Today in History: Coronation of Elizabeth II, start of the Russo-Japanese War and more

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared:

JOE BIDEN 
The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well.

But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said.

The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump.

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="351e7d0b-29e1-4073-b4d4-3cf068c648ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2897%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

PETE BUTTIGIEG 
As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All.&nbsp;

Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice.

All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch.&nbsp;

<img alt="Pete Buttigieg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e86f3f22-1b4b-44fd-b429-e090dd49df1d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2898%29_0.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote.

AMY KLOBUCHAR 
If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket.&nbsp;

Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election.

It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.”

<img alt="Klobuchar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b57fa770-ed76-4a86-9943-68061bf949ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131153.994.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that.

BERNIE SANDERS 
Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump.

As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters.

It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said.

<img alt="Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="789faacc-f28e-4c7b-a456-c1dd6cd0129e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2899%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

TOM STEYER 
The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump.

Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November.&nbsp;

With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage.

ELIZABETH WARREN 
Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals.

But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory.

“No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps.

<img alt="Warren" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b97a700e-ca37-4b1c-a3b8-cfe14d84b149" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29_1.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Democratic 2020 US&nbsp;Presidential Candidate and US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs.

With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa.

ANDREW YANG 
For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform.

But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday.

He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another.

<img alt="Yang" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3388b91a-447e-451c-8cde-d3e3aaf03944" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-08T131645.502.jpg" /> 
[ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ]

Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack.

With Democratic presidential candidates fighting for their political lives ahead of New Hampshire's primary to choose who will face Republican Donald Trump in November, rivals debating on Friday took shots at one another and tried to separate themselves from the pack. Here’s how each of the seven contenders on stage fared: JOE BIDEN The former vice president, looking to rebound from a faceplant in Iowa's caucuses this week, obviously wanted to come out on the offensive. Unfortunately, he started the night telling the nation that he probably was going to lose New Hampshire as well. But Biden grew more assured, tearing into US Senator Bernie Sanders over the cost of his Medicare for All plan and his record on guns while questioning Pete Buttigieg’s lack of experience. Biden seemed to relish in his long record of public service, repeatedly listing his accomplishments as a senator and vice president for Barack Obama. “The politics of the past, I think, were not all that bad,” Biden said. The risk for Biden is such talk only reinforces the view of some Democrats that his moment has passed and why they’re looking to fresh faces such as Buttigieg. But Biden has little choice but lean even harder into his argument that he is best prepared to take over for President Donald Trump. [ Democratic Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden (Courtesy: Reuters) ] PETE BUTTIGIEG As expected, everyone came gunning for the 38-year-old boyish former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Biden and US Senator Amy Klobuchar questioned his thin track record. Klobuchar also suggested Buttigieg had flipped positions on Medicare for All. Sanders took a shot at his fundraising. And US Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a brutal critique of Buttigieg’s defence of his record as mayor concerning African Americans and criminal justice. All of it was designed to make Buttigieg appear unready for the job – and at times he wobbled. At other points, he turned aggressive, labelling Sanders as an extreme candidate who would drive away moderates. Buttigieg did not back down from making his generational argument that it was time to pass the torch. [ Pete Buttigieg, Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Indiana mayor (Courtesy: Reuters) ] He told Biden his achievements “were phenomenally important because they met the moment. But now we have to meet at this moment, and this moment is different.” He also continued his outreach to independents and even Republicans, who could be critical in New Hampshire, which allows non-Democrats to vote. AMY KLOBUCHAR If this is the end of the line for the senator from Minnesota, she will go out turning in probably her best debate performance to date. She showed quick thinking on stage. She was the first candidate to raise her hand when they were asked if they were concerned about having a democratic socialist like Sanders at the top of the ticket. Not long after, she was the first candidate to bring up Trump’s impeachment and his acquittal by the Senate, a trenchant reminder of the stakes of the election. It was clear from the outset that Klobuchar looked to dent Buttigieg’s momentum, challenging him and even mocking him while framing herself as a better “unity” candidate. Referring to Trump, she said, “We have a newcomer in the White House, and look what that got us.” [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate Amy Klobuchar (Courtesy: Reuters) ] After a disappointing finish in Iowa - she came in fifth - Klobuchar heads into the New Hampshire primary a distinct underdog. One good debate is not likely to change that. BERNIE SANDERS Coming off a strong performance in Iowa that put him almost in a dead heat with Buttigieg, Sanders was on the defensive early, as rivals like Biden questioned whether a democratic socialist could marshal broad enough support in November to defeat Trump. As usual, Sanders showed little interest in moderating his message. His remarkable consistency – most of his quotes on Friday could have come from any of the other seven debates of this campaign, or his first presidential run in 2016 – is part of what endears him to his supporters. It also brings questions about whether he can broaden his appeal to win a majority of American voters. Sanders’ answer on Friday was that his agenda of Medicare for All and higher taxes on the wealthy would inspire more voters to participate in the election. “I believe the way we beat Trump is by having the largest voter turnout in the history of this country,” he said. [ Democratic US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Bernie Sanders (Courtesy: Reuters) ] TOM STEYER The California billionaire was probably the most pugnacious candidate on stage, fashioning himself as a truth-teller trying to elevate the discussion beyond squabbles over healthcare plans and abortion rights toward something more basic: How to beat Trump. Steyer argued Democrats must find some way to challenge Trump on the economy or risk failure. “We have to go win a huge victory this year, and we're in trouble,” he said. He also seemed to suggest that his rivals had very little idea how to bring the party together and ensure that African Americans and other voters of colour go to the polls in November. With polls showing Steyer rising as a challenger to Biden in South Carolina, the outsider candidate is likely to keep spending freely, act like he has nothing to lose and perhaps stay on the debate stage. ELIZABETH WARREN Warren continued pressing the closing argument she made in Iowa, arguing that she is uniquely positioned to unify the various factions within the Democratic Party. As a result, she appeared somewhat unwilling to engage in attacks on her rivals. But as the debate proceeded, Warren fired a few shots at the other candidates. After moderators pressed Buttigieg on his mayoral record on race and policing, Warren was asked whether his answer had been satisfactory. “No,” she said bluntly, before ticking off several areas – housing, education, employment – in which she has released plans that specifically target racial gaps. [ Democratic 2020 US Presidential Candidate and US Senator Elizabeth Warren (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Later, she jumped at the chance to criticize billionaire Michael Bloomberg, who is skipping the early voting states and blanketing later states with a barrage of advertising, for trying to “buy” the nomination. She followed that with a thinly veiled shot at Sanders for getting help from an outside political group even though he has sworn off super PACs. With less speaking time than Buttigieg, Biden, Sanders and Klobuchar, it was not clear whether she made enough of an impact after a week in which she was mostly an afterthought following a third-place finish in Iowa. ANDREW YANG For months, Andrew Yang has pointed to New Hampshire as the early state where he expected to have the most appeal, thanks to the independent voters who make up a large portion of the electorate and might be drawn to his esoteric campaign platform. But after a poor showing in Iowa, where he finished far behind the top candidates, Yang needed a breakout performance to have any hope of outperforming on Tuesday. He didn’t get many opportunities. The moderators directed only a handful of questions at him, leaving him with by far the least amount of speaking time. As he has throughout the campaign, he declined to engage in any back-and-forth attacks with other candidates, which meant he spent long stretches in silence as rivals took turns swinging at one another. [ Businessman and 2020 US Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang (Courtesy: Twitter Handle @AndrewYang) ] Yang's campaign, which has far outstripped any reasonable expectations, may be drawing to a close.

