Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle.

Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season.

The passing of centuries seems to have changed little in the ebb and flow of life for herders in remote<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bush-fire-guts-four-villages-in-south-sudan-kills-33-216665"> South Sudan</a>, whose cattle serve as a bank account and play a core role in every aspect of life.

There has, however, been one devastating shift.

Instead of their traditional spears, cowherds now carry automatic rifles that have transformed cattle raids, a generations-old phenomenon, into massacres that have unleashed brutal cycles of vengeance.

"It is good to have a weapon because it helps you to protect the cattle," said Puk Duoth, 25, a header from a camp outside the northeastern village of Udier.

While South Sudan's elites signed a power-sharing truce in September 2018, cattle raids have worsened, highlighting the herculean task required to resolve local conflicts in a society shattered by war.&nbsp;

According to the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS, 218 members of herder communities were killed in January in tit-for-tat attacks -- almost three times the toll of 73 in the four months from October 2017 to January 2018.&nbsp;

Observers blame a deadly cocktail of factors for the rising body count: a breakdown of law and order in the war-torn nation, an influx of guns and inflation in the bride price -- paid in cattle.

Cash cows&nbsp;

In these parts, cows are everything.

In the culture of the Nuer and Dinka peoples -- South Sudan's largest herder communities -- boys are named after a favoured bull, and songs are written to glorify the long-horned beasts.

"If you are sick, then the cow can be sold and the money used for treatment," says Beny Chuer, a Dinka chief from Amazing camp outside the central city of Rumbek -- one of the areas worst affected by raids and revenge killings.

"If a mother dies leaving a small baby, that child will live because a cow will be milked to feed it."

Cattle is currency -- each head worth about $500 (440 euros). The more a man owns, the more admiration he garners.

"If you are sitting in a community meeting and you are talking rubbish, but people know you have many cows, you will be honoured," said Peter Machar, of the NGO Saferworld working on local conflicts.

In his 1940 study of the Nuer people, British anthropologist Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard found this single-minded preoccupation frustrating in his research efforts.

"I used sometimes to despair that I never discussed anything with the young men but livestock and girls and even the subject of girls led inevitably to that of cattle," he wrote.

&nbsp;Costly brides, rampant guns&nbsp;

"For us, a cow is the source of money," said chief Chuer, well over two metres (6 feet, 7 inches) tall -- a genetic legacy perhaps of tall women being viewed as more valuable in herder communities.

He boasts that his tallest daughter earned him a whopping 250 cows.

This is part of the cause of conflict, said Peter Machar's colleague Majok Mon, his own first name a Dinka word for the markings on a bull.

Bride prices soared as donor money poured into the country after independence from Sudan, allowing politicians, military men and the well-connected to enrich themselves and "get a lot of money" to pay for a wife, he said.

The average price went up from about 20 head of cattle to 100, in a country where the majority of people follow the tradition.

Suddenly, many young men could not afford to get married unless they raided cattle from other communities.

Guns flooded the country between the war for independence, achieved in 2011, and the internal conflict that erupted two years later as President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar fell out.

Both sides armed young herders and mobilised them to fight, said Peter Machar.

As any semblance of law and order collapsed, the warring also destroyed traditional systems, managed by tribal chiefs, for settling feuds.

"What brought the issue of cattle raids is the gun... if you don't have a gun, then you will be monitored slowly, slowly until you are shot and your cows were taken, but if you have your gun, then you can shoot" in defence, said Chuer.

Out of control&nbsp;

While fighting has stopped in most of the country as a result of the peace deal, this has changed nothing for herder groups nursing long-standing grievances unrelated to the national tug of war for power.

And with the attention elsewhere, armed herders are launching increasingly deadly military-style attacks on rival camps, with women and children among the victims.

The reality in these remote communities "is very far from what is happening with the elites in Juba," United Nations special envoy David Shearer told AFP.

A report on the "militarisation" of cattle raiding in South Sudan, published last year in the Journal of International Humanitarian Action, warned that leaders like Kiir and Riek Machar, "has undermined the traditional mechanisms that once governed violence in order to further their individual political interests, no longer have control over these raiders either."

All these factors bode ill for prospects of peace in a country whose youth has known nothing but conflict.

Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle. Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season.

Weak rays of early morning sun seep through the smoke rising from smouldering piles of dried dung, keeping flies away from the precious cattle. Children instinctively reach down for the white ash, a natural mosquito repellent, and rub it on their skin as women set to milking and men prepare for a long day seeking pasture at the peak of the dry season. The passing of centuries seems to have changed little in the ebb and flow of life for herders in remote South Sudan, whose cattle serve as a bank account and play a core role in every aspect of life. There has, however, been one devastating shift. Instead of their traditional spears, cowherds now carry automatic rifles that have transformed cattle raids, a generations-old phenomenon, into massacres that have unleashed brutal cycles of vengeance. "It is good to have a weapon because it helps you to protect the cattle," said Puk Duoth, 25, a header from a camp outside the northeastern village of Udier. While South Sudan's elites signed a power-sharing truce in September 2018, cattle raids have worsened, highlighting the herculean task required to resolve local conflicts in a society shattered by war. According to the UN peacekeeping mission UNMISS, 218 members of herder communities were killed in January in tit-for-tat attacks -- almost three times the toll of 73 in the four months from October 2017 to January 2018. Observers blame a deadly cocktail of factors for the rising body count: a breakdown of law and order in the war-torn nation, an influx of guns and inflation in the bride price -- paid in cattle. Cash cows In these parts, cows are everything. In the culture of the Nuer and Dinka peoples -- South Sudan's largest herder communities -- boys are named after a favoured bull, and songs are written to glorify the long-horned beasts. "If you are sick, then the cow can be sold and the money used for treatment," says Beny Chuer, a Dinka chief from Amazing camp outside the central city of Rumbek -- one of the areas worst affected by raids and revenge killings. "If a mother dies leaving a small baby, that child will live because a cow will be milked to feed it." Cattle is currency -- each head worth about $500 (440 euros). The more a man owns, the more admiration he garners. "If you are sitting in a community meeting and you are talking rubbish, but people know you have many cows, you will be honoured," said Peter Machar, of the NGO Saferworld working on local conflicts. In his 1940 study of the Nuer people, British anthropologist Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard found this single-minded preoccupation frustrating in his research efforts. "I used sometimes to despair that I never discussed anything with the young men but livestock and girls and even the subject of girls led inevitably to that of cattle," he wrote. Costly brides, rampant guns "For us, a cow is the source of money," said chief Chuer, well over two metres (6 feet, 7 inches) tall -- a genetic legacy perhaps of tall women being viewed as more valuable in herder communities. He boasts that his tallest daughter earned him a whopping 250 cows. This is part of the cause of conflict, said Peter Machar's colleague Majok Mon, his own first name a Dinka word for the markings on a bull. Bride prices soared as donor money poured into the country after independence from Sudan, allowing politicians, military men and the well-connected to enrich themselves and "get a lot of money" to pay for a wife, he said. The average price went up from about 20 head of cattle to 100, in a country where the majority of people follow the tradition. Suddenly, many young men could not afford to get married unless they raided cattle from other communities. Guns flooded the country between the war for independence, achieved in 2011, and the internal conflict that erupted two years later as President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar fell out. Both sides armed young herders and mobilised them to fight, said Peter Machar. As any semblance of law and order collapsed, the warring also destroyed traditional systems, managed by tribal chiefs, for settling feuds. "What brought the issue of cattle raids is the gun... if you don't have a gun, then you will be monitored slowly, slowly until you are shot and your cows were taken, but if you have your gun, then you can shoot" in defence, said Chuer. Out of control While fighting has stopped in most of the country as a result of the peace deal, this has changed nothing for herder groups nursing long-standing grievances unrelated to the national tug of war for power. And with the attention elsewhere, armed herders are launching increasingly deadly military-style attacks on rival camps, with women and children among the victims. The reality in these remote communities "is very far from what is happening with the elites in Juba," United Nations special envoy David Shearer told AFP. A report on the "militarisation" of cattle raiding in South Sudan, published last year in the Journal of International Humanitarian Action, warned that leaders like Kiir and Riek Machar, "has undermined the traditional mechanisms that once governed violence in order to further their individual political interests, no longer have control over these raiders either." All these factors bode ill for prospects of peace in a country whose youth has known nothing but conflict.

