US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The return of Syria to the Arab League is in the interest of Syria and other countries of the region, he told a told a joint news conference in Abu Dhabi, with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there recently, pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area.&nbsp;

Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit.&nbsp;

Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate".&nbsp;

"My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said.&nbsp;

The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on September 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran.&nbsp;

Their so-called 'Abraham Accords', joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined.&nbsp;

Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war.&nbsp;

The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday.

US sanctions imposed on the government of President Bashar al-Assad, known as the Ceasar Act, is complicating the return of Syria to the Arab fold, the UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed said on Tuesday. The return of Syria to the Arab League is in the interest of Syria and other countries of the region, he told a told a joint news conference in Abu Dhabi, with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Meanwhile, the first United Arab Emirates ambassador to Israel arrived there recently, pledging to build up new bilateral relations and officials said he would scout for an embassy location in the Tel Aviv area. Mohamed Al Khaja, former chief of staff to the UAE foreign minister, was due to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the start of a three-day visit. Meeting Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, Al Khaja, 40, said he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador" to Israel, where, he said, he and his hosts were discussing "the model of how we operate". "My mission here is to foster and develop this relationship...and we hope this will bring peace and prosperity to the people in the Middle East," he said. The UAE and Israel formalised ties in a Washington ceremony on September 15, brought together by shared concern about Iran. Their so-called 'Abraham Accords', joined by Bahrain, have uncorked tourism and commerce between Israel and Gulf Arab countries. Palestinians have been critical of the rapprochement, worried that their own unmet statehood goal might be sidelined. Israel opened an embassy in Abu Dhabi in January. Israel considers Jerusalem its capital but this is not widely recognised abroad. The Palestinians want their own capital in the east of the city, which Israel captured in a 1967 war. The UAE would follow Jordan and Egypt in setting up an embassy in or near coastal metropolis Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE minister: US sanctions complicate Syria's return to Arab fold 

The US and the European Union announced coordinated sanctions on Russia for the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and urged his release from prison.

US, EU imposes sanctions on Russia over Alexei Navalny attack

The US and the European Union have imposed new sanctions on 7 senior Russian officials for the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and urged his release from prison.

7 senior Russian officials blacklisted by US, EU over Navalny attack

With changed realities after the military coup, the economy of Myanmar may suffer a sharp slump. The coup has choked access to markets and raw materials. Another round of global isolation awaits Myanmar?

Economic slump in Myanmar after the coup

A big blow to Russia and EU relations, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Moscow is now ready to serve ties with the European Union if the block hits Russia with painful economic sanctions.

Russia slams possible EU sanctions

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. &nbsp;

"Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. &nbsp;

"Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. &nbsp;

“We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." &nbsp;

Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. &nbsp;

US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. &nbsp;

Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. &nbsp;

President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. &nbsp;

The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators. &nbsp;

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday.

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. "Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. "Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. “We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators.

Dump Russian missile system, US tells Turkey again

It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government.

The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey. The official answer is that Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system.

Turkey is a NATO member and this defence collaboration is unacceptable to America but like always there is more to the story.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife arrived in Turkey on November 16 for a brief visit. The purpose of this visit is not revealed and no official meetings have taken place. Pompeo has not made any official statement either.

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The tensions are evident and the unusual nature of his visit raises eyebrows.

Mr. State Secretary does not say a word and he leaves for Washington without meeting any Turkish official. Its been nearly a month since this fraught visit and the US State Department has taken one of its biggest steps in recent history vis a vis Ankara.

It has approved rare sanctions against Turkey focused on the country's military procurement agency. With this decision, the US has banned all export licenses and loan credits to Turkey's Presidency of defence industries and its head Ismail Demir.

The sanctions have been approved under a 2017 law known as CAATSA (countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). This act has been haunting Turkish-US relations for the last three years. It is now set to erode whatever little was left of the bilateral ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-350027">WATCH|</a>

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The Turkish President is mighty upset. "It is upsetting that the sanctions rhetoric against our country in the united states and the European Union has increased and the processes have mobilised. In fact, turkey expects the EU not to sanction it, but rather realise its promise of full membership that it has not done so for years," said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 
&nbsp; 
The Russian foreign minister is calling it American arrogance. "As far as us sanctions against turkey are concerned…it's yet more evidence of the arrogant attitude (of US) toward international law, and a manifestation of the illegitimate," said Sergey Lavrov.

Unilateral and coercive measures that the US has practised for many decades now all over the world.

In 2019, Turkey — one of America's NATO allies — took delivery of the 2.5 billion dollar S-400 missile system from Russia. It defied warnings that such a deal was incompatible with NATO policies and it defied requests that the deal would let Russia improve its targeting of western planes.

Erdogan declared that Turkey was not a tribal state. "We took steps, we paid, but you did not give us our f35s, and you won't give them. And you have threatened us. You told us to send the S-400s back to Russia. But we are not a tribal state, we are turkey. Turkey!," he said.

He has now changed his tone. Erdogan says he expects America to support its purchase for the prosperity of the region. "From our NATO ally the United States, we expect to support in our battle against terrorist organisations and forces that have plans for our region, not sanctions. We are never a country that chases after conflict or tensions with its neighbours or any other. We are fighting for the prosperity of our entire region and the world."

Trump once declared himself a "big fan" of Erdogan but a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then and acrimonious letters exchanged.

Like this one, where Trump tells Erdogan to not be a fool and that he doesn't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy.

It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government. The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey.

It's nearly 46 days left before Donald Trump leaves office and his administration has finally made good on months of threats to punish the Turkish government. The United States has finally imposed sanctions on Turkey. The official answer is that Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system. Turkey is a NATO member and this defence collaboration is unacceptable to America but like always there is more to the story. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife arrived in Turkey on November 16 for a brief visit. The purpose of this visit is not revealed and no official meetings have taken place. Pompeo has not made any official statement either. × The tensions are evident and the unusual nature of his visit raises eyebrows. Mr. State Secretary does not say a word and he leaves for Washington without meeting any Turkish official. Its been nearly a month since this fraught visit and the US State Department has taken one of its biggest steps in recent history vis a vis Ankara. It has approved rare sanctions against Turkey focused on the country's military procurement agency. With this decision, the US has banned all export licenses and loan credits to Turkey's Presidency of defence industries and its head Ismail Demir. The sanctions have been approved under a 2017 law known as CAATSA (countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). This act has been haunting Turkish-US relations for the last three years. It is now set to erode whatever little was left of the bilateral ties. WATCH| × The Turkish President is mighty upset. "It is upsetting that the sanctions rhetoric against our country in the united states and the European Union has increased and the processes have mobilised. In fact, turkey expects the EU not to sanction it, but rather realise its promise of full membership that it has not done so for years," said Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Russian foreign minister is calling it American arrogance. "As far as us sanctions against turkey are concerned…it's yet more evidence of the arrogant attitude (of US) toward international law, and a manifestation of the illegitimate," said Sergey Lavrov. Unilateral and coercive measures that the US has practised for many decades now all over the world. In 2019, Turkey — one of America's NATO allies — took delivery of the 2.5 billion dollar S-400 missile system from Russia. It defied warnings that such a deal was incompatible with NATO policies and it defied requests that the deal would let Russia improve its targeting of western planes. Erdogan declared that Turkey was not a tribal state. "We took steps, we paid, but you did not give us our f35s, and you won't give them. And you have threatened us. You told us to send the S-400s back to Russia. But we are not a tribal state, we are turkey. Turkey!," he said. He has now changed his tone. Erdogan says he expects America to support its purchase for the prosperity of the region. "From our NATO ally the United States, we expect to support in our battle against terrorist organisations and forces that have plans for our region, not sanctions. We are never a country that chases after conflict or tensions with its neighbours or any other. We are fighting for the prosperity of our entire region and the world." Trump once declared himself a "big fan" of Erdogan but a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then and acrimonious letters exchanged. Like this one, where Trump tells Erdogan to not be a fool and that he doesn't want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy.

US imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 missiles

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country would not “bow down to threats and blackmail" in his disputes with Greece. This comes as European Union foreign ministers meet in Brussels to discuss the issue of sanctions over the dispute.

Prez Erdogan says, Turkey will not bow to threats

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas. Iraq buys gas and electricity from Iran to supply a third of its power sector. US has blacklisted Iran's energy industry in late 2018 but has granted Baghdad a series of temporary waivers in hopes that Iraq would wean itself off Iranian energy and partners with US firms.

The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad.

In May, Washington granted Iraq a four-month extension as a gesture of goodwill towards Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who had just formed a cabinet seen as US-friendly.

But when it renewed the waiver in late September, the Trump administration gave Iraq just 60 days.

This time, it went even shorter: 45 days, a top Iraqi official told AFP, expiring around a week before Trump is set to hand over the White House to President-elect Joe Biden.&nbsp;

"They (the Trump administration) wanted a last opportunity to have a say," an official said.

The shorter waiver comes amid concern by Iraqi and Western officials that Trump could use his final days in office to strike at Iran and its allies in Iraq.

The State Department is drawing up plans for a possible closure of the American embassy in Baghdad, which has been targeted by dozens of rocket attacks in the last year.

And two Iraqi officials have said they expect a "bucket list of sanctions" against Iranian interests in Iraq ahead of the White House handover.

(With AFP inputs)

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas.