Presidential Candidates fight for survival in New Hampshire debate

February 7 in history: Great Siege of Gibraltar, sinking of Auckland's coast and lots more!

By Andrew G Jones

A US strike which killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January, and the counter-strike by the Iranian military on US targets in Iraq, raised serious questions about the legitimate use of force. When military force was used against targets within its territory, Iraq’s sovereignty was breached.

As a country caught in the middle of the long-running feud between the US and Iran, Iraq has already suffered a great deal in this latest escalation. A senior Iraqi militia commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was also killed in the US strike.

In the weeks since, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Iraq. While some continue to demonstrate against the government, others – many of them supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr – are demanding the withdrawal of US troops from the country.

The continued US military presence in the country, against the wishes of the Iraqi government and parliament, is a breach of international law.

Force and intervention

Public international law maintains a tight grip on the rules surrounding the use of force. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force, except in self-defence against an armed attack or collective action authorised by the UN Security Council.

Beyond this, there are very few truly accepted justifications which a country can rely on to legitimately use force within another’s territory. One exception is a doctrine called “intervention by invitation”, where one country is given express permission to take military action in another country by that country’s government.

Alongside other rules that govern this kind of interaction, there are also rules on when a state overstays its welcome and becomes in breach of its international obligations. For example, the Definition of Aggression, a text adopted by the UN which outlines what is considered aggression under international law, sets out that if the state intervening breaks the conditions, or extends its presence on the territory, this counts as an act of aggression.

This was put forward as a claim in a case between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda in 2005. The DRC claimed that Uganda’s ongoing use of force on its territory after it had stopped giving consent, amounted to aggression.

Although in this particular case the International Court of Justice did not find Uganda’s actions were an act of aggression, the court did rule that Uganda had breached the UN Charter’s basic prohibition of force. As a result it was clearly established that a country cannot maintain a military presence within another country after it has been asked to leave.

US refusal to withdraw

The presence of US troops in Iraq dates to the invasion which overthrew Saddam Hussain’s regime in 2003. Whatever the legal status of that conflict, the presence of US forces has been legitimised since that point through the consent of the Iraqi government. In more recent years, American and Iraqi forces have maintained friendly relations, working together to fight the threat of Islamic State.

The closeness of Iraq’s relationship with the US is part of a wider balancing act. Iraq also needs to maintain its relationship with Iran, to which it has become much closer since the fall of Hussein. But since the drone attack which killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis, this balance has shifted. The country’s alliances have been put under increased strain amid growing anti-US sentiment.

In the aftermath of the US strike in January, Iraq’s parliament voted on the future presence of US troops in the country. MPs passed a non-binding resolution stating that the Iraqi government should: “Work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, airspace or water for any reason.”

During a subsequent phone call with US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, Iraq’s prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, requested a US withdrawal. But instead of heeding the Iraqi authorities’ decision, the US State Department declared that it would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was “appropriate”. It claimed that there was instead a need for “a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership.”

Implications under international law

Despite the undeniable power and influence the US has over global events and international policy, the country remains subject to international law. By refusing to withdraw its troops as the Iraqi government requested, the US finds itself at least in breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. A case could also be made that this amounts to an act of aggression.

There is a very real danger of Iraq becoming the battleground for a fight between Iran and the US to which it is not a party. In a country already scarred by decades of conflict, Iraq urgently wants to avoid such a circumstance. As such, it’s now for the US to heed the country’s request and to withdraw its troops in line with its international obligations, and for both the US and Iran to avoid further escalating an already tense situation.

It is up to the international community as a whole to ensure respect of the rule of law. But as the world’s most powerful nation, the US must demonstrate its willingness to comply with its responsibilities and uphold the ideals of international law.

(Andrew G Jones is Lecturer of Law, Coventry University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/us-refusal-to-withdraw-troops-from-iraq-is-a-breach-of-international-law-131088">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Andrew G Jones A US strike which killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January, and the counter-strike by the Iranian military on US targets in Iraq, raised serious questions about the legitimate use of force.