Money, guns and brides fuel South Sudan's cattle wars

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">Live Lok Sabha phase 6 elections: Despite violence, West Bengal stuns with over 80% turnout till 6pm</a>

AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. He

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-review-re-opening-of-airspace-for-indian-flights-minister-says-no-change-in-status-quo-218098">Pakistan to review re-opening of airspace for Indian flights; minister says no change in status quo</a>

Pakistan will review re-opening of its airspace for Indian flights on May 15 amid heightened Indo-Pak military tensions, a civil aviation official said Sunday, but a senior minister indicated that the status quo will remain till the elections are over in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-says-rebel-pullout-from-yemen-ports-on-track-218105">United Nation says rebel pullout from Yemen ports on track</a>

The United Nations said Sunday that a Yemeni rebel withdrawal from key Red Sea ports was proceeding as planned after the government accused the insurgents of faking the pullout.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hinduja-brothers-top-uk-rich-list-reuben-brothers-second-218062">Hinduja brothers top UK rich list, Reuben brothers second</a>

Indian-origin brothers dominate the annual rich list of Britain's wealthiest, with the Hinduja brothers ranked at No&nbsp;1 with a fortune of 22 billion pounds followed by Mumbai-born Reuben brothers in second place with 18.66 billion pounds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-year-after-us-embassy-move-to-jerusalem-where-do-things-stand-218080">A year after US embassy move to Jerusalem, where do things stand</a>

The United States moved its Israel embassy to Jerusalem nearly a year ago in the culmination of a diplomatic rupture that coincided with a bloodbath on the Gaza border.

As President Donald Trump's administration prepares to present its long-promised plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what has changed?

Live Lok Sabha phase 6 elections: Despite violence, West Bengal stuns with over 80% turnout till 6pm AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election.

Live Lok Sabha phase 6 elections: Despite violence, West Bengal stuns with over 80% turnout till 6pm AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. He Pakistan to review re-opening of airspace for Indian flights; minister says no change in status quo Pakistan will review re-opening of its airspace for Indian flights on May 15 amid heightened Indo-Pak military tensions, a civil aviation official said Sunday, but a senior minister indicated that the status quo will remain till the elections are over in India. United Nation says rebel pullout from Yemen ports on track The United Nations said Sunday that a Yemeni rebel withdrawal from key Red Sea ports was proceeding as planned after the government accused the insurgents of faking the pullout. Hinduja brothers top UK rich list, Reuben brothers second Indian-origin brothers dominate the annual rich list of Britain's wealthiest, with the Hinduja brothers ranked at No 1 with a fortune of 22 billion pounds followed by Mumbai-born Reuben brothers in second place with 18.66 billion pounds. A year after US embassy move to Jerusalem, where do things stand The United States moved its Israel embassy to Jerusalem nearly a year ago in the culmination of a diplomatic rupture that coincided with a bloodbath on the Gaza border. As President Donald Trump's administration prepares to present its long-promised plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what has changed?

News brief: Big stories of the day

The UN confirmed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-government-accuses-rebels-of-ploy-over-ports-pullout-217817">withdrawal by Yemen's Houthi rebels from three Red Sea ports</a> had begun Saturday, while a senior pro-government official accused the rebels of faking the pullout.

The rebel pullback is a first step in implementing a hard-won ceasefire deal reached between Yemen's internationally-recognised government and the Iran-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-start-withdrawing-from-ports-in-hodeidah-witness-217771">Houthi rebels</a> late last year.

"Yes, it has begun," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq, when AFP asked whether redeployment of Huthi troops was underway. &nbsp;

Sources close to the Huthis said that the ports were handed over to coastguard personnel who were in charge before the rebels took over almost five years ago.

An AFP photographer at Saleef port saw &nbsp;Huthi troops leave the facility, and men dressed in coastguard uniforms enter, adding that these movements were observed by the UN.

But the governor of Hodeida, Al-Hasan Taher, said the Huthis were merely reshuffling personnel.

"The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," the government-appointed official said.

UN envoy "Martin Griffiths wants to achieve victory even if the Huthis hand over (the ports) to themselves," Taher said.

"This is totally rejected by us, and the agreement must be implemented in full, especially with regards to the identity of the troops that will take over from the Huthis," he added.

Hodeida port is the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid, serving as a lifeline to millions of civilians pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of war.

UN to meet

The withdrawal of rebel forces is due to be completed by Tuesday, the head of the UN redeployment committee, General Michael Lollesgaard, said in a statement.

The UN Security Council is due to hear a briefing on Hodeida on Wednesday.

The head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, pledged that fighters would start pulling back at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) in a bid to restart the stalled ceasefire deal with the government.

He accused the government of delaying a parallel pullback from parts of the city of Hodeida that it had pledged to make under a December truce.

"The (rebel) army and committees are withdrawing unilaterally as a result of the refusal of the countries of the US-British-Saudi-Emirati aggression and their allies to implement the accord," the rebel leader said on Twitter.

The agreement last year in Sweden was hailed as a breakthrough that offered the best chance so far of ending the war in Yemen, where a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is fighting on the government's side.

But although the fighting has largely stopped, there have been intermittent clashes and the promised redeployment of the warring parties away from the front lines has failed to materialise.

Yemen's information minister demanded joint verification of the promised rebel withdrawal.

"We... warn of attempts by the militia to mislead the international community and the (UN) Security Council before the next meeting," Moammer al-Eryani tweeted.

He said any unilateral redeployment by the rebels without control and joint verification "cannot be accepted."

Untapped grain stocks

Nearly all goods pass through Hodeida and the main storage and distribution centre for imported grain lies in government-held territory on the city's outskirts.

The silos of the Red Sea Mills currently contain some 51,000 tonnes of grain -- enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month -- but it has gone unused since the fighting forced the UN to withdraw its staff in September.

The mills came under renewed fire on Thursday with two silos hit, one of them containing wheat, the UN said.

The military coalition intervened in March 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile after the rebels took swathes of the country.

Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.&nbsp;

The fighting has triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

The UN confirmed a withdrawal by Yemen's Houthi rebels from three Red Sea ports had begun Saturday, while a senior pro-government official accused the rebels of faking the pullout.

The UN confirmed a withdrawal by Yemen's Houthi rebels from three Red Sea ports had begun Saturday, while a senior pro-government official accused the rebels of faking the pullout. The rebel pullback is a first step in implementing a hard-won ceasefire deal reached between Yemen's internationally-recognised government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels late last year. "Yes, it has begun," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq, when AFP asked whether redeployment of Huthi troops was underway. Sources close to the Huthis said that the ports were handed over to coastguard personnel who were in charge before the rebels took over almost five years ago. An AFP photographer at Saleef port saw Huthi troops leave the facility, and men dressed in coastguard uniforms enter, adding that these movements were observed by the UN. But the governor of Hodeida, Al-Hasan Taher, said the Huthis were merely reshuffling personnel. "The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," the government-appointed official said. UN envoy "Martin Griffiths wants to achieve victory even if the Huthis hand over (the ports) to themselves," Taher said. "This is totally rejected by us, and the agreement must be implemented in full, especially with regards to the identity of the troops that will take over from the Huthis," he added. Hodeida port is the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid, serving as a lifeline to millions of civilians pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of war. UN to meet The withdrawal of rebel forces is due to be completed by Tuesday, the head of the UN redeployment committee, General Michael Lollesgaard, said in a statement. The UN Security Council is due to hear a briefing on Hodeida on Wednesday. The head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, pledged that fighters would start pulling back at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) in a bid to restart the stalled ceasefire deal with the government. He accused the government of delaying a parallel pullback from parts of the city of Hodeida that it had pledged to make under a December truce. "The (rebel) army and committees are withdrawing unilaterally as a result of the refusal of the countries of the US-British-Saudi-Emirati aggression and their allies to implement the accord," the rebel leader said on Twitter. The agreement last year in Sweden was hailed as a breakthrough that offered the best chance so far of ending the war in Yemen, where a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is fighting on the government's side. But although the fighting has largely stopped, there have been intermittent clashes and the promised redeployment of the warring parties away from the front lines has failed to materialise. Yemen's information minister demanded joint verification of the promised rebel withdrawal. "We... warn of attempts by the militia to mislead the international community and the (UN) Security Council before the next meeting," Moammer al-Eryani tweeted. He said any unilateral redeployment by the rebels without control and joint verification "cannot be accepted." Untapped grain stocks Nearly all goods pass through Hodeida and the main storage and distribution centre for imported grain lies in government-held territory on the city's outskirts. The silos of the Red Sea Mills currently contain some 51,000 tonnes of grain -- enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month -- but it has gone unused since the fighting forced the UN to withdraw its staff in September. The mills came under renewed fire on Thursday with two silos hit, one of them containing wheat, the UN said. The military coalition intervened in March 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile after the rebels took swathes of the country. Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. The fighting has triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

United Nations confirms Yemen aid port withdrawal underway

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises.

In a strong message for action on climate change, Guterres said international political resolve was fading and it was the small island nations that were "really in the front line" and would suffer most.

His visit, ahead of the Climate Action Summit in September in New York will also take him to Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu which are under threat from rising sea levels.&nbsp;

"We are seeing everywhere a clear demonstration that we are not on track to achieve the objectives defined in the Paris agreement," Guterres said on the failure to limit rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial revolution levels.&nbsp;

"And the paradox is, that as things are getting worse on the ground, political moves seem to be fading," he added in the joint press conference in Auckland with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

However, he did excuse New Zealand from his accusation, describing Wellington's leadership as "extremely important" after it introduced legislation to become carbon neutral by 2050, although greenhouse gas emissions from its economically vital agricultural sector will not have to meet the commitment.&nbsp;

Ardern called climate change "the biggest challenge" facing the international community and said it would be "gross negligence" to avoid the issue.&nbsp;

During his three days in New Zealand, Guterres will also meet with Muslim leaders in Christchurch to show solidarity following the March 15 massacre in which 51 people were killed by a lone gunman who attacked two mosques during Friday prayers.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises. In a strong message for action on climate change, Guterres said international political resolve was fading and it was the small island nations that were "really in the front line" and would suffer most. His visit, ahead of the Climate Action Summit in September in New York will also take him to Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu which are under threat from rising sea levels. "We are seeing everywhere a clear demonstration that we are not on track to achieve the objectives defined in the Paris agreement," Guterres said on the failure to limit rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial revolution levels. "And the paradox is, that as things are getting worse on the ground, political moves seem to be fading," he added in the joint press conference in Auckland with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. However, he did excuse New Zealand from his accusation, describing Wellington's leadership as "extremely important" after it introduced legislation to become carbon neutral by 2050, although greenhouse gas emissions from its economically vital agricultural sector will not have to meet the commitment. Ardern called climate change "the biggest challenge" facing the international community and said it would be "gross negligence" to avoid the issue. During his three days in New Zealand, Guterres will also meet with Muslim leaders in Christchurch to show solidarity following the March 15 massacre in which 51 people were killed by a lone gunman who attacked two mosques during Friday prayers.

World 'not on track' with climate change: UN chief Antonio Guterres

The United Nations issued its first comprehensive global scientific report on biodiversity, which explored the threat of extinction for Earth's plants and animals.Watch full video to know more.

Nature is in its worst shape in human history: UN report

At least 392 people have been killed and 1,936 wounded since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive against the Libyan capital last month, the UN's World Health Organisation said Friday.&nbsp;

More than 50,000 have meanwhile been displaced as a direct result "of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-warns-of-worsening-humanitarian-situation-in-libya-214420">intensifying armed conflict in Tripoli</a>", according to another UN body, the Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.&nbsp;

"We are concerned about the alarming figures of displacement," OCHA said on Friday on Twitter.&nbsp;

Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) began its offensive against the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) on April 4. &nbsp;

Forces loyal to the internationally recognised GNA have since launched a counter-offensive, leading to a stalemate on the ground on the southern outskirts of the capital.&nbsp;

Othman Abdel Jalil, the GNA's education minister and the head of the government's crisis committee, on Thursday, said 55,000 people -- some 11,000 families -- had been displaced. &nbsp;

Jalil said that 40 reception centres and 27 schools had opened their doors to welcome those in need.&nbsp;

Most civilians who have fled the fighting have found refuge with relatives or friends, without registering with the authorities, according to humanitarian agencies.&nbsp;

Jalil also said that the authorities have "put in place a strategic reserve of commodities that could last for several months".&nbsp;

At least 392 people have been killed and 1,936 wounded since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive against the Libyan capital last month, the UN's World Health Organisation said Friday.

