The coming into force of the agreement "marks an important milestone in the history of Russian-Iranian interstate relations that have reached a new level of broad strategic partnership," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasised


Iran-Russia strategic partnership treaty comes into effect

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara held trilateral talks with his US and South Korean counterparts. The three signed a treaty as well to enhance security ties between the three countries. Watch in for more details!

Japan signs a Security Treaty US and South Korea

UK, Japan, and Italy propel gcap to new heights with stealth fighter treaty. Landmark agreement unveils future combat aircraft, paving the way for trilateral collaboration.

Britain, Japan & Italy sign advanced fighter jet programme treaty

Azerbaijan has struck a deal with Armenia that prevents the threat of an Armenian veto spoiling its bid to host the COP29 talks. Azerbaijan appears set to win support for its bid from other nations at the COP28 talks in Dubai.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war

After 15 years of negotiations, United Nations finally adopts world’s first treaty to protect high seas and preserve marine biodiversity.

UN adopts first ‘historic’ treaty to protect high seas

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets.

In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said.

This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

"This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency.

<h2>WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time</h2>

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"Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health."

Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing.&nbsp;The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake.

They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year.

<h2>Forecast for next week covers only larger particles</h2>

The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across.

The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting&nbsp;samples from multiple locations year round and sifting&nbsp;through them in the laboratory

Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world.

Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface.

In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP. If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said. This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. "This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency. WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time "Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health." Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing. The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake. They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year. Forecast for next week covers only larger particles The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across. The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting samples from multiple locations year round and sifting through them in the laboratory Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world. Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface. In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence. (With inputs from agencies)

From Monday, it will be raining plastics in Paris. Here's how

Positive developments are expected out of the latest meet over the contentious high seas treaty in panama. It's been fifteen years since no confirmed agreement has been reached upon the same. Fears are many as the developing nations feel the developed nations will be unfair and take advantage of the situation as they command stronger positions.

Crucial high seas treaty stuck over resources

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (January 22) said that France and Germany should be "pioneers" in the process of developing Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met French counterpart in Paris on Sunday to mark 60 years of postwar cooperation between both nations—the signing of Elysee Treaty.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (January 22) said that France and Germany should be "pioneers" in the process of developing Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met French counterpart in Paris on Sunday to mark 60 years of postwar cooperation between both nations—the signing of Elysee Treaty. To pay tribute to the historic treaty, top French and German officials met in Paris. In his speech, Macron said that Germany and France must "become pioneers to relaunch Europe" because they have cleared the path to reconciliation. ALSO READ | Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson makes unannounced visit to Ukraine, meets President Zelensky As quoted by news agencies, Macron stressed the need to "build a new energy model" and encourage "innovation and the technologies of tomorrow". He also talked about ensuring that the European Union remains "a geopolitical power in its own right, in defence, space and diplomacy". Meanwhile, Olaf said that the cooperation between France and Germany was key to Europe's future. He said, "The future, like the past, rests on cooperation between both our countries as the driving force of a united Europe." WATCH | UK donates helicopter to Ukraine, Germany says 'in close dialogue' with partners on issue of tanks × Scholz on the current Ukraine situation The German chancellor said that France and Germany will support Ukraine for "as long as necessary" in its fight against Russia. As the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, the West is rushing to send military and humanitarian assistance to its close ally, Ukraine. During his speech at Sorbonne University, Scholz said, "We will continue to provide Ukraine with all the support its needs for as long as necessary." He added, "Together, as Europeans, to defend our European peace project." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France and Germany must become ‘pioneers’ to relaunch Europe, says Macron

France has left a controversial energy charter treaty that allowed fossil fuel firms to sue the government. EU has proposed the modernisation of the treaty.

WION Climate Tracker: France leaves controversial energy charter treaty

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.

The case targets Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Britain, all of which are Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) signatories.

The plaintiffs represent countries hit by recent climate change-related disasters including Germany and Belgium, which last year suffered devastating floods after heavy rain that scientists said was made more likely by climate change.