By Andrew G Jones A US strike which killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January, and the counter-strike by the Iranian military on US targets in Iraq, raised serious questions about the legitimate use of force. When military force was used against targets within its territory, Iraq’s sovereignty was breached. As a country caught in the middle of the long-running feud between the US and Iran, Iraq has already suffered a great deal in this latest escalation. A senior Iraqi militia commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was also killed in the US strike. In the weeks since, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Iraq. While some continue to demonstrate against the government, others – many of them supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr – are demanding the withdrawal of US troops from the country. The continued US military presence in the country, against the wishes of the Iraqi government and parliament, is a breach of international law. Force and intervention Public international law maintains a tight grip on the rules surrounding the use of force. Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force, except in self-defence against an armed attack or collective action authorised by the UN Security Council. Beyond this, there are very few truly accepted justifications which a country can rely on to legitimately use force within another’s territory. One exception is a doctrine called “intervention by invitation”, where one country is given express permission to take military action in another country by that country’s government. Alongside other rules that govern this kind of interaction, there are also rules on when a state overstays its welcome and becomes in breach of its international obligations. For example, the Definition of Aggression, a text adopted by the UN which outlines what is considered aggression under international law, sets out that if the state intervening breaks the conditions, or extends its presence on the territory, this counts as an act of aggression. This was put forward as a claim in a case between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda in 2005. The DRC claimed that Uganda’s ongoing use of force on its territory after it had stopped giving consent, amounted to aggression. Although in this particular case the International Court of Justice did not find Uganda’s actions were an act of aggression, the court did rule that Uganda had breached the UN Charter’s basic prohibition of force. As a result it was clearly established that a country cannot maintain a military presence within another country after it has been asked to leave. US refusal to withdraw The presence of US troops in Iraq dates to the invasion which overthrew Saddam Hussain’s regime in 2003. Whatever the legal status of that conflict, the presence of US forces has been legitimised since that point through the consent of the Iraqi government. In more recent years, American and Iraqi forces have maintained friendly relations, working together to fight the threat of Islamic State. The closeness of Iraq’s relationship with the US is part of a wider balancing act. Iraq also needs to maintain its relationship with Iran, to which it has become much closer since the fall of Hussein. But since the drone attack which killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis, this balance has shifted. The country’s alliances have been put under increased strain amid growing anti-US sentiment. In the aftermath of the US strike in January, Iraq’s parliament voted on the future presence of US troops in the country. MPs passed a non-binding resolution stating that the Iraqi government should: “Work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, airspace or water for any reason.” During a subsequent phone call with US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, Iraq’s prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, requested a US withdrawal. But instead of heeding the Iraqi authorities’ decision, the US State Department declared that it would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was “appropriate”. It claimed that there was instead a need for “a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership.” Implications under international law Despite the undeniable power and influence the US has over global events and international policy, the country remains subject to international law. By refusing to withdraw its troops as the Iraqi government requested, the US finds itself at least in breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. A case could also be made that this amounts to an act of aggression. There is a very real danger of Iraq becoming the battleground for a fight between Iran and the US to which it is not a party. In a country already scarred by decades of conflict, Iraq urgently wants to avoid such a circumstance. As such, it’s now for the US to heed the country’s request and to withdraw its troops in line with its international obligations, and for both the US and Iran to avoid further escalating an already tense situation. It is up to the international community as a whole to ensure respect of the rule of law. But as the world’s most powerful nation, the US must demonstrate its willingness to comply with its responsibilities and uphold the ideals of international law. (Andrew G Jones is Lecturer of Law, Coventry University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

US refusal to withdraw troops from Iraq is a breach of international law

Russian-led&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces on Thursday entered&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;town&nbsp;in&nbsp;northwestern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Idlib</a> province in the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;push to capture the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;stronghold, state media said.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Bashar al-Assad</a>'s swift military&nbsp;advance&nbsp;through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a>, whose leader has threatened to drive back the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;forces.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting</a>

Turkish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said on Thursday that Ankara expected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Russia </a>to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back.

"We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Turkey</a> says has displaced nearly 1 million people.

Syrian&nbsp;forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered&nbsp;Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses.

Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-can-be-possible-outcome-from-un-emergency-meet-on-syria-279043/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;town&nbsp;lies at the junction of two main roads that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Assad </a>seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war.

Rebel&nbsp;fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of&nbsp;Saraqeb&nbsp;in an attack from the northern part of the&nbsp;town&nbsp;that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said.

Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area.

Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The fighting, taking place despite a January&nbsp;12 ceasefire deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia</a>, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;government forces and Russian military infrastructure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Tayyip Erdogan</a> to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Russia </a>also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting.

The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-will-make-syria-to-pay-heavy-price-vows-erdogan-wion-news-world-news-278489">Middle East</a> since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011.

Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to&nbsp;rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war.

Early on Thursday,&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;defence ministry said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said.