At least 392 people have been killed and 1,936 wounded since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive against the Libyan capital last month, the UN's World Health Organisation said Friday. More than 50,000 have meanwhile been displaced as a direct result "of the intensifying armed conflict in Tripoli", according to another UN body, the Organisation for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "We are concerned about the alarming figures of displacement," OCHA said on Friday on Twitter. Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) began its offensive against the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) on April 4. Forces loyal to the internationally recognised GNA have since launched a counter-offensive, leading to a stalemate on the ground on the southern outskirts of the capital. Othman Abdel Jalil, the GNA's education minister and the head of the government's crisis committee, on Thursday, said 55,000 people -- some 11,000 families -- had been displaced. Jalil said that 40 reception centres and 27 schools had opened their doors to welcome those in need. Most civilians who have fled the fighting have found refuge with relatives or friends, without registering with the authorities, according to humanitarian agencies. Jalil also said that the authorities have "put in place a strategic reserve of commodities that could last for several months".

United Nations says nearly 400 killed by Libya fighting, 50,000 displaced

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">nuclear deal </a>rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive.

The move comes amid growing Iranian frustration with the nuclear deal, with which UN inspectors say Tehran is complying but which has not led to a promised economic boom, with the Trump administration instead imposing sweeping sanctions.

Under the 2015 deal, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama and still enjoys strong support among European powers, Iran was limited to keeping 300 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 3.67 per cent -- far below the level needed to build nuclear weapons.

As part of the agreement, Iran was to sell any enriched uranium above that threshold on international markets in return for natural uranium, with Russia a key player.

But in Friday's policy change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would start to impose sanctions on anyone involved in the trade of natural for enriched uranium -- as well as in the storage of Iranian heavy water that was in excess of limits.

"The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region's stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

At the same time, the United States issued new three-month waivers to allow the continuation of the major parts of the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

In particular, the United States said it will not target the transfer of scrap and spent nuclear fuel out of Iran and will not impose sanctions overwork at Bushehr, the country's only civilian nuclear power station, although it said it may punish any activity that expands the site.

The Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear accord a year ago and instead vowed, "maximum pressure" aimed at curbing the regional role of Iran, arch-rival of US allies Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Some observers believe that the Trump team is trying to goad Iran into breaking the terms of the nuclear deal, thereby causing it to collapse and significantly deepening Tehran's international isolation.

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive.

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive. The move comes amid growing Iranian frustration with the nuclear deal, with which UN inspectors say Tehran is complying but which has not led to a promised economic boom, with the Trump administration instead imposing sweeping sanctions. Under the 2015 deal, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama and still enjoys strong support among European powers, Iran was limited to keeping 300 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 3.67 per cent -- far below the level needed to build nuclear weapons. As part of the agreement, Iran was to sell any enriched uranium above that threshold on international markets in return for natural uranium, with Russia a key player. But in Friday's policy change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would start to impose sanctions on anyone involved in the trade of natural for enriched uranium -- as well as in the storage of Iranian heavy water that was in excess of limits. "The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region's stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. At the same time, the United States issued new three-month waivers to allow the continuation of the major parts of the nuclear deal. In particular, the United States said it will not target the transfer of scrap and spent nuclear fuel out of Iran and will not impose sanctions overwork at Bushehr, the country's only civilian nuclear power station, although it said it may punish any activity that expands the site. The Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear accord a year ago and instead vowed, "maximum pressure" aimed at curbing the regional role of Iran, arch-rival of US allies Saudi Arabia and Israel. Some observers believe that the Trump team is trying to goad Iran into breaking the terms of the nuclear deal, thereby causing it to collapse and significantly deepening Tehran's international isolation.

US targets Iran uranium but lets nuclear deal stay alive

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which works towards the substantial reduction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">disaster risk </a>and losses to ensure a sustainable future, &nbsp;has lauded India Metrological Department (IMD) for providing "pinpoint" information that helped authorities to minimize loss of life.

Denis McClean, spokesperson for the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) said, "They seem to have done a good job in terms of minimising the possibility of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclone-fani-and-why-it-is-so-powerful-215425">loss of life</a>...A huge effort has been made to reduce the possibility of a loss of life in this instance"

India has been focusing on zero causality policy when it comes to cyclone preparedness and in the past has been able to prove its performances. When Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Phaili hit India in 2013, India was able to keep the casualty figures as low as 45, despite its intensity.

McClean who spoke to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) head said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had allowed the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan" which resulted in "1.1 million people moving to about 900 cyclone shelters."

Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Odisha is a category 4 storm.&nbsp;

16 more teams of NDRF were deployed in Odisha and 3 more teams in West Bengal on Saturday. Schools were shut, airports closed, and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure is expected to be severe.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which works towards the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses to ensure a sustainable future, has lauded India Metrological Department (IMD) for providing "pinpoint" information that helped authorities to minimize loss of life.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which works towards the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses to ensure a sustainable future, has lauded India Metrological Department (IMD) for providing "pinpoint" information that helped authorities to minimize loss of life. Denis McClean, spokesperson for the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) said, "They seem to have done a good job in terms of minimising the possibility of a loss of life...A huge effort has been made to reduce the possibility of a loss of life in this instance" India has been focusing on zero causality policy when it comes to cyclone preparedness and in the past has been able to prove its performances. When Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Phaili hit India in 2013, India was able to keep the casualty figures as low as 45, despite its intensity. McClean who spoke to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) head said, "the almost pinpoint accuracy of the early warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department had allowed the authorities to conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan" which resulted in "1.1 million people moving to about 900 cyclone shelters." Cyclone Fani which made landfall in Odisha is a category 4 storm. 16 more teams of NDRF were deployed in Odisha and 3 more teams in West Bengal on Saturday. Schools were shut, airports closed, and transport suspended, and although damage to infrastructure is expected to be severe.

Cyclone Fani: United Nations lauds India Meteorological Department

At least 50 rockets have been fired at Israel from the Gaza strip and dozens have been intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Watch the full video to know more.

North Korea faces food crisis after  worst harvest in a decade, U.N. says

Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist".

In a notification issued Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, "the Federal Government is pleased to order that the Resolution 2368 (2017) be fully implemented" against Azhar.

The government directed officials to take actions "as appropriate for the implementation of sanctions" against the JeM chief, according to the notification. 
Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition.

In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him.

The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar.&nbsp;

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Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist".

Pakistan has issued an official order to freeze the assets and impose a travel ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar after the United Nations declared him a "global terrorist". In a notification issued Wednesday, the foreign ministry said, "the Federal Government is pleased to order that the Resolution 2368 (2017) be fully implemented" against Azhar. The government directed officials to take actions "as appropriate for the implementation of sanctions" against the JeM chief, according to the notification. Azhar is also banned from selling or purchasing arms and ammunition. In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him. The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar. ×

Pakistan issues orders to freeze Masood Azhar's assets, imposes travel ban

Terming the United Nations' move of designating <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-issues-order-to-freeze-masood-azhars-assets-impose-travel-ban-215544&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp19Sr-v7hAhWyjuYKHaxNDCUQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1C5DmE00G8R7hLRhr6kweW">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist a "diplomatic win" for India, the Shiv Sena Friday lashed out at the Congress for questioning its timing.

In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the party said there is no timing in the fight against terror.

The UN on Wednesday had designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a decade after New Delhi approached the world body for the first time on the issue.

"Pakistan runs a factory of terrorism and Masood Azhar is its director...He is the number one enemy of India. He is the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terror organisation. He is not only responsible for the terror activities in Kashmir, but was also behind the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai," the Sena said.

