officials accused of political violence in Bangladesh under the guise of a war on drugs.

Bangladesh's seven RAB officials sanctioned by US

Ukraine was ready for any format of talks with Russia but would like to see a strong western sanctions policy against Moscow to avoid further escalation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated during a summit in Brussels.

Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia but favours sanctions

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs.

The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible</a>

The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region.

"The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said.

The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">Also see |&nbsp;A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a>

“Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-rights-groups-report-on-xinjiang-and-uighur-muslims-366040">Also read |&nbsp;China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims</a>

Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations.

Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region.

The United States on Friday blacklisted a Chinese artificial intelligence start-up and imposed sanctions on two ethnic Uyghur political leaders for human rights violations of Muslims in Xinjian’s Uyghur region. The US Treasury Department in a statement said that China's artificial intelligence company SenseTime, and two ethnic Uyghur political leaders, Shohrat Zakir and Erken Tuniyaz, took part in the sweeping oppression of Uyghurs. The US added that Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime to a list of “Chinese military-industrial complex companies”, accusing it of having developed facial recognition programs that can determine a target's ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs. Also read | Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible The Treasury said SenseTime's facial recognition programs were designed in part to be used in Xinjiang against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, more than one million of who have been incarcerated in prison camps in the region. "The mass detention of Uyghurs is part of an effort by (Chinese) authorities to use detentions and data-driven surveillance to create a police state in the Xinjiang region," the Treasury said. The US sanctions come on the day when the world was observing the International Human Rights Day on Friday. Also see | A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community “Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression.” Also read | China condemns rights group's report on Xinjiang and Uighur Muslims Apart from China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh have also been placed under sanctions for alleged human rights violations. Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies)

US blacklists Chinese firm, sanctions political leaders over human rights violations of Uyghurs

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. &nbsp;

To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811" hreflang="en">Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide'</a>

The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. &nbsp;

Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions

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Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-abortion-providers-to-challenge-texas-law-in-federal-court-435920">US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law</a>

The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." &nbsp;

Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. Also Read: Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide' The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions × Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea. In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." Also Read: US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea

Now in a move that can further worsen the already strained tasks between the United States and China the United States has now interestingly decided to impose human rights-related sanctions on China for its alleged atrocities in the Xinjiang province.

The U.S imposes human rights sanctions

The United States, Canada, and European allies expanded sanctions on Belarus placing restrictions on government officials and entities for human rights abuses and official support for "migrant smuggling."

US, Europe expand sanctions on Belarus over 'migrant smuggling'

The European Union, in co-ordination with the US and Britain, imposed sanctions on Belarus' state-owned airline Belavia on Thursday. The bloc has accused the company of flying in migrants as a tactic in order to destabilise European states. This is a new round of punitive measures against Belarus.

Reuters reported the planned sanctions on November 10 and they were approved last month. They came into effect on Thursday after publication in the EU's official journal. Britain and Canada also imposed new sanctions on Belarus on Thursday.

EU governments blacklisted 17 individuals and 11 entities, targeting judges and top Belarusian officials. Those sanctions are in the form of asset freezes and travel bans.

The sanctions on Belavia mean EU companies can no longer lease planes to the Belarusian airline, EU officials have said. It was not immediately clear if Belavia would have to return the 17 aircraft leased through aircraft companies in Ireland.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-says-nato-military-alliance-needs-to-rethink-stance-towards-belarus-432586">Lithuania says NATO military alliance needs to rethink stance towards Belarus</a>

The decision takes the total number of Belarusian individuals under EU sanctions to 183, along with 26 entities.

The European Union accuses Belarus of flying in migrants, mainly from the Middle East, and pushing them to illegally cross the border with Poland in a "hybrid attack" on the bloc.

Belarus denies fuelling the crisis. Belavia has denied any wrongdoing.

The EU also targeted hotels and travel agents such as Oskartour which have been accused of using their contacts with airlines to help lure in migrants to Belarus.

In the official journal, the EU said President Alexander Lukashenko had agreed with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "on planning the opening of new airline routes for Belavia" to bring in migrants.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union, in co-ordination with the US and Britain, imposed sanctions on Belarus' state-owned airline Belavia on Thursday. The bloc has accused the company of flying in migrants as a tactic in order to destabilise European states.

