India's Bid To Become A Permanent Member In UN Security Council Receives A Big Boost As France'S Envoy To UN Backs The Idea.

Gravitas: France Backs India's Permanent Membership In UNSC

France said that India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Watch full video to know more.

India ' Absolutely Needed' as permanent UN Security Council members, says France

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public.

But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country".&nbsp;

"The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said.

Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-air-strikes-point-to-possible-uae-involvement-un-report-216539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2IK4v6ucD4bkCKeghspWPU">attack on Tripoli</a> by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces.

After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4.

Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis.

In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say,&nbsp;"I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when."&nbsp;

Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour.&nbsp;

Britain has pushed for a resolution at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-nearly-400-killed-by-libya-fighting-50000-displaced-215774&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjswsz9wYniAhVOk3AKHRG5CiEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qYtucIJuRerjFShtQ1I7a">UN Security Council</a> demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte warned Tuesday against possible military action in Libya, as the head of Tripoli's internationally recognised government, Fayez al-Sarraj, kicked off a European tour to drum up support against a possible attack by strongman Khalifa Haftar. The contents of a meeting between Conte and Sarraj -- which Italian media said lasted about 90 minutes -- were not made public. But Conte said on the sidelines of a separate event that "there is no military solution that could guarantee the stabilisation of the country". "The military solution would, in any case, come at the cost of human lives and humanitarian crises," Conte said. Sarraj, who heads the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, is seeking support against an attack on Tripoli by Haftar, who has urged his troops to "wipe out" government forces. After his meeting with Conte, Sarraj was set to travel to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel later on Tuesday and then to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. The visit to France, in particular, comes after the GNA repeatedly accused Paris of politically backing the assault which Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched on Tripoli on April 4. Italy, Libya's former colonial power, is a key backer of the GNA and has echoed calls by Merkel for a "unified" European position and a political solution to resolve the crisis. In a slip of the tongue, Conte said he had spoken "with president Haftar," but immediately corrected himself to say, "I've spoken with president Sarraj. I am confident I will be able to meet General Haftar soon. We are seeking to establish how and when." Sarraj may also possibly travel to London as part of his tour. Britain has pushed for a resolution at the UN Security Council demanding a ceasefire in Libya but its efforts have foundered amid divisions at the world body.

Italy warns against military action in Libya

India and nations like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bolivia-supports-indias-bid-for-non-permanent-member-in-un-security-council-206636">Germany, Brazil and Japan</a> are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of a reformed and enlarged UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary realities and the addition of these key members to the UN high-table is among France's "strategic" priorities, the French envoy to the UN has said.

"In terms of policy, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-reiterates-support-for-indias-permanent-seat-in-reformed-un-security-council-201043">France and Germany have</a> a strong policy which is to work together to enlarge the Security Council and to succeed in terms of the negotiations that should lead to the enlargement of the Security Council that we consider absolutely needed to better reflect the world as it is. There is no question about it," France's Permanent Representative to the UN Francois Delattre said.

Speaking alongside German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen at the end of Germany's Presidency of the Council for April, Delattre emphasised that France considers that "Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and a fair representation of Africa, in particular, are absolutely needed at the table to get towards a fairer representation of the Security Council. This is for us a matter of priority."

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He underlined that Paris believes the enlargement of the Security Council with the addition of a few key members is "one of our strategic priorities."&nbsp;

Noting that when France and Germany launched their alliance for multi-materialism, he said it signifies that the two nations strongly believe in the UN as the core of today's global governance and that they strongly believe in "multilateralism and means that we are actively working to reform and in some respects to refound, reinvent multilateralism so that it is really efficient for the decades to come."

India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.&nbsp;

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking at the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council earlier this year, had said that on the issue of 'Categories of Membership', a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter. 
&nbsp; 
"In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter," he had said.

Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, "there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council."

"In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward," he had said.&nbsp;

France has maintained that if the crises of recent times have confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world.&nbsp;

"That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries," according to the Permanent Mission of France.

India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of a reformed and enlarged UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary realities and the addition of these key members to the UN high-table is among France's "strategic" priorities, the French envoy to the UN has said.

India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of a reformed and enlarged UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary realities and the addition of these key members to the UN high-table is among France's "strategic" priorities, the French envoy to the UN has said. "In terms of policy, France and Germany have a strong policy which is to work together to enlarge the Security Council and to succeed in terms of the negotiations that should lead to the enlargement of the Security Council that we consider absolutely needed to better reflect the world as it is. There is no question about it," France's Permanent Representative to the UN Francois Delattre said. Speaking alongside German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen at the end of Germany's Presidency of the Council for April, Delattre emphasised that France considers that "Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and a fair representation of Africa, in particular, are absolutely needed at the table to get towards a fairer representation of the Security Council. This is for us a matter of priority." He underlined that Paris believes the enlargement of the Security Council with the addition of a few key members is "one of our strategic priorities." Noting that when France and Germany launched their alliance for multi-materialism, he said it signifies that the two nations strongly believe in the UN as the core of today's global governance and that they strongly believe in "multilateralism and means that we are actively working to reform and in some respects to refound, reinvent multilateralism so that it is really efficient for the decades to come." India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for the long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking at the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation and increase in the membership of the Security Council earlier this year, had said that on the issue of 'Categories of Membership', a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter. "In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter," he had said. Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, "there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council." "In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward," he had said. France has maintained that if the crises of recent times have confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world. "That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries," according to the Permanent Mission of France.

Germany, Japan, India, Brazil absolutely needed at UNSC, says French envoy at UN

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood &nbsp;Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999.

Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 &nbsp;which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way.

After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one.&nbsp;

So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan.&nbsp;

The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&amp;K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil.&nbsp;

Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground.&nbsp;

The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative.

Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack.

This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war.&nbsp;

Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-masood-azhar-s-proscription-2745709">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan. The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999. Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way. After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one. So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil. Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground. The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative. Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack. This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war. Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government. (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.)

Masood Azhar’s proscription

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege called Tuesday for justice for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones, as the UN Security Council approved a watered-down resolution largely stripped of substance by the United States and Russia.

The vote on the German-drafted resolution was held after intense last-minute negotiations and additional changes in wording. Thirteen countries voted in favour while Russia and China abstained.

Both those countries said they opposed sexual violence in conflicts, but denounced "lax interpretations" in the text and a "manipulated" struggle to create new UN structures and "override" mandates already approved.

France vehemently criticized the United States for threatening to use its veto over a reference in the text to reproductive rights, seen by Washington as encouragement of abortion.

Speaking before the vote, Murad and Mukwege decried the international community's failure to act.&nbsp;

"Not a single person has been charged for sexual slavery," said Murad, speaking at the United Nations about massacres of her Yazidi community by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

"The hopes of an entire generation have been destroyed," the Iraqi human rights activist added, speaking of the "collective failure" of the international community to intervene.

"We give speeches at the UN but no real measures have been taken (in terms of obtaining justice) and nothing has been done."

Mukwege, a Congolese doctor who like Murad was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, asked: "What is the international community waiting for to give justice for the victims?"

He also called for the establishment of national and international courts to try the perpetrators of sexual violence in conflicts.

Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who represents Murad and other Yazidi victims, denounced the weak international response.

She accused the United States and Russia of opposing a judicial system to hold the perpetrators of these crimes to account, as has been done for past horrors committed in Bosnia, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, or at the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

'It's scandalous'&nbsp;

"If we don't act now, it will be too late," Clooney said, pointing to the thousands of Islamic State group militants currently being held. "I agree that we are facing an epidemic of sexual violence. And I believe that justice is the antidote."

The German text initially sought to establish a formal working group, set up a mechanism to help bring to justice those responsible and develop victims' protection by giving formal recognition to their sexual and reproductive rights.

China, Russia and the United States opposed the mechanism, the working group was scrapped and Washington threatened a veto if the text spoke of reproductive rights.

"We deplore that the veto threats were brandished by permanent members of the council to challenge 25 years of gains in favour of women's rights in situations of armed conflict," France's ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said after the vote.

US President Donald Trump's administration last month toughened a ban on the use of taxpayer money to support abortion overseas and has stepped up its dispute with the International Criminal Court.

Delattre expressed dismay "that a state has demanded the removal of a reference to sexual and reproductive health, which has been approved" in previous resolutions.

"It is intolerable and incomprehensible that the Security Council is unable to recognize that women and girls who have suffered sexual violence in times of conflict, and who have obviously not chosen to be pregnant, have the right to the choice to terminate their pregnancy," he said.

A diplomat said the resolution had been "reduced so much that it's now inadequate and there isn't much left."

Another added: "The Americans have taken negotiations hostage based on their own ideology. It's scandalous."