USA has granted Iraq a 45-day sanctions waiver that will expire days before US President Donald Trump's term ends. The waiver will allow Iraq to import Iranian gas. Iraq buys gas and electricity from Iran to supply a third of its power sector. US has blacklisted Iran's energy industry in late 2018 but has granted Baghdad a series of temporary waivers in hopes that Iraq would wean itself off Iranian energy and partners with US firms. The lengths of the exemptions have become a key tool in US policy towards Iraq, demonstrating the level of satisfaction or frustration with Baghdad. In May, Washington granted Iraq a four-month extension as a gesture of goodwill towards Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who had just formed a cabinet seen as US-friendly. But when it renewed the waiver in late September, the Trump administration gave Iraq just 60 days. This time, it went even shorter: 45 days, a top Iraqi official told AFP, expiring around a week before Trump is set to hand over the White House to President-elect Joe Biden. "They (the Trump administration) wanted a last opportunity to have a say," an official said. The shorter waiver comes amid concern by Iraqi and Western officials that Trump could use his final days in office to strike at Iran and its allies in Iraq. The State Department is drawing up plans for a possible closure of the American embassy in Baghdad, which has been targeted by dozens of rocket attacks in the last year. And two Iraqi officials have said they expect a "bucket list of sanctions" against Iranian interests in Iraq ahead of the White House handover. (With AFP inputs)

US extends Iraq sanction waiver, to end days before Biden inauguration

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago.

The sanctions announcement was reportedly timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Sources said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of US penalties imposed on Iran by President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on November 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police.

Iran's Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families.

Trump two years ago abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and has since restored harsh US economic sanctions designed to force Tehran into a wider negotiation on curbing its nuclear programme, development of ballistic missiles and support for regional proxy forces.&nbsp;

Several sources played down a media report that the Trump administration planned a flood of sanctions before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. Biden, who was Obama's vice president, defeated Trump in last week's US election.

Biden has previously said he will return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other sanctions, if the Iranian government resumes compliance.

Two weeks ago, the US Treasury slapped counterterrorism sanctions on key players in Iran’s oil sector for supporting the Quds Force, the elite paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

(with inputs)

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago.

The United States is planning to impose sanctions as early as next week on Iranians involved in a violent crackdown against anti-government demonstrations in Tehran a year ago. The sanctions announcement was reportedly timed to the one-year anniversary of what may have been the bloodiest repression of protesters in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Sources said the sanctions have been in the works for months and are the latest in a long series of US penalties imposed on Iran by President Donald Trump. According to Reuters, about 1,500 people were killed during less than two weeks of unrest that started on November 15, 2019. The toll included at least 17 teenagers and about 400 women as well as members of the Iranian security forces and police. Iran's Interior Ministry has said around 225 people were killed during the protests, which erupted after state media announced that gas prices would rise by as much as 200% and the revenue would be used to help needy families. Trump two years ago abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and has since restored harsh US economic sanctions designed to force Tehran into a wider negotiation on curbing its nuclear programme, development of ballistic missiles and support for regional proxy forces. Several sources played down a media report that the Trump administration planned a flood of sanctions before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. Biden, who was Obama's vice president, defeated Trump in last week's US election. Biden has previously said he will return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other sanctions, if the Iranian government resumes compliance. Two weeks ago, the US Treasury slapped counterterrorism sanctions on key players in Iran’s oil sector for supporting the Quds Force, the elite paramilitary arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (with inputs)

US to impose sanctions on Iranians for violence against protesters

Iran on Sunday said that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has cancelled television broadcasting rights of the regional champions' league to the Islamic republic due to US sanctions.

Iran on Sunday said that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has cancelled television broadcasting rights of the regional champions' league to the Islamic republic due to US sanctions. Also read: 'The only regret I have...' - Neymar alleges racism after Alvaro Gonzalez bust-up in PSG vs Marseille According to Iran's football federation, the AFC had written to it cancelling the contract "due to international sanctions." The AFC "also cannot provide the live signal for the group stage of the Asian Champions' League," Iran's official body said. As a form of protest, Iran has written to the AFC. Iran has "sent its representatives to the Asian Champions' League and therefore expects the AFC to prepare the necessary framework for live broadcast of the matches ... so that millions of fans in Iran can watch," the federation said. The United States imposed harsh unilateral sanctions after withdrawing from a landmark nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018. These sanctions were to target key oil and banking sectors. The AFC has not yet officially commented on the matter. Also read: Salah hat-trick saves Liverpool, Arsenal cruise as Premier League returns Asia's club tournament was put on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tournament will resume on Monday in Qatar. Four Iranian clubs, including Persepolis, Esteghlal, Shahr Khodro and Sepahan, represent Iran in the tournament. Shahr Khodro is set to play the United Arab Emirates-based Al Ahli later Monday. Esteghlal was also scheduled to play the UAE's Al Wahda. However, the Emirati side said they cannot travel after a number of their club members tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. (Inputs from AFP)

Iran says AFC tournament TV rights cut due to 'international sanctions'

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-arrested-for-seditious-words-before-rally-325503" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist arrested for 'seditious words' before rally</a>

Russian opposition leader Navalny fell ill on a flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin.

Germany said last week there was "unequivocal evidence" that President Vladimir Putin's top foe had been poisoned using Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok.

"If in the coming days Russia does not help clarify what happened, we will be compelled to discuss a response with our allies," Heiko Maas told German daily Bild.

Any sanctions decided should be "targeted", he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-orders-thousands-to-help-typhoon-recovery-325504" hreflang="en">North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders thousands to help typhoon recovery</a>

Western leaders and many Russians have expressed horror at what Navalny's allies say is the first known use of chemical weapons against a high-profile opposition leader on Russian soil.

The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Germany is yet to share any findings with Moscow's prosecutors.

Maas on Sunday said there were "several indications" that Russia was behind the poisoning, in the strongest accusations yet from Germany.

"The deadly substance with which Navalny was poisoned has in the past been found in the hands of Russian authorities.

"Only a small number of people have access to Novichok and this poison was used by Russian secret services in the attack against former agent Sergei Skripal," he said, referring to the 2018 attack in the English city of Salisbury.

On the subject of which sanctions could be discussed by the EU, Maas didn't rule out action relating to the disputed Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The controversial 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) project is meant to deliver Russian gas to Europe, but has been strongly contested by the United States.

"I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," he said, adding that the consequences of any potential cancellation of the project would also need to be weighed, and that the debate on sanctions should not be "reduced" to one point.

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday.

Germany, the current head of the European Union, will discuss possible sanctions on Russia over the poisoning of Alexei Navalny if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon, its foreign minister said Sunday. Also read: Hong Kong activist arrested for 'seditious words' before rally Russian opposition leader Navalny fell ill on a flight last month and was treated in a Siberian hospital before being evacuated to Berlin. Germany said last week there was "unequivocal evidence" that President Vladimir Putin's top foe had been poisoned using Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. "If in the coming days Russia does not help clarify what happened, we will be compelled to discuss a response with our allies," Heiko Maas told German daily Bild. Any sanctions decided should be "targeted", he added. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders thousands to help typhoon recovery Western leaders and many Russians have expressed horror at what Navalny's allies say is the first known use of chemical weapons against a high-profile opposition leader on Russian soil. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Germany is yet to share any findings with Moscow's prosecutors. Maas on Sunday said there were "several indications" that Russia was behind the poisoning, in the strongest accusations yet from Germany. "The deadly substance with which Navalny was poisoned has in the past been found in the hands of Russian authorities. "Only a small number of people have access to Novichok and this poison was used by Russian secret services in the attack against former agent Sergei Skripal," he said, referring to the 2018 attack in the English city of Salisbury. On the subject of which sanctions could be discussed by the EU, Maas didn't rule out action relating to the disputed Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The controversial 10-billion-euro ($11-billion) project is meant to deliver Russian gas to Europe, but has been strongly contested by the United States. "I hope... that the Russians do not force us to change our position on Nord Stream," he said, adding that the consequences of any potential cancellation of the project would also need to be weighed, and that the debate on sanctions should not be "reduced" to one point.

German foreign minister threatens sanctions over Navalny poisoning

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city.

The measure also includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone found to be backing any crackdown on the territory’s autonomy, potentially cutting them off from American counterparts and limiting access to US dollar transactions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-guilty-of-forced-labour-under-horrendous-conditions-on-bri-project-us-report-308661">Also read|&nbsp;China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report</a>

The “Hong Kong Autonomy Act” passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy.

The Hong Kong sanctions bill almost passed last week, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Republican Senator Kevin Cramer - who had co-sponsored it - at the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections.

The delay underscored the complications of passing legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal and the two powers grapple for international influence and clash over human rights.

US-China relations have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States.

China’s security legislation prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special economic treatment that has allowed Hong Kong to remain a global financial center.

China hawks in Congress have pushing for a strong US reaction to any clampdown in Hong Kong.

“This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijing’s hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city,” said Republican Senator Josh Hawley.

The Senate also passed a resolution, introduced by Hawley, condemning the proposed security law.

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city.

