<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeau-says-china-uses-detentions-as-political-tool-247896">China's envoy to the United States</a> on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details.

Ambassador Cui Tiankai, speaking at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, said US-Chinese ties were at a critical crossroads due to trade frictions, but it was possible to return to a better path.

"At the same time, we must be alert that some destructive forces are taking advantage of the ongoing trade friction (through) extreme rhetoric such as 'decoupling,' the 'new Cold War,' and ‘clash of civilisations,'" Cui said.

He urged US&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-ai-to-identify-uighurs-across-the-country-reports-210712">Chinese companies</a> keen to expand trade between the two countries to stand up against what he called efforts to "spread hostility and even create conflict between us," as well as "fake news" about the situations in both Hong Kong and Xinjiang, China's troubled western region that is home to a large Uighur Muslim minority, whom some US&nbsp;officials have said are the victims of human rights abuses.

Cui's comments came a day after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said a long-awaited interim trade agreement with China could be delayed until after the US&nbsp;presidential election in November 2020, and amid US&nbsp;legislative moves to address the Uighur issue.

The United States and China have been locked in a bitter trade war for 17 months, with the US&nbsp;government cracking down against a broad range of what it sees as efforts by the Chinese government to steal US&nbsp;technology and dominate global markets.

Anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong and Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority have also fanned longstanding human rights concerns. Beijing views US&nbsp;actions on both issues as interference in its sovereign concerns.

The Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday for a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-used-tiny-chips-on-us-computers-to-steal-secrets-report-169480">China's crackdown</a> on the Uighurs. China warned earlier on Wednesday that the US&nbsp;legislation will affect bilateral cooperation, clouding prospects for a near-term deal to end a trade war.

Cui did not echo those remarks directly but said reports about both the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang had been seriously distorted. "Facts are facts no matter how much fake news is generated," he said.

He did not address the US-Chinese trade talks specifically but said Beijing remained committed to expanding bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

China's envoy to the United States on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details.

China's envoy to the United States on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details. Ambassador Cui Tiankai, speaking at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, said US-Chinese ties were at a critical crossroads due to trade frictions, but it was possible to return to a better path. "At the same time, we must be alert that some destructive forces are taking advantage of the ongoing trade friction (through) extreme rhetoric such as 'decoupling,' the 'new Cold War,' and ‘clash of civilisations,'" Cui said. He urged US and Chinese companies keen to expand trade between the two countries to stand up against what he called efforts to "spread hostility and even create conflict between us," as well as "fake news" about the situations in both Hong Kong and Xinjiang, China's troubled western region that is home to a large Uighur Muslim minority, whom some US officials have said are the victims of human rights abuses. Cui's comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said a long-awaited interim trade agreement with China could be delayed until after the US presidential election in November 2020, and amid US legislative moves to address the Uighur issue. The United States and China have been locked in a bitter trade war for 17 months, with the US government cracking down against a broad range of what it sees as efforts by the Chinese government to steal US technology and dominate global markets. Anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong and Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority have also fanned longstanding human rights concerns. Beijing views US actions on both issues as interference in its sovereign concerns. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday for a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on the Uighurs. China warned earlier on Wednesday that the US legislation will affect bilateral cooperation, clouding prospects for a near-term deal to end a trade war. Cui did not echo those remarks directly but said reports about both the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang had been seriously distorted. "Facts are facts no matter how much fake news is generated," he said. He did not address the US-Chinese trade talks specifically but said Beijing remained committed to expanding bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

China's envoy to US warns of 'destructive forces' trying to undermine their relationship

China's top diplomat arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/873-million-fine-against-us-chip-gaint-qualcomm-south-korea-266064">Seoul on Wednesday</a>, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US&nbsp;anti-missile systems in South Korea.

During his two-day stay the State Councillor Wang Yi will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and President Moon Jae-in, officials in Seoul said.

Yi last visited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/south-korea-to-hold-trade-talks-with-japan-in-december-265163">South Korean capital</a> for a trilateral meeting, also attended by Japan, in 2015.

A year later a row blew up over the planned sitting in South Korea of the US&nbsp;Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles.

Beijing said it upset the regional security balance as the system's powerful radar could penetrate into Chinese territory.

South Korea and the United States went ahead regardless, installing the anti-missile system in 2017, saying it was warranted because of North Korea's provocations.

North Korea has test-fired dozens of missiles since Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, most recently on the U.S Thanksgiving holiday last week.

South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving stalled denuclearisation talks between the United States and North Korea, a longtime ally of Beijing.

Denuclearisation negotiations between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-japan-set-to-back-air-traffic-deal-after-near-misses-265017">North Korea and the United States</a> have hit a stalemate after a day-long working-level meeting in October in Stockholm broke down.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set an end-year deadline for Washington to reconsider its approach in denuclearisation negotiations after the last talks ended in disagreement. US&nbsp;officials have downplayed the deadline, calling it artificial.

South Korea is seeking to open additional military hotlines with China to improve communications. The two countries' defence ministers discussed the issue on the sidelines of an international conference in Bangkok last month, Seoul's defence ministry said.

China's top diplomat arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US anti-missile systems in South Korea.

China's top diplomat arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US anti-missile systems in South Korea. During his two-day stay the State Councillor Wang Yi will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and President Moon Jae-in, officials in Seoul said. Yi last visited the South Korean capital for a trilateral meeting, also attended by Japan, in 2015. A year later a row blew up over the planned sitting in South Korea of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles. Beijing said it upset the regional security balance as the system's powerful radar could penetrate into Chinese territory. South Korea and the United States went ahead regardless, installing the anti-missile system in 2017, saying it was warranted because of North Korea's provocations. North Korea has test-fired dozens of missiles since Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, most recently on the U.S Thanksgiving holiday last week. South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving stalled denuclearisation talks between the United States and North Korea, a longtime ally of Beijing. Denuclearisation negotiations between North Korea and the United States have hit a stalemate after a day-long working-level meeting in October in Stockholm broke down. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set an end-year deadline for Washington to reconsider its approach in denuclearisation negotiations after the last talks ended in disagreement. US officials have downplayed the deadline, calling it artificial. South Korea is seeking to open additional military hotlines with China to improve communications. The two countries' defence ministers discussed the issue on the sidelines of an international conference in Bangkok last month, Seoul's defence ministry said.