In a joint statement, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said they "deeply regretted" the lack of reference to victims' rights due to the threat of a US veto.

"Services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, such as access to emergency contraception and safe termination of pregnancies, must be strengthen," noted Norwegian ambassador Mona Juul.

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege called Tuesday for justice for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones, as the UN Security Council approved a watered-down resolution largely stripped of substance by the United States and Russia.

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege called Tuesday for justice for victims of sexual violence in conflict zones, as the UN Security Council approved a watered-down resolution largely stripped of substance by the United States and Russia. The vote on the German-drafted resolution was held after intense last-minute negotiations and additional changes in wording. Thirteen countries voted in favour while Russia and China abstained. Both those countries said they opposed sexual violence in conflicts, but denounced "lax interpretations" in the text and a "manipulated" struggle to create new UN structures and "override" mandates already approved. France vehemently criticized the United States for threatening to use its veto over a reference in the text to reproductive rights, seen by Washington as encouragement of abortion. Speaking before the vote, Murad and Mukwege decried the international community's failure to act. "Not a single person has been charged for sexual slavery," said Murad, speaking at the United Nations about massacres of her Yazidi community by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. "The hopes of an entire generation have been destroyed," the Iraqi human rights activist added, speaking of the "collective failure" of the international community to intervene. "We give speeches at the UN but no real measures have been taken (in terms of obtaining justice) and nothing has been done." Mukwege, a Congolese doctor who like Murad was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, asked: "What is the international community waiting for to give justice for the victims?" He also called for the establishment of national and international courts to try the perpetrators of sexual violence in conflicts. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who represents Murad and other Yazidi victims, denounced the weak international response. She accused the United States and Russia of opposing a judicial system to hold the perpetrators of these crimes to account, as has been done for past horrors committed in Bosnia, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, or at the Nuremberg trials after World War II. 'It's scandalous' "If we don't act now, it will be too late," Clooney said, pointing to the thousands of Islamic State group militants currently being held. "I agree that we are facing an epidemic of sexual violence. And I believe that justice is the antidote." The German text initially sought to establish a formal working group, set up a mechanism to help bring to justice those responsible and develop victims' protection by giving formal recognition to their sexual and reproductive rights. China, Russia and the United States opposed the mechanism, the working group was scrapped and Washington threatened a veto if the text spoke of reproductive rights. "We deplore that the veto threats were brandished by permanent members of the council to challenge 25 years of gains in favour of women's rights in situations of armed conflict," France's ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said after the vote. US President Donald Trump's administration last month toughened a ban on the use of taxpayer money to support abortion overseas and has stepped up its dispute with the International Criminal Court. Delattre expressed dismay "that a state has demanded the removal of a reference to sexual and reproductive health, which has been approved" in previous resolutions. "It is intolerable and incomprehensible that the Security Council is unable to recognize that women and girls who have suffered sexual violence in times of conflict, and who have obviously not chosen to be pregnant, have the right to the choice to terminate their pregnancy," he said. A diplomat said the resolution had been "reduced so much that it's now inadequate and there isn't much left." Another added: "The Americans have taken negotiations hostage based on their own ideology. It's scandalous." In a joint statement, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said they "deeply regretted" the lack of reference to victims' rights due to the threat of a US veto. "Services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, such as access to emergency contraception and safe termination of pregnancies, must be strengthen," noted Norwegian ambassador Mona Juul.

UN backs weakened resolution on sexual violence in conflicts

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country.

The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime).&nbsp;

"The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions.&nbsp;

"China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations.

"The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal".

He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability."

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on&nbsp; 
February 14.

Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets.

The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.&nbsp;

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism.

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country. The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime). "The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions. "China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations. "The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal". He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability." Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets. The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.

China hails Pakistan's action plan to implement UN resolutions to fight terrorism

The battle for Libya's capital intensifies as the UN Security Council prepares to meet to discuss the crisis gripping the North African country, where armed rivals are locked in a deadly power struggle.

Libya crisis: Fight between Pro-GNA & Pro-Haftar forces continues

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement.

The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. &nbsp;

UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services.

An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care.

President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault.&nbsp;

Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments.

The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday.

The number of children who are affected by the Venezuelan crisis and who will need humanitarian aid this year is expected to more than double to reach 1.1 million, up from nearly 500,000, the UN children's agency said Thursday. The figure includes children uprooted from Venezuela, those who have returned and others in host and transit communities across Latin America and the Caribbean, said a UNICEF statement. The latest estimate highlighted expectations among aid agencies that the political crisis in Venezuela will worsen in the coming months, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation of children and families. UNICEF called on governments in the region to uphold the rights of children and ensure they have access to essential services. An internal UN report seen by AFP last week said seven million people -- about 24 per cent of Venezuela's population -- are in need of humanitarian aid, lacking access to food and medical care. President Nicolas Maduro has blamed US sanctions for Venezuela's economic problems but opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, says government corruption and mismanagement are at fault. Guaido is recognised by the United States and around 50 other governments. The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week at the request of the United States to discuss Venezuela's humanitarian crisis.

1.1 million children affected by Venezuela crisis: UNICEF

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Pyongyang is sanctioned over its weapons programme under multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which include curbs on shipments of oil and fuel to the isolated regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652">Also read:&nbsp;South Korea to launch </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652">world's</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652"> first national 5G network</a>

But the North has been seeking to get around the measures, with a recent UN report saying that Pyongyang was securing deliveries of fuel through ship-to-ship transfers in international waters.

Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean ship and three others had been detained in the country, &nbsp;suspected of undermining the economic measures against the North.

"This is the first time a South Korean vessel has been detained for allegedly violating UN sanctions," a ministry official told AFP.

The ship -- held in the southern port of Busan since last October -- is suspected of carrying out an illicit ship-to-ship transfer of oil to a North Korean tanker, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

If it is found to have made the transfer, the South Korean vessel would likely be blacklisted by the UN, Yonhap reported.

The foreign ministry official did not explain the delay in the authorities making the detention public.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sought to engage the North to bring it to the negotiating table, dangling economic carrots before it in the form of inter-Korean projects -- many of which would violate the current sanctions rules if implemented.

Questions were also raised over whether it had undermined the measures by providing supplies to set up an inter-Korean liaison office north of the border.

Last year three South Korean firms were caught importing millions of dollars worth of coal and iron from the North in 2017.

Immediate sanctions relief was a key demand of the cash-strapped North when leader Kim Jong Un met with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February for a second summit that ultimately broke down.

The US has since imposed sanctions on two Chinese shipping companies for doing business with North Korea, urging the maritime industry to do more to end Pyongyang's "illicit shipping practices".

A UN report issued last month highlighted the North's sanctions-evading tactics at sea and recommended member countries keep a closer watch over vessels in their own waters.

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday. Pyongyang is sanctioned over its weapons programme under multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which include curbs on shipments of oil and fuel to the isolated regime. Also read: South Korea to launch world's first national 5G network But the North has been seeking to get around the measures, with a recent UN report saying that Pyongyang was securing deliveries of fuel through ship-to-ship transfers in international waters. Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean ship and three others had been detained in the country, suspected of undermining the economic measures against the North. "This is the first time a South Korean vessel has been detained for allegedly violating UN sanctions," a ministry official told AFP. The ship -- held in the southern port of Busan since last October -- is suspected of carrying out an illicit ship-to-ship transfer of oil to a North Korean tanker, according to the Yonhap News Agency. If it is found to have made the transfer, the South Korean vessel would likely be blacklisted by the UN, Yonhap reported. The foreign ministry official did not explain the delay in the authorities making the detention public. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sought to engage the North to bring it to the negotiating table, dangling economic carrots before it in the form of inter-Korean projects -- many of which would violate the current sanctions rules if implemented. Questions were also raised over whether it had undermined the measures by providing supplies to set up an inter-Korean liaison office north of the border. Last year three South Korean firms were caught importing millions of dollars worth of coal and iron from the North in 2017. Immediate sanctions relief was a key demand of the cash-strapped North when leader Kim Jong Un met with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February for a second summit that ultimately broke down. The US has since imposed sanctions on two Chinese shipping companies for doing business with North Korea, urging the maritime industry to do more to end Pyongyang's "illicit shipping practices". A UN report issued last month highlighted the North's sanctions-evading tactics at sea and recommended member countries keep a closer watch over vessels in their own waters.

South Korean ship detained for violating UN sanctions: Foreign ministry

Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a UN Security Council resolution against the US decision to recognize <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-leaders-grappling-regional-rifts-condemn-us-decision-on-golan-207034">Israeli sovereignty</a> over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood.

