The Taliban have reversed a decision to allow teenage girls back to secondary school despite repeated assurances they could resume classes from Wednesday. Now, US has cancelled Doha meet due to this decision of Taliban.

US cancels Doha meet after Taliban close school for girls

The United States called on Friday for&nbsp;tougher&nbsp;international&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;North Korea at the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council, accusing Pyongyang of "increasingly dangerous provocations" after it test-fired its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile.

"The United States&nbsp;calls&nbsp;on all member states to fully implement the existing&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;resolutions," US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said during the meeting convened to discuss North Korea.

"Because of DPRK's increasingly dangerous provocations, the United States will be introducing a...&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;resolution to update and strengthen the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;regime" that was adopted in December 2017, she said, using the official acronym for North Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korea-tests-new-icbm-465382">In Pics: What is new ICBM tested by North Korea giving sleepless nights to US</a>

At the time "the&nbsp;council&nbsp;decided we would take further action in the event of a DPRK ICBM launch," Thomas-Greenfield said.

"This is precisely what happened. So now is the time to take that action."

The unanimously adopted text was voted on a month after Pyongyang fired its last previous intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-15, which was deemed powerful enough to reach the continental United States.

Following Friday's meeting, a group of 15 nations including permanent&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;members Britain, France and the US -- but minus China and Russia -- released a joint statement condemning Pyongyang's latest launch "in the strongest terms" and warning it "poses a threat" to the entire international community.

"The DPRK is demonstrating its determination to continue advancing its weapons program as it escalates its provocative behavior -- and yet the&nbsp;Council&nbsp;has remained silent," said the countries, which include non-permanent&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;members Brazil, Ireland and Norway, as well as Germany, Japan and South Korea.

The statement urged&nbsp;UN&nbsp;states, especially&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;members, "to join us in condemning this behavior and in urging the DPRK to abandon its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs and engage in diplomacy toward denuclearization."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-koreas-goes-hollywood-in-new-missile-launch-video-twitteratis-give-it-top-gun-spin-465464">Watch: North Korea goes Hollywood in new missile launch video, Twitterati give it a ‘Top Gun’ spin</a>

China addressed the&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;meeting and urged "prudence and reason" regarding North Korea.

"All is not quiet on the international front. No parties should take any action that would lead to greater tensions," China's&nbsp;UN&nbsp;ambassador Zhang Jun said.

Russia, for its part, warned&nbsp;against&nbsp;following Washington's lead on tightening&nbsp;sanctions.

Deputy Russian envoy to the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Anna Evstigneeva said Moscow believes that doing so would "go beyond the framework of cutting off financing" for the DPRK missile and nuclear programs and would "threaten North Korean citizens with unacceptable socio-economic and humanitarian problems."

In 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong&nbsp;Un&nbsp;formalized a moratorium on nuclear testing and long-range ballistic missile launches, stating that his goals had been met and proclaiming his country a fully nuclear state.

He nonetheless personally supervised Thursday's launch, which state media outlet KCNA reported was meant to ensure the country is ready for "long-standing confrontation" with the United States.

The Group of Seven nations and the EU on Friday condemned what they said was North Korea's "blatant violation" of its obligations under&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;resolutions.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea tests massive ballistic missile: Why has Kim Jong Un tested dozens missiles in 2022?

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The United States called on Friday for tougher international sanctions against North Korea at the UN Security Council, accusing Pyongyang of "increasingly dangerous provocations" after it test-fired its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile.

The United States called on Friday for tougher international sanctions against North Korea at the UN Security Council, accusing Pyongyang of "increasingly dangerous provocations" after it test-fired its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile. "The United States calls on all member states to fully implement the existing Security Council resolutions," US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said during the meeting convened to discuss North Korea. "Because of DPRK's increasingly dangerous provocations, the United States will be introducing a... Security Council resolution to update and strengthen the sanctions regime" that was adopted in December 2017, she said, using the official acronym for North Korea. Also read | In Pics: What is new ICBM tested by North Korea giving sleepless nights to US At the time "the council decided we would take further action in the event of a DPRK ICBM launch," Thomas-Greenfield said. "This is precisely what happened. So now is the time to take that action." The unanimously adopted text was voted on a month after Pyongyang fired its last previous intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-15, which was deemed powerful enough to reach the continental United States. Following Friday's meeting, a group of 15 nations including permanent Security Council members Britain, France and the US -- but minus China and Russia -- released a joint statement condemning Pyongyang's latest launch "in the strongest terms" and warning it "poses a threat" to the entire international community. "The DPRK is demonstrating its determination to continue advancing its weapons program as it escalates its provocative behavior -- and yet the Council has remained silent," said the countries, which include non-permanent Security Council members Brazil, Ireland and Norway, as well as Germany, Japan and South Korea. The statement urged UN states, especially Security Council members, "to join us in condemning this behavior and in urging the DPRK to abandon its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs and engage in diplomacy toward denuclearization." Also read | Watch: North Korea goes Hollywood in new missile launch video, Twitterati give it a ‘Top Gun’ spin China addressed the Security Council meeting and urged "prudence and reason" regarding North Korea. "All is not quiet on the international front. No parties should take any action that would lead to greater tensions," China's UN ambassador Zhang Jun said. Russia, for its part, warned against following Washington's lead on tightening sanctions. Deputy Russian envoy to the UN Anna Evstigneeva said Moscow believes that doing so would "go beyond the framework of cutting off financing" for the DPRK missile and nuclear programs and would "threaten North Korean citizens with unacceptable socio-economic and humanitarian problems." In 2018, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un formalized a moratorium on nuclear testing and long-range ballistic missile launches, stating that his goals had been met and proclaiming his country a fully nuclear state. He nonetheless personally supervised Thursday's launch, which state media outlet KCNA reported was meant to ensure the country is ready for "long-standing confrontation" with the United States. The Group of Seven nations and the EU on Friday condemned what they said was North Korea's "blatant violation" of its obligations under Security Council resolutions. Watch | North Korea tests massive ballistic missile: Why has Kim Jong Un tested dozens missiles in 2022?

US calls for tougher UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea

The United States said on Friday that it has cancelled planned&nbsp;talks&nbsp;in Doha with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;after&nbsp;the hardline Islamist rulers of Afghanistan shut&nbsp;girls' secondary&nbsp;schools.

"We have cancelled some of our engagements, including planned meetings in Doha around the Doha Forum, and have made clear that we see this decision as a potential turning point in our engagement," State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said.

The&nbsp;Taliban, which seized power in August and is eager for international recognition, shut down&nbsp;girls' secondary&nbsp;schools&nbsp;this week just hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;reopening them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-thought-taliban-had-changed-afghan-girls-banned-from-school-465445">'We thought Taliban had changed': Afghan girls banned from school</a>

"This decision by the&nbsp;Taliban, if it is not swiftly reversed, will profoundly harm the Afghan people, the country's prospects for economic growth, and the&nbsp;Taliban's ambition to improve their relations with the international community," Porter told reporters.

"For the sake of Afghanistan's future and the&nbsp;Taliban's relations with the international community we urge the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;to live up to their commitments and to their people," she said.

"We also stand with Afghan&nbsp;girls&nbsp;and their families, who see education as a path to realizing the full potential of Afghanistan's society and economy," she added.

The&nbsp;Taliban's decision to keep&nbsp;schools&nbsp;shuttered for&nbsp;girls&nbsp;came&nbsp;after&nbsp;a meeting late Tuesday by senior officials in the southern city of Kandahar, the movement's de facto power center and conservative spiritual heartland.

It followed months of work by the international community to address the issue of supporting teacher stipends, and came just as Afghan&nbsp;girls&nbsp;were eagerly heading back to&nbsp;school&nbsp;for the first time in seven months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/every-afghan-girl-has-right-to-education-us-allies-slam-taliban-ban-on-girls-education-465293">'Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education</a>

Major setback

When the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;returned to power, they promised a softer rule compared with their first regime from 1996 to 2001, which became notorious for human rights abuses.

