The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall.&nbsp;

PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare.

"We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said.

PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021.

As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare."

He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end.

India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges.

There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council.

India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System.

In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago.

"Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council."

Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world."

He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family.

Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor.

India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades.

India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.

The United Nations faces a "crisis of confidence" without comprehensive reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday. He was addressing the High-Level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. This year's high-level UN General Assembly is being held in a largely virtual format as world leaders did not travel to New York for the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heads of State and Government and Ministers sent in pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, including the special commemoration of the UN's 75 years and the General Debate. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti introduced Prime Minister Modi's pre-recorded statement from the UN General Assembly Hall. PM Modi asserted that the world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare. "We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence," he said. PM Modi's call for reformed multilateralism assumes special significance as it comes on the eve of India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021. As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, reformed multilateralism, inclusive development and better preparedness to deal with challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi said, "For today's interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare." He added India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end. India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges. There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council. India's priorities for its tenure on the Security Council find resonance in the Declaration that echoes New Delhi's call for strong mandate against terrorism, reformed multilateralism and inclusive development. India's overall objective during its tenure in the UN Security Council will be the achievement of N.O.R.M.S -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. In the Declaration, the Heads of State and Government categorically noted that the world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago. "Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. We support the ongoing reforms by the Secretary-General. We reiterate our call for reforms of three of the principal organs of the United Nations. We commit to instill new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council." Addressing the special commemorative event on the UN's 75th anniversary, Modi said, "75 years ago, a new hope arose from the horrors of war. For the first time in human history, an institution was created for the entire world." He said as a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision, which reflected India's own philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which sees all creation as a family. Modi paid tribute to all those who have advanced the cause of peace and development under the UN flag, including in UN peacekeeping missions, where India had been a leading contributor. India is among the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions, having provided over 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades. India has lost more peacekeepers in the line of duty than any other UN member state and over the last 70 years, more than 160 Indian military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. (with inputs from agencies)

United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address

The US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced.

The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to.

Majority of the world leaders had decided to attend the UN General Assembly through videoconferencing as the coronavirus took over the world and sent countries into lockdown.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-sex-assault-allegation-made-against-trump-328256">Also read|&nbsp;New sex assault allegation made against Trump</a>

The debate around whether or not Trump should and would attend the assembly in person had been going on for a couple of months now. However, Meadows confirmed the news aboard Air Force One while the delegation was flying to Wisconsin, along with Trump, for his&nbsp;campaign rally for the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>.

The reason behind this change of heart has not been clearly stated. While some reports state it is to avoid the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus, other believe that Trump wants to focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections, in which he is competing against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, who is leading in the initial polls.

The main portion of the UN General Assmbly will start on September 21 and end on September 29, where various world leaders will deliver speeches with a focus response to the pandemic and&nbsp;"peace and security, disarmament, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development."

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his opening remarks on Tuesday.

The US President Donald Trump will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced. The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to.

The US President Donald Trump will not be attending the UN General Assembly in person, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows has announced. The announcement has come after Trump has repeatedly claimed that he will be attending the assembly in person in New York, whether or not other leaders choose to. Majority of the world leaders had decided to attend the UN General Assembly through videoconferencing as the coronavirus took over the world and sent countries into lockdown. Also read| New sex assault allegation made against Trump The debate around whether or not Trump should and would attend the assembly in person had been going on for a couple of months now. However, Meadows confirmed the news aboard Air Force One while the delegation was flying to Wisconsin, along with Trump, for his campaign rally for the upcoming US elections. The reason behind this change of heart has not been clearly stated. While some reports state it is to avoid the dangers posed by the novel coronavirus, other believe that Trump wants to focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections, in which he is competing against Joe Biden, who is leading in the initial polls. The main portion of the UN General Assmbly will start on September 21 and end on September 29, where various world leaders will deliver speeches with a focus response to the pandemic and "peace and security, disarmament, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his opening remarks on Tuesday.

Trump backtracks on attending UN General Assembly in person

US President Donald Trump is likely to travel to New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly session in September, the only world leader to address this year's virtual high-level week in person, the US envoy to the UN said.

We're hoping that President Trump will actually be speaking in person in the General Assembly.

He will be the only world leader to be speaking in person,&nbsp;US Ambassador Kelly Craft said Thursday at a virtual briefing.

Craft added that with the UN commemorating its 75th anniversary this year, that makes it even more special that we really take the virtual and amplify it to be able to celebrate the 75th and obviously we're going to be focused on human rights issues, on transparency, accountability because anytime during COVID where the American taxpayers have really stepped up on a personal level, it's now.

For the first time in the UN's 75-year history, the annual General Assembly session will be held virtually and Heads of State and Government will not be physically attending the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic.

World leaders will submit pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, the 193-member organisation had decided last week.

US is the host country of the United Nations and there is a possibility that Trump could travel to New York to address the General Debate of the 75th session of the Assembly on September 22.

The US is traditionally the second speaker at the debate after Brazil.

This would be Trump's final address to the General Assembly of the first term of his presidency before the US heads into elections in November and Trump could use the UN platform to highlight his foreign policy achievements while also tout his campaign agenda.

In taking the decision for a virtual UNGA, the General Assembly had noted with concern&nbsp;the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the limitations recommended on meetings within the United Nations premises as precautionary measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.

The new format will mean that it will be for the first time in the world organisation's 75-year history that Heads of State and Government and Ministers will not gather here for the high-level week that annually brings thousands of diplomats, government officials, civil society members and media persons from around the world to New York City.

Addressing a virtual press conference in June, General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande had said that world leaders cannot come to New York for the annual UN General Assembly session in September because of the COVID19 pandemic.

World leaders cannot come to New York because they cannot come as single individuals.

A president doesn't travel alone.

We don't expect therefore to have presidents here,&nbsp;Muhammad-Bande had said.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, responding to a question on Trump addressing the UNGA session in person, said that the UN Secretariat will be in touch, through the Office of the President of the General Assembly, with the member states on their representation.

When it comes to it, we have made clear what the conditions in the building are, what the need is for a scaled back ceremony.

the member states are aware that they have different options, including recorded messages, or in some cases, appearances.

We trust and expect that all member states will abide by the need to keep the numbers low, and we'll see what they do in terms of their preparations.

Haq added that the UN has made clear to all member states the need to keep the delegations' number low during the high-level week.There is an absolute upper limit of how many people we can safely accommodate, and all Member States have been made aware of that.

How they will adjust is a matter ultimately of discussion between the Member States and the United Nations.

Along with the General Debate and 75th anniversary commemoration, key high-level sessions will also be held virtually at the UN.

The Summit on Biodiversity will be held on September 30, high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women on October 1 and the high-level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on October 2.

Member states will submit their pre-recorded video statements for these high-level meetings as well.

Each country would be encouraged to observe the time limit of 15 minutes in the General Debate that would include remarks in the Assembly Hall to introduce the pre-recorded video and the video itself.

Muhammad-Bande has told Member States that with a view to limit the footprint and the number of people into the UN building, physical access and presence will be limited to one or, if the situation allows, two delegates in the General Assembly hall.

Further, he said member states are encouraged to move all side events to virtual platforms to limit the footprint and number of people in the UN building.

US President Donald Trump is likely to travel to New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly session in September, the only world leader to address this year's virtual high-level week in person, the US envoy to the UN said.

US President Donald Trump is likely to travel to New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly session in September, the only world leader to address this year's virtual high-level week in person, the US envoy to the UN said. We're hoping that President Trump will actually be speaking in person in the General Assembly. He will be the only world leader to be speaking in person, US Ambassador Kelly Craft said Thursday at a virtual briefing. Craft added that with the UN commemorating its 75th anniversary this year, that makes it even more special that we really take the virtual and amplify it to be able to celebrate the 75th and obviously we're going to be focused on human rights issues, on transparency, accountability because anytime during COVID where the American taxpayers have really stepped up on a personal level, it's now. For the first time in the UN's 75-year history, the annual General Assembly session will be held virtually and Heads of State and Government will not be physically attending the annual gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic. World leaders will submit pre-recorded video statements for the high-level week, the 193-member organisation had decided last week. US is the host country of the United Nations and there is a possibility that Trump could travel to New York to address the General Debate of the 75th session of the Assembly on September 22. The US is traditionally the second speaker at the debate after Brazil. This would be Trump's final address to the General Assembly of the first term of his presidency before the US heads into elections in November and Trump could use the UN platform to highlight his foreign policy achievements while also tout his campaign agenda. In taking the decision for a virtual UNGA, the General Assembly had noted with concern the situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the limitations recommended on meetings within the United Nations premises as precautionary measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. The new format will mean that it will be for the first time in the world organisation's 75-year history that Heads of State and Government and Ministers will not gather here for the high-level week that annually brings thousands of diplomats, government officials, civil society members and media persons from around the world to New York City. Addressing a virtual press conference in June, General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande had said that world leaders cannot come to New York for the annual UN General Assembly session in September because of the COVID19 pandemic. World leaders cannot come to New York because they cannot come as single individuals. A president doesn't travel alone. We don't expect therefore to have presidents here, Muhammad-Bande had said. Farhan Haq, Deputy Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, responding to a question on Trump addressing the UNGA session in person, said that the UN Secretariat will be in touch, through the Office of the President of the General Assembly, with the member states on their representation. When it comes to it, we have made clear what the conditions in the building are, what the need is for a scaled back ceremony. the member states are aware that they have different options, including recorded messages, or in some cases, appearances. We trust and expect that all member states will abide by the need to keep the numbers low, and we'll see what they do in terms of their preparations. Haq added that the UN has made clear to all member states the need to keep the delegations' number low during the high-level week.There is an absolute upper limit of how many people we can safely accommodate, and all Member States have been made aware of that. How they will adjust is a matter ultimately of discussion between the Member States and the United Nations. Along with the General Debate and 75th anniversary commemoration, key high-level sessions will also be held virtually at the UN. The Summit on Biodiversity will be held on September 30, high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women on October 1 and the high-level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on October 2. Member states will submit their pre-recorded video statements for these high-level meetings as well. Each country would be encouraged to observe the time limit of 15 minutes in the General Debate that would include remarks in the Assembly Hall to introduce the pre-recorded video and the video itself. Muhammad-Bande has told Member States that with a view to limit the footprint and the number of people into the UN building, physical access and presence will be limited to one or, if the situation allows, two delegates in the General Assembly hall. Further, he said member states are encouraged to move all side events to virtual platforms to limit the footprint and number of people in the UN building.

