Arianespace has apologised after its Vega rocket carrying a satellite for the United Arab Emirates failed to reach orbit.

Arianespace apologises for satellite launch failure

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India on Sunday evening on a three-day visit.

During his visit, Nahyan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the talks will provide an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest energy supplier. It is also the first country to participate in India's ''Strategic petroleum Reserves'' programme.

As the chair of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the UAE had invited India as the ''Guest of Honour'' at the 46th Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of OIC in Abu Dhabi in March this year.

(With inputs from ANI)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India on Sunday evening on a three-day visit. During his visit, Nahyan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India on Sunday evening on a three-day visit. During his visit, Nahyan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the talks will provide an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership. The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest energy supplier. It is also the first country to participate in India's ''Strategic petroleum Reserves'' programme. As the chair of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the UAE had invited India as the ''Guest of Honour'' at the 46th Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of OIC in Abu Dhabi in March this year. (With inputs from ANI)

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al arrives in India on three-day visit

A son of the ruler of Sharjah was buried in the emirate Wednesday, as a three-day mourning period began after his unexpected death in London.

Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan al-Qasimi was reported to be 39.

His father, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, and other Emirati officials took part in the funeral procession as flags flew at half-mast.

The government of Sharjah, one of seven emirates making up the UAE, said Tuesday that Sheikh Khalid died in London a day earlier, without elaborating further.

London's Metropolitan Police said it was investigating an "unexplained death" in Knightsbridge on Monday but declined to reveal names.

A "sudden death" was reported at a residential property and a "man in his late 30s was found deceased", said a police statement.

The police also said a post-mortem examination carried out Tuesday was inconclusive, adding they await the results of further tests. No arrests were made.

Sheikh Khalid was the founder and creative director of a fashion brand, QASIMI, which debuted his collection in 2008.&nbsp;

According to the label's website, Sheikh Khalid was born in the United Arab Emirates and grew up in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

He has a degree in architecture and another in fashion design from London's prestigious Central Saint Martins art school.

"Khalid was praised for his tenacious yet sensitive exploration of social-political issues, particularly those pertaining to the Middle East and its sometimes strained relationship with the West, a subject very close to his heart and upbringing," his website said.&nbsp;

Leaders from across the Arab world, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, sent messages of condolences to the ruler of Sharjah, according to the UAE's state news agency.&nbsp;

A son of the ruler of Sharjah was buried in the emirate Wednesday, as a three-day mourning period began after his unexpected death in London. Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan al-Qasimi was reported to be 39.

A son of the ruler of Sharjah was buried in the emirate Wednesday, as a three-day mourning period began after his unexpected death in London. Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan al-Qasimi was reported to be 39. His father, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, and other Emirati officials took part in the funeral procession as flags flew at half-mast. The government of Sharjah, one of seven emirates making up the UAE, said Tuesday that Sheikh Khalid died in London a day earlier, without elaborating further. London's Metropolitan Police said it was investigating an "unexplained death" in Knightsbridge on Monday but declined to reveal names. A "sudden death" was reported at a residential property and a "man in his late 30s was found deceased", said a police statement. The police also said a post-mortem examination carried out Tuesday was inconclusive, adding they await the results of further tests. No arrests were made. Sheikh Khalid was the founder and creative director of a fashion brand, QASIMI, which debuted his collection in 2008. According to the label's website, Sheikh Khalid was born in the United Arab Emirates and grew up in the United Kingdom. He has a degree in architecture and another in fashion design from London's prestigious Central Saint Martins art school. "Khalid was praised for his tenacious yet sensitive exploration of social-political issues, particularly those pertaining to the Middle East and its sometimes strained relationship with the West, a subject very close to his heart and upbringing," his website said. Leaders from across the Arab world, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, sent messages of condolences to the ruler of Sharjah, according to the UAE's state news agency.

Sharjah Ruler's Son, dies In London; Police Probe 'Unexplained Death'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-confident-china-trade-talks-will-not-be-hurt-over-iran-oil-sanctions-214566">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/trouble-in-the-gulf-as-us-iran-dispute-threatens-to-escalate-into-serious-conflict-220323">soaring tensions with Iran</a>.

On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

"You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides.

Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said.

Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-warns-iran-of-imminent-attack-229251">President Donald Trump</a> to order a military strike before changing his mind.

Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents".

"We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said.

He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror".

But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions.

Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports.

The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran.

Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year.

Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen.

Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Monday with the king of Saudi Arabia as he sought to coordinate with allies over soaring tensions with Iran. On a day trip scheduled after Iran shot down a US drone, Pompeo flew into the Red Sea city of Jeddah and met with King Salman at his palace. "You are a dear friend," the king told Pompeo as he shook hands with the top US diplomat and his aides. Pompeo is later due to meet the powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, before flying for talks in the United Arab Emirates, US officials said. Both Saudi and Emirati leaders advocate a tough US approach against regional rival Iran, whose downing of the unmanned drone prompted President Donald Trump to order a military strike before changing his mind. Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left Washington, called Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "two great allies in the challenge that Iran presents". "We'll be talking with them about how to make sure that we are all strategically aligned and how we can build out a global coalition," Pompeo said. He said the United States sought a coalition "not only throughout the Gulf states but in Asia and in Europe that understands this challenge and that is prepared to push back against the world's largest state sponsor of terror". But the hawkish US stance has drawn limited support among its allies in Europe, which still support a denuclearisation deal negotiated under former president Barack Obama from which Trump pulled out last year, triggering tensions. Iran says that the US drone encroached its airspace -- a charge that Washington denies -- and accuses Washington of waging economic warfare by unilaterally imposing sanctions, including trying to stop all its oil exports. The US point man on Iran, Brian Hook, on Monday held his own talks in Oman, which has often served as a go-between for Washington and Tehran. Pompeo's trip comes despite growing controversy inside the United States over the Trump administration's cosy relationship with Mohammed bin Salman after US-based dissident writer Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year. Pompeo used rare emergency powers, citing Iran as a threat, to authorise $8.1 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite concerns in the US Congress that the arms will go to kill civilians in the devastating war in Yemen. Pompeo added the Middle East stops on his way to a previously scheduled visit to India.

Mike Pompeo meets Saudi king Mohammed bin Salman on Iran crisis

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-saudi-tankers-came-under-sabotage-attack-off-uae-no-casualties-218248">attacks on four tankers off its coast</a> on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.&nbsp;

In a document on the briefing to Security Council members, the UAE, joined by Norway and Saudi Arabia, did not say who it believed was behind the attacks and did not mention Iran, which has been accused by the United States of being directly responsible.

The attacks required expert navigation of fast boats and trained divers who likely placed limpet mines with a high degree of precision on the vessels under the waterline to incapacitate but not sink them, according to the preliminary findings of the countries` joint investigation.&nbsp;

"While investigations are still ongoing, these facts are strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out by an actor with significant operational capacity, most likely a state actor," the three countries said in the document.&nbsp;

They believe it was the work of several teams of operatives, which coordinated the timed detonation of all four explosive charges within less than an hour.

The May 12 attacks targeted two Saudi tankers, an Emirati vessel and a Norwegian tanker, causing no casualties but fuelling tensions between the United States and Iran during weeks of escalating rhetoric.

Watch: Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise

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US national security adviser John Bolton said on May 29 that the attacks were the work of "naval mines almost certainly from Iran." Tehran denied the accusations.

A few days earlier in May, at the Pentagon, US Rear Admiral Michael Gilday accused Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of being directly responsible for the attacks.

While the briefing document did not mention Iran, a Saudi diplomat in New York laid the blame squarely on the country.&nbsp;

“We believe that the responsibility for this action lies on the shoulders of Iran. We have no hesitation in making this statement," said the Saudi ambassador to the United Nations, Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi.

THREAT TO GLOBAL ENERGY SUPPLIES

US President Donald Trump`s administration, acting on concerns of a potential attack by Iran on US interests, has deployed 1,500 more troops to the Middle East, accelerated the movement of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and sent bombers and additional Patriot missiles.&nbsp;

The tanker attacks occurred off the UAE emirate of Fujairah, which lies just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping route that separates the Gulf Arab states - allies of the United States - and Iran.&nbsp;

The three countries said the attacks endangered commercial navigation and the security of global energy supplies. They planned to share the findings of their probe with the London-based International Maritime Organisation.

