North Korea recorded its worst harvest for more than a decade last year, the United Nations said Wednesday, as natural disasters combined with its lack of arable land and inefficient agriculture to hit production.

The isolated North, which is under several sets of sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes, has long struggled to feed itself and suffers chronic food shortages.

But last year's harvest was just 4.95 million tonnes, the United Nations said in its Needs and Priorities assessment for 2019, down by 500,000 tonnes.

It was "the lowest production in more than a decade", the UN's Resident Coordinator in the North Tapan Mishra said in a statement.

"This has resulted in a significant food gap."

As a result, 10.9 million people in the North needed humanitarian assistance -- 600,000 more than last year -- with a potential for increased malnutrition and illness.

It is equivalent to 43 per cent of the population.

But while the number of people needing help rose, the UN has had to cut its target for people to help -- from 6.0 million to 3.8 million -- as it seeks to prioritise those most in need.

Funding has fallen far short of what the UN says it needs.

Only 24 per cent of last year's appeal was met, with Mishra describing it as "one of the lowest funded humanitarian plans in the world".

Several agencies had been forced to scale back their programmes and some faced closing projects, he said, appealing to donors to "not let political considerations get in the way of addressing the humanitarian need".

"The human cost of our inability to respond is unmeasurable," he said, adding that sanctions had created unintended delays and challenges to humanitarian programmes, even though they are exempt under UN Security Council resolutions.

Arduous March&nbsp; 
The impoverished North has been frequently condemned by the international community for decades of prioritising the military and its nuclear weapons programme over adequately providing for its people -- an imbalance some critics say the UN's aid programme encourages.

Ahead of his Hanoi summit with leader Kim Jong Un last week, US President Donald Trump repeatedly dangled the prospect of the North becoming an economic powerhouse if it gave up its arsenal, but the two were unable to reach a deal.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies said -- based on its analysis of satellite imagery -- activity is "evident" at a North Korean long-range rocket test site, suggesting Pyongyang may be pursuing its "rapid rebuilding" after the failed summit.

The country industrialised rapidly following the end of the Korean War and for a time was wealthier than the South. Funding from Moscow papered over the effects of chronic economic mismanagement, but that came to an end with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was followed by a crippling famine.

That episode -- known as the Arduous March, when hundreds of thousands of people died -- is in the past but North Korea does not have access to the latest agricultural technology or fertilisers and its yields are well below global averages.

It is also a rugged, largely mountainous, country with only around 20 per cent of its land area suitable for cultivation.&nbsp;

It was hit by a heatwave in July and August last year, followed by heavy rains and flash floods from Typhoon Soulik. As a result, the UN said, rice and wheat crops were down 12 to 14 per cent.

The figure is significantly larger than in the South, where rice production was down only 2.6 per cent last year, according to Seoul's statistics, even though it experiences similar weather and climate.

The North's soybean output slumped 39 per cent and production of potatoes -- promoted by leader Kim as a way to increase supplies -- was 34 per cent down, the UN said.

Last month Pyongyang told the UN that it was facing a shortfall of 1.4 million tonnes of food this year.

Mishra insisted that humanitarian agencies were able to monitor their programmes "rigorously" to make sure that help reached the most vulnerable people, adding: "We simply cannot leave them behind."

North Korea recorded its worst harvest for more than a decade last year, the United Nations said Wednesday, as natural disasters combined with its lack of arable land and inefficient agriculture to hit production.

North Korea recorded its worst harvest for more than a decade last year, the United Nations said Wednesday, as natural disasters combined with its lack of arable land and inefficient agriculture to hit production. The isolated North, which is under several sets of sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes, has long struggled to feed itself and suffers chronic food shortages. But last year's harvest was just 4.95 million tonnes, the United Nations said in its Needs and Priorities assessment for 2019, down by 500,000 tonnes. It was "the lowest production in more than a decade", the UN's Resident Coordinator in the North Tapan Mishra said in a statement. "This has resulted in a significant food gap." As a result, 10.9 million people in the North needed humanitarian assistance -- 600,000 more than last year -- with a potential for increased malnutrition and illness. It is equivalent to 43 per cent of the population. But while the number of people needing help rose, the UN has had to cut its target for people to help -- from 6.0 million to 3.8 million -- as it seeks to prioritise those most in need. Funding has fallen far short of what the UN says it needs. Only 24 per cent of last year's appeal was met, with Mishra describing it as "one of the lowest funded humanitarian plans in the world". Several agencies had been forced to scale back their programmes and some faced closing projects, he said, appealing to donors to "not let political considerations get in the way of addressing the humanitarian need". "The human cost of our inability to respond is unmeasurable," he said, adding that sanctions had created unintended delays and challenges to humanitarian programmes, even though they are exempt under UN Security Council resolutions. Arduous March The impoverished North has been frequently condemned by the international community for decades of prioritising the military and its nuclear weapons programme over adequately providing for its people -- an imbalance some critics say the UN's aid programme encourages. Ahead of his Hanoi summit with leader Kim Jong Un last week, US President Donald Trump repeatedly dangled the prospect of the North becoming an economic powerhouse if it gave up its arsenal, but the two were unable to reach a deal. The Center for Strategic and International Studies said -- based on its analysis of satellite imagery -- activity is "evident" at a North Korean long-range rocket test site, suggesting Pyongyang may be pursuing its "rapid rebuilding" after the failed summit. The country industrialised rapidly following the end of the Korean War and for a time was wealthier than the South. Funding from Moscow papered over the effects of chronic economic mismanagement, but that came to an end with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was followed by a crippling famine. That episode -- known as the Arduous March, when hundreds of thousands of people died -- is in the past but North Korea does not have access to the latest agricultural technology or fertilisers and its yields are well below global averages. It is also a rugged, largely mountainous, country with only around 20 per cent of its land area suitable for cultivation. It was hit by a heatwave in July and August last year, followed by heavy rains and flash floods from Typhoon Soulik. As a result, the UN said, rice and wheat crops were down 12 to 14 per cent. The figure is significantly larger than in the South, where rice production was down only 2.6 per cent last year, according to Seoul's statistics, even though it experiences similar weather and climate. The North's soybean output slumped 39 per cent and production of potatoes -- promoted by leader Kim as a way to increase supplies -- was 34 per cent down, the UN said. Last month Pyongyang told the UN that it was facing a shortfall of 1.4 million tonnes of food this year. Mishra insisted that humanitarian agencies were able to monitor their programmes "rigorously" to make sure that help reached the most vulnerable people, adding: "We simply cannot leave them behind."

North Korea food production 'lowest for a decade': UN

The family of former industrial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-held-260000-rio-party-billed-to-renault-nissan-report-198745">tycoon Carlos Ghosn</a>, currently held in Japan on tax evasion charges, is to appeal to the United Nations in a bid to have him released, one of his lawyers said Monday.

Ghosn, 64, formerly in charge of the Nissan and Renault carmakers, has been in detention since his shock November 19 arrest and has tried repeatedly without success to secure bail.

"We have decided to appeal to those UN bodies dealing with fundamental rights compliance," Francois Zimeray said, reading a statement issued by Ghosn's family.

The appeal will be made to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which is overseen by the UN Human Rights Council, he added.

"Carlos Ghosn has now been held for over 100 days in Japan," in a place "with medieval rules", the statement said.

The lawyer represents Ghosn's wife, Carole, who in a recent interview with Paris Match magazine described her husband's detention conditions as "deplorable", and children Caroline, Maya, Nadine and Anthony.

Ghosn faces three charges of financial misconduct, two involving alleged under-reporting of his salary and a third over a complex scheme in which he allegedly sought to transfer his losses to Nissan's books.

He has denied all the charges.

In Japan, his new lead defence lawyer, Junichiro Hironaka, said Monday his new bail application contained fresh elements he hoped would lead to a release "as soon as possible."

Hironaka, who has a reputation for securing acquittals for high-profile clients in a country where 99 per cent of cases results in a conviction, said there was a "realistic" chance that Ghosn would eventually be found innocent of all charges.

The Tokyo District Court is due to hand down its verdict on the latest bail application soon.

But so far, it has shown little inclination to end Ghosn's lengthy pre-trial detention, which has drawn some criticism internationally and from rights groups.

The family of former industrial tycoon Carlos Ghosn, currently held in Japan on tax evasion charges, is to appeal to the United Nations in a bid to have him released, one of his lawyers said Monday.

The family of former industrial tycoon Carlos Ghosn, currently held in Japan on tax evasion charges, is to appeal to the United Nations in a bid to have him released, one of his lawyers said Monday. Ghosn, 64, formerly in charge of the Nissan and Renault carmakers, has been in detention since his shock November 19 arrest and has tried repeatedly without success to secure bail. "We have decided to appeal to those UN bodies dealing with fundamental rights compliance," Francois Zimeray said, reading a statement issued by Ghosn's family. The appeal will be made to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which is overseen by the UN Human Rights Council, he added. "Carlos Ghosn has now been held for over 100 days in Japan," in a place "with medieval rules", the statement said. The lawyer represents Ghosn's wife, Carole, who in a recent interview with Paris Match magazine described her husband's detention conditions as "deplorable", and children Caroline, Maya, Nadine and Anthony. Ghosn faces three charges of financial misconduct, two involving alleged under-reporting of his salary and a third over a complex scheme in which he allegedly sought to transfer his losses to Nissan's books. He has denied all the charges. In Japan, his new lead defence lawyer, Junichiro Hironaka, said Monday his new bail application contained fresh elements he hoped would lead to a release "as soon as possible." Hironaka, who has a reputation for securing acquittals for high-profile clients in a country where 99 per cent of cases results in a conviction, said there was a "realistic" chance that Ghosn would eventually be found innocent of all charges. The Tokyo District Court is due to hand down its verdict on the latest bail application soon. But so far, it has shown little inclination to end Ghosn's lengthy pre-trial detention, which has drawn some criticism internationally and from rights groups.

Carlos Ghosn family calls on UN to help release him, says lawyer

Indian community in US condemn Paksitan's role in terror

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions.

Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability."

Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan.

The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said.

All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. "

The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension."

China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

(With agency inputs)

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks.

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability." Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said. All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. " The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension." China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. (With agency inputs)

China is in touch with India, Pakistan & promoting peace talks, says foreign ministry spokesperson

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

At least 20 people including children were killed in southern Afghanistan by flash floods that engulfed up to 2,000 homes and swept away cars, the UN agency coordinating relief efforts said on Saturday.

Heavy rains struck Kandahar city and six districts on Friday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.

Afghan government officials said hundreds of houses in Herat province were destroyed in flash floods.

Flood-affected families have been evacuated to secure areas in the districts and Kandahar city, including schools, mosques and government buildings.

At least 10 people, including children, were missing in Arghandab, Daman, Spin Boldak and Dand districts.

The OCHA statement said a large number of Kochi (nomadic) families, about 500 people, were stranded on the river bank and there was an urgent need for air support to rescue them.

The rugged mountainous terrain, heavy snowfall and lack of roads were retarding the pace of immediate relief and rescue operations, said a senior official working for the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority in Kabul.

At least 20 people including children were killed in southern Afghanistan by flash floods that engulfed up to 2,000 homes and swept away cars, the UN agency coordinating relief efforts said on Saturday.

At least 20 people including children were killed in southern Afghanistan by flash floods that engulfed up to 2,000 homes and swept away cars, the UN agency coordinating relief efforts said on Saturday. Heavy rains struck Kandahar city and six districts on Friday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement. Afghan government officials said hundreds of houses in Herat province were destroyed in flash floods. Flood-affected families have been evacuated to secure areas in the districts and Kandahar city, including schools, mosques and government buildings. At least 10 people, including children, were missing in Arghandab, Daman, Spin Boldak and Dand districts. The OCHA statement said a large number of Kochi (nomadic) families, about 500 people, were stranded on the river bank and there was an urgent need for air support to rescue them. The rugged mountainous terrain, heavy snowfall and lack of roads were retarding the pace of immediate relief and rescue operations, said a senior official working for the Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority in Kabul.

Flash floods in Afghanistan kill at least 20

The United Nations on Friday stressed that refugees fleeing conflict should be granted safe haven after Bangladesh declared that it would no longer take in Myanmar's Rohingya.