US President Trump likely to be only world leader to address UN General Assembly session in person

The president of the U.N. General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said on June 8 that world leaders will not be coming to New York for their annual gathering in late September for the first time in the 75-year history of the United Nations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN General Assembly meet cancelled due to COVID-19: World leaders may meet virtually

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced.

The brief statement about the meeting, to be held at the State Department, said Pompeo and Lavrov would "discuss a broad range of regional and bilateral issues."

On Friday, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the meeting was being "prepared" for Tuesday.

The situations in war-wracked Syria and Ukraine are likely to top the agenda. The Washington meeting will come on the heels of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east in Paris on Monday.

Iran and North Korea are also of mutual concern in Washington and Moscow.

Pompeo and Lavrov met in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

But Lavrov has not been on an official visit to the US capital since his encounter with Trump in the Oval Office in May 2017, which was followed by allegations that the US leader divulged classified intelligence in the meeting.

Photographs of the meeting showed Lavrov, Trump and subsequently sacked Russian envoy to Washington Sergei Kislyak sharing a laugh.

US intelligence concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election with an eye to swinging it in Trump's favour, but US special counsel Robert Mueller found there was not enough evidence to prove that Trump's campaign conspired with the Russian government in those efforts.

The report did not conclude that Trump had committed a crime, but it also did not fully exonerate him.

"If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state," Mueller's long-awaited report said.

"Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will welcome his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday -- the Russian's first visit to Washington since a controversial 2017 meeting with US President Donald Trump, the State Department announced. The brief statement about the meeting, to be held at the State Department, said Pompeo and Lavrov would "discuss a broad range of regional and bilateral issues." On Friday, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said the meeting was being "prepared" for Tuesday. The situations in war-wracked Syria and Ukraine are likely to top the agenda. The Washington meeting will come on the heels of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east in Paris on Monday. Iran and North Korea are also of mutual concern in Washington and Moscow. Pompeo and Lavrov met in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. But Lavrov has not been on an official visit to the US capital since his encounter with Trump in the Oval Office in May 2017, which was followed by allegations that the US leader divulged classified intelligence in the meeting. Photographs of the meeting showed Lavrov, Trump and subsequently sacked Russian envoy to Washington Sergei Kislyak sharing a laugh. US intelligence concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election with an eye to swinging it in Trump's favour, but US special counsel Robert Mueller found there was not enough evidence to prove that Trump's campaign conspired with the Russian government in those efforts. The report did not conclude that Trump had committed a crime, but it also did not fully exonerate him. "If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state," Mueller's long-awaited report said. "Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, however, we are unable to reach that judgment."

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to visit Washington, US confirms

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time.

In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full.

Out of 129, only 34 members have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the U.N.'s Financial Regulation.

The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion excluding the money for peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, India has contributed $23,253,808 this year.

Although 129 States out of 193 have now paid their regular annual dues, only 70 per cent of the total assessment for the year till September had been paid, versus 78 per cent this time last year.

The United Nations is facing the worst cash crisis in nearly a decade and it might not be able to pay the salaries to its officials next month, said the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said he had written to the Member States, "about the worst cash crisis facing the United Nations in nearly a decade. The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors."

The United Nations is facing the deepest deficit of the decade.

Addressing the budget-setting Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General said, "this month, we will reach the deepest deficit of the decade."

He said that the Organisation risks "exhausting the closed peacekeeping cash reserves and entering November without enough cash to cover payrolls."

Dujarric, while talking to reporters said, other states needed to pay "urgently and in full".

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time. In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full.

India is among 34 United Nations member states which paid their regular annual dues within the stipulated time. In a document shared by the United Nations, as of 27 October 2019, 129 member states have paid their regular budget assessments in full. Out of 129, only 34 members have paid their regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period specified in the U.N.'s Financial Regulation. The UN's operating budget for 2018-2019 is close to $5.4 billion excluding the money for peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, India has contributed $23,253,808 this year. Although 129 States out of 193 have now paid their regular annual dues, only 70 per cent of the total assessment for the year till September had been paid, versus 78 per cent this time last year. The United Nations is facing the worst cash crisis in nearly a decade and it might not be able to pay the salaries to its officials next month, said the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In a statement issued by his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said he had written to the Member States, "about the worst cash crisis facing the United Nations in nearly a decade. The organisation runs the risk of depleting its liquidity reserves by the end of the month and defaulting on payments to staff and vendors." The United Nations is facing the deepest deficit of the decade. Addressing the budget-setting Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General said, "this month, we will reach the deepest deficit of the decade." He said that the Organisation risks "exhausting the closed peacekeeping cash reserves and entering November without enough cash to cover payrolls." Dujarric, while talking to reporters said, other states needed to pay "urgently and in full".

India among 34 U.N. nations to pay regular annual dues within stipulated time

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce.

The trade deals, which were formally unveiled last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, come as Trump renews far more fraught negotiations later this week with China.

Trump's trade wars have since last year profoundly disrupted trade ties for US farmers, who have borne the brunt of China's retaliation.

US soybean exports to China have risen in recent weeks, however.

"These deals are a tremendous victory for both our nations," Trump said Monday of the new US-Japan agreements.&nbsp;

"We love our farmers and our ranchers. We have been working hard on this."

Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley.

In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market.

In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free.

Japanese officials also said last month that Washington had promised not to impose tariffs on Japanese auto exports, a threat Trump has held over major trading partners since last year.

The White House announced earlier Monday that the US-China trade talks were due to resume on Thursday when Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He is due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce.

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed a banner day for American farmers, announcing two trade agreements with Japan that he said would deepen economic ties in agriculture and digital commerce. The trade deals, which were formally unveiled last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, come as Trump renews far more fraught negotiations later this week with China. Trump's trade wars have since last year profoundly disrupted trade ties for US farmers, who have borne the brunt of China's retaliation. US soybean exports to China have risen in recent weeks, however. "These deals are a tremendous victory for both our nations," Trump said Monday of the new US-Japan agreements. "We love our farmers and our ranchers. We have been working hard on this." Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley. In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market. In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free. Japanese officials also said last month that Washington had promised not to impose tariffs on Japanese auto exports, a threat Trump has held over major trading partners since last year. The White House announced earlier Monday that the US-China trade talks were due to resume on Thursday when Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He is due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

US, Japan ink trade agreements on farm, digital exports

Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-made-up-the-numbers-india-on-islamabad-claiming-support-of-58-countries-at-unhrc-253777">Imran Khan</a> on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan.

His message for the Kashmiris on his 67th birthday came as a new admission from the Prime Minister over the fact that Pakistan indeed continues to push terrorists into India, along the LoC.

Khan took to Twitter to reiterate his&nbsp;rhetoric on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grenade-attack-rocks-jammu-and-kashmirs-anantnag-253860">Kashmir</a>, saying that the "inhumane curfew" has been continuing since more than two months in the Valley.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-spokesperson-trolled-for-calling-kashmir-countrys-jugular-vain-253724">Pakistani</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister's advisory to his people to not cross over into India has come nearly ten days after the Indian Army chief revealed that terror camps in Balakot are active again, almost seven months after the Indian Air Force destroyed the Jaish-e-Mohammad-run complex run in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack.

"Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. That shows that Balakot has been affected. It had been damaged and destroyed. And that is why people have got away from there and now it has been reactivated," Army chief Bipin Rawat had told reporters on September 24 at the Officers Training Academy.

General Rawat added that close to 500 infiltrators are waiting to infiltrate into India.

This is not the first time that the cricketer-turned-prime minister has played a rash shot. His bid to internationalize Kashmir has disastrously failed on all international platforms.

Even before he spoke at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-says-iran-taking-step-in-right-direction-253726">United Nations</a> General Assembly last month, he was forced to admit the failure of "Mission Kashmir".

"To be absolutely frank, I am a bit disappointed by the international community," adding that the reaction would have been different and more urgent had it been 8 million Europeans who had been put under siege or Jewish people or Americans, it would have been different if there were just eight Americans. He lamented, "What options do we have? What do we do?," he said in a press conference on September 25.

Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Khan at the U.N. General Assembly meeting had yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter.

"My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will have consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It's not a threat but worry about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said.

India has maintained that the move is an internal matter of the country - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC nations and the Arab World.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan. His message for the Kashmiris on his 67th birthday came as a new admission from the Prime Minister over the fact that Pakistan indeed continues to push terrorists into India, along the LoC. Khan took to Twitter to reiterate his rhetoric on Kashmir, saying that the "inhumane curfew" has been continuing since more than two months in the Valley. Pakistani Prime Minister's advisory to his people to not cross over into India has come nearly ten days after the Indian Army chief revealed that terror camps in Balakot are active again, almost seven months after the Indian Air Force destroyed the Jaish-e-Mohammad-run complex run in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack. "Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. That shows that Balakot has been affected. It had been damaged and destroyed. And that is why people have got away from there and now it has been reactivated," Army chief Bipin Rawat had told reporters on September 24 at the Officers Training Academy. General Rawat added that close to 500 infiltrators are waiting to infiltrate into India. This is not the first time that the cricketer-turned-prime minister has played a rash shot. His bid to internationalize Kashmir has disastrously failed on all international platforms. Even before he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly last month, he was forced to admit the failure of "Mission Kashmir". "To be absolutely frank, I am a bit disappointed by the international community," adding that the reaction would have been different and more urgent had it been 8 million Europeans who had been put under siege or Jewish people or Americans, it would have been different if there were just eight Americans. He lamented, "What options do we have? What do we do?," he said in a press conference on September 25. Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Khan at the U.N. General Assembly meeting had yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter. "My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will have consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It's not a threat but worry about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said. India has maintained that the move is an internal matter of the country - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC nations and the Arab World.

Imran Khan advises his people not to cross Line of Control

Reacting to Turkey raising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youth-from-jammu-and-kashmir-line-up-to-join-indian-army-in-srinagar-253536">Kashmir </a>issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indian Ministry of External Affairs briefs media

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Reiterating that it is an internal issue of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We call upon the Turkey government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements on this issue. It is a matter which is completely internal to India."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had raked up the issue during his address at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-slams-china-at-unga-for-building-road-in-pok-asserts-jk-situation-internal-matter-252608">UNGA</a> in New York recently. India had vowed not to talk about the issue during the UNGA session in light of the matter being completely sovereign in nature.