Russian-led Syrian government forces on Thursday entered Saraqeb town in northwestern Idlib province in the latest push to capture the last rebel stronghold, state media said. President Bashar al-Assad's swift military advance through Idlib province has caused an exodus of civilians towards Turkey's border in the past two weeks, risking a military confrontation with Turkey, whose leader has threatened to drive back the Syrian forces. Also read: Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday that Ankara expected Russia to immediately stop the government attacks, which killed eight Turkish military personnel on Monday and prompted Turkish forces to strike back. "We conveyed our determination to our Russian counterparts," he said, adding that Ankara was determined to stem the "humanitarian drama" in Idlib which Turkey says has displaced nearly 1 million people. Syrian forces, who are backed by Russian airstrikes, had on Wednesday encircled and entered Saraqeb, 15 km east of Idlib city, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said in a report corroborated by witnesses. Watch: What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meeting on Syria? The town lies at the junction of two main roads that Assad seeks to fully control to regain Idlib province, the last rebel bastion in the nearly nine-year-long civil war. Rebel fighters "managed to push back government forces from most of Saraqeb in an attack from the northern part of the town that coincided with Turkish shelling against advancing government forces," the Observatory said. Witnesses said government forces came under shelling from Turkish observation posts in the area. Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria pay heavy price' vows Erdogan The fighting, taking place despite a January 12 ceasefire deal between Turkey and Russia, disrupted fragile cooperation between the two countries that support opposing sides in the conflict. The Kremlin said on Thursday that militants in Turkey's "zone of responsibility" in Idlib province were continuing to attack Syrian government forces and Russian military infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were no plans currently for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to meet to reduce tensions in Idlib but that such a meeting could be quickly organised if needed. Russia also said some of its troops had been killed in the militant attacks, its first confirmation of casualties in the current round of fighting. The battle for Idlib is a crucial stage of a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians, made millions of refugees in their own country or overseas, and fractured the wider Middle East since it broke out amid the Arab Spring in 2011. Russian and Iranian support has helped Assad win back nearly all the territory lost to rebels. The threat of direct confrontation between arch-enemies Israel and Iran has also long simmered in Syria, where the Iranian military has built a presence early in the civil war. Early on Thursday, Syrian air defences intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus that were fired at military targets in southern Syria including near the capital, the Syrian defence ministry said.

Syrian army enters rebel-held northwestern Saraqeb town in latest advance: Report

Another group of nearly 350 Americans airlifted&nbsp;from&nbsp;the epicenter of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">China's </a>fast-spreading&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;outbreak were&nbsp;placed&nbsp;under&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;at two&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases&nbsp;in California on Wednesday, as the number of confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-screen-passengers-for-new-china-coronavirus-at-three-airports-275093">US&nbsp;</a>cases of the disease rose to 12.

The travelers aboard two State Department-chartered cargo jets were met by personnel&nbsp;from&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-screen-passengers-for-new-china-coronavirus-at-three-airports-275093">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention </a>(CDC) for screening, and are to remain&nbsp;under&nbsp;mandatory&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;for 14 days, the incubation period of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship</a>

Five of the passengers arrived exhibiting possible symptoms, two of them children, and were immediately hospitalized, along with the mother of one of the youngsters, the CDC said.

The latest&nbsp;evacuees, together with 195 Americans flown out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-screen-passengers-for-new-china-coronavirus-at-three-airports-275093">Wuhan</a>,&nbsp;China, a week ago by the&nbsp;US&nbsp;government, bring to 540 the number people subject so far to the CDC's first public health&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;in 50 years. Wuhan, in&nbsp;China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-screen-passengers-for-new-china-coronavirus-at-three-airports-275093">Hubei </a>province, is the epicenter of the disease.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief</a>

The two planes in Wednesday's airlift arrived at Travis Air Force Base in northern California, where 178 passengers&nbsp;from&nbsp;one plane disembarked to begin two weeks of round-the-clock health screening while barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;contact with the general public.

None of the group showed signs of disease, except for a small child who developed a fever during the flight and was taken to a nearby hospital with its mother for further testing and medical treatment in isolation, officials said. The other&nbsp;evacuees&nbsp;at Travis will be housed in a hotel on base.

After refueling, the second evacuation plane flew on to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-screen-passengers-for-new-china-coronavirus-at-three-airports-275093">Marine Corps Air</a> Station Miramar, near San Diego, arriving with 167 passenger. Of that group, three adults and a child "were determined to have a fever or a cough that warranted them being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation," the CDC said. The rest were&nbsp;placed&nbsp;under&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;at two housing sites on base.

Another group of nearly 350 Americans airlifted from the epicenter of China's fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak were placed under quarantine at two military bases in California on Wednesday, as the number of confirmed US cases of the disease rose to 12.

Another group of nearly 350 Americans airlifted from the epicenter of China's fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak were placed under quarantine at two military bases in California on Wednesday, as the number of confirmed US cases of the disease rose to 12. The travelers aboard two State Department-chartered cargo jets were met by personnel from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for screening, and are to remain under mandatory quarantine for 14 days, the incubation period of the virus. Also read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China; 10 more infected on Japan ship Five of the passengers arrived exhibiting possible symptoms, two of them children, and were immediately hospitalized, along with the mother of one of the youngsters, the CDC said. The latest evacuees, together with 195 Americans flown out of Wuhan, China, a week ago by the US government, bring to 540 the number people subject so far to the CDC's first public health quarantine in 50 years. Wuhan, in China's Hubei province, is the epicenter of the disease. Also read: World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief The two planes in Wednesday's airlift arrived at Travis Air Force Base in northern California, where 178 passengers from one plane disembarked to begin two weeks of round-the-clock health screening while barred from contact with the general public. None of the group showed signs of disease, except for a small child who developed a fever during the flight and was taken to a nearby hospital with its mother for further testing and medical treatment in isolation, officials said. The other evacuees at Travis will be housed in a hotel on base. After refueling, the second evacuation plane flew on to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, arriving with 167 passenger. Of that group, three adults and a child "were determined to have a fever or a cough that warranted them being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation," the CDC said. The rest were placed under quarantine at two housing sites on base.

350 US citizens evacuated from China placed under coronavirus quarantine at military bases

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today.

The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-acquitted-of-impeachment-charges-in-republican-majority-senate-278933">US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate</a>

There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a&nbsp;Republican leader from Utah&nbsp;decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11b2383f-a90c-426c-baef-058f7f5e7476" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_78.jpg" /> 
US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech.

"What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added.

Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said.

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My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: <a href="https://t.co/i4cBEfucLr">pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr</a>
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorRomney/status/1224901384551718917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/State-of-the-Union-address-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tears-up-text-as-trump-ends-state-of-the-union-address-278666">US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address</a> 
 
After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate.

In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power.&nbsp;

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The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit.

On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did.

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Had failed presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/MittRomney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MittRomney</a> devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1225288731235700737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-the-state-of-the-union-address-278582" hreflang="en">EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address</a>

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him.

