China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-making-terrible-mistake-by-not-allowing-aid-to-enter-venezuela-trump-197250">Nicolas Maduro</a> in the face of moves by the United States.

Surrounded by representatives of many of those nations, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza presented a declaration in which that coalition denounced the violation of basic UN principles such as the respect for national sovereignty and criticized Washington's sanctions and threats against the Maduro regime.

"In the coming days we will begin a series of actions as a group to raise awareness regarding the dangers that are currently confronting our peoples and, especially, the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Arreaza stated, reading directly from the document.

When asked about the situation, the Venezuelan foreign minister refused to divulge what measures were being contemplated, but he emphasized that Caracas and its supporting nations will seek "coordinated" action at all levels of the UN.

Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and thus have the ability to veto any initiative put forward by the US and/or its allies in that body.

Accompanying the Maduro regime's top diplomat were the UN ambassadors of Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Syria and Palestine.

"We are organizing to defend the right of peoples to live in healthy peace, to coexist in accord with the principles of international law, which are being violated in a flagrant and open manner and - in the case of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - at this time in the most notorious way they can be violated," Arreaza said.

Once again, he attacked the US sanctions imposed on Caracas and other countries emphasizing that Washington has no "moral ... authority to impose sanctions on anyone."

In addition, he charged that the US is threatening to use military force against his nation and stressed that "Venezuela is a sovereign" country and will protect "every millimetre of (its) territory."

"The response that we will give in every situation will be proportional and appropriate to any type of attack or interference that may be made," Arreaza declared.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, told reporters that Moscow is very concerned about the possibility that "military action" might be considered against Venezuela.

This week, Arreaza has held meetings at the UN to seek support for his government in the face of the crisis Venezuela is experiencing.

Tension within Venezuela increased markedly starting on January 23, when the head of the country's opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president, given that he and the rest of the opposition consider Maduro to be an illegitimate leader after he won a "fraudulent" election last May in which opposition candidates were barred from running against him.

Guaido's move accelerated the political crisis in the South American nation, with a good portion of the international community - including the US, some 20 European nations and a number of key Latin American countries - backing the interim leader and pressuring for the holding of free and fair elections.

China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro in the face of moves by the United States.

China, Russia and several dozen other countries on Thursday committed themselves at the United Nations to defend the Venezuelan government of Nicolas Maduro in the face of moves by the United States. Surrounded by representatives of many of those nations, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza presented a declaration in which that coalition denounced the violation of basic UN principles such as the respect for national sovereignty and criticized Washington's sanctions and threats against the Maduro regime. "In the coming days we will begin a series of actions as a group to raise awareness regarding the dangers that are currently confronting our peoples and, especially, the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Arreaza stated, reading directly from the document. When asked about the situation, the Venezuelan foreign minister refused to divulge what measures were being contemplated, but he emphasized that Caracas and its supporting nations will seek "coordinated" action at all levels of the UN. Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and thus have the ability to veto any initiative put forward by the US and/or its allies in that body. Accompanying the Maduro regime's top diplomat were the UN ambassadors of Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Syria and Palestine. "We are organizing to defend the right of peoples to live in healthy peace, to coexist in accord with the principles of international law, which are being violated in a flagrant and open manner and - in the case of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - at this time in the most notorious way they can be violated," Arreaza said. Once again, he attacked the US sanctions imposed on Caracas and other countries emphasizing that Washington has no "moral ... authority to impose sanctions on anyone." In addition, he charged that the US is threatening to use military force against his nation and stressed that "Venezuela is a sovereign" country and will protect "every millimetre of (its) territory." "The response that we will give in every situation will be proportional and appropriate to any type of attack or interference that may be made," Arreaza declared. Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzia, told reporters that Moscow is very concerned about the possibility that "military action" might be considered against Venezuela. This week, Arreaza has held meetings at the UN to seek support for his government in the face of the crisis Venezuela is experiencing. Tension within Venezuela increased markedly starting on January 23, when the head of the country's opposition-controlled Parliament, Juan Guaido, proclaimed himself interim president, given that he and the rest of the opposition consider Maduro to be an illegitimate leader after he won a "fraudulent" election last May in which opposition candidates were barred from running against him. Guaido's move accelerated the political crisis in the South American nation, with a good portion of the international community - including the US, some 20 European nations and a number of key Latin American countries - backing the interim leader and pressuring for the holding of free and fair elections.

China, Russia, dozens of countries promise to defend Maduro at UN

The United Nations refugee agency on Friday said it would raise $920 million in a new plan to aid 900,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh.

Over half of the solicited money, also meant to assist 330,000 vulnerable Bangladeshi hosts, is needed to meet the basic needs such as food, water, sanitation and shelter of the refugees who have fled from Myanmar to the neighboring country since 2017.

The rest of the fund will be utilized to finance programs related to education, health and the protection of women and children, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"Our humanitarian imperative today is to stabilize the situation of stateless Rohingya refugees and their Bangladesh hosts. We are hoping for timely, predictable and flexible contributions in order to meet the goals of this year's appeal," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

The UNHCR in a statement said that the 2019 Joint Response Plan sets out a comprehensive humanitarian effort shaped around three strategic objectives.

"By bringing together 132 partners - UN agencies, international and national NGOs and government bodies in a collective effort - the plan aims to deliver protection to refugee women, men, girls and boys, provide life-saving assistance and foster social cohesion," it said.

IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino said that the UN agencies were reiterating "our commitment to meeting the dire needs of this population and urge the international community to support these efforts".

More than 745,000 Rohingya refugees have fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017, while 200,000 members of the community had earlier escaped to Bangladesh.

Most of the refugees live under harsh conditions in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar area near the Myanmar border, which has become the biggest refugee camp in the world.

"I repeat my call to Myanmar to take urgent action to address the root causes of this crisis which have persisted for decades, so that people are no longer forced to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity," Grandi said.

Last year, the Joint Response Plan could raise just $655 million against a target of $950 million.

Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority, as its citizens and considers them Bangladeshi immigrants, although Dhaka has also treated them as foreigners.

The United Nations refugee agency on Friday said it would raise $920 million in a new plan to aid 900,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh. Over half of the solicited money, also meant to assist 330,000 vulnerable Bangladeshi hosts, is needed to meet the basic needs such as food, water, sanitation and shelter of the refugees who have fled from Myanmar to the neighboring country since 2017.

The United Nations refugee agency on Friday said it would raise $920 million in a new plan to aid 900,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh. Over half of the solicited money, also meant to assist 330,000 vulnerable Bangladeshi hosts, is needed to meet the basic needs such as food, water, sanitation and shelter of the refugees who have fled from Myanmar to the neighboring country since 2017. The rest of the fund will be utilized to finance programs related to education, health and the protection of women and children, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Our humanitarian imperative today is to stabilize the situation of stateless Rohingya refugees and their Bangladesh hosts. We are hoping for timely, predictable and flexible contributions in order to meet the goals of this year's appeal," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The UNHCR in a statement said that the 2019 Joint Response Plan sets out a comprehensive humanitarian effort shaped around three strategic objectives. "By bringing together 132 partners - UN agencies, international and national NGOs and government bodies in a collective effort - the plan aims to deliver protection to refugee women, men, girls and boys, provide life-saving assistance and foster social cohesion," it said. IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino said that the UN agencies were reiterating "our commitment to meeting the dire needs of this population and urge the international community to support these efforts". More than 745,000 Rohingya refugees have fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 2017, while 200,000 members of the community had earlier escaped to Bangladesh. Most of the refugees live under harsh conditions in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar area near the Myanmar border, which has become the biggest refugee camp in the world. "I repeat my call to Myanmar to take urgent action to address the root causes of this crisis which have persisted for decades, so that people are no longer forced to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity," Grandi said. Last year, the Joint Response Plan could raise just $655 million against a target of $950 million. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority, as its citizens and considers them Bangladeshi immigrants, although Dhaka has also treated them as foreigners.

UN plans to raise $920 million in aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told reporters the newly-formed support group of about 50 countries would take action in the coming days "to raise awareness around the dangers that our people currently face."&nbsp;

"We all have the right to live without the threat of use of force and without application of illegal coercive unilateral measures," Arreaza told journalists, flanked by the ambassadors of several countries.

Among those at Arreaza's side were envoys from Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, North Korea, Syria along with the Palestinian representative and diplomats from Caribbean countries.

Arreaza did not provide details of the planned action but called on all UN nations to "join us in defending international law as the only guarantor for humanity's peaceful coexistence".

The United Nations has been divided between countries that support Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president on January 23, and those who back President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries.

Washington has sent aid to the Colombian border with Venezuela but Maduro's government has refused to let the shipments, accusing the United States of using the relief packages as a political tool aimed at regime change.&nbsp;

Declaring himself "sad" about the "turmoil" in Venezuela, President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Maduro unblock US aid shipments and has refused to rule out military action.

Venezuela's economy is in a tailspin marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on corruption and mismanagement by the Maduro government.

Caracas maintains that US sanctions are to blame for the economic meltdown.

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States.

Russia and China joined Cuba, Iran, North Korea and dozens of other countries at the United Nations on Thursday to show support for Venezuela in its showdown with the United States. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza told reporters the newly-formed support group of about 50 countries would take action in the coming days "to raise awareness around the dangers that our people currently face." "We all have the right to live without the threat of use of force and without application of illegal coercive unilateral measures," Arreaza told journalists, flanked by the ambassadors of several countries. Among those at Arreaza's side were envoys from Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, North Korea, Syria along with the Palestinian representative and diplomats from Caribbean countries. Arreaza did not provide details of the planned action but called on all UN nations to "join us in defending international law as the only guarantor for humanity's peaceful coexistence". The United Nations has been divided between countries that support Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president on January 23, and those who back President Nicolas Maduro. The United States is leading a push to recognize Guaido, backed by about 50 countries. Washington has sent aid to the Colombian border with Venezuela but Maduro's government has refused to let the shipments, accusing the United States of using the relief packages as a political tool aimed at regime change. Declaring himself "sad" about the "turmoil" in Venezuela, President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Maduro unblock US aid shipments and has refused to rule out military action. Venezuela's economy is in a tailspin marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on corruption and mismanagement by the Maduro government. Caracas maintains that US sanctions are to blame for the economic meltdown.

Venezuela enlists 50 countries at UN to show support

The global <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unemployment-major-challenge-facing-india-imf-127132">unemployment</a> rate inched down last year, the UN said Wednesday, warning though that jobs often failed to guarantee decent living, with some 700 million workers wallowing in poverty.&nbsp;

Unemployment around the world fell last year to 5.0 percent — from 5.1 percent in 2017 — for the first time dropping to the level seen before the global financial crisis hit in 2008, the International Labour Organisation said.

But in its flagship "World Employment and Social Outlook" trends report, the ILO also raised serious red flags about the health of the planet's job market.&nbsp;

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Deborah Greenfield, ILO's deputy director-general, told journalists in Geneva that the decline in global unemployment "is projected to stall", amid "uncertainty on many fronts," and a "deteriorating economic outlook".

The UN agency said it expected the jobless rate to remain at roughly the same level this year and in 2020, although the number of unemployed people should swell by two million to a total of 174 million next year as a result of the expanding labour force.

In particular, the report highlighted the hundreds of millions of people who remain poor despite holding one or more jobs.

In fact, it found that a majority of the 3.3 billion people employed around the globe last year suffered a "lack of material well-being, economic security, equal opportunities or scope for human development."

"Being in employment does not always guarantee a decent living," ILO research director Damian Grimshaw said in a statement, pointing out that "a full 700 million people are living in extreme or moderate poverty despite having employment."

The report found that a full 61 percent of all workers worldwide, or two billion people, are in so-called informal employment, with little to no social and contractual protections.

Greenfield cautioned that some new and emerging business models, such as using new technologies to create temporary work through web-based platforms for things like ride-sharing services, could expand that number if not regulated properly.

"Without the right policy measures it could easily add to the informal labour force," she said.

Among other issues highlighted in the report was the lack of progress in closing the gender gap in labour force participation, especially in the Arab states, North Africa and southern Asia.

ILO found that just 48 percent of women are in the workforce, compared to 75 percent of men, meaning that around three in five employed people last year were men.

In the Arab states, for instance, the report found that the unemployment rate for men stood at 15.6 percent -- three times that for men.

The global unemployment rate inched down last year, the UN said Wednesday, warning though that jobs often failed to guarantee decent living, with some 700 million workers wallowing in poverty.