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told the Security Council on Thursday that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-tells-un-it-will-no-longer-take-in-myanmar-refugees-200371"> refugee crisis had gone from "bad to worse" </a>and deplored the fact that none of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had returned home.

"Bangladesh has been amazingly generous in the support they have given the Rohingya refugees," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

"It is important that people fleeing conflict are able to find safe haven wherever they go."

Under a deal reached with Bangladesh, Myanmar agreed to take back some of the refugees, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return.

Haque told a council meeting on Myanmar that "Bangladesh would no longer be in a position to accommodate more people from Myanmar", suggesting that his government was ready to close the border to refugees.

Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing.

"Is Bangladesh paying the price for being responsive and responsible in showing empathy to a persecuted minority population of a neighbouring country?" asked the foreign secretary.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is conducting an internal review of the world body's operations in Myanmar following accusations that UN officials in the country ignored warning signs of the attacks against the Rohingya.

The UN spokesman said the review led by Guatemalan diplomat Gert Rosenthal was to provide "possible lessons learned for the future" and advise on the way forward.

Britain's Guardian newspaper first reported on the inquiry on Tuesday that will focus on the UN's failure to prevent the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.

Some of the criticism has focussed on allegations that the UN resident coordinator, Renata Lok-Dessallien, downplayed concerns about worsening abuses against the Rohingya and sought to prioritize economic development at the expense of human rights.

The UN has denied those claims.

The United Nations on Friday stressed that refugees fleeing conflict should be granted safe haven after Bangladesh declared that it would no longer take in Myanmar's Rohingya.

The United Nations on Friday stressed that refugees fleeing conflict should be granted safe haven after Bangladesh declared that it would no longer take in Myanmar's Rohingya. Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told the Security Council on Thursday that the refugee crisis had gone from "bad to worse" and deplored the fact that none of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had returned home. "Bangladesh has been amazingly generous in the support they have given the Rohingya refugees," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "It is important that people fleeing conflict are able to find safe haven wherever they go." Under a deal reached with Bangladesh, Myanmar agreed to take back some of the refugees, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return. Haque told a council meeting on Myanmar that "Bangladesh would no longer be in a position to accommodate more people from Myanmar", suggesting that his government was ready to close the border to refugees. Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing. "Is Bangladesh paying the price for being responsive and responsible in showing empathy to a persecuted minority population of a neighbouring country?" asked the foreign secretary. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is conducting an internal review of the world body's operations in Myanmar following accusations that UN officials in the country ignored warning signs of the attacks against the Rohingya. The UN spokesman said the review led by Guatemalan diplomat Gert Rosenthal was to provide "possible lessons learned for the future" and advise on the way forward. Britain's Guardian newspaper first reported on the inquiry on Tuesday that will focus on the UN's failure to prevent the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. Some of the criticism has focussed on allegations that the UN resident coordinator, Renata Lok-Dessallien, downplayed concerns about worsening abuses against the Rohingya and sought to prioritize economic development at the expense of human rights. The UN has denied those claims.

United Nations urges Bangladesh not to close door to Myanmar refugees

United Nations welcomes IAF pilot Abhinandan's release

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

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

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

Russia, China veto US push for fresh election in Venezuela

Bangladesh told the UN Security Council on Thursday that it will no longer be able to take in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-refugees-at-risk-as-cyclone-season-nears-red-cross-198134">refugees from Myanmar</a>.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a council meeting that the crisis over the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had gone from "bad to worse" and urged the council to take "decisive" action.

Around 740,000 Muslim <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-rohingyas-arrested-from-lumding-railway-station-in-assam-197959">Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh</a> after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing.

"Here, I regret to inform the council that Bangladesh would no longer be in a position to accommodate more people from Myanmar," said Haque.

Under a deal reached with Bangladesh, Myanmar agreed to take back some of the refugees, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return.

"Is Bangladesh paying the price for being responsive and responsible in showing empathy to a persecuted minority population of a neighbouring country?" asked the foreign secretary.

After five trips to Myanmar, UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener reported, "slow progress" in efforts to help hundreds of thousands of Rohingya return home and warned that Myanmar's elections next year could worsen the crisis.

The Swiss diplomat, who was appointed in April as UN envoy for Myanmar, said UN agencies had been given "insufficient" access to help prepare the return of the Rohingya.

Myanmar appeals for patience

Myanmar's Ambassador Hau Do Suan insisted his government was taking steps and appealed for patience.&nbsp;

He spoke of "huge physical as well as psychological barriers" in the way of allowing the refugees' return and stressed that "it takes time and patience as well as courage to build trust and confidence among different communities in Rakhine."

China, which has close ties with Myanmar's former military junta, insisted that development aid could help ease tensions in Rakhine and made clear the council should not get involved in addressing the refugee crisis.

"It is up to the two countries to work out a solution," said Chinese Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao.&nbsp;

In December, Britain circulated a draft resolution that would have forced Myanmar to roll out a strategy for addressing the Rohingya crisis, but China threatened to veto the measure, according to diplomats.

"We are very disappointed that there hasn't been more progress on getting the refugees back," said British Ambassador Karen Pierce.

"The scale of what has been done to the Rohingya Muslims and the allegations of crimes against humanity really mark this out as one of the most terrible events of this century so far," said Pierce.

The UN envoy warned that the election campaign "could add to the domestic complexities" in Myanmar, which is still struggling with a democratic transition after 50 years of military rule.

Myanmar's de facto civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticized for failing to speak out to defend the Rohingya, is seeking to consolidate her position ahead of the 2020 vote.

Myanmar's military dominates the Buddhist-majority nation, holding a quarter of seats in parliament and controlling three ministries, making their grip on power firm despite political reforms which began in 2011.

Bangladesh told the UN Security Council on Thursday that it will no longer be able to take in refugees from Myanmar. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a council meeting that the crisis over the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had gone from "bad to worse" and urged the council to take "decisive" action.

Bangladesh told the UN Security Council on Thursday that it will no longer be able to take in refugees from Myanmar. Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a council meeting that the crisis over the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sheltering in his country had gone from "bad to worse" and urged the council to take "decisive" action. Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing. "Here, I regret to inform the council that Bangladesh would no longer be in a position to accommodate more people from Myanmar," said Haque. Under a deal reached with Bangladesh, Myanmar agreed to take back some of the refugees, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return. "Is Bangladesh paying the price for being responsive and responsible in showing empathy to a persecuted minority population of a neighbouring country?" asked the foreign secretary. After five trips to Myanmar, UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener reported, "slow progress" in efforts to help hundreds of thousands of Rohingya return home and warned that Myanmar's elections next year could worsen the crisis. The Swiss diplomat, who was appointed in April as UN envoy for Myanmar, said UN agencies had been given "insufficient" access to help prepare the return of the Rohingya. Myanmar appeals for patience Myanmar's Ambassador Hau Do Suan insisted his government was taking steps and appealed for patience. He spoke of "huge physical as well as psychological barriers" in the way of allowing the refugees' return and stressed that "it takes time and patience as well as courage to build trust and confidence among different communities in Rakhine." China, which has close ties with Myanmar's former military junta, insisted that development aid could help ease tensions in Rakhine and made clear the council should not get involved in addressing the refugee crisis. "It is up to the two countries to work out a solution," said Chinese Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao. In December, Britain circulated a draft resolution that would have forced Myanmar to roll out a strategy for addressing the Rohingya crisis, but China threatened to veto the measure, according to diplomats. "We are very disappointed that there hasn't been more progress on getting the refugees back," said British Ambassador Karen Pierce. "The scale of what has been done to the Rohingya Muslims and the allegations of crimes against humanity really mark this out as one of the most terrible events of this century so far," said Pierce. The UN envoy warned that the election campaign "could add to the domestic complexities" in Myanmar, which is still struggling with a democratic transition after 50 years of military rule. Myanmar's de facto civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticized for failing to speak out to defend the Rohingya, is seeking to consolidate her position ahead of the 2020 vote. Myanmar's military dominates the Buddhist-majority nation, holding a quarter of seats in parliament and controlling three ministries, making their grip on power firm despite political reforms which began in 2011.

Bangladesh tells UN it will no longer take in Myanmar refugees

In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country. In a conversation with WION, during her stopover in Chennai Sangeetha Sridhar shared her experiences.

Sridhar is on a 'Swachhagraha'&nbsp;or the ‘Clean Indian trail’, a mission to spread the message of cleanliness and to conduct surprise checks on public toilets via experiential audit and share the results with the UN Sustainable Development Board. During stopovers at different cities and villages, she delivers motivational speeches at schools and colleges on a range of topics from women empowerment to social service.

Sangeetha Sridhar grew up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and later moved to the Middle-East where she has been working in the field of e-governance for over 25 years. An adventure-lover from a young age, Sridhar was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and her own father’s wishes to see her serve her homeland. Recalling the journey that she kickstarted from Mumbai on August 12, 2018, she said, "I picked this year (2018) as it marks the Sheikh Zayed’s 100th anniversary and Bapuji’s 150th anniversary, so I began a humble journey just like the Satyagraha".&nbsp;

During her journey, Sridhar conducted the audits at public toilets that dotted highways, rural areas and also crowded tourist spots. Her observations were logged on a mobile application, while she expected to cover around 100 toilets across the country, she has now audited over 220.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the time I always found a toilet when I needed one. In my observation the traditional Indian toilets are cleaner as they can be better maintained than the western ones,"&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;

''In rural areas families have shown pride in owning a personal toilet, just like one would brag about a TV or sofa" she added.&nbsp;

For resting at night, Sridhar uses the bed which has been fitted onto the last two-rows of her SUV. When the weather turns too harsh, she depends on the kindness of people who offer her a room in their homes. Reminiscing about the warmth and love she experiences from people she never knew before, she says "in rural and semi-urban areas hospitality was outstanding, but sometimes the city-folks were apprehensive about a stranger who asked for a parking lot".&nbsp;

<img alt="Sangeetha Sridhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b7a8c70-f52b-4b01-846d-5b494d888431" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2821%29.jpg" />

<img alt="Sangeetha Sridhar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8e8f604-c82b-4371-8245-b0e804ce60d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2822%29.jpg" />

She also fondly recalls instances when she cooked South Indian dishes while being hosted by a family in the North-east region.

While crisscrossing the length and breadth of India, she says that her husband and son were of constant support and motivation.

"During the course of my trip, my son completed his higher studies in the US and started working, whereas my husband (who is in Oman) tracked my progress via the phone App and suggested places to visit". To ensure that she stays fit and alert to undertake the arduous drive, she consumed only one cooked meal a day and relied upon locally available fruits, tender coconut water for refreshments.&nbsp;

Currently, on the last leg of her journey, which could last another 50 days she says that "Having travelled abroad a lot, I can say that my own beautiful Bharat is much much more beautiful than any other place that I have seen abroad".&nbsp;

Proudly showcasing a Khukri, Bow and arrow which Sridhar received as gifts from the tribes in North-east India, she shares her philosophy of Clean India “any of the Swachh Bharat campaigns won’t succeed without individuals attitude change. We are responsible for any waste that we generate. Organic waste is wealth and composting it is important. A Clean India is our right and responsibility”.

Note: The TATA Hexa SUV she drives is sponsored by TATA Motors. She has been bearing the fuel expenses on her own.&nbsp;

In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country.