Reacting to Turkey raising the Kashmir issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it.

Reacting to Turkey raising the Kashmir issue at the recently held session of the UN General Assembly, India on Friday called upon the Turkish government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before making any further statements on it. Watch Video: Indian Ministry of External Affairs briefs media × Reiterating that it is an internal issue of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We call upon the Turkey government to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements on this issue. It is a matter which is completely internal to India." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had raked up the issue during his address at the UNGA in New York recently. India had vowed not to talk about the issue during the UNGA session in light of the matter being completely sovereign in nature.

Turkey should get proper understanding of ground situation in J-K, says MEA

With an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries, Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-to-arrive-in-india-on-4-day-visit-on-thursday-253204">Sheikh Hasina</a> on Thursday arrived in the national capital on a four-day visit to India.

As part of her first official engagement of the day, she will participate as the chief guest in the India Economic Summit being organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in New Delhi.

During the visit, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 5.

This is Hasina's first visit to India since the completion of the elections in Bangladesh and India, a press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"Apart from a number of agreements that are to be exchanged between the sides during the visit, the two Prime Ministers will also jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link," the statement said.

On September 27, Hasina and Modi had met on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York where the two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach against terrorism and violent extremism and noted that strong ties in the security sector had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries.

During Hasina's visit to India, both countries are expected to review the Rohingya and Teesta river water sharing issues, apart from inking agreements in various sectors.

"Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi may definitely discuss different issues, including the Teesta as well as Rohingyas," The Dhaka Tribune quoted Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muazzem Ali, as saying.

On the sidelines of the India Economic Forum meet, the two countries are likely to sign a number of MoUs in different areas, including connectivity, culture, technical cooperation and trade and investment, Muazzem said.

"It is so far confirmed that seven to eight MoUs are to be signed, mostly on connectivity, cultural and technical cooperation, and trade and investment after the bilateral meeting of the two prime ministers on October 5," he said.

However, the High Commissioner also stated that the number of MoUs could be as high as 10.Muazzem further remarked that the Bangladesh Prime Minister would also seek more investments from major Indian investors.

With an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday arrived in the national capital on a four-day visit to India.

With an aim to further intensify bilateral relations between the two countries, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday arrived in the national capital on a four-day visit to India. As part of her first official engagement of the day, she will participate as the chief guest in the India Economic Summit being organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in New Delhi. During the visit, the Bangladesh Prime Minister will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 5. This is Hasina's first visit to India since the completion of the elections in Bangladesh and India, a press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "Apart from a number of agreements that are to be exchanged between the sides during the visit, the two Prime Ministers will also jointly inaugurate three bilateral projects via video link," the statement said. On September 27, Hasina and Modi had met on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York where the two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach against terrorism and violent extremism and noted that strong ties in the security sector had built trust and mutual confidence between the two countries. During Hasina's visit to India, both countries are expected to review the Rohingya and Teesta river water sharing issues, apart from inking agreements in various sectors. "Prime Minister Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi may definitely discuss different issues, including the Teesta as well as Rohingyas," The Dhaka Tribune quoted Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Syed Muazzem Ali, as saying. On the sidelines of the India Economic Forum meet, the two countries are likely to sign a number of MoUs in different areas, including connectivity, culture, technical cooperation and trade and investment, Muazzem said. "It is so far confirmed that seven to eight MoUs are to be signed, mostly on connectivity, cultural and technical cooperation, and trade and investment after the bilateral meeting of the two prime ministers on October 5," he said. However, the High Commissioner also stated that the number of MoUs could be as high as 10.Muazzem further remarked that the Bangladesh Prime Minister would also seek more investments from major Indian investors.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in India on 4-day visit

A tale of two speeches: Here's how Modi changed the tone this year at UNGA

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday.

His forces are fighting those of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in a country that has been plagued by violence since Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi was killed in 2011.

"When all is said and done, we need dialogue, and we need to sit down" at the negotiating table, Haftar said in a statement issued Wednesday night.

Hours later, France and Italy brought together the conflict's regional actors in a special Thursday session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Their mission: to unify the international community and coalesce around the best way out of the conflict.

Sarraj is backed by Turkey and Qatar, the latter of which was absent from the table. Haftar's allies, the UAE and Egypt, sat on the other side, as the small diplomatic gathering got underway.

The idea was to organize "political pressure on the main actors supporting each (Libyan) faction so that they might conclude that it's time to stop the military competition game and proxy war," a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

'No military solution'

Haftar's Wednesday declaration was seen as a positive sign after his faction declared only weeks prior that a "military solution" was the only way out.

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive on April 4 to conquer the seat of Sarraj's government in Tripoli, and purge it of "terrorist groups."

The violence has killed more than 1,000 people according to the UN, and has seen the two sides become entrenched in a stalemate on the capital's southern outskirts.

Haftar has repeatedly hammered home that dialogue would "not be possible so long as terrorist groups and criminal militias control&nbsp;, Tripoli" in reference to forces loyal to the GNA.

But he hoped the UN meeting would lead to proposals that help "restore security and stability" in Libya.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, criticized for his support of Haftar before the Tripoli offensive, did not mince words.

"There will be no military solution in Libya. Those who think otherwise are wrong and risk dragging this country into a dramatic downward slide," he said ahead of the meeting, which was co-chaired by his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio.

'Africa has expertise'&nbsp;

Paris is particularly worried about the risk of an Islamic State insurgency in southern Libya.

The goal is for an agreement on four points: respect for a cease-fire, an arms embargo, sharing of oil resources, and organization of an inter-Libyan conference.

An international conference would gather the conflict's actors and their allies in Berlin, according to a plan proposed by UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame.

Countries in North Africa's Sahel region have been hit hard by the shockwaves and fallout from the Libyan crisis, and have taken a greater role in the African Union's efforts to settle the conflict.

Regional leaders called this week for the appointment of a joint UN-AU special envoy.

"Africa has expertise which has just been confirmed in the Sudan crisis," Mahamadou Issoufou, president of Niger, said.

"Libya is on the African continent, Libya is African, we cannot solve the Libyan problem by leaving the AU at the margin," he said.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday.

Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar whose forces have been battling to capture the seat of the UN-recognized government in Tripoli since April, said he was open to "dialogue" ahead of a special UN session Thursday. His forces are fighting those of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in a country that has been plagued by violence since Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi was killed in 2011. "When all is said and done, we need dialogue, and we need to sit down" at the negotiating table, Haftar said in a statement issued Wednesday night. Hours later, France and Italy brought together the conflict's regional actors in a special Thursday session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Their mission: to unify the international community and coalesce around the best way out of the conflict. Sarraj is backed by Turkey and Qatar, the latter of which was absent from the table. Haftar's allies, the UAE and Egypt, sat on the other side, as the small diplomatic gathering got underway. The idea was to organize "political pressure on the main actors supporting each (Libyan) faction so that they might conclude that it's time to stop the military competition game and proxy war," a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity. 'No military solution' Haftar's Wednesday declaration was seen as a positive sign after his faction declared only weeks prior that a "military solution" was the only way out. Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive on April 4 to conquer the seat of Sarraj's government in Tripoli, and purge it of "terrorist groups." The violence has killed more than 1,000 people according to the UN, and has seen the two sides become entrenched in a stalemate on the capital's southern outskirts. Haftar has repeatedly hammered home that dialogue would "not be possible so long as terrorist groups and criminal militias control , Tripoli" in reference to forces loyal to the GNA. But he hoped the UN meeting would lead to proposals that help "restore security and stability" in Libya. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, criticized for his support of Haftar before the Tripoli offensive, did not mince words. "There will be no military solution in Libya. Those who think otherwise are wrong and risk dragging this country into a dramatic downward slide," he said ahead of the meeting, which was co-chaired by his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio. 'Africa has expertise' Paris is particularly worried about the risk of an Islamic State insurgency in southern Libya. The goal is for an agreement on four points: respect for a cease-fire, an arms embargo, sharing of oil resources, and organization of an inter-Libyan conference. An international conference would gather the conflict's actors and their allies in Berlin, according to a plan proposed by UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame. Countries in North Africa's Sahel region have been hit hard by the shockwaves and fallout from the Libyan crisis, and have taken a greater role in the African Union's efforts to settle the conflict. Regional leaders called this week for the appointment of a joint UN-AU special envoy. "Africa has expertise which has just been confirmed in the Sudan crisis," Mahamadou Issoufou, president of Niger, said. "Libya is on the African continent, Libya is African, we cannot solve the Libyan problem by leaving the AU at the margin," he said.

Haftar ready for 'dialogue' as UN pressures Libya's warring factions

Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi on Friday dismissed a call for a second weekend of protests as "no reason for concern", with hundreds already arrested in an intensifying crackdown on a rare show of discontent on the streets.

Last week's open defiance of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi triggered by viral videos from exiled Egyptian businessman Mohamed Aly has surprised observers in a country where opposition of all stripes has been severely curtailed.

Elected president in 2014 after pushing predecessor Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood from power the previous year, Sisi is seen by many as one of the most authoritarian figures in the Middle East. &nbsp;

Construction magnate Aly has called for a "million-man march" to take place Friday and a "people's revolution" to unseat the uncompromising head of state.

But after he arrived home from the UN General Assembly in New York, Sisi on Friday insisted there was no cause for alarm.

"There are no reasons for concern. Egypt is a strong country thanks to Egyptians," he told reporters with a smile.

"The case does not deserve all" this attention, Sisi said. "It is an attempt to create an image that is absolutely not real."

Road blocks prevented traffic from entering Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday morning, AFP journalists said, although it was still possible to move into the area on foot.

Aly accuses Sisi of building lavish palaces while taxpayers grapple with the impact of austerity under an IMF loan programme totalling $12 billion.

In recent days, security has been visibly stepped up, especially in Tahrir Square the epicenter of the 2011 popular revolt that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

That iconic location was key to last week's demonstrations, which broke out after a football match with protesters chanting "leave, Sisi!" and accusing him of heading a "military regime".

Alongside beefing up their presence on the streets, the security forces have also detained people they suspect of being key influencers of unrest journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers.

'Wrong place, wrong time'

Human Rights Watch said Friday that nearly 2,000 people had been arrested over the past week, in what could be the biggest crackdown since 2013.

"Lawyers for detainees have posted on their social media pages several accounts of security forces arbitrarily arresting many people merely for being in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' or possessing critical content on their phones," the rights group said.