Top Chinese diplomat visits South Korea to improve relations after four-year gap

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourth-round-of-relief-measures-to-be-introduced-in-hong-kong-carrie-lam-265826">Police in Hong Kong</a> this week re-entered the campus of a university it besieged for more than 10 days last month, gathering newly discovered chemicals and petrol bombs hoarded by anti-government protesters in the Chinese-ruled city.

Following the dramatic saga - where riot police and more than 1,000 demonstrators transformed Hong Kong's Polytechnic University campus into a battleground,&nbsp;officers were called to retrieve additional dangerous items found among the debris and stowed in locked areas.

Between November&nbsp;26 and December&nbsp;2 authorities seized 4,296 petrol bombs, 671 bottles of chemicals and 622 weapons, police said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Officers first entered the Polytechnic campus on November 29, when they collected thousands of petrol bombs, which they dusted for fingerprints, as well as bows and arrows and bottles of chemicals.

The campus conflict began in mid-November when protesters barricaded themselves against riot police in days of violent clashes that marked a significant escalation in the political unrest that has roiled the former British colony for six months.

About 1,100 people were arrested in connection with the campus siege.

Sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill, the protests have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms.

Those who have joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slaps-sanctions-on-united-states-for-passing-hong-kong-rights-bill-265730">pro-democracy demonstrations</a> accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Pro-democracy parties won a resounding victory in local district council elections late last month. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has appealed for peace in the city but has not offered any concessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-series-of-week-long-lunchtime-protests-begin-265716">Sustained demonstrations, scheduled to continue this week</a> and expected to draw thousands to the streets this weekend, show few signs of abating and are taking an economic toll on the global financial hub.

Business activity in Hong Kong contracted at the fastest pace in 21 years in November, dragged down by the protests and softening global demand, an IHS Markit survey showed on Wednesday.

Asia's largest distributor of luxury brands, the Blubell group, has appealed to Hong Kong landlords to scrap the base rent in shopping malls, saying a slump in tourist spending will push even more retailers out of business.

Sales in some of its stores, two of which are on the verge of closing, have dropped as much as 60 per cent during the six months of protests, Bluebell chief executive Ashley Micklewright told the South China Morning Post.

Hong Kong recorded its largest-ever retail collapse in October, with sales dropping 24.3 per cent to HK$30.1 billion, the government said Monday.

The new figures will extend the technical recession recorded last quarter, with the government preparing to release the fourth round of economic stimulus.

Police in Hong Kong this week re-entered the campus of a university it besieged for more than 10 days last month, gathering newly discovered chemicals and petrol bombs hoarded by anti-government protesters in the Chinese-ruled city.

Police in Hong Kong this week re-entered the campus of a university it besieged for more than 10 days last month, gathering newly discovered chemicals and petrol bombs hoarded by anti-government protesters in the Chinese-ruled city. Following the dramatic saga - where riot police and more than 1,000 demonstrators transformed Hong Kong's Polytechnic University campus into a battleground, officers were called to retrieve additional dangerous items found among the debris and stowed in locked areas. Between November 26 and December 2 authorities seized 4,296 petrol bombs, 671 bottles of chemicals and 622 weapons, police said in a statement late on Tuesday. Officers first entered the Polytechnic campus on November 29, when they collected thousands of petrol bombs, which they dusted for fingerprints, as well as bows and arrows and bottles of chemicals. The campus conflict began in mid-November when protesters barricaded themselves against riot police in days of violent clashes that marked a significant escalation in the political unrest that has roiled the former British colony for six months. About 1,100 people were arrested in connection with the campus siege. Sparked by a controversial and since-withdrawn extradition bill, the protests have swelled into broader calls for greater democratic freedoms. Those who have joined the pro-democracy demonstrations accuse China of increasingly interfering in freedoms promised to the former British colony when it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Pro-democracy parties won a resounding victory in local district council elections late last month. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has appealed for peace in the city but has not offered any concessions. Sustained demonstrations, scheduled to continue this week and expected to draw thousands to the streets this weekend, show few signs of abating and are taking an economic toll on the global financial hub. Business activity in Hong Kong contracted at the fastest pace in 21 years in November, dragged down by the protests and softening global demand, an IHS Markit survey showed on Wednesday. Asia's largest distributor of luxury brands, the Blubell group, has appealed to Hong Kong landlords to scrap the base rent in shopping malls, saying a slump in tourist spending will push even more retailers out of business. Sales in some of its stores, two of which are on the verge of closing, have dropped as much as 60 per cent during the six months of protests, Bluebell chief executive Ashley Micklewright told the South China Morning Post. Hong Kong recorded its largest-ever retail collapse in October, with sales dropping 24.3 per cent to HK$30.1 billion, the government said Monday. The new figures will extend the technical recession recorded last quarter, with the government preparing to release the fourth round of economic stimulus.

Hong Kong: Police retrieve another round of petrol bombs from university

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chile-unveils-55-billion-stimulus-plan-as-economy-shrinks-265904">Chile&nbsp;is investigating</a> "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;European&nbsp;country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

"Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international&nbsp;interference," Ribero told reporters.

"What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;Europe to&nbsp;Chile," he said.&nbsp;

He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged&nbsp;interference.

"There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles."

Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in&nbsp;Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18.

In a late October phone call to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-after-bus-flips-in-chile-265797">Chile&nbsp;counterpart Sebastian Pinera</a>, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday. "Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international interference," Ribero told reporters. "What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in Eastern Europe to Chile," he said. He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged interference. "There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles." Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18. In a late October phone call to his Chile counterpart Sebastian Pinera, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile probes Eastern European interference in protests

High-tech entrepreneur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-trial-in-us-court-over-pedo-guy-tweet-266004">Elon Musk</a> testified at his defamation trial on Tuesday that his "pedo guy" Twitter message at the centre of the case was not meant to be taken literally and was sent in response to an "unprovoked" insult he received from the man now suing him.

Musk, 48, the billionaire chief executive of electric carmaker Tesla Inc&nbsp;and founder of the rocket company SpaceX, also apologized to the plaintiff from the witness stand in the packed Los Angeles courtroom.

Musk was the first witness called to testify in the lawsuit brought against him by British cave diver who gained fame for his lead role in the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last year.

The diver, Vernon Unsworth, has accused Musk of falsely labelling him a paedophile on Twitter and is seeking unspecified punitive and other money damages.

The case stems from an offer Musk made to furnish a mini-submarine to assist in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave rescue in July 2018.

Unsworth told CNN on July 13, 2018, three days after the rescue was successfully completed, that Musk's offer was a "PR stunt" and that Musk should "stick his submarine where it hurts."