They claimed to respect women's rights, in line with their interpretation of Islamic sharia law, and said&nbsp;girls&nbsp;would be allowed to study through to university.&nbsp;

But the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;have imposed a slew of restrictions on women, effectively banning them from many government jobs, policing what they wear and preventing them from travelling outside of their cities alone.

In a joint statement Thursday the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Norway and the United States, plus the high representative of the European Union, said the&nbsp;Taliban's decision will harm the group's prospects for legitimacy.

The signatories to the statement notably included Norway, which hosted landmark&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and several Western diplomats in January.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Wednesday that "the denial of education violates the human rights of women and&nbsp;girls," leaving them "more exposed to violence, poverty and exploitation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parents-of-indian-photographer-killed-in-afghanistan-start-legal-action-against-taliban-464652">Parents of Indian photographer killed in Afghanistan start legal action against Taliban</a>

The head of the UN's educational organization UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also criticized the&nbsp;Taliban's move, calling it a "major setback."

"Access to education is a fundamental right. UNESCO reiterates its call:&nbsp;girls&nbsp;must be allowed to return to&nbsp;school&nbsp;without further delay," she said.

Watch |&nbsp;US, allies call on Taliban to reopen girls' schools in war-torn Afghanistan

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The United States said on Friday that it has cancelled planned talks in Doha with the Taliban after the hardline Islamist rulers of Afghanistan shut girls' secondary schools.

The United States said on Friday that it has cancelled planned talks in Doha with the Taliban after the hardline Islamist rulers of Afghanistan shut girls' secondary schools. "We have cancelled some of our engagements, including planned meetings in Doha around the Doha Forum, and have made clear that we see this decision as a potential turning point in our engagement," State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said. The Taliban, which seized power in August and is eager for international recognition, shut down girls' secondary schools this week just hours after reopening them. Also read | 'We thought Taliban had changed': Afghan girls banned from school "This decision by the Taliban, if it is not swiftly reversed, will profoundly harm the Afghan people, the country's prospects for economic growth, and the Taliban's ambition to improve their relations with the international community," Porter told reporters. "For the sake of Afghanistan's future and the Taliban's relations with the international community we urge the Taliban to live up to their commitments and to their people," she said. "We also stand with Afghan girls and their families, who see education as a path to realizing the full potential of Afghanistan's society and economy," she added. The Taliban's decision to keep schools shuttered for girls came after a meeting late Tuesday by senior officials in the southern city of Kandahar, the movement's de facto power center and conservative spiritual heartland. It followed months of work by the international community to address the issue of supporting teacher stipends, and came just as Afghan girls were eagerly heading back to school for the first time in seven months. Also read | 'Every Afghan girl has right to education': US, allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education Major setback When the Taliban returned to power, they promised a softer rule compared with their first regime from 1996 to 2001, which became notorious for human rights abuses. They claimed to respect women's rights, in line with their interpretation of Islamic sharia law, and said girls would be allowed to study through to university. But the Taliban have imposed a slew of restrictions on women, effectively banning them from many government jobs, policing what they wear and preventing them from travelling outside of their cities alone. In a joint statement Thursday the foreign ministers of Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Norway and the United States, plus the high representative of the European Union, said the Taliban's decision will harm the group's prospects for legitimacy. The signatories to the statement notably included Norway, which hosted landmark talks between the Taliban and several Western diplomats in January. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said Wednesday that "the denial of education violates the human rights of women and girls," leaving them "more exposed to violence, poverty and exploitation." Also read | Parents of Indian photographer killed in Afghanistan start legal action against Taliban The head of the UN's educational organization UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also criticized the Taliban's move, calling it a "major setback." "Access to education is a fundamental right. UNESCO reiterates its call: girls must be allowed to return to school without further delay," she said. Watch | US, allies call on Taliban to reopen girls' schools in war-torn Afghanistan

US cancels talks with Taliban in Doha after girls school closure

The Taliban have reversed a decision to allow teenage girls back to secondary school despite repeated assurances they could resume classes from Wednesday.

Taliban reverses decision to allow girls to attend secondary schools in Afghanistan

A little known but century-old ban on jazz in schools in a US city has been reversed unanimously, an AP report said.&nbsp;

The move was taken by the school board of New Orleans. The city seems to have played a major role in developing jazz. It is still played at many venues nightly.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-marines-announce-uniform-changes-permit-longer-hair-different-socks-more-nail-colours-465652" hreflang="en">US Marines announce uniform changes, permit longer hair, different socks, more nail colours</a>

During the meeting on Thursday night, Orleans Parish School Board President Olin Parker told AP, “I’m very glad that we can rescind this policy. I want to acknowledge it. It was rooted in racism.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

“And I also want to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our students and especially of our band directors, whose legacy continues from 1922 through present day,” added Parker. &nbsp;

Ken Ducote, executive director, Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools, had brought the policy to the board’s attention after reading about it in Al Kennedy’s book “Chord Changes on the Chalkboard: How Public School Teachers Shaped Jazz and the Music of New Orleans.” &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide

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“We’re glad that the policy was ignored by our schools, because our schools played a major role in the development of jazz,” said member Katherine Baudouin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On March 24, 1922, the earlier board's vote was passed without “prior policy development, analysis, or debate,” and the proposal had not been on the agenda, the current board noted. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A little known but century-old ban on jazz in schools in a US city has been reversed unanimously, an AP report said. The move was taken by the school board of New Orleans.

A little known but century-old ban on jazz in schools in a US city has been reversed unanimously, an AP report said. The move was taken by the school board of New Orleans. The city seems to have played a major role in developing jazz. It is still played at many venues nightly. Also Read: US Marines announce uniform changes, permit longer hair, different socks, more nail colours During the meeting on Thursday night, Orleans Parish School Board President Olin Parker told AP, “I’m very glad that we can rescind this policy. I want to acknowledge it. It was rooted in racism.” “And I also want to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our students and especially of our band directors, whose legacy continues from 1922 through present day,” added Parker. Ken Ducote, executive director, Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools, had brought the policy to the board’s attention after reading about it in Al Kennedy’s book “Chord Changes on the Chalkboard: How Public School Teachers Shaped Jazz and the Music of New Orleans.” Watch: US, allies discuss further oil release due to the rise in gas prices worldwide × “We’re glad that the policy was ignored by our schools, because our schools played a major role in the development of jazz,” said member Katherine Baudouin. On March 24, 1922, the earlier board's vote was passed without “prior policy development, analysis, or debate,” and the proposal had not been on the agenda, the current board noted. (With inputs from agencies)

US city reverses century-old ban on jazz in schools unanimously  

The United Nations Security Council held a meeting over North Korea's recent ballistic missile test. The United States called for added sanctions on North Korea.

UNSC holds meeting on North Korea missile test: U.S. calls for added sanctions

Delays in the retrial of men accused of beating a black&nbsp;American&nbsp;graduate to death in Greece has thrown a spotlight on the country's&nbsp;snail-paced&nbsp;justice system.

Texan Bakari Henderson, 22, was set upon by a group of mostly Serbian men on the holiday island of Zakynthos in 2017 in a horrific attack captured on video.

With the White House now pressuring Athens for action, insiders say the case is typical of the chronic dysfunction of Greece's legal system.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-for-tougher-un-security-council-sanctions-against-north-korea-465585">&nbsp;US calls for tougher UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea</a>

"In no other country in Europe are procedures so time-consuming, so complicated and so repetitive," Supreme Court prosecutor Vassilis Pliotas told AFP.

When US Vice President Kamala Harris met&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in February, she reportedly quizzed him about the delays in the Henderson case.

In an angry statement days later,&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;judges said it was "unfair" to blame them, warning officials to stay out of judicial business.