The attorney general's office said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors.

It said prosecutors had orders to "inspect the social media accounts and pages of those detained."

Analysts said they expected any further protests to meet a tough response as Sisi seeks to preserve his security credentials.

"Sisi has made it clear he intends to stay in power for quite some time and protests will not change that calculus for him," said H.A Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.

The president "appears convinced that any protests that go beyond a certain point would be destructive not only to his presidency but the state more generally," he told AFP.

HRW called on Egypt's Western allies to suspend their military assistance until the government ceases its "gross violations of international law".

"World leaders should recognize that providing security and military assistance to abusive forces won't bring stability to Egypt, and that what's needed instead is a government that respects the rights and freedoms of the Egyptian people," said it is Middle East and North Africa director, Sarah Leah Whitson.

In August 2013, just over a month after Sisi toppled Morsi, police dispersed two camps full of supporters of the Islamist leader in Cairo, killing about 800 people in clashes, according to official figures.

The government named the Muslim Brotherhood a "terrorist organization" later that year, but the crackdown on opposition has extended to secular organizations and human rights activists.

On Thursday, Aly posted a one-minute missive which included extracts from previous videos and footage from riots in 2011 and later, juxtaposed against declarations by Sisi.

But while the exiled critic's videos have gained huge traction shared millions of times online they have provoked fervent counter-attacks from the president's backers, using the hashtags #longliveSisi and #theywantchaos.

For those supporters, Sisi's six years at the helm including five as president have shown him to be a bulwark against the insecurity and political disintegration unleashed by the Arab Spring elsewhere, notably in Libya and Syria.

Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi on Friday dismissed a call for a second weekend of protests as "no reason for concern", with hundreds already arrested in an intensifying crackdown on a rare show of discontent on the streets.

Egyptian President Fattah al-Sisi on Friday dismissed a call for a second weekend of protests as "no reason for concern", with hundreds already arrested in an intensifying crackdown on a rare show of discontent on the streets. Last week's open defiance of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi triggered by viral videos from exiled Egyptian businessman Mohamed Aly has surprised observers in a country where opposition of all stripes has been severely curtailed. Elected president in 2014 after pushing predecessor Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood from power the previous year, Sisi is seen by many as one of the most authoritarian figures in the Middle East. Construction magnate Aly has called for a "million-man march" to take place Friday and a "people's revolution" to unseat the uncompromising head of state. But after he arrived home from the UN General Assembly in New York, Sisi on Friday insisted there was no cause for alarm. "There are no reasons for concern. Egypt is a strong country thanks to Egyptians," he told reporters with a smile. "The case does not deserve all" this attention, Sisi said. "It is an attempt to create an image that is absolutely not real." Road blocks prevented traffic from entering Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday morning, AFP journalists said, although it was still possible to move into the area on foot. Aly accuses Sisi of building lavish palaces while taxpayers grapple with the impact of austerity under an IMF loan programme totalling $12 billion. In recent days, security has been visibly stepped up, especially in Tahrir Square the epicenter of the 2011 popular revolt that toppled long-time autocrat Hosni Mubarak. That iconic location was key to last week's demonstrations, which broke out after a football match with protesters chanting "leave, Sisi!" and accusing him of heading a "military regime". Alongside beefing up their presence on the streets, the security forces have also detained people they suspect of being key influencers of unrest journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers. 'Wrong place, wrong time' Human Rights Watch said Friday that nearly 2,000 people had been arrested over the past week, in what could be the biggest crackdown since 2013. "Lawyers for detainees have posted on their social media pages several accounts of security forces arbitrarily arresting many people merely for being in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' or possessing critical content on their phones," the rights group said. The attorney general's office said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors. It said prosecutors had orders to "inspect the social media accounts and pages of those detained." Analysts said they expected any further protests to meet a tough response as Sisi seeks to preserve his security credentials. "Sisi has made it clear he intends to stay in power for quite some time and protests will not change that calculus for him," said H.A Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. The president "appears convinced that any protests that go beyond a certain point would be destructive not only to his presidency but the state more generally," he told AFP. HRW called on Egypt's Western allies to suspend their military assistance until the government ceases its "gross violations of international law". "World leaders should recognize that providing security and military assistance to abusive forces won't bring stability to Egypt, and that what's needed instead is a government that respects the rights and freedoms of the Egyptian people," said it is Middle East and North Africa director, Sarah Leah Whitson. In August 2013, just over a month after Sisi toppled Morsi, police dispersed two camps full of supporters of the Islamist leader in Cairo, killing about 800 people in clashes, according to official figures. The government named the Muslim Brotherhood a "terrorist organization" later that year, but the crackdown on opposition has extended to secular organizations and human rights activists. On Thursday, Aly posted a one-minute missive which included extracts from previous videos and footage from riots in 2011 and later, juxtaposed against declarations by Sisi. But while the exiled critic's videos have gained huge traction shared millions of times online they have provoked fervent counter-attacks from the president's backers, using the hashtags #longliveSisi and #theywantchaos. For those supporters, Sisi's six years at the helm including five as president have shown him to be a bulwark against the insecurity and political disintegration unleashed by the Arab Spring elsewhere, notably in Libya and Syria.

Egypt leader shrugs off call for fresh protests

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Washington and Tokyo had taken a major step towards sealing a comprehensive new trade deal, after a year of negotiations between the global economic powers.

Sitting next to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said the leaders "formally announce the first stage of a phenomenal new trade agreement," adding "this is a big chunk, but in the fairly near future we are going to have a lot more."

As Trump and Abe met on the side of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Japanese leader said a deal would be "a win-win solution" for both nations.

Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley.

In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market.

The announcement did not resolve the thorny matter of US threats to slap tariffs on auto imports.&nbsp;

But Abe, speaking later at a news conference, said he and Trump agreed that a year-old understanding not to impose auto tariffs remained in force.

"It has been firmly confirmed that no further tariffs will be imposed," Abe said.

Trump, using the threat of tariffs, has sought a comprehensive deal to scale back the US trade deficit with Japan and benefit American farmers -- whose industry helps form a key base of political support.

Trump said a trade agreement would be important to "reduce our chronic trade deficit."

'Working on phase two'

In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free.

But Tokyo has demanded a firm commitment that Trump will not impose 25 per cent duties on autos, which are vital for the sluggish Japanese economy.

After postponing an earlier deadline, Trump has given himself until November 17 to decide whether to go ahead with the tariffs, a proposal which has alarmed Berlin and Tokyo.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Wednesday Japanese auto tariffs were not foremost on Trump's mind.

"At this point, it is certainly not our intention, the president's intention, to do anything on autos... on Japan," he said.

The United States had been at a disadvantage since Trump's decision in 2017 to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, which took effect for 11 economies last year.

Meanwhile, a trade agreement between the EU and Japan took effect in February.

"If we had not done this, the United States agriculture would be at a disadvantage to TPP countries and some European countries," Lighthizer said.

"This gets us equal or better than those people."

Abe, who heads Thursday to Brussels, also pointed to the EU pact and said that Japan - long seen as protectionist -- was leading the way on free trade.

"Japan is determined to take the lead in the world's rule-making process as a flagbearer of free trade," Abe said.

Last year, the total US trade deficit with Japan was $58 billion and Japan exported $51 billion worth of cars to the American market, according to government data.

US farmers have borne the brunt of retaliation in Trump's trade wars with China and Europe, which has badly dented exports and left the agricultural sector reeling.

Trump said Wednesday he hoped to sign a "very comprehensive deal" with Japan soon that means "really big dollars for our farmers and for our ranchers."

"We are working on phase two already," he added.

Japan is the US's third-largest agricultural export market, and Japanese consumers bought a quarter of American beef and pork exports last year -- $1.6 billion in pork and more than $2 billion worth of US beef.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Washington and Tokyo had taken a major step towards sealing a comprehensive new trade deal, after a year of negotiations between the global economic powers.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Washington and Tokyo had taken a major step towards sealing a comprehensive new trade deal, after a year of negotiations between the global economic powers. Sitting next to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said the leaders "formally announce the first stage of a phenomenal new trade agreement," adding "this is a big chunk, but in the fairly near future we are going to have a lot more." As Trump and Abe met on the side of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Japanese leader said a deal would be "a win-win solution" for both nations. Under the agreement, Japan will cut tariffs for $7 billion in US farm exports, including beef and pork, while reducing mark-ups on purchases of American wheat and barley. In return, Washington has agreed to cut US tariffs on $40 million in Japanese agricultural goods and to ease tariff-rate quotas on the country's beef, allowing Japan to compete for a greater share of the US market. The announcement did not resolve the thorny matter of US threats to slap tariffs on auto imports. But Abe, speaking later at a news conference, said he and Trump agreed that a year-old understanding not to impose auto tariffs remained in force. "It has been firmly confirmed that no further tariffs will be imposed," Abe said. Trump, using the threat of tariffs, has sought a comprehensive deal to scale back the US trade deficit with Japan and benefit American farmers -- whose industry helps form a key base of political support. Trump said a trade agreement would be important to "reduce our chronic trade deficit." 'Working on phase two' In a separate agreement, US and Japanese officials have also agreed to eliminate duties on digital products like videos, music and ebooks as well as to ensure cross-border that data transfers are barrier-free. But Tokyo has demanded a firm commitment that Trump will not impose 25 per cent duties on autos, which are vital for the sluggish Japanese economy. After postponing an earlier deadline, Trump has given himself until November 17 to decide whether to go ahead with the tariffs, a proposal which has alarmed Berlin and Tokyo. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Wednesday Japanese auto tariffs were not foremost on Trump's mind. "At this point, it is certainly not our intention, the president's intention, to do anything on autos... on Japan," he said. The United States had been at a disadvantage since Trump's decision in 2017 to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, which took effect for 11 economies last year. Meanwhile, a trade agreement between the EU and Japan took effect in February. "If we had not done this, the United States agriculture would be at a disadvantage to TPP countries and some European countries," Lighthizer said. "This gets us equal or better than those people." Abe, who heads Thursday to Brussels, also pointed to the EU pact and said that Japan - long seen as protectionist -- was leading the way on free trade. "Japan is determined to take the lead in the world's rule-making process as a flagbearer of free trade," Abe said. Last year, the total US trade deficit with Japan was $58 billion and Japan exported $51 billion worth of cars to the American market, according to government data. US farmers have borne the brunt of retaliation in Trump's trade wars with China and Europe, which has badly dented exports and left the agricultural sector reeling. Trump said Wednesday he hoped to sign a "very comprehensive deal" with Japan soon that means "really big dollars for our farmers and for our ranchers." "We are working on phase two already," he added. Japan is the US's third-largest agricultural export market, and Japanese consumers bought a quarter of American beef and pork exports last year -- $1.6 billion in pork and more than $2 billion worth of US beef.