The US Senate passed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on people or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong’s autonomy, pushing back against Beijing’s new security law for the city. The measure also includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone found to be backing any crackdown on the territory’s autonomy, potentially cutting them off from American counterparts and limiting access to US dollar transactions. Also read| China guilty of forced labour under 'horrendous conditions' on BRI project: US Report The “Hong Kong Autonomy Act” passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The Hong Kong sanctions bill almost passed last week, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Republican Senator Kevin Cramer - who had co-sponsored it - at the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections. The delay underscored the complications of passing legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal and the two powers grapple for international influence and clash over human rights. US-China relations have worsened since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States. China’s security legislation prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special economic treatment that has allowed Hong Kong to remain a global financial center. China hawks in Congress have pushing for a strong US reaction to any clampdown in Hong Kong. “This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijing’s hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city,” said Republican Senator Josh Hawley. The Senate also passed a resolution, introduced by Hawley, condemning the proposed security law.

US Senate backs bill to punish China over Hong Kong autonomy

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, with Brent gaining for a seventh straight day after a slowing of new coronavirus cases in China eased demand worries and supply was curtailed by a US move to cut more Venezuelan crude from the market.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, with Brent gaining for a seventh straight day after a slowing of new coronavirus cases in China eased demand worries and supply was curtailed by a US move to cut more Venezuelan crude from the market. Brent crude was up by 75 cents at $58.50 a barrel by 1003 GMT, while US oil was up 66 cents at $52.71 a barrel. China, the world's second-largest economy, has imposed city lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain a virus that has now killed more than 2,000 people, stoking concern over an economic slowdown and a hit to oil demand. Also Read: Oil prices fall on oversupply worries as virus hits China demand "Those in doubt of the economic impact from the virus should take heed from Apple's surprise sales warning ... Put simply, this is the surest sign yet of the coronavirus fallout on the global economy," said PVM analysts in a note. S&P Global Ratings said it expected coronavirus would deliver a "short-term blow" to economic growth in China in the first quarter, echoing findings by the International Energy Agency. Official data showed new cases in China fell for a second straight day, although the World Health Organisation has cautioned there is not enough data to know if the epidemic is being contained. Brent has risen nearly 10 per cent since falling last week to its lowest this year. The market structure is also showing signs of prompt demand for oil picking up, as the front-month Brent futures market is moving deeper back into backwardation when near-term prices are higher than later-dated prices. Also Read: China virus could hit oil prices by $3 per barrel: Goldman This week, oil prices were also buoyed by a US decision to blacklist a trading subsidiary of Russia's Rosneft which President Donald Trump's administration said provided a financial lifeline to Venezuela's government. The grouping, known as OPEC+, has been withholding supply to support prices and meets next month to decide a response to the downturn in demand resulting from the coronavirus epidemic. But in the United States, which is not party to any supply cut agreements, crude oil production has been rising as shale output grows. US shale production is expected to rise to a record 9.2 million barrels a day next month, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Oil up on slowing pace of coronavirus, Venezuela sanctions

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tibetans-retain-power-of-truth-china-exercises-power-of-guns-dalai-lama-270151">Tibet</a>, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tibetan-government-passes-resolution-on-reincarnation-of-dalai-lama-254071">Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama</a>.

The bill, Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019, states that if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-increased-influence-in-nepal-led-to-ban-on-dalai-lama-birthday-celebration-us-envoy-257843">Chinese officials</a> interfere in the process of recognizing a successor or reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, they will be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act.

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Introduced by Congressman James P McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bill passed with an overwhelming vote of 392-22, reported CNN.

Stating that the US is sending a 'clear signal' to China, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "We are sending Beijing a clear signal that they will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet's religious and cultural affairs. We are making clear that Chinese officials who meddle in the process of recognizing a new Dalai Lama will be subject to targeted sanctions, including those in the Global Magnitsky Act."

"I rise in support of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2019: strong, bipartisan and urgently-needed legislation to strengthen America's commitment to the Tibetan people and their right to safeguard their distinct identity," she added.

Further, she added that this legislation deploys America's diplomatic weight to encourage a genuine dialogue between Tibetan leaders and Beijing.

"It is unacceptable that the Chinese government still refuses to enter into a dialogue with Tibetan leaders," she added.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in Tibet, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill strengthening Washington's support for human rights and environmental protection in Tibet, and advocating sanctions against China if it interferes in the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The bill, Tibet Policy Support Act of 2019, states that if Chinese officials interfere in the process of recognizing a successor or reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, they will be subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act. Also Read: Dalai Lama: A monk in the middle of two rival nations Introduced by Congressman James P McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the bill passed with an overwhelming vote of 392-22, reported CNN. Stating that the US is sending a 'clear signal' to China, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "We are sending Beijing a clear signal that they will be held accountable for interfering in Tibet's religious and cultural affairs. We are making clear that Chinese officials who meddle in the process of recognizing a new Dalai Lama will be subject to targeted sanctions, including those in the Global Magnitsky Act." "I rise in support of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2019: strong, bipartisan and urgently-needed legislation to strengthen America's commitment to the Tibetan people and their right to safeguard their distinct identity," she added. Further, she added that this legislation deploys America's diplomatic weight to encourage a genuine dialogue between Tibetan leaders and Beijing. "It is unacceptable that the Chinese government still refuses to enter into a dialogue with Tibetan leaders," she added.

US House passes bill to support Tibet, warns sanctions on Chinese officials for interfering in Dalai Lama's succession

China touted its proposal offering sanctions relief to North Korea as the best option to defuse tensions, calling on Thursday for a compromise in the standoff between Washington and Pyongyang over the latter's nuclear and missiles programmes.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-make-un-proposal-to-ease-sanctions-against-nuclear-armed-north-korea-268814">proposal</a>, made jointly with Russia on Monday, calls on the UN&nbsp;Security Council to lift some sanctions on exports and foreign workers to "break the deadlock" in the stalled talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

"This is the best plan in the current situation to resolve the stalemate in the denuclearisation of North Korea and for its peace and stability," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui told reporters, adding that a political solution is still achievable despite a recent rise in tensions.

The comments come as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-led-pressure-fractures-as-china-russia-push-for-north-korea-sanctions-relief-268659">US</a>&nbsp;special envoy for North Korea <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-biegun-to-north-korea-were-here-you-know-how-to-reach-us-268526">Stephen Biegun</a> is set to arrive in the Chinese capital on Thursday for talks.

The US&nbsp;holds veto power in the 15-member council and remains opposed to any sanctions relief, however, making the China-Russia resolution unlikely to go through.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-considering-north-korea-envoy-as-next-ambassador-to-russia-report-242587">Biegun</a>'s public call to Pyongyang for renewed dialogue during a visit to South Korea earlier this week went unanswered, underscoring the reclusive state's discontent at a lack of concessions for its decision to halt nuclear tests and long-range missile launches.

Pyongyang has conducted a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-conducts-another-crucial-test-at-satellite-launch-site-report-268259">weapons tests</a> and waged a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">war of words</a> with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in recent weeks, stoking fears the two countries could return to a collision course.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Trump met for the first time in Singapore in June 2018 and have met twice more since, but scant progress toward denuclearisation has been made and Kim has given Trump until the end of this year to show flexibility.

North Korea's UN&nbsp;envoy declared this month that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denuclearisation-off-negotiating-table-with-us-north-koreas-un-envoy-266892">denuclearisation was off the table</a>, and some analysts say Pyongyang could soon conduct a test for a major strategic weapon such as an intercontinental ballistic missile.

"We hope that the concerned parties will practice restraint and meet each other halfway, and work through dialogue to realize positive interactions and quickly find a meeting point to find a resolution," Luo said.

China touted its proposal offering sanctions relief to North Korea as the best option to defuse tensions, calling on Thursday for a compromise in the standoff between Washington and Pyongyang over the latter's nuclear and missiles programmes.

China touted its proposal offering sanctions relief to North Korea as the best option to defuse tensions, calling on Thursday for a compromise in the standoff between Washington and Pyongyang over the latter's nuclear and missiles programmes. The proposal, made jointly with Russia on Monday, calls on the UN Security Council to lift some sanctions on exports and foreign workers to "break the deadlock" in the stalled talks between Pyongyang and Washington. "This is the best plan in the current situation to resolve the stalemate in the denuclearisation of North Korea and for its peace and stability," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui told reporters, adding that a political solution is still achievable despite a recent rise in tensions. The comments come as the US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun is set to arrive in the Chinese capital on Thursday for talks. The US holds veto power in the 15-member council and remains opposed to any sanctions relief, however, making the China-Russia resolution unlikely to go through. Biegun's public call to Pyongyang for renewed dialogue during a visit to South Korea earlier this week went unanswered, underscoring the reclusive state's discontent at a lack of concessions for its decision to halt nuclear tests and long-range missile launches. Pyongyang has conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with US President Donald Trump in recent weeks, stoking fears the two countries could return to a collision course. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Trump met for the first time in Singapore in June 2018 and have met twice more since, but scant progress toward denuclearisation has been made and Kim has given Trump until the end of this year to show flexibility. North Korea's UN envoy declared this month that denuclearisation was off the table, and some analysts say Pyongyang could soon conduct a test for a major strategic weapon such as an intercontinental ballistic missile. "We hope that the concerned parties will practice restraint and meet each other halfway, and work through dialogue to realize positive interactions and quickly find a meeting point to find a resolution," Luo said.

China says North Korean sanctions relief is best plan with US envoy set to arrive

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/will-bypass-us-sanctions-or-overcome-them-through-negotiations-irans-rouhani-267706">free prisoners</a> but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year.

"I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters.

Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody.&nbsp;

"I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said.

Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions.

"As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said.