Arab leaders, long divided by regional rivalries, also ended their annual summit in Tunisia calling for cooperation with non-Arab Iran based on non-interference in each others' affairs.

Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit was critical of the United States, saying that the decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan "had no value."

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation last week recognizing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773">Golan Heights</a> as part of Israel, which annexed the area in 1981 after capturing it from Syria in 1967.

Syria's seat at the summit was vacant. Damascus has been suspended from the League since 2011 over its crackdown on protesters at the start of its civil war.

So far, no consensus has yet been reached to allow Syria's reinstatement, according to the Arab League.

Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a UN Security Council resolution against the US decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood.

Arab leaders said on Sunday they would seek a UN Security Council resolution against the US decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and promised to support Palestinians in their bid for statehood. Arab leaders, long divided by regional rivalries, also ended their annual summit in Tunisia calling for cooperation with non-Arab Iran based on non-interference in each others' affairs. Arab League Secretary General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit was critical of the United States, saying that the decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Golan "had no value." US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation last week recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel, which annexed the area in 1981 after capturing it from Syria in 1967. Syria's seat at the summit was vacant. Damascus has been suspended from the League since 2011 over its crackdown on protesters at the start of its civil war. So far, no consensus has yet been reached to allow Syria's reinstatement, according to the Arab League.

Arabs to seek UN Security Council action on Golan Heights 

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-requests-un-security-council-meeting-on-golan-205899">UN Security Council</a> over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-proclamation-recognising-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-205595">President Donald Trump signed a proclamation</a> Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau that it seized in 1967 and annexed in 1981.&nbsp;

Britain, Washington's closest ally, said the decision was in violation of Resolution 497 that declared Israel's annexation of the Golan as "null and void."

France warned that any attempt to turn away from international law was "doomed to fail" as the United States prepares to unveil its Middle East peace proposals.&nbsp;

Russia appealed to governments to reject the US decision and to continue to view the Golan as Israeli-occupied territory.

"If anybody feels any temptation to follow this poor example, we would urge them to refrain from this aggressive revision of international law," said Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov.

The council was meeting at the request of Syria, which in a letter to the council called the US decision a "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions.

Three Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed, in a move that was not recognized internationally.

The United States defended its decision, arguing it bolstered Israel's security and could contribute to the stability of the entire Middle East by keeping Syria and its Iranian ally in check.

To allow the Golan to be controlled by Syria "would turn a blind eye to the threats emanating" from Damascus and from Iran and its Hezbollah allies that want to use the Golan to attack Israel, said US diplomat Rodney Hunter.

US backs UN mission in the Golan&nbsp;

Despite its decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, the United States called for a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in a buffer zone there to remain in place.

The 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was dispatched to a buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan in 1974, tasked with monitoring a ceasefire.

Trump's decision prompted speculation that Washington would seek to end the UNDOF mission when its mandate comes up for renewal in June.

"This announcement does not affect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, nor do we believe it undermines UNDOF's mandate in any way," said Hunter, adding that UNDOF "continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria."

China recalled that UN resolutions declare the Golan as a territory occupied by Israel, with Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao adding that "China is opposed to any unilateral action that attempts to alter that fact."

"China does not want to see tensions in the region to escalate," he added.

Germany took a swipe at Syria for invoking international law, accusing it of blatantly disregarding UN resolutions by attacking schools and hospitals during eight years of war.&nbsp;

After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution condemning the decision to the General Assembly, which won overwhelming support.

UN diplomats were awaiting the outcome of an Arab League summit in Tunis on Sunday that could lead to action at the United Nations to counter the US decision on the Golan.

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the UN Security Council over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions.

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the UN Security Council over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau that it seized in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Britain, Washington's closest ally, said the decision was in violation of Resolution 497 that declared Israel's annexation of the Golan as "null and void." France warned that any attempt to turn away from international law was "doomed to fail" as the United States prepares to unveil its Middle East peace proposals. Russia appealed to governments to reject the US decision and to continue to view the Golan as Israeli-occupied territory. "If anybody feels any temptation to follow this poor example, we would urge them to refrain from this aggressive revision of international law," said Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov. The council was meeting at the request of Syria, which in a letter to the council called the US decision a "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions. Three Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed, in a move that was not recognized internationally. The United States defended its decision, arguing it bolstered Israel's security and could contribute to the stability of the entire Middle East by keeping Syria and its Iranian ally in check. To allow the Golan to be controlled by Syria "would turn a blind eye to the threats emanating" from Damascus and from Iran and its Hezbollah allies that want to use the Golan to attack Israel, said US diplomat Rodney Hunter. US backs UN mission in the Golan Despite its decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, the United States called for a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in a buffer zone there to remain in place. The 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was dispatched to a buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan in 1974, tasked with monitoring a ceasefire. Trump's decision prompted speculation that Washington would seek to end the UNDOF mission when its mandate comes up for renewal in June. "This announcement does not affect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, nor do we believe it undermines UNDOF's mandate in any way," said Hunter, adding that UNDOF "continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria." China recalled that UN resolutions declare the Golan as a territory occupied by Israel, with Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao adding that "China is opposed to any unilateral action that attempts to alter that fact." "China does not want to see tensions in the region to escalate," he added. Germany took a swipe at Syria for invoking international law, accusing it of blatantly disregarding UN resolutions by attacking schools and hospitals during eight years of war. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution condemning the decision to the General Assembly, which won overwhelming support. UN diplomats were awaiting the outcome of an Arab League summit in Tunis on Sunday that could lead to action at the United Nations to counter the US decision on the Golan.

US under fire at United Nations over Golan Heights decision

In a major development, the US has called for a public vote on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The US has for now circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

The draft resolution does not require a consensus like with the UNSC 1267 committee. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protecting-violent-islamic-terror-groups-from-un-sanctions-mike-pompeo-206163">China had only this month vetoed a proposal by the committee to list Masood as a terrorist</a>.&nbsp;

Instead, the US's draft resolution needs nine votes in favour from the 15 UNSC members and no vetoes by permanent members China, Russia, the United States, France and Britain to pass. (That means China can veto it again.)&nbsp;

It remains unclear when the vote on the resolution will be held but when it is, it will be a public vote. This public vote will bypass the 1267 committee mode to designate Azhar a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The US, UK, and France had after the Pulwama terrorist attack last month proposed the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, but China put a technical hold on the move on March 13.&nbsp;

China has previously blocked the listing of Masood Azhar three times — in 2009, in 2016 and in 2017.

&nbsp;The JeM, of which Azhar is a co-founder, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed over 40 Indian security personnel.

In a major development, the US has called for a public vote on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The US has for now circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council.

In a major development, the US has called for a public vote on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The US has for now circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council. The draft resolution does not require a consensus like with the UNSC 1267 committee. China had only this month vetoed a proposal by the committee to list Masood as a terrorist. Instead, the US's draft resolution needs nine votes in favour from the 15 UNSC members and no vetoes by permanent members China, Russia, the United States, France and Britain to pass. (That means China can veto it again.) It remains unclear when the vote on the resolution will be held but when it is, it will be a public vote. This public vote will bypass the 1267 committee mode to designate Azhar a global terrorist. The US, UK, and France had after the Pulwama terrorist attack last month proposed the designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, but China put a technical hold on the move on March 13. China has previously blocked the listing of Masood Azhar three times — in 2009, in 2016 and in 2017. The JeM, of which Azhar is a co-founder, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed over 40 Indian security personnel.

Listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: US calls for public vote in UNSC

Syria asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to hold an urgent meeting on the US decision to recognize the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773">Golan Heights </a>as Israeli territory.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau, despite UN resolutions that call for Israel's withdrawal from the Golan.&nbsp;

In a letter, the Syrian mission to the United Nations asked the council presidency, held by France, to schedule an urgent meeting to "discuss the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan and the recent flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council's resolution by a permanent member-state."

The French presidency did not immediately schedule the meeting and diplomats said there would be a discussion at the council about the request.

On Friday, Syria wrote a separate letter urging the council to uphold resolutions demanding that Israel withdraw from the Golan.

The council is scheduled to discuss the latest crisis on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF.

Five European countries with seats on the council earlier rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-time-for-us-to-recognize-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-204736">Trump's decision</a> and voiced concern that the US move would have broad consequences in the Middle East.

Two of Washington's closest allies -- Britain and France -- joined Belgium, Germany and Poland to declare that the European position had not changed and that the Golan remained Israeli-occupied Syrian territory, in line with international law enshrined in UN resolutions.

Three UN Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981, in a move that was never recognized internationally.

US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen told a council meeting on the Middle East that Washington had made the decision to stand up to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iran.