Their suit will ask the European Court of Human Rights to protect their rights by ordering governments to remove impediments to fighting climate change created by the ECT.

As reported by Reuters, a 17-year-old student Julia, one of the plaintiffs, says, &nbsp;"Governments are still putting profits of the fossil fuel industry over human rights. But climate change is escalating and demanding more and more lives every day."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/toki-modern-phoenix-of-japan-brought-back-from-extinction-490258">Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction</a>

Originally drawn up to support energy sector investments in former members of the Soviet Union, the ECT &nbsp;allows investors to sue countries over policies that damage their investments, and has been branded an obstacle to climate action by campaigners.

Criticism of the treaty has intensified amid lawsuits from companies seeking compensation for fossil fuel assets. RWE last year used it to seek compensation from the Dutch government over its plan to phase out coal-fuelled power by 2030, which would affect the German utility's Eemshaven power plant.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters. The case targets Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Britain, all of which are Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) signatories. The plaintiffs represent countries hit by recent climate change-related disasters including Germany and Belgium, which last year suffered devastating floods after heavy rain that scientists said was made more likely by climate change. Their suit will ask the European Court of Human Rights to protect their rights by ordering governments to remove impediments to fighting climate change created by the ECT. As reported by Reuters, a 17-year-old student Julia, one of the plaintiffs, says, "Governments are still putting profits of the fossil fuel industry over human rights. But climate change is escalating and demanding more and more lives every day." Also Read: Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction Originally drawn up to support energy sector investments in former members of the Soviet Union, the ECT allows investors to sue countries over policies that damage their investments, and has been branded an obstacle to climate action by campaigners. Criticism of the treaty has intensified amid lawsuits from companies seeking compensation for fossil fuel assets. RWE last year used it to seek compensation from the Dutch government over its plan to phase out coal-fuelled power by 2030, which would affect the German utility's Eemshaven power plant. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights

According to a survey involving 28,000 people from 28 countries, 75% of people want a ban on single-use plastics as countries. This comes at a time when countries prepare to negotiate a plastic treaty.

Survey: 75% of people want a ban on single-use plastics

The Collective Security Treaty Organization met amid the unrest in Kazakhstan, but that wasn't the only focus for the bloc. Another issue is the strengthening of the Islamic State in Afghanistan. In the recent virtual meeting, Tajikistan has raised the issue of terrorism.

Tajikistan raises terrorism issue in the Collective Security Treaty Organization meeting

Germany is all set to pave way for a new government. A total of three German parties have now signed a coalition deal to accelerate the green transition and also modernize Europe's largest economy.

Germany: New government signs coalition treaty

The chairman of European Union leaders said on Friday he was cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a global treaty on future pandemics, with the World Health Organization (WHO) due to decide by the end of November whether to launch talks on it.

The WHO and the EU hope a treaty on future pandemics would help prevent the initial chaos when the novel coronavirus started spreading around the world from China in late 2019 and early 2020, causing a deep global recession as countries went into lockdowns to prevent mass infections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-of-blackmail-eu-court-imposes-massive-fine-of-over-1-million-per-day-on-poland-424592">'Pressure of blackmail': EU court imposes massive fine of over $1 million per day on Poland</a>

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit of leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies (G20), Charles Michel told reporters such a treaty would spell out how to better prevent and detect pandemics and share data.

It would also provide a framework for coordination and cooperation in dealing with future pandemics, for vaccine production and for sharing intellectual property for vaccine and treatment technology through the World Trade Organisation.

"I am cautiously optimistic. It means I feel that it goes in the right direction, but there are still difficulties," said Michel, who launched the treaty idea in November 2020. It was endorsed by all 27 EU leaders last May.

Watch |&nbsp;G20 summit in Rome: India to raise issues related to cross border terrorism

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He said the General Assembly of the WHO would decide next month what mandate to endorse for such treaty negotiations, a decision that could be crucial to win the support of countries like China.

"In principle, China is positive. But it is not a simple 'yes'&nbsp;or 'no'&nbsp;-- it is more complex than that. It is based on what will be the exact mandate that will be given," Michel said.