"Breaking India into pieces is Azhar's dream. This satan was also behind the deadly Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 jawans. Although he claimed the responsibility for the attack, the Congress leaders and Modi opponents alleged that it was done for political gains ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.

It added that<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-not-celebrating-moment-of-great-pride-arun-jaitley-on-masood-azhar-listing-215319/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitu_Lw-v7hAhUcknAKHcYYBIY4ChAWMAV6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3voq0i3jLLbwqXuSqL6naJ"> it was unfortunate that the Congress</a> even asked what did India gain by the UN's listing of Azhar as a "global terrorist".

"Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath went to the extent of questioning the timing of the UN move. There might be a fear in his mind that it may benefit Modi during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. But he should ask the UN about its timing," the Sena said.

One should not think about the timing and emotions while dealing with terrorists, Sena&nbsp;added.

Terming the United Nations' move of designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist a "diplomatic win" for India, the Shiv Sena Friday lashed out at the Congress for questioning its timing.

Terming the United Nations' move of designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist a "diplomatic win" for India, the Shiv Sena Friday lashed out at the Congress for questioning its timing. In an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the party said there is no timing in the fight against terror. The UN on Wednesday had designated Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a decade after New Delhi approached the world body for the first time on the issue. "Pakistan runs a factory of terrorism and Masood Azhar is its director...He is the number one enemy of India. He is the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terror organisation. He is not only responsible for the terror activities in Kashmir, but was also behind the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai," the Sena said. "Breaking India into pieces is Azhar's dream. This satan was also behind the deadly Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 jawans. Although he claimed the responsibility for the attack, the Congress leaders and Modi opponents alleged that it was done for political gains ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. It added that it was unfortunate that the Congress even asked what did India gain by the UN's listing of Azhar as a "global terrorist". "Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath went to the extent of questioning the timing of the UN move. There might be a fear in his mind that it may benefit Modi during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. But he should ask the UN about its timing," the Sena said. One should not think about the timing and emotions while dealing with terrorists, Sena added.

Shiv Sena slams Congress for questioning timing of JeM chief Masood Azhar's listing as a 'global terrorist'

Politicians Claim Victory Over Terrorism After Azhar's Listing As A Global Terrorist. But The Fight Against Terrorism Has Only Started With This Listing. India's stance on Masood Azhar, JeM & Pakistan has been vindicated with the former's listing as a global terrorist by the UN Security council. Palki tells us why it's not a final victory, but a firm beginning in the fight against terror. She pulls up Azhar's interrogation report from 1994 & Pakistan's abysmmal trackrecord on terror to validate the point.

Gravitas: India's long-awaited fight against Terrorism 'begins' with Azhar's listing

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-10-years-china-has-done-the-right-thing-white-house-official-on-un-listing-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-215194">Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said.

The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Reacting to the development, Garrett Marquis, spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House said,&nbsp;"Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia".

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The US commends the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee for the designation of Azhar, the leader of JeM, a UN-designated terrorist group that was responsible for the February 14 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed over 40 Indian security personnel, Marquis said in a statement.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also welcomed the move and said that it is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism.

Pompeo also congratulated the US mission in the UN which took the lead in America's diplomatic effort to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, after China finally lifted its nearly 10-year technical hold on such an effort by India, the United States and other permanent members of the Security Council including Britain and France.

"Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist," Pompeo tweeted.

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Congrats to our team <a href="https://twitter.com/USUN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USUN</a> for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UN</a> designation as a terrorist. This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1123776110003617793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia," Pompeo said.

Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that the JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a serious threat to regional stability and peace in South Asia.

"The JeM was designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2001 and has been listed by the UN since 2001," she said.

The US also designated Azhar as an SDGT in 2010.

"As JEM's founder and leader, Azhar clearly met the criteria for designation by the UN. This listing requires all the UN member states to implement an asset freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Azhar. We expect all countries to uphold these obligations," Ortagus said.

Today's designation is an important step in promoting a peaceful and stable South Asia, she said.

"In line with this vision, we appreciate Pakistani Prime Minister Khan's stated commitment that Pakistan, for the sake of its own future, will not allow militant and terrorist groups to operate from its territory," Ortagus said.

The spokesperson said that the US looks forward to further and sustained actions from Pakistan as outlined in its National Action Plan consistent with its international obligations.

The UK has also welcomed the development. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region."&nbsp;

France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts.

Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is&nbsp;responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said.

The designation of Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN demonstrates the international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the White House has said. The UN sanctions committee on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. Reacting to the development, Garrett Marquis, spokesperson of the National Security Council, White House said, "Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia". × The US commends the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee for the designation of Azhar, the leader of JeM, a UN-designated terrorist group that was responsible for the February 14 terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed over 40 Indian security personnel, Marquis said in a statement. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also welcomed the move and said that it is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism. Pompeo also congratulated the US mission in the UN which took the lead in America's diplomatic effort to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, after China finally lifted its nearly 10-year technical hold on such an effort by India, the United States and other permanent members of the Security Council including Britain and France. "Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist," Pompeo tweeted. Congrats to our team @USUN for their work in negotiating JEM's Masood Azhar's #UN designation as a terrorist. This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) May 2, 2019 × "This long-awaited action is a victory for American diplomacy and the international community against terrorism, and an important step towards peace in South Asia," Pompeo said. Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that the JeM has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and is a serious threat to regional stability and peace in South Asia. "The JeM was designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2001 and has been listed by the UN since 2001," she said. The US also designated Azhar as an SDGT in 2010. "As JEM's founder and leader, Azhar clearly met the criteria for designation by the UN. This listing requires all the UN member states to implement an asset freeze, a travel ban, and an arms embargo against Azhar. We expect all countries to uphold these obligations," Ortagus said. Today's designation is an important step in promoting a peaceful and stable South Asia, she said. "In line with this vision, we appreciate Pakistani Prime Minister Khan's stated commitment that Pakistan, for the sake of its own future, will not allow militant and terrorist groups to operate from its territory," Ortagus said. The spokesperson said that the US looks forward to further and sustained actions from Pakistan as outlined in its National Action Plan consistent with its international obligations. The UK has also welcomed the development. A British high commission spokesperson said it is "positive development for the security and stability of the South Asia region." France was the first country to react on the listing of Masood Azhar on Wednesday calling it "successful realisation" of its efforts. Azhar was released from prison in exchange for 155 hostages held on an Indian Airlines flight that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999. Since then, he is responsible for many terror attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack and 2019 Pulwama attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Long awaited action victory for US diplomacy: Mike Pompeo on UNSC listing Azhar as terrorist

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday designated Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin confirmed the development on Twitter. He said, "Big, small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in UN Sanctions list."

Indian Foreign Ministry press briefing over Masood Azhar blacklisting

In this video of WION, watch First government briefing on Masood Azhar's listing. BJP credits PM Modi for UN listing of Masood Azhar. Watch the full video to know more.

First government briefing on Masood Azhar's listing

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/masood-azhar-listing-rare-bonhomie-as-unsc-president-says-sanctity-preserved-215300">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India.