In her modified-SUV, Sangeetha Sridhar has already traversed 26 states, four Union territories and covered 41000 kilometres across India in the last 181 days. But, it’s not just another trip to explore the vastness of our country. In a conversation with WION, during her stopover in Chennai Sangeetha Sridhar shared her experiences. Sridhar is on a 'Swachhagraha' or the ‘Clean Indian trail’, a mission to spread the message of cleanliness and to conduct surprise checks on public toilets via experiential audit and share the results with the UN Sustainable Development Board. During stopovers at different cities and villages, she delivers motivational speeches at schools and colleges on a range of topics from women empowerment to social service. Sangeetha Sridhar grew up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and later moved to the Middle-East where she has been working in the field of e-governance for over 25 years. An adventure-lover from a young age, Sridhar was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and her own father’s wishes to see her serve her homeland. Recalling the journey that she kickstarted from Mumbai on August 12, 2018, she said, "I picked this year (2018) as it marks the Sheikh Zayed’s 100th anniversary and Bapuji’s 150th anniversary, so I began a humble journey just like the Satyagraha". During her journey, Sridhar conducted the audits at public toilets that dotted highways, rural areas and also crowded tourist spots. Her observations were logged on a mobile application, while she expected to cover around 100 toilets across the country, she has now audited over 220. "Ninety-nine per cent of the time I always found a toilet when I needed one. In my observation the traditional Indian toilets are cleaner as they can be better maintained than the western ones," she said. ''In rural areas families have shown pride in owning a personal toilet, just like one would brag about a TV or sofa" she added. For resting at night, Sridhar uses the bed which has been fitted onto the last two-rows of her SUV. When the weather turns too harsh, she depends on the kindness of people who offer her a room in their homes. Reminiscing about the warmth and love she experiences from people she never knew before, she says "in rural and semi-urban areas hospitality was outstanding, but sometimes the city-folks were apprehensive about a stranger who asked for a parking lot". She also fondly recalls instances when she cooked South Indian dishes while being hosted by a family in the North-east region. While crisscrossing the length and breadth of India, she says that her husband and son were of constant support and motivation. "During the course of my trip, my son completed his higher studies in the US and started working, whereas my husband (who is in Oman) tracked my progress via the phone App and suggested places to visit". To ensure that she stays fit and alert to undertake the arduous drive, she consumed only one cooked meal a day and relied upon locally available fruits, tender coconut water for refreshments. Currently, on the last leg of her journey, which could last another 50 days she says that "Having travelled abroad a lot, I can say that my own beautiful Bharat is much much more beautiful than any other place that I have seen abroad". Proudly showcasing a Khukri, Bow and arrow which Sridhar received as gifts from the tribes in North-east India, she shares her philosophy of Clean India “any of the Swachh Bharat campaigns won’t succeed without individuals attitude change. We are responsible for any waste that we generate. Organic waste is wealth and composting it is important. A Clean India is our right and responsibility”. Note: The TATA Hexa SUV she drives is sponsored by TATA Motors. She has been bearing the fuel expenses on her own.

Chennai's Sangeetha Sridhar spreads message of cleanliness and women empowerment

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-calls-meeting-of-top-decision-making-body-on-nuclear-issues-199999">Pakistan</a> has, after the Indian strike on a major Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, told the United Nations' Secretary-General that the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike is equivalent to "aggression against Pakistan."

"I am writing a letter to you in view of the deterioration of the situation. Indian jets violated the Line of Control (LoC) this morning. We had informed the UN about Indian aggression after Pulwama attack in the previous letter," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to UN Chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday.

Qureshi further outlined that the Indian strike is equivalent to aggression against Pakistan, and jeopardises peace and security in the region, reports ARY News.

This comes after India conducted an anti-terror strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan`s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in the early hours of Tuesday, eliminating a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said earlier.

The terror camp, situated in a thick forest area atop a hill, was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out.

The air strike comes two weeks after a terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

Pakistan-based JeM claimed the responsibility for the February 14 attack, which has been largely condemned by the international community. In fact, the United States told Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terror outfits immediately after the Pulwama assault.

"India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people in the attack. I can understand that also," US President Donald Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House on February 22.

Pakistan has, after the Indian strike on a major Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, told the United Nations' Secretary-General that the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike is equivalent to "aggression against Pakistan.

Pakistan has, after the Indian strike on a major Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, told the United Nations' Secretary-General that the Indian Air Force (IAF) strike is equivalent to "aggression against Pakistan." "I am writing a letter to you in view of the deterioration of the situation. Indian jets violated the Line of Control (LoC) this morning. We had informed the UN about Indian aggression after Pulwama attack in the previous letter," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to UN Chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday. Qureshi further outlined that the Indian strike is equivalent to aggression against Pakistan, and jeopardises peace and security in the region, reports ARY News. This comes after India conducted an anti-terror strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan`s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in the early hours of Tuesday, eliminating a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said earlier. The terror camp, situated in a thick forest area atop a hill, was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out. The air strike comes two weeks after a terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. Pakistan-based JeM claimed the responsibility for the February 14 attack, which has been largely condemned by the international community. In fact, the United States told Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terror outfits immediately after the Pulwama assault. "India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people in the attack. I can understand that also," US President Donald Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House on February 22.

IAF strike 'tantamount to aggression against Pakistan': Qureshi to UN chief

US aerospace manufacturer Boeing Co said on Tuesday it has nominated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-not-give-aid-to-pakistan-until-it-stops-harbouring-terrorists-nikki-haley-199764">Nikki Haley</a>, former US ambassador to the United Nations and a close ally of President Donald Trump, to join its board of directors at the company's annual shareholders meeting on April 29.

If elected by Boeing shareholders, she would help guide the future of America's largest exporter, with a network of suppliers across the United States and the world, as Washington and Beijing have been locked in intense negotiations to end a trade war.

Viewed as a rising Republican Party star, Haley has often been mentioned as a future presidential candidate. Her counterparts at the United Nations saw her as a voice of clarity in the Trump administration.

In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg praised Haley's record in government and industry partnership.

"Boeing will benefit greatly from her broad perspectives and combined diplomatic, government and business experience to help achieve our aspiration to be the best in aerospace and a global industrial champion," Muilenburg said.

Based on total compensation for Boeing's other 13 board members, Haley can expect to earn more than $300,000, well above her salary as UN ambassador.

Haley, 47, is the first female governor of South Carolina and a three-term legislator in the South Carolina House of Representatives. As governor in 2015, Haley was a key opponent of a campaign by Boeing's largest labour union to form a collective bargaining unit at its 787 Dreamliner factory in South Carolina - though the machinists were later successful in forming a small bargaining unit there.

Boeing has faced growing scrutiny over its links to the Trump administration after a former senior plane making executive, Pat Shanahan, was named deputy defence secretary and later acting defence secretary. The 31-year Boeing veteran has recused himself, however, from matters relating to the aerospace company.

The US&nbsp;government has been weighing the purchase of an advanced version of the F-15 Boeing fighter. Last year, Boeing's defence side had a series of wins, including the US Air Force's next training jet, which could be worth up to $9.2 billion, as well as a contract to replace UH-1N Huey helicopters worth $2.4 billion over the life of the programs.

Dan Grazier, a defence analyst with the Project on Government Oversight, said Haley's nomination "seems a bit curious" given her lack of aerospace experience.

"The practice of government employees trading on their public service to secure high-paying positions at the top levels of government contracting firms has been long established and it sets up all kinds of potential conflicts of interest," Grazier said.

Separately on Tuesday, the shareholders of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA approved a deal to sell 80 per cent of the Sao Paulo-based company's commercial jet division to Boeing, a move that could reshape the global market for aircraft of up to 150 seats.

Boeing shares closed flat at $426.77 a share on the New York Stock Exchange.

US aerospace manufacturer Boeing Co said on Tuesday it has nominated Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations and a close ally of President Donald Trump, to join its board of directors at the company's annual shareholders meeting on April 29.

US aerospace manufacturer Boeing Co said on Tuesday it has nominated Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the United Nations and a close ally of President Donald Trump, to join its board of directors at the company's annual shareholders meeting on April 29. If elected by Boeing shareholders, she would help guide the future of America's largest exporter, with a network of suppliers across the United States and the world, as Washington and Beijing have been locked in intense negotiations to end a trade war. Viewed as a rising Republican Party star, Haley has often been mentioned as a future presidential candidate. Her counterparts at the United Nations saw her as a voice of clarity in the Trump administration. In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg praised Haley's record in government and industry partnership. "Boeing will benefit greatly from her broad perspectives and combined diplomatic, government and business experience to help achieve our aspiration to be the best in aerospace and a global industrial champion," Muilenburg said. Based on total compensation for Boeing's other 13 board members, Haley can expect to earn more than $300,000, well above her salary as UN ambassador. Haley, 47, is the first female governor of South Carolina and a three-term legislator in the South Carolina House of Representatives. As governor in 2015, Haley was a key opponent of a campaign by Boeing's largest labour union to form a collective bargaining unit at its 787 Dreamliner factory in South Carolina - though the machinists were later successful in forming a small bargaining unit there. Boeing has faced growing scrutiny over its links to the Trump administration after a former senior plane making executive, Pat Shanahan, was named deputy defence secretary and later acting defence secretary. The 31-year Boeing veteran has recused himself, however, from matters relating to the aerospace company. The US government has been weighing the purchase of an advanced version of the F-15 Boeing fighter. Last year, Boeing's defence side had a series of wins, including the US Air Force's next training jet, which could be worth up to $9.2 billion, as well as a contract to replace UH-1N Huey helicopters worth $2.4 billion over the life of the programs. Dan Grazier, a defence analyst with the Project on Government Oversight, said Haley's nomination "seems a bit curious" given her lack of aerospace experience. "The practice of government employees trading on their public service to secure high-paying positions at the top levels of government contracting firms has been long established and it sets up all kinds of potential conflicts of interest," Grazier said. Separately on Tuesday, the shareholders of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA approved a deal to sell 80 per cent of the Sao Paulo-based company's commercial jet division to Boeing, a move that could reshape the global market for aircraft of up to 150 seats. Boeing shares closed flat at $426.77 a share on the New York Stock Exchange.

Boeing nominates former UN ambassador Nikki Haley to join its board

Pakistan has a long history of harbouring terrorists and America should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it corrects its behaviour, Indian-American former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said as she praised the Trump administration for wisely restricting financial assistance to the country.

Haley, who has founded a new policy group 'Stand America Now' that will focus on how to keep the US safe, strong, and prosperous, wrote in an op-ed that when the US provides aid to nations, "it is more than fair to ask what the US Gets in return for our generosity" but instead Pakistan routinely opposed the US position at the UN on several issues.

"In 2017, Pakistan received nearly $1 billion in US foreign aid, the sixth most of any country. Much of the aid went to the Pakistani military. Some went for road, highway, and energy projects to assist the Pakistani people," Haley wrote in the op-ed 'Foreign Aid Should Only Go To Friends'.&nbsp;

"On all key votes at the UN, Pakistan opposed the American position 76 per cent of the time. Much more troubling, Pakistan also has a long history of harbouring terrorists who have killed US troops in Afghanistan," she said.&nbsp;

Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina, added that the Trump Administration has "already wisely restricted assistance to Pakistan, but there is much more to be done."&nbsp;

Haley, who had stepped down as the US envoy to the UN at the end of last year, has previously strongly criticised Pakistan for continuing to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers while taking billions of dollars in foreign aid from the US.&nbsp;

In an interview to US magazine 'The Atlantic' in December, Haley had said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things".&nbsp;

"The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she had said.&nbsp;

Last September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil. Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

Haley's new policy group aims to promote public policies that strengthen America's economy, culture, and national security.&nbsp;

The group will provide information to grassroots Americans, to highlight the dangers and the opportunities they face domestically and internationally. It will advocate the policies that strengthen the US at all levels of government and in the broader media and culture.

Pakistan has a long history of harbouring terrorists and America should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it corrects its behaviour, Indian-American former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said as she praised the Trump administration for wisely restricting financial assistance to the country.

Pakistan has a long history of harbouring terrorists and America should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it corrects its behaviour, Indian-American former US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley has said as she praised the Trump administration for wisely restricting financial assistance to the country. Haley, who has founded a new policy group 'Stand America Now' that will focus on how to keep the US safe, strong, and prosperous, wrote in an op-ed that when the US provides aid to nations, "it is more than fair to ask what the US Gets in return for our generosity" but instead Pakistan routinely opposed the US position at the UN on several issues. "In 2017, Pakistan received nearly $1 billion in US foreign aid, the sixth most of any country. Much of the aid went to the Pakistani military. Some went for road, highway, and energy projects to assist the Pakistani people," Haley wrote in the op-ed 'Foreign Aid Should Only Go To Friends'. "On all key votes at the UN, Pakistan opposed the American position 76 per cent of the time. Much more troubling, Pakistan also has a long history of harbouring terrorists who have killed US troops in Afghanistan," she said. Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina, added that the Trump Administration has "already wisely restricted assistance to Pakistan, but there is much more to be done." Haley, who had stepped down as the US envoy to the UN at the end of last year, has previously strongly criticised Pakistan for continuing to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers while taking billions of dollars in foreign aid from the US. In an interview to US magazine 'The Atlantic' in December, Haley had said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things". "The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she had said. Last September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil. Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi. Haley's new policy group aims to promote public policies that strengthen America's economy, culture, and national security. The group will provide information to grassroots Americans, to highlight the dangers and the opportunities they face domestically and internationally. It will advocate the policies that strengthen the US at all levels of government and in the broader media and culture.