Trump announces 'first stage' of 'phenomenal' Japan trade deal

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-trump-rouhani-know-conditions-for-talks-but-up-to-them-to-deliver-251896">Macron</a> had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

"France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly.

Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed.

"There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said.

Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday.

The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance.

"In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron.

He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous".

"It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration.

During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity".

He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy.

But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long.

France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right. "France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly. Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed. "There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said. Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday. The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance. "In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron. He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous". "It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration. During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity". He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy. But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long. France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance

Macron meets Rouhani at UNGA but Trump stays away

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough.

Johnson and Tusk met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Britain races towards its October 31 departure without an exit agreement and the prospect of economic disruption.

The British prime minister underlined to Tusk that his preference is for an exit agreement, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that the pair discussed finding an alternative to the so-called "Irish backstop."

They also discussed three papers recently submitted by London with ideas on replacing the backstop provisions in the Brexit deal struck last year but rejected by British lawmakers.

"The Prime Minister emphasized that in order to secure a deal we will now need to see movement and flexibility from the EU," said the spokesman.

"The leaders agreed to keep in touch over the coming weeks," they added.

Tusk tweeted that there had been, "No breakthrough. No breakdown," adding that there was "no time to lose."

The meeting came as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said Monday that London's current position did not offer any "basis to find an agreement" on leaving the bloc.

He said it was "difficult to see how we can arrive at a legally operative solution which fulfils all the objectives of the backstop."

The "backstop" is intended to guarantee that there is no hard border between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland and to protect the EU's single market.

The British government has admitted leaving without an exit agreement could cause food shortages and spark civil unrest.

Johnson also held a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, in which Brexit was discussed, the spokesperson for the British prime minister said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough. Johnson and Tusk met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Britain races towards its October 31 departure without an exit agreement and the prospect of economic disruption. The British prime minister underlined to Tusk that his preference is for an exit agreement, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that the pair discussed finding an alternative to the so-called "Irish backstop." They also discussed three papers recently submitted by London with ideas on replacing the backstop provisions in the Brexit deal struck last year but rejected by British lawmakers. "The Prime Minister emphasized that in order to secure a deal we will now need to see movement and flexibility from the EU," said the spokesman. "The leaders agreed to keep in touch over the coming weeks," they added. Tusk tweeted that there had been, "No breakthrough. No breakdown," adding that there was "no time to lose." The meeting came as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said Monday that London's current position did not offer any "basis to find an agreement" on leaving the bloc. He said it was "difficult to see how we can arrive at a legally operative solution which fulfils all the objectives of the backstop." The "backstop" is intended to guarantee that there is no hard border between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland and to protect the EU's single market. The British government has admitted leaving without an exit agreement could cause food shortages and spark civil unrest. Johnson also held a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, in which Brexit was discussed, the spokesperson for the British prime minister said.

No breakthrough as EU's Donald Tusk, Britain's Boris Johnson meet in New York

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-dare-you-greta-thunberg-thunders-at-world-leaders-at-united-nations-251573">Greta Thunberg and 15 other</a> young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming.

The complaint accused Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey of failing to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed 30 years ago.

The complaint, filed by the 16-year-old Swedish activist and 15 other petitioners from 12 different countries and aged between eight and 17, accused the five countries of violating children's rights by failing to take adequate and timely action against climate change.

It was filed after Thunberg delivered a searing attack on world leaders for their slow response to climate change at a special session kicking off the UN General Assembly in New York.

Every member of the United Nations except the United States has ratified the convention to protect the health and rights of children.&nbsp;

Monday's complaint focuses on a little-known "optional protocol" that came into effect in 2014 that allows children to file a complaint to the Committee on the Rights of the Child if they feel their rights are being denied. &nbsp;

The committee is then meant to investigate the charges before making recommendations to the countries concerned on how they can fix the issue.&nbsp;

The 16 young people were backed by the legal firm Hausfeld LLP and Earthjustice, an environmental law group.

Lawyer Michael Hausfeld said that while the committee's recommendations are not legally binding, the 44 countries that ratified the protocol pledged to respect them. He said he hoped the recommendations would be made in the coming 12 months.

The five countries named in the complaint are among the 44 that ratified the protocol and are also among the top global polluters, as well as being members of the G20 group of leading global economies.&nbsp;

The largest polluters in the world - the United States, China and India - did not ratify the protocol.

Countries like France and Germany may have recently begun working to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, but have also played a large role historically in polluting the atmosphere, the law firm argued.

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, Greta Thunberg and 15 other young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming.

After global street protests demanding action on climate change, Greta Thunberg and 15 other young activists on Monday filed a complaint at the UN against five countries for not doing enough to ward off global warming. The complaint accused Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey of failing to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed 30 years ago. The complaint, filed by the 16-year-old Swedish activist and 15 other petitioners from 12 different countries and aged between eight and 17, accused the five countries of violating children's rights by failing to take adequate and timely action against climate change. It was filed after Thunberg delivered a searing attack on world leaders for their slow response to climate change at a special session kicking off the UN General Assembly in New York. Every member of the United Nations except the United States has ratified the convention to protect the health and rights of children. Monday's complaint focuses on a little-known "optional protocol" that came into effect in 2014 that allows children to file a complaint to the Committee on the Rights of the Child if they feel their rights are being denied. The committee is then meant to investigate the charges before making recommendations to the countries concerned on how they can fix the issue. The 16 young people were backed by the legal firm Hausfeld LLP and Earthjustice, an environmental law group. Lawyer Michael Hausfeld said that while the committee's recommendations are not legally binding, the 44 countries that ratified the protocol pledged to respect them. He said he hoped the recommendations would be made in the coming 12 months. The five countries named in the complaint are among the 44 that ratified the protocol and are also among the top global polluters, as well as being members of the G20 group of leading global economies. The largest polluters in the world - the United States, China and India - did not ratify the protocol. Countries like France and Germany may have recently begun working to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, but have also played a large role historically in polluting the atmosphere, the law firm argued.

After protests at climate change summit, Greta Thunberg, others file UN complaint against five countries

Indian envoy to United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York ahead of UN General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week.

Indian envoy to United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York ahead of UN General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week. During the conversation, the Indian envoy said India is looking for action-oriented, tangible outcomes to the challenges faced by the global community. He also extensively spoke about India's climate strategy and the Gandhi solar park built on the UN roof by Indian government's grant. WION: Tell us about the Gandhi Solar park built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations? Syed Akbaruddin: The United Nations is now focused on climate action. The summit that is being called by the UN Secretary-General is focused on tangible concrete climate action. So when we looked at our participation in this summit, we looked at how we can contribute to the UN and its goals. We also looked at our own traditions. Ours is a tradition that revers the sun god. We also believe that the sun not only the source of energy but a source of very life itself. This goes back to millennia in our tradition. For all these things we chose, a solar park because it will symbolise in a very tangible and manifest way, the link between India's civilisational heritage as well as our future vision. Gandhi Ji is known, as a votary and prophet of non-violence and his views on those issues are well known but less is known, how he was focused on sustainability, environment, clean energy and simplicity in life. all these are reflected in solar energy and that is why we choose the solar park and since it will be a tribute to Gandhiji on his 150 birth anniversary; we have in consultation with UN-designated it as Gandhi solar park. We hope PM Modi will be joined by UN Secretary-General and other leaders on 24 September. WION: How is India shaping the global discourse on Climate Change? Syed Akbaruddin: You have to understand, one-sixth of the world community is in India, and whatever we do will impact globally. Our Prime Minister is committed to a way of life which is in harmony with nature. His view is, for generations Indians have lived in harmony with nature and therefore they should continue that lifestyle which has sustained us for all our known history. And that is our effort. In terms of climate change, we have committed ourself to a path which is sustainable and which has components of renewable energy, and that is why we have increased our commitments under the Paris accord more than 4 years ahead of schedule. We have the ambition, the vision to keep pushing for a sustainable renewable path for development. WION: India is sending a strong message with the establishment of the solar park. How will this message echo when PM Modi speaks at a climate summit? Syed Akbaruddin: We are grateful that the United Nations has given PM Modi pride of place in terms of speakers. His vision about how India intends to take forward a renewable and sustainable path towards development will find echos because we are a developing country, because we are a country which is committed to sustainable lifestyle and world is looking at us to be a pathfinder and to be a facilitator to what is increasingly a major a concern globally that unless we act, man-made climate change will overwhelm all of us. WION: You must be talking to your counterparts. What have they been saying about India's role? Syed Akbaruddin: You will notice that we have engagement with a large array of developing countries. Many of them are members of the international solar alliance, so unprecedented effort and outreach PM Modi will be meeting numerous leaders. This is a first for us, this is a unique way of engagement and you will see tangible outcomes next week when meetings take place. I don't want to preempt those outcomes. All I can tell you, India is looking towards action-oriented, tangible outcomes to challenges the international community is facing.

Looking towards action-oriented, tangible outcomes: Indian Envoy on UNGA week

Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-hosts-putin-and-rouhani-for-new-round-of-syria-talks-250181">Hassan Rouhani</a> and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday.

Rouhani and his delegation had been scheduled to travel to New York for the annual UN gathering on Monday, but that was now looking unlikely given the lack of visas, state news agency IRNA said.

"If the visas aren't issued in a few hours, this trip will probably be cancelled," IRNA reported.

The delegation includes Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, who the United States imposed sanctions against on July 31.

The foreign minister had been due to travel to New York on Friday morning, according to IRNA.

The absence of Rouhani would ruin France's bid to arrange a meeting between him and US President Donald Trump as part of European efforts to de-escalate tensions between the arch-foes.

"Iran's absence will show that in contrast with its commitments to the United Nations and international organisations within the framework of agreements, diplomacy has no value for the United States," IRNA said.

"Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has not left the scene and it continues its active diplomacy, the US government must answer for its behaviour," it added.

The UN General Assembly debate is due to begin on Tuesday.