The global unemployment rate inched down last year, the UN said Wednesday, warning though that jobs often failed to guarantee decent living, with some 700 million workers wallowing in poverty. Unemployment around the world fell last year to 5.0 percent — from 5.1 percent in 2017 — for the first time dropping to the level seen before the global financial crisis hit in 2008, the International Labour Organisation said. But in its flagship "World Employment and Social Outlook" trends report, the ILO also raised serious red flags about the health of the planet's job market. The ILO also raised, in its flagship 'World Employment and Social Outlook' trends report, serious red flags about the health of the planet's job market × Deborah Greenfield, ILO's deputy director-general, told journalists in Geneva that the decline in global unemployment "is projected to stall", amid "uncertainty on many fronts," and a "deteriorating economic outlook". The UN agency said it expected the jobless rate to remain at roughly the same level this year and in 2020, although the number of unemployed people should swell by two million to a total of 174 million next year as a result of the expanding labour force. In particular, the report highlighted the hundreds of millions of people who remain poor despite holding one or more jobs. In fact, it found that a majority of the 3.3 billion people employed around the globe last year suffered a "lack of material well-being, economic security, equal opportunities or scope for human development." "Being in employment does not always guarantee a decent living," ILO research director Damian Grimshaw said in a statement, pointing out that "a full 700 million people are living in extreme or moderate poverty despite having employment." The report found that a full 61 percent of all workers worldwide, or two billion people, are in so-called informal employment, with little to no social and contractual protections. Greenfield cautioned that some new and emerging business models, such as using new technologies to create temporary work through web-based platforms for things like ride-sharing services, could expand that number if not regulated properly. "Without the right policy measures it could easily add to the informal labour force," she said. Among other issues highlighted in the report was the lack of progress in closing the gender gap in labour force participation, especially in the Arab states, North Africa and southern Asia. ILO found that just 48 percent of women are in the workforce, compared to 75 percent of men, meaning that around three in five employed people last year were men. In the Arab states, for instance, the report found that the unemployment rate for men stood at 15.6 percent -- three times that for men.

Global unemployment down, but too many working poor: UN

A United Nations report, on Wednesday, revealed that around 43 per cent of North Korea's population is "food insecure", with one out of five children facing "chronic malnutrition".

"The country is critically dependent on agriculture for its food security, which has been severely affected over the past six years by natural disasters, such as floods and drought, which erode farmers'&nbsp;coping capacities," the UN report highlighted, outlining natural disasters to be one of the main reasons behind the hunger crisis.

The report further outlines that humanitarian assistance to the tune of US $10 million would be required by the United Nations to extend aid to around 5,13,000 North Koreans who are believed to be in dire need.

Meanwhile, Russia is considering shipping 50,000 tonnes of wheat as assistance to Pyongyang on the latter's request, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Moscow has previously been providing aid to North Korea, and if the plan for the latest aid is seen through, Russia's commitment of US $8 million under the World Food Programme "will be fulfilled in full".

The UN report has also mentioned that the food shortage will get worse going forward, due to a shortage of arable land and lack of access to modern-day farming equipment.

Furthermore, humanitarian assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is being hampered by sanctions against the nation.

Pyongyang has repeatedly asked for relief in sanctions in exchange for the denuclearisation steps which have been taken by the nation.

However, the United States has reinforced that sanctions will be in place until complete denuclearisation is not achieved - a stand which directly affects the food insecurity situation.

Leaders from North Korea and USA, setting their differences aside, are slated to hold the second US-North Korea summit in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27 and 28 to further the denuclearisation process.

The first preparatory meeting for the summit has already been held between Washington and Pyongyang last week in the North Korean capital, while the second round will be held next week, according to the South Korean Presidential office.

A United Nations report, on Wednesday, revealed that around 43 per cent of North Korea's population is "food insecure", with one out of five children facing "chronic malnutrition".

A United Nations report, on Wednesday, revealed that around 43 per cent of North Korea's population is "food insecure", with one out of five children facing "chronic malnutrition". "The country is critically dependent on agriculture for its food security, which has been severely affected over the past six years by natural disasters, such as floods and drought, which erode farmers' coping capacities," the UN report highlighted, outlining natural disasters to be one of the main reasons behind the hunger crisis. The report further outlines that humanitarian assistance to the tune of US $10 million would be required by the United Nations to extend aid to around 5,13,000 North Koreans who are believed to be in dire need. Meanwhile, Russia is considering shipping 50,000 tonnes of wheat as assistance to Pyongyang on the latter's request, reports Yonhap News Agency. Moscow has previously been providing aid to North Korea, and if the plan for the latest aid is seen through, Russia's commitment of US $8 million under the World Food Programme "will be fulfilled in full". The UN report has also mentioned that the food shortage will get worse going forward, due to a shortage of arable land and lack of access to modern-day farming equipment. Furthermore, humanitarian assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is being hampered by sanctions against the nation. Pyongyang has repeatedly asked for relief in sanctions in exchange for the denuclearisation steps which have been taken by the nation. However, the United States has reinforced that sanctions will be in place until complete denuclearisation is not achieved - a stand which directly affects the food insecurity situation. Leaders from North Korea and USA, setting their differences aside, are slated to hold the second US-North Korea summit in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27 and 28 to further the denuclearisation process. The first preparatory meeting for the summit has already been held between Washington and Pyongyang last week in the North Korean capital, while the second round will be held next week, according to the South Korean Presidential office.

43% of North Korea's population is food insecure: United Nations

The United States has presented a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-should-be-wary-of-the-us-sponsored-crisis-in-venezuela-194281">a presidential vote in Venezuela</a>, triggering a Russian counter-proposal.

While no date has yet been set for a vote on the American draft, and negotiations are ongoing, Russia is likely to use its veto power to block it as part of its support of Nicolas Maduro's regime, diplomats said.

The text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Saturday, expresses "full support for the National Assembly as the only democratically elected institution in Venezuela."

The legislative body's chairman, Juan Guaido, has declared himself interim president of Venezuela, challenging Maduro's rule.

The draft resolution stresses "deep concern with the violence and excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, peaceful protesters."

It also "calls for the immediate start of a political process leading to free, fair and credible presidential elections, with international electoral observation, in line with Venezuela's constitution."

The text also requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "utilize his good offices" to obtain such elections.

It also "stresses the need to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and to facilitate access and delivery of assistance to all in need in the entirety of the territory of Venezuela."

On Friday, Moscow proposed an alternative resolution to the American one, diplomats said.

It expresses "concern over the threats to use force against the territorial integrity and political independence of... Venezuela," according to a draft seen by AFP.

The draft also criticizes "attempts to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of... Venezuela."

Calling for a "peaceful" resolution of the stalemate in Venezuela, it "supports all initiatives aimed at reaching a political solution amongst Venezuelans to the current situation... through a genuine and inclusive process of national dialogue."

However, a diplomat told AFP that if put to a vote, the Russian text would fail to obtain the minimum of nine votes to pass without another veto-wielding country blocking it.

Humanitarian aid sent by the United States recently arrived in the Colombian city of Cucuta at the border with Venezuela, but Maduro has refused to let in the shipments.&nbsp;

Guaido said Friday he was ready to take any necessary measures, including authorizing a US military intervention, to force Maduro from power and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

The United States has presented a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and a presidential vote in Venezuela, triggering a Russian counter-proposal.

The United States has presented a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for international aid deliveries and a presidential vote in Venezuela, triggering a Russian counter-proposal. While no date has yet been set for a vote on the American draft, and negotiations are ongoing, Russia is likely to use its veto power to block it as part of its support of Nicolas Maduro's regime, diplomats said. The text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Saturday, expresses "full support for the National Assembly as the only democratically elected institution in Venezuela." The legislative body's chairman, Juan Guaido, has declared himself interim president of Venezuela, challenging Maduro's rule. The draft resolution stresses "deep concern with the violence and excessive use of force by Venezuelan security forces against unarmed, peaceful protesters." It also "calls for the immediate start of a political process leading to free, fair and credible presidential elections, with international electoral observation, in line with Venezuela's constitution." The text also requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "utilize his good offices" to obtain such elections. It also "stresses the need to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Venezuela and to facilitate access and delivery of assistance to all in need in the entirety of the territory of Venezuela." On Friday, Moscow proposed an alternative resolution to the American one, diplomats said. It expresses "concern over the threats to use force against the territorial integrity and political independence of... Venezuela," according to a draft seen by AFP. The draft also criticizes "attempts to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of... Venezuela." Calling for a "peaceful" resolution of the stalemate in Venezuela, it "supports all initiatives aimed at reaching a political solution amongst Venezuelans to the current situation... through a genuine and inclusive process of national dialogue." However, a diplomat told AFP that if put to a vote, the Russian text would fail to obtain the minimum of nine votes to pass without another veto-wielding country blocking it. Humanitarian aid sent by the United States recently arrived in the Colombian city of Cucuta at the border with Venezuela, but Maduro has refused to let in the shipments. Guaido said Friday he was ready to take any necessary measures, including authorizing a US military intervention, to force Maduro from power and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.

US seeks United Nations resolution calling for Venezuela elections

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that a slew of peaceful elections and truces in Africa were signs of a "wind of hope" on the continent.

He was speaking on the sidelines of an African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, where heads of state from 55 member nations will meet from Sunday.

"This is a moment in which a wind of hope is blowing across Africa. We have seen reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, we have seen peace agreements... in South Sudan and CAR (Central African Republic)", said Guterres.

"We're working together to see if we can move the same direction in Libya. We have seen elections in Madagascar, DRC and Mali that people were forecasting will lead to tragedy and violence and in the end took place in a peaceful context," he added.

Ethiopia and Eritrea last year ended a two-decade-long cold war, while South Sudan is trying to implement the latest in a long line of peace deals to end a bloody five-year conflict.

The Central African Republic this week reached a peace deal between the government and 14 militia groups, boosting hopes of an end of a crisis that has gripped the country since 2012, sparking a conflict that left thousands dead and over a million displaced.

"All these circumstances were realized through the combination of efforts of the UN and AU... to make sure guns will be silent from 2020 onwards on the African continent," said Guterres.

"I believe Africa is becoming an example where it is possible to solve conflicts and prevent conflicts and I hope this wind of hope can be extended to other parts of the world."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that a slew of peaceful elections and truces in Africa were signs of a "wind of hope" on the continent.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that a slew of peaceful elections and truces in Africa were signs of a "wind of hope" on the continent. He was speaking on the sidelines of an African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, where heads of state from 55 member nations will meet from Sunday. "This is a moment in which a wind of hope is blowing across Africa. We have seen reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, we have seen peace agreements... in South Sudan and CAR (Central African Republic)", said Guterres. "We're working together to see if we can move the same direction in Libya. We have seen elections in Madagascar, DRC and Mali that people were forecasting will lead to tragedy and violence and in the end took place in a peaceful context," he added. Ethiopia and Eritrea last year ended a two-decade-long cold war, while South Sudan is trying to implement the latest in a long line of peace deals to end a bloody five-year conflict. The Central African Republic this week reached a peace deal between the government and 14 militia groups, boosting hopes of an end of a crisis that has gripped the country since 2012, sparking a conflict that left thousands dead and over a million displaced. "All these circumstances were realized through the combination of efforts of the UN and AU... to make sure guns will be silent from 2020 onwards on the African continent," said Guterres. "I believe Africa is becoming an example where it is possible to solve conflicts and prevent conflicts and I hope this wind of hope can be extended to other parts of the world."

UN chief sees 'wind of hope' in African peace deals, elections

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/angelina-jolie-visits-rohingya-camp-in-bangladesh-195095">Angelina Jolie said Tuesday</a> that Myanmar must "show genuine commitment" to end violence that has driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh.

The superstar envoy for the UN refugee agency made the comments on the second day of emotional meetings with Rohingya, including rape survivors, in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district where some 740,000 Rohingya have taken refuge since August 2017.

There were already about 300,000 in camps before the exodus, which has strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit.

The visit came ahead of a new UN appeal to raise nearly one billion dollars for the one million Rohingya now in the camps around the town of Cox's Bazar.&nbsp;

"It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being 'treated like cattle'," Jolie told reporters.&nbsp;

"The Rohingya families I have met are no different from other refugees in one crucial respect: they want to be able to return home," she said.

The latest wave of refugees arrived after a military clampdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Jolie insisted that the refugees should return home "only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected."

"I met a woman yesterday, a survivor of rape in Myanmar, and she told me, 'You would have to shoot me where I stand before I go back without my rights'," the 43-year-old said.