In the weeks before the attacks, the Trump administration hardened its policy against Iran by fully reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Trump reiterated this week that he wants to sit down with Iran`s leaders to negotiate a new deal, a year after Washington pulled out of an accord between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions.

Irani Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by Trump’s offer.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor. In a document on the briefing to Security Council members, the UAE, joined by Norway and Saudi Arabia, did not say who it believed was behind the attacks and did not mention Iran, which has been accused by the United States of being directly responsible. The attacks required expert navigation of fast boats and trained divers who likely placed limpet mines with a high degree of precision on the vessels under the waterline to incapacitate but not sink them, according to the preliminary findings of the countries` joint investigation. "While investigations are still ongoing, these facts are strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out by an actor with significant operational capacity, most likely a state actor," the three countries said in the document. They believe it was the work of several teams of operatives, which coordinated the timed detonation of all four explosive charges within less than an hour. The May 12 attacks targeted two Saudi tankers, an Emirati vessel and a Norwegian tanker, causing no casualties but fuelling tensions between the United States and Iran during weeks of escalating rhetoric. Watch: Saudi Arabia Says Oil Tankers Damaged In "Sabotage Attack" as Middle East Tensions Rise × US national security adviser John Bolton said on May 29 that the attacks were the work of "naval mines almost certainly from Iran." Tehran denied the accusations. A few days earlier in May, at the Pentagon, US Rear Admiral Michael Gilday accused Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of being directly responsible for the attacks. While the briefing document did not mention Iran, a Saudi diplomat in New York laid the blame squarely on the country. “We believe that the responsibility for this action lies on the shoulders of Iran. We have no hesitation in making this statement," said the Saudi ambassador to the United Nations, Abdallah Y. Al-Mouallimi. THREAT TO GLOBAL ENERGY SUPPLIES US President Donald Trump`s administration, acting on concerns of a potential attack by Iran on US interests, has deployed 1,500 more troops to the Middle East, accelerated the movement of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and sent bombers and additional Patriot missiles. The tanker attacks occurred off the UAE emirate of Fujairah, which lies just outside the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas shipping route that separates the Gulf Arab states - allies of the United States - and Iran. The three countries said the attacks endangered commercial navigation and the security of global energy supplies. They planned to share the findings of their probe with the London-based International Maritime Organisation. In the weeks before the attacks, the Trump administration hardened its policy against Iran by fully reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and designating the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation. Trump reiterated this week that he wants to sit down with Iran`s leaders to negotiate a new deal, a year after Washington pulled out of an accord between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear program in return for lifting international sanctions. Irani Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by Trump’s offer.

'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Mecca condemned a "terrorist attack" on Saudi Arabia's oil pumping stations which targeted global oil supplies, its final statement said on Saturday. The summit also condemned "sabotage operations" against four vessels near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, which it said threatened international maritime traffic safety.

OIC condemns 'terrorist attack' on Saudi oil pumping stations

US national security adviser John Bolton will this week travel to the United Arab Emirates for talks, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi said Monday.

The US embassy in the UAE on Monday sent an invitation to AFP to attend a roundtable with Bolton which would take place "this week", but no date was given.

Bolton's planned meeting comes as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-congress-trump-sets-8-billion-plus-in-weapons-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-221419">UAE, Saudi Arabia </a>and the US have increasingly sought to <a href="http://wionws.com/world/iran-calls-ship-attacks-off-uae-alarming-urges-probe-218315">isolate Iran</a>, and it coincides with key meetings planned in Saudi Arabia.

Regional tensions have spiked since Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions against Iran after unilaterally pulling out of a multilateral 2015 nuclear accord signed with the Islamic republic.

Regional summits are planned on Thursday and Friday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh seeks to further isolate its regional rival Tehran.

The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region.

On Friday, Trump announced the deployment of some 1,500 more soldiers to the Middle East, while his administration the same day bypassed Congress to sell $8.1 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies.

But the US president has appeared to dial back his hawkishness towards Tehran since then, saying on Monday his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-us-after-trump-nuclear-weapons-comment-222087">government does not seek "regime change"</a>.

"I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal. I think... there's a possibility for that to happen," Trump said during a visit to Japan.

US national security adviser John Bolton will this week travel to the United Arab Emirates for talks, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi said Monday. The US embassy in the UAE on Monday sent an invitation to AFP to attend a roundtable with Bolton which would take place "this week", but no date was given.

US national security adviser John Bolton will this week travel to the United Arab Emirates for talks, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi said Monday. The US embassy in the UAE on Monday sent an invitation to AFP to attend a roundtable with Bolton which would take place "this week", but no date was given. Bolton's planned meeting comes as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US have increasingly sought to isolate Iran, and it coincides with key meetings planned in Saudi Arabia. Regional tensions have spiked since Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions against Iran after unilaterally pulling out of a multilateral 2015 nuclear accord signed with the Islamic republic. Regional summits are planned on Thursday and Friday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh seeks to further isolate its regional rival Tehran. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region. On Friday, Trump announced the deployment of some 1,500 more soldiers to the Middle East, while his administration the same day bypassed Congress to sell $8.1 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies. But the US president has appeared to dial back his hawkishness towards Tehran since then, saying on Monday his government does not seek "regime change". "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal. I think... there's a possibility for that to happen," Trump said during a visit to Japan.

Trump's security adviser John Bolton to visit UAE 'this week'

Sudan is bracing for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protest-groups-calls-for-strike-starting-next-tuesday-221567">two-day nationwide strike from Tuesday</a> called by protesters to pile pressure on the military to hand power to a civilian administration as talks remain deadlocked.

Leaders of the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, and army generals who seized power after ousting president Omar al-Bashir last month have so far failed to iron out differences over who should lead a new governing body,&nbsp;a civilian or soldier.

The new governing body is expected to install a transitional civilian government, which in turn would prepare for the first post-Bashir elections after a three-year interim period ends.

In a bid to step up pressure on the generals, the protest movement has called for a two-day general strike starting on Tuesday.

"The response to the call for a strike has been better than we expected," said Siddiq Farukh, a leader of the protest movement.

"The two-day strike aims to deliver a message to the whole world that the Sudanese people want a real change and they don't want the power to be with the military," he told AFP.

Protest leader Wajdi Saleh told reporters late Monday that there was "still no breakthrough" in negotiations but the protest movement was ready to negotiate if the generals offer fresh talks.

Saleh did not rule out an "indefinite strike" at a later date if the deadlock continues.

"But we hope that we reach an agreement with the military council and won't have to go on an indefinite strike," he said.&nbsp;

Protest leaders said medics, lawyers, prosecutors, employees in the electricity and water sectors, public transport, railways, telecommunication and civil aviation were set to participate in the strike.

They said that the strike in the telecommunication and aviation sectors will not affect operations.

But the protest movement's plan has been dealt a blow after a key member, the National Umma Party, said it opposed the strike plan as there had been no unanimous decision over it.

"We have to avoid such escalated measures that are not fully agreed," the party said on Sunday.

'Let the people decide'&nbsp;

Umma and its chief Sadiq al-Mahdi have for decades been the main opponents of Bashir's iron-fisted rule.

The party threw its weight behind the protest movement after nationwide demonstrations erupted against him in December.

Mahdi's elected government was toppled by Bashir in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989.

In a recent interview with AFP, Mahdi warned protesters not to "provoke" the army rulers as they had been instrumental in Bashir's removal.

Protester Hazar Mustafa said a civilian government was the only solution to Sudan's problems.

"We see the military council as part of the former regime. We don't see it upholding any rights and building a just state," she said.

The army ousted Bashir after tens of thousands of protesters camped outside military headquarters from April 6 demanding an end to his autocratic rule.

Five days later the generals removed Bashir and since then have resisted calls from protesters and Western powers to hand over power to a civilian administration.

Regional backing&nbsp;

Thousands of protesters remain camped outside the army complex round-the-clock, demanding the generals step down.

Ahead of the strike, the chief of the ruling military council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have been touring Khartoum's regional allies Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The oil-rich Gulf states Saudi Arabia and the UAE along with Egypt are seen backing the generals even as the United States leads Western calls to swiftly establish civilian rule in the country.