As the host government, the United States generally is obliged to issue visas to diplomats who serve at UN headquarters.

But Iran and the United States have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions in its campaign of "maximum pressure".

Iran responded by scaling back its commitments under the landmark accord, which gave it the promise of sanctions relief in return for limiting the scope of its nuclear programme.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and his delegation could be forced into skipping next week's UN General Assembly because the United States has yet to issue them visas, state media said Wednesday. Rouhani and his delegation had been scheduled to travel to New York for the annual UN gathering on Monday, but that was now looking unlikely given the lack of visas, state news agency IRNA said. "If the visas aren't issued in a few hours, this trip will probably be cancelled," IRNA reported. The delegation includes Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif, who the United States imposed sanctions against on July 31. The foreign minister had been due to travel to New York on Friday morning, according to IRNA. The absence of Rouhani would ruin France's bid to arrange a meeting between him and US President Donald Trump as part of European efforts to de-escalate tensions between the arch-foes. "Iran's absence will show that in contrast with its commitments to the United Nations and international organisations within the framework of agreements, diplomacy has no value for the United States," IRNA said. "Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has not left the scene and it continues its active diplomacy, the US government must answer for its behaviour," it added. The UN General Assembly debate is due to begin on Tuesday. As the host government, the United States generally is obliged to issue visas to diplomats who serve at UN headquarters. But Iran and the United States have been at loggerheads since May last year when Trump abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal and began reimposing sanctions in its campaign of "maximum pressure". Iran responded by scaling back its commitments under the landmark accord, which gave it the promise of sanctions relief in return for limiting the scope of its nuclear programme.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani may skip United Nations meet over US visa delay: Report

The Pakistan Army is resorting to the policy of rape and pillage in Balochistan, said Baloch leader Mehran Marri here and added that two women have been raped by army men over last one month.

He added that the Pakistani forces had conducted Operation Searchlight in Bangladesh, and is now resorting to the same policies in Balochistan.

"Pakistan Army is notorious for its policy of rape and pillage like they conducted Operation Searchlight in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-more-rohingya-shot-dead-over-bangladesh-politicians-murder-249441">Bangladesh</a>. It is resorting to same policies in Balochistan now," Marri said.

Human rights activists and ethnic leaders have continuously staged protests in prominent spaces like during the recent UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva to shed light on the atrocities committed by Islamabad, its forces and its intelligence agency against religious and ethnic minorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-government-makes-it-mandatory-for-female-students-to-cover-up-250092">Pakistan</a>.

"In space of one month, a lady from Mardan and another from Gwadar has been raped by this coward army. They (Pakistan Army) have to be held accountable, be it Bajwa, Musharraf or any of these dictators, they have all committed crimes against humanity," Marri added.

The leaders have sought India`s help in bringing these human rights violations by Pakistan into international focus, with activists requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the situation in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army is resorting to the policy of rape and pillage in Balochistan, said Baloch leader Mehran Marri here and added that two women have been raped by army men over last one month.

The Pakistan Army is resorting to the policy of rape and pillage in Balochistan, said Baloch leader Mehran Marri here and added that two women have been raped by army men over last one month. He added that the Pakistani forces had conducted Operation Searchlight in Bangladesh, and is now resorting to the same policies in Balochistan. "Pakistan Army is notorious for its policy of rape and pillage like they conducted Operation Searchlight in Bangladesh. It is resorting to same policies in Balochistan now," Marri said. Human rights activists and ethnic leaders have continuously staged protests in prominent spaces like during the recent UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva to shed light on the atrocities committed by Islamabad, its forces and its intelligence agency against religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan. "In space of one month, a lady from Mardan and another from Gwadar has been raped by this coward army. They (Pakistan Army) have to be held accountable, be it Bajwa, Musharraf or any of these dictators, they have all committed crimes against humanity," Marri added. The leaders have sought India`s help in bringing these human rights violations by Pakistan into international focus, with activists requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the situation in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York.

Two women raped by Pakistan Army in last one month: Baloch leader

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Speaking at "Conference on minorities and democratic process in Pakistan" during the 42nd Session of Human Rights Council, Munawar Sufi Laghari, Executive director of Sindhi Foundation said, "The difficulty in Sindh is the fear,&nbsp;The most difficult challenge is to overcome that fear. This cannot be overcome inside the Sindh, so the only hope is outside. And my emphasis is that the UN and other countries like the US. I am suggesting that Prime Minister Modi is coming to the United Nations, he must mention about the Sindh because India has also got one of its name from the Sindh and lot of Sindhis are living in India and outside".

"At least he (Modi) can talk about human rights, he can talk about religious freedom as what America talks about. Recently, a conference on religious freedom was held in Washington DC," Laghari said.

Activists and experts from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Balochistan and Afghanistan also participated in the event.

Taj Baloch, Head of Human Rights Council of Balochistan said, "The situation has become worse because the international community has been silent on atrocities in Balochistan. In the beginning, it was enforced disappearances, then the "kill and dump" began, then the burning of the villages. Now, technically, it shall be called genocide and ethnic cleansing. People are deprived of 'right to life'.They are picked up, killed and dumped. And, it has gone to the mass level".

Taj added, "International human rights bodies and United Nations should visit Balochistan and investigate the situation. They should stop Pakistan military from committing such war crimes and crimes against humanity".

Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting&nbsp;'jihad'&nbsp;in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned.

Bilal Sarwary, a journalist from Kabul, who participated at the event said, "Pakistan's role and the image have been extremely destructive. If we look to 2001, when the Taliban was removed from power, this was a new journey for Afghanistan - a fight for peace, a fight for better tomorrow.&nbsp;And unfortunately, Pakistan`s image in Afghanistan is often associated with roadside bombs, suicide attacks. It is not a secret that there are public gatherings, funds are being collected in the name of a holy war called `jihad`".

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the event also condemned Pakistan`s duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session. Speaking at "Conference on minorities and democratic process in Pakistan" during the 42nd Session of Human Rights Council, Munawar Sufi Laghari, Executive director of Sindhi Foundation said, "The difficulty in Sindh is the fear, The most difficult challenge is to overcome that fear. This cannot be overcome inside the Sindh, so the only hope is outside. And my emphasis is that the UN and other countries like the US. I am suggesting that Prime Minister Modi is coming to the United Nations, he must mention about the Sindh because India has also got one of its name from the Sindh and lot of Sindhis are living in India and outside". "At least he (Modi) can talk about human rights, he can talk about religious freedom as what America talks about. Recently, a conference on religious freedom was held in Washington DC," Laghari said. Activists and experts from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Balochistan and Afghanistan also participated in the event. Taj Baloch, Head of Human Rights Council of Balochistan said, "The situation has become worse because the international community has been silent on atrocities in Balochistan. In the beginning, it was enforced disappearances, then the "kill and dump" began, then the burning of the villages. Now, technically, it shall be called genocide and ethnic cleansing. People are deprived of 'right to life'.They are picked up, killed and dumped. And, it has gone to the mass level". Taj added, "International human rights bodies and United Nations should visit Balochistan and investigate the situation. They should stop Pakistan military from committing such war crimes and crimes against humanity". Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting 'jihad' in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned. Bilal Sarwary, a journalist from Kabul, who participated at the event said, "Pakistan's role and the image have been extremely destructive. If we look to 2001, when the Taliban was removed from power, this was a new journey for Afghanistan - a fight for peace, a fight for better tomorrow. And unfortunately, Pakistan`s image in Afghanistan is often associated with roadside bombs, suicide attacks. It is not a secret that there are public gatherings, funds are being collected in the name of a holy war called `jihad`". Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the event also condemned Pakistan`s duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

PM Modi must raise issue of human rights violation in Pakistan at UNGA: Activists

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu &amp; Kashmir (J&amp;K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&amp;K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&amp;K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&amp;K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&amp;K’s &nbsp;special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&amp;K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February &nbsp;22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&amp;K belonged to India.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&amp;K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions.

The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. &nbsp;

Apprehension that a big terror attack in &nbsp;Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag.&nbsp;

The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages.

While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights.

This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high.

Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency.

Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-jk-pakistan-s-next-steps-2789585">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan.

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&K’s special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February 22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&K belonged to India. The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions. The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. Apprehension that a big terror attack in Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag. The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages. While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights. This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high. Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency. Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

J&K: Pakistan's next steps

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wants-to-make-meaningful-progress-in-china-trade-talks-249287">US</a> wine imports as part of a bilateral <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/american-business-community-wants-trade-deal-between-us-china-249649">trade deal</a> expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japan will eliminate the tariffs on US wine within five to seven years after the trade agreement goes into effect, the Nikkei reported without giving its sources.

Japan taxes imported wine at a rate of 15 per cent&nbsp;or 125 yen ($1.16) per litre, whichever is cheaper, according to the Nikkei.

The elimination of the tariff could cut the cost of US wine by about 13 per cent&nbsp;for wine distributors, the Nikkei said.

The trade agreement between the United States and Japan, which is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly meeting, is also expected to gradually lower tariffs on US&nbsp;beef imports to 9&nbsp;per cent in 2033 from 38.5 per cent&nbsp;now, the Nikkei said.

Officials from Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment.

Last month, the United States and Japan agreed in principle on the core elements of a free-trade deal that would cool a trade dispute between the allies. 
The United States is also trying to de-escalate its year-long trade war with China.

Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet their US&nbsp;counterparts in Washington before minister-level meetings in early October in the US&nbsp;capital. 
&nbsp;

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on US wine imports as part of a bilateral trade deal expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday.

Japan has agreed to phase out tariffs on US wine imports as part of a bilateral trade deal expected to be signed at the end of the month, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Sunday. Japan will eliminate the tariffs on US wine within five to seven years after the trade agreement goes into effect, the Nikkei reported without giving its sources. Japan taxes imported wine at a rate of 15 per cent or 125 yen ($1.16) per litre, whichever is cheaper, according to the Nikkei. The elimination of the tariff could cut the cost of US wine by about 13 per cent for wine distributors, the Nikkei said. The trade agreement between the United States and Japan, which is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting, is also expected to gradually lower tariffs on US beef imports to 9 per cent in 2033 from 38.5 per cent now, the Nikkei said. Officials from Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment. Last month, the United States and Japan agreed in principle on the core elements of a free-trade deal that would cool a trade dispute between the allies. The United States is also trying to de-escalate its year-long trade war with China. Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet their US counterparts in Washington before minister-level meetings in early October in the US capital.