"The responsibility to ensure those rights and make it possible for the Rohingya people to return to Rakhine state lies squarely with the government and the authorities in Myanmar," she added.

She called for an end to violence in Rakhine, which UN officials have compared to genocide, and demanded action against the perpetrators.&nbsp;

"I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine state," she said.

Jolie has previously met with displaced Rohingya while in Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.

She will conclude her visit on Wednesday by meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other senior officials in Dhaka, a UN statement said.

The talks will focus on how the UN's refugee agency can help Bangladesh's efforts for the Rohingya and "sustainable solutions" to settle the persecuted minority, the statement added.

Angelina Jolie said Tuesday that Myanmar must "show genuine commitment" to end violence that has driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Angelina Jolie said Tuesday that Myanmar must "show genuine commitment" to end violence that has driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims into neighbouring Bangladesh. The superstar envoy for the UN refugee agency made the comments on the second day of emotional meetings with Rohingya, including rape survivors, in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district where some 740,000 Rohingya have taken refuge since August 2017. There were already about 300,000 in camps before the exodus, which has strained Bangladesh's resources to the limit. The visit came ahead of a new UN appeal to raise nearly one billion dollars for the one million Rohingya now in the camps around the town of Cox's Bazar. "It was deeply upsetting to meet the families who have only known persecution and statelessness their whole lives, who speak of being 'treated like cattle'," Jolie told reporters. "The Rohingya families I have met are no different from other refugees in one crucial respect: they want to be able to return home," she said. The latest wave of refugees arrived after a military clampdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Jolie insisted that the refugees should return home "only when they feel safe enough to do so voluntarily and they know that their rights will be respected." "I met a woman yesterday, a survivor of rape in Myanmar, and she told me, 'You would have to shoot me where I stand before I go back without my rights'," the 43-year-old said. "The responsibility to ensure those rights and make it possible for the Rohingya people to return to Rakhine state lies squarely with the government and the authorities in Myanmar," she added. She called for an end to violence in Rakhine, which UN officials have compared to genocide, and demanded action against the perpetrators. "I urge the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment needed to end the cycle of violence and displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine state," she said. Jolie has previously met with displaced Rohingya while in Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006. She will conclude her visit on Wednesday by meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other senior officials in Dhaka, a UN statement said. The talks will focus on how the UN's refugee agency can help Bangladesh's efforts for the Rohingya and "sustainable solutions" to settle the persecuted minority, the statement added.

Angelina Jolie demands 'genuine commitment' from Myanmar to ending anti-Rohingya violence

North Korea's nuclear programmes remain intact: UN Report

North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors said ahead of a meeting between US and North Korean officials to prepare a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-on-north-korea-to-provide-full-list-of-weapons-programs-to-seal-peace-deal-194181">second denuclearisation summit</a>.

The US&nbsp;special envoy for North Korea, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-to-hold-talks-in-north-korea-on-wednesday-195180">Stephen Biegun</a>, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US State Department said on Monday.

Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts".

South Korean officials said they and the United States could be looking at a compromise that could expedite North Korea's denuclearisation - the dismantling of the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by US measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office.

But UN sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations", using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday.

The first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, where US troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit.

Trump last Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the United States is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons program.

'Sanctions ineffective'

North Korea has complained the United States has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities.

It has also repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing US-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees.

The UN report said sanctions were proving ineffective.

"The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," the sanctions monitors found.

"These violations render the latest UN sanctions ineffective."

The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million.

North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States first removes any threat to it. North Korea has long demanded U.S. troops be withdrawn as a condition for peace.

The Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war.

The United States has stressed that US troops are not a bargaining chip and South Korea has said US troops in the South were unrelated to any future peace treaty and that American forces should stay even if such an agreement is signed.

The US State Department said on Monday that Washington and Seoul had reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing US troops in the Asian country.

CNN quoted a State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its contribution to nearly $1 billion.

A 2014 deal that expired last year required South Korea to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 US troops in South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March.

North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors said ahead of a meeting between US and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearisation summit.

North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, UN monitors said ahead of a meeting between US and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearisation summit. The US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US State Department said on Monday. Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out "a set of concrete deliverables" for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for "a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts". South Korean officials said they and the United States could be looking at a compromise that could expedite North Korea's denuclearisation - the dismantling of the North's main Yongbyon nuclear complex, which could be reciprocated by US measures including formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War and setting up a liaison office. But UN sanctions monitors said in a confidential report, submitted to a 15-member UN Security Council sanctions committee and seen by Reuters on Monday, that they had "found evidence of a consistent trend on the part of the DPRK to disperse its assembly, storage and testing locations", using the abbreviation for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The North Korean mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which was submitted to Security Council members on Friday. The first summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un last June in Singapore yielded a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, where US troops have been stationed since the 1950-53 Korean War. The Vietnamese resort town of Danang is seen as the most likely location for the next summit. Trump last Thursday hailed "tremendous progress" in his dealings with North Korea, but the view in the United States is that it has yet to take concrete steps to give up its nuclear weapons program. 'Sanctions ineffective' North Korea has complained the United States has done little to reciprocate its freezing of nuclear and missile testing and dismantling of some nuclear facilities. It has also repeatedly urged a lifting of punishing US-led sanctions, a formal end to the war, and security guarantees. The UN report said sanctions were proving ineffective. "The country continues to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illegal ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products and coal," the sanctions monitors found. "These violations render the latest UN sanctions ineffective." The monitors said they had evidence of one unprecedented prohibited petroleum product transfer of more than 57,600 barrels, worth more than $5.7 million. North Korea has said it will never unilaterally give up its nuclear weapons unless the United States first removes any threat to it. North Korea has long demanded U.S. troops be withdrawn as a condition for peace. The Korean War ended with an armistice that left the two Koreas technically still at war. The United States has stressed that US troops are not a bargaining chip and South Korea has said US troops in the South were unrelated to any future peace treaty and that American forces should stay even if such an agreement is signed. The US State Department said on Monday that Washington and Seoul had reached an agreement "in principle" on sharing the cost of stationing US troops in the Asian country. CNN quoted a State Department official as saying that under the revised agreement, South Korea would boost its contribution to nearly $1 billion. A 2014 deal that expired last year required South Korea to pay about 960 billion won ($848 million) a year for keeping some 28,500 US troops in South Korea. The allies had appeared unable to strike an accord to renew the deal despite 10 rounds of talks since March.

North Korea protecting nuclear missiles, UN monitors say, ahead of summit talks

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">crisis in Venezuela</a>, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries.

Mexico and Uruguay had hoped that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would attend a conference in Montevideo on Thursday aimed at promoting dialogue between Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido and leader Nicolas Maduro.

"The UN Secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters.

Guaido has won backing from the United States, European powers including France, Germany and Spain, Canada, Australia and a dozen Latin American countries to take over the leadership, but Russia and China continue to support Maduro.

The global split over Venezuela has left the United Nations in a quandary and Guterres' comments suggested that the world body would remain on the sidelines for now.&nbsp;

Mexico and Uruguay have not recognized Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who declared himself acting president on January 23 in place of Maduro.

A group of Latin American and European states are to hold their first meeting of a contact group in Montevideo on Thursday.

The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay.

Guterres said he was following the crisis in Venezuela "with a lot of concern," adding that he had discussed the various initiatives put forward with the countries involved.

The UN chief met with Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations Juan Jose Gomez Camacho last week who said the Montevideo conference was to "offer a chance for dialogue to all parties involved."

Venezuela has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on the Maduro government.

Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America.

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the crisis in Venezuela, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries.

The United Nations will not join any group of nations promoting initiatives to resolve the crisis in Venezuela, the UN chief said Monday, indicating he will not attend a meeting in Uruguay this week of several countries. Mexico and Uruguay had hoped that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would attend a conference in Montevideo on Thursday aimed at promoting dialogue between Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido and leader Nicolas Maduro. "The UN Secretariat has decided not to be part of any of these groups in order to give credibility to our continued offer of good offices to the parties to be able at their request to help find a political solution," Guterres told reporters. Guaido has won backing from the United States, European powers including France, Germany and Spain, Canada, Australia and a dozen Latin American countries to take over the leadership, but Russia and China continue to support Maduro. The global split over Venezuela has left the United Nations in a quandary and Guterres' comments suggested that the world body would remain on the sidelines for now. Mexico and Uruguay have not recognized Guaido, the head of the National Assembly who declared himself acting president on January 23 in place of Maduro. A group of Latin American and European states are to hold their first meeting of a contact group in Montevideo on Thursday. The contact group comprises the EU and eight of its member states -- France, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden -- and four Latin American countries: Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uruguay. Guterres said he was following the crisis in Venezuela "with a lot of concern," adding that he had discussed the various initiatives put forward with the countries involved. The UN chief met with Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations Juan Jose Gomez Camacho last week who said the Montevideo conference was to "offer a chance for dialogue to all parties involved." Venezuela has suffered an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic necessities that the opposition blames on the Maduro government. Millions have been left in poverty, while 2.3 million more have fled the country, unleashing a migration crisis in South America.

UN will not join any group on Venezuela crisis talks: Antonio Guterres

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters.

The is overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal accord in Hodeidah, the main entry point for most of Yemen's imports, in the hope it will lead to a political solution to the almost four-year war.

The warring parties were meant to withdraw their forces by January 7 as part of efforts to avert a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, but have failed to do so as the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the Saudi-backed government disagrees on who should control the city and ports.

Sunday's meeting was the third time the UN-led Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) convened since it was formed in December, bringing together the Houthis with the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government and UN mediators.

The parties met on a UN ship because attempts to convene the third meeting in territory held by coalition forces failed because the Houthis were unwilling to cross the frontline, sources have told Reuters. The first two meetings were held in territory under Houthi control, after which the head of the UN mission tasked with overseeing the deal, Patrick Cammaert, shuttled between the two parties.

The vessel picked up a delegation from Yemen's internationally recognised government at an offshore meeting point in the Red Sea before sailing to Hodeidah to pick up the Houthi delegation, a UN statement said on Saturday.

The spokesman for the Yemeni government's delegation to the RCC, Sadiq Dweid, told Reuters the committee had discussed Cammaert's proposals for the troop withdrawal at Sunday's meeting.

"The meetings will continue," he said.

The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, but clashes have increased in recent weeks and the UN Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths has urged all parties to reduce tensions. Violence has continued in other parts of the country not subject to the deal.

Griffiths' office told Reuters the meeting had begun on Sunday.

The conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been bogged down in a military stalemate for years.

A Sunni Muslim Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014.

The Houthis, who say they are enacting a revolution against corruption, control most urban centres in the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation while Hadi's government controls the southern port of Aden and string of coastal towns.

Pope Francis said on Sunday he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters.

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters. The is overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal accord in Hodeidah, the main entry point for most of Yemen's imports, in the hope it will lead to a political solution to the almost four-year war. The warring parties were meant to withdraw their forces by January 7 as part of efforts to avert a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, but have failed to do so as the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the Saudi-backed government disagrees on who should control the city and ports. Sunday's meeting was the third time the UN-led Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) convened since it was formed in December, bringing together the Houthis with the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government and UN mediators. The parties met on a UN ship because attempts to convene the third meeting in territory held by coalition forces failed because the Houthis were unwilling to cross the frontline, sources have told Reuters. The first two meetings were held in territory under Houthi control, after which the head of the UN mission tasked with overseeing the deal, Patrick Cammaert, shuttled between the two parties. The vessel picked up a delegation from Yemen's internationally recognised government at an offshore meeting point in the Red Sea before sailing to Hodeidah to pick up the Houthi delegation, a UN statement said on Saturday. The spokesman for the Yemeni government's delegation to the RCC, Sadiq Dweid, told Reuters the committee had discussed Cammaert's proposals for the troop withdrawal at Sunday's meeting. "The meetings will continue," he said. The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, but clashes have increased in recent weeks and the UN Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths has urged all parties to reduce tensions. Violence has continued in other parts of the country not subject to the deal. Griffiths' office told Reuters the meeting had begun on Sunday. The conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been bogged down in a military stalemate for years. A Sunni Muslim Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014. The Houthis, who say they are enacting a revolution against corruption, control most urban centres in the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation while Hadi's government controls the southern port of Aden and string of coastal towns. Pope Francis said on Sunday he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Yemen's warring parties meet on ship to discuss stalled troop withdrawal

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">President Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization.

"The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government."

The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue.

Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations.

Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council."

The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China.

The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela.

Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019.

UN VOTE?