US should not give aid to Pakistan until it stops harbouring terrorists: Nikki Haley 

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday banned unauthorised rallies as he announced a slew of new measures to end demonstrations that have rocked his rule for weeks.

Bashir's latest orders come as part of a nationwide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-sudan-pm-sworn-in-amid-protests-against-state-of-emergency-199413">state of emergency</a> he imposed on Friday after a sweeping crackdown failed to suppress protests against his administration.

"As part of a state of emergency declared by the president, he issued an order banning any gathering or rally that has not been authorised," the presidency said in a statement.

Bashir gave sweeping powers to the country's security forces to raid buildings where "suspicious activities were being carried out" and also search people, the presidency said.

Blocking roads and stopping traffic was banned, after protesters obstructed streets with rocks and tree trunks to prevent security forces from entering their neighbourhoods.

Publishing news "that hurts the citizens or the constitutional system" on any platform, including social media, was also outlawed.

But the group that is spearheading the demonstrations rejected the new measures, which also banned strikes.

"We are calling on our people in the capital, across all states, towns and villages to take to the streets now to express their rejection of the new emergency measures," said the Sudanese Professionals Association.

The state of emergency prompted Washington's acting envoy to the United Nations, Jonathan Cohen, to urge Khartoum to "respect the rights of all individuals in Sudan".

The US diplomat called on Bashir's government to "bring an immediate end to the violent repression of peaceful protests."

'We are not scared'&nbsp;

A new court and a special prosecutor were created to investigate violations of the measures, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison.

Deadly protests began on December 19 after the government tripled the price of bread and quickly evolved into demonstrations against Bashir's rule.

Officials say 31 people have died in protest-related violence so far. Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed, including medics and children.

Hours before the latest measures were announced, hundreds of protesters rallied in some areas of Khartoum, chanting their rallying cry "freedom, peace, justice".

Riot police confronted them with tear gas, witnesses said.

"We are challenging the regime and we are not scared of the state of emergency," said protester Erij who gave only her first name for security reasons.

"We have only one aim and that is to make the president step down."

Riot police also fired tear gas into the compound of Ahfad University for Women after students staged a sit-in, witnesses said.

In the face of public anger over Sudan's economic woes, Bashir on Monday announced measures to tackle the foreign currency shortage.

The presidency said no more than $3,000 would be allowed to be carried by any individual travelling outside the country.

Bashir also ordered that buying and selling of foreign currency be done only through official channels.

Over the past two years, the foreign exchange market has seen high volatility, forcing the country's central bank to devalue the local pound twice last year.

Party deputy sacked&nbsp;

The financial measures came after Bashir made top-level changes in his administration, including sacking his long time ally and first vice president Bakri Hassan Saleh.

He continued with more changes, by sacking his deputy in the ruling National Congress Party on Monday.

Faisal Hassan Saleh was replaced by former governor of North Kordofan state, Ahmed Harun, the party said.

"The NCP executive bureau approved Ahmed Harun, nominated by President Bashir as his deputy in the party replacing Faisal Hassan Saleh," party spokesman Ibrahim al-Siddiq told AFP.

Harun is wanted by The Hague-based International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the conflict in Darfur.

The Darfur conflict erupted in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of socially and economically marginalising the region.

About 300,000 people were killed and millions displaced, according to the United Nations.

Harun was Sudan's minister of state for the interior during the peak of the conflict.

Bashir himself is wanted by the ICC for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur.&nbsp;

He denies the charges.

On Sunday, he swore in a new prime minister and appointed 16 army officers and two others from the feared National Intelligence and Security Service as governors for Sudan's 18 provinces as part of a major shake-up of his adminstration.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday banned unauthorised rallies as he announced a slew of new measures to end demonstrations that have rocked his rule for weeks.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday banned unauthorised rallies as he announced a slew of new measures to end demonstrations that have rocked his rule for weeks. Bashir's latest orders come as part of a nationwide state of emergency he imposed on Friday after a sweeping crackdown failed to suppress protests against his administration. "As part of a state of emergency declared by the president, he issued an order banning any gathering or rally that has not been authorised," the presidency said in a statement. Bashir gave sweeping powers to the country's security forces to raid buildings where "suspicious activities were being carried out" and also search people, the presidency said. Blocking roads and stopping traffic was banned, after protesters obstructed streets with rocks and tree trunks to prevent security forces from entering their neighbourhoods. Publishing news "that hurts the citizens or the constitutional system" on any platform, including social media, was also outlawed. But the group that is spearheading the demonstrations rejected the new measures, which also banned strikes. "We are calling on our people in the capital, across all states, towns and villages to take to the streets now to express their rejection of the new emergency measures," said the Sudanese Professionals Association. The state of emergency prompted Washington's acting envoy to the United Nations, Jonathan Cohen, to urge Khartoum to "respect the rights of all individuals in Sudan". The US diplomat called on Bashir's government to "bring an immediate end to the violent repression of peaceful protests." 'We are not scared' A new court and a special prosecutor were created to investigate violations of the measures, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison. Deadly protests began on December 19 after the government tripled the price of bread and quickly evolved into demonstrations against Bashir's rule. Officials say 31 people have died in protest-related violence so far. Human Rights Watch says at least 51 people have been killed, including medics and children. Hours before the latest measures were announced, hundreds of protesters rallied in some areas of Khartoum, chanting their rallying cry "freedom, peace, justice". Riot police confronted them with tear gas, witnesses said. "We are challenging the regime and we are not scared of the state of emergency," said protester Erij who gave only her first name for security reasons. "We have only one aim and that is to make the president step down." Riot police also fired tear gas into the compound of Ahfad University for Women after students staged a sit-in, witnesses said. In the face of public anger over Sudan's economic woes, Bashir on Monday announced measures to tackle the foreign currency shortage. The presidency said no more than $3,000 would be allowed to be carried by any individual travelling outside the country. Bashir also ordered that buying and selling of foreign currency be done only through official channels. Over the past two years, the foreign exchange market has seen high volatility, forcing the country's central bank to devalue the local pound twice last year. Party deputy sacked The financial measures came after Bashir made top-level changes in his administration, including sacking his long time ally and first vice president Bakri Hassan Saleh. He continued with more changes, by sacking his deputy in the ruling National Congress Party on Monday. Faisal Hassan Saleh was replaced by former governor of North Kordofan state, Ahmed Harun, the party said. "The NCP executive bureau approved Ahmed Harun, nominated by President Bashir as his deputy in the party replacing Faisal Hassan Saleh," party spokesman Ibrahim al-Siddiq told AFP. Harun is wanted by The Hague-based International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the conflict in Darfur. The Darfur conflict erupted in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of socially and economically marginalising the region. About 300,000 people were killed and millions displaced, according to the United Nations. Harun was Sudan's minister of state for the interior during the peak of the conflict. Bashir himself is wanted by the ICC for alleged genocide and war crimes in Darfur. He denies the charges. On Sunday, he swore in a new prime minister and appointed 16 army officers and two others from the feared National Intelligence and Security Service as governors for Sudan's 18 provinces as part of a major shake-up of his adminstration.

Sudan President Bashir bans unauthorised rallies

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity.

The issue came up as UN Human Rights Council opened its main annual session. Diplomats and activists say China has lobbied hard to avoid scrutiny over its policies in Xinjiang and other rights issues at the four-week meeting.

Western countries are looking to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to spotlight what rights groups call internment camps in Xinjiang, a remote western region of China. China says they are re-education and training facilities that have been highly successful in stopping attacks previously blamed on Islamist militants and separatists.

Britain was the only country joining Turkey in raising the issue at Monday's session, where Lord Ahmad, minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: "We are deeply concerned about the persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang".

UN experts and activists say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has denied accusations of mistreatment and deems criticism within the UN council to be interference in its sovereignty.

Cavuslogu did not specifically mention mass detention camps but he told the Geneva forum that reports of human rights violations against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang were serious cause for concern.

A distinction should be made between "terrorists and innocent people", Cavusoglu added.

He then inserted a line into his prepared remarks, adding: "And I have to underline that we support the One China policy".

He was referring to China's stance that the country encompasses Taiwan and autonomous regions including Xinjiang and Tibet.

"We encourage Chinese authorities and expect that universal human rights, including freedom of religion, are respected and full protection of the cultural identities of the Uighurs and other Muslims is ensured," Cavusoglu said.

China, a member of the 47-member Human Rights Council, did not immediately respond to his remarks, but delegations will be free to reply to allegations later in the session.

China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang should be applauded for creating a new method of tackling the problem, a senior Chinese diplomat told foreign envoys last week.

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity.

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity. The issue came up as UN Human Rights Council opened its main annual session. Diplomats and activists say China has lobbied hard to avoid scrutiny over its policies in Xinjiang and other rights issues at the four-week meeting. Western countries are looking to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to spotlight what rights groups call internment camps in Xinjiang, a remote western region of China. China says they are re-education and training facilities that have been highly successful in stopping attacks previously blamed on Islamist militants and separatists. Britain was the only country joining Turkey in raising the issue at Monday's session, where Lord Ahmad, minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: "We are deeply concerned about the persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang". UN experts and activists say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has denied accusations of mistreatment and deems criticism within the UN council to be interference in its sovereignty. Cavuslogu did not specifically mention mass detention camps but he told the Geneva forum that reports of human rights violations against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang were serious cause for concern. A distinction should be made between "terrorists and innocent people", Cavusoglu added. He then inserted a line into his prepared remarks, adding: "And I have to underline that we support the One China policy". He was referring to China's stance that the country encompasses Taiwan and autonomous regions including Xinjiang and Tibet. "We encourage Chinese authorities and expect that universal human rights, including freedom of religion, are respected and full protection of the cultural identities of the Uighurs and other Muslims is ensured," Cavusoglu said. China, a member of the 47-member Human Rights Council, did not immediately respond to his remarks, but delegations will be free to reply to allegations later in the session. China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang should be applauded for creating a new method of tackling the problem, a senior Chinese diplomat told foreign envoys last week.

Turkey, Britain raise China's treatment of Uighurs at UN rights forum

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) lauded the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for the women's reservation proposal.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the UN Women said,&nbsp;"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support extended by your government in implementation of the joint programme between UN Women &amp; the Panchayati Raj Department, Govt of Odisha to promote Gender Responsive Governance in the state."

The Women's Reservation Bill has been gathering dust for several years now for want of unanimity among different parties over the issue.

The proposal, which was passed in November 2018 by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeks to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

It is worth mentioning that the Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution 108th Amendment Bill in 2010. However, the Bill lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in 2014.

The Legislative Assemblies of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have already taken a lead and passed a resolution calling on the Central government to enact the Women's Reservation.

Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev had also written to all Congress-led state governments regarding Women's Reservation Bill.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) lauded the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for the women's reservation proposal.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) lauded the Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha government for the women's reservation proposal. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the UN Women said, "We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support extended by your government in implementation of the joint programme between UN Women & the Panchayati Raj Department, Govt of Odisha to promote Gender Responsive Governance in the state." The Women's Reservation Bill has been gathering dust for several years now for want of unanimity among different parties over the issue. The proposal, which was passed in November 2018 by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, seeks to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. It is worth mentioning that the Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution 108th Amendment Bill in 2010. However, the Bill lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in 2014. The Legislative Assemblies of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have already taken a lead and passed a resolution calling on the Central government to enact the Women's Reservation. Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev had also written to all Congress-led state governments regarding Women's Reservation Bill.

UN Women lauds Odisha government for proposing women's reservation

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-its-effects-on-india-199574">civilians wounded in conflict</a> over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war.

"It's not normal," said Hedayat, 42, who works at a trauma hospital in Kabul run by Italian charity Emergency, where the wards are filled with casualties, many wearing splints, casts and bandages.

"Each case of trauma for me is new, a new hurt, a new wound on the soul. Psychologically it's a trauma," he added.

In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures released Sunday.

Many of them were rushed to Emergency's basic but clean 120-bed facility in the heart of the Afghan capital, which focuses on providing urgent treatment to victims of war.