The European Union, in co-ordination with the US and Britain, imposed sanctions on Belarus' state-owned airline Belavia on Thursday. The bloc has accused the company of flying in migrants as a tactic in order to destabilise European states. This is a new round of punitive measures against Belarus. Reuters reported the planned sanctions on November 10 and they were approved last month. They came into effect on Thursday after publication in the EU's official journal. Britain and Canada also imposed new sanctions on Belarus on Thursday. EU governments blacklisted 17 individuals and 11 entities, targeting judges and top Belarusian officials. Those sanctions are in the form of asset freezes and travel bans. The sanctions on Belavia mean EU companies can no longer lease planes to the Belarusian airline, EU officials have said. It was not immediately clear if Belavia would have to return the 17 aircraft leased through aircraft companies in Ireland. Also Read | Lithuania says NATO military alliance needs to rethink stance towards Belarus The decision takes the total number of Belarusian individuals under EU sanctions to 183, along with 26 entities. The European Union accuses Belarus of flying in migrants, mainly from the Middle East, and pushing them to illegally cross the border with Poland in a "hybrid attack" on the bloc. Belarus denies fuelling the crisis. Belavia has denied any wrongdoing. The EU also targeted hotels and travel agents such as Oskartour which have been accused of using their contacts with airlines to help lure in migrants to Belarus. In the official journal, the EU said President Alexander Lukashenko had agreed with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "on planning the opening of new airline routes for Belavia" to bring in migrants. (With inputs from agencies)

EU imposes fresh sanctions on Belarus

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was postponing planned trade sanctions on Britain so that negotiators from both sides could work on new proposals to defuse their dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights.

France postpones fishing row sanctions, Britain welcomes the decision

Ties between UK and France happen to be at an all-time low as the two nations are fighting over fishing rights in a post-Brexit world.

Fishing Row: France threatens UK with Sanctions

France has warned of possible sanctions against Britain including a ban on seafood imports and disrupting trade amid an escalating row over post-Brexit fishing licences.

France threatens sanctions against UK over fishing licences row

Secretary of State Antony J&nbsp;Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.” This round added to the more than 300 individuals the United States had already placed sanctions on in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to U.S. diplomatic and financial sanctions on the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

While the US&nbsp;government has applied sanctions on nations and leaders around the world accused of human rights abuses and graft, in Latin America, sanctions have become one of the central pillars of US&nbsp;policy to defend democracy and combat corruption. All of these governments and individuals are probably worthy targets of sanctions, but to what end?

Sanctions can be an important diplomatic tool when applied in a calibrated fashion. But they are rarely accompanied by clear measures of their failure or success and criteria for their possible lifting.

The Treasury Department announced months ago that it was reviewing US&nbsp;sanctions’ effects on the well-being of people in the targeted countries. But the review, requested by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, has taken longer than expected and appears to focus on economywide sanctions and not the increasingly common tool of individual sanctions.

One opportunity to reassess and adjust sanctions is occurring in Mexico, as the Venezuelan government negotiates with its democratic opposition. While the Nicolás Maduro regime has said it would not agree to internationally supervised elections until sanctions on the state-owned oil company are lifted, the White House, along with Canada and the European Union, has signaled willingness to loosen some sanctions in exchange for reforms. What those reforms need to be, and which sanctions would be lifted, are not clear.

US&nbsp;sanctions have a long history in Latin America. Cuba is the most obvious example of how sanctions can be piled on, even if they clearly have failed to achieve anything. Originally established in 1962, the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba was codified into law by Congress in 1992 and again in 1996, all with the stated intent of improving human rights and overturning the Communist government. Almost 60 years later, not only does Cuba remain one of the most repressive societies in the world, but in 2018 President Raúl Castro passed the torch to a next generation, with the appointment of the Communist Party apparatchik Miguel Díaz-Canel.

On the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden promised to revisit U.S. policy toward Cuba. But rather than seeking a way to scale back President Donald Trump’s restrictions on travel and remittances to the island, after the Cuban government’s crackdown on mostly peaceful demonstrators in July, the Biden White House imposed its own sanctions on four members of the Cuban government and on the national police. It was another ineffective move, since the existing sanctions had failed to prevent the original crackdown.

Central America has also shown how impotent US&nbsp;economic punishments can be. In response to a crackdown against democratic activists by President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, the Trump and Biden administrations have imposed sanctions on more than 100 public officials, including Mr. Ortega and his wife and the vice president, Rosario Murillo. Despite these punishments and the suspension of US&nbsp;development support, seven of Nicaragua’s potential opposition candidates for the Nov. 7 presidential elections are in jail or under house arrest and over 100 political prisoners remain behind bars.