United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of both impeachment charges in the Senate today. The voting clearly happened along party lines, with Republic led Senate protecting him. The Democrats, on the other hand, all wanted him convicted. Also read: US President Donald Trump acquitted of impeachment charges in Republican-majority Senate There was one unexpected twist in the trial as Mitt Romney, a Republican leader from Utah decided to vote in favour of convicting Trump on the charge of abuse of power for the involvement of Ukraine in the US elections. This made Romney the first US senator in history to go against his own president and party. US Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) returns from a recess during the impeachment trial proceedings of US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill January 30, 2020, in Washington, DC | AFP "The president's purpose was personal and political. Accordingly, the president is guilty of appalling abuse of public trust," Romney said in a floor speech. "What he did was not perfect, no. It was a flagrant assault under electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep one's self in the office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one's oath of office that I can imagine", he added. Romney issued a statement reflecting on the State of the Union address but did not mention his vote against the president. He did, however, mentioned in his speech that the Republicans will ''vehemently denounce'' his words and that he would draw disapproval from the conservative party. "I'm sure to hear abuse from the president and his supporters," he said. My statement on tonight's State of the Union address: pic.twitter.com/i4cBEfucLr — Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) February 5, 2020 × On December 18, Donald Trump was charged with two articles of impeachment including abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. The voting in the Senate happened mostly along party lines, as it earlier did in the Democratic majority House of Representatives. Also read: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tears up text as Trump ends State of the Union address After months of back-and-forth, United States President Donald Trump was acquitted of all charges. Earlier, Trump was impeached in the House, but this trajectory failed to hold its ground in the Senate. In the Senate, the call was close, as 52 people chose to acquit him, while 48 people voted in favour of the impeachment charge of abusing power. The Democrats had accused Trump of abusing power by requesting Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden, Trump's Democratic rival. Mitt Romney was the only Republican Senator who voted to convict Trump on this charge, alongside the Democrats, none of whom voted to acquit. On the other charge of obstruction of Congress, the Senate voted 53-47 to acquit him. He was suspected of blocking witnesses and documents that were sought by the House. All Republicans, including Romney, voted to acquit him, while no Democrats did. Had failed presidential candidate @MittRomney devoted the same energy and anger to defeating a faltering Barack Obama as he sanctimoniously does to me, he could have won the election. Read the Transcripts! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2020 × Trump lashed out against Romney on Twitter and reiterated ''Read the transcripts!'' EXPLAINED: What is the State of the Union address

Mitt Romney becomes first Senator in US history to vote against own party's president

United States Senate has acquitted US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in his impeachment trial, Trump was saved by fellow Republicans who rallied to protect him nine months before he asks voters in a deeply divided America to give him a second White House term.

Senate clears Trump in impeachment trial

Today in History: Articles of Confederation, Apollo 14 and more!

Highlights from Trump's reality-TV style State of the Union address

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas positions in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;early Wednesday, the military said,&nbsp;after&nbsp;Palestinians in the enclave launched&nbsp;projectiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;explosive&nbsp;balloons&nbsp;at the Jewish state.

The "fighter jets targeted Hamas terror targets in the southern&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip" including "a weapons manufacturing site", the army said in a statement.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-warplanes-hit-hamas-in-gaza-after-border-fire-278047">&nbsp;Israeli warplanes hit Hamas in Gaza after border fire</a>

There were no immediate reports from&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;of casualties.

Prior to the Israeli attack, militants in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;launched three&nbsp;projectiles&nbsp;and a number of "explosive&nbsp;balloons" at southern&nbsp;Israel, the army said, with neither medics nor police reporting casualties or damage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan or terms of surrender for the Palestinians?</a>

Since US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/state-of-the-union-things-trump-didnt-address-but-should-have-278752">Donald Trump</a>'s announcement last week of his plan to resolve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Israeli-Palestinian conflict</a>, rockets, mortar shells and&nbsp;explosive&nbsp;balloons&nbsp;have been launched almost daily from&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;into southern&nbsp;Israel, provoking Israeli retaliation.&nbsp;

Palestinians strongly reject the US plan, seen as heavily favouring&nbsp;Israel.

Hamas and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with&nbsp;Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of&nbsp;Gaza.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas positions in Gaza early Wednesday, the military said, after Palestinians in the enclave launched projectiles and explosive balloons at the Jewish state.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas positions in Gaza early Wednesday, the military said, after Palestinians in the enclave launched projectiles and explosive balloons at the Jewish state. The "fighter jets targeted Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip" including "a weapons manufacturing site", the army said in a statement. Also read: Israeli warplanes hit Hamas in Gaza after border fire There were no immediate reports from Gaza of casualties. Prior to the Israeli attack, militants in Gaza launched three projectiles and a number of "explosive balloons" at southern Israel, the army said, with neither medics nor police reporting casualties or damage. Also read: Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan or terms of surrender for the Palestinians? Since US President Donald Trump's announcement last week of his plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rockets, mortar shells and explosive balloons have been launched almost daily from Gaza into southern Israel, provoking Israeli retaliation. Palestinians strongly reject the US plan, seen as heavily favouring Israel. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year the Islamists have gradually shaped an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has eased its crippling blockade of Gaza.

Israel strikes in Gaza after Palestinians fire projectiles

The results of the Iowa caucuses, the first voting contest of the US 2020 presidential election season, have been delayed "due to Inconsistencies"

Results from Iowa caucuses delayed due to Inconsistencies

Democrats in Iowa gathered in schools, libraries and churches to decide their favourite candidates. The nominated candidates will go through the internal voting process to decide the Democracts candidate to take on Donald Trump. Watch this video to understand the concept of caucuses in the United States.

All eyes on Iowa Caucuses 2020: What is Caucuses

The Iowa Democratic Party has confirmed that the results of the Iowa caucuses, the first voting contest of the US 2020 presidential election season, have been delayed "due to quality checks".