In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri.

The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia.

The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Iran's Mahan Air</a>, which is already under US sanctions.

The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad.

President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday he hoped for further dialogue with Iran to free prisoners but announced new sanctions as he vowed no let-up in pressure. Iran has also voiced a willingness for more prisoner swaps after the exchange Saturday of Xiyue Wang, a US scholar detained since 2016, for Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since last year. "I do hope that the exchange that took place will lead to a broader discussion on consular affairs. We still have Americans held in Iran -- too many, for sure." Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo said the United States will "follow every even tiny opening" to free the at least handful of Americans known to be in Iranian custody. "I hope it portends well for this. We have had some indication that may be the case, but I don't want to overstate that and I don't want to give false optimism about that pathway," Pompeo said. Pompeo, however, said the United States would not deviate from its campaign of trying to strangle Iran's economy through sanctions. "As long as its malign behavior continues, so will our campaign of maximum pressure," Pompeo said. In the latest measures, the Treasury Department slapped sanctions on shipping networks owned by Iranian businessman Abdolhossein Khedri. The Treasury Department said the companies have been used by the elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force to send weapons to Yemen's Huthi rebels, who are battling US ally Saudi Arabia. The Treasury Department also designated sales offices in Hong Kong and Dubai for Iran's Mahan Air, which is already under US sanctions. The United States says that the airline has assisted the clerical regime by flying fighters and supplies to war-ravaged Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad. President Donald Trump, who has close relations with Iran's rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, last year pulled out of a multinational deal on Tehran's nuclear program and imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at curbing the clerical regime's regional influence.

US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran, still hopeful for prisoner talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foiled-very-big-foreign-cyber-attack-iran-267687">Iran's</a> President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations.&nbsp;

He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US.

"The government is determined to defeat (the enemy) by bypassing America's sanctions...or through various means including talks, but we will not cross our red lines," Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

Ever since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Nuclear Deal, tensions have soared between the two countries. The sanctions put forward by the US have slowed down Iran's oil-based economy.

Watch: Iran unveils a 'resistance' budget

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unveils-a-resistance-budget-267298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-more-united-states-prisoner-swaps-iran-267212">a gesture of cooperation</a>, both the US and Iran recently freed a prisoner each.

After the release, US officials claimed that this could set a precedent for more prisoner swaps between the two countries in the future. Additionally, the US statement added that it was a positive sign and signified that Tehran was willing to discuss more issues.

Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who was held in Iran for three years on charges of spying was released. The US, similarly, released Massoud Soleimani, who was facing charges of trespassing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-budget-of-resistance-against-us-sanctions-266922">US sanctions</a> against Iran.

Iran on Monday claimed that there are 20 Iranians in American prisons, with cases linked to sanction violations.&nbsp;

According to Iran, talks between the two countries are possible only if Trump administration reverses its stance on the nuclear pact followed by dismissal of sanctions.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations. He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani today said that they will either bypass United States sanctions or find a solution through deliberations. He added that his country intends not to ring any alarm bells with the US. "The government is determined to defeat (the enemy) by bypassing America's sanctions...or through various means including talks, but we will not cross our red lines," Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Rouhani as saying. Ever since US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Nuclear Deal, tensions have soared between the two countries. The sanctions put forward by the US have slowed down Iran's oil-based economy. Watch: Iran unveils a 'resistance' budget On Saturday, as a gesture of cooperation, both the US and Iran recently freed a prisoner each. After the release, US officials claimed that this could set a precedent for more prisoner swaps between the two countries in the future. Additionally, the US statement added that it was a positive sign and signified that Tehran was willing to discuss more issues. Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who was held in Iran for three years on charges of spying was released. The US, similarly, released Massoud Soleimani, who was facing charges of trespassing US sanctions against Iran. Iran on Monday claimed that there are 20 Iranians in American prisons, with cases linked to sanction violations. According to Iran, talks between the two countries are possible only if Trump administration reverses its stance on the nuclear pact followed by dismissal of sanctions. (With inputs from Reuters)

Will bypass US sanctions or overcome them through negotiations: Iran's Rouhani

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani announced a "budget of resistance" against US sanctions.

Iran unveils a ‘Resistance’ budget

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-permits-state-aid-to-develop-electric-battery-giants-267202">EU leaders</a> will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday.

Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries.

European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since.

France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions.

"We will continue what we thought was right so far,&nbsp;to extend the sanctions,&nbsp;because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-act-and-react-as-one-european-union-on-proposed-us-tariffs-on-french-goods-265977">EU foreign ministers</a> in Brussels.

"At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia."

Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years.

It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections.

Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.

The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries. European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since. France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions. "We will continue what we thought was right so far, to extend the sanctions, because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. "At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia." Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years. It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections. Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West. The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

European Union to prolong Russia sanctions: German minister

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-enemy-conspiracy-defeated-in-protest-hit-iran-263405">Hassan Rouhani</a> said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions.

"If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television.

Rouhani has long demanded the lifting of US sanctions for Iran's return to talks under the auspices of the so-called P5+1 that reached a 2015 nuclear deal, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

Watch: Hassan Rouhani's stern warning to US

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"We are under sanctions. This situation... is&nbsp;(because of) incitement by the Zionists and the region's reactionary," he said, referring to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"This situation... is a cruel act by the White House. We have no choice but to resist and persevere against those imposers of sanctions.

"At the same time, we have not closed the window for negotiations," Rouhani said.

"I tell the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-finds-new-oil-field-with-53-billion-barrels-of-crude-hassan-rouhani-261158">nation of Iran</a> that any time America is prepared to lift and put aside&nbsp;its wrong, cruel, unlawful, incorrect, terrorist sanctions, immediately the heads of 5+1 can meet and we have no problem."

The landmark 2015 deal gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

It has been at risk of falling apart since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it was agreed between Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany.

Twelve months on from the US pullout, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-cannot-allow-insecurity-in-the-face-of-protests-rouhani-262786">Iran began reducing its commitments</a> to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord.

Its latest step back came last month, when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions. "If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is still ready for nuclear talks on condition the United States first lifts "unlawful" sanctions. "If they are prepared to put aside the sanctions, we are ready to talk and negotiate, even at the level of heads of the 5+1 countries," Rouhani said in remarks aired live on state television. Rouhani has long demanded the lifting of US sanctions for Iran's return to talks under the auspices of the so-called P5+1 that reached a 2015 nuclear deal, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. Watch: Hassan Rouhani's stern warning to US "We are under sanctions. This situation... is (because of) incitement by the Zionists and the region's reactionary," he said, referring to Israel and Saudi Arabia. "This situation... is a cruel act by the White House. We have no choice but to resist and persevere against those imposers of sanctions. "At the same time, we have not closed the window for negotiations," Rouhani said. "I tell the nation of Iran that any time America is prepared to lift and put aside its wrong, cruel, unlawful, incorrect, terrorist sanctions, immediately the heads of 5+1 can meet and we have no problem." The landmark 2015 deal gave Iran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. It has been at risk of falling apart since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in May last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it was agreed between Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany. Twelve months on from the US pullout, Iran began reducing its commitments to the deal hoping to win concessions from those still party to the accord. Its latest step back came last month, when engineers began feeding uranium hexafluoride gas into mothballed enrichment centrifuges at the underground Fordow plant south of Tehran.

Ready for talks if United States lifts sanctions: Iran

The United States&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday threatened to impose&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;of up to&nbsp;100 per cent on&nbsp;$2.4 billion on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-mix-digital-taxes-and-wine-tariffs-france-urges-trump-238861">French&nbsp;goods</a>&nbsp;in retaliation for a&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services&nbsp;tax&nbsp;it says is discriminatory.

French&nbsp;sparkling wine, yogurt and Roquefort cheese are&nbsp;on&nbsp;the list of&nbsp;goods&nbsp;that could be targeted as soon as mid-January after a report from the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office found the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;penalises American tech companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon.

The decision "sends a clear signal that the United States will take action against&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;regimes that discriminate or otherwise impose undue burdens&nbsp;on&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement.

Lighthizer also warned that Washington was considering widening the investigation to look into similar taxes in Austria, Italy, and Turkey.

"The USTR is focused&nbsp;on&nbsp;countering the growing protectionism of EU member states, which unfairly targets&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies, whether through&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services taxes or other efforts that target leading&nbsp;US&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services companies," he said.

Watch: Trump says US to hit France with 'substantial action for digital tax'

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The announcement came just hours before President Donald Trump is due to meet his&nbsp;French&nbsp;counterpart Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;on&nbsp;the sidelines of the NATO summit in London&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;tax, enacted earlier this year, imposes a three per cent levy&nbsp;on&nbsp;the revenues earned by technology firms in France, which often come from online advertising and other&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;tax&nbsp;affects companies with at least 750 million euros ($830 million) in annual global revenue&nbsp;on&nbsp;their&nbsp;digital&nbsp;activities.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;tax&nbsp;targets revenue instead of profits, which are often reported by tech giants in low-tax&nbsp;jurisdictions like Ireland in a practice that has enraged governments.&nbsp;

The USTR report "concluded that France's&nbsp;Digital&nbsp;Services&nbsp;Tax&nbsp;(DST) discriminates against&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies, is inconsistent with prevailing principles of international&nbsp;tax&nbsp;policy, and is unusually burdensome for affected&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies."