The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful.

"We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday.

Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader.

A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis.

When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials.

The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body.

In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council.

STRAW POLL

So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China.

The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations.

Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed.

Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund.

"It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation.

"It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton.

When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis.

Three days after proclaiming himself Venezuela's head of state, Juan Guaido wrote to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asking for help in tackling the country's urgent humanitarian crisis. But Venezuela's seat at the 193-member world body is held by President Nicolas Maduro's government and Guterres is unable to ramp up a humanitarian response in Venezuela without Maduro's approval or UN Security Council authorization. "The United Nations are ready to increase their activities in Venezuela in the areas of humanitarian assistance and development," Guterres told Guaido in a letter dated January 29 and seen by Reuters on Wednesday. "For that, the United Nations need, however, the consent and cooperation of the Government." The exchange illustrates how a US-led campaign for international recognition of Guaido over Maduro has left the UN and other international organizations caught in the middle of global division over the issue. Most Latin American countries, Canada and European nations have recognised Guaido or are on the verge of doing so. But these rapid endorsements have triggered angry responses from Russia, China and a few left-leaning Latin American states, and wariness from some African and Caribbean nations. Guterres noted that in his relations with UN member states he respects "the decisions of the intergovernmental bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council." The General Assembly allows each UN nation one vote, while the five permanent members of the Security Council, charged with maintaining international peace, include Russia and China. The international split is also hampering swift decisions at other multilateral groups like the Washington-headquartered International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, whose recognition of the Guaido government could eventually help get sorely-needed loans to Venezuela. Maduro's government has denied that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country, blaming economic problems on sanctions. Venezuela is struggling with hunger, preventable diseases and hyperinflation forecast at 10 million per cent in 2019. UN VOTE? The quickest way for a country or countries to try and deprive Maduro's government of Venezuela's UN seat would be to present a draft resolution to the General Assembly for a vote. However, diplomats said that such a move could not currently garner the majority support needed to be successful. "We do think there will be appropriate resolutions when the time is right and we'll certainly support those. They won't come just from us, they'll come from other nations who care deeply about the Venezuelan people as well," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the UN on Saturday. Maduro was sworn in on January 10 for a second term in office after elections last year that was widely dubbed illegitimate, while Guaido took the helm of the elected National Assembly earlier this month and on January 23 proclaimed himself the country's rightful leader. A heated Security Council meeting on Saturday revealed the bitter divide over the crisis. When asked about the possibility of a showdown over Venezuela's UN seat, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Maduro's government was legitimate and there was no need to challenge its credentials. The UN has previously had to address competing claims for representation at the world body. In September 2011, the General Assembly approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the country's interim government as Tripoli's sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognising the National Transitional Council. The move came after the United States, Russia, China and European nations had all recognised that council. STRAW POLL So far, Guaido has named envoys to Washington and the Organization of the American States regional bloc. If he decided to name a UN envoy, such a request would traditionally be sent to Guterres and then considered by a nine-member credentials committee, which includes the United States, Russia and China. The IMF and World Bank could eventually test support for Guaido through a straw poll of member countries that make up their respective executive boards, according to several bank and fund officials. The United States is the largest and most influential member country in both organizations. Latin America's largest lender, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), could be the first financial institution to put the issue before its board - even as soon as next week, according to some officials. Several board officials, however, cautioned that the membership was divided and there was no consensus on how to proceed. Still, recognition by global lenders of Guaido will not automatically unlock multilateral funding any time soon, officials said. Venezuela is $212 million in arrears to the IADB and was censured by the IMF last year for failing to provide economic data to the fund. "It is not obvious what the UN is going to do, much less what the IMF would do," said James Boughton, the IMF's former historian, now at the Center for International Governance Innovation. "It would be up to a member country to request the acknowledgement of a new government, in this case, it would come from the US," said Boughton. When that happens, "then it is just a question of a simple majority decision by the executive board," citing IMF rules.

Who represents Venezuela? UN, international lenders stuck in limbo

Moscow and Washington have made "no progress" in talks on saving a key arms control treaty, a Russian diplomat said on Thursday, with the United States expected to begin withdrawal this weekend.

Russian and US officials had met on the sidelines of a meeting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in Beijing to discuss the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) — a source of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington.

"Unfortunately, there is no progress," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said after talks with Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

The United States has warned that it will begin a six-month withdrawal process from the treaty on February 2 unless Russia destroys its 9M729 ground-based missile system, which it says breaches the Cold War-era agreement.

Ryabkov called the US position "rather tough, ultimatum-like" and "destructive," state news agency RIA Novosti reported.

'Deep concern'&nbsp;

"We have not made any progress. We state this not just with sorrow, but with the deep concern for the fate of the treaty, for the fate of European and international security," Ryabkov said.

During the conference with the other Security Council nations in Beijing, Ryabkov said the bilateral dialogue was stalling on certain topics as one party was "intentionally" refusing to pursue discussions — a thinly veiled reference to the United States.

"Russia can't be blamed for anything. We are always ready for dialogue on all topics, including the most difficult current issues, and to be fully transparent. We expect our partners to take the same approach," he said.

Last week the Russian military displayed the nuclear-capable 9M729 missile system to the media and foreign military officials in an attempt to prove the weapon does not violate the treaty.

Russia says the missile's maximum range is 480 kilometres (300 miles) and within the allowed range.

Washington has, however, said a static display of the cruise missile does not prove its range does not breach the agreement.

Signed in 1987 by US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres.

It ended a dangerous build-up of warheads in Europe but there are fears a similar situation could re-emerge.

US officials have said that if Russia misses the February 2 deadline, the Pentagon will begin work on its own missile system that would otherwise be barred by the treaty.

Russia has said that because Washington's claims are unsubstantiated the agreement would remain in force even if the US tries to withdraw.

Moscow and Washington have made "no progress" in talks on saving a key arms control treaty, a Russian diplomat said on Thursday, with the United States expected to begin withdrawal this weekend.

Moscow and Washington have made "no progress" in talks on saving a key arms control treaty, a Russian diplomat said on Thursday, with the United States expected to begin withdrawal this weekend. Russian and US officials had met on the sidelines of a meeting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in Beijing to discuss the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) — a source of raging tensions between Moscow and Washington. "Unfortunately, there is no progress," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said after talks with Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. The United States has warned that it will begin a six-month withdrawal process from the treaty on February 2 unless Russia destroys its 9M729 ground-based missile system, which it says breaches the Cold War-era agreement. Ryabkov called the US position "rather tough, ultimatum-like" and "destructive," state news agency RIA Novosti reported. 'Deep concern' "We have not made any progress. We state this not just with sorrow, but with the deep concern for the fate of the treaty, for the fate of European and international security," Ryabkov said. During the conference with the other Security Council nations in Beijing, Ryabkov said the bilateral dialogue was stalling on certain topics as one party was "intentionally" refusing to pursue discussions — a thinly veiled reference to the United States. "Russia can't be blamed for anything. We are always ready for dialogue on all topics, including the most difficult current issues, and to be fully transparent. We expect our partners to take the same approach," he said. Last week the Russian military displayed the nuclear-capable 9M729 missile system to the media and foreign military officials in an attempt to prove the weapon does not violate the treaty. Russia says the missile's maximum range is 480 kilometres (300 miles) and within the allowed range. Washington has, however, said a static display of the cruise missile does not prove its range does not breach the agreement. Signed in 1987 by US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF treaty bans ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres. It ended a dangerous build-up of warheads in Europe but there are fears a similar situation could re-emerge. US officials have said that if Russia misses the February 2 deadline, the Pentagon will begin work on its own missile system that would otherwise be barred by the treaty. Russia has said that because Washington's claims are unsubstantiated the agreement would remain in force even if the US tries to withdraw.

No progress in talks with US on nuclear treaty: Russia

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.

"Pakistan attacked Uri by sending its terrorists. Within 10 days, Prime Minister Modi took the revenge through surgical strikes. This only he can do. The Congress can’t do this. When Prime Minister Modi speaks in Hindi at the UN General Assembly, every Indian feels proud,"&nbsp;said Shah, while addressing a rally here.

Projecting BJP as the true custodian of marginalised sections of the society, he said, "BJP-led Central government is for the poor, tribal people and Dalits. Congress ruled India for decades but the poor did not get even basic amenities such as gas connections, medical benefits and electricity."

"After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, many houses got LPG connections. We made toilets for eight crore houses and two crore electricity connections were given to the poor people,"&nbsp;said the BJP chief.

Shah also criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly restricting the people from taking direct benefits of Central government’s various welfare schemes.

"In Odisha, the poor people are unable to benefit from the schemes of Central government due to the narrow mindset of the state government led by Naveen Patnaik. I want to ask the Chief Minister why poor people in the state are not getting the benefit of Ayushman Bharat,"&nbsp;he said.

"The state government is afraid because if they will allow people to benefit from Ayushman Bharat, then Prime Minister Modi will become famous and the BJP’s roots will get stronger. The Panchayat elections show that the next government will be made by BJP in the state,"&nbsp;said Shah.

Talking about how the BJP has been generous in giving funds to Odisha, Shah said, "In 13th Finance Commission, Congress gave around Rs 79,000 crore to the state. When the BJP came to power at the Centre, we gave Rs 2,11,510 crore for development works in Odisha as per the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission."

"Apart from this, we also gave Rs 51,000 crore more. In total, we have given Rs 5,13,000 crore for Odisha's development. Has this money reached the villages in Odisha? Do you get electricity for 24 hours in your villages? Do you get drinking water from taps,"&nbsp;he asked.

Talking about the much-hyped grand alliance of opposition parties, BJP chief Shah said, "BJP is all set to contest the coming Lok Sabha election under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. We have more than 26 parties with us in the NDA. On the other hand, there is a grand alliance, which is fake. All these parties under Congress’ leadership do not have even a leader and a positive agenda for development.''

In a bid to infuse confidence in the BJP workers, he said, "I want the party workers to go home today with the vision of creating a ‘new Odisha’ by taking motivation from Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Also, take the pledge that in the next Vidhan Sabha elections Odisha will get an Odia speaking Chief Minister."&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to surgical strikes and his address in Hindi at the UN General Assembly. "Pakistan attacked Uri by sending its terrorists. Within 10 days, Prime Minister Modi took the revenge through surgical strikes. This only he can do. The Congress can’t do this. When Prime Minister Modi speaks in Hindi at the UN General Assembly, every Indian feels proud," said Shah, while addressing a rally here. Projecting BJP as the true custodian of marginalised sections of the society, he said, "BJP-led Central government is for the poor, tribal people and Dalits. Congress ruled India for decades but the poor did not get even basic amenities such as gas connections, medical benefits and electricity." "After Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, many houses got LPG connections. We made toilets for eight crore houses and two crore electricity connections were given to the poor people," said the BJP chief. Shah also criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly restricting the people from taking direct benefits of Central government’s various welfare schemes. "In Odisha, the poor people are unable to benefit from the schemes of Central government due to the narrow mindset of the state government led by Naveen Patnaik. I want to ask the Chief Minister why poor people in the state are not getting the benefit of Ayushman Bharat," he said. "The state government is afraid because if they will allow people to benefit from Ayushman Bharat, then Prime Minister Modi will become famous and the BJP’s roots will get stronger. The Panchayat elections show that the next government will be made by BJP in the state," said Shah. Talking about how the BJP has been generous in giving funds to Odisha, Shah said, "In 13th Finance Commission, Congress gave around Rs 79,000 crore to the state. When the BJP came to power at the Centre, we gave Rs 2,11,510 crore for development works in Odisha as per the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission." "Apart from this, we also gave Rs 51,000 crore more. In total, we have given Rs 5,13,000 crore for Odisha's development. Has this money reached the villages in Odisha? Do you get electricity for 24 hours in your villages? Do you get drinking water from taps," he asked. Talking about the much-hyped grand alliance of opposition parties, BJP chief Shah said, "BJP is all set to contest the coming Lok Sabha election under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. We have more than 26 parties with us in the NDA. On the other hand, there is a grand alliance, which is fake. All these parties under Congress’ leadership do not have even a leader and a positive agenda for development.'' In a bid to infuse confidence in the BJP workers, he said, "I want the party workers to go home today with the vision of creating a ‘new Odisha’ by taking motivation from Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das. Also, take the pledge that in the next Vidhan Sabha elections Odisha will get an Odia speaking Chief Minister."