"The listing of Masood Azhar by UNSC is a big victory for India and its diplomacy. Azhar and his organisation had been trying to target India for decades. Azhar could not be declared an international terrorist thrice in the past due to a technical hold. But India's influence, its diplomatic pressure and recent developments brought together many countries who wanted Azhar to be declared an international terrorist. And China was forced to remove its technical hold," Jaitley said at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

It is a matter of great pride for the country as well as the Narendra Modi government, he added.

Slamming the opposition, Jaitley said, "If India wins, all Indians win, but unfortunately, some friends in opposition feel they may pay a political price if they join the celebration. They had questioned the airstrike on terror strongholds in Balakot and claimed that 'we also carried out an invisible surgical strike'."

India was trying for this for a decade and the opposition demeans the country's victory by calling the listing as insignificant, Jaitley said.

The 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda.

The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in UNSC in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan.

China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal.

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&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC). At the same time, he also attacked the opposition accusing them of not celebrating the major diplomatic win for India. "The listing of Masood Azhar by UNSC is a big victory for India and its diplomacy. Azhar and his organisation had been trying to target India for decades. Azhar could not be declared an international terrorist thrice in the past due to a technical hold. But India's influence, its diplomatic pressure and recent developments brought together many countries who wanted Azhar to be declared an international terrorist. And China was forced to remove its technical hold," Jaitley said at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday. It is a matter of great pride for the country as well as the Narendra Modi government, he added. Slamming the opposition, Jaitley said, "If India wins, all Indians win, but unfortunately, some friends in opposition feel they may pay a political price if they join the celebration. They had questioned the airstrike on terror strongholds in Balakot and claimed that 'we also carried out an invisible surgical strike'." India was trying for this for a decade and the opposition demeans the country's victory by calling the listing as insignificant, Jaitley said. The 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC on Wednesday announced the designation of Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), over its ties to Al-Qaeda. The US, France along with the UK had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in UNSC in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UNSC, was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal. ×

Opposition not celebrating moment of great pride: Arun Jaitley on Masood Azhar listing

Terrorist Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in a huge diplomatic win for India. China, which had blocked moves to blacklist Masood Azhar four times, finally dropped its objections.

The Minister of the State in the PMO Jitender Singh speaks exclusively to Wion

A decision on whether Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar will be listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations will be known on May 1 as the world body’s Sanctions Committee holds a crucial meeting, amid indications that China could lift its hold on the proposal to blacklist Azhar.

Masood Azhar listing: All eyes on China, will Beijing lift technical hold?

China said on Tuesday that the vexed issue of designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN will be "properly resolved" but it did not give any timeline

'Will be properly resolved': China on Masood Azhar's listing as global terrorist by UN

China said on Tuesday that on designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, "positive progress" had been made.

China says 'positive progress made' on Masood Azhar listing; Diplomatic win for Inda

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised the plight of Muslims in China's Xinjiang region during a visit to Beijing last week, a U.N. spokesman said on Monday

UN chief raises issue of Xinjiang's Uighurs during China visit

The United Nations said on Sunday that they will grant $13 million in emergency funds to Mozambique and Comoros islands to help provide with food and water shelter after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-rains-spark-flooding-fears-in-cyclone-hit-mozambique-213902">island was slammed by the second&nbsp;cyclone in a month</a>.

Cyclone Kenneth, a Category Three storm on the hurricane scale, made landfall in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province late Thursday after damaging the Comoros islands.

The cyclone has damaged or destroyed 3,000 homes while about 18,000 people were housed in emergency shelters.

Three people died in Comoros island and there are reports of the death of one person in Mozambique by Cyclone Kenneth.

Mozambique is still recovering from Cyclone Idai that hit further south last month and moved into neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than 1,000 people.

It is the first time on record that two such powerful cyclones have hit Mozambique in so such short intervals.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The United Nations said on Sunday that they will grant $13 million in emergency funds to Mozambique and Comoros islands to help provide with food and water shelter after the island was slammed by the second cyclone in a month.

The United Nations said on Sunday that they will grant $13 million in emergency funds to Mozambique and Comoros islands to help provide with food and water shelter after the island was slammed by the second cyclone in a month. Cyclone Kenneth, a Category Three storm on the hurricane scale, made landfall in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province late Thursday after damaging the Comoros islands. The cyclone has damaged or destroyed 3,000 homes while about 18,000 people were housed in emergency shelters. Three people died in Comoros island and there are reports of the death of one person in Mozambique by Cyclone Kenneth. Mozambique is still recovering from Cyclone Idai that hit further south last month and moved into neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than 1,000 people. It is the first time on record that two such powerful cyclones have hit Mozambique in so such short intervals. (With inputs from Reuters)

United nations provides $13 million in emergency funds to cyclone-hit Mozambique

Israel's UN ambassador on Monday demanded that the New York Times hold accountable those responsible for publishing an anti-Semitic cartoon, despite an apology issued by the newspaper.

The cartoon, which appeared in the international edition on Thursday, depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a guide dog wearing a Star of David collar and leading a blind Donald Trump -- who was wearing a kippah, or a Jewish skullcap.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said the cartoon "could have been taken from the pages of Der Sturmer, the Nazi propaganda paper, and yet these actions have gone unpunished."

The newspaper apologized for the cartoon on Saturday, saying,&nbsp;"The image was offensive, and it was an error of judgment to publish it."

"I am not in a position of accepting or not accepting the apology, but if somebody make a mistake, I think somebody should be accountable," said Danon, who added that such images can incite violence against Jews.

On Sunday, the NYT issued an additional statement saying it was "deeply sorry" and committed to "making sure nothing like this happens again."

"We have investigated how this happened and learned that, because of a faulty process, a single editor working without adequate oversight, downloaded the syndicated cartoon and made the decision to include it on the Opinion Page," it said.

The NYT said the matter was under internal review and that they "anticipate significant changes."

"Those who engage in anti-Semitism must be punished, whether it's here at the UN, political leaders, editors, policy pundits or college professors," said Danon, who spoke to reporters ahead of a Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

Israel's UN ambassador on Monday demanded that the New York Times hold accountable those responsible for publishing an anti-Semitic cartoon, despite an apology issued by the newspaper.

Israel's UN ambassador on Monday demanded that the New York Times hold accountable those responsible for publishing an anti-Semitic cartoon, despite an apology issued by the newspaper. The cartoon, which appeared in the international edition on Thursday, depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a guide dog wearing a Star of David collar and leading a blind Donald Trump -- who was wearing a kippah, or a Jewish skullcap. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said the cartoon "could have been taken from the pages of Der Sturmer, the Nazi propaganda paper, and yet these actions have gone unpunished." The newspaper apologized for the cartoon on Saturday, saying, "The image was offensive, and it was an error of judgment to publish it." "I am not in a position of accepting or not accepting the apology, but if somebody make a mistake, I think somebody should be accountable," said Danon, who added that such images can incite violence against Jews. On Sunday, the NYT issued an additional statement saying it was "deeply sorry" and committed to "making sure nothing like this happens again." "We have investigated how this happened and learned that, because of a faulty process, a single editor working without adequate oversight, downloaded the syndicated cartoon and made the decision to include it on the Opinion Page," it said. The NYT said the matter was under internal review and that they "anticipate significant changes." "Those who engage in anti-Semitism must be punished, whether it's here at the UN, political leaders, editors, policy pundits or college professors," said Danon, who spoke to reporters ahead of a Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

NYT must be accountable for anti-Semitic cartoon: Israel's UN envoy

The development comes even as the UK last week was optimistic that Azhar will soon be declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.