Two days later, Musk lashed out at Unsworth in a series of tweets, including one which called the cave diver a "pedo guy." Musk later apologized for the comment, saying the term was a common insult in South Africa where he grew up.

Unsworth has called the slur a lie that harmed his reputation.

'Random, creepy guy'

Under questioning from Unsworth's lawyer, after five women and three men were seated as jurors in the case, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-trial-in-us-court-over-pedo-guy-tweet-266004">Musk insisted the tweet in question</a> was his reaction to "an unprovoked attack on what was a good-natured attempt to help the kids.”

"It was wrong and insulting, and so I insulted him back," Musk said of his exchange with Unsworth, adding, "I thought he was just some random creepy guy” and was "unrelated to the rescue."

Pressed further by the plaintiff's attorney Lin Wood, Musk testified he did not mean for his tweet about Unsworth to be taken literally.

"I assume he did not mean to sodomise me with a submarine ... Just as I didn't literally mean he was a paedophile," he said.

"I apologised in a tweet and again in the (pretrial) deposition, and I'll say it again,&nbsp;I apologise to Mr&nbsp;Unsworth," Musk said looking directly at the plaintiff, who sat stone-faced through Musk's testimony.

Musk was expected to return to the witness stand on Wednesday for more questioning by his own lawyers.

US&nbsp;District Judge Stephen Wilson has explained the case hinges on whether a reasonable person would take Musk's Twitter statement to mean that he was calling Unsworth a paedophile.

To win the defamation case, Unsworth needs to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part does not need to be proven because the judge has deemed Unsworth a private individual rather than a public figure.

Although the case does not involve&nbsp;Tesla, Musk's Twitter habits have long been under close scrutiny, with investors and regulators expressing concerns about his tweets.

With 29.8 million followers, Musk's Twitter account is a major source of publicity for his Palo Alto, California-based electric car company, which does not advertise.

Wood, representing Unsworth, tried to establish that Musk knew he had a high degree of influence with his Twitter followers and the public, and that the veracity of what he said thus carried significant weight.

“People say a lot of things on Twitter that aren’t true,” Musk said.

Musk also acknowledged under oath that he was duped out of $52,000 by a man posing as a private detective to dig up information about Unsworth after it became clear a defamation suit was in the works. The investigator proved to be a con artist, Musk testified.

In an opening statement, lawyer Taylor Wilson, another member of Unsworth's legal team, said the tweet in question was more than a slip-up, and Musk had no business branding Unsworth a predator "in what should have been one of the proudest moments of his life."

Musk lawyer Alex Spiro countered that Unsworth did not act after the tweet like a man who suffered because of it.

"The plaintiff is saying he has been horribly damaged, and deserves money," Spiro said. "He doesn't."

High-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk testified at his defamation trial on Tuesday that his "pedo guy" Twitter message at the centre of the case was not meant to be taken literally and was sent in response to an "unprovoked" insult he received from the man now suing him.

High-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk testified at his defamation trial on Tuesday that his "pedo guy" Twitter message at the centre of the case was not meant to be taken literally and was sent in response to an "unprovoked" insult he received from the man now suing him. Musk, 48, the billionaire chief executive of electric carmaker Tesla Inc and founder of the rocket company SpaceX, also apologized to the plaintiff from the witness stand in the packed Los Angeles courtroom. Musk was the first witness called to testify in the lawsuit brought against him by British cave diver who gained fame for his lead role in the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last year. The diver, Vernon Unsworth, has accused Musk of falsely labelling him a paedophile on Twitter and is seeking unspecified punitive and other money damages. The case stems from an offer Musk made to furnish a mini-submarine to assist in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave rescue in July 2018. Unsworth told CNN on July 13, 2018, three days after the rescue was successfully completed, that Musk's offer was a "PR stunt" and that Musk should "stick his submarine where it hurts." Two days later, Musk lashed out at Unsworth in a series of tweets, including one which called the cave diver a "pedo guy." Musk later apologized for the comment, saying the term was a common insult in South Africa where he grew up. Unsworth has called the slur a lie that harmed his reputation. 'Random, creepy guy' Under questioning from Unsworth's lawyer, after five women and three men were seated as jurors in the case, Musk insisted the tweet in question was his reaction to "an unprovoked attack on what was a good-natured attempt to help the kids.” "It was wrong and insulting, and so I insulted him back," Musk said of his exchange with Unsworth, adding, "I thought he was just some random creepy guy” and was "unrelated to the rescue." Pressed further by the plaintiff's attorney Lin Wood, Musk testified he did not mean for his tweet about Unsworth to be taken literally. "I assume he did not mean to sodomise me with a submarine ... Just as I didn't literally mean he was a paedophile," he said. "I apologised in a tweet and again in the (pretrial) deposition, and I'll say it again, I apologise to Mr Unsworth," Musk said looking directly at the plaintiff, who sat stone-faced through Musk's testimony. Musk was expected to return to the witness stand on Wednesday for more questioning by his own lawyers. US District Judge Stephen Wilson has explained the case hinges on whether a reasonable person would take Musk's Twitter statement to mean that he was calling Unsworth a paedophile. To win the defamation case, Unsworth needs to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part does not need to be proven because the judge has deemed Unsworth a private individual rather than a public figure. Although the case does not involve Tesla, Musk's Twitter habits have long been under close scrutiny, with investors and regulators expressing concerns about his tweets. With 29.8 million followers, Musk's Twitter account is a major source of publicity for his Palo Alto, California-based electric car company, which does not advertise. Wood, representing Unsworth, tried to establish that Musk knew he had a high degree of influence with his Twitter followers and the public, and that the veracity of what he said thus carried significant weight. “People say a lot of things on Twitter that aren’t true,” Musk said. Musk also acknowledged under oath that he was duped out of $52,000 by a man posing as a private detective to dig up information about Unsworth after it became clear a defamation suit was in the works. The investigator proved to be a con artist, Musk testified. In an opening statement, lawyer Taylor Wilson, another member of Unsworth's legal team, said the tweet in question was more than a slip-up, and Musk had no business branding Unsworth a predator "in what should have been one of the proudest moments of his life." Musk lawyer Alex Spiro countered that Unsworth did not act after the tweet like a man who suffered because of it. "The plaintiff is saying he has been horribly damaged, and deserves money," Spiro said. "He doesn't."

'Pedo guy' tweet not meant to be taken literally: Elon Musk

This year's prestigious&nbsp;Turner&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;will be shared by all&nbsp;four&nbsp;shortlisted&nbsp;artists&nbsp;after they formed a collective to show solidarity at a time of global "political crisis", in a shock win announced Tuesday.