Before Mr. Blinken’s most recent additions, this year the White House had already placed sanctions against more than 55 Central Americans determined to have engaged in corruption. Beyond the risk of just adding more and more people to the list of reprobates ad infinitum under individual sanctions, the economic repercussions of financials sanctions, according to Tufts professor Daniel Drezner, “are likely to trigger repression, corruption and backsliding on human development indicators.”

Over the past decade Venezuela has become the target of the some of the most stringent US&nbsp;coercive measures, starting with a raft of sanctions against individuals under President Barack Obama’s administration. The Trump administration expanded the sanctions prohibiting transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas companies after the widely questioned 2018 re-election of Mr. Maduro. By 2017 the US&nbsp;government had put sanctions on over 160 Venezuelans for reasons ranging from narcotics trafficking, corruption, ties to terrorists and human rights abuses. The apparent goal in this cascade of sanctions was to topple Mr. Maduro and put his main opponent, Juan Guaidó, in office.

With Mr. Maduro’s government engaged in its fifth attempt at negotiations with the opposition, the Biden administration has the opportunity to demonstrate a new commitment to use sanctions as a carrot rather than a stick — not just for Venezuela, but for the region.

Before the two sides conclude the current negotiations in Mexico, the White House needs to be clear what specific reforms will lead to the lifting of which specific sanctions. The compromise must include Venezuela’s release of 340 or so political prisoners, the delivery of international humanitarian assistance of food and medicines through independent organizations without government interference, and free and fair voting in the Nov. 21 regional and municipal elections. In return, the US&nbsp;government should agree to lift export restrictions on goods and equipment Venezuela needs to process oil, generate electricity and provide diesel for public transport. To minimize the risk that the oil revenue would boost Mr. Maduro’s corrupt state and his cronies, the United States would need to insist that the bulk of the revenue pay for food imports and critical public services to alleviate the suffering of poor Venezuelans.

But beyond any immediate refinement of Venezuelan sanctions, the White House, Congress and experts in the field need to conduct a public bipartisan review of America’s ever-growing sanctions regime to assess the humanitarian impact and evaluate how well the nation’s goals are furthered by such punitive policies, even as Treasury pursues its assessment.

Such an evaluation should establish other diplomatic tools to lay out concrete, realistic steps toward calibrated relief of sanctions (regime change does not count), diplomatic channels to negotiate through third parties, financial incentives through development aid or assurances to private investors to induce change, and coordinating with other sanction-applying entities in these diplomatic efforts.

Slapping sanctions on corrupt, human rights-abusing regimes and individuals may make diplomats and elected officials feel good. But as this becomes an increasingly central part of US&nbsp;policy in Latin America, we need to understand when they aren’t doing their job and be willing to adjust.

Secretary of State Antony J Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.