The Henderson case has made little progress in four years after a retrial was ordered when prosecutors deemed his attackers had got off too lightly.

Of the nine tried, three walked free and six were sentenced to between five and 15 years in prison for assault rather than murder. Only one is still in jail.

Covid-19 has badly disrupted&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;courts, but even before the pandemic, trials were habitually postponed, frequently because lawyers were busy elsewhere and requested adjournments.

A 2016 strike by lawyers over planned changes to their pension fund also paralysed the system for nine months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-found-alive-on-greece-italy-ferry-after-blaze-11-still-missing-454784">Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing</a>

Denial of justice

Foot-dragging by judges is another key problem, said veteran justice reporter Panagiotis Tsimboukis, who called the delays a "denial of justice of pandemic proportions".

More than 40 laws have been passed over the years to speed up judicial procedures, and over a dozen judges were fired in recent months for excessive delays, Tsimboukis told AFP.

But the problem persists.

Vassilis Chirdaris, a Supreme Court lawyer with extensive experience at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), said "nobody obeys" a requirement to resolve trials within three years.

Some cases have been stuck for 14 years in Greece's top administrative court, the Council of State, and over 4,000 hearings have been postponed at least once, Tsimboukis said.&nbsp;

"The volume of cases overwhelms judges" who then try to offload the burden to colleagues, he claimed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-efforts-continue-for-12-missing-in-greece-ferry-fire-454526">Rescue efforts continue for 12 missing in Greece ferry fire</a>

The Athens prosecutor's office alone can amass 450,000 lawsuits over a three-year period, Pliotas said. "That's around a million people involved."

The ECHR has repeatedly fined Greece for excessive case delays, penalising the country more than 500 times since 1959, according to Chirdaris.

Supermarket trolleys and files in toilets&nbsp;

Outdated facilities and short court hours don't help, he argued.

Case files are wheeled about in supermarket trolleys at the Athens court complex. The former military academy was last refitted nearly four decades ago.

One of the buildings has no elevator, so documents are hoisted upstairs with a winch.

In the building that houses first instance rulings, court documents headed for the archive room are lined in knee-high stacks on the floor.

The bulging folders snake up the stairs to the first floor and into the ladies' and men's toilets, tucked under sinks and blocking two cubicles.

"Conditions here are tragic," said Yiorgos Diamantis, head of the federation of&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;legal operatives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-government-accused-of-causing-hunger-crisis-in-refugee-camps-447238">Greek government accused of causing hunger crisis in refugee camps</a>

Not only are the buildings archaic and the courtrooms too small, but the federation says it is short of 3,000 staff, with 1,700 more reaching retirement age.

Steps have been taken in recent years to increase online access to cases and rulings, and the pandemic gave the process further impetus.

The justice ministry is also working on a bill setting out new limits on case postponements.

But a significant part of the system remains stubbornly old-school.

"Older judges and lawyers are uncomfortable with going digital. At the Athens appeals court, four in 10 rulings are still written out by hand," said staff federation spokesman Sotiris Tripolitsiotis.

Watch |&nbsp;19 froze to death on Greek border, hundreds protest against migrant pushback

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/19-froze-to-death-on-greek-border-hundreds-protest-against-migrant-pushback-451137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Delays in the retrial of men accused of beating a black American graduate to death in Greece has thrown a spotlight on the country's snail-paced justice system. Texan Bakari Henderson, 22, was set upon by a group of mostly Serbian men on the holiday island of Zakynthos in 2017 in a horrific attack captured on video.

Delays in the retrial of men accused of beating a black American graduate to death in Greece has thrown a spotlight on the country's snail-paced justice system. Texan Bakari Henderson, 22, was set upon by a group of mostly Serbian men on the holiday island of Zakynthos in 2017 in a horrific attack captured on video. With the White House now pressuring Athens for action, insiders say the case is typical of the chronic dysfunction of Greece's legal system. Also read | US calls for tougher UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea "In no other country in Europe are procedures so time-consuming, so complicated and so repetitive," Supreme Court prosecutor Vassilis Pliotas told AFP. When US Vice President Kamala Harris met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in February, she reportedly quizzed him about the delays in the Henderson case. In an angry statement days later, Greek judges said it was "unfair" to blame them, warning officials to stay out of judicial business. The Henderson case has made little progress in four years after a retrial was ordered when prosecutors deemed his attackers had got off too lightly. Of the nine tried, three walked free and six were sentenced to between five and 15 years in prison for assault rather than murder. Only one is still in jail. Covid-19 has badly disrupted Greek courts, but even before the pandemic, trials were habitually postponed, frequently because lawyers were busy elsewhere and requested adjournments. A 2016 strike by lawyers over planned changes to their pension fund also paralysed the system for nine months. Also read | Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing Denial of justice Foot-dragging by judges is another key problem, said veteran justice reporter Panagiotis Tsimboukis, who called the delays a "denial of justice of pandemic proportions". More than 40 laws have been passed over the years to speed up judicial procedures, and over a dozen judges were fired in recent months for excessive delays, Tsimboukis told AFP. But the problem persists. Vassilis Chirdaris, a Supreme Court lawyer with extensive experience at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), said "nobody obeys" a requirement to resolve trials within three years. Some cases have been stuck for 14 years in Greece's top administrative court, the Council of State, and over 4,000 hearings have been postponed at least once, Tsimboukis said. "The volume of cases overwhelms judges" who then try to offload the burden to colleagues, he claimed. Also read | Rescue efforts continue for 12 missing in Greece ferry fire The Athens prosecutor's office alone can amass 450,000 lawsuits over a three-year period, Pliotas said. "That's around a million people involved." The ECHR has repeatedly fined Greece for excessive case delays, penalising the country more than 500 times since 1959, according to Chirdaris. Supermarket trolleys and files in toilets Outdated facilities and short court hours don't help, he argued. Case files are wheeled about in supermarket trolleys at the Athens court complex. The former military academy was last refitted nearly four decades ago. One of the buildings has no elevator, so documents are hoisted upstairs with a winch. In the building that houses first instance rulings, court documents headed for the archive room are lined in knee-high stacks on the floor. The bulging folders snake up the stairs to the first floor and into the ladies' and men's toilets, tucked under sinks and blocking two cubicles. "Conditions here are tragic," said Yiorgos Diamantis, head of the federation of Greek legal operatives. Also read | Greek government accused of causing hunger crisis in refugee camps Not only are the buildings archaic and the courtrooms too small, but the federation says it is short of 3,000 staff, with 1,700 more reaching retirement age. Steps have been taken in recent years to increase online access to cases and rulings, and the pandemic gave the process further impetus. The justice ministry is also working on a bill setting out new limits on case postponements. But a significant part of the system remains stubbornly old-school. "Older judges and lawyers are uncomfortable with going digital. At the Athens appeals court, four in 10 rulings are still written out by hand," said staff federation spokesman Sotiris Tripolitsiotis. Watch | 19 froze to death on Greek border, hundreds protest against migrant pushback

Greek legal system in focus as killing of American puts Athens under pressure

US President Joe Biden holds a news conference after emergency meeting with NATO leaders in Brussels.

US President Joe Biden speaks after emergency meeting with NATO leaders

The United States and its allies have condemned the Taliban's decision to go back on its word and allow secondary schools for females in Afghanistan to reopen on Thursday.

US and allies slam Taliban ban on girls' education

Former US President Donald Trump has sued Hillary Clinton, the Democratic National Committee and other people and entities tied to the investigation of Russian election interference in 2016.

Former US President Donald Trump sues Hillary Clinton over Russia collusion claims

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the west bank. The visit comes at a time when Iran is inching closer to reviving the Nuclear deal.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to travel to the west bank

US President Joe Biden attended an emergency NATO summit as well as a gathering of the Group of Seven industrialised nations and a summit of the 27 members of the European Union.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Joe Biden meets leaders from NATO, G7 and EU

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho.