Oscar Murillo, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock and Tai Shani were all named winners on Tuesday evening at a ceremony at the&nbsp;Turner&nbsp;Contemporary gallery in the seaside town of Margate, in southeast England.

The&nbsp;four,&nbsp;who had not met each other before being shortlisted,&nbsp;will split the $52,000 prize&nbsp;money for one of the world's most prestigious awards for visual and contemporary art.

British Vogue magazine editor Edward Enninful, who announced the&nbsp;prize, called the decision "incredible".

Ahead of the announcement, the&nbsp;four&nbsp;had sent a plea to the judges explaining their reasons for forming the collective.

"At this time of political crisis in Britain and much of the world, when there is already so much that divides and isolates people and communities, we feel strongly motivated to use the occasion of the&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;to make a collective statement in the name of commonality, multiplicity and solidarity -– in art as in society," they wrote.

More than 60,000 people have already seen the works by the&nbsp;four&nbsp;shortlisted&nbsp;artists&nbsp;since they went on display at the gallery in Margate in September.

"We each work with specific issues, but it doesn't mean that we see those things in separation from each other," said Abu Hamdan.

"The condition of competition would actually turn the messages away from each other."

Turner&nbsp;Contemporary director Victoria Pomery has described their work as "fantastic exhibitions".

Murillo had been the favourite to win. His work draws on his experiences of growing up in Colombia, before moving to London aged 11.

He combines his roots in Latin America with Western art, to create sculptures, models and vividly painted abstract canvasses for multimedia installations.

After the announcement, he said: "We have very strong individual voices, but somehow the&nbsp;prize&nbsp;needed to be concluded in this way."

Controversy

Abu Hamdan, who is based in Beirut, bills himself a "private ear", rather than a "private eye" investigating and trying to analyse sounds and how they contribute to identity.

Part of his submission for the coveted&nbsp;prize&nbsp;involved recreating the acoustic memories of former inmates of a Syrian prison, where they were held shackled and blindfolded.

Cammock, who is based in London, is a multimedia artist working in film, photography and text, who uses social history to examine power structures.

Her film "The Long Note" examines the different roles and involvement of women in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland in 1968.

She said the idea of forming a collective "literally came out of the first meeting with each other."

London-based Shani described her submission as an "expanded psychedelic" adaptation of Christine de Pizan's 15th work "The Book of the City of Ladies".

Her work, which was nearly five years in the making, features 12 imagined characters on film and live performance to explore feminism and power structures.

The coveted&nbsp;Turner&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;is named after the great British land and seascape painter JMW&nbsp;Turner&nbsp;and is designed to promote public interest in contemporary art.

The Margate gallery is built on the site of his lodging house, an image of which will feature on the new £20 note due out in February next year, alongside a depiction of the artist.

Controversy has often swirled around the&nbsp;Turner, which is awarded to a young British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the past year.

In 2016, the shortlisted works included a giant gold sculpture of a pair of buttocks and chastity belts.

Other famous installations over the years include Tracey Emin's unmade bed, works made from elephant dung, clippings of human hair and a pile of bricks.

Last year's winner was video artist Charlotte Prodger, who shot a film on her iPhone about coming out as gay in rural Scotland.

Next year's&nbsp;prize&nbsp;will be awarded at Tate Britain gallery on the banks of the River Thames in London.

This year's prestigious Turner Prize will be shared by all four shortlisted artists after they formed a collective to show solidarity at a time of global "political crisis", in a shock win announced Tuesday.

This year's prestigious Turner Prize will be shared by all four shortlisted artists after they formed a collective to show solidarity at a time of global "political crisis", in a shock win announced Tuesday. Oscar Murillo, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock and Tai Shani were all named winners on Tuesday evening at a ceremony at the Turner Contemporary gallery in the seaside town of Margate, in southeast England. The four, who had not met each other before being shortlisted, will split the $52,000 prize money for one of the world's most prestigious awards for visual and contemporary art. British Vogue magazine editor Edward Enninful, who announced the prize, called the decision "incredible". Ahead of the announcement, the four had sent a plea to the judges explaining their reasons for forming the collective. "At this time of political crisis in Britain and much of the world, when there is already so much that divides and isolates people and communities, we feel strongly motivated to use the occasion of the Prize to make a collective statement in the name of commonality, multiplicity and solidarity -– in art as in society," they wrote. More than 60,000 people have already seen the works by the four shortlisted artists since they went on display at the gallery in Margate in September. "We each work with specific issues, but it doesn't mean that we see those things in separation from each other," said Abu Hamdan. "The condition of competition would actually turn the messages away from each other." Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery has described their work as "fantastic exhibitions". Murillo had been the favourite to win. His work draws on his experiences of growing up in Colombia, before moving to London aged 11. He combines his roots in Latin America with Western art, to create sculptures, models and vividly painted abstract canvasses for multimedia installations. After the announcement, he said: "We have very strong individual voices, but somehow the prize needed to be concluded in this way." Controversy Abu Hamdan, who is based in Beirut, bills himself a "private ear", rather than a "private eye" investigating and trying to analyse sounds and how they contribute to identity. Part of his submission for the coveted prize involved recreating the acoustic memories of former inmates of a Syrian prison, where they were held shackled and blindfolded. Cammock, who is based in London, is a multimedia artist working in film, photography and text, who uses social history to examine power structures. Her film "The Long Note" examines the different roles and involvement of women in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland in 1968. She said the idea of forming a collective "literally came out of the first meeting with each other." London-based Shani described her submission as an "expanded psychedelic" adaptation of Christine de Pizan's 15th work "The Book of the City of Ladies". Her work, which was nearly five years in the making, features 12 imagined characters on film and live performance to explore feminism and power structures. The coveted Turner Prize is named after the great British land and seascape painter JMW Turner and is designed to promote public interest in contemporary art. The Margate gallery is built on the site of his lodging house, an image of which will feature on the new £20 note due out in February next year, alongside a depiction of the artist. Controversy has often swirled around the Turner, which is awarded to a young British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the past year. In 2016, the shortlisted works included a giant gold sculpture of a pair of buttocks and chastity belts. Other famous installations over the years include Tracey Emin's unmade bed, works made from elephant dung, clippings of human hair and a pile of bricks. Last year's winner was video artist Charlotte Prodger, who shot a film on her iPhone about coming out as gay in rural Scotland. Next year's prize will be awarded at Tate Britain gallery on the banks of the River Thames in London.