After the&nbsp;tax&nbsp;was enacted, Trump in July vowed "substantial" retaliation for the&nbsp;French&nbsp;measure.&nbsp;

The USTR has scheduled public hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;the proposal to imposes "duties of up to&nbsp;100 per cent on&nbsp;certain&nbsp;French&nbsp;products," and the possibility of "imposing fees or restrictions&nbsp;on&nbsp;French&nbsp;services."

The last date to submit comments&nbsp;on&nbsp;the proposed actions is January 14, and "USTR expects to proceed expeditiously thereafter."

Roquefort, not Bordeaux

The list of&nbsp;French&nbsp;products subject to potential duties includes cosmetics, porcelain, soap, handbags, butter, and several kinds of cheeses, including Roquefort, Edam and Gruyere.

However, despite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-discussed-need-for-broad-digital-tax-deal-with-trump-elysee-238773">Trump's repeated threats to retaliate against&nbsp;French&nbsp;wines</a>, only sparkling wine made the tariff list.

Industry groups welcomed the report, with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation saying in a statement that France's&nbsp;tax&nbsp;is "narrowly and inappropriately targeted to raise revenue only from the largest companies in a small set of industries, many of them American."

While applauding the USTR investigation, the Information Technology Industry Council's vice president of policy Jennifer McCloskey said the group would prefer to avoid "a strong trade response."

"We respectfully urge the United States, France, and all participating governments&nbsp;to focus&nbsp;on&nbsp;a successful and lasting&nbsp;tax&nbsp;policy resolution" at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), she said in a statement.

So far, efforts to find a global solution to the dispute&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-macron-over-digital-tax-on-us-tech-giants-threatens-reciprocal-action-against-french-wine-238733">digital&nbsp;taxes</a> have not been successful.

Last month, G20 ministers meeting in Washington opened talks&nbsp;on&nbsp;an international system to&nbsp;tax&nbsp;global tech giants that the OECD hopes would take effect by June.

In an interview Monday prior to the USTR announcement,&nbsp;French&nbsp;Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire accused Washington of losing interest in such a deal.

"Having demanded an international solution from the OECD, it (Washington) now isn't sure it wants one," Le Maire told France Inter radio.

"We can see that the United States is shifting into reverse."

Public outrage has grown&nbsp;over&nbsp;the practice of profit shifting, which critics say deprives governments of their fair share of&nbsp;tax&nbsp;revenue.

The United States on Monday threatened to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on $2.4 billion on French goods in retaliation for a digital services tax it says is discriminatory.

The United States on Monday threatened to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on $2.4 billion on French goods in retaliation for a digital services tax it says is discriminatory. French sparkling wine, yogurt and Roquefort cheese are on the list of goods that could be targeted as soon as mid-January after a report from the US Trade Representative's office found the digital tax penalises American tech companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon. The decision "sends a clear signal that the United States will take action against digital tax regimes that discriminate or otherwise impose undue burdens on US companies," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. Lighthizer also warned that Washington was considering widening the investigation to look into similar taxes in Austria, Italy, and Turkey. "The USTR is focused on countering the growing protectionism of EU member states, which unfairly targets US companies, whether through digital services taxes or other efforts that target leading US digital services companies," he said. Watch: Trump says US to hit France with 'substantial action for digital tax' The announcement came just hours before President Donald Trump is due to meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the NATO summit in London on Tuesday. The French tax, enacted earlier this year, imposes a three per cent levy on the revenues earned by technology firms in France, which often come from online advertising and other digital services. The tax affects companies with at least 750 million euros ($830 million) in annual global revenue on their digital activities. The French tax targets revenue instead of profits, which are often reported by tech giants in low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland in a practice that has enraged governments. The USTR report "concluded that France's Digital Services Tax (DST) discriminates against US companies, is inconsistent with prevailing principles of international tax policy, and is unusually burdensome for affected US companies." After the tax was enacted, Trump in July vowed "substantial" retaliation for the French measure. The USTR has scheduled public hearings on the proposal to imposes "duties of up to 100 per cent on certain French products," and the possibility of "imposing fees or restrictions on French services." The last date to submit comments on the proposed actions is January 14, and "USTR expects to proceed expeditiously thereafter." Roquefort, not Bordeaux The list of French products subject to potential duties includes cosmetics, porcelain, soap, handbags, butter, and several kinds of cheeses, including Roquefort, Edam and Gruyere. However, despite Trump's repeated threats to retaliate against French wines, only sparkling wine made the tariff list. Industry groups welcomed the report, with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation saying in a statement that France's tax is "narrowly and inappropriately targeted to raise revenue only from the largest companies in a small set of industries, many of them American." While applauding the USTR investigation, the Information Technology Industry Council's vice president of policy Jennifer McCloskey said the group would prefer to avoid "a strong trade response." "We respectfully urge the United States, France, and all participating governments to focus on a successful and lasting tax policy resolution" at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), she said in a statement. So far, efforts to find a global solution to the dispute over digital taxes have not been successful. Last month, G20 ministers meeting in Washington opened talks on an international system to tax global tech giants that the OECD hopes would take effect by June. In an interview Monday prior to the USTR announcement, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire accused Washington of losing interest in such a deal. "Having demanded an international solution from the OECD, it (Washington) now isn't sure it wants one," Le Maire told France Inter radio. "We can see that the United States is shifting into reverse." Public outrage has grown over the practice of profit shifting, which critics say deprives governments of their fair share of tax revenue.

United States threatens France with 100% tariffs on goods over digital tax

Russians aren't just making more cheese than ever before. They are also making the world's best cheese. Everyone loves cheese! But what do you do when war, politics and sanctions cut off the supply of your favourite cheese?

Well, a Russian military adventure by President Vladimir Putin has led to a cheese manufacturing boom.

A silent cheese revolution is taking place in Russia and it has been spurred by politics and war. When the Russian tanks rolled into Crimea in February 2014.

Vladimir Putin gained a geostrategic advantage. But sanctions from United States and European Union crippled the Russian currency, the Rouble.

Before 2014, Russians consumed copious amounts of European dairy products, cheese was one of the top favourites,&nbsp;especially the ones manufactured in Europe.

But the annexation of Crimea changed everything. In counter-sanctions, Vladimir Putin banned all European companies from selling their cheese in Russia. Setting off a crisis of cheese.

But that was until the Russian agricultural minister announced a 5-year plan. In which, generous tax cuts were offered. And that led to a cheese manufacturing boom.

Suddenly hundreds of creameries sprung up in the Russian countryside. Elvira Kovtun and her husband are college sweethearts. They first manufactured cheese at their home four years ago.

But now they have won the biggest prize in cheese manufacturing.

At the world cheese awards. The equivalent of the Oscars in the cheese world. The couple won the gold prize for their 'Peshernyi' hard cheese, the couple is now selling their award-winning Peshernyi cheese, which has a nutty and fruity taste.&nbsp;

For 1800 Rouble or $30 per kilo. Last year alone, Russia manufactured 670,000 tonnes of cheese and&nbsp;became part of the international dairy federation.

This was even as France and Italy churned out in excess of 1-2 billion tonnes of cheese in 2018.

Traditionally, France and Italy have dominated the international cheese market, but Russia is now set to give them a run for their money.

Russians aren't just making more cheese than ever before. They are also making the world's best cheese. Everyone loves cheese! But what do you do when war, politics and sanctions cut off the supply of your favourite cheese?

Russians aren't just making more cheese than ever before. They are also making the world's best cheese. Everyone loves cheese! But what do you do when war, politics and sanctions cut off the supply of your favourite cheese? Well, a Russian military adventure by President Vladimir Putin has led to a cheese manufacturing boom. A silent cheese revolution is taking place in Russia and it has been spurred by politics and war. When the Russian tanks rolled into Crimea in February 2014. Vladimir Putin gained a geostrategic advantage. But sanctions from United States and European Union crippled the Russian currency, the Rouble. Before 2014, Russians consumed copious amounts of European dairy products, cheese was one of the top favourites, especially the ones manufactured in Europe. But the annexation of Crimea changed everything. In counter-sanctions, Vladimir Putin banned all European companies from selling their cheese in Russia. Setting off a crisis of cheese. But that was until the Russian agricultural minister announced a 5-year plan. In which, generous tax cuts were offered. And that led to a cheese manufacturing boom. Suddenly hundreds of creameries sprung up in the Russian countryside. Elvira Kovtun and her husband are college sweethearts. They first manufactured cheese at their home four years ago. But now they have won the biggest prize in cheese manufacturing. At the world cheese awards. The equivalent of the Oscars in the cheese world. The couple won the gold prize for their 'Peshernyi' hard cheese, the couple is now selling their award-winning Peshernyi cheese, which has a nutty and fruity taste. For 1800 Rouble or $30 per kilo. Last year alone, Russia manufactured 670,000 tonnes of cheese and became part of the international dairy federation. This was even as France and Italy churned out in excess of 1-2 billion tonnes of cheese in 2018. Traditionally, France and Italy have dominated the international cheese market, but Russia is now set to give them a run for their money.

Now, Russia makes world's best cheese, thanks to Putin's sanctions war

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../turkey-starts-repatriation-of-captured-islamic- state-militants-report-261349">European Union</a> extended sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wion-wallet-teachers-continue-protest-in- venezuela-for-better-working-conditions-257868">Venezuela</a> by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses.

The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government.

The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights".