Talks between the generals and protest leaders remain deadlocked.

Protest leaders insist a civilian must head the new sovereign council and that civilians should make up the majority of its members, proposals rejected by the ruling generals.

Before suspending talks on May 20, the two sides had agreed on several key issues, including the three-year transition and the creation of a 300-member parliament, with two-thirds of lawmakers coming from the protesters' umbrella group.

Sudan is bracing for a two-day nationwide strike from Tuesday called by protesters to pile pressure on the military to hand power to a civilian administration as talks remain deadlocked.

Sudan is bracing for a two-day nationwide strike from Tuesday called by protesters to pile pressure on the military to hand power to a civilian administration as talks remain deadlocked. Leaders of the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, and army generals who seized power after ousting president Omar al-Bashir last month have so far failed to iron out differences over who should lead a new governing body, a civilian or soldier. The new governing body is expected to install a transitional civilian government, which in turn would prepare for the first post-Bashir elections after a three-year interim period ends. In a bid to step up pressure on the generals, the protest movement has called for a two-day general strike starting on Tuesday. "The response to the call for a strike has been better than we expected," said Siddiq Farukh, a leader of the protest movement. "The two-day strike aims to deliver a message to the whole world that the Sudanese people want a real change and they don't want the power to be with the military," he told AFP. Protest leader Wajdi Saleh told reporters late Monday that there was "still no breakthrough" in negotiations but the protest movement was ready to negotiate if the generals offer fresh talks. Saleh did not rule out an "indefinite strike" at a later date if the deadlock continues. "But we hope that we reach an agreement with the military council and won't have to go on an indefinite strike," he said. Protest leaders said medics, lawyers, prosecutors, employees in the electricity and water sectors, public transport, railways, telecommunication and civil aviation were set to participate in the strike. They said that the strike in the telecommunication and aviation sectors will not affect operations. But the protest movement's plan has been dealt a blow after a key member, the National Umma Party, said it opposed the strike plan as there had been no unanimous decision over it. "We have to avoid such escalated measures that are not fully agreed," the party said on Sunday. 'Let the people decide' Umma and its chief Sadiq al-Mahdi have for decades been the main opponents of Bashir's iron-fisted rule. The party threw its weight behind the protest movement after nationwide demonstrations erupted against him in December. Mahdi's elected government was toppled by Bashir in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. In a recent interview with AFP, Mahdi warned protesters not to "provoke" the army rulers as they had been instrumental in Bashir's removal. Protester Hazar Mustafa said a civilian government was the only solution to Sudan's problems. "We see the military council as part of the former regime. We don't see it upholding any rights and building a just state," she said. The army ousted Bashir after tens of thousands of protesters camped outside military headquarters from April 6 demanding an end to his autocratic rule. Five days later the generals removed Bashir and since then have resisted calls from protesters and Western powers to hand over power to a civilian administration. Regional backing Thousands of protesters remain camped outside the army complex round-the-clock, demanding the generals step down. Ahead of the strike, the chief of the ruling military council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have been touring Khartoum's regional allies Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The oil-rich Gulf states Saudi Arabia and the UAE along with Egypt are seen backing the generals even as the United States leads Western calls to swiftly establish civilian rule in the country. Talks between the generals and protest leaders remain deadlocked. Protest leaders insist a civilian must head the new sovereign council and that civilians should make up the majority of its members, proposals rejected by the ruling generals. Before suspending talks on May 20, the two sides had agreed on several key issues, including the three-year transition and the creation of a 300-member parliament, with two-thirds of lawmakers coming from the protesters' umbrella group.

Sudan braces for strike as protesters pile on pressure

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-seeks-to-avert-war-ball-in-irans-court-219802">Saudi Arabia </a>and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday.

US Secretary of State<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-in-russia-five-talking-points-218640"> Mike Pompeo </a>and several State Department appointees are pushing the administration to invoke an emergency provision that would allow Trump to prevent Congress from halting the sales, which are currently on hold.

Reports of the plan have angered politicians on both sides of the aisle, who are frustrated by the government's support for the Saudi-led coalition in the ongoing Yemen war.

Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called invoking the provision a "slap in Congress's face."

"I have deep concerns about how our Gulf partners have conducted the war in Yemen, including with US weapons, some of which have reportedly ended up in the wrong hands in Yemen," he said in a statement.

The provision could be invoked within the next few days, the Times said, citing current and former officials, as well as legislators familiar with the plan.

State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday, "We do not comment to confirm or deny potential arms sales or transfers until Congress is formally notified."

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy took to Twitter to denounce the potential move, which would allow Trump to claim the sale constitutes an emergency, thereby preventing Congress from voting against it.

It's "a loophole that would allow any President to claim any number of Middle East crises as an 'emergency' and then Congress will never ever be able to object to an arms sale again," he said on Twitter.

He added that if there is an emergency, then it is a "humanitarian emergency caused by the bombs we sell the Saudis."

The war in Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the country since March 2015, but rights groups say the toll could be far higher.

Congress dealt Trump a harsh rebuke in March with a historic bipartisan resolution that would have curtailed the president's war-making powers and ended American support for the Saudi-led coalition.

Trump vetoed the measure in April, the second such move of his presidency.

The sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia risks further inflaming the already-tense relations between the US and Iran, which views Riyadh as one of its main rivals.

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Donald Trump's administration is planning to bypass Congress to allow the sale of $7 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are involved in a bloody war in Yemen, The New York Times reported Thursday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and several State Department appointees are pushing the administration to invoke an emergency provision that would allow Trump to prevent Congress from halting the sales, which are currently on hold. Reports of the plan have angered politicians on both sides of the aisle, who are frustrated by the government's support for the Saudi-led coalition in the ongoing Yemen war. Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called invoking the provision a "slap in Congress's face." "I have deep concerns about how our Gulf partners have conducted the war in Yemen, including with US weapons, some of which have reportedly ended up in the wrong hands in Yemen," he said in a statement. The provision could be invoked within the next few days, the Times said, citing current and former officials, as well as legislators familiar with the plan. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Wednesday, "We do not comment to confirm or deny potential arms sales or transfers until Congress is formally notified." Democratic Senator Chris Murphy took to Twitter to denounce the potential move, which would allow Trump to claim the sale constitutes an emergency, thereby preventing Congress from voting against it. It's "a loophole that would allow any President to claim any number of Middle East crises as an 'emergency' and then Congress will never ever be able to object to an arms sale again," he said on Twitter. He added that if there is an emergency, then it is a "humanitarian emergency caused by the bombs we sell the Saudis." The war in Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the country since March 2015, but rights groups say the toll could be far higher. Congress dealt Trump a harsh rebuke in March with a historic bipartisan resolution that would have curtailed the president's war-making powers and ended American support for the Saudi-led coalition. Trump vetoed the measure in April, the second such move of his presidency. The sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia risks further inflaming the already-tense relations between the US and Iran, which views Riyadh as one of its main rivals.

Trump officials plan to bypass Congress for Saudi arms sales: Report

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-seeks-to-avert-war-ball-in-irans-court-219802">Saudi King Salman</a> on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-uae-see-sufficient-oil-supplies-rising-stocks-219977">United Arab Emirates</a>.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed an economic and diplomatic boycott on Qatar since June 2017 over allegations that Doha supports terrorism and is cosying up to regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the charges.

"Qatar, which is still isolated from its neighbours, did not receive an invitation to attend the two summits," the director of the Foreign Ministry Information Office said on Twitter, citing State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad al-Muraikhi.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry and government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of ordering the drone strikes and said while it did not want the war to break out in the region, it was ready to respond strongly. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the sabotage acts against the tankers pending an investigation and said it was committed to de-escalation.

Iran has denied it carried out either attack.

The UAE on Sunday said that the current "critical circumstances" in the region required a "unified Arab and Gulf stance".