Turner Prize 2019 won by collective of four artists to show 'solidarity'

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-not-fulfilling-their-commitments-in-nato-they-will-be-dealt-with-trump-266019">Donald Trump</a> and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US&nbsp;interests on trade.

Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies.

Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US&nbsp;commitments to defend Europe.

Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US&nbsp;military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending.

"It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US&nbsp;technology giants.

All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent&nbsp;of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal.

But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War.

"If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US&nbsp;leaders.

A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London.

Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nato-summit-when-trump-met-macron-266032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Collective defence at stake

Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists.

The YPG's fighters have long been US&nbsp;and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey.

"If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London.

Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue.

The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers.

Under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-rise-has-security-implications-for-all-allies-nato-chief-stoltenberg-266007">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's</a> 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory.

The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday.

On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves.

They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election.

Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall".

In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US&nbsp;contribution to fund the alliance itself.

The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks.

Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance. In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US interests on trade. Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies. Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US commitments to defend Europe. Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending. "It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US technology giants. All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal. But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War. "If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US leaders. A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London. Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron Collective defence at stake Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists. The YPG's fighters have long been US and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey. "If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London. Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue. The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers. Under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory. The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves. They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election. Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall". In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US contribution to fund the alliance itself. The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks. Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

Trump calls Macron's criticism of NATO 'very, very nasty' before Summit

The war that has ravaged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/200-yemen-rebels-to-be-freed-amid-peace-push-saudi-led-coalition-264761">Yemen</a>&nbsp;has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres.

"Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty.

"The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities,&nbsp;who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict,&nbsp;should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid."

The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war.

In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report.

Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities.

These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said.

A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me."

Rageh called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-tough-times-ahead-for-honey-trade-as-war-cripples-country-263486">organisations providing humanitarian aid</a> to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs".&nbsp;

The brutal war and economic collapse had&nbsp;hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities".&nbsp;

"Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves,&nbsp;with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said.

"One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday. The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres. "Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty. "The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities, who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict, should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid." The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war. In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report. Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities. Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities. These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said. A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me." Rageh called on organisations providing humanitarian aid to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs". The brutal war and economic collapse had hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities". "Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves, with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said. "One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

Disabled people hardest hit by war in Yemen: Amnesty

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent&nbsp;of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent&nbsp;required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid.

Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre.

The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-declared-in-venice-following-severe-floods-262727">frequent flooding</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-braces-for-tough-day-as-another-very-high-tide-looms-262740">Venice</a> and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000.

The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems.

In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways.

Venetians gave the cold shoulder to the fifth vote in 40 years to break away from sister city Mestre on the Italian mainland, with little expectation of a parting of the ways. By 1800 GMT only 18.6 per cent of 206,553 potential voters had showed up at the polls, a long way short of the 50 per cent required by 2200 GMT for the referendum to be valid. Venice and Mestre became a single administration in 1926 when Mestre's petrochemical plant was being built. At the time, the population of Venice and its 11 islands was roughly six times that of nearby Mestre. The situation reversed in the following decades as new factories created jobs in Mestre while Venetians began to leave a city where life was rendered increasingly hard by mass tourism and frequent flooding. Venice and the islands now have 91,000 residents against Mestre's 177,000. The latest vote comes soon after Venice was devastated by the second-highest flooding on record, prompting speculation in some quarters that the yes camp could draw strength from the argument that a more local administration would be better placed to solve Venice's very specific problems. In previous votes, in 1979, 1989, 1994 and 2003, the bulk of the votes in favour of a split had come from the mainland. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro invited residents to abstain and warned that the city would be mired for years in bureaucracy and lawsuits on the division of assets were the region to be divided into two separate municipalities.

Venetians reject referendum on splitting from Mestre

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terror-checks-intensified-as-london-attack-enters-election-fray-265598">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in&nbsp;London&nbsp;by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police.

Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services.

Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences.

"I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr.

He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically.

Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uk-judge-warned-of-london-bridge-attack-convicts-plans-to-carry-out-attack-in-kashmir-265543">being monitored</a> to prevent any threat to the public.

Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms.

"It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News.

Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/london-bridge-attack-uk-pm-boris-johnson-visits-attack-site-265509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Election echoes

Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts".

"You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech.

Khan's attack, which took place on&nbsp;London&nbsp;Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital.

On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others.

The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said.

Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-bridge-attack-corbyn-says-convicted-terrorists-should-not-necessarily-serve-full-sentence-265566">organising a conference that Khan was attending</a>, where he chose to start his attack.

Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital.

The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would strengthen prison sentences, vowing to boost security after an attack in London by a man jailed for terrorism who had been released early. Less than two weeks before Britain heads to the polls, law and order has taken top billing since Usman Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest and wielding knives, killed two people on Friday before being shot dead by police. Johnson's Conservatives have championed tough police and prison measures, but opponents have criticised them for overseeing almost a decade of cuts to public services. Johnson said if he won the Dec. 12 election, he would invest more in the prison system and toughen sentences. "I absolutely deplore the fact that this man was out on the street, I think it was absolutely repulsive and we are going to take action," he told BBC interviewer Andrew Marr. He portrayed his rival for prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, as weak on crime, blaming the Labour Party for a law passed more than a decade ago that provided for some prisoners to be released early automatically. Johnson said around 74 people convicted of serious offences had been released under the legislation, and that they were being monitored to prevent any threat to the public. Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, said convicted terrorists should "not necessarily" serve their full prison terms. "It depends on the circumstances, it depends on the sentence, but crucially it depends on what they've done in the prison," he told Sky News. Watch: London Bridge attack - UK PM Johnson visits attack site Election echoes Corbyn said Conservative cuts to community policing and to probation, mental health, youth and social services could "lead to missed chances to intervene in the lives of people who go on to commit inexcusable acts". "You can't keep people safe on the cheap," he said in a speech. Khan's attack, which took place on London Bridge, stirred memories of the last election in 2017, when three militants killed eight people and injured at least 48 in the same part of the capital. On Friday, bystanders wrestled Khan to the ground before police shot him dead. The police found no immediate evidence to suggest Khan had been working with others. The two people killed were Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, police said. Both were graduates involved in a prisoner rehabilitation programme that was organising a conference that Khan was attending, where he chose to start his attack. Two people remained in hospital in a stable condition on Sunday, while a third left hospital. The attack brought a sombre tone to a rancorous election campaign, which is presenting voters with a stark choice between Labour, with its promise to raise taxes on the rich and businesses to fund a much-expanded state, and the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" and move on to other issues.