"These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said.

"The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population."

The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since.

In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on. An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses. The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government. The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights". "These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said. "The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population." The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since. In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

European Union extends sanctions against Venezuela for a year amid crisis

A United States&nbsp;official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US&nbsp;sanctions.

Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US&nbsp;sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine.

Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US&nbsp;State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US&nbsp;embassy.

Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US&nbsp;State Department did not reply to emailed questions.

Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

US&nbsp;concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union.

Matthew Palmer, a US&nbsp;envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences.

Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars.

"When the US&nbsp;is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said.

Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance.

Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions.

A United States official is expected to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to discuss the purchase of advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile systems which could expose Serbia to US sanctions. Serbia's military depends heavily on Russian and former Soviet weapons technology, but Russia's arms sales have been hit by US sanctions over its role in the conflict in east Ukraine. Serbian news agency Beta said Thomas Zarzecki, an envoy for the US State Department's Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, would discuss compliance with the sanctions during a visit that has not been announced by the US embassy. Embassy officials could not be reached for comment and the US State Department did not reply to emailed questions. Serbia has recently purchased Pantsir anti-aircraft missile launchers from Russia and deliveries are expected in the next few months. In recent years, Belgrade has also bought Russian MiG-29 jets, helicopters, tanks and armoured personnel carriers. US concerns grew last month when Russia sent its S-400 missile defence system and Pantsir launchers to Serbia for a military drill. The move underlined Moscow's wish to keep a traditional Slavic ally on the side as Belgrade pursues links with NATO and tries to join the European Union. Matthew Palmer, a US envoy for the Balkans, said last week that Serbia could risk sanctions over its arms deals with Russia. Under the sanctions, Serbia could face punishments ranging from visa bans to denial of export licences. Late on Thursday, President Aleksandar Vucic urged Serbs not to fear broad sanctions would be imposed on Serbia similar to those of the 1990s during the Balkan wars. "When the US is deciding about such sanctions ... they are imposing it against a company or an individual, not against an entire nation," he said. Serbia declared military neutrality in 2006 and joined NATO's Partnership for Peace programme in 2015, though it is not seeking full membership of the US-led alliance. Serbia has also relied on Russia for support in its refusal to recognise the independence of its former southern province of Kosovo, which seceded in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising. NATO peacekeepers remain in Kosovo.

Serbia faces risk of United States sanctions over Russian arms deal

The United States and six other countries imposed sanctions on Wednesday on 25 corporations, banks and people linked to Iran's support for militant networks including Hezbollah, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-government-to-substantially-increase-iran-sanctions-250415">Trump administration to 'substantially increase' Iran sanctions</a>

The targets were announced by the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) nations - which also include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was on a Middle East trip to finalise details of an economic development plan for the Palestinians, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon.

All 25 targets were previously sanctioned by the United States.

"The TFTC's action coincides with my trip to the Middle East, where I am meeting with my counterparts across the region to bolster the fight against terrorist financing," Mnuchin said in the Treasury statement.

In Jerusalem on Monday, Mnuchin said the United States would increase economic pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, making the pledge during a Middle East trip that includes visits to US allies Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Sanctions reimposed on Tehran by President Donald Trump after he withdrew the United States from world powers’ 2015 nuclear pact with Tehran have dried up Iranian oil revenues and cut Iranian banks' ties to the financial world.

Twenty-one of the targets announced Wednesday comprised a vast network of businesses providing financial support to the Basij Resistance Force, the Treasury said.

It said shell companies and other measures were used to mask Basij ownership and control over multibillion-dollar business interests in Iran’s automotive, mining, metals, and banking industries, many of which have operate across the Middle East and Europe.

The four individuals targeted were Hezbollah-affiliated and help coordinate the group's operations in Iraq, it said.

The United States and six other countries imposed sanctions on Wednesday on 25 corporations, banks and people linked to Iran's support for militant networks including Hezbollah, the US Treasury Department said in a statement.

The United States and six other countries imposed sanctions on Wednesday on 25 corporations, banks and people linked to Iran's support for militant networks including Hezbollah, the US Treasury Department said in a statement. Also read: Trump administration to 'substantially increase' Iran sanctions The targets were announced by the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) nations - which also include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was on a Middle East trip to finalise details of an economic development plan for the Palestinians, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon. All 25 targets were previously sanctioned by the United States. "The TFTC's action coincides with my trip to the Middle East, where I am meeting with my counterparts across the region to bolster the fight against terrorist financing," Mnuchin said in the Treasury statement. In Jerusalem on Monday, Mnuchin said the United States would increase economic pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme, making the pledge during a Middle East trip that includes visits to US allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. Sanctions reimposed on Tehran by President Donald Trump after he withdrew the United States from world powers’ 2015 nuclear pact with Tehran have dried up Iranian oil revenues and cut Iranian banks' ties to the financial world. Twenty-one of the targets announced Wednesday comprised a vast network of businesses providing financial support to the Basij Resistance Force, the Treasury said. It said shell companies and other measures were used to mask Basij ownership and control over multibillion-dollar business interests in Iran’s automotive, mining, metals, and banking industries, many of which have operate across the Middle East and Europe. The four individuals targeted were Hezbollah-affiliated and help coordinate the group's operations in Iraq, it said.

Seven countries issue Iran-related sanctions on 25 targets

Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-says-hong-kong-leader-should-step-down-253709">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war.

Mahathir did not mention the source of possible sanctions on the Southeast Asian country but said he was disappointed that proponents of free trade were now indulging in restrictive trade practices on a "grand scale".

"Unfortunately, we are caught in the middle," he told a conference in the capital Kuala Lumpur, referring to the US-China trade war.

"Economically we are linked to both markets, and physically we are also caught in between for geographical reasons. There is even suggestion that we ourselves would be a target for sanctions."

The United States and China were two of the three biggest export destinations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-mahathir-meet-zakir-naik-revocation-of-article-370-discussed-247711">Malaysia</a> between January and August this year. Singapore was the top destination.

To cushion the impact of the collision between the superpowers, Mahathir said Malaysia was collaborating more with its regional neighbours.

Mahathir also complained of being bullied by powerful nations, referring to a campaign by European countries against Malaysia's agricultural mainstay of palm oil. The edible oil contributed 2.8 per cent&nbsp;of Malaysia's gross domestic product last year and 4.5 per cent&nbsp;to total exports.

"Having cleared most of their forests and refusing to reduce their noxious emissions, they now try to impoverish the poor by preventing them from clearing their forest for living space and earning a living," he said.

The European Union passed an act earlier this year to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday his exports-reliant country could be hit with trade sanctions amid rising protectionism highlighted by the United States-China tariff war. Mahathir did not mention the source of possible sanctions on the Southeast Asian country but said he was disappointed that proponents of free trade were now indulging in restrictive trade practices on a "grand scale". "Unfortunately, we are caught in the middle," he told a conference in the capital Kuala Lumpur, referring to the US-China trade war. "Economically we are linked to both markets, and physically we are also caught in between for geographical reasons. There is even suggestion that we ourselves would be a target for sanctions." The United States and China were two of the three biggest export destinations for Malaysia between January and August this year. Singapore was the top destination. To cushion the impact of the collision between the superpowers, Mahathir said Malaysia was collaborating more with its regional neighbours. Mahathir also complained of being bullied by powerful nations, referring to a campaign by European countries against Malaysia's agricultural mainstay of palm oil. The edible oil contributed 2.8 per cent of Malaysia's gross domestic product last year and 4.5 per cent to total exports. "Having cleared most of their forests and refusing to reduce their noxious emissions, they now try to impoverish the poor by preventing them from clearing their forest for living space and earning a living," he said. The European Union passed an act earlier this year to phase out palm oil from renewable fuel by 2030 due to deforestation concerns.

Mahathir warns of possible trade sanctions on Malaysia

China is seeking $2.4 billion in retaliatory sanctions against the United States for non-compliance with a WTO ruling in a tariffs' case dating to the Obama era, a document published on Monday showed.

WTO appeals judges said in July that the United States did not fully comply with a WTO ruling and could face Chinese sanctions if it does not remove certain tariffs that break the watchdog's rules.

China, in its request posted by WTO, said: "In response to the United States' continued non-compliance with the (WTO Dispute Settlement Body's) recommendations and rulings, China requests authorization from the DSB to suspend concessions and related obligations at an annual amount of $2.4 billion."

The United States had failed to comply with the DSB recommendations and rulings within the specified period, and no agreement on compensation had been reached, it said.

China went to the WTO in 2012 to challenge US&nbsp;anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese exports including solar panels, wind towers, steel cylinders, and aluminum extrusions, exports that China valued at $7.3 billion at the time.

The duties were imposed as the result of 17 investigations begun by the US&nbsp;Department of Commerce between 2007 and 2012.

China's request appears on the agenda of the DSB set for October 28. The United States could challenge the amount of retaliatory sanctions sought, which could send the long-running dispute to arbitration.

The office of US&nbsp;Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer has said the WTO ruling recognized that the United States had proved that China used state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to subsidize and distort its economy.

But the ruling also said the United States must accept Chinese prices to measure subsidies, even though USTR viewed those prices as "distorted".

China and the Trump administration are locked in a tit-for-tat trade war. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday that China's "serious commitment" to buy up to $50 billion worth of US&nbsp;agricultural goods as part of a phase 1 trade deal would depend in part on private companies and market conditions.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he thinks a trade deal between the world's two largest economies will be signed by the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings take place in Chile on November 16 and 17.