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. Saudi King Salman on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar has not been invited to two regional summits called to discuss attacks on Saudi oil assets, a Foreign Ministry official said on Monday. Saudi King Salman on Saturday proposed holding the two meetings in Mecca on May 30 to discuss implications of last week's drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed an economic and diplomatic boycott on Qatar since June 2017 over allegations that Doha supports terrorism and is cosying up to regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the charges. "Qatar, which is still isolated from its neighbours, did not receive an invitation to attend the two summits," the director of the Foreign Ministry Information Office said on Twitter, citing State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan bin Saad al-Muraikhi. The Saudi Foreign Ministry and government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of ordering the drone strikes and said while it did not want the war to break out in the region, it was ready to respond strongly. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the sabotage acts against the tankers pending an investigation and said it was committed to de-escalation. Iran has denied it carried out either attack. The UAE on Sunday said that the current "critical circumstances" in the region required a "unified Arab and Gulf stance".

Qatar not invited to emergency Arab summits in Saudi Arabia: Official

Daniele Pagani, West Asia Bureu Chief speaks on Sabotage attack off UAE's coast. Four commercial vessels were targeted by "sabotage operations" near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates without causing casualties, the foreign ministry said on Sunday (May 12), without giving details of the nature of the sabotage.

WION CHAT: Daniele Pagani on Sabotage attack off UAE's coast

Four commercial vessels were targeted by "sabotage operations" near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates without causing casualties, the foreign ministry said on Sunday (May 12), without giving details of the nature of the sabotage.

Four commercial vessels sabotaged says UAE

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-deposit-250-million-in-sudans-central-bank-214196&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjut9zQlvrhAhUU3o8KHWskCLcQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZiC2ikqTxwc11EZpUy_Dr">Arab states support a transition in Sudan</a> that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests.

Protesters and activists have been negotiating with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to form a joint civilian-military body to oversee a transition, but are deadlocked over who would control the new council.

"Totally legitimate for Arab states to support an orderly &amp; stable transition in Sudan. One that carefully calibrates popular aspirations with institutional stability," the UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

"We have experienced all-out chaos in the region and, sensibly, don’t need more of it," he added.

Sudanese opposition groups are calling for a civilian-led council to oversee the political transition.

The TMC has shown no sign of willingness to relinquish ultimate authority.&nbsp;

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are backing council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.

The UAE was quick to welcome Burhan’s appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan.

Shortly after Burhan’s nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan.

The financial aid provided by the two close allies, which includes a deposit of $500 million with the Sudanese central bank, is the first major publicly announced assistance to the African nation from Gulf states in several years.&nbsp;

The UAE and Saudi have worked to counter the rise of political Islamist movements across the region and supported Egypt`s military leader President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the overthrow of its first democratically elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Arab states support a transition in Sudan that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday. The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests.

Arab states support a transition in Sudan that balances the ambitions of the people with stability, a senior United Arab Emirates minister said on Wednesday. The UAE and Saudi Arabia last month pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan, throwing a lifeline to the country`s new military leaders who ousted president Omar al-Bashir after weeks of mass protests. Protesters and activists have been negotiating with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to form a joint civilian-military body to oversee a transition, but are deadlocked over who would control the new council. "Totally legitimate for Arab states to support an orderly & stable transition in Sudan. One that carefully calibrates popular aspirations with institutional stability," the UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter. "We have experienced all-out chaos in the region and, sensibly, don’t need more of it," he added. Sudanese opposition groups are calling for a civilian-led council to oversee the political transition. The TMC has shown no sign of willingness to relinquish ultimate authority. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are backing council head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, through their participation the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. The UAE was quick to welcome Burhan’s appointment and said it would look to accelerate aid to Sudan. Shortly after Burhan’s nomination, Saudi Arabia said it would provide wheat, fuel and medicine to Sudan. The financial aid provided by the two close allies, which includes a deposit of $500 million with the Sudanese central bank, is the first major publicly announced assistance to the African nation from Gulf states in several years. The UAE and Saudi have worked to counter the rise of political Islamist movements across the region and supported Egypt`s military leader President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the overthrow of its first democratically elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Arab states support Sudan transition, want stability: UAE minister

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-authorities-arrest-members-of-bashirs-party-source-212213">overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir</a>.

The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

It did not specify if the money is a gift or a loan.

The deposit for the central bank is aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, SPA said.&nbsp;

In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, which became a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month.

Since his ouster, the pound has steadily strengthened on the black market, and on Sunday it jumped to 45 per dollar against 72 last week.

The official exchange rate is 47.5 pounds to the dollar.

Earlier media reports that Saudi Arabia was expected to send aid to Sudan were seen as a factor boosting the pound.

The Sudanese currency had plunged since the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017.

Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound.

The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday announced three billion dollars in financial support for Sudan following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. It did not specify if the money is a gift or a loan. The deposit for the central bank is aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, SPA said. In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, which became a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month. Since his ouster, the pound has steadily strengthened on the black market, and on Sunday it jumped to 45 per dollar against 72 last week. The official exchange rate is 47.5 pounds to the dollar. Earlier media reports that Saudi Arabia was expected to send aid to Sudan were seen as a factor boosting the pound. The Sudanese currency had plunged since the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017. Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound. The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

Saudi Arabia, UAE pledge $3 billion financial aid for Sudan

Turkey has arrested two intelligence operatives who confessed to spying on Arab nationals for the United Arab Emirates, and it is probing whether the arrival in Turkey of one of them was related to Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a senior Turkish official said on Friday.

One of the two men arrived in Turkey in October 2018, days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-family-denies-settlement-with-saudis-statement-209337">Khashoggi was murdered inside Saudi Arabia's consulate</a> in Istanbul, the official said, adding the other arrived to help his colleague with the workload.

"We are investigating whether the primary individual's arrival in Turkey was related to the Jamal Khashoggi murder," said the official, adding the person has been monitored for the past six months.

"It is possible that there was an attempt to collect information about Arabs, including political dissidents, living in Turkey."

The arrests were made in Istanbul on Monday as part of a counter-intelligence investigation. Turkish officials seized an encrypted computer located in a hidden compartment at what the official told Reuters was the spy ring's base.

The official, who requested anonymity, said statements by the detained men suggested their intelligence operation targeted political exiles and students.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in the Saudi consulate on Oct. 2, provoking an international outcry.

The CIA and some Western countries believe the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, ordered the killing, which Saudi officials deny. The Saudi public prosecutor has indicted 11 unidentified suspects, including five who could face the death penalty on charges of ordering and committing the crime.

Turkey has arrested two intelligence operatives who confessed to spying on Arab nationals for the United Arab Emirates, and it is probing whether the arrival in Turkey of one of them was related to Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a senior Turkish official said on Friday.

Turkey has arrested two intelligence operatives who confessed to spying on Arab nationals for the United Arab Emirates, and it is probing whether the arrival in Turkey of one of them was related to Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a senior Turkish official said on Friday. One of the two men arrived in Turkey in October 2018, days after Khashoggi was murdered inside Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, the official said, adding the other arrived to help his colleague with the workload. "We are investigating whether the primary individual's arrival in Turkey was related to the Jamal Khashoggi murder," said the official, adding the person has been monitored for the past six months. "It is possible that there was an attempt to collect information about Arabs, including political dissidents, living in Turkey." The arrests were made in Istanbul on Monday as part of a counter-intelligence investigation. Turkish officials seized an encrypted computer located in a hidden compartment at what the official told Reuters was the spy ring's base. The official, who requested anonymity, said statements by the detained men suggested their intelligence operation targeted political exiles and students. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed in the Saudi consulate on Oct. 2, provoking an international outcry. The CIA and some Western countries believe the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, ordered the killing, which Saudi officials deny. The Saudi public prosecutor has indicted 11 unidentified suspects, including five who could face the death penalty on charges of ordering and committing the crime.

Turkey probes Khashoggi link after arresting suspected UAE spies

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship."

"We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added.

PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks.

On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist".

Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet.

On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction.

India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries. In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship." "We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added. PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks. On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist". Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet. On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction. India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

We played important role in reducing India-Pak tensions: UAE envoy Ahmed Albanna

Five Yemeni children were killed in an attack on their home in flashpoint Hodeida province, the UN and medics said, months into a ceasefire agreed by the government and rebels.

The UN children's agency (UNICEF) said that the five children were "playing at home" when they were killed on Thursday.

It did not give details on the nature of the attack or the perpetrators.

"Each day, eight children are killed or injured across 31 active conflict zones in the country," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said in a statement Saturday.