"To allow the Golan Heights to be controlled by the likes of the Syrian and Iranian regimes would turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the Assad regime and malign and destabilizing presence of Iran in the region," said Cohen.

There "can be no peace agreement that does not satisfactorily address Israel's security needs in the Golan Heights," he added.

China and Russia spoke out against the US decision during the council meeting, as did Indonesia and South Africa, two countries that strongly support the Palestinians, along with Kuwait, a US ally in the region.

Syria asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to hold an urgent meeting on the US decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau, despite UN resolutions that call for Israel's withdrawal from the Golan.

Syria asked the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to hold an urgent meeting on the US decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau, despite UN resolutions that call for Israel's withdrawal from the Golan. In a letter, the Syrian mission to the United Nations asked the council presidency, held by France, to schedule an urgent meeting to "discuss the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan and the recent flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council's resolution by a permanent member-state." The French presidency did not immediately schedule the meeting and diplomats said there would be a discussion at the council about the request. On Friday, Syria wrote a separate letter urging the council to uphold resolutions demanding that Israel withdraw from the Golan. The council is scheduled to discuss the latest crisis on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF. Five European countries with seats on the council earlier rejected Trump's decision and voiced concern that the US move would have broad consequences in the Middle East. Two of Washington's closest allies -- Britain and France -- joined Belgium, Germany and Poland to declare that the European position had not changed and that the Golan remained Israeli-occupied Syrian territory, in line with international law enshrined in UN resolutions. Three UN Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981, in a move that was never recognized internationally. US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen told a council meeting on the Middle East that Washington had made the decision to stand up to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iran. "To allow the Golan Heights to be controlled by the likes of the Syrian and Iranian regimes would turn a blind eye to the atrocities of the Assad regime and malign and destabilizing presence of Iran in the region," said Cohen. There "can be no peace agreement that does not satisfactorily address Israel's security needs in the Golan Heights," he added. China and Russia spoke out against the US decision during the council meeting, as did Indonesia and South Africa, two countries that strongly support the Palestinians, along with Kuwait, a US ally in the region.

Syria requests UN Security Council meeting on Golan Heights

Outlawed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed today dared the Pakistani government to arrest him&nbsp;if it can and said he will not stop fighting the case of Kashmiri people.

"If the Pakistani government wants to arrest me...Come and go for it but I will not stop dedicating 2018 for Kashmiris," Saeed said while addressing a rally here.

"We will emerge more strongly if you try to suppress us," said Saeed, who was listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US.

He criticised ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif for not playing his role on the issue of Kashmir.

"We may initiate efforts to make you (Sharif) prime minister again if you pledge to work for freedom of Kashmir," he said.

He also claimed that on the pressure of the US and India "our media coverage is banned in Pakistan".

Saeed, who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hafiz-saeed-walks-free-vows-to-fight-for-kashmir-cause-24988" target="_blank">released from house arrest</a> in Pakistan in November, carries a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-about-hafiz-saeed-running-for-office-in-pak-says-us-27279">$10 million bounty</a> on his head.

He asked the government to allow the UN Security Council monitoring team to visit JuD and FIF centres in the country so that it could come to know about their charity work. "We welcome the international monitoring teams to our centres."

The JuD is believed to be the front organization for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

'If the Pakistani government wants to arrest me...Come and go for it but I will not stop dedicating 2018 for Kashmiris,' Saeed said while addressing a rally here

Outlawed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed today dared the Pakistani government to arrest him if it can and said he will not stop fighting the case of Kashmiri people. "If the Pakistani government wants to arrest me...Come and go for it but I will not stop dedicating 2018 for Kashmiris," Saeed said while addressing a rally here. "We will emerge more strongly if you try to suppress us," said Saeed, who was listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US. He criticised ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif for not playing his role on the issue of Kashmir. "We may initiate efforts to make you (Sharif) prime minister again if you pledge to work for freedom of Kashmir," he said. He also claimed that on the pressure of the US and India "our media coverage is banned in Pakistan". Saeed, who was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November, carries a $10 million bounty on his head. He asked the government to allow the UN Security Council monitoring team to visit JuD and FIF centres in the country so that it could come to know about their charity work. "We welcome the international monitoring teams to our centres." The JuD is believed to be the front organization for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

Hafiz Saeed dares Pakistan government to arrest him

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773">Golan Heights</a> after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-unfortunate-statement-on-golan-heights-brings-region-to-edge-of-new-crisis-erdogan-204870">President Donald Trump</a> said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari urged the council to "take practical measures to ensure that the council is fulfilling ... its mandate in the implementation of its resolutions" concerning the Golan, in a letter seen by AFP.

The council is scheduled to discuss the Golan on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF.

Trump broke with decades of US Middle East policy when he posted a Tweet on Thursday that said it was time to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan.&nbsp;

In the letter, the Syrian ambassador also asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reaffirm the UN position on Israel's occupation of the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Asked about Trump's stance, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said UN policy was based on council resolutions and those of the General Assembly on the status of the Golan.

"The resolutions are of course unchanged," said Haq. "Our policies have not changed in that regard."

The United States backed Resolution 242 adopted in 1967, which calls on Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied in the Six-Day War and refers to the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war".

The council adopted another resolution in 1973 that reaffirmed the demand for withdrawal and in 1981, backed a separate measure that rejected Israel's annexation of the Golan.

After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution in 2017 condemning the decision to the General Assembly that won overwhelming support.

UN diplomats said it was premature to speculate as to whether there would be a similar measure in the assembly.

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari urged the council to "take practical measures to ensure that the council is fulfilling ... its mandate in the implementation of its resolutions" concerning the Golan, in a letter seen by AFP. The council is scheduled to discuss the Golan on Wednesday during a meeting on renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force deployed between Israel and Syria in the Golan, known as UNDOF. Trump broke with decades of US Middle East policy when he posted a Tweet on Thursday that said it was time to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan. In the letter, the Syrian ambassador also asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reaffirm the UN position on Israel's occupation of the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Asked about Trump's stance, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said UN policy was based on council resolutions and those of the General Assembly on the status of the Golan. "The resolutions are of course unchanged," said Haq. "Our policies have not changed in that regard." The United States backed Resolution 242 adopted in 1967, which calls on Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied in the Six-Day War and refers to the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war". The council adopted another resolution in 1973 that reaffirmed the demand for withdrawal and in 1981, backed a separate measure that rejected Israel's annexation of the Golan. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution in 2017 condemning the decision to the General Assembly that won overwhelming support. UN diplomats said it was premature to speculate as to whether there would be a similar measure in the assembly.

Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform.

“We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday.

Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society.

Germany will take over the Presidency in April.

“That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said.

He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN.

“The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said.

The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world.

“France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”.

France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world.

“That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France.

India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council.

Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter.

“In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC.

Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”.

“In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same.

“While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform. India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform. “We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday. Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society. Germany will take over the Presidency in April. “That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said. He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN. “The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said. The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world. “France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”. France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world. “That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France. India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council. Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter. “In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC. Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”. “In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. “While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France reiterates support for India’s permanent seat in reformed UN Security Council

Bangladesh forces handed back on Sunday a Myanmar soldier more than two months after he strayed across the border into a jungle in the Muslim-majority nation, a senior official said.&nbsp;

Aung Bo Bo Thein, 30, was detained by Bangladeshi security forces on January 24 near the southern town of Naikhongchhari, Brigadier General Sajedur Rahman told AFP.

"He crossed the border and was found in a jungle. Today we have handed him over to Myanmar border police through a flag meeting," said Rahman, border guard regional commander.

Ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar have soured since about 740,000 Rohingya Muslims fled the Buddhist-majority country in 2017 following a military clampdown in restive Rakhine state.

Dhaka had already been hosting another 300,000 Rohingya who took refuge in squalid camps in Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district after previous bouts of violence.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement in November 2017 for the repatriation of the Rohingya, but the persecuted Muslim minority has refused to go back unless they are granted citizenship and other rights.

This week Bangladesh told the UN Security Council that it will no longer be able to take in refugees from Myanmar.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a Council meeting that the crisis over the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had gone from "bad to worse" and urged the council to take "decisive" action.

Rahman said Rohingya arrivals from Myanmar have almost stopped, with none arriving in the past few weeks.

Bangladesh in recent months has stepped up security near the border to curb smuggling of Yaba –- a popular methamphetamine pill –- across the border from Myanmar, he said.

Myanmar's Ambassador Hau Do Suan insisted his government was taking steps and appealed for patience.&nbsp;

Bangladesh forces handed back on Sunday a Myanmar soldier more than two months after he strayed across the border into a jungle in the Muslim-majority nation, a senior official said.