China is seeking $2.4 billion in retaliatory sanctions against the United States for non-compliance with a WTO ruling in a tariffs' case dating to the Obama era, a document published on Monday showed.

China is seeking $2.4 billion in retaliatory sanctions against the United States for non-compliance with a WTO ruling in a tariffs' case dating to the Obama era, a document published on Monday showed. WTO appeals judges said in July that the United States did not fully comply with a WTO ruling and could face Chinese sanctions if it does not remove certain tariffs that break the watchdog's rules. China, in its request posted by WTO, said: "In response to the United States' continued non-compliance with the (WTO Dispute Settlement Body's) recommendations and rulings, China requests authorization from the DSB to suspend concessions and related obligations at an annual amount of $2.4 billion." The United States had failed to comply with the DSB recommendations and rulings within the specified period, and no agreement on compensation had been reached, it said. China went to the WTO in 2012 to challenge US anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese exports including solar panels, wind towers, steel cylinders, and aluminum extrusions, exports that China valued at $7.3 billion at the time. The duties were imposed as the result of 17 investigations begun by the US Department of Commerce between 2007 and 2012. China's request appears on the agenda of the DSB set for October 28. The United States could challenge the amount of retaliatory sanctions sought, which could send the long-running dispute to arbitration. The office of US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer has said the WTO ruling recognized that the United States had proved that China used state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to subsidize and distort its economy. But the ruling also said the United States must accept Chinese prices to measure subsidies, even though USTR viewed those prices as "distorted". China and the Trump administration are locked in a tit-for-tat trade war. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Thursday that China's "serious commitment" to buy up to $50 billion worth of US agricultural goods as part of a phase 1 trade deal would depend in part on private companies and market conditions. US President Donald Trump said on Friday he thinks a trade deal between the world's two largest economies will be signed by the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings take place in Chile on November 16 and 17.

China seeks $2.4 billion in sanctions against US in Obama-era case - WTO

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday told a Special court at the Rouse Avenue Complex here that it has necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused, including the public servants, in the INX media case.

The court was hearing the contentions of the CBI on the charge sheet filed by it in connection with the case.

The agency had filed the charge sheet against fourteen accused, including P Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram, his accountant S Bhaskaran, INX Media, its former director Peter Mukerjea, Chess Management Services Private Limited, ASCPL and a handful of bureaucrats.

The CBI told the court that out of the 14 accused mentioned in the charge sheet, four are companies, seven public servants and rest are the private persons.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including for the criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and for taking gratification and criminal misconduct of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

Indrani Mukerjea, who was the former INX Media director, was however pardoned after she turned approver in the case and her name was not mentioned in the charge sheet as an accused.

"Karti Chidambaram, Peter Mukerjea is on bail. Bhaskaran is on anticipatory bail. P Chidambaram is in judicial custody. Rest accused [public servants] were never arrested," the agency told the court.

"Stand [of public servants] was changed and not noting. Initially, approval was given and various complaints were received with respect to the irregularities committed by INX Media. Communication was then sent to INX Media to clarify its stand. Instead of answering it, INX Media sent the letter to Chest Management to prepare a reply. This 'dubious reply' was sent to FIPB in pursuance of a conspiracy and stand of each and every person changed subsequently," CBI's counsel told the court.

The agency also handed over certain information in a sealed envelope to the court but refused to tell about its content.

"What is it regarding? LRs?" the judge asked, to which the counsel replied that he will tell them about it in the chamber.

In August, earlier this year, P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Finance Minister. He is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday told a Special court at the Rouse Avenue Complex here that it has necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused, including the public servants, in the INX media case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday told a Special court at the Rouse Avenue Complex here that it has necessary sanctions to prosecute all the accused, including the public servants, in the INX media case. The court was hearing the contentions of the CBI on the charge sheet filed by it in connection with the case. The agency had filed the charge sheet against fourteen accused, including P Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram, his accountant S Bhaskaran, INX Media, its former director Peter Mukerjea, Chess Management Services Private Limited, ASCPL and a handful of bureaucrats. The CBI told the court that out of the 14 accused mentioned in the charge sheet, four are companies, seven public servants and rest are the private persons. The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including for the criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and for taking gratification and criminal misconduct of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. Indrani Mukerjea, who was the former INX Media director, was however pardoned after she turned approver in the case and her name was not mentioned in the charge sheet as an accused. "Karti Chidambaram, Peter Mukerjea is on bail. Bhaskaran is on anticipatory bail. P Chidambaram is in judicial custody. Rest accused [public servants] were never arrested," the agency told the court. "Stand [of public servants] was changed and not noting. Initially, approval was given and various complaints were received with respect to the irregularities committed by INX Media. Communication was then sent to INX Media to clarify its stand. Instead of answering it, INX Media sent the letter to Chest Management to prepare a reply. This 'dubious reply' was sent to FIPB in pursuance of a conspiracy and stand of each and every person changed subsequently," CBI's counsel told the court. The agency also handed over certain information in a sealed envelope to the court but refused to tell about its content. "What is it regarding? LRs?" the judge asked, to which the counsel replied that he will tell them about it in the chamber. In August, earlier this year, P Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Finance Minister. He is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

We have necessary sanctions to prosecute accused in INX Media case: CBI

Turkey vowed to press ahead with its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">offensive in northern Syria</a> on Tuesday despite US&nbsp;sanctions and growing calls for it to stop, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-patrolling-between-syrian-turkish-forces-256159">Syria's Russia-backed army</a> moved on the key city of Manbij that was abandoned by US&nbsp;forces.

"They say 'declare a ceasefire'. We will never declare a ceasefire," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after a visit to Baku.

"They are pressuring us to stop the operation. They are announcing sanctions. Our goal is clear. We are not worried about any sanctions."

Erdogan said an attack from Manbij that killed one Turkish soldier was launched by Syrian government forces.

Reuters journalists accompanied Syrian government forces who entered the centre of Manbij, a flashpoint where US&nbsp;troops had previously conducted joint patrols with Turkey.

Russian and Syrian flags were flying from a building on the city outskirts and from a convoy of military vehicles.

Russia's Interfax news agency, citing Moscow's Defence Ministry, said later that Syrian forces had taken control of an area of more than 1,000 square km (386 miles) around Manbij, including Tabqa military airfield.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's unexpected decision to withhold protection from Syria's Kurds after a phone call with Erdogan a week ago swiftly upended five years of US&nbsp;policy on Syria.

As well as clearing the way for the Turkish incursion, the US&nbsp;withdrawal gives a free hand to Washington's adversaries in the world's deadliest ongoing war, namely Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.

The Syrian army deployments into Kurdish-held territory amount to a victory for Assad and Russia, giving them a foothold in the biggest remaining swathe of Syria that had been beyond their grasp through much of its eight-year-old war.

The United States announced on Sunday it was withdrawing its entire force of 1,000 troops from northern Syria. Its former Kurdish allies immediately forged a new alliance with Assad's government, inviting the army into towns across their territory.

A Reuters cameraman on the Turkish frontier reported heavy bombardment on Tuesday morning of the Syrian border town of Ras al Ain, where an SDF spokesman reported a battle going on.

US&nbsp;military aircraft carried out a "show of force" around the town of Kobani after Turkish-backed fighters came close to American forces, a US&nbsp;official told Reuters. The Turkish-backed fighters dispersed after the show of force, the official said.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence will meet Erdogan on Thursday in Ankara.

"Vice President Pence will reiterate President Trump's commitment to maintaining punishing economic sanctions on Turkey until a resolution is reached," the White House said in a statement.

After Trump announced a set of sanctions on Monday to punish Ankara, US&nbsp;prosecutors hit Turkey with charges on the majority state-owned Halkbank for taking part in a multibillion-dollar scheme to evade US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran.

A Turkish embassy official in Washington said the indictment did not contribute positively to the current state of US-Turkey ties. Turkish and American officials had been in talks on the Halkbank case for at least a year.

More US sanctions pressure 

A senior Trump administration official said Washington would threaten more sanctions to persuade Turkey to reach a ceasefire and halt its offensive.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a loyal Trump supporter who has nevertheless been highly critical of the president's troop withdrawal, said he would introduce a bill on Thursday to impose tougher sanctions on Turkey.

The measures announced on Monday - mainly a hike in steel tariffs and a pause in trade talks - were less robust than financial markets had anticipated, and Trump's critics derided them as too feeble to have an impact.

The Turkish lira, which had fallen on the expectation of tougher US&nbsp;measures, recovered after the sanctions were announced, as did its bond and stock markets, with traders noting that Trump had spared Turkish banks.

Bilateral trade between Turkey and the United States is relatively small - around a tenth the size of Turkey's trade with Europe. Washington's most effective form of economic leverage would be to hinder Turkey's access to US&nbsp;financial markets, a step Trump has so far avoided.

In a potentially more damaging blow, German carmaker Volkswagen said it was postponing a final decision on whether to build a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) plant in Turkey, citing concern over "current developments".

Following Trump's announcement, the US&nbsp;Treasury said on Monday it had sanctioned Turkey's energy, defence and interior ministers.

Accusations of betrayal

Trump has defended his reversal of US&nbsp;policy as part of a plan to extricate the United States from "endless" wars in the Middle East.