Shah heaps praises on PM Modi, says he makes India proud by speaking in Hindi at UN

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-peace-deal-on-cards-for-new-us-north-korea-summit-193058">North Korea said on Tuesday</a> that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, also told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament that Pyongyang would continue working to establish a "permanent and durable peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula".

The summit last June between North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump</a> had brought about a dramatic turn in relations that had been "the most hostile on earth" and contributed to ensuring peace and security on the divided peninsula, Han said.

He referred to the two leaders' joint statement issued after their meeting in Singapore and Kim's New Year's Address, adding:

"Accordingly we declared that we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them and we have taken various practical measures.

"If the US responds to our efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epoch-making steps," he said.

Han told Reuters that he had no information on a possible upcoming second summit between Kim and Trump.

South Korea's foreign minister told Reuters at Davos last week that North Korea must make concrete pledges toward curbing its nuclear weapons programme, such as dismantling its main nuclear complex and allowing international inspections to confirm the process, when leader Kim meets Trump as soon as next month.

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions. North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, also told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament that Pyongyang would continue working to establish a "permanent and durable peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula". The summit last June between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump had brought about a dramatic turn in relations that had been "the most hostile on earth" and contributed to ensuring peace and security on the divided peninsula, Han said. He referred to the two leaders' joint statement issued after their meeting in Singapore and Kim's New Year's Address, adding: "Accordingly we declared that we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them and we have taken various practical measures. "If the US responds to our efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epoch-making steps," he said. Han told Reuters that he had no information on a possible upcoming second summit between Kim and Trump. South Korea's foreign minister told Reuters at Davos last week that North Korea must make concrete pledges toward curbing its nuclear weapons programme, such as dismantling its main nuclear complex and allowing international inspections to confirm the process, when leader Kim meets Trump as soon as next month.

If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea

Bangladesh must not "rush to relocate refugees" from the Rohingya Muslim minority, a top UN rights official said Friday, amid plans to move the community to an island vulnerable to extreme monsoon weather.

Some 750,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar escaped a bloody military crackdown in northern Rakhine state since August 2017 and joined some 300,000 refugees living in the already overcrowded Bangladesh camps.

Dhaka has spent some $280 million transforming Bhashan Char, a muddy silt islet that only emerged from the Bay of Bengal nearly two decades ago, into a camp for some of the refugees.

But the island, in a coastal region where extreme weather has killed hundreds of thousands of people in recent decades, is one hour by boat from the nearest land and over a stretch of sea prone to violent storms.

Yanghee Lee, a UN Special Rapporteur of human rights, visited the island on Thursday and urged Bangladesh to observe "caution and patience" before proceeding with any relocation plan.

"There should be no rush to relocate refugees, such as before the monsoon season which is one of the possibilities that has been outlined to me," she told reporters on Friday.

"It is imperative that any measures to relocate the refugees enhance their enjoyment of rights and do not create a new crisis," she added.

Lee also advised Dhaka to share feasibility studies and allow the UN to carry out a "full technical and humanitarian assessment, including a security assessment, before making any further plans for the housing of people on the island".

"The island's isolation does particularly trouble me, especially in the event of cyclones or other natural disasters," she added.

Lee did not provide further details about the island, which is still strictly off limits to the public and the media.

Plans for the island camp were first floated in 2015 and Bangladesh had previously wanted to start relocating refugees to the island last June before the monsoon season began.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was then slated to open the new settlement, built to house 100,000 refugees, last October, but the inauguration was postponed.

A senior disaster management official told AFP in September that nearly three-quarters of the project was complete, with the navy fast-tracking construction of shelters and evacuation centres.

Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) embankment around the island that they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone.

Lee, who also visited Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, said the refugees "cannot return to Myanmar in the near future".

"I encourage the government to begin to engage in longer-term planning and prepare the local population for this reality," she said.

Bangladesh must not "rush to relocate refugees" from the Rohingya Muslim minority, a top UN rights official said Friday, amid plans to move the community to an island vulnerable to extreme monsoon weather.

Bangladesh must not "rush to relocate refugees" from the Rohingya Muslim minority, a top UN rights official said Friday, amid plans to move the community to an island vulnerable to extreme monsoon weather. Some 750,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar escaped a bloody military crackdown in northern Rakhine state since August 2017 and joined some 300,000 refugees living in the already overcrowded Bangladesh camps. Dhaka has spent some $280 million transforming Bhashan Char, a muddy silt islet that only emerged from the Bay of Bengal nearly two decades ago, into a camp for some of the refugees. But the island, in a coastal region where extreme weather has killed hundreds of thousands of people in recent decades, is one hour by boat from the nearest land and over a stretch of sea prone to violent storms. Yanghee Lee, a UN Special Rapporteur of human rights, visited the island on Thursday and urged Bangladesh to observe "caution and patience" before proceeding with any relocation plan. "There should be no rush to relocate refugees, such as before the monsoon season which is one of the possibilities that has been outlined to me," she told reporters on Friday. "It is imperative that any measures to relocate the refugees enhance their enjoyment of rights and do not create a new crisis," she added. Lee also advised Dhaka to share feasibility studies and allow the UN to carry out a "full technical and humanitarian assessment, including a security assessment, before making any further plans for the housing of people on the island". "The island's isolation does particularly trouble me, especially in the event of cyclones or other natural disasters," she added. Lee did not provide further details about the island, which is still strictly off limits to the public and the media. Plans for the island camp were first floated in 2015 and Bangladesh had previously wanted to start relocating refugees to the island last June before the monsoon season began. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was then slated to open the new settlement, built to house 100,000 refugees, last October, but the inauguration was postponed. A senior disaster management official told AFP in September that nearly three-quarters of the project was complete, with the navy fast-tracking construction of shelters and evacuation centres. Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) embankment around the island that they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone. Lee, who also visited Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, said the refugees "cannot return to Myanmar in the near future". "I encourage the government to begin to engage in longer-term planning and prepare the local population for this reality," she said.

UN expert urges caution on Bangladesh's Rohingya island 'relocation' plan

Two peacekeepers from Sri Lanka died and six were wounded in central Mali Friday when their vehicle hit a mine, the UN said, urging a swift investigation to "bring the perpetrators to justice".

UN chief Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the latest attack, and a separate strike with an improvised explosive device Thursday that killed another peacekeeper, from Burkina Faso.

"The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," his office said in a statement issued in New York.

The UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) earlier said a logistics vehicle hit a mine near Douentza in the Mopti region, killing two blue helmets and severely wounding several others, who have since been evacuated for treatment.

The 14,000-strong UN military and police mission has been deployed in Mali since 2013 to help counter jihadist activity.

The casualties come after jihadist gunmen killed 10 Chadian peacekeepers and injured at least 25 others in an attack on a UN camp in Aguelhok, northern Mali on Sunday.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for that attack -- one of the deadliest strikes against the UN mission in the West African country.

The UN Security Council in a statement urged the Malian government "to swiftly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice."

It added that "involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions designations pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions."

Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, has struggled to return to stability since extremists linked to Al-Qaeda took control of the north in 2012, prompting French military intervention.

The jihadists were routed from key desert towns such as Timbuktu and Gao, but large stretches of the landlocked Sahel state remain out of government control.

A peace deal between the government and armed groups was signed in 2015, but implementation has been slow and attacks have continued in the centre and north.

In his last quarterly report on Mali, Guterres highlighted a rise in improvised explosive device attacks.&nbsp;

"The number of attacks of this type has increased steadily since January 2018, reaching 192, while there had been only 124 during the same period in 2017," according to the report.&nbsp;

Two peacekeepers from Sri Lanka died and six were wounded in central Mali Friday when their vehicle hit a mine, the UN said, urging a swift investigation to "bring the perpetrators to justice".

Two peacekeepers from Sri Lanka died and six were wounded in central Mali Friday when their vehicle hit a mine, the UN said, urging a swift investigation to "bring the perpetrators to justice". UN chief Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the latest attack, and a separate strike with an improvised explosive device Thursday that killed another peacekeeper, from Burkina Faso. "The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," his office said in a statement issued in New York. The UN mission in Mali (MINUSMA) earlier said a logistics vehicle hit a mine near Douentza in the Mopti region, killing two blue helmets and severely wounding several others, who have since been evacuated for treatment. The 14,000-strong UN military and police mission has been deployed in Mali since 2013 to help counter jihadist activity. The casualties come after jihadist gunmen killed 10 Chadian peacekeepers and injured at least 25 others in an attack on a UN camp in Aguelhok, northern Mali on Sunday. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for that attack -- one of the deadliest strikes against the UN mission in the West African country. The UN Security Council in a statement urged the Malian government "to swiftly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice." It added that "involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions designations pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions." Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, has struggled to return to stability since extremists linked to Al-Qaeda took control of the north in 2012, prompting French military intervention. The jihadists were routed from key desert towns such as Timbuktu and Gao, but large stretches of the landlocked Sahel state remain out of government control. A peace deal between the government and armed groups was signed in 2015, but implementation has been slow and attacks have continued in the centre and north. In his last quarterly report on Mali, Guterres highlighted a rise in improvised explosive device attacks. "The number of attacks of this type has increased steadily since January 2018, reaching 192, while there had been only 124 during the same period in 2017," according to the report.

UN urges probe as mines kill peacekeepers in Mali

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-pushes-un-security-council-to-back-venezuelas-guaido-192888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizucq-pYvgAhUIqY8KHfHwARsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3FhOz_myvOT-6ciiCFVEx9">Venezuela</a>'s opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-rules-out-crisis-talks-says-maduro-can-not-be-trusted-192823">National Assembly head Juan Guaido</a>, who proclaimed himself acting president during massive street rallies, said Friday that he wouldn't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead this week in clashes between anti-Maduro activists and security forces.

After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee the country — which sits on the world's largest oil reserves — the opposition found its voice this month in Guaido after Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term following controversial elections.

International pressure on the Maduro regime to agree to a new vote is also mounting.&nbsp;

On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognize Guaido as interim president, the State Department said.

And a European Union diplomat told AFP the bloc wanted "an immediate call for elections in the near future."

Mexico had offered to host talks between the rival leaders, and Maduro professed he was ready to go "wherever I have to" in order to meet "that young man."&nbsp;

But Guaido, who also has support from several Latin American countries, told supporters in Caracas the public would remain in the streets "until we achieve an end to the usurpation, a transitional government and free elections."

He accused Maduro of only offering talks after "repression" failed to achieve its objectives.

US issues economic warning&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate."

On Friday, Pompeo announced that Washington was naming Elliot Abrams — a central figure in president Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America during the 1980s — as its new envoy to lead efforts to help Venezuela "in achieving democracy."&nbsp;

Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro, who nominally retains the support of the Venezuelan military, to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties.

US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order.

Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open.

Despite the diplomatic sparring, Maduro on Friday said Venezuela will continue to sell oil to the United States, which private consultants say provides the largest source of cash to his country's coffers.

"If they buy our oil, we will sell oil," Maduro said.

But the US Treasury Department warned that "commercial transactions by the Venezuelan Government, including those involving its state-owned enterprises and international reserves" must be consistent with Washington's recognition of Guaido.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — whose country is Venezuela's second-largest creditor and a military ally — denounced US policy on Venezuela as "destructive."&nbsp;

Spain pushed the EU to recognize Guaido's claims to the presidency if no new elections are held, while Germany said it may follow suit.

France warned Maduro against "any form of repression" of the opposition as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said more than 350 people were arrested this week during the protests.

The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country.

Maduro's re-election last year was boycotted by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham — but the military has repeatedly reiterated its loyalty to the socialist leader.

Galvanized opposition 
&nbsp; 
Guaido, 35, has galvanized a previously divided opposition and even attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro.

In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down.

But such an option would have to be evaluated, he said, because Maduro is responsible for the deaths of protesters.

Guaido continues to seek military support and has tasked supporters with handing out copies of a draft amnesty law to soldiers.

Analysts at the Eurasia Group consultancy noted that while international recognition of Guaido as interim president cemented his position as the main opposition leader, his failure to win over the military meant Maduro's fall "does not appear imminent."

Venezuela's political crisis escalated after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro and sparked a number of protests leading up to Wednesday's rival rallies of pro and anti-Maduro groups.

Guaido's proclamation as acting president drew recognition from major regional players including Brazil and Argentina, as well as the United States.

Trump has mused about military intervention in Venezuela, saying "all options are on the table," but Russia said that "violates the fundamental norms of international law."

Maduro came to power in 2013 as the designated heir to the late and hugely-popular Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela's opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration.