Iowa Democratic Party delays release of results

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 04, 2020

The first event that will help decide the candidates for US president is to take place with Monday's Iowa caucuses.

Iowa: First State to choose candidate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../google-sparks-criticism-as-it-redesigns-it-search -page-makes-ads-look-like-organic-results-276570">Google</a> parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-google-joins-hands-with-who-to-provide-sos-alert-trusted-info-and-safety-tips-278181">Coronavirus outbreak: Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips</a>

Detailing its cloud computing and YouTube revenues for the first time, Alphabet reported that profits rose 19 per cent from a year ago in the quarter to nearly $10.7 billion as revenues increased 17 per cent to $46 billion.

Alphabet and Google chief executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../google-ceo-calls-for-artificial-intelligence- regulation-275642">Sundar Pichai</a> touted YouTube as a revenue star at the company, with ad revenue reaching $15 billion last year in an increase of about 36 per cent from 2018.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../latest-world-news-social-media-applications- tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">YouTube</a> music and television premium services now have more than 20 million paid subscribers, according to Pichai.

Despite assurances by executives that Alphabet sees plenty of money-making potential ahead and is investing to capitalize on long-term trends, Alphabet shares slipped more than four per cent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures.

The California tech giant, which dominates online search and makes the Android mobile operating system, has been working to reduce its dependence on digital advertising which delivers most of its cash.

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"Our investments in deep computer science, including artificial intelligence, ambient computing and cloud computing, provide a strong base for continued growth and new opportunities across Alphabet," said Pichai.

The company said its cloud computing services took in $2.6 billion in revenue during the last three-month period -- up more than 50 per cent -- and nearly $9 billion for the year.

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Chief financial officer Ruth Porat said Alphabet will ramp-up hiring this year. Much of that will be engineering talent for its cloud division which competes with cloud market-leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company -policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon</a> and Microsoft.

"We are leaning into investing for longterm growth," Porat said.

"That has been a key principle here and continues to be."

Google advertising took in the majority of revenue at $38 billion in the quarter and more than 80 per cent of its annual revenues of $162 billion.

Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Baird, said the earnings report showed "a deceleration" in growth for Google, which may have been due to the impact of fewer holiday shopping days.

Despite that, Sebastian said he sees "no change to our positive long-term thesis" for Alphabet.

Analyst Nicole Perrin at eMarketer said the results highlight the significance of YouTube, the popular video service for which Alphabet had not up to now disclosed financial data.

"This is something investors have been looking for, but the information should also give advertisers valuable information about the importance of YouTube as a digital ad vehicle," Perrin said.

"YouTube is growing strongly according to this report, and revenues are above where eMarketer had thought they were."&nbsp;

Alphabet's "other bets" which include Waymo autonomous vehicles, life sciences and drone delivery, took in $172 million in revenue in the final three months of the year, ending the 12 months with a big operating loss.

The results come with the company facing intense pressure around the globe over its dominance of the online ecosystem.

It also has been at the centre of a dispute over tax policy for multinational firms. Global negotiators are seeking a new treaty on how to tax digital operations spanning the globe.

"It is something we always need to take a look at," Pichai said on an earnings call with investors and others when asked how regulatory or taxation moves could affect Alphabet's bottom line.

"We are engaged in these issues and we anticipate and structurally work on them early on."

Indian-born Pichai, who had been CEO of Google, was promoted last year to the same role at Alphabet.

Google parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed.

Google parent Alphabet missed revenue expectations in the fourth quarter despite stellar growth at YouTube and in the cloud, earnings figures released Monday showed. Also read- Coronavirus outbreak: Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips Detailing its cloud computing and YouTube revenues for the first time, Alphabet reported that profits rose 19 per cent from a year ago in the quarter to nearly $10.7 billion as revenues increased 17 per cent to $46 billion. Alphabet and Google chief executive Sundar Pichai touted YouTube as a revenue star at the company, with ad revenue reaching $15 billion last year in an increase of about 36 per cent from 2018. YouTube music and television premium services now have more than 20 million paid subscribers, according to Pichai. Despite assurances by executives that Alphabet sees plenty of money-making potential ahead and is investing to capitalize on long-term trends, Alphabet shares slipped more than four per cent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures. The California tech giant, which dominates online search and makes the Android mobile operating system, has been working to reduce its dependence on digital advertising which delivers most of its cash. × "Our investments in deep computer science, including artificial intelligence, ambient computing and cloud computing, provide a strong base for continued growth and new opportunities across Alphabet," said Pichai. The company said its cloud computing services took in $2.6 billion in revenue during the last three-month period -- up more than 50 per cent -- and nearly $9 billion for the year. × Chief financial officer Ruth Porat said Alphabet will ramp-up hiring this year. Much of that will be engineering talent for its cloud division which competes with cloud market-leaders Amazon and Microsoft. "We are leaning into investing for longterm growth," Porat said. "That has been a key principle here and continues to be." Google advertising took in the majority of revenue at $38 billion in the quarter and more than 80 per cent of its annual revenues of $162 billion. Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Baird, said the earnings report showed "a deceleration" in growth for Google, which may have been due to the impact of fewer holiday shopping days. Despite that, Sebastian said he sees "no change to our positive long-term thesis" for Alphabet. Analyst Nicole Perrin at eMarketer said the results highlight the significance of YouTube, the popular video service for which Alphabet had not up to now disclosed financial data. "This is something investors have been looking for, but the information should also give advertisers valuable information about the importance of YouTube as a digital ad vehicle," Perrin said. "YouTube is growing strongly according to this report, and revenues are above where eMarketer had thought they were." Alphabet's "other bets" which include Waymo autonomous vehicles, life sciences and drone delivery, took in $172 million in revenue in the final three months of the year, ending the 12 months with a big operating loss. The results come with the company facing intense pressure around the globe over its dominance of the online ecosystem. It also has been at the centre of a dispute over tax policy for multinational firms. Global negotiators are seeking a new treaty on how to tax digital operations spanning the globe. "It is something we always need to take a look at," Pichai said on an earnings call with investors and others when asked how regulatory or taxation moves could affect Alphabet's bottom line. "We are engaged in these issues and we anticipate and structurally work on them early on." Indian-born Pichai, who had been CEO of Google, was promoted last year to the same role at Alphabet.