Inside the hospital, two boys lie on adjacent beds under light-green blankets, one with a broken arm, the other on a drip, as winter light streams into the room from the snow-covered grounds outside.

Meanwhile, the highly trained Afghan and foreign medical staff prepare to change the dressing on a leg wound, and a meal of rice, soup, and an apple is served to the inpatients.

Of last year's civilian casualties, 3,804 died and 7,189 were wounded -- the highest UN tally since it began keeping records in 2009 and including 927 children, a &nbsp;record for a single year.

It underscores how regular Afghans continue to pay a disproportionate price in the deteriorating security situation, as the US begins fresh talks with the Taliban in Qatar this week seeking an end to the conflict.

The doctors at Emergency are in a constant state of readiness for the next suicide attack or roadside bombing.

Since 2014, when NATO combat troops pulled out of the country, "every year the number of patients and the severity of the casualties are increasing day by day", Hedayat said recently.&nbsp;

A record 4,076 people were admitted to the Kabul hospital in 2018 -- 530 more than the previous year, said Dejan Panic, program coordinator for Emergency in Afghanistan, which also operates two other hospitals as well as dozens of health clinics around the country.

"That was the busiest so far," Panic said.

Hoping for 'normal life'

Ordinary Afghans have long borne the brunt of the fighting in Afghanistan, which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone.

Most were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Thirteen-year-old Samiul Haq was planting onions with his father and brothers a few hours drive from Kabul when he was shot three times in a skirmish between Taliban militants and Afghan forces.

One of the bullets sliced off his left index and middle fingers, leaving the schoolboy with a permanent reminder of the 17-year war.

"I got hit three times -- once in the fingers, once in the elbow and once in the leg," Samiul Haq told AFP as he prepared to leave Emergency's facility.&nbsp;

Abdul Salaam Stanekzai, 67, was walking home from a Koran recitation ceremony in the eastern province of Logar when a magnetic bomb attached to a passing vehicle exploded, spraying shrapnel into his arm and leg.&nbsp;

One person was killed and three others were wounded in the blast, Stanekzai said, as he sat in his hospital-issue pyjamas in a men-only ward overlooking the garden.&nbsp;

Some do not even have to leave their own home to become a statistic of the long-running conflict.&nbsp;

Computer science student Amir Mohammad Amiri was walking around his family's house late at night in the southeastern province of Ghazni when he was shot during a joint US-Afghan forces operation.

"I was going from one room to another when the bullet hit me," said Amiri, 23, a thick white bandage covering the right side of his chest.

"They were searching for Taliban."

The never-ending violence makes Hedayat worry for the future of his own four children.

"I hope they will have a normal life," he said. "They shouldn't have a life like mine."&nbsp;

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of civilians wounded in conflict over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war.

Afghan surgeon Hedayatullah Hedayat has treated thousands of civilians wounded in conflict over the past 15 years -- victims of attacks from shootings to bomb blast -- but he never gets used to the horrors of war. "It's not normal," said Hedayat, 42, who works at a trauma hospital in Kabul run by Italian charity Emergency, where the wards are filled with casualties, many wearing splints, casts and bandages. "Each case of trauma for me is new, a new hurt, a new wound on the soul. Psychologically it's a trauma," he added. In 2018 a record 10,993 civilians were wounded or killed in Afghanistan, according to UN figures released Sunday. Many of them were rushed to Emergency's basic but clean 120-bed facility in the heart of the Afghan capital, which focuses on providing urgent treatment to victims of war. Inside the hospital, two boys lie on adjacent beds under light-green blankets, one with a broken arm, the other on a drip, as winter light streams into the room from the snow-covered grounds outside. Meanwhile, the highly trained Afghan and foreign medical staff prepare to change the dressing on a leg wound, and a meal of rice, soup, and an apple is served to the inpatients. Of last year's civilian casualties, 3,804 died and 7,189 were wounded -- the highest UN tally since it began keeping records in 2009 and including 927 children, a record for a single year. It underscores how regular Afghans continue to pay a disproportionate price in the deteriorating security situation, as the US begins fresh talks with the Taliban in Qatar this week seeking an end to the conflict. The doctors at Emergency are in a constant state of readiness for the next suicide attack or roadside bombing. Since 2014, when NATO combat troops pulled out of the country, "every year the number of patients and the severity of the casualties are increasing day by day", Hedayat said recently. A record 4,076 people were admitted to the Kabul hospital in 2018 -- 530 more than the previous year, said Dejan Panic, program coordinator for Emergency in Afghanistan, which also operates two other hospitals as well as dozens of health clinics around the country. "That was the busiest so far," Panic said. Hoping for 'normal life' Ordinary Afghans have long borne the brunt of the fighting in Afghanistan, which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone. Most were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thirteen-year-old Samiul Haq was planting onions with his father and brothers a few hours drive from Kabul when he was shot three times in a skirmish between Taliban militants and Afghan forces. One of the bullets sliced off his left index and middle fingers, leaving the schoolboy with a permanent reminder of the 17-year war. "I got hit three times -- once in the fingers, once in the elbow and once in the leg," Samiul Haq told AFP as he prepared to leave Emergency's facility. Abdul Salaam Stanekzai, 67, was walking home from a Koran recitation ceremony in the eastern province of Logar when a magnetic bomb attached to a passing vehicle exploded, spraying shrapnel into his arm and leg. One person was killed and three others were wounded in the blast, Stanekzai said, as he sat in his hospital-issue pyjamas in a men-only ward overlooking the garden. Some do not even have to leave their own home to become a statistic of the long-running conflict. Computer science student Amir Mohammad Amiri was walking around his family's house late at night in the southeastern province of Ghazni when he was shot during a joint US-Afghan forces operation. "I was going from one room to another when the bullet hit me," said Amiri, 23, a thick white bandage covering the right side of his chest. "They were searching for Taliban." The never-ending violence makes Hedayat worry for the future of his own four children. "I hope they will have a normal life," he said. "They shouldn't have a life like mine."

'It's a trauma': Afghan doctors on the frontline of war

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday.

Civilian deaths jumped by 11 per cent from 2017 with 3,804 people killed and another 7,189 wounded, according to the UN figures, as suicide attacks and bombings wreaked havoc across the war-torn country.

The report's release comes a day before the US and the Taliban hold their next round of talks aimed at ending the conflict, raising tentative hopes for peace along with fears that an American withdrawal could spark an even bloodier civil war. &nbsp;

The talks in Doha follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade when the organisation began compiling the data.

The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS).

"It is time to put an end to this human misery and tragedy," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"The best way to halt the killings and maiming of civilians is to stop the fighting," he said.

At least 65 suicide attacks were recorded in 2018 -- the majority hitting Kabul -- with militants responsible for the death of more than 2,200 civilians across the country.&nbsp;

An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 civilians killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record", the report noted.

The US intensified its air campaign against Taliban and IS fighters as Washington seeks to pile pressure on the militants, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Yamamoto said the civilian casualties were &nbsp;"wholly unacceptable" and called on all parties to take “immediate and additional concrete steps to stop a further escalation in the number of civilians harmed and lives destroyed".

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday.

More civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record after nearly two decades of fighting, according to a UN report released Sunday. Civilian deaths jumped by 11 per cent from 2017 with 3,804 people killed and another 7,189 wounded, according to the UN figures, as suicide attacks and bombings wreaked havoc across the war-torn country. The report's release comes a day before the US and the Taliban hold their next round of talks aimed at ending the conflict, raising tentative hopes for peace along with fears that an American withdrawal could spark an even bloodier civil war. The talks in Doha follow years of escalating violence in Afghanistan. According to the UN, at least 32,000 civilians have been killed and another 60,000 wounded in the last decade when the organisation began compiling the data. The uptick in violence in 2018 coincides with a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the "deliberate targeting of civilians", according to the report, mostly stemming from suicide attacks by insurgents allied with the Taliban or Islamic State (IS). "It is time to put an end to this human misery and tragedy," said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan. "The best way to halt the killings and maiming of civilians is to stop the fighting," he said. At least 65 suicide attacks were recorded in 2018 -- the majority hitting Kabul -- with militants responsible for the death of more than 2,200 civilians across the country. An increase in air strikes by US and Afghan forces also led to more civilian deaths in 2018, with more than 500 civilians killed by "aerial operations for the first time on record", the report noted. The US intensified its air campaign against Taliban and IS fighters as Washington seeks to pile pressure on the militants, dropping twice as many munitions on insurgent positions in 2018 compared to the previous year. Yamamoto said the civilian casualties were "wholly unacceptable" and called on all parties to take “immediate and additional concrete steps to stop a further escalation in the number of civilians harmed and lives destroyed".

Civilian deaths in Afghan war hit record in 2018: UN

Sri Lankan police on Saturday hunted a former navy chief linked to the kidnap and murder of 11 people in an extortion case that has attracted international condemnation.

Wasantha Karannagoda, 66, was added to a list of 14 men accused of abducting children from wealthy families in 2008-2009 and later killing them.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake on Friday impounded the retired admiral's passport as police feared he would attempt to flee the country.

The four allegations against Karannagoda include conspiracy to murder, which carries the death penalty.

"We have launched a search for him," a police official told AFP. "We have alerted all ports of exit."&nbsp;

One of Karannagoda's successors, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the current head of Sri Lanka's military, has been on bail since December after being accused of helping one of the suspects to avoid arrest.

Police told the court that the 11 victims were killed while in the illegal custody of the navy, although their bodies have never found.

Investigators believe the number of victims to be at least three times higher.

Police said that the victims were not linked to Tamil rebels and had been kidnapped purely to extort money from their families.

The killings of the young men have been widely condemned and international rights organisations have repeatedly demanded accountability.

The case was reopened only after President Mahinda Rajapakse lost his reelection bid in January 2015 elections.

Several intelligence officers also face prosecution over the murder of journalists critical of Rajapakse, whose decade in power was marred by allegations of war crimes and grave rights abuses.

Military figures have been accused of extrajudicial killings during the 37-year war against the Tamil Tiger separatist movement.

The final days of the offensive that eventually crushed the rebels were marked by major abuses, according to rights groups. A UN panel said 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the final stages of the war that ended in May 2009.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan police on Saturday hunted a former navy chief linked to the kidnap and murder of 11 people in an extortion case that has attracted international condemnation.

Sri Lankan police on Saturday hunted a former navy chief linked to the kidnap and murder of 11 people in an extortion case that has attracted international condemnation. Wasantha Karannagoda, 66, was added to a list of 14 men accused of abducting children from wealthy families in 2008-2009 and later killing them. Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake on Friday impounded the retired admiral's passport as police feared he would attempt to flee the country. The four allegations against Karannagoda include conspiracy to murder, which carries the death penalty. "We have launched a search for him," a police official told AFP. "We have alerted all ports of exit." One of Karannagoda's successors, Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the current head of Sri Lanka's military, has been on bail since December after being accused of helping one of the suspects to avoid arrest. Police told the court that the 11 victims were killed while in the illegal custody of the navy, although their bodies have never found. Investigators believe the number of victims to be at least three times higher. Police said that the victims were not linked to Tamil rebels and had been kidnapped purely to extort money from their families. The killings of the young men have been widely condemned and international rights organisations have repeatedly demanded accountability. The case was reopened only after President Mahinda Rajapakse lost his reelection bid in January 2015 elections. Several intelligence officers also face prosecution over the murder of journalists critical of Rajapakse, whose decade in power was marred by allegations of war crimes and grave rights abuses. Military figures have been accused of extrajudicial killings during the 37-year war against the Tamil Tiger separatist movement. The final days of the offensive that eventually crushed the rebels were marked by major abuses, according to rights groups. A UN panel said 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the final stages of the war that ended in May 2009.

Sri Lanka in manhunt for ex-admiral linked to extortion killings

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-introduce-resolution-stopping-trump-border-emergency-199038">President Donald Trump</a> said Friday he is nominating Kelly Craft, his envoy to Canada, to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations.

"Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our country will be represented at the highest level," Trump said in a pair of tweets announcing his pick.

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I am pleased to announce that Kelly Knight Craft, our current Ambassador to Canada, is being nominated to be United States Ambassador to the United Nations....
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If confirmed by the US Senate, she would fill the post that has been vacant since Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and rising star in the Republican Party who stepped down from the UN job late last year.