According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year.

The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”.

Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria.

However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species.

“It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

“Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.”

The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020.

The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian. The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho. According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year. The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”. Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria. However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species. “It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.” The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020. The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

A ‘barbaric’ federal programme killed 1.75 million animals in US in 2021: Report

US President Joe Biden landed in the city of Rzeszow in southeastern Poland near Ukraine border where he was attended by his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.

US President Joe Biden arrives in Poland to discuss Ukraine

The European Union signed a landmark deal with the United States to deliver liquified natural gas (LNG) to the region as it attempts to break its reliance on sanction-hit Russia.<o:p></o:p>

Under the agreement, the US will be supplying additional 15 billion cubic meters of LNG—which is equivalent to around 10 per cent of the gas imports from Russia—this year, with supplies increasing over the coming years.<o:p></o:p>

The deal was announced on Friday during a three-day visit by US President Joe Biden to Brussels.<o:p></o:p>

Last year, the EU imported around 22 billion cubic meters of LNG from US.<o:p></o:p>

Currently, Russia is responsible for about 40 per cent of the EU's gas needs.

The US will also work to supply 50 bcm of additional LNG until at least 2030, President Joe Biden announced at the press conference in Brussels.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mariupol-theater-attack-may-have-claimed-300-lives-mostly-women-and-children-city-hall-465428">Mariupol theater attack may have claimed 300 lives, mostly women and children</a></o:p>

"Putin is using Russia's energy resources to coerce and manipulate its neighbours," Mr Biden told reporters in Brussels. "He's used the profits to drive his war machine."<o:p></o:p>

He said the long-term benefits of the deal would outweigh the short term pain that reducing Russian gas supplies would cause.<o:p></o:p>

"I know that eliminating Russian gas will have costs for Europe, but it's not only the right thing to do from a moral standpoint, it's going to put us on a much stronger strategic footing."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-month-of-russia-ukraine-conflict-here-are-the-top-10-developments-465411">One month of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Here are the top 10 developments</a>

<o:p></o:p>

EU President von der Leyen, who was also present in the meeting, said: "We want, as Europeans, to diversify away from Russia towards suppliers that we trust that are friends and that are reliable."<o:p></o:p>

US gas supplies to the EU accounted for 6.3 per cent in the first half of 2021, the bloc's statistics agency says.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;Day 2 of EU Council Summit: US to provide natural gas to Europe</o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-2-of-eu-council-summit-us-to-provide-natural-gas-to-europe-465485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

The European Union signed a landmark deal with the United States to deliver liquified natural gas (LNG) to the region as it attempts to break its reliance on sanction-hit Russia.

The European Union signed a landmark deal with the United States to deliver liquified natural gas (LNG) to the region as it attempts to break its reliance on sanction-hit Russia. Under the agreement, the US will be supplying additional 15 billion cubic meters of LNG—which is equivalent to around 10 per cent of the gas imports from Russia—this year, with supplies increasing over the coming years. The deal was announced on Friday during a three-day visit by US President Joe Biden to Brussels. Last year, the EU imported around 22 billion cubic meters of LNG from US. Currently, Russia is responsible for about 40 per cent of the EU's gas needs. The US will also work to supply 50 bcm of additional LNG until at least 2030, President Joe Biden announced at the press conference in Brussels. Also read | Mariupol theater attack may have claimed 300 lives, mostly women and children "Putin is using Russia's energy resources to coerce and manipulate its neighbours," Mr Biden told reporters in Brussels. "He's used the profits to drive his war machine." He said the long-term benefits of the deal would outweigh the short term pain that reducing Russian gas supplies would cause. "I know that eliminating Russian gas will have costs for Europe, but it's not only the right thing to do from a moral standpoint, it's going to put us on a much stronger strategic footing." Also read | One month of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Here are the top 10 developments EU President von der Leyen, who was also present in the meeting, said: "We want, as Europeans, to diversify away from Russia towards suppliers that we trust that are friends and that are reliable." US gas supplies to the EU accounted for 6.3 per cent in the first half of 2021, the bloc's statistics agency says. Watch | Day 2 of EU Council Summit: US to provide natural gas to Europe (With inputs from agencies)

EU, US sign mega LNG deal in an attempt to curb reliance on sanctions-hit Russia

US President Joe Biden said that he wants Russia out of the G-20. Biden made the comments during a press conference in Brussels following a series of urgent NATO meetings on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also, the world leaders have convene first of trio of emergency summits in Brussels focusing on Russia’s month-long war in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden supports calls to exclude Moscow from G-20

US President Joe Biden said he is hopeful that China will not aid Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, citing China’s focus on its economic future as a deterrent.

Hopeful that China does not engage in Russia, says US President Biden

In Pics: What is new ICBM tested by North Korea giving sleepless nights to US

The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on entities and people in Russia and North Korea after Pyongyang's latest ICBM missile test.

The targeted persons and organizations are accused of "transferring sensitive items to North Korea's missile program," according to a State Department statement.

"These measures are part of our ongoing efforts to impede the DPRK's ability to advance its missile program and they highlight the negative role Russia plays on the world stage as a proliferator to programs of concern," the statement said, using the official acronym for North Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tests-banned-intercontinental-missile-lands-in-japans-exclusive-economic-zone-465127">North Korea tests banned intercontinental missile that lands in Japan's exclusive economic zone</a>

The new sanctions were quickly derided by Moscow's ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov, who said: "serial sanctions will not achieve their goals."

Thursday's launch was the first time Pyongyang had fired the country's most powerful missiles at full range since 2017, and it appears to have travelled higher and further than any previous intercontinental ballistic missile tested by the nuclear-armed nation.

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test-firing of a "new type" of ICBM to boost his country's nuclear deterrent against the US "imperialists," North Korea's state media reported early Friday.

In response, the State Department said Washington has sanctioned the Russian entities called Ardis Group, PFK Profpodshipnik and Russian national Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin.

It also sanctioned North Korean citizen Ri Sung Chol and a North Korean entity called Second Academy of Natural Science Foreign Affairs Bureau.

The statement did not detail the specific allegations against these people and entities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-rocket-launcher-says-south-korean-military-463984">North Korea fires multiple rocket launcher, says South Korean military</a>

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong late on Thursday to reaffirm Washington's alliance with Seoul.

The two top diplomats reiterated that the launch violated multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and "demonstrates the threat the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the DPRK's neighbors and the broader international community," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a readout of the call.&nbsp;

For its part, the Russian embassy accused the United States of seeking to punish officials in Moscow because they hold a view that "does not correspond to the views of Washington."

"It is obvious that the next 'package' of anti-Russian sanctions is aimed at destroying the economy and undermining the domestic political situation in our country," Antonov posted on the embassy's Facebook page.

Last week, the US Treasury announced sanctions against two Russian individuals and three entities over their support for North Korea's weapons program.

Watch |&nbsp;Tensions spike in the Korean peninsula after North Korea fires multiple rocket launchers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tensions-spike-in-the-korean-peninsula-after-north-korea-fires-multiple-rocket-launcher-464045/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on entities and people in Russia and North Korea after Pyongyang's latest ICBM missile test. The targeted persons and organizations are accused of "transferring sensitive items to North Korea's missile program," according to a State Department statement.