Secretary of State Antony J Blinken recently announced sanctions against seven public officials in El Salvador and Guatemala, including five Salvadoran Supreme Court justices, putting them on the State Department’s official list of “Undemocratic and Corrupt Actors.” This round added to the more than 300 individuals the United States had already placed sanctions on in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala and to U.S. diplomatic and financial sanctions on the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. While the US government has applied sanctions on nations and leaders around the world accused of human rights abuses and graft, in Latin America, sanctions have become one of the central pillars of US policy to defend democracy and combat corruption. All of these governments and individuals are probably worthy targets of sanctions, but to what end? Sanctions can be an important diplomatic tool when applied in a calibrated fashion. But they are rarely accompanied by clear measures of their failure or success and criteria for their possible lifting. The Treasury Department announced months ago that it was reviewing US sanctions’ effects on the well-being of people in the targeted countries. But the review, requested by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, has taken longer than expected and appears to focus on economywide sanctions and not the increasingly common tool of individual sanctions. One opportunity to reassess and adjust sanctions is occurring in Mexico, as the Venezuelan government negotiates with its democratic opposition. While the Nicolás Maduro regime has said it would not agree to internationally supervised elections until sanctions on the state-owned oil company are lifted, the White House, along with Canada and the European Union, has signaled willingness to loosen some sanctions in exchange for reforms. What those reforms need to be, and which sanctions would be lifted, are not clear. US sanctions have a long history in Latin America. Cuba is the most obvious example of how sanctions can be piled on, even if they clearly have failed to achieve anything. Originally established in 1962, the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba was codified into law by Congress in 1992 and again in 1996, all with the stated intent of improving human rights and overturning the Communist government. Almost 60 years later, not only does Cuba remain one of the most repressive societies in the world, but in 2018 President Raúl Castro passed the torch to a next generation, with the appointment of the Communist Party apparatchik Miguel Díaz-Canel. On the campaign trail in 2020, Joe Biden promised to revisit U.S. policy toward Cuba. But rather than seeking a way to scale back President Donald Trump’s restrictions on travel and remittances to the island, after the Cuban government’s crackdown on mostly peaceful demonstrators in July, the Biden White House imposed its own sanctions on four members of the Cuban government and on the national police. It was another ineffective move, since the existing sanctions had failed to prevent the original crackdown. Central America has also shown how impotent US economic punishments can be. In response to a crackdown against democratic activists by President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, the Trump and Biden administrations have imposed sanctions on more than 100 public officials, including Mr. Ortega and his wife and the vice president, Rosario Murillo. Despite these punishments and the suspension of US development support, seven of Nicaragua’s potential opposition candidates for the Nov. 7 presidential elections are in jail or under house arrest and over 100 political prisoners remain behind bars. Before Mr. Blinken’s most recent additions, this year the White House had already placed sanctions against more than 55 Central Americans determined to have engaged in corruption. Beyond the risk of just adding more and more people to the list of reprobates ad infinitum under individual sanctions, the economic repercussions of financials sanctions, according to Tufts professor Daniel Drezner, “are likely to trigger repression, corruption and backsliding on human development indicators.” Over the past decade Venezuela has become the target of the some of the most stringent US coercive measures, starting with a raft of sanctions against individuals under President Barack Obama’s administration. The Trump administration expanded the sanctions prohibiting transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned oil and gas companies after the widely questioned 2018 re-election of Mr. Maduro. By 2017 the US government had put sanctions on over 160 Venezuelans for reasons ranging from narcotics trafficking, corruption, ties to terrorists and human rights abuses. The apparent goal in this cascade of sanctions was to topple Mr. Maduro and put his main opponent, Juan Guaidó, in office. With Mr. Maduro’s government engaged in its fifth attempt at negotiations with the opposition, the Biden administration has the opportunity to demonstrate a new commitment to use sanctions as a carrot rather than a stick — not just for Venezuela, but for the region. Before the two sides conclude the current negotiations in Mexico, the White House needs to be clear what specific reforms will lead to the lifting of which specific sanctions. The compromise must include Venezuela’s release of 340 or so political prisoners, the delivery of international humanitarian assistance of food and medicines through independent organizations without government interference, and free and fair voting in the Nov. 21 regional and municipal elections. In return, the US government should agree to lift export restrictions on goods and equipment Venezuela needs to process oil, generate electricity and provide diesel for public transport. To minimize the risk that the oil revenue would boost Mr. Maduro’s corrupt state and his cronies, the United States would need to insist that the bulk of the revenue pay for food imports and critical public services to alleviate the suffering of poor Venezuelans. But beyond any immediate refinement of Venezuelan sanctions, the White House, Congress and experts in the field need to conduct a public bipartisan review of America’s ever-growing sanctions regime to assess the humanitarian impact and evaluate how well the nation’s goals are furthered by such punitive policies, even as Treasury pursues its assessment. Such an evaluation should establish other diplomatic tools to lay out concrete, realistic steps toward calibrated relief of sanctions (regime change does not count), diplomatic channels to negotiate through third parties, financial incentives through development aid or assurances to private investors to induce change, and coordinating with other sanction-applying entities in these diplomatic efforts. Slapping sanctions on corrupt, human rights-abusing regimes and individuals may make diplomats and elected officials feel good. But as this becomes an increasingly central part of US policy in Latin America, we need to understand when they aren’t doing their job and be willing to adjust.

The US needs a sanctions policy that works

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions.

Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items.

"Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-afghanistan-will-again-become-a-safe-haven-for-terrorists-imran-khan-at-unga-415729">Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA</a>

She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others.

The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-activist-says-taliban-have-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-women-415507">Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people.

US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-says-executions-will-return-in-afghanistan-41539">Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan</a>

The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions. Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items. "Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement. Also Read | Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others. The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years. Also Read | Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people. US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Also Read | Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services. (With inputs from agencies)

US finds way to provide humanitarian aid to Afghan people despite sanctions

17 out of the Taliban's 33 ministers are sanctioned by the United Nations. Their Interior Minister is one of the most dreaded terrorists in the world. Palki Sharma brings you the key players of the Taliban regime.

Gravitas: The key players in Taliban's cabinet

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

“Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.”

When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems.&nbsp;

“Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said.

The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said.

“Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said.

On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change.

China said on Tuesday that slapping sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan would be harmful, and urged the international community to support the country's opportunities for good change. “Afghanistan is an independent and sovereign country. The United States and its allies should learn from the lessons of history, reflect and act prudently on issues related to Afghanistan,” said Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson. “Imposing sanctions and pressure at every turn cannot solve the problem and will only be counterproductive.” When asked about the G7 leaders' proposal to put further sanctions on the Taliban, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that implementing sanctions and applying pressure will not solve problems. “Afghanistan is an independent sovereign country. The US and its allies should learn from the past experience, and deeply reflect upon and act prudently on Afghanistan-related issues," Wang said. The international community should encourage and work for the positive developments of the Afghan situation, support peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan, and assist the nation to improve people's livelihood and enhance its ability to achieve self-development, he said. “Wantonly slapping sanctions and exerting pressure solves no problem and will only be counterproductive," he said. On Monday, Wang hinted that China would increase financial aid to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, saying that China would play a "positive role" in assisting the war-torn country despite international pressure to halt funding to Kabul until the Afghan militant group changed its hardline religious policies. (With inputs from agencies)

Imposing sanctions on Taliban will be counterproductive: China

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. 
 
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. 
 
Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US&nbsp;forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. 
 
Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." 
 
Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. 
 
"It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. 
 
Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. US President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban at G7 meeting: Sources

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack.

These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions.

The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020.

The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. &nbsp;

Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year.

The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law".

He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning.&nbsp;

"We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny. All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack. These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions. The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020. The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year. The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law". He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning. "We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny poisoning: Seven more Russians sanctioned by UK, US

Two Hong Kongers accused of being part of a group that campaigned for international sanctions against China pleaded guilty under the city's national security law on Thursday in a case that is linked to jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

China imposed the sweeping security law on Hong Kong last year to wipe out dissent after the financial hub was rocked by huge and often violent democracy protests.

More than 130 people, including many of the city's best-known democracy advocates, have since been arrested under the law.

Democracy activist Andy Li, 31, and paralegal Chan Tsz-wah, 30, admitted to a charge of "colluding with foreign forces to endanger China's national security" on Thursday.

Prosecutors said they were part of a group that organised the publishing of adverts and articles in overseas newspapers calling for sanctions against China.

Both were in custody ahead of their plea.

Little has been heard in open court about the case against the duo but they are part of a group of people linked to jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Lai who faces the same national security charge.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-members-break-into-laughter-when-asked-about-democracy-and-female-politicians-406700">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Taliban members break into laughter when asked about democracy and female politicians</a>

Authorities have accused Lai, 73, of running a "criminal syndicate" that lobbied for international sanctions against China over its crackdown in Hong Kong.

At Thursday's hearing, prosecutors read out a summary of the allegations against the two defendants.&nbsp;

In it they accused Lai, and his American aide Mark Simon, of being "masterminds and financial support behind the scene and at the highest level of the syndicate".

Chan allegedly delivered Lai and Simon's instructions to Li.

Simon left Hong Kong last year and has previously described the prosecution against Lai and others as a political witch hunt against Beijing's critics.&nbsp;

Lai's popular newspaper Apple Daily closed down in June after authorities used the security law to freeze its assets over the content of the tabloid's reporting.

Li was one of 12 Hong Kongers who made a failed attempt to flee the city by speedboat for Taiwan last summer.

They were intercepted by the Chinese coast guard and held in detention until their conviction at a closed hearing for illegal border crossing.

The group were eventually returned to Hong Kong custody.

Charges of Li and Chan assisting offenders over the fugitives case have been shelved by the prosecution as the pair pleaded guilty to the collusion offences.&nbsp;

The pair were remanded back into custody following their plea with the next hearing scheduled for January next year.&nbsp;

The case against Lai and his co-accused has yet to come to court.