Medics in the Tuhayta district, in southern Hodeida, on Sunday confirmed to AFP that they had transferred dead and wounded children to a hospital in the government-held Khokha district nearby.

The Red Sea province of Hodeida has witnessed some of the Yemen war's most intense fighting, which has eased since the government and Huthi rebels agreed to a ceasefire in the area in December.

The Iran-backed Huthis have battled the government and its allies in a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for control of the impoverished country for four years.

Hodeida, held by the rebels since 2014, has witnessed intermittent clashes between the Huthis and pro-government forces since the ceasefire went into effect on December 18.

Around 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed and more than 60,000 wounded since Saudi Arabia and its allies joined the conflict in 2015, according to the World Health Organization.

Rights groups say the real figure could be five times as high.

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 10 million people at risk of starvation.&nbsp;

Over 24 million Yemenis -- more than three-quarters of the country's population -- are now dependent on some form of aid for survival, according to the UN.

Five Yemeni children were killed in an attack on their home in flashpoint Hodeida province, the UN and medics said, months into a ceasefire agreed by the government and rebels.

Five Yemeni children were killed in an attack on their home in flashpoint Hodeida province, the UN and medics said, months into a ceasefire agreed by the government and rebels. The UN children's agency (UNICEF) said that the five children were "playing at home" when they were killed on Thursday. It did not give details on the nature of the attack or the perpetrators. "Each day, eight children are killed or injured across 31 active conflict zones in the country," UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore said in a statement Saturday. Medics in the Tuhayta district, in southern Hodeida, on Sunday confirmed to AFP that they had transferred dead and wounded children to a hospital in the government-held Khokha district nearby. The Red Sea province of Hodeida has witnessed some of the Yemen war's most intense fighting, which has eased since the government and Huthi rebels agreed to a ceasefire in the area in December. The Iran-backed Huthis have battled the government and its allies in a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for control of the impoverished country for four years. Hodeida, held by the rebels since 2014, has witnessed intermittent clashes between the Huthis and pro-government forces since the ceasefire went into effect on December 18. Around 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed and more than 60,000 wounded since Saudi Arabia and its allies joined the conflict in 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Rights groups say the real figure could be five times as high. The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 10 million people at risk of starvation. Over 24 million Yemenis -- more than three-quarters of the country's population -- are now dependent on some form of aid for survival, according to the UN.

Five children killed in attack in Yemen's Hodeida: UN

The sight of Gandhi on Burj Khalifa speaks of India-UAE relation: His Excellency Navdeep Suri

Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated&nbsp;WION's Global Summit in Dubai today.

During his address, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates said the UAE has good trade relations with India and plays a key role in regional and global security.

"Our economy is paced for successful functioning of the global economy, &nbsp;the UAE is strategically located and has proximity to markets like Africa, Asia and southern Europe."

"Our country enjoys a high level of safety and security and a high standard of living," he said.

"Unleashing the power requires hard work, creativity and competitiveness to create and maintain strong and stable economies, and sustain them,"&nbsp;he said, adding, "large scale investments requires structural changes in trade and other policies."

"Thoughtful analysis and creative approach is needed to address these challenges and&nbsp;attain integration and cooperation," he added.

Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit in Dubai today.

Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit in Dubai today. During his address, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates said the UAE has good trade relations with India and plays a key role in regional and global security. "Our economy is paced for successful functioning of the global economy, the UAE is strategically located and has proximity to markets like Africa, Asia and southern Europe." "Our country enjoys a high level of safety and security and a high standard of living," he said. "Unleashing the power requires hard work, creativity and competitiveness to create and maintain strong and stable economies, and sustain them," he said, adding, "large scale investments requires structural changes in trade and other policies." "Thoughtful analysis and creative approach is needed to address these challenges and attain integration and cooperation," he added.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurates WION Global Summit

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation.

At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

The conclave will be held on February 20 in Dubai and will be inaugurated by the chief guest and guest of honour, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be the guest of honour.

The day-long conclave will dwell on subjects that matter to the emerging economies of South Asia, like "Counter Terrorism - the Indian perspective in a multi-polar world", and "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism and how it is imperative for peace in South Asia".

Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will be in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani.

Among the 50 most influential people in India is spiritual guru, Sadhguru. At the WION global summit, Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic co-operation among South Asian powers.

What is the future of South Asia? WION brings together Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker from Sri Lanka, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman to deliberate on the issue.

Soft power plays a key role in building alliances and strategic partnerships. And sports and entertainment play an important part in realising this. On one of the panels, television host and international journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?"

And is the ICC Cricket World Cup headed back to South Asia? Indian cricketer VVS Laxman will share his thoughts on the dominance of Indian cricket.

Tune into WION on Wednesday, February 20, as decision makers from South Asia explore sustainable solutions for promoting peace and prosperity in the region.

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation. At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation. At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. The conclave will be held on February 20 in Dubai and will be inaugurated by the chief guest and guest of honour, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be the guest of honour. The day-long conclave will dwell on subjects that matter to the emerging economies of South Asia, like "Counter Terrorism - the Indian perspective in a multi-polar world", and "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism and how it is imperative for peace in South Asia". Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will be in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani. Among the 50 most influential people in India is spiritual guru, Sadhguru. At the WION global summit, Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic co-operation among South Asian powers. What is the future of South Asia? WION brings together Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker from Sri Lanka, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman to deliberate on the issue. Soft power plays a key role in building alliances and strategic partnerships. And sports and entertainment play an important part in realising this. On one of the panels, television host and international journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?" And is the ICC Cricket World Cup headed back to South Asia? Indian cricketer VVS Laxman will share his thoughts on the dominance of Indian cricket. Tune into WION on Wednesday, February 20, as decision makers from South Asia explore sustainable solutions for promoting peace and prosperity in the region.

WION’s 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave to build co-operation in the region

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-stain-the-presidency-with-blood-venezuelas-maduro-to-trump-194921">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

The fund would receive income accrued by state-run oil firm PDVSA's US unit Citgo Petroleum Corp since last month when US President Donald Trump recognised Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters.

Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, last month declared himself to be the South American country's interim ruler.

White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the United States would consider lifting sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they recognise Guaido as interim leader. "If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton wrote on Twitter.

Aside from one senior general, who recognised Guaido in a video and urged others in the military to do the same, most of Venezuela's top military officers have not defected from Maduro.

Citgo, the eighth-largest US refiner and Venezuela's top foreign asset, is in the middle of a tug of war as the United States has made aggressive moves to remove it from Maduro's control and imposed sanctions on OPEC-member Venezuela's oil industry.

"This is already quite advanced, I hope that next week it can be announced by our representative in the United States," Paparoni said, though he did not give details about the nature of the US-based fund or the financial institution involved.

Pressure is building on Maduro, a socialist, to resign amid an economic crisis marked by widespread shortages and hyperinflation. Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote critics have called a sham.

Yon Goicoechea, a member of Guaido's policy team, told Reuters that Guaido was in contact with PDVSA's international partners and they were willing to keep operating in Venezuela. He did not identify the partners.

Guaido's team is planning for a post-Maduro government with an emergency arrangement to supply fuel domestically, given widespread shortages across Venezuela, Goicoechea said.

Most Latin American and European countries also recognise Guaido, although Italy so far has not. Guaido has reached out to Italy's ruling coalition seeking its support.

Maduro, who retains control over the state, denounces Guaido as a US puppet who is seeking to foment a coup against him. He is supported by China and Russia, while Slovakia on Wednesday joined Italy in defying the coordinated action of European Union nations and the United States.

GOLD SALES

The opposition has also sought to prevent the government from selling gold, believing that it is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as the sanctions cut off other revenue streams.

But Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, Paparoni told a news conference. Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, and a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes, Paparoni said.

"We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold," Paparoni said.

Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank's vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data.

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Noor Capital said it "does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions."

In recent days, at least five tankers carrying gasoline, gas oil for power generation and naphtha have been ordered to unload at Venezuela's ports as fuel inventories dwindle. PDVSA issued court orders for most of the tankers to discharge, according to shipping and PDVSA sources.

Guaido asked Italy's ruling coalition leaders in a letter to meet with his representatives as he seeks their explicit backing. Italy's hard-right League has expressed strong support for Guaido, but coalition partner the 5-Star Movement has not, making Italy the only major European Union nation not to recognise him as Venezuela's interim head of state.