The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on entities and people in Russia and North Korea after Pyongyang's latest ICBM missile test. The targeted persons and organizations are accused of "transferring sensitive items to North Korea's missile program," according to a State Department statement. "These measures are part of our ongoing efforts to impede the DPRK's ability to advance its missile program and they highlight the negative role Russia plays on the world stage as a proliferator to programs of concern," the statement said, using the official acronym for North Korea. Also read | North Korea tests banned intercontinental missile that lands in Japan's exclusive economic zone The new sanctions were quickly derided by Moscow's ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov, who said: "serial sanctions will not achieve their goals." Thursday's launch was the first time Pyongyang had fired the country's most powerful missiles at full range since 2017, and it appears to have travelled higher and further than any previous intercontinental ballistic missile tested by the nuclear-armed nation. Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test-firing of a "new type" of ICBM to boost his country's nuclear deterrent against the US "imperialists," North Korea's state media reported early Friday. In response, the State Department said Washington has sanctioned the Russian entities called Ardis Group, PFK Profpodshipnik and Russian national Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin. It also sanctioned North Korean citizen Ri Sung Chol and a North Korean entity called Second Academy of Natural Science Foreign Affairs Bureau. The statement did not detail the specific allegations against these people and entities. Also read | North Korea fires multiple rocket launcher, says South Korean military Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong late on Thursday to reaffirm Washington's alliance with Seoul. The two top diplomats reiterated that the launch violated multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and "demonstrates the threat the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the DPRK's neighbors and the broader international community," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a readout of the call. For its part, the Russian embassy accused the United States of seeking to punish officials in Moscow because they hold a view that "does not correspond to the views of Washington." "It is obvious that the next 'package' of anti-Russian sanctions is aimed at destroying the economy and undermining the domestic political situation in our country," Antonov posted on the embassy's Facebook page. Last week, the US Treasury announced sanctions against two Russian individuals and three entities over their support for North Korea's weapons program. Watch | Tensions spike in the Korean peninsula after North Korea fires multiple rocket launchers

US announces new sanctions after North Korea's ICBM test

In a major setback for girls' education in war-torn Afghanistan, the Taliban has gone back on its promise of allowing girls to attend schools. Now, U.S, allies call on the Taliban to reopen schools in Afghanistan.

U.S, allies call on Taliban to reopen girls' schools in war-torn Afghanistan

Another&nbsp;US&nbsp;state&nbsp;passed a&nbsp;law&nbsp;allowing&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;providers to be sued in civil court Wednesday, as conservatives across the country ramp up their effort to overturn long-held reproductive rights.

The bill in Idaho allows families of women who have had abortions -- and the father of the fetus -- to sue providers, taking enforcement out of the hands of the&nbsp;state, in a move modeled on a controversial Texas&nbsp;law.

Governor Brad Little, who signed the bill Wednesday, said he was an ardent supporter of the rights of "pre-born babies," but feared this approach rendered the&nbsp;law&nbsp;unconstitutional.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madeleine-albright-first-female-us-secretary-of-state-dies-at-84-465024">Madeleine Albright, first female US secretary of state, dies at 84</a>

"While I support the pro-life policy in this legislation, I fear the novel civil enforcement mechanism will in short order be proven both unconstitutional and unwise," he wrote in a letter to the&nbsp;state&nbsp;legislature.

"Deputizing private citizens to levy hefty monetary fines on the exercise of a disfavored but judicially recognized constitutional right for the purpose of evading court review undermines our constitutional form of government and weakens our collective liberties."

As critics of the Texas&nbsp;law&nbsp;also pointed out, Little said framing legislation in this way rendered vulnerable rights that conservatives hold dear, such as the right to own guns.

Civil rights groups and the White House lambasted the Idaho&nbsp;law.

"Lawmakers openly touted this bill as a 'clever' way to undermine&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;access by evading judicial review," said Lauren Bramwell of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

"It is irresponsible and politically motivated governing that will harm real people who deserve to decide for themselves what is best for them and their families, without political interference."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-due-to-visit-europe-today-expected-to-announce-new-sanctions-against-russia-464727">US President due to visit Europe today, expected to announce new sanctions against Russia</a>

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Texas bill and copycat initiatives like the one in Idaho were a blatant attempt to undermine rights settled in the touchstone Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that cemented a woman's right to&nbsp;abortion.

"This development is devastating for women in Idaho, as it will further impede women’s access to health care, especially those on low incomes and living in rural communities," she said.

"Over the last six months, Texas’ (law) has had profoundly negative effects, with women forced to travel hundreds of miles to access care, and clinics in neighboring states seeing a significant increase in demand."

Right-wing politicians have launched a full-frontal assault on&nbsp;abortion, a deeply divisive issue in the United States that is dear to their voters' hearts.

A total of 1,844 provisions relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights have been introduced in 46 US states during just the past two-and-a-half months, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which advocates for&nbsp;abortion&nbsp;rights.

Lawmakers in conservative Republican-led southern states have introduced bills tightening restrictions on&nbsp;abortion, while their counterparts in Democratic-ruled progressive states have submitted measures protecting a woman's right to choose.

The legislative frenzy comes as the Supreme Court, dominated by conservatives following the nomination of three justices by former president Donald Trump, looks poised to re-examine the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden arrives in Brussels, tighter sanctions against Russia likely

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-arrives-in-brussels-tighter-sanctions-against-russia-likely-465017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another US state passed a law allowing abortion providers to be sued in civil court Wednesday, as conservatives across the country ramp up their effort to overturn long-held reproductive rights.

Another US state passed a law allowing abortion providers to be sued in civil court Wednesday, as conservatives across the country ramp up their effort to overturn long-held reproductive rights. The bill in Idaho allows families of women who have had abortions -- and the father of the fetus -- to sue providers, taking enforcement out of the hands of the state, in a move modeled on a controversial Texas law. Governor Brad Little, who signed the bill Wednesday, said he was an ardent supporter of the rights of "pre-born babies," but feared this approach rendered the law unconstitutional. Also read | Madeleine Albright, first female US secretary of state, dies at 84 "While I support the pro-life policy in this legislation, I fear the novel civil enforcement mechanism will in short order be proven both unconstitutional and unwise," he wrote in a letter to the state legislature. "Deputizing private citizens to levy hefty monetary fines on the exercise of a disfavored but judicially recognized constitutional right for the purpose of evading court review undermines our constitutional form of government and weakens our collective liberties." As critics of the Texas law also pointed out, Little said framing legislation in this way rendered vulnerable rights that conservatives hold dear, such as the right to own guns. Civil rights groups and the White House lambasted the Idaho law. "Lawmakers openly touted this bill as a 'clever' way to undermine abortion access by evading judicial review," said Lauren Bramwell of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "It is irresponsible and politically motivated governing that will harm real people who deserve to decide for themselves what is best for them and their families, without political interference." Also read | US President due to visit Europe today, expected to announce new sanctions against Russia White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Texas bill and copycat initiatives like the one in Idaho were a blatant attempt to undermine rights settled in the touchstone Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that cemented a woman's right to abortion. "This development is devastating for women in Idaho, as it will further impede women’s access to health care, especially those on low incomes and living in rural communities," she said. "Over the last six months, Texas’ (law) has had profoundly negative effects, with women forced to travel hundreds of miles to access care, and clinics in neighboring states seeing a significant increase in demand." Right-wing politicians have launched a full-frontal assault on abortion, a deeply divisive issue in the United States that is dear to their voters' hearts. A total of 1,844 provisions relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights have been introduced in 46 US states during just the past two-and-a-half months, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which advocates for abortion rights. Lawmakers in conservative Republican-led southern states have introduced bills tightening restrictions on abortion, while their counterparts in Democratic-ruled progressive states have submitted measures protecting a woman's right to choose. The legislative frenzy comes as the Supreme Court, dominated by conservatives following the nomination of three justices by former president Donald Trump, looks poised to re-examine the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. Watch | US President Joe Biden arrives in Brussels, tighter sanctions against Russia likely

Another US state passes abortion 'bounty hunter' law

The United States plans to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, two sources familiar with the plan said, after a month of bombardments has brought Europe's fastest-moving refugee crisis since the end of World War Two.

The expected announcement would coincide with U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with European leaders on Thursday to coordinate the Western response to the crisis.