Venezuela's opposition leader has stepped up his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro, rejecting an offer of talks with the socialist leader and calling for a "major demonstration." National Assembly head Juan Guaido, who proclaimed himself acting president during massive street rallies, said Friday that he wouldn't attend a "fake dialogue" on a crisis that has left 26 dead this week in clashes between anti-Maduro activists and security forces. After four years of economic pain that has left Venezuelans short of food and medicine and driven more than two million to flee the country — which sits on the world's largest oil reserves — the opposition found its voice this month in Guaido after Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term following controversial elections. International pressure on the Maduro regime to agree to a new vote is also mounting. On Saturday at a UN Security Council meeting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge members to recognize Guaido as interim president, the State Department said. And a European Union diplomat told AFP the bloc wanted "an immediate call for elections in the near future." Mexico had offered to host talks between the rival leaders, and Maduro professed he was ready to go "wherever I have to" in order to meet "that young man." But Guaido, who also has support from several Latin American countries, told supporters in Caracas the public would remain in the streets "until we achieve an end to the usurpation, a transitional government and free elections." He accused Maduro of only offering talks after "repression" failed to achieve its objectives. US issues economic warning President Donald Trump's administration has spearheaded the international pressure on Maduro, who accuses Washington of being behind an attempted "coup," by declaring his regime "illegitimate." On Friday, Pompeo announced that Washington was naming Elliot Abrams — a central figure in president Ronald Reagan's controversial anti-communist campaigns in Central America during the 1980s — as its new envoy to lead efforts to help Venezuela "in achieving democracy." Washington's support for Guaido led Maduro, who nominally retains the support of the Venezuelan military, to close the US embassy and consulates and break diplomatic ties. US diplomats in Venezuela have until Saturday to leave the country, but Washington has refused to fully comply fully with the exit order. Guaido is instead urging the US diplomats to stay and keep the embassy's doors open. Despite the diplomatic sparring, Maduro on Friday said Venezuela will continue to sell oil to the United States, which private consultants say provides the largest source of cash to his country's coffers. "If they buy our oil, we will sell oil," Maduro said. But the US Treasury Department warned that "commercial transactions by the Venezuelan Government, including those involving its state-owned enterprises and international reserves" must be consistent with Washington's recognition of Guaido. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov — whose country is Venezuela's second-largest creditor and a military ally — denounced US policy on Venezuela as "destructive." Spain pushed the EU to recognize Guaido's claims to the presidency if no new elections are held, while Germany said it may follow suit. France warned Maduro against "any form of repression" of the opposition as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said more than 350 people were arrested this week during the protests. The Inter-American Human Rights Commission late Friday issued a statement warning that Guaido's life and health were in danger given the high political tension in the country. Maduro's re-election last year was boycotted by the opposition and rejected by the US, EU and UN as a sham — but the military has repeatedly reiterated its loyalty to the socialist leader. Galvanized opposition Guaido, 35, has galvanized a previously divided opposition and even attempted to attract military support by offering an amnesty to anyone who disavows Maduro. In a Skype interview with Univision late Thursday, he went one step further by suggesting Maduro could be offered amnesty if he agrees to step down. But such an option would have to be evaluated, he said, because Maduro is responsible for the deaths of protesters. Guaido continues to seek military support and has tasked supporters with handing out copies of a draft amnesty law to soldiers. Analysts at the Eurasia Group consultancy noted that while international recognition of Guaido as interim president cemented his position as the main opposition leader, his failure to win over the military meant Maduro's fall "does not appear imminent." Venezuela's political crisis escalated after a group of soldiers rose up against Maduro and sparked a number of protests leading up to Wednesday's rival rallies of pro and anti-Maduro groups. Guaido's proclamation as acting president drew recognition from major regional players including Brazil and Argentina, as well as the United States. Trump has mused about military intervention in Venezuela, saying "all options are on the table," but Russia said that "violates the fundamental norms of international law." Maduro came to power in 2013 as the designated heir to the late and hugely-popular Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela: Opposition leader Guaido steps up campaign to oust Maduro; calls for 'major demonstration'

Myanmar's army chief should be prosecuted for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, a UN human rights investigator said, adding that holding perpetrators to account for crimes was necessary before refugees who fled the country could return.

Yanghee Lee, the United Nations'&nbsp;Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, was speaking during a trip to Thailand and Bangladesh, where she met officials and Rohingya who&nbsp;drove out of western Rakhine state after an army crackdown in 2017.

"Min Aung Hlaing and others should be held accountable for genocide in Rakhine and for crimes against humanity and war crimes in other parts of Myanmar," said Lee, who is barred from the country, referring to the military's commander-in-chief.

Her interview marked the first time Lee has publicly called for the army chief to be prosecuted for genocide. A UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar last year said that the military campaign, which refugees say included mass killings and rape, was orchestrated with "genocidal intent" and recommended charging Min Aung Hlaing and five other generals with the "gravest crimes under international law".

Since August 2017 some 730,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine to Bangladesh, where they now live overcrowded camps.

"For any repatriation to happen ... the perpetrators must be held to account because sending the refugees back with no accountability is going to really exacerbate or prolong the horrific situation in Myanmar," Lee told Reuters in an interview in Thailand on January 18. "And then we`ll see another cycle of expulsion again."

Spokesmen for Myanmar's military and the government could not be reached for comment. The country has previously denied almost all allegations made by refugees against its troops, who it says were engaged in legitimate counterterrorism operations.

Legal routes

The UN Security Council in September voted to approve the establishment of an "ongoing independent mechanism" for Myanmar that would collect, consolidate, and preserve evidence of crimes that could be used in an eventual court case.

Lee said the independent mechanism would provide funds for "victim support", including money for criminal cases.

Myanmar has said it "absolutely rejects" that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction to rule on its actions. The country is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the Hague-based court.

Non-parties can be referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council, though diplomats have said permanent members China and Russia would likely veto any such move. Britain has been drafting a Security Council resolution on Myanmar, but diplomats told Reuters in December it did not include a referral to the ICC.

Legal experts say other options for an international prosecution include referral by individual UN member states – five Latin American states recently successfully referred Venezuela – or an ad hoc tribunal.

Caution urged on island plan

Lee's trip to the region this week included visits to Cox's Bazar, in southern Bangladesh, where the camps housing Rohingya refugees are located, and Bhasan Char, a remote island in the Bay of Bengal where the Bangladeshi authorities have been building new temporary accommodation for them.

Bangladesh says moving refugees to Bhasan Char - whose name means "floating island" - will ease chronic overcrowding in the existing camps. But some humanitarian groups have criticised the plan, saying the island is vulnerable to frequent cyclones and cannot sustain livelihoods for thousands of people.

Speaking at a news conference in Dhaka on Friday, at the end of her trip, Lee called on the Bangladesh government to consult with the UN and humanitarian agencies before any move to Bhasan Char, which she said should not be done in haste.

"There should be no rush to relocate refugees, such as before the monsoon season which is one of the possibilities that has been outlined to me," she said.

"The island`s isolation does particularly trouble me, especially in the event of cyclones or other natural disasters." 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's army chief should be prosecuted for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, a UN human rights investigator said, adding that holding perpetrators to account for crimes was necessary before refugees who fled the country could return.

Myanmar's army chief should be prosecuted for genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority, a UN human rights investigator said, adding that holding perpetrators to account for crimes was necessary before refugees who fled the country could return. Yanghee Lee, the United Nations' Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, was speaking during a trip to Thailand and Bangladesh, where she met officials and Rohingya who drove out of western Rakhine state after an army crackdown in 2017. "Min Aung Hlaing and others should be held accountable for genocide in Rakhine and for crimes against humanity and war crimes in other parts of Myanmar," said Lee, who is barred from the country, referring to the military's commander-in-chief. Her interview marked the first time Lee has publicly called for the army chief to be prosecuted for genocide. A UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar last year said that the military campaign, which refugees say included mass killings and rape, was orchestrated with "genocidal intent" and recommended charging Min Aung Hlaing and five other generals with the "gravest crimes under international law". Since August 2017 some 730,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine to Bangladesh, where they now live overcrowded camps. "For any repatriation to happen ... the perpetrators must be held to account because sending the refugees back with no accountability is going to really exacerbate or prolong the horrific situation in Myanmar," Lee told Reuters in an interview in Thailand on January 18. "And then we`ll see another cycle of expulsion again." Spokesmen for Myanmar's military and the government could not be reached for comment. The country has previously denied almost all allegations made by refugees against its troops, who it says were engaged in legitimate counterterrorism operations. Legal routes The UN Security Council in September voted to approve the establishment of an "ongoing independent mechanism" for Myanmar that would collect, consolidate, and preserve evidence of crimes that could be used in an eventual court case. Lee said the independent mechanism would provide funds for "victim support", including money for criminal cases. Myanmar has said it "absolutely rejects" that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction to rule on its actions. The country is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the Hague-based court. Non-parties can be referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council, though diplomats have said permanent members China and Russia would likely veto any such move. Britain has been drafting a Security Council resolution on Myanmar, but diplomats told Reuters in December it did not include a referral to the ICC. Legal experts say other options for an international prosecution include referral by individual UN member states – five Latin American states recently successfully referred Venezuela – or an ad hoc tribunal. Caution urged on island plan Lee's trip to the region this week included visits to Cox's Bazar, in southern Bangladesh, where the camps housing Rohingya refugees are located, and Bhasan Char, a remote island in the Bay of Bengal where the Bangladeshi authorities have been building new temporary accommodation for them. Bangladesh says moving refugees to Bhasan Char - whose name means "floating island" - will ease chronic overcrowding in the existing camps. But some humanitarian groups have criticised the plan, saying the island is vulnerable to frequent cyclones and cannot sustain livelihoods for thousands of people. Speaking at a news conference in Dhaka on Friday, at the end of her trip, Lee called on the Bangladesh government to consult with the UN and humanitarian agencies before any move to Bhasan Char, which she said should not be done in haste. "There should be no rush to relocate refugees, such as before the monsoon season which is one of the possibilities that has been outlined to me," she said. "The island`s isolation does particularly trouble me, especially in the event of cyclones or other natural disasters."

Myanmar army chief must be prosecuted for Rohingya genocide: UN rights envoy

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-war-crime-laws-risk-sparing-worst-offenders-rights-groups-149954">United Nations cautioned Nepal </a>Thursday that it risked failing war crimes victims as a deadline for investigating atrocities during its decade-long Maoist conflict draws near without a single case being resolved.

Nepal established two commissions in 2015 to probe abuses by government forces and Maoist rebels during the civil war that left 17,000 dead and others missing without a trace.

The government had promised to deliver justice to victims but three years later, rights watchdogs say almost no progress has been made.

With the mandate for both commissions set to expire in a fortnight, Kathmandu has yet to extend its commitment to continuing the peace process.&nbsp;

"Any solution should have the needs of victims at its heart. Only then can the peace process move forward", the UN said in a statement jointly signed by the US, UK, France and Germany, among other nations.

"We are united in the view that without broad public trust in the process, Nepal will not be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor be able to complete the peace process," the statement said.

More than 60,000 complaints have been filed to both commissions -- one investigating an estimated 3,000 forced disappearances and the other focusing on crimes such as rape and murder.

But critics say the truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and stymied by a lack of funding and political will.

The government has not granted the commissioners the legal powers necessary to prosecute war crimes, while a provision granting amnesty to perpetrators is still on the books.

"An extension alone is meaningless. We need a body we can trust to deliver justice to us victims," Suman Adhikari of Conflict Victims' Common Platform told AFP.

Fighting ended in 2006 with a peace deal between Maoist insurgents and government forces. Many former rebels now fill the political ranks of Nepal's ruling party.

Just two prosecutions related to civil war-era crimes have been handed down in civilian courts, one linked to the murder of a teenage girl and the other concerning the killing of a journalist.

The United Nations cautioned Nepal Thursday that it risked failing war crimes victims as a deadline for investigating atrocities during its decade-long Maoist conflict draws near without a single case being resolved.