"A 'yes'&nbsp;with some caveats that, in fact, could mean: 'we are not yet convinced'," he said, adding that talks over the next two weeks would be crucial for securing a green light for the project.

The chairman of European Union leaders said on Friday he was cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a global treaty on future pandemics, with the World Health Organization (WHO) due to decide by the end of November whether to launch talks on it.

The chairman of European Union leaders said on Friday he was cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a global treaty on future pandemics, with the World Health Organization (WHO) due to decide by the end of November whether to launch talks on it. The WHO and the EU hope a treaty on future pandemics would help prevent the initial chaos when the novel coronavirus started spreading around the world from China in late 2019 and early 2020, causing a deep global recession as countries went into lockdowns to prevent mass infections. Also Read | 'Pressure of blackmail': EU court imposes massive fine of over $1 million per day on Poland Speaking on the sidelines of the summit of leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies (G20), Charles Michel told reporters such a treaty would spell out how to better prevent and detect pandemics and share data. It would also provide a framework for coordination and cooperation in dealing with future pandemics, for vaccine production and for sharing intellectual property for vaccine and treatment technology through the World Trade Organisation. "I am cautiously optimistic. It means I feel that it goes in the right direction, but there are still difficulties," said Michel, who launched the treaty idea in November 2020. It was endorsed by all 27 EU leaders last May. Watch | G20 summit in Rome: India to raise issues related to cross border terrorism He said the General Assembly of the WHO would decide next month what mandate to endorse for such treaty negotiations, a decision that could be crucial to win the support of countries like China. "In principle, China is positive. But it is not a simple 'yes' or 'no' -- it is more complex than that. It is based on what will be the exact mandate that will be given," Michel said. "A 'yes' with some caveats that, in fact, could mean: 'we are not yet convinced'," he said, adding that talks over the next two weeks would be crucial for securing a green light for the project.

EU leaders' chairman cautiously optimistic on global treaty on pandemics

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty to combat violence against women, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Western allies.

Protests in Turkey as it withdraws from treaty to prevent violence against women

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he was "deeply disappointed" after Turkey's decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention, the binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women

"This is a disheartening step backward for the international movement to end violence against women globally," Biden said in a White House statement, adding that the "sudden and unwarranted" move was "deeply disappointing."

"Gender-based violence is a scourge that touches every nation in every corner of the world. In the past few weeks, we've seen too many examples of horrific and brutal assaults on women, including the tragic murders in Georgia," he continued.

"And we've seen the broader damage that living under the daily specter of gender-based violence does to women everywhere. It hurts all of us, and we all must do more to create societies where women are able to go about their lives free from violence."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government announced on Saturday that Turkey was withdrawing from the treaty. This was considered a victory for conservatives in Turkey.&nbsp;

But the move has ignited domestic and international outrage, with thousands in Turkey protesting the move.

The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union -- Turkey was the first signatory -- requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation.

European leaders have also condemned Ankara's decision to withdraw from it.

In Istanbul on Saturday protesters held up portraits of women murdered in Turkey, one reading: "It is women who will win this war."

(With AFP inputs)

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he was "deeply disappointed" after Turkey's decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention, the binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women "This is a disheartening step backward for the international movement to end violence against women globally," Biden said in a White House statement, adding that the "sudden and unwarranted" move was "deeply disappointing.

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he was "deeply disappointed" after Turkey's decision to withdraw from Istanbul Convention, the binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women "This is a disheartening step backward for the international movement to end violence against women globally," Biden said in a White House statement, adding that the "sudden and unwarranted" move was "deeply disappointing." "Gender-based violence is a scourge that touches every nation in every corner of the world. In the past few weeks, we've seen too many examples of horrific and brutal assaults on women, including the tragic murders in Georgia," he continued. "And we've seen the broader damage that living under the daily specter of gender-based violence does to women everywhere. It hurts all of us, and we all must do more to create societies where women are able to go about their lives free from violence." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government announced on Saturday that Turkey was withdrawing from the treaty. This was considered a victory for conservatives in Turkey. But the move has ignited domestic and international outrage, with thousands in Turkey protesting the move. The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union -- Turkey was the first signatory -- requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation. European leaders have also condemned Ankara's decision to withdraw from it. In Istanbul on Saturday protesters held up portraits of women murdered in Turkey, one reading: "It is women who will win this war." (With AFP inputs)