China likely to remove hold on UN listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Fierce fighting for control of Libya's capital that has already displaced tens of thousands of people threatens to bring a further worsening of humanitarian conditions, a senior UN official has warned.

"As long as the situation continues, even if it just stagnates and continues like this, we can expect to see a continuing deterioration," UN humanitarian coordinator for Libya Maria do Valle Ribeiro told AFP.

Strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), on April 4.

"When we see the use of air power, the indiscriminate shelling of densely populated areas, it is very difficult to be optimistic," do Valle Ribeiro, who is also the deputy UN envoy to Libya, said late Sunday.

She was speaking after air raids by the LNA on Tripoli on Saturday killed four people and wounded 20 others, according to the GNA.

"We continue to call for a respect of civilians, we continue to call for humanitarian pauses and most of all we continue to hope that the situation can return to a more peaceful settlement of the crisis," she said.

The fighting has killed at least 278 people and wounded more than 1,300, according to a toll released Wednesday by the World Health Organization.

It has also forced 41,000 people to flee combat areas around Tripoli, do Valle Ribeiro said, while many remain trapped and in need of humanitarian assistance.

Migrants at risk

Among the most vulnerable are about 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone who are at "risk", the UN official said.

She said that 800 considered most in danger had been evacuated after the UN and rights groups said gunmen attacked a detention centre south of Tripoli last week.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said several migrants and refugees were shot and wounded in the attack.

Libya has been mired in chaos since the NATO-backed uprising that deposed and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

People smugglers have taken advantage of the lawlessness, ferrying mostly sub-Saharan Africans from Libyan shores to Europe.

According to the International Organisation for Migration, some 6,000 migrants are held in official detention centres in Libya. Hundreds more are held by armed groups elsewhere in the war-hit country.

On Sunday Pope Francis called for "humanitarian corridors" to be opened to evacuate them.

The UN official also voiced concern over a breakdown in basic services, including electricity and water supplies, and said more relief funds were needed for Libya.

"We appealed for an additional 10.2 million (dollars) which doesn't cover all that we foresee... but it covers at least the essential response for the first three, four weeks," she said.

During the first week of fighting, she said, "over a million schoolbooks" that were stored in a warehouse of the ministry of education were destroyed when the compound was hit.&nbsp;

"Symbolically, it says a lot about the impact of such strife and clashes on not just the immediate survival of people but on the future of Tripoli children."

Fierce fighting for control of Libya's capital that has already displaced tens of thousands of people threatens to bring a further worsening of humanitarian conditions, a senior UN official has warned.

Fierce fighting for control of Libya's capital that has already displaced tens of thousands of people threatens to bring a further worsening of humanitarian conditions, a senior UN official has warned. "As long as the situation continues, even if it just stagnates and continues like this, we can expect to see a continuing deterioration," UN humanitarian coordinator for Libya Maria do Valle Ribeiro told AFP. Strongman Khalifa Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive against Tripoli, the seat of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), on April 4. "When we see the use of air power, the indiscriminate shelling of densely populated areas, it is very difficult to be optimistic," do Valle Ribeiro, who is also the deputy UN envoy to Libya, said late Sunday. She was speaking after air raids by the LNA on Tripoli on Saturday killed four people and wounded 20 others, according to the GNA. "We continue to call for a respect of civilians, we continue to call for humanitarian pauses and most of all we continue to hope that the situation can return to a more peaceful settlement of the crisis," she said. The fighting has killed at least 278 people and wounded more than 1,300, according to a toll released Wednesday by the World Health Organization. It has also forced 41,000 people to flee combat areas around Tripoli, do Valle Ribeiro said, while many remain trapped and in need of humanitarian assistance. Migrants at risk Among the most vulnerable are about 3,500 migrants and refugees held in detention centres near the combat zone who are at "risk", the UN official said. She said that 800 considered most in danger had been evacuated after the UN and rights groups said gunmen attacked a detention centre south of Tripoli last week. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said several migrants and refugees were shot and wounded in the attack. Libya has been mired in chaos since the NATO-backed uprising that deposed and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. People smugglers have taken advantage of the lawlessness, ferrying mostly sub-Saharan Africans from Libyan shores to Europe. According to the International Organisation for Migration, some 6,000 migrants are held in official detention centres in Libya. Hundreds more are held by armed groups elsewhere in the war-hit country. On Sunday Pope Francis called for "humanitarian corridors" to be opened to evacuate them. The UN official also voiced concern over a breakdown in basic services, including electricity and water supplies, and said more relief funds were needed for Libya. "We appealed for an additional 10.2 million (dollars) which doesn't cover all that we foresee... but it covers at least the essential response for the first three, four weeks," she said. During the first week of fighting, she said, "over a million schoolbooks" that were stored in a warehouse of the ministry of education were destroyed when the compound was hit. "Symbolically, it says a lot about the impact of such strife and clashes on not just the immediate survival of people but on the future of Tripoli children."

United Nations warns of worsening humanitarian situation in Libya

Pope Francis called Sunday for the evacuation of refugees held in detention camps in Libya, particularly women and children, as fighting there escalates.&nbsp;

"I make an appeal that especially the women, children and sick can be evacuated as soon as possible through humanitarian corridors," Francis said at the Sunday prayer at the Vatican.&nbsp;

Their situation "which is already very serious, has become even more dangerous due to the ongoing conflict," he said.

A group of around 140 refugees is expected to arrive in Rome from Libya on Monday.&nbsp;

Humanitarian groups and international organisations are alarmed at the situation of thousands of migrants trapped in detention centres in Libya, as fighting rages between forces loyal to the Tripoli-based government of national unity and those loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar.&nbsp;

Libya, long a major transit route for migrants desperate to reach Europe, is home to around 6,000 migrants who are held in official detention centres, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Hundreds more are held by armed groups elsewhere in the war-hit country.

The UN and international aid groups have warned that thousands of migrants and refugees who fled violence at home and are now trapped in Libyan detention centres are facing enormous dangers and must be evacuated.

On Wednesday the UN refugee agency UNHCR said it had evacuated 325 asylum seekers from the Qasr Bin Ghashir detention centre a day after an attack against refugees and migrants. It was not clear who carried out the assault.&nbsp;

Pope Francis called Sunday for the evacuation of refugees held in detention camps in Libya, particularly women and children, as fighting there escalates. "I make an appeal that especially the women, children and sick can be evacuated as soon as possible through humanitarian corridors," Francis said at the Sunday prayer at the Vatican.