Bangladesh forces handed back on Sunday a Myanmar soldier more than two months after he strayed across the border into a jungle in the Muslim-majority nation, a senior official said. Aung Bo Bo Thein, 30, was detained by Bangladeshi security forces on January 24 near the southern town of Naikhongchhari, Brigadier General Sajedur Rahman told AFP. "He crossed the border and was found in a jungle. Today we have handed him over to Myanmar border police through a flag meeting," said Rahman, border guard regional commander. Ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar have soured since about 740,000 Rohingya Muslims fled the Buddhist-majority country in 2017 following a military clampdown in restive Rakhine state. Dhaka had already been hosting another 300,000 Rohingya who took refuge in squalid camps in Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district after previous bouts of violence. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement in November 2017 for the repatriation of the Rohingya, but the persecuted Muslim minority has refused to go back unless they are granted citizenship and other rights. This week Bangladesh told the UN Security Council that it will no longer be able to take in refugees from Myanmar. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a Council meeting that the crisis over the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had gone from "bad to worse" and urged the council to take "decisive" action. Rahman said Rohingya arrivals from Myanmar have almost stopped, with none arriving in the past few weeks. Bangladesh in recent months has stepped up security near the border to curb smuggling of Yaba –- a popular methamphetamine pill –- across the border from Myanmar, he said. Myanmar's Ambassador Hau Do Suan insisted his government was taking steps and appealed for patience.

Bangladesh returns 'lost' Myanmar soldier

The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border.

A day after Russia and China vetoed a US and European resolution at the UN Security Council that called for unimpeded aid deliveries, Washington said it was targeting six Venezuelan military officers for stopping last weekend's US-led convoy.

Four people were killed in the melee as Maduro's forces prevented the 178 metric tonnes of rice, beans and other food from crossing, with the leftist strongman seeing the aid as a pretext for a US-led invasion.

"We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard. The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States and penalize US financial dealings with the officials.

The United States also revoked the visas of 49 Venezuelan officials and their family members, the State Department said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president, had hoped to triumph in bringing in the stockpiles of food, which the United States coordinated with Colombia and Brazil.

Guaido has said 300,000 people could die without an influx of aid into Venezuela. The United Nations says 2.7 million Venezuelans have fled since 2015 as the socialist economy crumbles, with basic supplies out of reach to the masses.

Russia steps up

More than 50 countries recognise Guaido as Venezuela's president -- but Maduro enjoys strong support from Russia, which is eager to challenge US interventionism, as well as China, which is concerned over the fate of billions of dollars Beijing has lent to Caracas.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, receiving Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow, said Russia was stepping up shipments of wheat and was considering sending more medical supplies after shipping 7.5 tonnes worth.

"We are very closely cooperating and coordinating all our steps in the international arena," Lavrov said.

"This has acquired special significance now that Venezuela is facing a frontal attack and unabashed interference in its domestic affairs," he said.

Elliott Abrams, the US special representative on the crisis, charged that Maduro's forces would turn Russian aid into a "political weapon" by providing it only to supporters.

"Obviously we are in favour of giving humanitarian assistance to Venezuela; we are not in favour of giving it to this corrupt regime," Abrams told reporters in Washington.

Lavrov voiced hope that international pressure would "cool hotheads in Washington" who he said are seeking military intervention in Venezuela.&nbsp;

He alleged that the United States was planning to buy small arms, mortar launchers and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles from an "Eastern European country" and station them "close to Venezuela."

Warnings of force

President Donald Trump has not ruled out military intervention in Venezuela, although even close US allies have said they would not support the use of force.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has worked closely with Trump to seek Maduro's ouster, appeared this week to suggest a violent climax as he posted on Twitter two pictures of Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- one relaxed and smiling while in power, the other bloodied as he was lynched in an uprising.

Defying a travel ban by Maduro, Guaido went first to Colombia to try to bring in the aid and to meet with visiting US Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old political newcomer continued on to Brazil, where he met the new right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, and on Friday travelled to Paraguay.

Speaking to reporters in Brasilia on Thursday, Guaido said he would return home "at the latest on Monday" despite threats to arrest him.

Abrams said the United States was "very concerned" about Guaido's ability to return home safely and warned of a "very large reaction" if he is arrested.

The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border.

The United States and Russia clashed Friday over how to assist ailing Venezuela, with Moscow pledging new relief channelled through President Nicolas Maduro and Washington slapping sanctions over the blocking of US aid it tried to force through the border. A day after Russia and China vetoed a US and European resolution at the UN Security Council that called for unimpeded aid deliveries, Washington said it was targeting six Venezuelan military officers for stopping last weekend's US-led convoy. Four people were killed in the melee as Maduro's forces prevented the 178 metric tonnes of rice, beans and other food from crossing, with the leftist strongman seeing the aid as a pretext for a US-led invasion. "We are sanctioning members of Maduro's security forces in response to the reprehensible violence, tragic deaths and unconscionable torching of food and medicine destined for sick and starving Venezuelans," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The six include Major General Richard Jesus Lopez Vargas, the commander of the Venezuelan National Guard. The sanctions freeze any assets in the United States and penalize US financial dealings with the officials. The United States also revoked the visas of 49 Venezuelan officials and their family members, the State Department said. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom Washington has recognized as interim president, had hoped to triumph in bringing in the stockpiles of food, which the United States coordinated with Colombia and Brazil. Guaido has said 300,000 people could die without an influx of aid into Venezuela. The United Nations says 2.7 million Venezuelans have fled since 2015 as the socialist economy crumbles, with basic supplies out of reach to the masses. Russia steps up More than 50 countries recognise Guaido as Venezuela's president -- but Maduro enjoys strong support from Russia, which is eager to challenge US interventionism, as well as China, which is concerned over the fate of billions of dollars Beijing has lent to Caracas. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, receiving Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Moscow, said Russia was stepping up shipments of wheat and was considering sending more medical supplies after shipping 7.5 tonnes worth. "We are very closely cooperating and coordinating all our steps in the international arena," Lavrov said. "This has acquired special significance now that Venezuela is facing a frontal attack and unabashed interference in its domestic affairs," he said. Elliott Abrams, the US special representative on the crisis, charged that Maduro's forces would turn Russian aid into a "political weapon" by providing it only to supporters. "Obviously we are in favour of giving humanitarian assistance to Venezuela; we are not in favour of giving it to this corrupt regime," Abrams told reporters in Washington. Lavrov voiced hope that international pressure would "cool hotheads in Washington" who he said are seeking military intervention in Venezuela. He alleged that the United States was planning to buy small arms, mortar launchers and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles from an "Eastern European country" and station them "close to Venezuela." Warnings of force President Donald Trump has not ruled out military intervention in Venezuela, although even close US allies have said they would not support the use of force. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who has worked closely with Trump to seek Maduro's ouster, appeared this week to suggest a violent climax as he posted on Twitter two pictures of Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- one relaxed and smiling while in power, the other bloodied as he was lynched in an uprising. Defying a travel ban by Maduro, Guaido went first to Colombia to try to bring in the aid and to meet with visiting US Vice President Mike Pence. The 35-year-old political newcomer continued on to Brazil, where he met the new right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, and on Friday travelled to Paraguay. Speaking to reporters in Brasilia on Thursday, Guaido said he would return home "at the latest on Monday" despite threats to arrest him. Abrams said the United States was "very concerned" about Guaido's ability to return home safely and warned of a "very large reaction" if he is arrested.

Venezuela: Amid US sanctions, Russia pledges new relief to Maduro regime

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US resolution in the UN Security Council on addressing the crisis in Venezuela, but a counter-proposal from Moscow did not win enough votes.

The failure to take action on the two competing drafts laid bare divisions among world powers over the way forward in Venezuela, which is mired in a political standoff and an economic meltdown.

The proposed US text -- which called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid -- won the required nine votes at the 15-member council, but Moscow and Beijing joined forces to block it.

Resolutions at the council, which are legally binding, must garner nine votes to be adopted, with no vetoes from the five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Russia's draft resolution -- which urged a settlement "through peaceful means" and insisted that all humanitarian aid be agreed by Maduro's government -- won only four votes: Russia, China, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

Seven countries including the United States, European countries and Peru opposed the Russian measure and there were four abstentions.

Battered by economic collapse, Venezuela descended into a major political crisis when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in January and asserted that President Nicolas Maduro was no longer legitimate.

The United States is leading a push for recognition of Guaido, who heads the National Assembly. He is now backed by more than 50 countries.

After the double vetoes, US envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams took an implicit swipe at Russia and China, lamenting that countries "continue to shield Maduro and his cronies and prolong the suffering of the Venezuelan people."

Abrams expressed satisfaction that "a clear majority of the council" had supported the US stance.