League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini's office on Wednesday said he would meet Guaido's envoys on February 11.

As the world's countries line up to support either Maduro or Guaido, the United Nations warned against using aid as a pawn. The United States has sent food and medicine to Venezuela's border, even though it is unclear how it will get past the objections of Maduro.

"Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has doubled its budget in Venezuela in recent weeks and is also helping Venezuelan migrants in neighbouring Colombia and Brazil, ICRC President Peter Maurer said in Geneva. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro. The fund would receive income accrued by state-run oil firm PDVSA's US unit Citgo Petroleum Corp since last month when US President Donald Trump recognised Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters. Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, last month declared himself to be the South American country's interim ruler. White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the United States would consider lifting sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they recognise Guaido as interim leader. "If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton wrote on Twitter. Aside from one senior general, who recognised Guaido in a video and urged others in the military to do the same, most of Venezuela's top military officers have not defected from Maduro. Citgo, the eighth-largest US refiner and Venezuela's top foreign asset, is in the middle of a tug of war as the United States has made aggressive moves to remove it from Maduro's control and imposed sanctions on OPEC-member Venezuela's oil industry. "This is already quite advanced, I hope that next week it can be announced by our representative in the United States," Paparoni said, though he did not give details about the nature of the US-based fund or the financial institution involved. Pressure is building on Maduro, a socialist, to resign amid an economic crisis marked by widespread shortages and hyperinflation. Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote critics have called a sham. Yon Goicoechea, a member of Guaido's policy team, told Reuters that Guaido was in contact with PDVSA's international partners and they were willing to keep operating in Venezuela. He did not identify the partners. Guaido's team is planning for a post-Maduro government with an emergency arrangement to supply fuel domestically, given widespread shortages across Venezuela, Goicoechea said. Most Latin American and European countries also recognise Guaido, although Italy so far has not. Guaido has reached out to Italy's ruling coalition seeking its support. Maduro, who retains control over the state, denounces Guaido as a US puppet who is seeking to foment a coup against him. He is supported by China and Russia, while Slovakia on Wednesday joined Italy in defying the coordinated action of European Union nations and the United States. GOLD SALES The opposition has also sought to prevent the government from selling gold, believing that it is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as the sanctions cut off other revenue streams. But Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, Paparoni told a news conference. Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, and a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes, Paparoni said. "We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold," Paparoni said. Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank's vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data. Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Noor Capital said it "does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions." In recent days, at least five tankers carrying gasoline, gas oil for power generation and naphtha have been ordered to unload at Venezuela's ports as fuel inventories dwindle. PDVSA issued court orders for most of the tankers to discharge, according to shipping and PDVSA sources. Guaido asked Italy's ruling coalition leaders in a letter to meet with his representatives as he seeks their explicit backing. Italy's hard-right League has expressed strong support for Guaido, but coalition partner the 5-Star Movement has not, making Italy the only major European Union nation not to recognise him as Venezuela's interim head of state. League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini's office on Wednesday said he would meet Guaido's envoys on February 11. As the world's countries line up to support either Maduro or Guaido, the United Nations warned against using aid as a pawn. The United States has sent food and medicine to Venezuela's border, even though it is unclear how it will get past the objections of Maduro. "Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. The International Committee of the Red Cross has doubled its budget in Venezuela in recent weeks and is also helping Venezuelan migrants in neighbouring Colombia and Brazil, ICRC President Peter Maurer said in Geneva.

Venezuela opposition plans to get oil money from US-based fund

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

"The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many, many children are suffering from hunger but they are not able to get to food deposits. The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St&nbsp;Peter's Square during his regular Sunday address.

"I appeal to all sides involved and to the international community to urgently press for respect of the agreements that have been reached, to guarantee the distribution of food, and work for the good of the population."

"There are children who are hungry, they are thirsty, they don't have medicine," he added.

The UAE has played a leading role in the Saudi-led military coalition waging a nearly four-year war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen in a conflict which has pushed the poorest country on the peninsula to the brink of famine.

Francis will become the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula and is due to make two public addresses.

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Pope Francis, who will travel to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, said he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis. "The population is exhausted by the long conflict and many, many children are suffering from hunger but they are not able to get to food deposits. The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square during his regular Sunday address. "I appeal to all sides involved and to the international community to urgently press for respect of the agreements that have been reached, to guarantee the distribution of food, and work for the good of the population." "There are children who are hungry, they are thirsty, they don't have medicine," he added. The UAE has played a leading role in the Saudi-led military coalition waging a nearly four-year war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen in a conflict which has pushed the poorest country on the peninsula to the brink of famine. Francis will become the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula and is due to make two public addresses.

Pope Francis urges 'respect' for Yemen truce accord

The first pictures of a princess of United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had reportedly made an abortive bid to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dubais-missing-princess-latifa-is-she-dead-or-alive-184547">run away months back</a>, have been released by the government in an apparent effort to show that she was doing well.

In three low-resolution photographs released by the UAE's Foreign Ministry, Sheikha Latifa, daughter of UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is seen alongside Mary Robinson, the former Irish President and former UN Human Rights Commissioner.

The princess is seen donning a dark hooded sweatshirt and grey jeans in the picture.

According to some media reports, Sheikha Latifa had tried to flee the country to pursue a life abroad but her attempt was aborted in high seas and was handed over to her family. The UAE government has dismissed reports of her attempting to flee the country.

She was last seen in March aboard a yacht off the coast of Goa, according to media reports.

Some media reports had claimed that Latifa`s escape bid had been thwarted by Indian forces on directions of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Months later, when AgustaWestland helicopter scam accused Christian Michel was extradited by the UAE to India earlier this month, some media reports had suggested that it was done by the UAE government in lieu of the princess being returned by India.

After reports of her disappearance emerged, the Dubai princess had posted a video on social media at an unknown location narrating why she was attempting to risk her life for the second time and flee Dubai and the royal family.

Claiming that she was tortured and detained for three years, Sheikha Latifa also revealed that she wanted to escape from the UAE in 2002 as a teenager."If you are watching this video, it is not such a good thing. Either I`m dead or I`m in a very, very, very bad situation. They are not going to take me back alive," she said in the video.

Once known for her skydiving videos while posing with UAE's flag, the Dubai princess revealed that she could not leave the city without permission, a life for a female is so "indisposable". "If you are female, your life is so disposable," she said.

Earlier in September, human rights group Amnesty International urged the UAE government to disclose Sheikha Latifa`s whereabouts at the earliest.

"If she is deprived of her liberty, she should have contact with lawyers and loved ones and access to all fair trial guarantees. If she is only held for having tried to flee the country or for any other reason incompatible with human rights standards, she should be immediately and unconditionally released and her right to freedom of movement, including travel abroad, should be respected," Amnesty said in a statement.

The first pictures of a princess of United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had reportedly made an abortive bid to run away months back, have been released by the government in an apparent effort to show that she was doing well.

The first pictures of a princess of United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had reportedly made an abortive bid to run away months back, have been released by the government in an apparent effort to show that she was doing well. In three low-resolution photographs released by the UAE's Foreign Ministry, Sheikha Latifa, daughter of UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is seen alongside Mary Robinson, the former Irish President and former UN Human Rights Commissioner. The princess is seen donning a dark hooded sweatshirt and grey jeans in the picture. According to some media reports, Sheikha Latifa had tried to flee the country to pursue a life abroad but her attempt was aborted in high seas and was handed over to her family. The UAE government has dismissed reports of her attempting to flee the country. She was last seen in March aboard a yacht off the coast of Goa, according to media reports. Some media reports had claimed that Latifa`s escape bid had been thwarted by Indian forces on directions of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Months later, when AgustaWestland helicopter scam accused Christian Michel was extradited by the UAE to India earlier this month, some media reports had suggested that it was done by the UAE government in lieu of the princess being returned by India. After reports of her disappearance emerged, the Dubai princess had posted a video on social media at an unknown location narrating why she was attempting to risk her life for the second time and flee Dubai and the royal family. Claiming that she was tortured and detained for three years, Sheikha Latifa also revealed that she wanted to escape from the UAE in 2002 as a teenager."If you are watching this video, it is not such a good thing. Either I`m dead or I`m in a very, very, very bad situation. They are not going to take me back alive," she said in the video. Once known for her skydiving videos while posing with UAE's flag, the Dubai princess revealed that she could not leave the city without permission, a life for a female is so "indisposable". "If you are female, your life is so disposable," she said. Earlier in September, human rights group Amnesty International urged the UAE government to disclose Sheikha Latifa`s whereabouts at the earliest. "If she is deprived of her liberty, she should have contact with lawyers and loved ones and access to all fair trial guarantees. If she is only held for having tried to flee the country or for any other reason incompatible with human rights standards, she should be immediately and unconditionally released and her right to freedom of movement, including travel abroad, should be respected," Amnesty said in a statement.