Craft was nominated one week after Trump's previous choice, former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, withdrew from consideration amid criticism that she lacked the experience for one of the top diplomatic posts.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered quick praise for the nominee.&nbsp;

"Ambassador Craft has been an outstanding advocate for America's national security and economic interests in Canada and she is extremely well-qualified to do the same at the United Nations," he said in a statement.

Craft was a major supporter of George W. Bush, who as president appointed her to serve as a US delegate to the United Nations, representing Washington at UN meetings.

The businesswoman from Kentucky, believed to be 56-years-old, has been a major Republican donor.&nbsp;

She raised eyebrows in 2017 as the new US ambassador in Ottawa -- and the first woman in that post -- when she said she believes "both sides" of climate science.

"I think that both sides have their own results, from their studies, and I appreciate and I respect both sides of the science," Craft told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

She is married to Joe Craft, who is president of Alliance Resource Partners, which describes itself as the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States.

Joe Craft was worth an estimated $1.4 billion in 2012, according to Forbes magazine.

Open Secrets, a non-profit group that tracks money in politics, says Craft donated $1 million to Trump's 2017 inauguration fund.&nbsp;

He also donated $371,100 to candidates, all Republicans, during the 2018 election cycle, the organization said.

President Donald Trump said Friday he is nominating Kelly Craft, his envoy to Canada, to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. "Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our country will be represented at the highest level," Trump said in a pair of tweets announcing his pick.

President Donald Trump said Friday he is nominating Kelly Craft, his envoy to Canada, to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. "Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our Nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our country will be represented at the highest level," Trump said in a pair of tweets announcing his pick. I am pleased to announce that Kelly Knight Craft, our current Ambassador to Canada, is being nominated to be United States Ambassador to the United Nations.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2019 × If confirmed by the US Senate, she would fill the post that has been vacant since Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and rising star in the Republican Party who stepped down from the UN job late last year. Craft was nominated one week after Trump's previous choice, former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, withdrew from consideration amid criticism that she lacked the experience for one of the top diplomatic posts. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo offered quick praise for the nominee. "Ambassador Craft has been an outstanding advocate for America's national security and economic interests in Canada and she is extremely well-qualified to do the same at the United Nations," he said in a statement. Craft was a major supporter of George W. Bush, who as president appointed her to serve as a US delegate to the United Nations, representing Washington at UN meetings. The businesswoman from Kentucky, believed to be 56-years-old, has been a major Republican donor. She raised eyebrows in 2017 as the new US ambassador in Ottawa -- and the first woman in that post -- when she said she believes "both sides" of climate science. "I think that both sides have their own results, from their studies, and I appreciate and I respect both sides of the science," Craft told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She is married to Joe Craft, who is president of Alliance Resource Partners, which describes itself as the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States. Joe Craft was worth an estimated $1.4 billion in 2012, according to Forbes magazine. Open Secrets, a non-profit group that tracks money in politics, says Craft donated $1 million to Trump's 2017 inauguration fund. He also donated $371,100 to candidates, all Republicans, during the 2018 election cycle, the organization said.

Trump nominates Canada envoy Kelly Craft as UN ambassador

An estimated 2.7 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, the UN said Friday, warning that the exodus amid a devastating political and economic crisis looked set to continue "unabated."

The figure from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) marks an increase from December when 2.3 million people were estimated to have fled the country.

UNHCR and the UN migration agency IOM said in a joint statement that an average of 5,000 people left Venezuela every day in 2018, noting that neighbouring countries especially Colombia have taken on most of the burden.&nbsp;

"These figures underscore the strain on host communities and the continued need for support from the international community, at a time when the world’s attention is on political developments inside Venezuela," Eduardo Stein, joint UNHCR-IOM Special Representative for Venezuela, said in a statement.&nbsp;

UN agencies have estimated that 3.4 million Venezuelans are currently living abroad, a figure that includes those who left before President Nicolas Maduro's government was engulfed in crisis.&nbsp;

The total number of Venezuelans living outside the country is expected to hit 5.3 million by year's end, according to the UN. &nbsp;

An estimated 2.7 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, the UN said Friday, warning that the exodus amid a devastating political and economic crisis looked set to continue "unabated.

An estimated 2.7 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, the UN said Friday, warning that the exodus amid a devastating political and economic crisis looked set to continue "unabated." The figure from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) marks an increase from December when 2.3 million people were estimated to have fled the country. UNHCR and the UN migration agency IOM said in a joint statement that an average of 5,000 people left Venezuela every day in 2018, noting that neighbouring countries especially Colombia have taken on most of the burden. "These figures underscore the strain on host communities and the continued need for support from the international community, at a time when the world’s attention is on political developments inside Venezuela," Eduardo Stein, joint UNHCR-IOM Special Representative for Venezuela, said in a statement. UN agencies have estimated that 3.4 million Venezuelans are currently living abroad, a figure that includes those who left before President Nicolas Maduro's government was engulfed in crisis. The total number of Venezuelans living outside the country is expected to hit 5.3 million by year's end, according to the UN.

2.7 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015: UN

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed peace efforts in Yemen and the crisis in Venezuela with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday, a UN spokesman said.

The 35-minute meeting at UN headquarters was requested by Pompeo.

Pompeo and the UN chief "discussed the situation in Yemen, in particular the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement and the importance of the parties to begin phase 1 of the redeployment from Hodeida," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

"They also discussed the situation in Venezuela and the region", he added, without providing details.&nbsp;

Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on the first phase of a redeployment of forces from the Red Sea port of Hodeida, in line with a ceasefire deal reached in Sweden in December.

The port is the entry point for the bulk of humanitarian aid and supplies to Yemen, where millions are on the brink of famine.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on Tuesday that he expected the pullback of forces to begin in the coming days, but by Thursday there had been no movement on the ground.&nbsp;

On Venezuela, the UN chief has called for serious political negotiations to end a standoff between leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, and President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries including Britain, France, Germany and several Latin American nations such as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. &nbsp;

Fears are growing of a violent confrontation over Guaido's bid to bring US humanitarian aid into the country from Colombia, in defiance of the government which accuses Washington of using aid for regime change.&nbsp;

The United Nations has said that aid should not be politicized.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed peace efforts in Yemen and the crisis in Venezuela with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday, a UN spokesman said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed peace efforts in Yemen and the crisis in Venezuela with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday, a UN spokesman said. The 35-minute meeting at UN headquarters was requested by Pompeo. Pompeo and the UN chief "discussed the situation in Yemen, in particular the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement and the importance of the parties to begin phase 1 of the redeployment from Hodeida," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "They also discussed the situation in Venezuela and the region", he added, without providing details. Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on the first phase of a redeployment of forces from the Red Sea port of Hodeida, in line with a ceasefire deal reached in Sweden in December. The port is the entry point for the bulk of humanitarian aid and supplies to Yemen, where millions are on the brink of famine. UN envoy Martin Griffiths told the Security Council on Tuesday that he expected the pullback of forces to begin in the coming days, but by Thursday there had been no movement on the ground. On Venezuela, the UN chief has called for serious political negotiations to end a standoff between leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, and President Nicolas Maduro. The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries including Britain, France, Germany and several Latin American nations such as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Fears are growing of a violent confrontation over Guaido's bid to bring US humanitarian aid into the country from Colombia, in defiance of the government which accuses Washington of using aid for regime change. The United Nations has said that aid should not be politicized.

Pompeo discusses Yemen, Venezuela in talks with UN chief

Myanmar will be represented by a government minister at a UN conference in Geneva next week, and not by the country`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the latest agenda for the meeting on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, an agenda for the Conference on Disarmament seen by Reuters showed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-united-nations-in-geneva-in-next-week-198796">Suu Kyi</a>, who has been criticised by the West over the government`s treatment of Rohingya Muslims and other human rights concerns, was scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Two officials confirmed she was expected, raising the prospect of a possible meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is due to speak at the UN Human Rights Council on Monday and the disarmament forum on Tuesday.&nbsp;

But an agenda posted on the conference`s website later in the day listed Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation, as the speaker from Myanmar. UN officials said they did not have any information about Suu Kyi coming to Geneva.

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not respond to calls seeking comment and diplomats at Myanmar`s mission in Geneva were unavailable throughout the day.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi is a former political prisoner who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but her reputation has suffered badly in recent years.

Her government`s relations with the United Nations are tense following the Rohingya crisis. About 730,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar`s Rakhine State into Bangladesh since a military crackdown in 2017 after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts.

Myanmar has banned the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, from coming to the country and Suu Kyi`s administration has opposed raising the profile of the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi has largely shunned travel to the West since the Rohingya crisis broke but she and senior officials in her administration travel regularly within Asia.

A UN mandated fact-finding mission said that Myanmar`s military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" and called for generals to be prosecuted. Myanmar rejected the findings.

Last year Suu Kyi visited Australia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Nepal. She travelled to Switzerland in 2012, visiting the Swiss government in Bern and the UN and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

Myanmar will be represented by a government minister at a UN conference in Geneva next week, and not by the country`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the latest agenda for the meeting on Thursday.

Myanmar will be represented by a government minister at a UN conference in Geneva next week, and not by the country`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to the latest agenda for the meeting on Thursday. Earlier on Thursday, an agenda for the Conference on Disarmament seen by Reuters showed Suu Kyi, who has been criticised by the West over the government`s treatment of Rohingya Muslims and other human rights concerns, was scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Two officials confirmed she was expected, raising the prospect of a possible meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who is due to speak at the UN Human Rights Council on Monday and the disarmament forum on Tuesday. But an agenda posted on the conference`s website later in the day listed Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation, as the speaker from Myanmar. UN officials said they did not have any information about Suu Kyi coming to Geneva. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not respond to calls seeking comment and diplomats at Myanmar`s mission in Geneva were unavailable throughout the day. Suu Kyi is a former political prisoner who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but her reputation has suffered badly in recent years. Her government`s relations with the United Nations are tense following the Rohingya crisis. About 730,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar`s Rakhine State into Bangladesh since a military crackdown in 2017 after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts. Myanmar has banned the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, from coming to the country and Suu Kyi`s administration has opposed raising the profile of the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar. Suu Kyi has largely shunned travel to the West since the Rohingya crisis broke but she and senior officials in her administration travel regularly within Asia. A UN mandated fact-finding mission said that Myanmar`s military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" and called for generals to be prosecuted. Myanmar rejected the findings. Last year Suu Kyi visited Australia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Nepal. She travelled to Switzerland in 2012, visiting the Swiss government in Bern and the UN and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi drops off UN agenda in Geneva next week

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticised by the West over the government's treatment of Rohingya Muslims and other human rights concerns, is scheduled to speak at the United Nations in Geneva next week, a UN&nbsp;official said on Thursday.

Her itinerary has not been made public but it could coincide with that of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will open the UN Human Rights Council session on Monday, presenting the chance of a rare meeting.

Suu Kyi is a former political prisoner who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but her reputation has suffered badly in recent years.

Her government's relations with the United Nations are tense following the Rohingya crisis. It has banned the UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, from coming to the country and Suu Kyi's administration has opposed raising the profile of the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar.

She has largely shunned travel to the West since the Rohingya crisis broke out in 2017 but she and senior officials in her administration travel regularly within Asia.

Suu Kyi is listed as a speaker at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva next Wednesday, but UN officials were not immediately able to confirm any other details of her trip.

About 730,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar's Rakhine State into Bangladesh since a military crackdown in 2017 after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts.

A UN mandated fact-finding mission said that Myanmar's military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" and called for generals to be prosecuted. Myanmar rejected the findings.

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not respond to calls seeking comment and diplomats at Myanmar's mission in Geneva were not immediately available.