Two Hong Kongers accused of being part of a group that campaigned for international sanctions against China pleaded guilty under the city's national security law on Thursday in a case that is linked to jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

Two Hong Kongers accused of being part of a group that campaigned for international sanctions against China pleaded guilty under the city's national security law on Thursday in a case that is linked to jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai. China imposed the sweeping security law on Hong Kong last year to wipe out dissent after the financial hub was rocked by huge and often violent democracy protests. More than 130 people, including many of the city's best-known democracy advocates, have since been arrested under the law. Democracy activist Andy Li, 31, and paralegal Chan Tsz-wah, 30, admitted to a charge of "colluding with foreign forces to endanger China's national security" on Thursday. Prosecutors said they were part of a group that organised the publishing of adverts and articles in overseas newspapers calling for sanctions against China. Both were in custody ahead of their plea. Little has been heard in open court about the case against the duo but they are part of a group of people linked to jailed pro-democracy media tycoon Lai who faces the same national security charge. Also read | Watch: Taliban members break into laughter when asked about democracy and female politicians Authorities have accused Lai, 73, of running a "criminal syndicate" that lobbied for international sanctions against China over its crackdown in Hong Kong. At Thursday's hearing, prosecutors read out a summary of the allegations against the two defendants. In it they accused Lai, and his American aide Mark Simon, of being "masterminds and financial support behind the scene and at the highest level of the syndicate". Chan allegedly delivered Lai and Simon's instructions to Li. Simon left Hong Kong last year and has previously described the prosecution against Lai and others as a political witch hunt against Beijing's critics. Lai's popular newspaper Apple Daily closed down in June after authorities used the security law to freeze its assets over the content of the tabloid's reporting. Li was one of 12 Hong Kongers who made a failed attempt to flee the city by speedboat for Taiwan last summer. They were intercepted by the Chinese coast guard and held in detention until their conviction at a closed hearing for illegal border crossing. The group were eventually returned to Hong Kong custody. Charges of Li and Chan assisting offenders over the fugitives case have been shelved by the prosecution as the pair pleaded guilty to the collusion offences. The pair were remanded back into custody following their plea with the next hearing scheduled for January next year. The case against Lai and his co-accused has yet to come to court.

Hong Kongers plead guilty to 'national security' charge over sanction calls

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement.

He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions".

"Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said.

He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country.

Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year.

Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August.

On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus.

Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics.

Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May.

But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement. He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions". "Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said. He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country. Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year. Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August. On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus. Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics. Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May. But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus tells US to cut diplomatic presence after sanctions

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president.

Mohammad Mokhber, who has been long rumoured by local media to be the top pick for the position, has for years headed the foundation known as Setad, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's order.

Mokhber was appointed to the position by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2007.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-new-steps-towards-the-development-of-ties-the-new-iran-president-tells-indias-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-403497">Also read |&nbsp;Will take new steps towards the development of ties, the new Iran President tells India's foreign minister S Jaishankar</a>

This was following a string of official positions at the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

Raisi, himself, won a June 18 election marked by record abstention and took over moderate Hassan Rouhani.

On Thursday, Raisi took the oath of office before parliament, to which he must present a list of ministers within two weeks.

Raisi also picked Gholamhossein Esmaili, the judiciary's spokesman during his tenure, as his chief of staff.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president.

Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday named the chairman of a powerful state-owned foundation sanctioned by the United States as his first vice-president. Mohammad Mokhber, who has been long rumoured by local media to be the top pick for the position, has for years headed the foundation known as Setad, or the Execution of Imam Khomeini's order. Mokhber was appointed to the position by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2007. Also read | Will take new steps towards the development of ties, the new Iran President tells India's foreign minister S Jaishankar This was following a string of official positions at the southwestern province of Khuzestan. Raisi, himself, won a June 18 election marked by record abstention and took over moderate Hassan Rouhani. On Thursday, Raisi took the oath of office before parliament, to which he must present a list of ministers within two weeks. Raisi also picked Gholamhossein Esmaili, the judiciary's spokesman during his tenure, as his chief of staff.

US-sanctioned Mokhber named as first VP by Iran's Raisi

North Korea wants a raft of international sanctions eased – including on imports of luxury items such as high-class liquors and suits – before it will restart denuclearisation talks with the United States.

North Korea says ready to hold talks on denuclearization in exchange of lifting of sanctions

The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega. 
 
The step adds to growing international isolation of Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents and critical media in the Central American country he has dominated since returning to power 15 years ago. 
 
Ortega's government has arrested several political adversaries, including presidential hopefuls, ahead of a November election in which Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of Washington, will run for a fourth consecutive term. 
 
Contenders from five parties on Monday registered with election authorities to enter the race, Nicaraguan media reported. By evening, no candidates had been put forward by the top opposition groups, whose leaders largely remain in detention. 
 
The EU move follows sanctions by the United States on senior officials in Nicaragua and other members of Ortega's family. 
 
The Council of the EU said the sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a travel ban that impedes the eight from entering or transiting through EU territories, brought to 14 the number of Nicaraguans restricted by the bloc. 
 