Pope Francis called Sunday for the evacuation of refugees held in detention camps in Libya, particularly women and children, as fighting there escalates. "I make an appeal that especially the women, children and sick can be evacuated as soon as possible through humanitarian corridors," Francis said at the Sunday prayer at the Vatican. Their situation "which is already very serious, has become even more dangerous due to the ongoing conflict," he said. A group of around 140 refugees is expected to arrive in Rome from Libya on Monday. Humanitarian groups and international organisations are alarmed at the situation of thousands of migrants trapped in detention centres in Libya, as fighting rages between forces loyal to the Tripoli-based government of national unity and those loyal to commander Khalifa Haftar. Libya, long a major transit route for migrants desperate to reach Europe, is home to around 6,000 migrants who are held in official detention centres, according to the International Organization for Migration. Hundreds more are held by armed groups elsewhere in the war-hit country. The UN and international aid groups have warned that thousands of migrants and refugees who fled violence at home and are now trapped in Libyan detention centres are facing enormous dangers and must be evacuated. On Wednesday the UN refugee agency UNHCR said it had evacuated 325 asylum seekers from the Qasr Bin Ghashir detention centre a day after an attack against refugees and migrants. It was not clear who carried out the assault.

Pope appeals for evacuation of refugees in Libya camps

More than 7,000 people have left a desperate desert camp for displaced Syrians near the Jordanian border since March, a United Nations spokesperson said Friday.

According to the UN's humanitarian coordination office OCHA, around 36,000 people remained in the isolated Rukban camp near Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, after over 4,000 left between March and April 21.

The Syrian government and key backer Russia said in February they had opened corridors out of the camp, calling on residents to leave.&nbsp;

"Since March, over 7,300 people have left Rukban," OCHA spokesman David Swanson told AFP, including some 3,000 who left after April 21.&nbsp;

Those who have quit the camp have moved to collective shelters in the central city of Homs or resettled in their areas of origin in the province of the same name, OCHA said Thursday.

It said Rukban residents were organising their own transportation to the edge of a de-escalation zone established around Al-Tanf, from where they either continued in their vehicles or were transferred by private or government-provided vehicles to four collective shelters in Homs city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says those returning to government-held parts of Homs from Rukban had struck so-called "reconciliation deals" with the Syrian government.

Conditions inside Rukban are dire, with many surviving on just one simple meal a day, often bread and olive oil or yoghurt, according to one resident.

The camp has been particularly difficult to reach due to its location on the Jordanian border and the proximity of US forces and the rebels they support.

In February, a humanitarian convoy of 133 trucks delivered food, clothes, healthcare items and medical supplies to the camp's residents.&nbsp;

The February 6 delivery was just the second in three months.

Syria's civil war killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

More than 7,000 people have left a desperate desert camp for displaced Syrians near the Jordanian border since March, a United Nations spokesperson said Friday. According to the UN's humanitarian coordination office OCHA, around 36,000 people remained in the isolated Rukban camp near Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, after over 4,000 left between March and April 21.

More than 7,000 people have left a desperate desert camp for displaced Syrians near the Jordanian border since March, a United Nations spokesperson said Friday. According to the UN's humanitarian coordination office OCHA, around 36,000 people remained in the isolated Rukban camp near Al-Tanf base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, after over 4,000 left between March and April 21. The Syrian government and key backer Russia said in February they had opened corridors out of the camp, calling on residents to leave. "Since March, over 7,300 people have left Rukban," OCHA spokesman David Swanson told AFP, including some 3,000 who left after April 21. Those who have quit the camp have moved to collective shelters in the central city of Homs or resettled in their areas of origin in the province of the same name, OCHA said Thursday. It said Rukban residents were organising their own transportation to the edge of a de-escalation zone established around Al-Tanf, from where they either continued in their vehicles or were transferred by private or government-provided vehicles to four collective shelters in Homs city. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says those returning to government-held parts of Homs from Rukban had struck so-called "reconciliation deals" with the Syrian government. Conditions inside Rukban are dire, with many surviving on just one simple meal a day, often bread and olive oil or yoghurt, according to one resident. The camp has been particularly difficult to reach due to its location on the Jordanian border and the proximity of US forces and the rebels they support. In February, a humanitarian convoy of 133 trucks delivered food, clothes, healthcare items and medical supplies to the camp's residents. The February 6 delivery was just the second in three months. Syria's civil war killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

More than 7,000 Syrians quit camp near Jordan border: United Nations

A powerful cyclone, the second to strike Mozambique in just six weeks, killed at least three people as the United Nations warned of "massive flooding" ahead. Watch this video to know more.

Cyclone Kenneth leaves destruction trail in Mozambique

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-appreciate-russia-china-helping-us-says-trump-after-putin-kim-talks-213740">President Donald Trump</a> announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

The US Senate never ratified the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty after former president Barack Obama endorsed it. Trump said he was revoking his predecessor's signature.

"We will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone," Trump said in a speech to the National Rifle Association in Indianapolis. "We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom," he said, referring to the constitutional right to bear arms.

"And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN arms trade treaty."

"I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment (sic). We're taking our signature back."

The treaty, which entered into effect in December 2014, seeks to regulate the flow of weapons into conflict zones.

It requires member countries to keep records of international transfers of weapons and to prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations or attacks on civilians.

While 130 countries originally signed the treaty, only 101 have ratified and joined it. Those include major powers like France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

UN praises landmark achievement

The world's largest arms traders, the United States, China and Russia, have not joined.

Asked about Trump's announcement, the United Nations praised the arms trade treaty as a "landmark achievement" in efforts to ensure responsibility in international arms transfers. &nbsp;

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the ATT is "the only global instrument aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the international arms trade."

He said the treaty was "particularly important in present times when we witness growing international tensions and renewed interest in expanding and modernizing arsenals."

In a statement, the White House said the treaty "fails to truly address the problem of irresponsible arms transfers, while providing a platform for those who would seek to constrain our ability to sell arms to our allies and partners."

It also claimed that some groups are trying to use the treaty to overturn "sovereign national decisions" on arms exports -- pointing to one effort to block the British government's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.

"The ATT is simply not needed for the United States to engage in responsible arms trade," the White House said.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty. The US Senate never ratified the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty after former president Barack Obama endorsed it. Trump said he was revoking his predecessor's signature. "We will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone," Trump said in a speech to the National Rifle Association in Indianapolis. "We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom," he said, referring to the constitutional right to bear arms. "And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN arms trade treaty." "I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment (sic). We're taking our signature back." The treaty, which entered into effect in December 2014, seeks to regulate the flow of weapons into conflict zones. It requires member countries to keep records of international transfers of weapons and to prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations or attacks on civilians. While 130 countries originally signed the treaty, only 101 have ratified and joined it. Those include major powers like France, Germany and the United Kingdom. UN praises landmark achievement The world's largest arms traders, the United States, China and Russia, have not joined. Asked about Trump's announcement, the United Nations praised the arms trade treaty as a "landmark achievement" in efforts to ensure responsibility in international arms transfers. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the ATT is "the only global instrument aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the international arms trade." He said the treaty was "particularly important in present times when we witness growing international tensions and renewed interest in expanding and modernizing arsenals." In a statement, the White House said the treaty "fails to truly address the problem of irresponsible arms transfers, while providing a platform for those who would seek to constrain our ability to sell arms to our allies and partners." It also claimed that some groups are trying to use the treaty to overturn "sovereign national decisions" on arms exports -- pointing to one effort to block the British government's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia. "The ATT is simply not needed for the United States to engage in responsible arms trade," the White House said.

Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade

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