France, Germany and Britain were among those that backed the proposed US measure. South Africa voted no while Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast abstained.

Asked how long it will take for Maduro to fall, Abrams told reporters: "Are we talking days, weeks or months? &nbsp;We hope it's as little as possible."

Regime change

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia meanwhile accused the United States of putting forward a text that was "written for regime change, disguised as care for people. We have all seen this already in Libya, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan."

Venezuela's Ambassador Samuel Moncada renewed his government's assertions that the United States is preparing military action, referring to President Donald Trump's statement that "all options are on the table."

Maduro has accused the United States of using aid as a political tool aimed at overthrowing him, and blames US sanctions for the economic turmoil.

The crisis turned violent over the weekend when four people died in clashes at Venezuela's borders during an attempt led by Guaido to bring in humanitarian aid from Colombia and Brazil.

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US resolution in the UN Security Council on addressing the crisis in Venezuela, but a counter-proposal from Moscow did not win enough votes.

Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a US resolution in the UN Security Council on addressing the crisis in Venezuela, but a counter-proposal from Moscow did not win enough votes. The failure to take action on the two competing drafts laid bare divisions among world powers over the way forward in Venezuela, which is mired in a political standoff and an economic meltdown. The proposed US text -- which called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and unimpeded deliveries of humanitarian aid -- won the required nine votes at the 15-member council, but Moscow and Beijing joined forces to block it. Resolutions at the council, which are legally binding, must garner nine votes to be adopted, with no vetoes from the five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. Russia's draft resolution -- which urged a settlement "through peaceful means" and insisted that all humanitarian aid be agreed by Maduro's government -- won only four votes: Russia, China, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. Seven countries including the United States, European countries and Peru opposed the Russian measure and there were four abstentions. Battered by economic collapse, Venezuela descended into a major political crisis when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in January and asserted that President Nicolas Maduro was no longer legitimate. The United States is leading a push for recognition of Guaido, who heads the National Assembly. He is now backed by more than 50 countries. After the double vetoes, US envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams took an implicit swipe at Russia and China, lamenting that countries "continue to shield Maduro and his cronies and prolong the suffering of the Venezuelan people." Abrams expressed satisfaction that "a clear majority of the council" had supported the US stance. France, Germany and Britain were among those that backed the proposed US measure. South Africa voted no while Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast abstained. Asked how long it will take for Maduro to fall, Abrams told reporters: "Are we talking days, weeks or months? We hope it's as little as possible." Regime change Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia meanwhile accused the United States of putting forward a text that was "written for regime change, disguised as care for people. We have all seen this already in Libya, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan." Venezuela's Ambassador Samuel Moncada renewed his government's assertions that the United States is preparing military action, referring to President Donald Trump's statement that "all options are on the table." Maduro has accused the United States of using aid as a political tool aimed at overthrowing him, and blames US sanctions for the economic turmoil. The crisis turned violent over the weekend when four people died in clashes at Venezuela's borders during an attempt led by Guaido to bring in humanitarian aid from Colombia and Brazil.

Russia, China veto US push for fresh election in Venezuela

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">attacked a militant camp</a>, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

"We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

Twelve planes of the Indian Air Force bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday - a move which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale</a> said was carried out after credible information emerged that JeM terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country.

Briefing media after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes</a> on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp.

Watch: Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC

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India, meanwhile, slammed China saying that any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as "complex" and "contentious" the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints.

"The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, for example, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees," Akbaruddin said on Monday.

Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but "then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself".

The Indian Ambassador's remarks on the veto in the Security Council's Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. "We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. Twelve planes of the Indian Air Force bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday - a move which Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said was carried out after credible information emerged that JeM terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country. Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. Watch: Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC × India, meanwhile, slammed China saying that any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as "complex" and "contentious" the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints. "The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, for example, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees," Akbaruddin said on Monday. Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but "then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself". The Indian Ambassador's remarks on the veto in the Security Council's Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike

The UN Security Council on Friday called on the warring parties in Yemen to immediately implement a deal to pull their forces out of three key ports and a key grain depot.

In a unanimous declaration, the 15-member council welcomed the recent UN-sponsored agreement between Huthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition fighting them.

They called for "the immediate implementation" of the first step of the deal, which includes the various factions pulling their fighters first back from the ports of Saleef and Ras Issa and then from the port city of Hodeida.

Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy in Yemen, said on Tuesday he hoped the redeployment of forces would happen as early as Tuesday or Wednesday but there was no indication that it had happened.&nbsp;

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a meeting on the issue in New York with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Under the agreement struck in Sweden on February 17, fighters would redeploy outside the ports and away from areas that are key to the humanitarian relief effort in Yemen, devastated by famine and outbreaks of disease after years of conflict.

The ports are in the Huthi-held west of the country. The agreement also sets out free access to the grain warehouses at Red Sea Mills, under control of the Saudi-backed government forces.

The UN has not had access to the grain depots since September and estimates that the stockpiles there could be enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month.

The Security Council members also "expressed concern at continued reports of violations of the ceasefire" which has been in place since December.&nbsp;

"They called on the parties to seize this opportunity to move towards sustainable peace by exercising restraint, de-escalating tensions, honouring their commitment to the Stockholm Agreement and moving forward with its swift implementation."

About 80 per cent of Yemen's population, or around 24 million people, are in need of food aid, including 10 million who are one step away from famine, according to the UN.

The country's economy has been brought to its knees by restrictions placed by the Saudi-backed government for deliveries of imports.

The war has cost an estimated 10,000 lives since it began in March 2015.&nbsp;

The UN Security Council on Friday called on the warring parties in Yemen to immediately implement a deal to pull their forces out of three key ports and a key grain depot.

The UN Security Council on Friday called on the warring parties in Yemen to immediately implement a deal to pull their forces out of three key ports and a key grain depot. In a unanimous declaration, the 15-member council welcomed the recent UN-sponsored agreement between Huthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition fighting them. They called for "the immediate implementation" of the first step of the deal, which includes the various factions pulling their fighters first back from the ports of Saleef and Ras Issa and then from the port city of Hodeida. Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy in Yemen, said on Tuesday he hoped the redeployment of forces would happen as early as Tuesday or Wednesday but there was no indication that it had happened. On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a meeting on the issue in New York with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Under the agreement struck in Sweden on February 17, fighters would redeploy outside the ports and away from areas that are key to the humanitarian relief effort in Yemen, devastated by famine and outbreaks of disease after years of conflict. The ports are in the Huthi-held west of the country. The agreement also sets out free access to the grain warehouses at Red Sea Mills, under control of the Saudi-backed government forces. The UN has not had access to the grain depots since September and estimates that the stockpiles there could be enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month. The Security Council members also "expressed concern at continued reports of violations of the ceasefire" which has been in place since December. "They called on the parties to seize this opportunity to move towards sustainable peace by exercising restraint, de-escalating tensions, honouring their commitment to the Stockholm Agreement and moving forward with its swift implementation." About 80 per cent of Yemen's population, or around 24 million people, are in need of food aid, including 10 million who are one step away from famine, according to the UN. The country's economy has been brought to its knees by restrictions placed by the Saudi-backed government for deliveries of imports. The war has cost an estimated 10,000 lives since it began in March 2015.

UN demands immediate pullback of forces from Yemen ports

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-attack-cannot-be-allowed-to-go-unanswered-198875">the Pulwama terror attack </a>but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States.

UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility".

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice.

This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged.

China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-couple-of-days-france-to-move-proposal-at-un-to-ban-jem-chief-masood-azhar-198359">propose his listing</a>.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. 
 
In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zerotolerance4terror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zerotolerance4terror</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZbIg1wYh0">pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1098787124751618049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured."

Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice".

Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.&nbsp;

Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir in more than 2 decades.

India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-most-favoured-nation-status-accorded-to-pakistan-after-pulwama-attack-197540">Most Favoured Nation</a> (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country.

New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack.

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States. UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility". The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice. This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged. China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to propose his listing. A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. #zerotolerance4terror#JaiHind pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0 — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 22, 2019 × The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured." Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice". Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard. The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in more than 2 decades. India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country. New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.

Pulwama attack: UN Security Council condemns 'heinous and cowardly suicide bombing'

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school.

"The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE.

The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city.

The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression.

Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing.

"If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said.

Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre.

Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted.

In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said.

The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers.

On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate.

"We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said.

The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday. Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school. "The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE. The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city. The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression. Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing. "If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said. Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre. Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted. In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said. The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers. On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate. "We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said. The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian school children escorted in Hebron after monitor group expelled

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty.