Will strengthen prison sentences after London Bridge attack: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Australian police will open a formal investigation into explosive claims by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-take-over-australian-politics-ex-spy-chief-263762">self-styled Chinese spy</a> who defected Down Under with an apparent trove of sensitive intelligence, an official told AFP Tuesday.

The Australian Federal Police will probe Wang Liqiang's claims,&nbsp;including allegations that China tried to recruit a Melbourne businessman and get him elected to parliament.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to comment further but confirmed a statement about the investigation is expected later on Tuesday.

The target, Bo "Nick" Zhao, a 32-year-old luxury car dealer who was a member of the ruling Liberal Party,&nbsp;apparently rebuffed the offer and was found dead in a motel room in March.

Wang has told Australian media he knows the identities of China's senior military intelligence officers in Hong Kong and took part in covert influence operations there, as well as in Taiwan and Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the allegations as "deeply disturbing and troubling".

The country's main spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said it was aware of Wang's claims and was actively investigating them.

Wang is reportedly living in Sydney with his wife and infant son on a tourist visa.

China has accused him of being an unemployed fraudster and fugitive.

Australian police will open a formal investigation into explosive claims by a self-styled Chinese spy who defected Down Under with an apparent trove of sensitive intelligence, an official told AFP Tuesday.

Australian police will open a formal investigation into explosive claims by a self-styled Chinese spy who defected Down Under with an apparent trove of sensitive intelligence, an official told AFP Tuesday. The Australian Federal Police will probe Wang Liqiang's claims, including allegations that China tried to recruit a Melbourne businessman and get him elected to parliament. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to comment further but confirmed a statement about the investigation is expected later on Tuesday. The target, Bo "Nick" Zhao, a 32-year-old luxury car dealer who was a member of the ruling Liberal Party, apparently rebuffed the offer and was found dead in a motel room in March. Wang has told Australian media he knows the identities of China's senior military intelligence officers in Hong Kong and took part in covert influence operations there, as well as in Taiwan and Australia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the allegations as "deeply disturbing and troubling". The country's main spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said it was aware of Wang's claims and was actively investigating them. Wang is reportedly living in Sydney with his wife and infant son on a tourist visa. China has accused him of being an unemployed fraudster and fugitive.

Australian police to probe 'Chinese spy' claims

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-elections-young-voters-attributed-to-landslide-gains-for-pro-democracy-campaigners-264414">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence.

Lam was speaking a day after poll results showed democratic candidates secured almost 90 per cent of 452 district council seats in Sunday's local elections, a landslide victory in polls that were widely seen as a barometer of support for Lam.

Watch: Hong Kong local body polls - Big victory for pro-democracy candidates

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-local-body-polls-big-victory-for-pro-democracy-candidates-264492/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The elections are being seen as a de-facto referendum on the city's Beijing-backed government to which China responded by saying no matter what the outcome is Hong Kong will always remain its part.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democrats-romp-to-local-election-landslide-after-months-of-protests-264272">The results are being attributed to young voters</a> who participated in the anti-government protests.

The recent development sends a strong message to China and the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as the pro-establishment camp won all the council seats in the last elections, held in 2015.

Earlier, the establishment had a majority in the district council with 292 seats.

The district council elections on Sunday laid bare concern over "deficiencies in the government, including unhappiness with the time taken to deal with the current unstable environment and of course to end violence", Lam acknowledged at a weekly press briefing.

The city's chief executive pledged that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance".

The poll outcome has re-energised calls by the pro-democracy camp for direct popular elections for the city's leadership and legislature and a probe into alleged police brutality against demonstrators.

But Lam sidestepped those calls, instead reiterating an earlier pledge to open a dialogue among all parties in the territory, a proposal that opponents have dismissed as too little, too late.

"What we need to do now is (open) community dialogue and invite social leaders to help us analyse the causes of the disturbances and Hong Kong’s deep-seated social problems, and to come up with solutions," Lam said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards residents of the Chinese-ruled city for orderly voting on Sunday despite a relatively volatile environment and said she hoped the peace signified people's resolve against violence. Lam was speaking a day after poll results showed democratic candidates secured almost 90 per cent of 452 district council seats in Sunday's local elections, a landslide victory in polls that were widely seen as a barometer of support for Lam. Watch: Hong Kong local body polls - Big victory for pro-democracy candidates The elections are being seen as a de-facto referendum on the city's Beijing-backed government to which China responded by saying no matter what the outcome is Hong Kong will always remain its part. The results are being attributed to young voters who participated in the anti-government protests. The recent development sends a strong message to China and the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as the pro-establishment camp won all the council seats in the last elections, held in 2015. Earlier, the establishment had a majority in the district council with 292 seats. The district council elections on Sunday laid bare concern over "deficiencies in the government, including unhappiness with the time taken to deal with the current unstable environment and of course to end violence", Lam acknowledged at a weekly press briefing. The city's chief executive pledged that her government would "seriously reflect" on the result of the community-level elections in which her pro-Beijing establishment took a severe drubbing, and would "improve governance". The poll outcome has re-energised calls by the pro-democracy camp for direct popular elections for the city's leadership and legislature and a probe into alleged police brutality against demonstrators. But Lam sidestepped those calls, instead reiterating an earlier pledge to open a dialogue among all parties in the territory, a proposal that opponents have dismissed as too little, too late. "What we need to do now is (open) community dialogue and invite social leaders to help us analyse the causes of the disturbances and Hong Kong’s deep-seated social problems, and to come up with solutions," Lam said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Carrie Lam thanks residents for 'orderly voting' after district elections, acknowledges 'voter unhappiness'

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-thailand-at-start-of-asia-trip-263302">Thai border early Thursday</a>, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am.

But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres&nbsp;away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit.&nbsp;

"The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department.

"As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said.

The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand.

Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway.&nbsp;

"The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building.&nbsp;

It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far.&nbsp;

Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday.

Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures.

The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless.

Pope Francis arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-suspects-arrested-for-rebel-attacks-in-thailands-south-260958">Bangkok</a> on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening.&nbsp;

There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake.&nbsp;

Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia.

In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.&nbsp;

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok.