Last year Suu Kyi visited Australia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Nepal, and she came to Switzerland in 2012, visiting the Swiss government in Bern and the U.N. and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticised by the West over the government's treatment of Rohingya Muslims and other human rights concerns, is scheduled to speak at the United Nations in Geneva next week, a UN official said on Thursday.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been criticised by the West over the government's treatment of Rohingya Muslims and other human rights concerns, is scheduled to speak at the United Nations in Geneva next week, a UN official said on Thursday. Her itinerary has not been made public but it could coincide with that of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will open the UN Human Rights Council session on Monday, presenting the chance of a rare meeting. Suu Kyi is a former political prisoner who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but her reputation has suffered badly in recent years. Her government's relations with the United Nations are tense following the Rohingya crisis. It has banned the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, from coming to the country and Suu Kyi's administration has opposed raising the profile of the UN resident coordinator in Myanmar. She has largely shunned travel to the West since the Rohingya crisis broke out in 2017 but she and senior officials in her administration travel regularly within Asia. Suu Kyi is listed as a speaker at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva next Wednesday, but UN officials were not immediately able to confirm any other details of her trip. About 730,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmar's Rakhine State into Bangladesh since a military crackdown in 2017 after Rohingya insurgents attacked security posts. A UN mandated fact-finding mission said that Myanmar's military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent" and called for generals to be prosecuted. Myanmar rejected the findings. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not respond to calls seeking comment and diplomats at Myanmar's mission in Geneva were not immediately available. Last year Suu Kyi visited Australia, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Nepal, and she came to Switzerland in 2012, visiting the Swiss government in Bern and the U.N. and the International Labour Organization in Geneva.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi to speak in United Nations in Geneva next week

The United States, France, Britain and six other countries on the UN Security Council have called for a meeting on Myanmar that is expected to face opposition from China, diplomats said Wednesday.

The meeting requested for next week would be to hear a report from UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener who last month paid a 12-day visit to Myanmar to discuss the plight of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar has agreed to take back some of the refugees in a deal reached with Bangladesh, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized as "too slow" Myanmar's efforts to address the Rohingya crisis and described the lack of progress as a source of "enormous frustration."

Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat, has made four visits to Myanmar since her appointment in April but appears to have returned empty-handed each time. 
Belgium, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Peru and the Dominican Republic joined the three veto-holding powers to push the council to turn its attention to Myanmar.

Diplomats said China was expected to raise objections but it remained unclear whether it would seek to block the meeting with a procedural vote.&nbsp;

Nine votes are required in the 15-member council to hold a meeting, and vetoes do not apply.

The Chinese mission at the United Nations did not respond to a request from AFP for comment.

In October, China failed to win enough support at the council to block a report from the head of UN fact-finding mission in Myanmar.

China, which has close ties with Myanmar's military, has argued that the crisis in Rakhine is linked to poverty and has opposed any step to put pressure on the authorities.

Myanmar's military has denied any wrongdoing in Rakhine and argues that its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following attacks on police posts.

The United States, France, Britain and six other countries on the UN Security Council have called for a meeting on Myanmar that is expected to face opposition from China, diplomats said Wednesday.

The United States, France, Britain and six other countries on the UN Security Council have called for a meeting on Myanmar that is expected to face opposition from China, diplomats said Wednesday. The meeting requested for next week would be to hear a report from UN envoy Christine Schraner Burgener who last month paid a 12-day visit to Myanmar to discuss the plight of Rohingya refugees. Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya are living in camps in Bangladesh after they were driven out of Myanmar's northern Rakhine state during a military campaign in 2017 that the United Nations has described as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has agreed to take back some of the refugees in a deal reached with Bangladesh, but the United Nations insists that the safety of the Rohingya be a condition for their return. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized as "too slow" Myanmar's efforts to address the Rohingya crisis and described the lack of progress as a source of "enormous frustration." Schraner Burgener, a Swiss diplomat, has made four visits to Myanmar since her appointment in April but appears to have returned empty-handed each time. Belgium, Germany, Poland, Kuwait, Peru and the Dominican Republic joined the three veto-holding powers to push the council to turn its attention to Myanmar. Diplomats said China was expected to raise objections but it remained unclear whether it would seek to block the meeting with a procedural vote. Nine votes are required in the 15-member council to hold a meeting, and vetoes do not apply. The Chinese mission at the United Nations did not respond to a request from AFP for comment. In October, China failed to win enough support at the council to block a report from the head of UN fact-finding mission in Myanmar. China, which has close ties with Myanmar's military, has argued that the crisis in Rakhine is linked to poverty and has opposed any step to put pressure on the authorities. Myanmar's military has denied any wrongdoing in Rakhine and argues that its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following attacks on police posts.

Nine countries at United Nation seek to override China to raise Myanmar

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a> on the UN sanctions list.

This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations.

In 2017, &nbsp;France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China.

"We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today.

India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan.

JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list.

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list. This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China. "We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today. India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan. JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Trying to put JeM chief Masood Azhar on UN sanctions list: France envoy to India

Organisers of a summit in Myanmar's crisis-hit western state of Rakhine are this week pitching to investors its plentiful farmland and fishing grounds, tourist-ready beaches and historic temples.

The event's website describes the "untouched opportunities" available in the strategically located region, close to large markets in India and Bangladesh. But a session at the fair will also be devoted to how to invest responsibly in the state, from which an estimated 730,000 minority Rohingya Muslims fled an army offensive in 2017.

A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign, which refugees say included mass killings and rape, was orchestrated with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies the charge and says its offensive was a legitimate response to an insurgent threat and that it is welcoming the refugees back.

Myanmar hopes the Rakhine State Investment Fair – the first of its kind – will bring money into the impoverished region. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who in the past has said economic development is the key to addressing the state's long-standing religious and ethnic tensions, is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech on Friday.

Suu Kyi's spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi last month pledged to make Myanmar more investment-friendly as she opened a separate investment summit in the capital, Naypyitaw.

But her government remains under pressure over the 2017 exodus of refugees to Bangladesh, and the plight of hundreds of thousands more Muslims still living in camps and villages inside Rakhine, where their movements and access to healthcare and education remain restricted. A separate conflict with Rakhine rebels that escalated in December has seen aid agencies blocked from reaching many areas.

"It's quite extraordinary that this investment fair is on, even though large chunks of central Rakhine are now off limits to prying eyes," said Laetitia van den Assum, a retired Dutch diplomat who was a member of a commission on Rakhine led by the late former U.N. chief Kofi Annan.

Changing news

The investment fair has been organised by the Rakhine state government and Myanmar Investment Commission, with backing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

More than 350 investors will mingle with local entrepreneurs and officials at the Rakhine tourist hotspot of Ngapali beach, discussing proposals to farm soft shell crabs or package cashew nuts.

"The Rakhine issue has tarnished the country's image. But the fair will change the international view of Myanmar," Htoo Min Thein, secretary of Rakhine's investment committee, said in an interview carried by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

"A goal of the fair is to ensure the long-lasting peace, stability and progress in the state through investment," he said, adding that many areas of the state were unaffected by conflict.

Investment opportunities listed on the fair's website include several in the troubled north of the state, from where most of the Rohingya population fled in 2017.

Kazufumi Tanaka, JETRO's managing director in Yangon, said about 50 Japanese government officials, researchers and investors would attend the fair, and that Japanese firms were particularly interested in agriculture and fisheries investments.

Asked about human rights concerns, he told Reuters JETRO would advise Japanese firms on responsible investment practices, adding that most companies would be interested in projects in the south of the state, away from the conflict zone.

"Human rights due diligence is very, very critical of course," he said. "The image is a very negative image but the other parts of Rakhine state I believe are an opportunity for international investors."

JICA's Myanmar office also noted the need for responsible development in Rakhine, and said it hoped the fair would promote development in the state that leads to stability.

Ethnic segregation

The Rohingya crisis slowed Myanmar's economic growth, turned off Western tourists and worried new investors. The government's tally of new foreign investment approvals, which peaked before the violence at $9.5 billion in 2015-16, was just $3 billion for the 10 months up to January.

Peter Beynon, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, said investors should look beyond Myanmar's "negative press".

"Engagement is always better than isolation," he said, adding that foreign investment in Rakhine could bring employment opportunities that would make refugees more likely to return.

Rakhine is one of Myanmar's poorest regions, despite natural gas reserves offshore and infrastructure projects including a planned economic zone at Kyauk Pyu, where parallel oil and gas pipelines to China's Yunnan province already have their terminals.

But some experts warn purely economic solutions to the state's woes could cement the marginalisation of the mostly stateless Rohingya. Kofi Annan's commission said in 2017 that development in Rakhine had to be addressed alongside security and human rights, said van den Assum.

Investments that benefit all communities were welcome, she said, but companies should ask themselves, "Do they want to operate under a regime that strictly enforces ethnic segregation?"

A Reuters special report in December revealed that officials had built new homes for Buddhists where the Rohingya once lived, making the return of many refugees to their original homes impossible.

Myanmar says it has been ready to accept returning refugees since January, and denies discriminating against Muslims who remain in Rakhine.

In Myebon, about 200 km (125 miles) north of Ngapali beach, Muslim residents are barred from returning to their homes nearly seven years after they fled communal clashes.

"I don't think it’s a good time to invest in Rakhine," said Tin Aung, a Muslim community leader in the camp where they now live. "It might be good for outsiders, but we, the people in the camps, are not going to benefit from these investments."

Organisers of a summit in Myanmar's crisis-hit western state of Rakhine are this week pitching to investors its plentiful farmland and fishing grounds, tourist-ready beaches and historic temples.

Organisers of a summit in Myanmar's crisis-hit western state of Rakhine are this week pitching to investors its plentiful farmland and fishing grounds, tourist-ready beaches and historic temples. The event's website describes the "untouched opportunities" available in the strategically located region, close to large markets in India and Bangladesh. But a session at the fair will also be devoted to how to invest responsibly in the state, from which an estimated 730,000 minority Rohingya Muslims fled an army offensive in 2017. A UN fact-finding mission last year said the military campaign, which refugees say included mass killings and rape, was orchestrated with "genocidal intent". Myanmar denies the charge and says its offensive was a legitimate response to an insurgent threat and that it is welcoming the refugees back. Myanmar hopes the Rakhine State Investment Fair – the first of its kind – will bring money into the impoverished region. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who in the past has said economic development is the key to addressing the state's long-standing religious and ethnic tensions, is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech on Friday. Suu Kyi's spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi last month pledged to make Myanmar more investment-friendly as she opened a separate investment summit in the capital, Naypyitaw. But her government remains under pressure over the 2017 exodus of refugees to Bangladesh, and the plight of hundreds of thousands more Muslims still living in camps and villages inside Rakhine, where their movements and access to healthcare and education remain restricted. A separate conflict with Rakhine rebels that escalated in December has seen aid agencies blocked from reaching many areas. "It's quite extraordinary that this investment fair is on, even though large chunks of central Rakhine are now off limits to prying eyes," said Laetitia van den Assum, a retired Dutch diplomat who was a member of a commission on Rakhine led by the late former U.N. chief Kofi Annan. Changing news The investment fair has been organised by the Rakhine state government and Myanmar Investment Commission, with backing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). More than 350 investors will mingle with local entrepreneurs and officials at the Rakhine tourist hotspot of Ngapali beach, discussing proposals to farm soft shell crabs or package cashew nuts. "The Rakhine issue has tarnished the country's image. But the fair will change the international view of Myanmar," Htoo Min Thein, secretary of Rakhine's investment committee, said in an interview carried by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. "A goal of the fair is to ensure the long-lasting peace, stability and progress in the state through investment," he said, adding that many areas of the state were unaffected by conflict. Investment opportunities listed on the fair's website include several in the troubled north of the state, from where most of the Rohingya population fled in 2017. Kazufumi Tanaka, JETRO's managing director in Yangon, said about 50 Japanese government officials, researchers and investors would attend the fair, and that Japanese firms were particularly interested in agriculture and fisheries investments. Asked about human rights concerns, he told Reuters JETRO would advise Japanese firms on responsible investment practices, adding that most companies would be interested in projects in the south of the state, away from the conflict zone. "Human rights due diligence is very, very critical of course," he said. "The image is a very negative image but the other parts of Rakhine state I believe are an opportunity for international investors." JICA's Myanmar office also noted the need for responsible development in Rakhine, and said it hoped the fair would promote development in the state that leads to stability. Ethnic segregation The Rohingya crisis slowed Myanmar's economic growth, turned off Western tourists and worried new investors. The government's tally of new foreign investment approvals, which peaked before the violence at $9.5 billion in 2015-16, was just $3 billion for the 10 months up to January. Peter Beynon, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, said investors should look beyond Myanmar's "negative press". "Engagement is always better than isolation," he said, adding that foreign investment in Rakhine could bring employment opportunities that would make refugees more likely to return. Rakhine is one of Myanmar's poorest regions, despite natural gas reserves offshore and infrastructure projects including a planned economic zone at Kyauk Pyu, where parallel oil and gas pipelines to China's Yunnan province already have their terminals. But some experts warn purely economic solutions to the state's woes could cement the marginalisation of the mostly stateless Rohingya. Kofi Annan's commission said in 2017 that development in Rakhine had to be addressed alongside security and human rights, said van den Assum. Investments that benefit all communities were welcome, she said, but companies should ask themselves, "Do they want to operate under a regime that strictly enforces ethnic segregation?" A Reuters special report in December revealed that officials had built new homes for Buddhists where the Rohingya once lived, making the return of many refugees to their original homes impossible. Myanmar says it has been ready to accept returning refugees since January, and denies discriminating against Muslims who remain in Rakhine. In Myebon, about 200 km (125 miles) north of Ngapali beach, Muslim residents are barred from returning to their homes nearly seven years after they fled communal clashes. "I don't think it’s a good time to invest in Rakhine," said Tin Aung, a Muslim community leader in the camp where they now live. "It might be good for outsiders, but we, the people in the camps, are not going to benefit from these investments."