UAE releases photos of princess who allegedly tried to flee

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-withdrawal-will-not-have-security-impact-on-afghanistan-presidential-spokesman-185677">US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman</a>

In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/markets-end-in-red-as-sensex-plunges-nearly-700-points-185672">Sensex plunges nearly 700 points amid fears of US government shutdown</a>

Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-to-deposit-3-billion-in-pakistan-central-bank-185664">UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank</a>

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/order-to-monitor-computers-exists-since-2009-arun-jaitley-185675">Order to monitor computers exists since 2009: Arun Jaitley</a>

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday Jaitley on Friday responded to Congress leader Anand Sharma's remark over Home Affairs Ministry's move to allow ten agencies to monitor any computer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678">Myanmar army pauses operations in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678">north</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678"> in rare conciliatory action</a>

The Myanmar military on Friday announced a more than four-month cessation of its activities in northern areas where it is fighting ethnic minority insurgents, in what appeared to be a rare conciliatory move aimed at kick-starting peace talks.

US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday.

US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday. Sensex plunges nearly 700 points amid fears of US government shutdown Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets. UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said. Order to monitor computers exists since 2009: Arun Jaitley Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday Jaitley on Friday responded to Congress leader Anand Sharma's remark over Home Affairs Ministry's move to allow ten agencies to monitor any computer. Myanmar army pauses operations in north in rare conciliatory action The Myanmar military on Friday announced a more than four-month cessation of its activities in northern areas where it is fighting ethnic minority insurgents, in what appeared to be a rare conciliatory move aimed at kick-starting peace talks.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

The transfer of 11 billion dirhams by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is expected to be carried out in the "coming days", the WAM news agency said.

Quoting a statement from the ADFD, the state news agency said the amount is meant "to support the financial and monetary policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan".

It will "enhance liquidity and monetary reserves of foreign currency" at the central bank, it added.

Pakistan is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. The rupee plunged almost five per cent to a record low at the end of November, after what appeared to be a sixth devaluation by the central bank in the past year.

A team from the International Monetary Fund in November visited Pakistan for talks with officials on a possible IMF bailout but the discussions ended without any agreement.

Pakistan -- a regular borrower from the IMF since the 1980s -- last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of $6.6 billion.

It also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the kingdom in October.

Islamabad also received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects.

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said. The transfer of 11 billion dirhams by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is expected to be carried out in the "coming days", the WAM news agency said. Quoting a statement from the ADFD, the state news agency said the amount is meant "to support the financial and monetary policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan". It will "enhance liquidity and monetary reserves of foreign currency" at the central bank, it added. Pakistan is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. The rupee plunged almost five per cent to a record low at the end of November, after what appeared to be a sixth devaluation by the central bank in the past year. A team from the International Monetary Fund in November visited Pakistan for talks with officials on a possible IMF bailout but the discussions ended without any agreement. Pakistan -- a regular borrower from the IMF since the 1980s -- last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of $6.6 billion. It also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the kingdom in October. Islamabad also received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects.

UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-hold-second-round-of-trilateral-dialogue-with-pakistan-china-184232">17-year war in Afghanistan</a> continues.

Zabihullah Mujahid said representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE would also take part in the meeting, which follows at least two meetings between Taliban officials and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar.

He made the announcement in a statement on Twitter.

The meetings come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Afghan conflict have intensified, although the Taliban have so far refused to deal directly with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which it considers illegitimate.

The Taliban say the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is the main obstacle to peace but have said that issues including mutual recognition with the Kabul government, constitutional changes and women's rights can be negotiated.

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan continues.

Representatives from the Afghan Taliban will meet US officials in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, the movement's main spokesman said as diplomatic moves towards agreeing to the basis for talks to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan continues. Zabihullah Mujahid said representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE would also take part in the meeting, which follows at least two meetings between Taliban officials and US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar. He made the announcement in a statement on Twitter. The meetings come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the Afghan conflict have intensified, although the Taliban have so far refused to deal directly with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which it considers illegitimate. The Taliban say the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is the main obstacle to peace but have said that issues including mutual recognition with the Kabul government, constitutional changes and women's rights can be negotiated.

Will meet US officials in UAE on Monday: Afghan Taliban

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format.

His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah.

Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack.

Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs.

McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwRHz3C-Y2M" width="560"></iframe></div>
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He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end.&nbsp;

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Power. Destruction. Brutality. 
 
Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T10League?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T10League</a> <a href="https://t.co/dPXcCoiRuw">pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw</a>
— T10 League (@T10League) <a href="https://twitter.com/T10League/status/1065291472084205568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper.&nbsp;

Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.&nbsp;

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries.

The second season of the T10 League has already made headlines after Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad made T10 cricket history by slamming 74 runs off just 16 deliveries. Getting off to a sensational start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shahzad slammed eight sixes and six boundaries, setting the record for fastest fifty in the 10-over format. His destructive inning took Rajputs to a 10-wicket victory against the Sindhis with six overs to spare in Sharjah. Chasing 95 to win, Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman opened the innings with captain Brendon McCullum and single-handedly decimated Sindhis' bowling attack. Mohammad Nawaz, Jofra Archer, Thisara Perera and Fawad Ahmed all bowled one over each and went for more than 20 runs. McCullum, who stitched together an opening stand of 96 runs with Shahzad, scored 21 off just 8 deliveries. × He was a silent spectator to Shahzad's brilliance on the other end. Power. Destruction. Brutality. Mohammad Shahzad showed it all tonight! 💪🏻🔥😍#T10League pic.twitter.com/dPXcCoiRuw — T10 League (@T10League) November 21, 2018 × Batting first, Shane Watson's Sindhis posted a challenging 94/6 in 10 overs with the help of 20-ball 42 from the skipper. Munaf Patel, who recently announced his retirement, was the best bowler for the Rajputs as he took 20/3 in his two overs.

Watch: Afghan's Mohammad Shahzad slams 74 runs in 16 balls in T10 League

The United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Saturday that Iran's "aggressive policies" were "largely responsible" for the reimposition of US sanctions on Tehran.

Washington will on Monday reintroduce far-reaching sanctions on Iran's vital oil sales and banking sectors to try to force the Islamic Republic into negotiations to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programmes and end its support for proxies in conflicts across the Middle East.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic.

"This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say, their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Saturday that Iran's "aggressive policies" were "largely responsible" for the reimposition of US sanctions on Tehran.

The United Arab Emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Saturday that Iran's "aggressive policies" were "largely responsible" for the reimposition of US sanctions on Tehran. Washington will on Monday reintroduce far-reaching sanctions on Iran's vital oil sales and banking sectors to try to force the Islamic Republic into negotiations to scrap its nuclear energy and ballistic missile programmes and end its support for proxies in conflicts across the Middle East. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Saturday that President Donald Trump has "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser from renewing sanctions on the Islamic republic. "This new US president... has disgraced the remnant of America's prestige and that of liberal democracy. America's hard power, that is to say, their economic and military power, is declining too," he said on his Persian Twitter account, quoting a speech in Tehran. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran's 'aggressive policies' responsible for reimposition of US sanctions: UAE foreign affairs minister

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen.&nbsp;

Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas.&nbsp;

Pompeo added that UN-led negotiations to bring the civil war to an end should begin next month.&nbsp;

Pompeo's call was earlier voiced by US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis even as the Saudi-led military coalition sent more than 10,000 new troops toward a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault.

Mattis said the US had been watching the conflict "for long enough", adding that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are in a US-backed coalition fighting Shiite Huthi rebels, are ready for talks.