A senior US official made the remarks as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- all of them nuclear-armed powers -- met in Beijing for talks on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Andrea Thompson, US undersecretary for arms control and international security, said there were "uneven results" in efforts to advance transparency under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

"We previously agreed to set (a) format for reporting, but the gap between the reports of the United States on the one hand, and Russia and China on the other, is great," Thompson said in her opening remarks.

"I cannot overemphasise the value of transparency," she said.

"We look forward to discussing how we can enhance transparency with a view to reassuring others of the very real steps we are taking to ensure full and verifiable compliance with our arms control non-proliferation and disarmament commitments and obligations."

Officials from Russia, China, France and Britain -- countries under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) treaty -- also attended the meeting, which will continue on Thursday.

The talks come after months of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement while President Vladimir Putin has threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, talks in Geneva between senior diplomats from both countries fell through as Washington and Moscow blamed each other for pushing the INF treaty to the brink of collapse.&nbsp;

Last week, Russia unveiled its missile system in a bid to reassure foreign officials that its weapon was in compliance with the INF treaty.

But Washington has said the missile system should be destroyed in a verifiable manner if Moscow wants to keep the INF alive.

At Wednesday's conference in Beijing, deputy Russian foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed at "the spread of unilateral attitudes" as a threat to nuclear non-proliferation.

"Many issues continue to be unsettled due to the lack of political will," he added, and said that there is an "evident lack of mutual trust" between the five NPT states.

"This (NPT) regime is being loosened, which is fraught with serious and negative impacts for nuclear non-proliferation," he said. 
&nbsp;

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty.

The United States called for more transparency Wednesday as it accused Russia and China of not fully reporting their nuclear programmes amid US threats to withdraw from a key arms control treaty. A senior US official made the remarks as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- all of them nuclear-armed powers -- met in Beijing for talks on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Andrea Thompson, US undersecretary for arms control and international security, said there were "uneven results" in efforts to advance transparency under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. "We previously agreed to set (a) format for reporting, but the gap between the reports of the United States on the one hand, and Russia and China on the other, is great," Thompson said in her opening remarks. "I cannot overemphasise the value of transparency," she said. "We look forward to discussing how we can enhance transparency with a view to reassuring others of the very real steps we are taking to ensure full and verifiable compliance with our arms control non-proliferation and disarmament commitments and obligations." Officials from Russia, China, France and Britain -- countries under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) treaty -- also attended the meeting, which will continue on Thursday. The talks come after months of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement while President Vladimir Putin has threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim. Earlier this month, talks in Geneva between senior diplomats from both countries fell through as Washington and Moscow blamed each other for pushing the INF treaty to the brink of collapse. Last week, Russia unveiled its missile system in a bid to reassure foreign officials that its weapon was in compliance with the INF treaty. But Washington has said the missile system should be destroyed in a verifiable manner if Moscow wants to keep the INF alive. At Wednesday's conference in Beijing, deputy Russian foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed at "the spread of unilateral attitudes" as a threat to nuclear non-proliferation. "Many issues continue to be unsettled due to the lack of political will," he added, and said that there is an "evident lack of mutual trust" between the five NPT states. "This (NPT) regime is being loosened, which is fraught with serious and negative impacts for nuclear non-proliferation," he said.

US calls for Russian, Chinese nuclear transparency

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-350-protesters-detained-in-venezuela-this-week-united-nations-192766">Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting</a>, the State Department said Friday.

The United States requested Saturday's session after it threw its support behind the Venezuelan opposition leader and declared leftist firebrand Nicolas Maduro to be an illegitimate president.

"Secretary Pompeo will urge members of the Security Council and the international community to uphold international peace and security by recognizing Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, and call for support for the transitional government in their quest to restore democracy and the rule of law," the State Department said in a statement announcing his trip.

The United States has been joined by key players in the Americas in recognising Guaido including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Colombia.

But none of the other five veto-wielding powers on the Security Council has formally backed Guaido.

Britain and France have both called Maduro's re-election last year illegitimate but stopped short of officially recognizing Guaido, a 35-year-old engineer who heads the opposition-led National Assembly, although British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called Guaido "the right person to take Venezuela forward."

Russia has strongly supported its ally Maduro, and China, Venezuela's main creditor, has voiced opposition to outside interference.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting, the State Department said Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will press UN Security Council members to recognize Juan Guaido as acting president of Venezuela during an upcoming crisis meeting, the State Department said Friday. The United States requested Saturday's session after it threw its support behind the Venezuelan opposition leader and declared leftist firebrand Nicolas Maduro to be an illegitimate president. "Secretary Pompeo will urge members of the Security Council and the international community to uphold international peace and security by recognizing Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela, and call for support for the transitional government in their quest to restore democracy and the rule of law," the State Department said in a statement announcing his trip. The United States has been joined by key players in the Americas in recognising Guaido including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Colombia. But none of the other five veto-wielding powers on the Security Council has formally backed Guaido. Britain and France have both called Maduro's re-election last year illegitimate but stopped short of officially recognizing Guaido, a 35-year-old engineer who heads the opposition-led National Assembly, although British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called Guaido "the right person to take Venezuela forward." Russia has strongly supported its ally Maduro, and China, Venezuela's main creditor, has voiced opposition to outside interference.

US state secretary Pompeo to ask UN Security Council to recognise Venezuela's Guaido as acting president

A UN&nbsp;advance team arrived in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-warring-sides-trade-blame-for-truce-breach-swap-prisoner-lists-185321">Yemen</a>'s port city of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemenis-in-hodeidah-hope-truce-holds-as-warring-parties-talk-peace-184115">Hodeidah</a> on Sunday to start monitoring a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces agreed by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and Saudi-backed government forces, the United Nations said.

The warring parties in Yemen's nearly four-year war reached the deal at UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden earlier this month. The truce began on Tuesday but skirmishes continued on the outskirts of the city.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council on Friday unanimously approved the deployment&nbsp;for an initial 30 days of an advance monitoring team led by retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert. He is chair of a Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) that includes representatives from both sides of the conflict.

"General Cammaert is encouraged by the general enthusiasm of both sides to get to work, immediately. One of the priorities in the coming days will be the organization of the first joint RCC meeting, which is projected for 26 December," UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Cammaert's team, which the United Nations has said will not be uninformed or armed, will oversee the truce and troop withdrawal from Hodeidah city and three ports.

The United Nations will also provide support for the management of and inspections at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa; and strengthen its presence in the war-torn region.

Hodeidah, the main port used to feed Yemen's 30 million people, has been the focus of fighting this year, raising fears abroad that a full-scale assault could cut off supplies to nearly 16 million people suffering from severe hunger.

The deal reached in Sweden is meant to pave the way for a wider ceasefire in the impoverished country and the second round of talks in January on a framework for political negotiations.

A Sunni Muslim Arab alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates entered the war in 2015 against the Houthis to restore the internationally recognized government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from the capital Sanaa.

The Houthis control most urban centres, including Sanaa, while Hadi's government is based in the southern port of Aden.

A UN advance team arrived in Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Sunday to start monitoring a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces agreed by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and Saudi-backed government forces, the United Nations said.

A UN advance team arrived in Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Sunday to start monitoring a ceasefire and withdrawal of forces agreed by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and Saudi-backed government forces, the United Nations said. The warring parties in Yemen's nearly four-year war reached the deal at UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden earlier this month. The truce began on Tuesday but skirmishes continued on the outskirts of the city. The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously approved the deployment for an initial 30 days of an advance monitoring team led by retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert. He is chair of a Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) that includes representatives from both sides of the conflict. "General Cammaert is encouraged by the general enthusiasm of both sides to get to work, immediately. One of the priorities in the coming days will be the organization of the first joint RCC meeting, which is projected for 26 December," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Cammaert's team, which the United Nations has said will not be uninformed or armed, will oversee the truce and troop withdrawal from Hodeidah city and three ports. The United Nations will also provide support for the management of and inspections at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa; and strengthen its presence in the war-torn region. Hodeidah, the main port used to feed Yemen's 30 million people, has been the focus of fighting this year, raising fears abroad that a full-scale assault could cut off supplies to nearly 16 million people suffering from severe hunger. The deal reached in Sweden is meant to pave the way for a wider ceasefire in the impoverished country and the second round of talks in January on a framework for political negotiations. A Sunni Muslim Arab alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates entered the war in 2015 against the Houthis to restore the internationally recognized government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from the capital Sanaa. The Houthis control most urban centres, including Sanaa, while Hadi's government is based in the southern port of Aden.

Advance UN truce monitors arrive in Yemen's Hodeidah

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border.

A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.6 miles) long railway line in North Korea that will go on until December 17, according to a note sent to the media by the small group of journalists travelling on board.