Japan to eliminate tariffs on United States wine in trade deal: Report

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will have two meetings with President Donald Trump during his US visit later this month.

Khan will arrive in New York on September 21 to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

He will address the session on September 27, The News International reported.

According to the report, the prime minister will have the first meeting with the US President at a luncheon and another at high-tea.

He will also be holding talks with world leaders on Kashmir, an issued that Islamabad has been desperately trying to internationalise but to no avail.

This would be his second visit to the US. Previously in July, Khan held a one-on-one meeting with Trump during which the president had offered to mediate between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir.

During the July visit, Khan had revealed that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir."

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will have two meetings with President Donald Trump during his US visit later this month. Khan will arrive in New York on September 21 to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will have two meetings with President Donald Trump during his US visit later this month. Khan will arrive in New York on September 21 to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. He will address the session on September 27, The News International reported. According to the report, the prime minister will have the first meeting with the US President at a luncheon and another at high-tea. He will also be holding talks with world leaders on Kashmir, an issued that Islamabad has been desperately trying to internationalise but to no avail. This would be his second visit to the US. Previously in July, Khan held a one-on-one meeting with Trump during which the president had offered to mediate between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir. During the July visit, Khan had revealed that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir."

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to meet US President Donald Trump twice during US visit

The 74th session of the UN General Assembly will be held in New York from September 17-30.

“Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and the foreign minister will attend this year’s UN General Assembly. I visited New York last year, that is why this year I will not do that and will work here, in Venezuela,” Maduro said on late Thursday.

He added that Rodriguez would submit to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a letter, signed by millions of Venezuelan citizens, that condemns the US sanctions against Caracas.

Venezuela faces a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-national-security-advisor-restrained-him-on-venezuela-249294">US</a>-led effort to oust the government of President Maduro&nbsp;and replace him with opposition leader and self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido. The United States has also imposed comprehensive sanctions against Venezuela and frozen some of the country’s assets.

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The 74th session of the UN General Assembly will be held in New York from September 17-30. “Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and the foreign minister will attend this year’s UN General Assembly.

The 74th session of the UN General Assembly will be held in New York from September 17-30. “Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and the foreign minister will attend this year’s UN General Assembly. I visited New York last year, that is why this year I will not do that and will work here, in Venezuela,” Maduro said on late Thursday. He added that Rodriguez would submit to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a letter, signed by millions of Venezuelan citizens, that condemns the US sanctions against Caracas. Venezuela faces a US-led effort to oust the government of President Maduro and replace him with opposition leader and self-proclaimed President Juan Guaido. The United States has also imposed comprehensive sanctions against Venezuela and frozen some of the country’s assets. Watch video ×

Maduro says will not take part in 2019 session of UN General Assembly

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit.

"A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here.

The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016.

However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers.

Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday. He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit. "A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here. The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016. However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers. Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal plans SAARC Foreign Ministers' informal meet on UN General Assembly sidelines

Free Balochistan Movement chief Hyrbyair Marri has attacked the United Nations for "ignoring" Balochistan despite Pakistan being involved in grave human rights violations in the region, including enforced disappearances of Baloch activists.&nbsp;

Marri said they were hoping that President of the UN General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa, would visit Balochistan during her recent visit to the Asia-Pacific and meet Baloch leaders and take up their issue.

"So far, there has been no report that she has taken up the issue of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations against the Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi people during her meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan and other officials of the occupying state," he said.

Marri said that due to the "silence" of the UN and other international human rights groups, Pakistan was "encouraged to continue with crimes" in Balochistan (with international immunity).

''Pakistan is committing the worst forms of crimes in Balochistan. In January 2014, three mass graves containing more than a hundred bodies were discovered in Tootak, Khuzar. Another mass grave was discovered in Panjgur in July 2018. In 2019, at least ten dead bodies were discovered near Quetta and hurriedly buried in Dasht Tera Mill area of Quetta without ascertaining their identity,” he said in a statement.

He highlighted the protest by the families of missing Baloch persons, and added, “Many Baloch, including women and children, continue to protest in the cold weather, in hope of the recovery and release of their loved ones. Some of the abducted Baloch were seized as early as 2001. Yet, their families still don’t know whether they have been killed in custody or are still alive. They have a right to be informed about the condition and well-being of their abducted relatives but Pakistan has no respect for UN charter and International Conventions.”

Marrie said the UNGA chief had spoken about the Kashmir issue with Pakistani authorities during her visit to Pakistan and said that the issue should be resolved peacefully. She also met with Pakistan`s Chief of Army, General Bajwa. However, even after repeated requests, she did not visit Balochistan.

"The United Nations closed its eyes when the Pakistani Army used rape as a war tool against the Bengali people in the 1970s, and it continues to ignore Pakistan’s` dirty war in Balochistan,” he said.&nbsp;

"While she was visiting Pakistan, the Baloch social media users ran a four-day campaign in their efforts to draw UN’s attention to the plight of the Baloch nation and highlight the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The Free Balochistan Movement had announced #UNVisitBalochistan hashtag and had urged Baloch and other human rights activists including Pashtun and Sindhis to support the Baloch campaign on social media," said Marri.

He said the failure of Espinosa to visit Balochistan has led to a sense of disappointment and anger against the UN for not taking the Balochistan issue seriously.&nbsp;

Free Balochistan Movement chief Hyrbyair Marri has attacked the United Nations for "ignoring" Balochistan despite Pakistan being involved in grave human rights violations in the region, including enforced disappearances of Baloch activists.

Free Balochistan Movement chief Hyrbyair Marri has attacked the United Nations for "ignoring" Balochistan despite Pakistan being involved in grave human rights violations in the region, including enforced disappearances of Baloch activists. Marri said they were hoping that President of the UN General Assembly, María Fernanda Espinosa, would visit Balochistan during her recent visit to the Asia-Pacific and meet Baloch leaders and take up their issue. "So far, there has been no report that she has taken up the issue of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations against the Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi people during her meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan and other officials of the occupying state," he said. Marri said that due to the "silence" of the UN and other international human rights groups, Pakistan was "encouraged to continue with crimes" in Balochistan (with international immunity). ''Pakistan is committing the worst forms of crimes in Balochistan. In January 2014, three mass graves containing more than a hundred bodies were discovered in Tootak, Khuzar. Another mass grave was discovered in Panjgur in July 2018. In 2019, at least ten dead bodies were discovered near Quetta and hurriedly buried in Dasht Tera Mill area of Quetta without ascertaining their identity,” he said in a statement. He highlighted the protest by the families of missing Baloch persons, and added, “Many Baloch, including women and children, continue to protest in the cold weather, in hope of the recovery and release of their loved ones. Some of the abducted Baloch were seized as early as 2001. Yet, their families still don’t know whether they have been killed in custody or are still alive. They have a right to be informed about the condition and well-being of their abducted relatives but Pakistan has no respect for UN charter and International Conventions.” Marrie said the UNGA chief had spoken about the Kashmir issue with Pakistani authorities during her visit to Pakistan and said that the issue should be resolved peacefully. She also met with Pakistan`s Chief of Army, General Bajwa. However, even after repeated requests, she did not visit Balochistan. "The United Nations closed its eyes when the Pakistani Army used rape as a war tool against the Bengali people in the 1970s, and it continues to ignore Pakistan’s` dirty war in Balochistan,” he said. "While she was visiting Pakistan, the Baloch social media users ran a four-day campaign in their efforts to draw UN’s attention to the plight of the Baloch nation and highlight the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The Free Balochistan Movement had announced #UNVisitBalochistan hashtag and had urged Baloch and other human rights activists including Pashtun and Sindhis to support the Baloch campaign on social media," said Marri. He said the failure of Espinosa to visit Balochistan has led to a sense of disappointment and anger against the UN for not taking the Balochistan issue seriously.

Baloch leader criticises UN for ignoring human rights violations by Pakistan in Balochistan

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-central-bank-expected-to-raise-rates-tuesday-trump-lashes-out-at-it-184903">United States</a> and Hungary.

The refugee pact, which did not provoke the controversy unleashed over a similar pact on migration, was approved by 181 countries.

Only two voted no -- the US and Hungary. Three others abstained -- the Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya.

Much like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- the refugee pact is not legally binding.

The two global agreements stem from the so-called New York Declaration adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in September 2016, with the goal of better handling migrant and refugee flows worldwide.

The compact -- written under the auspices of the Geneva-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/250000-syrian-refugees-could-return-home-next-year-unhcr-183279">UN refugee agency (UNHCR)</a> -- hopes to ensure an adequate international response to large-scale refugee movements and extended displacement of refugees.

General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa told AFP the pact would help "strengthen the assistance to and protection of the 25 million refugees globally" and was based on burden -- and responsibility-sharing.

"Refugee-hosting countries continue to show extraordinary levels of generosity and commitment to refugee protection," said Espinosa, who is from Ecuador.

"It's a known fact that low and middle-income countries host over 85 per cent of all refugees. I believe that we must support the communities and states that host refugee."&nbsp;

In voting no, Hungary said no new agreement was needed. The US said recently that it backed most of the refugee pact, but not the part aimed at limiting detentions of asylum seekers.

Ahead of Monday's vote, two countries facing massive population flight addressed the assembly.

Syria said the debate should not be politicized and asked the UNHCR to do more to help Syrian refugees return to their war-wracked country.

Crisis-hit Venezuela, which has seen massive flight as its economic quagmire has deepened, urged the assembly to ensure that the new pact did not become a way for other countries to intervene in internal matters.

The document has four key objectives: ease pressure on refugee-hosting nations; improve refugee self-reliance; expand access to third countries for refugees via resettlement; and, support conditions for refugees to go home.

The compact is meant to set up a framework; national and regional solutions are supported, and it discusses financing and possible partnerships, as well as data sharing among nations.

It also includes systems to monitor progress, including a Global Refugee Forum held at ministerial level every four years.

Unlike the talks on the migration pact, the United States remained in the negotiations for the refugee pact.

The final text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Legal Migration was agreed on in July, and it is to be formally ratified by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

Since July, a number of countries have either quit the pact or expressed serious reservations, including Hungary, Australia, Israel, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Latvia and Italy.

In Belgium, the migration pact sparked the collapse of the country's coalition government.

About 165 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the migration pact earlier this month in Morocco.

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the United States and Hungary.