The United Nations cautioned Nepal Thursday that it risked failing war crimes victims as a deadline for investigating atrocities during its decade-long Maoist conflict draws near without a single case being resolved. Nepal established two commissions in 2015 to probe abuses by government forces and Maoist rebels during the civil war that left 17,000 dead and others missing without a trace. The government had promised to deliver justice to victims but three years later, rights watchdogs say almost no progress has been made. With the mandate for both commissions set to expire in a fortnight, Kathmandu has yet to extend its commitment to continuing the peace process. "Any solution should have the needs of victims at its heart. Only then can the peace process move forward", the UN said in a statement jointly signed by the US, UK, France and Germany, among other nations. "We are united in the view that without broad public trust in the process, Nepal will not be able to bring closure to the wounds and grievances that persist from the conflict era, nor be able to complete the peace process," the statement said. More than 60,000 complaints have been filed to both commissions -- one investigating an estimated 3,000 forced disappearances and the other focusing on crimes such as rape and murder. But critics say the truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and stymied by a lack of funding and political will. The government has not granted the commissioners the legal powers necessary to prosecute war crimes, while a provision granting amnesty to perpetrators is still on the books. "An extension alone is meaningless. We need a body we can trust to deliver justice to us victims," Suman Adhikari of Conflict Victims' Common Platform told AFP. Fighting ended in 2006 with a peace deal between Maoist insurgents and government forces. Many former rebels now fill the political ranks of Nepal's ruling party. Just two prosecutions related to civil war-era crimes have been handed down in civilian courts, one linked to the murder of a teenage girl and the other concerning the killing of a journalist.

UN urges Nepal to focus on war crimes victims as probes languish

More than 350 people in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-cut-off-money-for-venezuelas-maduro-to-aid-opposition-192613">Venezuela </a>have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-to-cut-off-money-for-venezuelas-maduro-to-aid-opposition-192613">Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere".

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said her office had "reports of large-scale detention of demonstrators -- well over 350 in total (this week), including 320 on 23 January alone".

Bachelet called for a full investigation into alleged violations by the state, including summary executions.&nbsp;

Civil society groups in Venezuela have put the death toll from days of street protests at 26.&nbsp;

The rights office, citing "credible local sources," said it also had indications that at least 20 people "have died after allegedly being shot by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday".

Bachelet, a former president of Chile who dealt with Maduro in her previous role, called for "immediate talks to defuse the increasingly incendiary atmosphere" in Venezuela. &nbsp;

"This is, at heart a crisis of governance, and it is the responsibility of the country's leaders to put an end to this disastrous situation," Bachelet said.

Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged into uncertainty this week when opposition leader Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president".&nbsp;

He earned swift endorsement from Washington and a dozen regional powers including Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticised internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

More than 350 people in Venezuela have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere".

More than 350 people in Venezuela have been arrested this week during demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government, the UN rights chief said Friday, calling for immediate talks to defuse the "increasingly incendiary atmosphere". The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said her office had "reports of large-scale detention of demonstrators -- well over 350 in total (this week), including 320 on 23 January alone". Bachelet called for a full investigation into alleged violations by the state, including summary executions. Civil society groups in Venezuela have put the death toll from days of street protests at 26. The rights office, citing "credible local sources," said it also had indications that at least 20 people "have died after allegedly being shot by security forces or members of pro-government armed groups during demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday". Bachelet, a former president of Chile who dealt with Maduro in her previous role, called for "immediate talks to defuse the increasingly incendiary atmosphere" in Venezuela. "This is, at heart a crisis of governance, and it is the responsibility of the country's leaders to put an end to this disastrous situation," Bachelet said. Venezuela, an oil-rich but economically devastated country, was plunged into uncertainty this week when opposition leader Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, proclaimed himself "acting president". He earned swift endorsement from Washington and a dozen regional powers including Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Maduro's reelection last year was disputed by the opposition, and criticised internationally -- but the socialist leader has until now retained the loyalty of the powerful military.

More than 350 protesters detained in Venezuela this week: United Nations

Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, multiple sources reported.

The UN spokesman in Mali condemned what he described as a vile and cowardly attack and called for a "robust" response.

"According to a new toll, still provisional, at least eight peacekeepers have been killed," a source close to the MINUSMA force said.

The attack happened early Sunday at the Aguelhok base 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Kidal and towards the border with Algeria, the source added.

A diplomat in northern Mali told AFP that several of the attackers had also been killed.

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the UN's special representative for Mali, condemned the attack in a statement.

"Peacekeepers of the MINUSMA force at Aguelhok fought off a sophisticated attack by assailants who arrived on several armed vehicles," he said.

The "cowardly" attack, he added, "illustrates the determination of the terrorists to sow chaos.

"It demands a robust, immediate and concerted response from all forces to destroy the peril of terrorism in the Sahel."

An attack at the same base last April killed two peacekeepers and left several others wounded.

More than 13,000 peacekeepers are deployed in Mali as part of a UN mission that was established after Islamist militias seized northern Mali in 2012. They were pushed backed by French troops in 2013.

A peace agreement signed in 2015 by the Bamako government and armed groups was aimed at restoring stability to Mali following a brief Islamist takeover in the north.

But the accord has failed to stop violence by Islamist militants, who have also staged attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Earlier this month, both France and the United States criticised the authorities in Mali for their failure to stem the worsening violence.

On January 16, France threatened to push for more targeted sanctions to be imposed on Mali after hearing a UN official report on worsening violence in the West African country.

And Washington renewed its warning that it would push for changes to the peacekeeping mission in Mali, possibly a major drawdown, if there was no progress.

In August, a panel of experts said in a report to the UN Security Council that inter-communal conflicts in the region were exacerbating existing tensions from clashes between jihadists groups and international and Malian forces.

On Sunday, France's Defence Minister Florence Parly told French radio that the G5 Sahel anti-jihadist force in the region was in the process of resuming operations.

They were suspended after an attack on their headquarters in mid 2018. The countries working in the G5 force comprise Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.

Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, multiple sources reported. The UN spokesman in Mali condemned what he described as a vile and cowardly attack and called for a "robust" response.

Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, multiple sources reported. The UN spokesman in Mali condemned what he described as a vile and cowardly attack and called for a "robust" response. "According to a new toll, still provisional, at least eight peacekeepers have been killed," a source close to the MINUSMA force said. The attack happened early Sunday at the Aguelhok base 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Kidal and towards the border with Algeria, the source added. A diplomat in northern Mali told AFP that several of the attackers had also been killed. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, the UN's special representative for Mali, condemned the attack in a statement. "Peacekeepers of the MINUSMA force at Aguelhok fought off a sophisticated attack by assailants who arrived on several armed vehicles," he said. The "cowardly" attack, he added, "illustrates the determination of the terrorists to sow chaos. "It demands a robust, immediate and concerted response from all forces to destroy the peril of terrorism in the Sahel." An attack at the same base last April killed two peacekeepers and left several others wounded. More than 13,000 peacekeepers are deployed in Mali as part of a UN mission that was established after Islamist militias seized northern Mali in 2012. They were pushed backed by French troops in 2013. A peace agreement signed in 2015 by the Bamako government and armed groups was aimed at restoring stability to Mali following a brief Islamist takeover in the north. But the accord has failed to stop violence by Islamist militants, who have also staged attacks in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Earlier this month, both France and the United States criticised the authorities in Mali for their failure to stem the worsening violence. On January 16, France threatened to push for more targeted sanctions to be imposed on Mali after hearing a UN official report on worsening violence in the West African country. And Washington renewed its warning that it would push for changes to the peacekeeping mission in Mali, possibly a major drawdown, if there was no progress. In August, a panel of experts said in a report to the UN Security Council that inter-communal conflicts in the region were exacerbating existing tensions from clashes between jihadists groups and international and Malian forces. On Sunday, France's Defence Minister Florence Parly told French radio that the G5 Sahel anti-jihadist force in the region was in the process of resuming operations. They were suspended after an attack on their headquarters in mid 2018. The countries working in the G5 force comprise Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.

Attack on UN base in Mali kills 8 peacekeepers: UN source

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/attack-on-un-base-in-mali-kills-8-peacekeepers-un-source-191639">Attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/attack-on-un-base-in-mali-kills-8-peacekeepers-un-source-191639"> on UN base in Mali kills 8 peacekeepers: UN source</a>

Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, said a source close to the MINUSMA force.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/parliament-cannot-hijack-brexit-says-british-minister-liam-fox-191634">Britain's parliament has no right to try to 'hijack the Brexit process', says British minister Liam Fox</a>

Britain's parliament has no right to try to "hijack the Brexit process", Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Sunday, after several lawmakers indicated they were launching attempts to take more control over the departure from the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-loses-to-stefanos-tsitsipas-knocked-out-of-australia-open-191635">Roger Federer loses to Stefanos Tsitsipas, knocked out of Australia Open</a>

Two-time defending champion Roger Federer on Sunday was knocked out of the Australian Open after he was beaten in four sets 6-7 7-6 7-5 7-6 by Stefanos Tsitsipas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-seven-killed-in-attack-on-afghan-provincial-governor-191622">At least seven killed in&nbsp;attack</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-seven-killed-in-attack-on-afghan-provincial-governor-191622"> on Afghan provincial governor</a>

A Taliban suicide bomber killed at least seven security guards Sunday after targeting the convoy of an Afghan governor, officials said, in the latest violence to rock the war-torn country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/zimbabwe-crackdown-a-sign-of-things-to-come-emmerson-mnangagwas-spokesman-191607">Zimbabwe crackdown a sign of things to come: Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesman</a>

A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president's spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.

&nbsp;

Attack on UN base in Mali kills 8 peacekeepers: UN source Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, said a source close to the MINUSMA force.

Attack on UN base in Mali kills 8 peacekeepers: UN source Gunmen killed at least eight Chadian UN peacekeepers in an attack Sunday on one of their bases in northern Mali, said a source close to the MINUSMA force. Britain's parliament has no right to try to 'hijack the Brexit process', says British minister Liam Fox Britain's parliament has no right to try to "hijack the Brexit process", Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Sunday, after several lawmakers indicated they were launching attempts to take more control over the departure from the European Union. Roger Federer loses to Stefanos Tsitsipas, knocked out of Australia Open Two-time defending champion Roger Federer on Sunday was knocked out of the Australian Open after he was beaten in four sets 6-7 7-6 7-5 7-6 by Stefanos Tsitsipas. At least seven killed in attack on Afghan provincial governor A Taliban suicide bomber killed at least seven security guards Sunday after targeting the convoy of an Afghan governor, officials said, in the latest violence to rock the war-torn country. Zimbabwe crackdown a sign of things to come: Emmerson Mnangagwa's spokesman A crackdown last week on protests in Zimbabwe is a foretaste of how the government will respond to future unrest, the president's spokesman said, fuelling concerns that the country is reverting to authoritarian rule.

News brief: Big stories of the day

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that the world body has not received requests from other countries to initiate a criminal investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Guterres said that he himself does not have the power to launch any criminal probe unless the Security Council provides a mandate that recognises a matter could be a threat to world peace and security.

Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi regime, went missing on October 2 last year after he stepped into Saudi Arabia`s consulate in Istanbul to collect paperwork that would allow him to get married to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz, who later said that he never appeared from the building.

"I don"t have the right to launch any investigation, there is huge confusion about what the Secretary-General can and can't do. I do not have the right to launch a criminal investigation myself and no formal criminal investigation was requested to me by any member state," he was quoted by Anadolu News Agency as saying while briefing reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

The UN chief underlined that the Human Rights Council has the power to investigate Khashoggi`s killing.

"The Human Rights Council has the possibility to take decisions in relation to launching different forms of interaction. There are many instruments the Human Rights Council can use, requested by member states, and I am not in a position to encourage member states. I`m saying these instruments are available," Guterres added.

After presenting several contradictory theories, Saudi Arabia acknowledged that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate premises in what the country`s then Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had described as a "rogue operation" led by two officials - the Deputy Intelligence Chief Ahmad al-Assiri and the Royal Court Adviser Saud al-Qahtani - who have since been sacked.

Last December, UN Human Rights Chief Michele Bachelet said that the murder of the Saudi scribe does require an international investigation.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia held the initial hearing in the Khashoggi murder case, wherein the public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five of the 11 accused for their alleged direct involvement in the murder.