But his critics cast it as a betrayal of the Kurds, loyal allies who lost thousands of fighters as the principal ground force in Washington's battle against Islamic State.

A senior US&nbsp;defence official said the US&nbsp;military would continue to combat Islamic State militants, who experts say could take advantage of the chaos to stage a resurgence.

"The intent is to reposition (US&nbsp;forces leaving Syria) and use what assets and personnel we have available to continue the mission," the official said.

However, without a partnership on the ground in Syria like the with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, any such US&nbsp;efforts would almost certainly be limited. The Kurdish YPG militia, the key component of the forces who fought Islamic State, is seen by Ankara as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish separatist insurgents in Turkey.

Turkey says it aims to defeat the YPG and create a "safe zone" where millions of Syrian war refugees now in Turkey could be resettled.

The United Nations says 160,000 people have fled their homes as Turkish forces advance. The regional Kurdish administration puts the number of displaced at 270,000.

The U.N. Security Council will likely meet on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Syria, diplomats said, the second such session since Turkey began its offensive.

The U.N. Human Rights office said on Tuesday that Turkey could be held responsible for war crimes by fighters under its direction, potentially including the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, a leading Kurdish politician killed on the side of a highway on Saturday by gunmen who posted the attack on the internet.

Turkish-backed fighters have denied blame for her murder.

Erdogan said Ankara was giving the world a chance to bring peace to the region.

"The international community missed its opportunity to prevent the Syrian crisis from pulling an entire region into a maelstrom of instability," he wrote in the Wall Street Journal. "The European Union - and the world - should support what Turkey is trying to do."

Turkey vowed to press ahead with its offensive in northern Syria on Tuesday despite US sanctions and growing calls for it to stop, while Syria's Russia-backed army moved on the key city of Manbij that was abandoned by US forces.

Turkey vowed to press ahead with its offensive in northern Syria on Tuesday despite US sanctions and growing calls for it to stop, while Syria's Russia-backed army moved on the key city of Manbij that was abandoned by US forces. "They say 'declare a ceasefire'. We will never declare a ceasefire," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after a visit to Baku. "They are pressuring us to stop the operation. They are announcing sanctions. Our goal is clear. We are not worried about any sanctions." Erdogan said an attack from Manbij that killed one Turkish soldier was launched by Syrian government forces. Reuters journalists accompanied Syrian government forces who entered the centre of Manbij, a flashpoint where US troops had previously conducted joint patrols with Turkey. Russian and Syrian flags were flying from a building on the city outskirts and from a convoy of military vehicles. Russia's Interfax news agency, citing Moscow's Defence Ministry, said later that Syrian forces had taken control of an area of more than 1,000 square km (386 miles) around Manbij, including Tabqa military airfield. US President Donald Trump's unexpected decision to withhold protection from Syria's Kurds after a phone call with Erdogan a week ago swiftly upended five years of US policy on Syria. As well as clearing the way for the Turkish incursion, the US withdrawal gives a free hand to Washington's adversaries in the world's deadliest ongoing war, namely Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies. The Syrian army deployments into Kurdish-held territory amount to a victory for Assad and Russia, giving them a foothold in the biggest remaining swathe of Syria that had been beyond their grasp through much of its eight-year-old war. The United States announced on Sunday it was withdrawing its entire force of 1,000 troops from northern Syria. Its former Kurdish allies immediately forged a new alliance with Assad's government, inviting the army into towns across their territory. A Reuters cameraman on the Turkish frontier reported heavy bombardment on Tuesday morning of the Syrian border town of Ras al Ain, where an SDF spokesman reported a battle going on. US military aircraft carried out a "show of force" around the town of Kobani after Turkish-backed fighters came close to American forces, a US official told Reuters. The Turkish-backed fighters dispersed after the show of force, the official said. US Vice President Mike Pence will meet Erdogan on Thursday in Ankara. "Vice President Pence will reiterate President Trump's commitment to maintaining punishing economic sanctions on Turkey until a resolution is reached," the White House said in a statement. After Trump announced a set of sanctions on Monday to punish Ankara, US prosecutors hit Turkey with charges on the majority state-owned Halkbank for taking part in a multibillion-dollar scheme to evade US sanctions against Iran. A Turkish embassy official in Washington said the indictment did not contribute positively to the current state of US-Turkey ties. Turkish and American officials had been in talks on the Halkbank case for at least a year. More US sanctions pressure A senior Trump administration official said Washington would threaten more sanctions to persuade Turkey to reach a ceasefire and halt its offensive. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a loyal Trump supporter who has nevertheless been highly critical of the president's troop withdrawal, said he would introduce a bill on Thursday to impose tougher sanctions on Turkey. The measures announced on Monday - mainly a hike in steel tariffs and a pause in trade talks - were less robust than financial markets had anticipated, and Trump's critics derided them as too feeble to have an impact. The Turkish lira, which had fallen on the expectation of tougher US measures, recovered after the sanctions were announced, as did its bond and stock markets, with traders noting that Trump had spared Turkish banks. Bilateral trade between Turkey and the United States is relatively small - around a tenth the size of Turkey's trade with Europe. Washington's most effective form of economic leverage would be to hinder Turkey's access to US financial markets, a step Trump has so far avoided. In a potentially more damaging blow, German carmaker Volkswagen said it was postponing a final decision on whether to build a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) plant in Turkey, citing concern over "current developments". Following Trump's announcement, the US Treasury said on Monday it had sanctioned Turkey's energy, defence and interior ministers. Accusations of betrayal Trump has defended his reversal of US policy as part of a plan to extricate the United States from "endless" wars in the Middle East. But his critics cast it as a betrayal of the Kurds, loyal allies who lost thousands of fighters as the principal ground force in Washington's battle against Islamic State. A senior US defence official said the US military would continue to combat Islamic State militants, who experts say could take advantage of the chaos to stage a resurgence. "The intent is to reposition (US forces leaving Syria) and use what assets and personnel we have available to continue the mission," the official said. However, without a partnership on the ground in Syria like the with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, any such US efforts would almost certainly be limited. The Kurdish YPG militia, the key component of the forces who fought Islamic State, is seen by Ankara as a terrorist group aligned with Kurdish separatist insurgents in Turkey. Turkey says it aims to defeat the YPG and create a "safe zone" where millions of Syrian war refugees now in Turkey could be resettled. The United Nations says 160,000 people have fled their homes as Turkish forces advance. The regional Kurdish administration puts the number of displaced at 270,000. The U.N. Security Council will likely meet on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Syria, diplomats said, the second such session since Turkey began its offensive. The U.N. Human Rights office said on Tuesday that Turkey could be held responsible for war crimes by fighters under its direction, potentially including the assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, a leading Kurdish politician killed on the side of a highway on Saturday by gunmen who posted the attack on the internet. Turkish-backed fighters have denied blame for her murder. Erdogan said Ankara was giving the world a chance to bring peace to the region. "The international community missed its opportunity to prevent the Syrian crisis from pulling an entire region into a maelstrom of instability," he wrote in the Wall Street Journal. "The European Union - and the world - should support what Turkey is trying to do."

Turkey pushes offensive in Syria, despite sanctions and calls to stop

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday firmly ruled out any negotiations with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-invites-turkish-president-erdogan-to-russia-amid-syria-offensive-256223">Kurdish militants in Syria</a> as the United States pushed for a ceasefire.&nbsp;

"There are some leaders who are trying to mediate... There has never been any such thing in the history of the Turkish republic as the state sitting at the same table with a terror organisation," Erdogan said in a speech to parliament.

Meanwhile, Turkish police have detained nearly 200 people over their social media posts against its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-approve-of-turkish-actions-in-syria-russia-256210">military offensive in Syria</a> since the operation began last week, state news agency Anadolu said Wednesday.

Of the 186 people held, 24 have been formally arrested, according to Anadolu.&nbsp;

So far, 78 were released and 40 were freed under judicial control, while legal proceedings were ongoing for the rest, it said.

Among those detained for "terrorist propaganda" against the operation this week were the co-presidents of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Sezai Temelli and Pervin Buldan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pushes-offensive-in-syria-despite-sanctions-and-calls-to-stop-256184">Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring against Kurdish militants in Syria a week ago</a>.&nbsp;

It is thought to have widespread support at home but has been widely criticised by the international community, who relied on Kurdish forces to fight the Islamic State group.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday firmly ruled out any negotiations with Kurdish militants in Syria as the United States pushed for a ceasefire.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday firmly ruled out any negotiations with Kurdish militants in Syria as the United States pushed for a ceasefire. "There are some leaders who are trying to mediate... There has never been any such thing in the history of the Turkish republic as the state sitting at the same table with a terror organisation," Erdogan said in a speech to parliament. Meanwhile, Turkish police have detained nearly 200 people over their social media posts against its military offensive in Syria since the operation began last week, state news agency Anadolu said Wednesday. Of the 186 people held, 24 have been formally arrested, according to Anadolu. So far, 78 were released and 40 were freed under judicial control, while legal proceedings were ongoing for the rest, it said. Among those detained for "terrorist propaganda" against the operation this week were the co-presidents of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Sezai Temelli and Pervin Buldan. Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring against Kurdish militants in Syria a week ago. It is thought to have widespread support at home but has been widely criticised by the international community, who relied on Kurdish forces to fight the Islamic State group.

Turkey's Erdogan rules out talks with Syrian Kurdish forces

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