'Tarnished image': Myanmar touts troubled Rakhine as investment destination

Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in <a href="Two JeM terrorists shot dead in Pulwama encounter, four soldiers killed ">Jammu and Kashmir</a> in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed.

On February 14, at least 41 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group.

The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, seeking his help to reduce the tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Office said.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India," Qureshi wrote in the letter.

India has rejected any third party intervention in the Kashmir issue and has maintained that all outstanding matters in Indo-Pak ties should be resolved bilaterally.

Qureshi, in his letter, said the Pulwama attack on Indian CRPF soldiers was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident.

He said attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations was absurd.

He alleged that for domestic political reasons, India deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment.

Qureshi wrote that India has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that it would be a grievous error.

"It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," Qureshi said.

He said India must be asked to conduct an open and credible investigation in the terror attack.

"You may also consider asking India to refrain from further escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan and the Kashmiris to calm the situation down," he wrote.

The foreign minister requested that the letter should be circulated to members of the Security Council and General Assembly.

Pakistan has repeatedly asked the UN to intervene in Kashmir. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also sought the US' intervention, saying America was the "most relevant" party to get involved in Kashmir issue.

The US, however, has time and again reiterated that it is for India and Pakistan to discuss and decide on the pace and scope of their bilateral relationship.

Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed.

Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed. On February 14, at least 41 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group. The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, seeking his help to reduce the tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Office said. "It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India," Qureshi wrote in the letter. India has rejected any third party intervention in the Kashmir issue and has maintained that all outstanding matters in Indo-Pak ties should be resolved bilaterally. Qureshi, in his letter, said the Pulwama attack on Indian CRPF soldiers was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident. He said attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations was absurd. He alleged that for domestic political reasons, India deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment. Qureshi wrote that India has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that it would be a grievous error. "It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," Qureshi said. He said India must be asked to conduct an open and credible investigation in the terror attack. "You may also consider asking India to refrain from further escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan and the Kashmiris to calm the situation down," he wrote. The foreign minister requested that the letter should be circulated to members of the Security Council and General Assembly. Pakistan has repeatedly asked the UN to intervene in Kashmir. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also sought the US' intervention, saying America was the "most relevant" party to get involved in Kashmir issue. The US, however, has time and again reiterated that it is for India and Pakistan to discuss and decide on the pace and scope of their bilateral relationship.

Pulwama attack: Pakistan asks UN to intervene, de-escalate tensions with India

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday said that "a unified negotiating team" under the umbrella of the Afghan government is required in order to achieve peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

In an interview to Tolo news, Zalmay Khalilzad &nbsp;said, "There is a need of integration of a strong and unified negotiating team under Afghan government’s umbrella for achieving a breakthrough in the strides for peace in Afghanistan."

When asked whether the peace talks have hit a deadlock, &nbsp;Khalilzad said, "There are difficulties, but we have agreed with the Taliban to meet again on February 25 in Doha. We agreed in principle to talk in details and with more authenticity about two topics to find whether there is the possibility to make more progress on the issue of terrorism and the issue of forces.”

This has come a day after Afghanistan voiced its concern to United Nations Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with Taliban, saying it not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan`s National Sovereignty and UNSC Resolution 1988.

While criticising Moscow talks which were held from February 5 to February 8, Ghani said, "The nation says that they (Afghan politicians and Taliban members) did not go to Mecca but they went to Moscow (for talks on peace); therefore, they should answer to this question.”

Earlier also, during the Russia talks, Afghanistan criticised the invitation to UN blacklisted Taliban members by Russia and said that the talks were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process.

The government also lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by UN-blacklisted Taliban members to Moscow to attend talks.

However, the declaration stated that all parties, excluding the Afghan government which was not invited in the Russia talks, have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow.

Meanwhile, Zalmay is on his six-nation visit to facilitate a peace process that protects the national security interests of the United States and brings all parties in Afghanistan together into an intra-Afghan dialogue.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday said that "a unified negotiating team" under the umbrella of the Afghan government is required in order to achieve peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday said that "a unified negotiating team" under the umbrella of the Afghan government is required in order to achieve peace in war-torn Afghanistan. In an interview to Tolo news, Zalmay Khalilzad said, "There is a need of integration of a strong and unified negotiating team under Afghan government’s umbrella for achieving a breakthrough in the strides for peace in Afghanistan." When asked whether the peace talks have hit a deadlock, Khalilzad said, "There are difficulties, but we have agreed with the Taliban to meet again on February 25 in Doha. We agreed in principle to talk in details and with more authenticity about two topics to find whether there is the possibility to make more progress on the issue of terrorism and the issue of forces.” This has come a day after Afghanistan voiced its concern to United Nations Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with Taliban, saying it not only undermines ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan`s National Sovereignty and UNSC Resolution 1988. While criticising Moscow talks which were held from February 5 to February 8, Ghani said, "The nation says that they (Afghan politicians and Taliban members) did not go to Mecca but they went to Moscow (for talks on peace); therefore, they should answer to this question.” Earlier also, during the Russia talks, Afghanistan criticised the invitation to UN blacklisted Taliban members by Russia and said that the talks were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process. The government also lodged a complaint with the United Nations over a recent trip by UN-blacklisted Taliban members to Moscow to attend talks. However, the declaration stated that all parties, excluding the Afghan government which was not invited in the Russia talks, have agreed that a dignified and lasting peace is the aspiration of all the people of Afghanistan and this principle has been achieved in Moscow. Meanwhile, Zalmay is on his six-nation visit to facilitate a peace process that protects the national security interests of the United States and brings all parties in Afghanistan together into an intra-Afghan dialogue.

Unified team under Afghan governemnt is required to achieve peace: Zalmay Khalilzad

Yemen's warring parties have agreed to start withdrawing forces from the main port of Hodeidah under a UN-sponsored deal, the United Nations said, following weeks of diplomacy to salvage a pact that stalled over control of the Red Sea city.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed government agreed in talks in December to withdraw troops by January 7 from Hodeidah - a lifeline for millions facing famine - under a truce accord aimed at averting a full-scale assault on the port and paving the way for negotiations to end the four-year-old war.

"The parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," the UN&nbsp;spokesman's office said in a statement without giving details on what was agreed.

Under Phase 1, the Houthis would withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, used for grains, and Ras Isa, used for oil. This would be met by a retreat of Saudi-led coalition forces from the eastern outskirts of Hodeidah, where battles raged before a ceasefire went into effect on December 18.

The Houthis control Hodeidah, the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial and aid imports, while other Yemeni forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition loyal to ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi are massed on the outskirts.

The UN&nbsp;statement said the two sides also agreed "in principle" on Phase 2, entailing full redeployment of both parties' forces in Hodeidah province.

Two sources involved in the negotiations, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of discussions, said both sides had yet to agree on a withdrawal timeline or on a mechanism for local forces to take over security at the ports and city.

"The UN&nbsp;is still discussing how to reduce the gap between the two sides on how to choose the forces that will control the city," one source told Reuters.

The parties could decide within 7-10 days on where they would re-position forces, said the other source, adding that Houthi fighters could pull back as far as 20 km (15 miles) from the port.

Humanitarian corridors

Disagreement on withdrawal had delayed opening humanitarian corridors needed to reach 10 million people on the brink of starvation in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula.

Under the first phase, the two sides agreed to reopen main roads linking Hodeidah to the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and in Yemen's third city of Taiz, a UN&nbsp;source told Reuters.

They also agreed to enable access to Red Sea Mills, which holds some 50,000 tonnes of World Food Programme grain, enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month, the source said. Access to the site has been cut off since September due to fighting.

"One of the problems with this process so far has been that there are political agreements on how to make progress, but then nothing happens on the ground," said Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.

"Now we theoretically have this agreement to move forward, we need to see someone move on the ground," she said.

The Hodeidah truce has largely been respected but there have been intermittent skirmishes in flashpoints on the city's edges.

Hodeidah became the focus of the war last year when the coalition twice launched an offensive to seize the port and weaken the Houthis by cutting of their main supply line.

The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in 2015 to restore Hadi's internationally recognised government that was ousted from power in Sanaa in late 2014.

The Houthis control most urban centres while Hadi's government is based in the southern port of Aden and controls some coastal towns.

Western nations, some of which supply arms and intelligence to the coalition, have pressed for an end to the war that has killed tens of thousands of people.

The conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis deny receiving help from Tehran and say their revolution is against corruption.

Yemen's warring parties have agreed to start withdrawing forces from the main port of Hodeidah under a UN-sponsored deal, the United Nations said, following weeks of diplomacy to salvage a pact that stalled over control of the Red Sea city.

Yemen's warring parties have agreed to start withdrawing forces from the main port of Hodeidah under a UN-sponsored deal, the United Nations said, following weeks of diplomacy to salvage a pact that stalled over control of the Red Sea city. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed government agreed in talks in December to withdraw troops by January 7 from Hodeidah - a lifeline for millions facing famine - under a truce accord aimed at averting a full-scale assault on the port and paving the way for negotiations to end the four-year-old war. "The parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," the UN spokesman's office said in a statement without giving details on what was agreed. Under Phase 1, the Houthis would withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, used for grains, and Ras Isa, used for oil. This would be met by a retreat of Saudi-led coalition forces from the eastern outskirts of Hodeidah, where battles raged before a ceasefire went into effect on December 18. The Houthis control Hodeidah, the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial and aid imports, while other Yemeni forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition loyal to ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi are massed on the outskirts. The UN statement said the two sides also agreed "in principle" on Phase 2, entailing full redeployment of both parties' forces in Hodeidah province. Two sources involved in the negotiations, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of discussions, said both sides had yet to agree on a withdrawal timeline or on a mechanism for local forces to take over security at the ports and city. "The UN is still discussing how to reduce the gap between the two sides on how to choose the forces that will control the city," one source told Reuters. The parties could decide within 7-10 days on where they would re-position forces, said the other source, adding that Houthi fighters could pull back as far as 20 km (15 miles) from the port. Humanitarian corridors Disagreement on withdrawal had delayed opening humanitarian corridors needed to reach 10 million people on the brink of starvation in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Under the first phase, the two sides agreed to reopen main roads linking Hodeidah to the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and in Yemen's third city of Taiz, a UN source told Reuters. They also agreed to enable access to Red Sea Mills, which holds some 50,000 tonnes of World Food Programme grain, enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month, the source said. Access to the site has been cut off since September due to fighting. "One of the problems with this process so far has been that there are political agreements on how to make progress, but then nothing happens on the ground," said Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group. "Now we theoretically have this agreement to move forward, we need to see someone move on the ground," she said. The Hodeidah truce has largely been respected but there have been intermittent skirmishes in flashpoints on the city's edges. Hodeidah became the focus of the war last year when the coalition twice launched an offensive to seize the port and weaken the Houthis by cutting of their main supply line. The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in 2015 to restore Hadi's internationally recognised government that was ousted from power in Sanaa in late 2014. The Houthis control most urban centres while Hadi's government is based in the southern port of Aden and controls some coastal towns. Western nations, some of which supply arms and intelligence to the coalition, have pressed for an end to the war that has killed tens of thousands of people. The conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis deny receiving help from Tehran and say their revolution is against corruption.

Yemen's parties agree to start stalled troop withdrawal from main port

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