The six-car convoy departed from Dorasan Station, a few kilometers south of the border, and headed to Panmun Station in the north, near Kaesong City.

The project was launched after the UN Security Council a few days ago granted an exemption from sanctions against the North Korean regime for its testing of weapons of mass destruction.

This exemption allows the shipment of fuel and other materials to the North, enabling the study, which is normally prohibited by Security Council resolutions.

The survey is the result of an agreement signed by the two Koreas, two countries that are still technically at war since the 1950s, during the first summit of their current leaders held in April.

Apart from assisting in upgrading the North Korean stretch, the project seeks to boost the reconnection of railways across the border provided the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -which is in talks with Washington to negotiate dismantling of its arsenal of weapons - is lifted in future.

The current feasibility study is the second to be carried out by the two Koreas after a similar one in 2007, which allowed freight trains to run between the two countries for a year before the cooling of the bilateral relationship forced the tracks to be disconnected again at the border.

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border. A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border. A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.6 miles) long railway line in North Korea that will go on until December 17, according to a note sent to the media by the small group of journalists travelling on board. The six-car convoy departed from Dorasan Station, a few kilometers south of the border, and headed to Panmun Station in the north, near Kaesong City. The project was launched after the UN Security Council a few days ago granted an exemption from sanctions against the North Korean regime for its testing of weapons of mass destruction. This exemption allows the shipment of fuel and other materials to the North, enabling the study, which is normally prohibited by Security Council resolutions. The survey is the result of an agreement signed by the two Koreas, two countries that are still technically at war since the 1950s, during the first summit of their current leaders held in April. Apart from assisting in upgrading the North Korean stretch, the project seeks to boost the reconnection of railways across the border provided the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -which is in talks with Washington to negotiate dismantling of its arsenal of weapons - is lifted in future. The current feasibility study is the second to be carried out by the two Koreas after a similar one in 2007, which allowed freight trains to run between the two countries for a year before the cooling of the bilateral relationship forced the tracks to be disconnected again at the border.

Two Koreas begin survey for possible railway reconnection across border

The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip but there was no agreement on how to address the crisis, diplomats said.

Kuwait, which represents Arab countries at the council, and Bolivia requested the meeting following the worst flareup in Gaza since the 2014 war between Hamas and Israel.&nbsp;

Addressing reporters after the 50-minute meeting, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the council was "paralyzed" and had "failed to shoulder its responsibility" to take action to end the violence.

"There is one country that is not allowing discussion at the council," Mansour told reporters, in a reference to the United States, which has taken a pro-Israeli stance under President Donald Trump.

There was no statement from the council on the crisis. Such statements are agreed by consensus by all 15 council members.

Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the majority of council members were of the view that the top UN body "should do something" and some suggested a visit to the region, but no decision was taken.

Palestinian militant groups including Hamas, which rules Gaza, issued a joint statement earlier announcing an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel.

The groups said they would abide by the truce as long as Israel did the same, but there was no immediate comment from the Israeli side.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon earlier said "we will not accept a call for both sides to exercise restraint" and laid the blame for the violence squarely on the Palestinians.

Seven Palestinians were killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes targeted militants and flattened buildings in the worst escalation of violence since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas.

The latest round of violence began on Sunday with a botched Israeli special forces operation inside the Gaza Strip that turned deadly and prompted Hamas to vow revenge.

Palestinian militants responded with rocket and mortar fire. An anti-tank missile hit a bus that Hamas says was being used by Israeli soldiers. A soldier was severely wounded in the attack.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and protests and clashes along the Gaza border since March 30 have repeatedly raised fears of a fourth.

The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip but there was no agreement on how to address the crisis, diplomats said.

The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip but there was no agreement on how to address the crisis, diplomats said. Kuwait, which represents Arab countries at the council, and Bolivia requested the meeting following the worst flareup in Gaza since the 2014 war between Hamas and Israel. Addressing reporters after the 50-minute meeting, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the council was "paralyzed" and had "failed to shoulder its responsibility" to take action to end the violence. "There is one country that is not allowing discussion at the council," Mansour told reporters, in a reference to the United States, which has taken a pro-Israeli stance under President Donald Trump. There was no statement from the council on the crisis. Such statements are agreed by consensus by all 15 council members. Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the majority of council members were of the view that the top UN body "should do something" and some suggested a visit to the region, but no decision was taken. Palestinian militant groups including Hamas, which rules Gaza, issued a joint statement earlier announcing an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel. The groups said they would abide by the truce as long as Israel did the same, but there was no immediate comment from the Israeli side. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon earlier said "we will not accept a call for both sides to exercise restraint" and laid the blame for the violence squarely on the Palestinians. Seven Palestinians were killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes targeted militants and flattened buildings in the worst escalation of violence since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas. The latest round of violence began on Sunday with a botched Israeli special forces operation inside the Gaza Strip that turned deadly and prompted Hamas to vow revenge. Palestinian militants responded with rocket and mortar fire. An anti-tank missile hit a bus that Hamas says was being used by Israeli soldiers. A soldier was severely wounded in the attack. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and protests and clashes along the Gaza border since March 30 have repeatedly raised fears of a fourth.

UN Security Council meets to discuss escalation of violence in Gaza Strip

China on Tuesday made it clear that there is no change in its position on India's request to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said it will decide on the issue on the "merits of the matter".&nbsp;

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by&nbsp;Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister&nbsp;of Public Security, China, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a global terrorist.

When asked to comment on India's request, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers.

"As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our position for many times," she said.

"On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said.

"We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said.&nbsp;

Azhar is accused of several deadly terrorist attacks in India, including one on the Uri military base in Kashmir in 2016 in which 17 security personnel were killed.&nbsp;

China has blocked India's efforts to designate Azhar under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council citing lack of consensus among the members of the Council. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."&nbsp;

China on Tuesday made it clear that there is no change in its position on India's request to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said it will decide on the issue on the "merits of the matter".

China on Tuesday made it clear that there is no change in its position on India's request to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN and said it will decide on the issue on the "merits of the matter". India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, in New Delhi. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a global terrorist. When asked to comment on India's request, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers. "As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our position for many times," she said. "On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said. "We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said. Azhar is accused of several deadly terrorist attacks in India, including one on the Uri military base in Kashmir in 2016 in which 17 security personnel were killed. China has blocked India's efforts to designate Azhar under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council citing lack of consensus among the members of the Council. On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."

China still elusive on backing India's request on listing Azhar as global terrorist 

The UN Security Council on Thursday approved a final extension of its peacekeeping mission in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan -- unless the two sides make progress on border demarcation and other benchmarks.

In its unanimous decision, the Security Council extended for six months the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei but said "this shall be the final such extension unless the parties take the specific measures."

It repeated a previous warning that the situation in Abyei and along the Sudan-South Sudan border "continues to constitute a serious threat to international peace," and called on the two countries to show concrete progress on border demarcation and monitoring, as well as other benchmarks.

Abyei is an area of about 4,000 square miles (10,500 square kilometres) contested since Sudan split into two countries in 2011.

There have been tensions between the Arab Misseriya and Ngok Dinka peoples of the region.

Sudan and South Sudan years ago agreed to take steps for setting up an administrative structure for Abyei but the Security Council in May, when it last renewed UNISFA's mandate, expressed disappointment that "few steps" had been taken in that direction.

In November 2015, shelling in Abyei killed a four-year-old girl and a UNISFA peacekeeper.

Almost the entire UNISFA contingent of several thousand troops comes from Ethiopia.

The UN Security Council on Thursday approved a final extension of its peacekeeping mission in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan -- unless the two sides make progress on border demarcation and other benchmarks.

The UN Security Council on Thursday approved a final extension of its peacekeeping mission in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan -- unless the two sides make progress on border demarcation and other benchmarks. In its unanimous decision, the Security Council extended for six months the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei but said "this shall be the final such extension unless the parties take the specific measures." It repeated a previous warning that the situation in Abyei and along the Sudan-South Sudan border "continues to constitute a serious threat to international peace," and called on the two countries to show concrete progress on border demarcation and monitoring, as well as other benchmarks. Abyei is an area of about 4,000 square miles (10,500 square kilometres) contested since Sudan split into two countries in 2011. There have been tensions between the Arab Misseriya and Ngok Dinka peoples of the region. Sudan and South Sudan years ago agreed to take steps for setting up an administrative structure for Abyei but the Security Council in May, when it last renewed UNISFA's mandate, expressed disappointment that "few steps" had been taken in that direction. In November 2015, shelling in Abyei killed a four-year-old girl and a UNISFA peacekeeper. Almost the entire UNISFA contingent of several thousand troops comes from Ethiopia.

UN approves 'final' extension of Abyei peace mission

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