"We have got to move toward a peace effort here, and we can't say we are going to do it some time in the future," Mattis said at the US Institute of Peace in Washington.&nbsp;

"We need to be doing this in the next 30 days."

He said the US is calling for all warring parties to meet with United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths in Sweden in November and "come to a solution."

US-Saudi ties have cooled in recent weeks after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the conservative kingdom, that has also tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the conflict between embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognised by the United Nations, and the Huthis in 2015.

Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed and the country now stands at the brink of famine, with more than 22 million Yemenis — three-quarters of the population — in need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen. Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen. Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas. Pompeo added that UN-led negotiations to bring the civil war to an end should begin next month. Pompeo's call was earlier voiced by US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis even as the Saudi-led military coalition sent more than 10,000 new troops toward a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault. Mattis said the US had been watching the conflict "for long enough", adding that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are in a US-backed coalition fighting Shiite Huthi rebels, are ready for talks. "We have got to move toward a peace effort here, and we can't say we are going to do it some time in the future," Mattis said at the US Institute of Peace in Washington. "We need to be doing this in the next 30 days." He said the US is calling for all warring parties to meet with United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths in Sweden in November and "come to a solution." US-Saudi ties have cooled in recent weeks after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the conservative kingdom, that has also tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the conflict between embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognised by the United Nations, and the Huthis in 2015. Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed and the country now stands at the brink of famine, with more than 22 million Yemenis — three-quarters of the population — in need of humanitarian assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

After Khashoggi killing, US calls for end to fighting in Yemen

The UN envoy to Libya told AFP that it will be difficult to hold elections as hoped on December 10, following a new wave of fighting in the North African nation.

"There is still a lot to do. It may not be possible to respect the date of December 10," Ghassan Salame said in an interview.

Rival Libyan leaders agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year.

But Salame said that the polls may not be organised before three or four months.

"We can hold elections in the near future, yes. But certainly not now," he added in the interview on Saturday evening at the heavily fortified UN mission in Tripoli.

Clashes between militias in suburbs of the capital have left more than 100 people dead since late August.

Libya remains divided between the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east that enjoys support from Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal that raised hopes of an easing of the chaos that followed the 2011 NATO-backed armed uprising which ousted Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

The Paris meeting brought together for the first time GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj and military strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose self-styled Libyan National Army dominates the country's east.

Also present were Aguila Saleh Issa, the parliament speaker based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and Khalid Al-Mishri, the head of the High Council of State.

The Paris agreement set a September 16 deadline for conditions to be met for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held by the end of this year.

This was to be based on a new constitution that would have to be put to a referendum, as well as a new electoral law.

But many observers have said the timetable was overly ambitious given ongoing instability and territorial disputes across the country, along with an economy that is flagging despite Libya's vast oil wealth.

The United Nations is hoping that elections will help turn the page on years of chaos in Libya.

On Monday France called for stronger UN sanctions on Libyans who stand in the way of a political solution.

Logistical problems&nbsp;

The clashes that erupted on Tripoli's southern outskirts on August 27 were between rival militias both from and outside the capital.

The UN brokered a ceasefire on September 4, but fighting resumed within days.

By the time the guns fell silent again on Wednesday, the fighting had left at least 117 dead and more than 400 wounded, according to the GNA.

Salame said the hopes of holding polls in December were made more "difficult" by the delayed adoption of the electoral law, which finally happened last week.

"If everything goes well, the referendum could take place before the end of the year", but the elections could only be organised in "three to four months" depending on the security situation, the envoy said.

"We still need a parliamentary electoral law and another for the presidential (elections)," said the Lebanese diplomat.

Salame said there were also logistical problems after a deadly suicide attack by the Islamic State group severely damaged the electoral commission headquarters.

The attack has "greatly delayed" the work of the commission whose offices would soon be moved, he said.

Once it relocates, the commission would launch a new voter registration campaign "in the coming weeks".

Salame said the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) was helping the GNA to sift through thousands of people -- civilian and militia -- to be registered as regular security forces.

Some of them could become regular police officers, but "there will be militiamen who will have to look for a job elsewhere", said the envoy.

On the political front, Salame reaffirmed his support for the GNA, while stressing the need to reform it.

The UN envoy to Libya told AFP that it will be difficult to hold elections as hoped on December 10, following a new wave of fighting in the North African nation.

The UN envoy to Libya told AFP that it will be difficult to hold elections as hoped on December 10, following a new wave of fighting in the North African nation. "There is still a lot to do. It may not be possible to respect the date of December 10," Ghassan Salame said in an interview. Rival Libyan leaders agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year. But Salame said that the polls may not be organised before three or four months. "We can hold elections in the near future, yes. But certainly not now," he added in the interview on Saturday evening at the heavily fortified UN mission in Tripoli. Clashes between militias in suburbs of the capital have left more than 100 people dead since late August. Libya remains divided between the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east that enjoys support from Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal that raised hopes of an easing of the chaos that followed the 2011 NATO-backed armed uprising which ousted Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The Paris meeting brought together for the first time GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj and military strongman Khalifa Haftar, whose self-styled Libyan National Army dominates the country's east. Also present were Aguila Saleh Issa, the parliament speaker based in the eastern city of Tobruk, and Khalid Al-Mishri, the head of the High Council of State. The Paris agreement set a September 16 deadline for conditions to be met for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held by the end of this year. This was to be based on a new constitution that would have to be put to a referendum, as well as a new electoral law. But many observers have said the timetable was overly ambitious given ongoing instability and territorial disputes across the country, along with an economy that is flagging despite Libya's vast oil wealth. The United Nations is hoping that elections will help turn the page on years of chaos in Libya. On Monday France called for stronger UN sanctions on Libyans who stand in the way of a political solution. Logistical problems The clashes that erupted on Tripoli's southern outskirts on August 27 were between rival militias both from and outside the capital. The UN brokered a ceasefire on September 4, but fighting resumed within days. By the time the guns fell silent again on Wednesday, the fighting had left at least 117 dead and more than 400 wounded, according to the GNA. Salame said the hopes of holding polls in December were made more "difficult" by the delayed adoption of the electoral law, which finally happened last week. "If everything goes well, the referendum could take place before the end of the year", but the elections could only be organised in "three to four months" depending on the security situation, the envoy said. "We still need a parliamentary electoral law and another for the presidential (elections)," said the Lebanese diplomat. Salame said there were also logistical problems after a deadly suicide attack by the Islamic State group severely damaged the electoral commission headquarters. The attack has "greatly delayed" the work of the commission whose offices would soon be moved, he said. Once it relocates, the commission would launch a new voter registration campaign "in the coming weeks". Salame said the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) was helping the GNA to sift through thousands of people -- civilian and militia -- to be registered as regular security forces. Some of them could become regular police officers, but "there will be militiamen who will have to look for a job elsewhere", said the envoy. On the political front, Salame reaffirmed his support for the GNA, while stressing the need to reform it.

UN envoy says hard to hold Libya elections in December

Saudi Arabia has banned the import of frozen and processed fruits and vegetables from Kerala after the outbreak of the Nipah virus there, news reports said Tuesday.&nbsp

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala.&nbsp

The Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — a dangerous swelling of the brain.

Symptoms of the virus vary from none to fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and confusion. This may worsen into a coma over a day or two.

The main host of the virus is said to be the fruit bat, with the virus passing from the bat to the fruits it touches.&nbsp

The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans.&nbsp

Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 16 have died while two are recovering well.&nbsp

Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala.&nbsp

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meanwhile said on Monday that the spread of the virus has been contained, but that people should continue to be alert.

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. Sixteen people have so far died from the virus in Kerala

Saudi Arabia has banned the import of frozen and processed fruits and vegetables from Kerala after the outbreak of the Nipah virus there, news reports said Tuesday. The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. The Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — a dangerous swelling of the brain. Symptoms of the virus vary from none to fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and confusion. This may worsen into a coma over a day or two. The main host of the virus is said to be the fruit bat, with the virus passing from the bat to the fruits it touches. The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans. Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 16 have died while two are recovering well. Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meanwhile said on Monday that the spread of the virus has been contained, but that people should continue to be alert.

Nipah virus scare: Saudi Arabia bans import of fruits, vegetables from Kerala