"The political situation in Nicaragua has further deteriorated in recent months," the Council said in a statement. 
 
"The political use of the judicial system, the exclusion of candidates from the elections and the arbitrary delisting of opposition parties are contrary to basic democratic principles and constitute a serious violation of the rights of the Nicaraguan people." 
 
The Council of the EU said the detention in July of a seventh potential presidential candidate "illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections." 
 
Amnesty International on Monday called for rights violations in Nicaragua to be investigated, warning that Ortega had built a system of impunity likely to hamper fair elections. 
 
"The road to the elections will be plagued by repressive actions implemented to make it impossible for the population to exercise their political rights without fear of reprisals," Amnesty International said in a statement.

The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega.

The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega. The step adds to growing international isolation of Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents and critical media in the Central American country he has dominated since returning to power 15 years ago. Ortega's government has arrested several political adversaries, including presidential hopefuls, ahead of a November election in which Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of Washington, will run for a fourth consecutive term. Contenders from five parties on Monday registered with election authorities to enter the race, Nicaraguan media reported. By evening, no candidates had been put forward by the top opposition groups, whose leaders largely remain in detention. The EU move follows sanctions by the United States on senior officials in Nicaragua and other members of Ortega's family. The Council of the EU said the sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a travel ban that impedes the eight from entering or transiting through EU territories, brought to 14 the number of Nicaraguans restricted by the bloc. "The political situation in Nicaragua has further deteriorated in recent months," the Council said in a statement. "The political use of the judicial system, the exclusion of candidates from the elections and the arbitrary delisting of opposition parties are contrary to basic democratic principles and constitute a serious violation of the rights of the Nicaraguan people." The Council of the EU said the detention in July of a seventh potential presidential candidate "illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections." Amnesty International on Monday called for rights violations in Nicaragua to be investigated, warning that Ortega had built a system of impunity likely to hamper fair elections. "The road to the elections will be plagued by repressive actions implemented to make it impossible for the population to exercise their political rights without fear of reprisals," Amnesty International said in a statement.

EU puts sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans, as presidential race takes shape

The US slapped fresh sanctions Friday on Cuban police for suppressing anti-government demonstrations this month, with President Joe Biden warning additional punitive measures were in store if the communist-ruled nation does not undertake sweeping reforms.

Thousands of Cubans took to the streets earlier in July, shouting "Freedom," "Down with the dictatorship" and "We're hungry" in the biggest protests since the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959.

Hundreds of people were arrested and many face charges of contempt, public disorder, vandalism and propagation of the coronavirus pandemic for marching without face masks.&nbsp;

"There will be more unless there is some drastic change in Cuba, which I don't anticipate," Biden told reporters before hosting a group of Cuban-American leaders at the White House.

Earlier in the day the US Treasury named National Revolutionary Police Director Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Deputy Director Eddy Sierra Arias to its sanctions blacklist,&nbsp;which freezes any property they might have in the United States and bars US transactions with them.

"The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime's involvement in serious human rights abuse," said Andrea Gacki, director of the Treasury's main sanctions unit, the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-rare-protests-cuba-curbs-social-media-access-watchdog-says-397955">Also read | Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says</a>

"Today's action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people's calls for freedom and respect for human rights," Gacki said.

Cuba strenuously rejected the inclusion of the NRP and its directors on "spurious lists" by the United States, tweeted Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.&nbsp;

"These arbitrary measures add to disinformation and aggression to justify the inhumane blockade against Cuba," he wrote, referring to Washington's embargo against Havana that has been in place since 1962.

Shoulder to shoulder

The Treasury said the NRP was the main unit of the Interior Ministry deployed to stifle the demonstrations and was responsible for beating a number of peaceful protesters.

On July 24 a government official said about 60 Cubans had been prosecuted for participating in the demonstrations.

Biden on Friday stood shoulder to shoulder with Cuban American leaders at a White House meeting.

"We hear your voices. We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island," the president said.

Biden has come under fire from Republicans who criticise what they say is his weak stance against Havana.

"Biden's lack of leadership is a disgrace and undermines the cause of freedom in Cuba and around the world," the Republican National Committee said in a statement.

The White House issued a forceful defence&nbsp;of the president, saying Biden has been watching developments on the island closely.

"He's made clear that Cuba is led by a failed and repressive regime, and that communism is a universally failed ideology," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.