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the United States and Hungary. The refugee pact, which did not provoke the controversy unleashed over a similar pact on migration, was approved by 181 countries. Only two voted no -- the US and Hungary. Three others abstained -- the Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya. Much like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- the refugee pact is not legally binding. The two global agreements stem from the so-called New York Declaration adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in September 2016, with the goal of better handling migrant and refugee flows worldwide. The compact -- written under the auspices of the Geneva-based UN refugee agency (UNHCR) -- hopes to ensure an adequate international response to large-scale refugee movements and extended displacement of refugees. General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa told AFP the pact would help "strengthen the assistance to and protection of the 25 million refugees globally" and was based on burden -- and responsibility-sharing. "Refugee-hosting countries continue to show extraordinary levels of generosity and commitment to refugee protection," said Espinosa, who is from Ecuador. "It's a known fact that low and middle-income countries host over 85 per cent of all refugees. I believe that we must support the communities and states that host refugee." In voting no, Hungary said no new agreement was needed. The US said recently that it backed most of the refugee pact, but not the part aimed at limiting detentions of asylum seekers. Ahead of Monday's vote, two countries facing massive population flight addressed the assembly. Syria said the debate should not be politicized and asked the UNHCR to do more to help Syrian refugees return to their war-wracked country. Crisis-hit Venezuela, which has seen massive flight as its economic quagmire has deepened, urged the assembly to ensure that the new pact did not become a way for other countries to intervene in internal matters. The document has four key objectives: ease pressure on refugee-hosting nations; improve refugee self-reliance; expand access to third countries for refugees via resettlement; and, support conditions for refugees to go home. The compact is meant to set up a framework; national and regional solutions are supported, and it discusses financing and possible partnerships, as well as data sharing among nations. It also includes systems to monitor progress, including a Global Refugee Forum held at ministerial level every four years. Unlike the talks on the migration pact, the United States remained in the negotiations for the refugee pact. The final text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Legal Migration was agreed on in July, and it is to be formally ratified by the General Assembly on Wednesday. Since July, a number of countries have either quit the pact or expressed serious reservations, including Hungary, Australia, Israel, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Latvia and Italy. In Belgium, the migration pact sparked the collapse of the country's coalition government. About 165 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the migration pact earlier this month in Morocco.

UN General Assembly adopts refugee pact, without support of US and Hungary

India has said that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed without delay or else it will be left to nurse its self-inflicted wounds of "diminishing relevance" in a world awash with challenges like armed conflicts, terrorism, refugee crises and climate change.

Participating in a General Assembly session on 'Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organisation' on Monday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said the 15-nation council is all about primacy but with little purpose.

"Updating the current architecture of international institutions, which are so out of sync with the modern world, is imperative if new global challenges are to be met. Nowhere is this need for common purpose required more than in reforming the Security Council," Akbaruddin said here.

"We need to fix the flaws. We need to do it before it is too late. We need to do so before the technologies of the future sharpen the conflicts of the past, while the Council remains nursing its self-inflicted wounds of diminishing relevance," he said.

Akbaruddin asserted that nations cannot pose as guardians of a status quo that no longer exists.

"We need to undertake a new journey towards a reformed and reinvigorated multilateral system. Whether we do so or not will determine the destiny of this organisation. It is a decision that all of us who see the benefits of multilateralism will need to take, if we desire to stem the tide against it," he said.

Akbaruddin pointed out that during the recently concluded high-level week of the UN General Assembly, nations heard about pressing global challenges including armed conflicts, terrorism, large movements of peoples fleeing conflicts that are increasingly straining societies, climate change events becoming more regular, environmental challenges becoming more urgent and multiple ailments hamstringing efforts to improve global health.

"We also heard clearly that the uneven impacts of these cataclysmic changes are causing enormous discontent and all this churning is testing multilateralism as never before," he said.

Emphasising that the world is awash with challenges that the current institutional arrangements are ill-equipped to handle, Akbaruddin said new technologies were increasingly changing the nature and dynamics of international conflict.

Cyberwarfare, unmanned aerial drones, and combat robots are just three instances of technological change shaping the future of warfare and raising profound ethical and normative questions, he said.

"Similarly, there is no global approach in dealing with basic issues regarding frontier technologies," he said, questioning that while the internet is becoming ubiquitous, what rights do individuals have to privacy, how should tensions between individual liberties and collective security be mitigated.

Akbaruddin said that neither the General Assembly was addressing developmental and normative aspects nor was the Security Council addressing the peace and security implications.

"This is but one of the many new areas where international mechanisms for cooperation and collaboration are either weak or incomplete or non-existent," he said.

As in the case of frontier technologies, so in other areas such as climatic shifts, debt sustainability, counter terrorism, illicit financial flows and tackling pandemics, nations should be considering scenarios and preparing plans to prevent upheavals and taking stronger steps to mitigate risks.

"Many of these problems require continuous attention rather than one-shot solutions. To counter terrorism, for example, we need to establish a reliable and efficient set of controls for monitoring borders and financial flows. Such efforts will work only if appropriate standards are widely adopted and cooperation in implementing them becomes routine," he said.

Stressing that proliferating global problems demand new narratives and new forms of cooperation, Akbaruddin said international cooperation of a nature and kind not thought of before was needed to promote climate action required by the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report released Monday.

"We cannot focus merely on exterminating bugs while allowing life-threatening wild beasts to roam free. We cannot spend our time in clearing the weeds, oblivious to the growth of the jungle all around us.

"If we do so, we will be nursing an establishment that has declined almost to the vanishing point with respect to overarching challenges that states acting on their own cannot hope to overcome," he said.&nbsp;

India has said that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed without delay or else it will be left to nurse its self-inflicted wounds of "diminishing relevance" in a world awash with challenges like armed conflicts, terrorism, refugee crises and climate change.

India has said that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed without delay or else it will be left to nurse its self-inflicted wounds of "diminishing relevance" in a world awash with challenges like armed conflicts, terrorism, refugee crises and climate change. Participating in a General Assembly session on 'Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organisation' on Monday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said the 15-nation council is all about primacy but with little purpose. "Updating the current architecture of international institutions, which are so out of sync with the modern world, is imperative if new global challenges are to be met. Nowhere is this need for common purpose required more than in reforming the Security Council," Akbaruddin said here. "We need to fix the flaws. We need to do it before it is too late. We need to do so before the technologies of the future sharpen the conflicts of the past, while the Council remains nursing its self-inflicted wounds of diminishing relevance," he said. Akbaruddin asserted that nations cannot pose as guardians of a status quo that no longer exists. "We need to undertake a new journey towards a reformed and reinvigorated multilateral system. Whether we do so or not will determine the destiny of this organisation. It is a decision that all of us who see the benefits of multilateralism will need to take, if we desire to stem the tide against it," he said. Akbaruddin pointed out that during the recently concluded high-level week of the UN General Assembly, nations heard about pressing global challenges including armed conflicts, terrorism, large movements of peoples fleeing conflicts that are increasingly straining societies, climate change events becoming more regular, environmental challenges becoming more urgent and multiple ailments hamstringing efforts to improve global health. "We also heard clearly that the uneven impacts of these cataclysmic changes are causing enormous discontent and all this churning is testing multilateralism as never before," he said. Emphasising that the world is awash with challenges that the current institutional arrangements are ill-equipped to handle, Akbaruddin said new technologies were increasingly changing the nature and dynamics of international conflict. Cyberwarfare, unmanned aerial drones, and combat robots are just three instances of technological change shaping the future of warfare and raising profound ethical and normative questions, he said. "Similarly, there is no global approach in dealing with basic issues regarding frontier technologies," he said, questioning that while the internet is becoming ubiquitous, what rights do individuals have to privacy, how should tensions between individual liberties and collective security be mitigated. Akbaruddin said that neither the General Assembly was addressing developmental and normative aspects nor was the Security Council addressing the peace and security implications. "This is but one of the many new areas where international mechanisms for cooperation and collaboration are either weak or incomplete or non-existent," he said. As in the case of frontier technologies, so in other areas such as climatic shifts, debt sustainability, counter terrorism, illicit financial flows and tackling pandemics, nations should be considering scenarios and preparing plans to prevent upheavals and taking stronger steps to mitigate risks. "Many of these problems require continuous attention rather than one-shot solutions. To counter terrorism, for example, we need to establish a reliable and efficient set of controls for monitoring borders and financial flows. Such efforts will work only if appropriate standards are widely adopted and cooperation in implementing them becomes routine," he said. Stressing that proliferating global problems demand new narratives and new forms of cooperation, Akbaruddin said international cooperation of a nature and kind not thought of before was needed to promote climate action required by the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report released Monday. "We cannot focus merely on exterminating bugs while allowing life-threatening wild beasts to roam free. We cannot spend our time in clearing the weeds, oblivious to the growth of the jungle all around us. "If we do so, we will be nursing an establishment that has declined almost to the vanishing point with respect to overarching challenges that states acting on their own cannot hope to overcome," he said.

UN Security Council needs to be reformed without delay: India

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009.

"No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated.

He was addressing the Sri Lankan community in New York where he spoke at the UN General Assembly.

"The former president was away, the former prime minister was away. There was no defence ministry secretary and army commander in the country at the time," he said.

Sirisena said it was a well-guarded secret that all senior leaders were out of the country fearing an LTTE air raid.

"The Tamil Tigers were going to operate an aircraft from Chennai or some other jungle area to bomb and destroy targets in Colombo," the president said, adding "I was the acting defence minister. All the others had fled because they feared air attacks".

"Even I did not stay in Colombo. I was at several locations outside Colombo in case the Tigers attacked the capital city," he said.

The LTTE had carried out two air raids in the capital in 2007 and 2009.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009. "No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009. "No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated. He was addressing the Sri Lankan community in New York where he spoke at the UN General Assembly. "The former president was away, the former prime minister was away. There was no defence ministry secretary and army commander in the country at the time," he said. Sirisena said it was a well-guarded secret that all senior leaders were out of the country fearing an LTTE air raid. "The Tamil Tigers were going to operate an aircraft from Chennai or some other jungle area to bomb and destroy targets in Colombo," the president said, adding "I was the acting defence minister. All the others had fled because they feared air attacks". "Even I did not stay in Colombo. I was at several locations outside Colombo in case the Tigers attacked the capital city," he said. The LTTE had carried out two air raids in the capital in 2007 and 2009.

LTTE planned to attack Colombo targets with plane from Chennai: Sirisena

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