Biden 'highly disappointed' at Turkey's exit from domestic violence treaty

Dec 10 in history: From Treaty of Paris to UNGA adopting declaration of human rights

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-abe-discusses-iran-north-korea-in-call-with-trump-report-269505">stronger and deeper alliance</a> between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago.

"I am confident that in the months and years ahead, Japan's contributions to our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-japan-to-hike-payments-for-us-troops-to-8-billion-foreign-policy-262592">mutual security</a> will continue to grow, and the alliance will continue to thrive."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-us-reiterate-unshakeable-commitment-to-security-treaty-274935">Japan, US reiterate 'unshakeable commitment' to security treaty</a>

<img alt="Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88d806ea-b691-425a-ae06-f2d716b891d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_21.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

In June last year, Trump told a news conference in Japan that the 1960 treaty - which was signed exactly six decades ago on Sunday, and is the linchpin of Japan's defense policies - was "unfair" and should be changed, echoing his long-held view that Japan is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-donald-trump-said-us-japan-trade-deal-is-a-game-changer-254372">free-rider on defense</a>.

Trump at the time added he was not thinking of withdrawing from the pact.

The treaty obligates the United States to defend Japan, which under its US-drafted constitution renounced the right to wage war after World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases used by the United States to project power in Asia.

The treaty was first signed in 1951 and revised in 1960 under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's grandfather, then-premier Nobusuke Kishi. Kishi was forced to step down afterwards following a public outcry from Japanese critics who feared the pact would pull their country into conflict.

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a stronger and deeper alliance between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago.

US President Donald Trump marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the current US - Japan security treaty with a call for a stronger and deeper alliance between the two countries, despite criticising the pact six months ago. "I am confident that in the months and years ahead, Japan's contributions to our mutual security will continue to grow, and the alliance will continue to thrive." Also Read: Japan, US reiterate 'unshakeable commitment' to security treaty [ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump (Courtesy: Reuters) ] In June last year, Trump told a news conference in Japan that the 1960 treaty - which was signed exactly six decades ago on Sunday, and is the linchpin of Japan's defense policies - was "unfair" and should be changed, echoing his long-held view that Japan is a free-rider on defense. Trump at the time added he was not thinking of withdrawing from the pact. The treaty obligates the United States to defend Japan, which under its US-drafted constitution renounced the right to wage war after World War Two. Japan in return provides military bases used by the United States to project power in Asia. The treaty was first signed in 1951 and revised in 1960 under Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's grandfather, then-premier Nobusuke Kishi. Kishi was forced to step down afterwards following a public outcry from Japanese critics who feared the pact would pull their country into conflict.

Trump marks US-Japan security pact with call for stronger, deeper alliance

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries.

"The instrument of ratification of Extradition Treaty between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India, approved and ratified by the relevant authorities of the two governments, were exchanged by the Acting Foreign Minister HE&nbsp;Idrees Zaman and the Indian Ambassador to Kabul Mr. Vinay Kumar, today," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"The said agreement was signed by the authorised representatives of the two countries in New Delhi, India on September 14, 2016," the Ministry added.

The treaty, signed during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in 2016, would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and criminals from and to Afghanistan.

India has extradition treaties with at least 37 countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries.