Investigations into Khashoggi`s killing are still going on in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report inferred the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to be behind the scribe`s death - the allegations of which have been repeatedly and strongly refuted by Riyadh.&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that the world body has not received requests from other countries to initiate a criminal investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that the world body has not received requests from other countries to initiate a criminal investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Guterres said that he himself does not have the power to launch any criminal probe unless the Security Council provides a mandate that recognises a matter could be a threat to world peace and security. Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi regime, went missing on October 2 last year after he stepped into Saudi Arabia`s consulate in Istanbul to collect paperwork that would allow him to get married to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz, who later said that he never appeared from the building. "I don"t have the right to launch any investigation, there is huge confusion about what the Secretary-General can and can't do. I do not have the right to launch a criminal investigation myself and no formal criminal investigation was requested to me by any member state," he was quoted by Anadolu News Agency as saying while briefing reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. The UN chief underlined that the Human Rights Council has the power to investigate Khashoggi`s killing. "The Human Rights Council has the possibility to take decisions in relation to launching different forms of interaction. There are many instruments the Human Rights Council can use, requested by member states, and I am not in a position to encourage member states. I`m saying these instruments are available," Guterres added. After presenting several contradictory theories, Saudi Arabia acknowledged that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate premises in what the country`s then Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had described as a "rogue operation" led by two officials - the Deputy Intelligence Chief Ahmad al-Assiri and the Royal Court Adviser Saud al-Qahtani - who have since been sacked. Last December, UN Human Rights Chief Michele Bachelet said that the murder of the Saudi scribe does require an international investigation. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia held the initial hearing in the Khashoggi murder case, wherein the public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five of the 11 accused for their alleged direct involvement in the murder. Investigations into Khashoggi`s killing are still going on in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report inferred the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to be behind the scribe`s death - the allegations of which have been repeatedly and strongly refuted by Riyadh.

Haven't received requests to launch criminal probe into Khashoggi's murder: United Nations

The head of a UN mission tasked with overseeing a peace deal in Yemen's Hodeidah port city is safe after a reported shooting incident, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Both the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement which controls Hodeidah and the Saudi-led coalition that has massed troops on its outskirts, accused one another of opening fire on the convoy of retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert.

"Patrick Cammaert and team are safe in Hodeidah following reported shooting incident. More information to come later," the office of the spokesperson for the UN chief tweeted.

A Yemeni source in the Saudi-led coalition told Reuters the convoy was visiting an area under its control when Houthi fighters opened fire. A statement from a Houthi official sent to Reuters said coalition-backed forces in the eastern suburbs, a flashpoint, had fired on the convoy.

Cammaert arrived in the Red Sea port city on December 22 to head the committee overseeing implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal deal reached at peace talks last month in Sweden between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

The ceasefire has largely held but sporadic skirmishes have flared. The United Nations has struggled to implement the withdrawal of forces from both sides.

The truce has averted a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial imports and vital aid supplies. It is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis facing severe hunger in the poorest Arabian Peninsula country.

The UN Security Council approved on Wednesday the deployment of up to 75 observers to Hodeidah for six months to monitor implementation of the deal, which was the first significant breakthrough in peace efforts in five years.

The coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in the war in 2015 against the Houthis to restore the internationally recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from the capital Sanaa in 2014.

The Houthis, who say their revolution is against corruption, control most urban centres while Hadi's government is based in the southern port city of Aden.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths has said that substantial progress was needed in Hodeidah before more talks can be held on ending the war that has killed tens of thousands of people.

Western allies, some of which supply arms and intelligence to the Sunni Muslim coalition, have pressed for an end to the conflict that is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and its foe Shi'ite Muslim Iran.

The head of a UN mission tasked with overseeing a peace deal in Yemen's Hodeidah port city is safe after a reported shooting incident, the United Nations said on Thursday.

The head of a UN mission tasked with overseeing a peace deal in Yemen's Hodeidah port city is safe after a reported shooting incident, the United Nations said on Thursday. Both the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement which controls Hodeidah and the Saudi-led coalition that has massed troops on its outskirts, accused one another of opening fire on the convoy of retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert. "Patrick Cammaert and team are safe in Hodeidah following reported shooting incident. More information to come later," the office of the spokesperson for the UN chief tweeted. A Yemeni source in the Saudi-led coalition told Reuters the convoy was visiting an area under its control when Houthi fighters opened fire. A statement from a Houthi official sent to Reuters said coalition-backed forces in the eastern suburbs, a flashpoint, had fired on the convoy. Cammaert arrived in the Red Sea port city on December 22 to head the committee overseeing implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal deal reached at peace talks last month in Sweden between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The ceasefire has largely held but sporadic skirmishes have flared. The United Nations has struggled to implement the withdrawal of forces from both sides. The truce has averted a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial imports and vital aid supplies. It is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis facing severe hunger in the poorest Arabian Peninsula country. The UN Security Council approved on Wednesday the deployment of up to 75 observers to Hodeidah for six months to monitor implementation of the deal, which was the first significant breakthrough in peace efforts in five years. The coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in the war in 2015 against the Houthis to restore the internationally recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, which was ousted from the capital Sanaa in 2014. The Houthis, who say their revolution is against corruption, control most urban centres while Hadi's government is based in the southern port city of Aden. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has said that substantial progress was needed in Hodeidah before more talks can be held on ending the war that has killed tens of thousands of people. Western allies, some of which supply arms and intelligence to the Sunni Muslim coalition, have pressed for an end to the conflict that is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and its foe Shi'ite Muslim Iran.

UN says team head safe in Yemen's Hodeidah after shooting incident

&nbsp;Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/major-migration-flows-in-the-last-decade-182125">Venezuelan</a> immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated.

Yellow tents that once housed families were piled into a corner of the football pitch that in November was turned into a temporary shelter for some 600 Venezuelan migrants who had previously been sleeping outside the city`s main bus terminal.&nbsp;

Carmen Nunez, who turned 58 on Tuesday, cried in front of authorities because she had no idea where to go now.

"Should I go to the street?" she said, with her walking stick in hand. "I have no money, but I want to go back to Venezuela, at least there I will have a place to stay."

She was offered transportation to the city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border&nbsp;but does not have money to return to her home on the Venezuelan coast. Other migrants stood outside the tightly policed camp entrance with their belongings.

From the outset, Jan. 15 had been set as the camp`s closure date, partly in response to pressure from Colombians over the growing presence of migrants.&nbsp;

The United Nations says some 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, seeking an escape from a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has put basic food and medicine beyond the reach of most citizens.&nbsp;

Another 2 million are likely to emigrate in 2019, it estimates. The vast majority travel by land to Colombia, some on foot, though many continue on to other parts of South America.&nbsp;

Cristina Velez, Bogota`s Secretary of Social Integration, said in a press conference that the city did not plan to open any more shelters unless there were extraordinary circumstances that warranted doing so.

"I have no idea what we`re going to do," said Junior Palacios, 23, from Caracas, who was sitting outside of the evacuated camp with four friends.&nbsp;

"I don`t want to go back (to Venezuela). It`s a question of moving forward and building a life here somehow."

Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed Venezuelan immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated.

Colombian authorities evacuated a camp that housed Venezuelan immigrants in the capital of Bogota on Tuesday, dismantling a temporary shelter even as the flow of refugees from the crisis-stricken neighbouring nation is expected to continue unabated. Yellow tents that once housed families were piled into a corner of the football pitch that in November was turned into a temporary shelter for some 600 Venezuelan migrants who had previously been sleeping outside the city`s main bus terminal. Carmen Nunez, who turned 58 on Tuesday, cried in front of authorities because she had no idea where to go now. "Should I go to the street?" she said, with her walking stick in hand. "I have no money, but I want to go back to Venezuela, at least there I will have a place to stay." She was offered transportation to the city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border but does not have money to return to her home on the Venezuelan coast. Other migrants stood outside the tightly policed camp entrance with their belongings. From the outset, Jan. 15 had been set as the camp`s closure date, partly in response to pressure from Colombians over the growing presence of migrants. The United Nations says some 3 million people have left Venezuela since 2015, seeking an escape from a hyperinflationary economic collapse that has put basic food and medicine beyond the reach of most citizens. Another 2 million are likely to emigrate in 2019, it estimates. The vast majority travel by land to Colombia, some on foot, though many continue on to other parts of South America. Cristina Velez, Bogota`s Secretary of Social Integration, said in a press conference that the city did not plan to open any more shelters unless there were extraordinary circumstances that warranted doing so. "I have no idea what we`re going to do," said Junior Palacios, 23, from Caracas, who was sitting outside of the evacuated camp with four friends. "I don`t want to go back (to Venezuela). It`s a question of moving forward and building a life here somehow."

Colombia clears migrant camp as Venezuela exodus continues

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language.

India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages.&nbsp;

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations.&nbsp;

A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week. The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language. India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations. A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.

In first, United Nations launches Hindi website 

Pakistan's top court on Monday ordered a fresh medical report into the condition of a mentally ill prisoner on death row, an NGO representing him said, days after his execution was temporarily suspended.

The case of Khizar Hayat, a former police officer sentenced to death in 2003 for killing a colleague and who has spent more than 15 years in custody, has attracted widespread attention from rights groups and the UN.

"The case was adjourned till the Special Medical Board examines Khizar and files their report before the Court," the Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), a rights organisation that is representing Hayat, said in a press release.

It added that the court had "strongly reprimanded" jail authorities for failing to follow prison rules.

The court had temporarily suspended Hayat's death sentence on Saturday. On Sunday, UN experts had urged Pakistan against carrying out an "arbitrary execution".&nbsp;

"During his trial, no evidence or witnesses were called in his defence and no questions were asked regarding his mental health, although he was later diagnosed with a mental health condition and has been receiving treatment for the past 10 years," they said.

Government doctors had diagnosed Hayat as suffering from schizophrenia in 2008.

Two years ago, experts from the World Psychiatric Association also appealed to Pakistan to halt his execution, saying he was suffering from schizophrenia and did not understand the crime he had committed.

A petition to move him to a mental health facility was dismissed on 6 December 2018, the UN experts said.

Pakistan's top court on Monday ordered a fresh medical report into the condition of a mentally ill prisoner on death row, an NGO representing him said, days after his execution was temporarily suspended.

Pakistan's top court on Monday ordered a fresh medical report into the condition of a mentally ill prisoner on death row, an NGO representing him said, days after his execution was temporarily suspended. The case of Khizar Hayat, a former police officer sentenced to death in 2003 for killing a colleague and who has spent more than 15 years in custody, has attracted widespread attention from rights groups and the UN. "The case was adjourned till the Special Medical Board examines Khizar and files their report before the Court," the Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), a rights organisation that is representing Hayat, said in a press release. It added that the court had "strongly reprimanded" jail authorities for failing to follow prison rules. The court had temporarily suspended Hayat's death sentence on Saturday. On Sunday, UN experts had urged Pakistan against carrying out an "arbitrary execution". "During his trial, no evidence or witnesses were called in his defence and no questions were asked regarding his mental health, although he was later diagnosed with a mental health condition and has been receiving treatment for the past 10 years," they said. Government doctors had diagnosed Hayat as suffering from schizophrenia in 2008. Two years ago, experts from the World Psychiatric Association also appealed to Pakistan to halt his execution, saying he was suffering from schizophrenia and did not understand the crime he had committed. A petition to move him to a mental health facility was dismissed on 6 December 2018, the UN experts said.

Pakistan court orders fresh report on mentally ill prisoner on death row: NGO

Watch: WION Your Story, 14th January, 2019

UN President Maria Fernanda Espinosa will travel to Pakistan next week with an aim to strengthen the world body's ties with the country to promote multilateralism.

Espinosa will travel to Pakistan from January 18-22 at the invitation of the Pakistan Government, the United Nations General Assembly spokesperson said in a statement.

This will be her first official visit to the Asia-Pacific region since she took office in September.

Espinosa, Ecuador's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was in June elected president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, becoming only the fourth female president of the organisation in its 73-year history.

The General Assembly President is "looking forward to strengthening the ties between Pakistan and the UN, promoting multilateralism and continuing my work with Pakistan on the priorities for the 73rd Session of the GA."

During the visit, Espinosa will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as well as representatives of the UN and of civil society and women's organisations, her office said.

UN President Maria Fernanda Espinosa will travel to Pakistan next week with an aim to strengthen the world body's ties with the country to promote multilateralism.

UN President Maria Fernanda Espinosa will travel to Pakistan next week with an aim to strengthen the world body's ties with the country to promote multilateralism. Espinosa will travel to Pakistan from January 18-22 at the invitation of the Pakistan Government, the United Nations General Assembly spokesperson said in a statement. This will be her first official visit to the Asia-Pacific region since she took office in September. Espinosa, Ecuador's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was in June elected president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, becoming only the fourth female president of the organisation in its 73-year history. The General Assembly President is "looking forward to strengthening the ties between Pakistan and the UN, promoting multilateralism and continuing my work with Pakistan on the priorities for the 73rd Session of the GA." During the visit, Espinosa will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, as well as representatives of the UN and of civil society and women's organisations, her office said.

UN President Maria Espinosa to visit Pakistan next week

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