A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Laos near the Thai border early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey reported, alarming locals who felt buildings shake as far away as Bangkok. There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake hit at 6:50 am. But tremors could be felt more than 700 kilometres away in the Thai capital, where Pope Francis is currently on a four-day visit. "The shaking... was the main shock from a quake in Laos at 6:50 am and was felt in northern and northeastern Thailand and Bangkok and suburbs," said Sophon Chaila, an official at the Thai Meteorological Department. "As of now there is no report of damage," Sophon said. The department said the quake-affected nine provinces in Thailand and there were four lesser aftershocks. It also became a top trending topic on Twitter in Thailand. Residents in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi also felt buildings sway. "The ceiling lights were shaking quite strongly. I felt dizzy and scared," said Hanoi resident Tran Hoa Phuong, who felt the earthquake in her 27-storey apartment building. It hit about three hours after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same region of Laos, near the site of the large Xayaburi dam project, which reported no damage so far. Information is slow to trickle out of the closed communist state, and there were similarly no official reports of damage or injuries after the twin quakes hit early Thursday. Impoverished Laos has ploughed ahead with ambitious dam-building projects that critics say lack transparency and stringent safety measures. The cost was laid bare last year when a massive hydropower project collapsed in southern Laos, killing dozens and leaving thousands homeless. Pope Francis arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday and has a busy agenda Thursday meeting officials and the Thai king before he leads a mass in the evening. There was no word from his team on whether he felt the quake. Powerful earthquakes occasionally strike hard in Southeast Asia. In 2016 a 6.8-magnitude quake struck Myanmar, killing at least three people and damaging temples in the ancient temple town of Bagan.

6.1-magnitude quake hits Thailand-Laos border

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-university-protest-fizzling-out-as-over-1000-arrested-by-authorities-263246">Hong Kong</a> Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs. 
 
"This bill neglects facts and the truth. It applies double standards and it is overt meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs. This is a serious violation of the international law and fundamental norms regulating international relations. China condemns this and speaks out against this decisively," Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang&nbsp;said in a statement. 
 
His statement came hours after the Senate approved a separate bill banning the export of certain kinds of munition to the Hong Kong police and its own version of the act. 
 
The Senate and the House of Representatives, which has approved its version, now have to settle differences, after which the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for consideration. 
 
China is calling on the US to abolish such a policy toward Hong Kong "until it is too late" and to "immediately take measures to prevent the bill from becoming law", Geng said. 
 
"China will be forced to take resolute countermeasures for protecting its national sovereignty, and its security and development interests," he added. 
 
If signed into law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government as carrying out alleged human rights abuses.

Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unprecedented-violence-in-hong-kong-263019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desperate-hong-kong-protesters-explore-sewers-in-campus-escape-bid-263209">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory.

The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months.

China had expressed its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-decries-hong-kong-protesters-violence-calls-263164">"strong indignation" last month</a>&nbsp;when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure.

Large-scale protests, triggered by a now-withdrawn controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing in Hong Kong since early June, with the police detaining nearly 4,500 people so far. 
 
Over 1,500 people have been hospitalised after sustaining wounds in clashes and over 400 police officers have been injured. 
 
Tensions have escalated over the past few days, with a violent standoff unfolding at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 
 
Beijing has repeatedly stated that the situation in Hong Kong is a result of foreign interference in China's domestic affairs and expressed full support for the actions of the local authorities.

The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs.

China on Wednesday slammed the United States after the US Senate passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, envisioning support for local protesters, asserting that the bill translates into "overt meddling" in the country's domestic affairs. "This bill neglects facts and the truth. It applies double standards and it is overt meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs. This is a serious violation of the international law and fundamental norms regulating international relations. China condemns this and speaks out against this decisively," Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang said in a statement. His statement came hours after the Senate approved a separate bill banning the export of certain kinds of munition to the Hong Kong police and its own version of the act. The Senate and the House of Representatives, which has approved its version, now have to settle differences, after which the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for consideration. China is calling on the US to abolish such a policy toward Hong Kong "until it is too late" and to "immediately take measures to prevent the bill from becoming law", Geng said. "China will be forced to take resolute countermeasures for protecting its national sovereignty, and its security and development interests," he added. If signed into law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act will demand sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials identified by the US government as carrying out alleged human rights abuses. Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in Hong Kong and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory. The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months. China had expressed its "strong indignation" last month when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure. Large-scale protests, triggered by a now-withdrawn controversial extradition bill, have been ongoing in Hong Kong since early June, with the police detaining nearly 4,500 people so far. Over 1,500 people have been hospitalised after sustaining wounds in clashes and over 400 police officers have been injured. Tensions have escalated over the past few days, with a violent standoff unfolding at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Beijing has repeatedly stated that the situation in Hong Kong is a result of foreign interference in China's domestic affairs and expressed full support for the actions of the local authorities. The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong. (With inputs from agencies)

China threatens United States with 'countermeasures' over Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-rival-parties-strike-deal-to-end-political-chaos-262188">Bolivia's interim president</a> Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader.

Columns of people streamed into the seat of government La Paz from the neighbouring town of El Alto for the second day running to press their argument that&nbsp;Morales's departure was not a resignation but rather the product of a coup.

Waving multicoloured "wiphala" indigenous flags, many of the demonstrators chanted: "The time is now, civil war" and "Come back Evo!"

The interim government announced on Thursday that talks with&nbsp;Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had begun in a bid to bring peace to the deeply polarized country.

Pledging early elections, Anez, until now a little-known lawmaker,&nbsp;proclaimed herself acting president on Tuesday after&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;fled the country for Mexico, claiming to fear for his safety amid deadly protests. Her move was validated by the country's top court.

Unrest erupted when&nbsp;Morales,&nbsp;Bolivia's first indigenous president,&nbsp;was accused of rigging the results of October 20 polls to gain re-election for a fourth term.

But Anez, 52, said&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;could not take part in any new elections,&nbsp;Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms.

"Evo&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;is not allowed to stand for a fourth term. That's why we've had all this upheaval," said Anez, suggesting that MAS "find another candidate."

With tensions still high, the government said it had opened negotiations with MAS lawmakers, who previously boycotted the senate session in which Anez declared herself president.

"We have set up talks and we believe we can bring peace to the country," said Anez's cabinet chief Jerjes Justiniano.

The claim could not immediately be confirmed with the MAS party.

'Racist, putschist'

Thursday's protests included&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;supporters like the "red ponchos",&nbsp;members of the Aymara indigenous people.

"We are calling for the resignation of this racist president, this putschist," said Juan Gutierrez, an Aymara.

Morales&nbsp;has kept up attacks on the new government via Twitter from his exile in Mexico.