More than 3.5 million people have fled since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to the United Nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-central-bank-governor-wanted-to-resign-over-ukraine-putin-refused-report-465185">Russia's central bank governor wanted to resign over Ukraine, Putin refused: Report</a>

The sources who spoke to Reuters did not clarify how the United States would handle travel and immigration logistics.

Not all of the accepted Ukrainians will go through the U.S. refugee program, one Biden administration official said, with others coming on family-based visas or another temporary process known as "humanitarian parole".

Washington has already said it would speed up visa processing for relatives of U.S. citizens and residents, and increase staff to process humanitarian applications, which let people in on an emergency basis even without a visa.

Burden Sharing

Biden has also launched the nation's largest resettlement program since the Vietnam War by accepting 800,000 Afghans after U.S. troops left Afghanistan following 20 years of war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/children-of-war-ukrainian-kids-use-crayons-and-drawings-to-channel-trauma-464993">Children of war: Ukrainian kids use crayons and drawings to channel trauma</a>

He has said the United States would welcome Ukrainians fleeing war, but administration officials have said they believe most will want to stay in Europe where they can travel visa-free and have family and friends.

Eastern European nations, most notably Poland, have received hundreds of thousands escaping the Russian shelling of cities and towns across Ukraine. Those countries want additional assistance from other nations to take in refugees, with the European Union set to discuss "fair burden sharing."

The United States has also allocated billions of dollars in economic aid to fleeing Ukrainians and nations hosting them.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine: Russia attacks have killed 121 children

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-ukraine-russia-attacks-have-killed-121-children-465001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States plans to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, two sources familiar with the plan said, after a month of bombardments has brought Europe's fastest-moving refugee crisis since the end of World War Two.

The United States plans to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, two sources familiar with the plan said, after a month of bombardments has brought Europe's fastest-moving refugee crisis since the end of World War Two. The expected announcement would coincide with U.S. President Joe Biden's meeting with European leaders on Thursday to coordinate the Western response to the crisis. More than 3.5 million people have fled since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to the United Nations. Also read | Russia's central bank governor wanted to resign over Ukraine, Putin refused: Report The sources who spoke to Reuters did not clarify how the United States would handle travel and immigration logistics. Not all of the accepted Ukrainians will go through the U.S. refugee program, one Biden administration official said, with others coming on family-based visas or another temporary process known as "humanitarian parole". Washington has already said it would speed up visa processing for relatives of U.S. citizens and residents, and increase staff to process humanitarian applications, which let people in on an emergency basis even without a visa. Burden Sharing Biden has also launched the nation's largest resettlement program since the Vietnam War by accepting 800,000 Afghans after U.S. troops left Afghanistan following 20 years of war. Also read | Children of war: Ukrainian kids use crayons and drawings to channel trauma He has said the United States would welcome Ukrainians fleeing war, but administration officials have said they believe most will want to stay in Europe where they can travel visa-free and have family and friends. Eastern European nations, most notably Poland, have received hundreds of thousands escaping the Russian shelling of cities and towns across Ukraine. Those countries want additional assistance from other nations to take in refugees, with the European Union set to discuss "fair burden sharing." The United States has also allocated billions of dollars in economic aid to fleeing Ukrainians and nations hosting them. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine: Russia attacks have killed 121 children

US to welcome up to 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing war: Report

In a recent update on Ukraine-Russia conflict, United States has charged Russia of war crimes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "There are numerous reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks on civilians" by Russian forces in Ukraine.

US charges Russia of war crimes, statement heavily relies on Mariupol attacks

The Russian government has expelled several US diplomats from Moscow and declared them 'persona non grata'. The decision came after the US ousted the Russian envoy at the United Nations.

Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move

In a passionate speech,&nbsp;Senator Cory&nbsp;Booker&nbsp;- the only African-American&nbsp;senator on the&nbsp;Senate Judiciary Committee, praised&nbsp;Supreme&nbsp;Court&nbsp;nominee&nbsp;Ketanji Brown&nbsp;Jackson, recalling the historical significance of&nbsp;her&nbsp;nomination and enthusiastically endorsing&nbsp;her&nbsp;candidacy.

As he spoke about&nbsp;her&nbsp;family and listed&nbsp;her&nbsp;career highlights, from Harvard Law School, to editor of the law review, to&nbsp;her&nbsp;legal internships, years as a public proseuctor, federal district judge and federal appellate judge,&nbsp;Booker&nbsp;beamed, saying he was embarrassed by the intense questioning by Republican&nbsp;senators and said he felt intense joy as he thought about&nbsp;her&nbsp;nomination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-faith-are-you-asks-republican-graham-to-ketanji-brown-jackson-in-senate-hearing-464910">Republican Lindsey Graham draws flak after asking Ketanji Brown Jackson's religion during Senate hearing</a>

"I look at you, this is why I get emotional. I'm sorry. You're a person who is so much more than your race and gender," he said, as&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;wiped away&nbsp;tears. "I see my ancestors and yours. Nobody is going to steal the joy of that woman in the street, or the calls that I'm getting or the texts. Nobody is going to steal that joy. You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American."

"It's not going to stop. They're going to accuse you of this and that. Heck, in honor of your person who shares your birthday (referring to former New York state&nbsp;senator Constance Baker Motley), you might be called a communist. But don't worry my sister. Don't worry. God has got you. And how do I know that?&nbsp;Because you're&nbsp;here and I know what it's taken for you to sit in that seat," he said.

Booker&nbsp;then compared&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;to Harriet Tubman, a 19th-century escaped slave who risked&nbsp;her&nbsp;life to lead other&nbsp;slaves to freedom, saying&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;was his "harbinger of hope."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-black-woman-eyed-for-us-supreme-court-vows-to-uphold-democracy-be-independent-if-confirmed-464539">&nbsp;First black woman eyed for US supreme court vows to uphold democracy, be independent, if confirmed</a>

"I thought about&nbsp;her&nbsp;and how she looked up, she kept looking up. No matter what they did to&nbsp;her, she never stopped looking up. And that star, it was a harbinger of hope. Today, you are my star.&nbsp;You are my harbinger of hope&nbsp;This country is getting better and better and better. And when that final vote happens and you ascend onto the highest&nbsp;court&nbsp;of the land, I'm going to rejoice. And I'm going to tell you right now: the greatest country in the world, the United States of America will be better because of you. Thank you."

Jackson&nbsp;quietly responded, "Thank you," before the hearing took a short recess, before wrapping up&nbsp;her&nbsp;hearing Wednesday (March 23) night.

Outside experts scheduled for Thursday's final day of the hearing.

If confirmed,&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;would be the 116th justice to serve on the high&nbsp;court, the sixth woman and the third Black person. With&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;on the bench, the&nbsp;court&nbsp;for the first time would have four women and two Black justices.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden arrives in Brussels, tighter sanctions against Russia likely

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-arrives-in-brussels-tighter-sanctions-against-russia-likely-465017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a passionate speech, Senator Cory Booker - the only African-American senator on the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, recalling the historical significance of her nomination and enthusiastically endorsing her candidacy.