On Thursday, the European Union called on Cuba to release people arrested "arbitrarily" during the protests.&nbsp;

"We are very concerned about the repression of these protests, as well as for the arrest of protesters and journalists," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.&nbsp;

The US slapped fresh sanctions Friday on Cuban police for suppressing anti-government demonstrations this month, with President Joe Biden warning additional punitive measures were in store if the communist-ruled nation does not undertake sweeping reforms.

The US slapped fresh sanctions Friday on Cuban police for suppressing anti-government demonstrations this month, with President Joe Biden warning additional punitive measures were in store if the communist-ruled nation does not undertake sweeping reforms. Thousands of Cubans took to the streets earlier in July, shouting "Freedom," "Down with the dictatorship" and "We're hungry" in the biggest protests since the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959. Hundreds of people were arrested and many face charges of contempt, public disorder, vandalism and propagation of the coronavirus pandemic for marching without face masks. "There will be more unless there is some drastic change in Cuba, which I don't anticipate," Biden told reporters before hosting a group of Cuban-American leaders at the White House. Earlier in the day the US Treasury named National Revolutionary Police Director Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Deputy Director Eddy Sierra Arias to its sanctions blacklist, which freezes any property they might have in the United States and bars US transactions with them. "The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime's involvement in serious human rights abuse," said Andrea Gacki, director of the Treasury's main sanctions unit, the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Also read | Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says "Today's action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people's calls for freedom and respect for human rights," Gacki said. Cuba strenuously rejected the inclusion of the NRP and its directors on "spurious lists" by the United States, tweeted Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. "These arbitrary measures add to disinformation and aggression to justify the inhumane blockade against Cuba," he wrote, referring to Washington's embargo against Havana that has been in place since 1962. Shoulder to shoulder The Treasury said the NRP was the main unit of the Interior Ministry deployed to stifle the demonstrations and was responsible for beating a number of peaceful protesters. On July 24 a government official said about 60 Cubans had been prosecuted for participating in the demonstrations. Biden on Friday stood shoulder to shoulder with Cuban American leaders at a White House meeting. "We hear your voices. We hear the cries of freedom coming from the island," the president said. Biden has come under fire from Republicans who criticise what they say is his weak stance against Havana. "Biden's lack of leadership is a disgrace and undermines the cause of freedom in Cuba and around the world," the Republican National Committee said in a statement. The White House issued a forceful defence of the president, saying Biden has been watching developments on the island closely. "He's made clear that Cuba is led by a failed and repressive regime, and that communism is a universally failed ideology," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said. On Thursday, the European Union called on Cuba to release people arrested "arbitrarily" during the protests. "We are very concerned about the repression of these protests, as well as for the arrest of protesters and journalists," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

US sanctions top Cuban police for suppressing protests

The United States imposed sanctions on a Cuban security minister and an interior ministry special forces unit for alleged human rights abuses in a crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this month.

US sanctions Cuban defence minister and interior ministry unit over protest crackdown

The United States imposed sanctions on Cuba's defence minister and a special forces unit for repressing peaceful protests as President Joe Biden warned that this is "just the beginning" of punitive measures against Havana.

The United States imposed sanctions on Cuba's defence minister and a special forces unit for repressing peaceful protests as President Joe Biden warned that this is "just the beginning" of punitive measures against Havana. The US Treasury Department said its Office of Foreign Assets Control froze the assets of minister Alvaro Lopez Miera and the Special National Brigade (SNB) concerning human rights abuses committed during a crackdown on protests on the island earlier in July. "This is just the beginning -- the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people," Biden said in a statement. The sanctions were imposed under the Magnitsky act. This act allows a US president to take action against human rights abuses and corruption. Also read | Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says Biden said that his administration targeted Lopez Miera and the SNB because they were "driving the crackdown". "As we hold the Cuban regime accountable, our support for the Cuban people is unwavering," Biden said. The president also condemned what he termed as the "the mass detentions and sham trials" used to imprison and silence outspoken Cubans. Responding to this, Cuba called the sanctions "slanderous" and said that the US should focus more on repression and police brutality on its own soil. "I reject unfounded and slanderous sanctions by the US government" against the Cubans targeted, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Twitter. "Treasury will continue to enforce its Cuba-related sanctions, including those imposed today, to support the people of Cuba in their quest for democracy and relief from the Cuban regime," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

US sanctions Cuba for repressing protests

Iran President Hassan Rouhani has said that they could enrich uranium's purity up to 90%. However, he did say that the country is still seeking the revival of a 2015 deal that would limit its atomic activities in return for a lifting of sanctions.

Hassan Rouhani: Iran can enrich Uranium's purity up to 90% if needed

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