Disappointing growth hits Google parent Alphabet shares

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">United States</a> hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">India</a> in the near term, country's Ambassador to New Delhi Kenneth Juster said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing here a day prior to the beginning of the five-day DefExpo 2020 in Uttar Pradesh's capital city of Lucknow, Juster said, "When I first began working on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">US-India</a> relationship in 2001, there were virtually no defence sales between the United States and India. Today that figure is about 18 billion dollars and there are several billion dollars of additional sales in the pipeline on a range of items, some of which we hope to be announcing in the near term."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-united-states-defence-deal-worth-75-billion-to-procure-drones-planes-in-the-works-262720">India-United States defence deal worth $7.5 billion to procure drones, planes in the works</a>

In his remarks at the press conference, the Ambassador said that there is an enormous potential for industry partnership between India and the US on state-of-the-art defence equipment.

He noted that the US firms participating in the Defence Expo are partnering with companies across India, "including in Uttar Pradesh's Defence Corridor, to produce defence equipment not just for our countries' militaries, but for those of partner nations"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump</a>

"For example, Tata has partnered with Lockheed Martin to build all C-130 tails and F-16 wings here. And <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-starliner-returning-to-earth-early-after-mission-failure-269557">Boeing </a>is collaborating with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-says-hal-was-edged-out-of-rafale-deal-during-upas-tenure-166462">HAL </a>[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited] to produce all AH-64 Apache fuselages in Hyderabad," he said.

Boeing will showcase a range of advanced defence capabilities at DefExpo 2020, including F/A-18 Super Hornet, KC-46 tanker, AH-64E Apache and the P-8I.

In a statement last week, the Aerospace major noted that India has 11 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, eight P-8Is (with four more on order), 17 AH-64 Apaches (against an order of 22) and 10 CH-47 Chinook (against an order of 15).

The United States hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with India in the near term, country's Ambassador to New Delhi Kenneth Juster said on Tuesday.

The United States hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with India in the near term, country's Ambassador to New Delhi Kenneth Juster said on Tuesday. Speaking at a press briefing here a day prior to the beginning of the five-day DefExpo 2020 in Uttar Pradesh's capital city of Lucknow, Juster said, "When I first began working on US-India relationship in 2001, there were virtually no defence sales between the United States and India. Today that figure is about 18 billion dollars and there are several billion dollars of additional sales in the pipeline on a range of items, some of which we hope to be announcing in the near term." Also read: India-United States defence deal worth $7.5 billion to procure drones, planes in the works In his remarks at the press conference, the Ambassador said that there is an enormous potential for industry partnership between India and the US on state-of-the-art defence equipment. He noted that the US firms participating in the Defence Expo are partnering with companies across India, "including in Uttar Pradesh's Defence Corridor, to produce defence equipment not just for our countries' militaries, but for those of partner nations" Also read: Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump "For example, Tata has partnered with Lockheed Martin to build all C-130 tails and F-16 wings here. And Boeing is collaborating with HAL [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited] to produce all AH-64 Apache fuselages in Hyderabad," he said. Boeing will showcase a range of advanced defence capabilities at DefExpo 2020, including F/A-18 Super Hornet, KC-46 tanker, AH-64E Apache and the P-8I. In a statement last week, the Aerospace major noted that India has 11 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, eight P-8Is (with four more on order), 17 AH-64 Apaches (against an order of 22) and 10 CH-47 Chinook (against an order of 15).

US hopes to announce several billion dollars worth of defence deals with India in near term: Ambassador Kenneth Juster

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - February 03, 2020

US President Donald Trump on Friday released an expanded version of his travel ban that targets potential migrants from Nigeria and five other countries.

Trump's extended travel ban targets Nigeria, five other countries

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO&nbsp;</a>chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Jens Stoltenberg</a> said on&nbsp;Monday that a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;transfer of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>and allied troops to Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;as part of a military exercise was not aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia</a>.

About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;2020.

This is "the largest&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>troops to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said.

Also said:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games</a>

The exercise "shows the strong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>commitment to&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;and to the freedom and security of&nbsp;Europe," he added.

The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States.

The US will move 20,000 soldiers to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in the coming months.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-floats-expanding-nato-to-add-middle-east-273325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said.</div>

"This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">United States</a> to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;to help protect other&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Allies if needed," he said.&nbsp;

The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend&nbsp;Europe.&nbsp;

After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;as "obsolete".&nbsp;

But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance.&nbsp;

NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-attack-says-nato-mission-273657">Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission</a>

The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;and built the capability for rapid&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of troops in the event of conflict.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg underlined that&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Portions of "Defender&nbsp;Europe" were to be held in the three countries.&nbsp;

"Russia&nbsp;has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg.

A&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of&nbsp;Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th.&nbsp;

"The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year."&nbsp;

"We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany."&nbsp;

Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;(OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia. About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender Europe 2020. This is "the largest deployment of US troops to Europe in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said. Also said: Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games The exercise "shows the strong US commitment to NATO and to the freedom and security of Europe," he added. The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States. The US will move 20,000 soldiers to Europe in the coming months. Watch: Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East "Defender Europe is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said. "This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the United States to Europe to help protect other NATO Allies if needed," he said. The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend Europe. After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described NATO as "obsolete". But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance. NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern NATO members. Also read: Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe and built the capability for rapid deployment of troops in the event of conflict. Stoltenberg underlined that NATO members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union. Portions of "Defender Europe" were to be held in the three countries. "Russia has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg. A NATO official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th. "The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year." "We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany." Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed Russia and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

Russia not target in US army's massive Europe deployment: National Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Under neighbourhood first policy, Indian airline Air India has rescued 7 citizens of Maldives along with 323 Indians from Wuhan, the epicentre of the SARS-like coronavirus.