In a passionate speech, Senator Cory Booker - the only African-American senator on the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, recalling the historical significance of her nomination and enthusiastically endorsing her candidacy. As he spoke about her family and listed her career highlights, from Harvard Law School, to editor of the law review, to her legal internships, years as a public proseuctor, federal district judge and federal appellate judge, Booker beamed, saying he was embarrassed by the intense questioning by Republican senators and said he felt intense joy as he thought about her nomination. Also read | Republican Lindsey Graham draws flak after asking Ketanji Brown Jackson's religion during Senate hearing "I look at you, this is why I get emotional. I'm sorry. You're a person who is so much more than your race and gender," he said, as Jackson wiped away tears. "I see my ancestors and yours. Nobody is going to steal the joy of that woman in the street, or the calls that I'm getting or the texts. Nobody is going to steal that joy. You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American." "It's not going to stop. They're going to accuse you of this and that. Heck, in honor of your person who shares your birthday (referring to former New York state senator Constance Baker Motley), you might be called a communist. But don't worry my sister. Don't worry. God has got you. And how do I know that? Because you're here and I know what it's taken for you to sit in that seat," he said. Booker then compared Jackson to Harriet Tubman, a 19th-century escaped slave who risked her life to lead other slaves to freedom, saying Jackson was his "harbinger of hope." Also read | First black woman eyed for US supreme court vows to uphold democracy, be independent, if confirmed "I thought about her and how she looked up, she kept looking up. No matter what they did to her, she never stopped looking up. And that star, it was a harbinger of hope. Today, you are my star. You are my harbinger of hope This country is getting better and better and better. And when that final vote happens and you ascend onto the highest court of the land, I'm going to rejoice. And I'm going to tell you right now: the greatest country in the world, the United States of America will be better because of you. Thank you." Jackson quietly responded, "Thank you," before the hearing took a short recess, before wrapping up her hearing Wednesday (March 23) night. Outside experts scheduled for Thursday's final day of the hearing. If confirmed, Jackson would be the 116th justice to serve on the high court, the sixth woman and the third Black person. With Jackson on the bench, the court for the first time would have four women and two Black justices. Watch | US President Joe Biden arrives in Brussels, tighter sanctions against Russia likely

Supreme Court nominee Jackson moved to tears as Sen. Booker tells her 'You are my harbinger of hope'

The United States urged&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;on Wednesday to&nbsp;end&nbsp;detentions&nbsp;under its draconian anti-terror laws and ensure&nbsp;justice&nbsp;for wartime atrocities.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;rights&nbsp;record has drawn the ire of the international community with Colombo accused of carrying out war-time atrocities against its Tamil minority during the decades-long civil war that ended in 2009.&nbsp;

Under pressure from the European Union -- which threatened to revoke the country's favourable trade status --&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's parliament on Tuesday amended its controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) but opposition lawmakers have said the changes will not stop abuses under the law.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-economic-crisis-as-peoples-patience-runs-out-top-leadership-play-blame-game-464945">Sri Lanka’s economic crisis: As people’s patience runs out, top leadership play blame game</a>

On Wednesday, US under secretary for political affairs, Victoria Nuland stressed "the importance of the non-governmental sector, journalists and civil society, and ending surveillance, ending detention (under the PTA) and ending harassment," after talks with local leaders in capital Colombo.

Her remarks came a day after Colombo reduced detention without judicial supervision under the PTA from 18 to 12 months.

"We commend the first steps... particularly the amendments passed yesterday to the PTA and the release of soft prisoners," she said.

"There is more to do."

As many as 78 Tamil prisoners are behind bars under the act without being formally charged, some of them for more than three decades.

Rights&nbsp;activists have also said they face increasing pressure from security authorities while many journalists have complained of attacks and intimidation.&nbsp;

Nuland arrived in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;on Tuesday night on a brief overnight visit after travelling to Bangladesh and India.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-economic-crisis-in-the-island-nation-6-sri-lankan-nationals-illegally-enter-india-via-boat-464747">&nbsp;Amid economic crisis in the island nation, 6 Sri Lankan nationals illegally enter India via boat</a>

She said improving&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;will ease cooperation around security between Washington and Colombo.

"As you take those steps (to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;rights), it will open even more space for our partnership, particularly in the security arena," she said.

The US called for a credible investigation before the UN&nbsp;Human Rights&nbsp;Council into allegations that&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's military killed at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final stages of the war.

Colombo has denied killing any civilians and resisted calls for an independent probe.

Nuland also said that Washington was willing to provide unspecified help as Colombo seeks an IMF seeking bailout to ease its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.

Protests have erupted in the country with people lining up for hours for food, fuel and medicines with Colombo short of dollars to finance critical imports.

"As you roll up your sleeves and do the hard work to strengthen and heal the economy here, the United States will be your partner," she said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka deploys army at fuel stations amid the ongoing Dollar crunch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-deploys-army-at-fuel-stations-amid-the-ongoing-dollar-crunch-464524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States urged Sri Lanka on Wednesday to end detentions under its draconian anti-terror laws and ensure justice for wartime atrocities. Sri Lanka's rights record has drawn the ire of the international community with Colombo accused of carrying out war-time atrocities against its Tamil minority during the decades-long civil war that ended in 2009.

The United States urged Sri Lanka on Wednesday to end detentions under its draconian anti-terror laws and ensure justice for wartime atrocities. Sri Lanka's rights record has drawn the ire of the international community with Colombo accused of carrying out war-time atrocities against its Tamil minority during the decades-long civil war that ended in 2009. Under pressure from the European Union -- which threatened to revoke the country's favourable trade status -- Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday amended its controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) but opposition lawmakers have said the changes will not stop abuses under the law. Also read | Sri Lanka’s economic crisis: As people’s patience runs out, top leadership play blame game On Wednesday, US under secretary for political affairs, Victoria Nuland stressed "the importance of the non-governmental sector, journalists and civil society, and ending surveillance, ending detention (under the PTA) and ending harassment," after talks with local leaders in capital Colombo. Her remarks came a day after Colombo reduced detention without judicial supervision under the PTA from 18 to 12 months. "We commend the first steps... particularly the amendments passed yesterday to the PTA and the release of soft prisoners," she said. "There is more to do." As many as 78 Tamil prisoners are behind bars under the act without being formally charged, some of them for more than three decades. Rights activists have also said they face increasing pressure from security authorities while many journalists have complained of attacks and intimidation. Nuland arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday night on a brief overnight visit after travelling to Bangladesh and India. Also read | Amid economic crisis in the island nation, 6 Sri Lankan nationals illegally enter India via boat She said improving human rights will ease cooperation around security between Washington and Colombo. "As you take those steps (to improve rights), it will open even more space for our partnership, particularly in the security arena," she said. The US called for a credible investigation before the UN Human Rights Council into allegations that Sri Lanka's military killed at least 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final stages of the war. Colombo has denied killing any civilians and resisted calls for an independent probe. Nuland also said that Washington was willing to provide unspecified help as Colombo seeks an IMF seeking bailout to ease its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948. Protests have erupted in the country with people lining up for hours for food, fuel and medicines with Colombo short of dollars to finance critical imports. "As you roll up your sleeves and do the hard work to strengthen and heal the economy here, the United States will be your partner," she said. Watch | Sri Lanka deploys army at fuel stations amid the ongoing Dollar crunch

US asks Sri Lanka to end detentions, improve rights

The United States on Tuesday announced an agreement with Britain to end tariffs on steel and aluminum imports imposed by former President Donald Trump.

"By allowing for a flow of duty-free&nbsp;steel&nbsp;and&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;from the&nbsp;UK, we further ease the gap between supply and demand for these products in the United States," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

"And by removing the&nbsp;UK's retaliatory&nbsp;tariffs, we reopen the British market to beloved American products."

The&nbsp;deal&nbsp;was the latest in a series of efforts by President Joe Biden to settle trade spats with US allies, some of which were long-running and others started under the Trump administration.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cheered the announcement of the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;"with our American friends."

"This is fantastic news and a very welcome boost to our&nbsp;steel&nbsp;and&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;industries," he said on Twitter.

Washington and London in January announced the start of negotiations to&nbsp;end&nbsp;the dispute, which began in 2018 when Trump imposed levies of 25 percent on&nbsp;steel&nbsp;and 10 percent on&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;imports from Britain and other nations to protect US industry.

US companies for years have struggled to compete with the glut of supply coming out of China, but Trump penalized close trade partners citing national security concerns, which worsened relations with major US allies.

The Biden administration in October reached a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to&nbsp;end&nbsp;the&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;on the European Union, and in early February did the same with Japan.