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar and acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Idrees Zaman on Sunday exchanged instruments of ratification of India-Afghanistan Extradition Treaty to transport criminal offenders between the two countries. "The instrument of ratification of Extradition Treaty between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of India, approved and ratified by the relevant authorities of the two governments, were exchanged by the Acting Foreign Minister HE Idrees Zaman and the Indian Ambassador to Kabul Mr. Vinay Kumar, today," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "The said agreement was signed by the authorised representatives of the two countries in New Delhi, India on September 14, 2016," the Ministry added. The treaty, signed during Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's visit to India in 2016, would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and criminals from and to Afghanistan. India has extradition treaties with at least 37 countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

India, Afghanistan exchange treaty to extradite criminal offenders

'India can't end treaty on its own': Pakistan

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448">a mirror response to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448">a US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-withdraw-from-inf-missile-treaty-unless-russia-complies-trump-194448"> move the day before</a>.&nbsp;

"Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation," he said of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament.&nbsp;

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<h5>'We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic,' Putin said</h5>
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"We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," the president said.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty and starting a process to withdraw in six months.

Washington says a Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF deal.

But Moscow has long insisted it does not violate the agreement, and last month invited reporters and foreign military attaches to a briefing on the disputed weapons system.&nbsp;

Lavrov on Saturday repeated Russian accusations that Washington itself has been in violation of the deal for many years.&nbsp;

At the meeting, Putin said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US.&nbsp;

But he told the ministers that Russia would "not be drawn into a costly new arms race".

Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in Europe or elsewhere in answer to similar moves from the US, he added.&nbsp;

Putin has previously threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped.&nbsp;

European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the United States formally leaves in August.

Signed towards the end of the Cold War by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 kilometres.&nbsp;

The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before. "Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation," he said of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament. 'We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic,' Putin said × "We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic," the president said. President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was suspending its obligations under the INF treaty and starting a process to withdraw in six months. Washington says a Russian medium-range missile system breaches the INF deal. But Moscow has long insisted it does not violate the agreement, and last month invited reporters and foreign military attaches to a briefing on the disputed weapons system. Lavrov on Saturday repeated Russian accusations that Washington itself has been in violation of the deal for many years. At the meeting, Putin said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US. But he told the ministers that Russia would "not be drawn into a costly new arms race". Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in Europe or elsewhere in answer to similar moves from the US, he added. Putin has previously threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped. European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty's demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the United States formally leaves in August. Signed towards the end of the Cold War by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,500 kilometres. The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty

CHANGE PICTURE! IF THIS STORY IS VERIFIED, GET APPROPRIATE PIC,&nbsp;THEN PUBLISH 
 
According to reports in the Sri Lankan press, the&nbsp;Sri Lankan government has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to enter into a treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country.

President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Defense has presented the proposal to the cabinet for approval.

The ColomboPage News Desk reports that&nbsp;the Sri Lankan Co-Cabinet spokesman, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake, said the agreement &quot;will provide the opportunity to request the authorities in Ukraine to receive criminals who have engaged in illegal activities in this country and sought protection in Ukraine&quot;.

The treaty comes as&nbsp;the Sri Lankan government is attempting to arrest a fugitive envoy currently believed to be in Ukraine.

The government has sought arrest and deportation of Sri Lanka&#39;s former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is a nephew of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, over several allegations including that the envoy supplied weapons to a terrorist group in Ukraine and is connected to the death of an embassy employee.

Comes as South Asian country's former Russian ambassador is wanted for abetting a Ukrainian terror group

CHANGE PICTURE! IF THIS STORY IS VERIFIED, GET APPROPRIATE PIC, THEN PUBLISH According to reports in the Sri Lankan press, the Sri Lankan government has received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to enter into a treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country. President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Defense has presented the proposal to the cabinet for approval. The ColomboPage News Desk reports that the Sri Lankan Co-Cabinet spokesman, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake, said the agreement "will provide the opportunity to request the authorities in Ukraine to receive criminals who have engaged in illegal activities in this country and sought protection in Ukraine". The treaty comes as the Sri Lankan government is attempting to arrest a fugitive envoy currently believed to be in Ukraine. The government has sought arrest and deportation of Sri Lanka's former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is a nephew of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, over several allegations including that the envoy supplied weapons to a terrorist group in Ukraine and is connected to the death of an embassy employee.

Sri Lanka enters treaty with Ukraine to extradite criminals hiding in the Eastern European country

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