The information was shared by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on twitter.

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7 Maldivians brought back with 323 Indians from Wuhan on the second <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> flight today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeighbourhoodFirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeighbourhoodFirst</a> at work again. <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohamedNasheed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1223846979676934150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid expressed gratitude for the kind gesture taken by the Indian government.

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7 Maldivians in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> are on their way to Delhi on a special <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirIndia</a> flight. Upon arrival they will be housed in Delhi for a period of quarantine. Deep gratitude to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and EM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>. Special thanks to Ambassadors <a href="https://twitter.com/VikramMisri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VikramMisri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sunjaysudhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunjaysudhir</a> and their teams
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1223798885509808128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He said&nbsp;the&nbsp;initiative&nbsp;reflected&nbsp;''historic ties of kinship between the two countries and synergy between the Neighbourhood First and India First policy''.

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7 Maldivians along with 323 Indians are being evacuated to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> by a special <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> AI flight. 
An action that reflects historic ties of kinship between us, &amp;, synergy between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeighbourhoodFirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeighbourhoodFirst</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFirst</a> policies. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoFAmv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoFAmv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EOIBeijing</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/zmvhqkPmTL">https://t.co/zmvhqkPmTL</a>
— India in Maldives (@EoIMaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/EoIMaldives/status/1223806900866699264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is the second Air India that was sent to Wuhan to rescue stranded Indian citizens from the epicentre of the novel virus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-air-india-plane-carrying-323-indians-takes-off-from-chinas-wuhan-278090">Second Air India plane carrying 323 Indians takes off from China's Wuhan</a>

However, the Chinese government&nbsp;took four days just to grant permission for the evacuation process.

It also expressed displeasure over the advisory issued by India in which it asked its citizens to refrain from travelling to China in order to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that '' World Health Organisation has not recommended any sort of restrictions regarding travel or trade with China''.

Beijing's envoy to New Delhi, Sun Weidong also tweeted about the matter.

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At yesterday's briefing on the novel coronavirus outbreak, the WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions against China. We believe that India and other countries will respect this important recommendation,Wang Yi said.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1223595151559254017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Wang Yi said that to address transnational public health challenges in this era of globalization, we need to stay objective and rational, and step up communication and coordination.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1223595270790762496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Other than India, China has been dissuading US, France and other foreign countries from airlifting their citizens from China.

It fears that such a wide-scale evacuation of foreign nationals from its territory can adversely affect its reputation and undermine the credibility of its claim that is capable of containing the outbreak.

The virus which was detected in December has now spread to the United States, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Britain, India among other countries.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-declares-coronavirus-as-global-health-emergency-277634">World Health Organization </a>has declared the outbreak a public health emergency.&nbsp;

Under neighbourhood first policy, Indian airline Air India has rescued 7 citizens of Maldives along with 323 Indians from Wuhan, the epicentre of the SARS-like coronavirus.

Under neighbourhood first policy, Indian airline Air India has rescued 7 citizens of Maldives along with 323 Indians from Wuhan, the epicentre of the SARS-like coronavirus. The information was shared by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on twitter. 7 Maldivians brought back with 323 Indians from Wuhan on the second @airindiain flight today. #NeighbourhoodFirst at work again. @ibusolih @MohamedNasheed @abdulla_shahid — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 2, 2020 × Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid expressed gratitude for the kind gesture taken by the Indian government. 7 Maldivians in #Wuhan are on their way to Delhi on a special #AirIndia flight. Upon arrival they will be housed in Delhi for a period of quarantine. Deep gratitude to PM @narendramodi and EM @DrSJaishankar. Special thanks to Ambassadors @VikramMisri @sunjaysudhir and their teams — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) February 2, 2020 × He said the initiative reflected ''historic ties of kinship between the two countries and synergy between the Neighbourhood First and India First policy''. 7 Maldivians along with 323 Indians are being evacuated to #Delhi from #Wuhan by a special @airindiain AI flight. An action that reflects historic ties of kinship between us, &, synergy between #NeighbourhoodFirst & #IndiaFirst policies. @MEAIndia @MoFAmv @EOIBeijing@PMOIndia https://t.co/zmvhqkPmTL — India in Maldives (@EoIMaldives) February 2, 2020 × This is the second Air India that was sent to Wuhan to rescue stranded Indian citizens from the epicentre of the novel virus. Also read: Second Air India plane carrying 323 Indians takes off from China's Wuhan However, the Chinese government took four days just to grant permission for the evacuation process. It also expressed displeasure over the advisory issued by India in which it asked its citizens to refrain from travelling to China in order to prevent the deadly virus from spreading. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that '' World Health Organisation has not recommended any sort of restrictions regarding travel or trade with China''. Beijing's envoy to New Delhi, Sun Weidong also tweeted about the matter. At yesterday's briefing on the novel coronavirus outbreak, the WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions against China. We believe that India and other countries will respect this important recommendation,Wang Yi said. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) February 1, 2020 × Wang Yi said that to address transnational public health challenges in this era of globalization, we need to stay objective and rational, and step up communication and coordination. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) February 1, 2020 × Other than India, China has been dissuading US, France and other foreign countries from airlifting their citizens from China. It fears that such a wide-scale evacuation of foreign nationals from its territory can adversely affect its reputation and undermine the credibility of its claim that is capable of containing the outbreak. The virus which was detected in December has now spread to the United States, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Britain, India among other countries. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency.

India rescues seven Maldivians from Wuhan under neighbourhood first policy

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