Ending retaliation&nbsp;

Under the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;announced Tuesday, Britain will lift retaliatory&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;it imposed on $500 million in American imports, including alcohol and consumer goods, the statement said.

It also stipulates that any British&nbsp;steel&nbsp;company "owned by a Chinese entity must undertake an audit of their financial records to assess influence from the People's Republic of China government," the results of which will be shared with the United States, the Commerce Department said.

Britain's International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who met with Raimondo in Washington to finalize the agreement, said the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;was "good news for our&nbsp;steel&nbsp;and&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;industries who have been unfairly hit by these&nbsp;tariffs, and the 80,000 people employed across the sector."

US industry was more cautious in its praise, noting the benefits the&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;provided to&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;and&nbsp;steel&nbsp;manufacturers.

"The Russian invasion of Ukraine should remind us all just how critical the domestic&nbsp;steel&nbsp;industry is to our national and economic security,"&nbsp;said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.&nbsp;

"Section 232 quotas and&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;have permitted the American&nbsp;steel&nbsp;industry to recover, invest, hire, and contribute robustly to our national defense," he said, calling for a pause in more such deals to allow the industry to adjust.

The announcement followed two days of talks between US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Trevelyan in the port city of Baltimore on the broader trade relationship.

In a statement, Tai said the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to remove the metal&nbsp;tariffs&nbsp;"delivers on President Biden's vision to repair relationships with our allies while also helping to ensure the long-term viability of our&nbsp;steel&nbsp;and&nbsp;aluminum&nbsp;industries."

Free trade&nbsp;deal?

Trevalyan and Tai said they would continue their talks next month in Scotland.

"Hopefully we can now move forward and focus on deepening our thriving trading relationship with the US," the British official said.

However, there was no indication of progress towards a free trade agreement between the two countries -- a priority of Britain following its departure from the European Union.

Marjorie Chorlins, senior vice president for&nbsp;European Affairs&nbsp;at the US Chamber of Commerce, who took part in discussions in Baltimore on Monday, said a trade pact is not likely "at least not anytime soon."

Trump officials seemed ready to make a new bilateral arrangement with London and had even opened negotiations, but the Biden administration has shown little indication of wanting to continue them.

&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday announced an agreement with Britain to end tariffs on steel and aluminum imports imposed by former President Donald Trump. "By allowing for a flow of duty-free steel and aluminum from the UK, we further ease the gap between supply and demand for these products in the United States," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.

The United States on Tuesday announced an agreement with Britain to end tariffs on steel and aluminum imports imposed by former President Donald Trump. "By allowing for a flow of duty-free steel and aluminum from the UK, we further ease the gap between supply and demand for these products in the United States," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement. "And by removing the UK's retaliatory tariffs, we reopen the British market to beloved American products." The deal was the latest in a series of efforts by President Joe Biden to settle trade spats with US allies, some of which were long-running and others started under the Trump administration. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cheered the announcement of the deal "with our American friends." "This is fantastic news and a very welcome boost to our steel and aluminum industries," he said on Twitter. Washington and London in January announced the start of negotiations to end the dispute, which began in 2018 when Trump imposed levies of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports from Britain and other nations to protect US industry. US companies for years have struggled to compete with the glut of supply coming out of China, but Trump penalized close trade partners citing national security concerns, which worsened relations with major US allies. The Biden administration in October reached a deal to end the tariffs on the European Union, and in early February did the same with Japan. Ending retaliation Under the deal announced Tuesday, Britain will lift retaliatory tariffs it imposed on $500 million in American imports, including alcohol and consumer goods, the statement said. It also stipulates that any British steel company "owned by a Chinese entity must undertake an audit of their financial records to assess influence from the People's Republic of China government," the results of which will be shared with the United States, the Commerce Department said. Britain's International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who met with Raimondo in Washington to finalize the agreement, said the deal was "good news for our steel and aluminum industries who have been unfairly hit by these tariffs, and the 80,000 people employed across the sector." US industry was more cautious in its praise, noting the benefits the tariffs provided to aluminum and steel manufacturers. "The Russian invasion of Ukraine should remind us all just how critical the domestic steel industry is to our national and economic security," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. "Section 232 quotas and tariffs have permitted the American steel industry to recover, invest, hire, and contribute robustly to our national defense," he said, calling for a pause in more such deals to allow the industry to adjust. The announcement followed two days of talks between US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Trevelyan in the port city of Baltimore on the broader trade relationship. In a statement, Tai said the deal to remove the metal tariffs "delivers on President Biden's vision to repair relationships with our allies while also helping to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries." Free trade deal? Trevalyan and Tai said they would continue their talks next month in Scotland. "Hopefully we can now move forward and focus on deepening our thriving trading relationship with the US," the British official said. However, there was no indication of progress towards a free trade agreement between the two countries -- a priority of Britain following its departure from the European Union. Marjorie Chorlins, senior vice president for European Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, who took part in discussions in Baltimore on Monday, said a trade pact is not likely "at least not anytime soon." Trump officials seemed ready to make a new bilateral arrangement with London and had even opened negotiations, but the Biden administration has shown little indication of wanting to continue them.

US announces deal with UK to end steel, aluminum tariffs

How did Russia pay its debt despite Western sanctions? Reports say - the payment on a sovereign bond was processed by American bank JPMorgan Chase Bank. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: US bank helps Russia clears its dues

A court on Tuesday lifted the life sentences of two brothers who spent 25 years in jail for the 1995 rape and murder of a woman in her Pontiac basement, in a case long criticised by innocence activists.

Despite the lack of DNA evidence linking Melvin and George DeJesus to the murder and rape of Margaret Midkiff on July 11, 1995, and witnesses testifying that the brothers were elsewhere at the time of the crime, the brothers were convicted.

The brothers were convicted entirely on the testimony of convicted rapist Brandon Gohagen, 50, whose DNA was found at the murder scene.&nbsp;

Gohagen said that the DeJesus brothers forced him to rape Midkiff, who was 43 years old at the time, but that he did not murder her.

A jury agreed with him, and the brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1997.

New evidence shows Gohagen was solely responsible for Midkiff's murder, as well as 12 other sexual assaults in Pontiac from the 1990s, according to Robyn Frankel of the Michigan Attorney General's Conviction Integrity Unit, who testified before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Martha Anderson on Tuesday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A court on Tuesday lifted the life sentences of two brothers who spent 25 years in jail for the 1995 rape and murder of a woman in her Pontiac basement, in a case long criticised by innocence activists.

A court on Tuesday lifted the life sentences of two brothers who spent 25 years in jail for the 1995 rape and murder of a woman in her Pontiac basement, in a case long criticised by innocence activists. Despite the lack of DNA evidence linking Melvin and George DeJesus to the murder and rape of Margaret Midkiff on July 11, 1995, and witnesses testifying that the brothers were elsewhere at the time of the crime, the brothers were convicted. The brothers were convicted entirely on the testimony of convicted rapist Brandon Gohagen, 50, whose DNA was found at the murder scene. Gohagen said that the DeJesus brothers forced him to rape Midkiff, who was 43 years old at the time, but that he did not murder her. A jury agreed with him, and the brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1997. New evidence shows Gohagen was solely responsible for Midkiff's murder, as well as 12 other sexual assaults in Pontiac from the 1990s, according to Robyn Frankel of the Michigan Attorney General's Conviction Integrity Unit, who testified before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Martha Anderson on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Brothers released after 25 years in prison for rape and murder they didn't commit

US state department spokesman Ned Price said, "We are close to a possible deal, but we're not there yet. I want to be clear that an agreement is neither imminent nor is it certain."

US says less optimistic about reaching nuclear deal with Iran

Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 28th day and Russia recently said that we will use nuclear option if our existence threatened. US said that Kremlin's nuclear threat is dangerous.

Day 28 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia reiterates 'Nuclear' threat

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