Anez told reporters on Thursday that new Foreign Minister Karen Longari would "make representations" to Mexico to insist that&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;be held to the terms of his political asylum and prevented from interfering in Bolivia's politics.

Mexico rejected the accusation, insisting "a refugee's freedom of expression cannot be subject to greater limitations than any other Mexican civilian."

MAS on Thursday accused Anez of "continuing to incite violence" in the country, which has been in turmoil since&nbsp;Morales's contested re-election.

International recognition

Nearly a month of protests have left 10 people dead and almost 400 wounded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">Normal business has&nbsp;resumed in the main cities</a>, but schools and universities remained shut due to the continued threat of demonstrations. Many gas stations remained closed because of a lack of supplies.

Buoyed by growing international recognition, Anez was expected to complete her government line-up on Thursday, having named new military chiefs and half of her proposed 20-member cabinet the night before.

New defence minister Fernandez Lopez Julio said in a speech at the military college in La Paz that the incoming government would bring peace to the country.

"Above all, we will have to have faith in God," he said, highlighting the conservative Christian emphasis of Anez's government after she set the tone by brandishing a bible when assuming office on Tuesday.

The United States, Russia, Colombia and Guatemala all recognized Anez as the interim president, though Moscow said it considered&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;the victim of a coup.

"This is not about recognizing what has happened in Bolivia as a legitimate process," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez said once he assumes office, he would be willing to offer asylum to&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;and his former vice president Alvaro Garcia Linera.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said her bloc supported a solution that looked toward new elections and a way "to avoid a power vacuum, which could have dire consequences for the entire country."&nbsp;

Break with Maduro

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Anez gave the first indication</a> of her government's foreign policy by recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as his country's president,&nbsp;a key shift of alliance in the volatile region.

The announcement removes one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's main allies as he fends off efforts to oust him amid a deadly economic and political crisis. Maduro's opponents have branded him a dictator.&nbsp;Morales&nbsp;backed Maduro.&nbsp;

Guaido has declared himself Venezuela's rightful acting president. He has gained the recognition of 50 countries, including the United States, but has so far failed to dislodge Maduro.

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo Morales from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader.

Bolivia's interim president Jeanine Anez on Thursday ruled out exiled leader Evo Morales from standing in new elections as thousands of demonstrators marched through La Paz in support of the socialist icon and against the new, acting leader. Columns of people streamed into the seat of government La Paz from the neighbouring town of El Alto for the second day running to press their argument that Morales's departure was not a resignation but rather the product of a coup. Waving multicoloured "wiphala" indigenous flags, many of the demonstrators chanted: "The time is now, civil war" and "Come back Evo!" The interim government announced on Thursday that talks with Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party had begun in a bid to bring peace to the deeply polarized country. Pledging early elections, Anez, until now a little-known lawmaker, proclaimed herself acting president on Tuesday after Morales fled the country for Mexico, claiming to fear for his safety amid deadly protests. Her move was validated by the country's top court. Unrest erupted when Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was accused of rigging the results of October 20 polls to gain re-election for a fourth term. But Anez, 52, said Morales could not take part in any new elections, Bolivia's constitution limits a president to two successive terms. "Evo Morales is not allowed to stand for a fourth term. That's why we've had all this upheaval," said Anez, suggesting that MAS "find another candidate." With tensions still high, the government said it had opened negotiations with MAS lawmakers, who previously boycotted the senate session in which Anez declared herself president. "We have set up talks and we believe we can bring peace to the country," said Anez's cabinet chief Jerjes Justiniano. The claim could not immediately be confirmed with the MAS party. 'Racist, putschist' Thursday's protests included Morales supporters like the "red ponchos", members of the Aymara indigenous people. "We are calling for the resignation of this racist president, this putschist," said Juan Gutierrez, an Aymara. Morales has kept up attacks on the new government via Twitter from his exile in Mexico. Anez told reporters on Thursday that new Foreign Minister Karen Longari would "make representations" to Mexico to insist that Morales be held to the terms of his political asylum and prevented from interfering in Bolivia's politics. Mexico rejected the accusation, insisting "a refugee's freedom of expression cannot be subject to greater limitations than any other Mexican civilian." MAS on Thursday accused Anez of "continuing to incite violence" in the country, which has been in turmoil since Morales's contested re-election. International recognition Nearly a month of protests have left 10 people dead and almost 400 wounded. Normal business has resumed in the main cities, but schools and universities remained shut due to the continued threat of demonstrations. Many gas stations remained closed because of a lack of supplies. Buoyed by growing international recognition, Anez was expected to complete her government line-up on Thursday, having named new military chiefs and half of her proposed 20-member cabinet the night before. New defence minister Fernandez Lopez Julio said in a speech at the military college in La Paz that the incoming government would bring peace to the country. "Above all, we will have to have faith in God," he said, highlighting the conservative Christian emphasis of Anez's government after she set the tone by brandishing a bible when assuming office on Tuesday. The United States, Russia, Colombia and Guatemala all recognized Anez as the interim president, though Moscow said it considered Morales the victim of a coup. "This is not about recognizing what has happened in Bolivia as a legitimate process," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Argentina's president-elect Alberto Fernandez said once he assumes office, he would be willing to offer asylum to Morales and his former vice president Alvaro Garcia Linera. The European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said her bloc supported a solution that looked toward new elections and a way "to avoid a power vacuum, which could have dire consequences for the entire country." Break with Maduro Anez gave the first indication of her government's foreign policy by recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as his country's president, a key shift of alliance in the volatile region. The announcement removes one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's main allies as he fends off efforts to oust him amid a deadly economic and political crisis. Maduro's opponents have branded him a dictator. Morales backed Maduro. Guaido has declared himself Venezuela's rightful acting president. He has gained the recognition of 50 countries, including the United States, but has so far failed to dislodge Maduro.

Bolivia interim president rules out Morales election bid

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US&nbsp;Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-fm-says-us-envoy-did-not-link-joe-biden-probe-to-aid-262160">Joe Biden</a> for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down.

The official KCNA news agency did not say how Biden had insulted the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, but the 2020 presidential hopeful has been critical of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's policy, saying he was coddling a murderous dictator.

Misspelling Biden's name, KCNA said the former vice president was showing signs of "the final stage of dementia", and the "time has come for him to depart his life".

In a commentary, it said, "Such a guy had the temerity to dare slander the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK," using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"It was the last-ditch efforts of the rabid dog expediting his death," KCNA said. "Rabid dogs like Baiden [sic] can hurt lots of people if they are allowed to run about. They must be beaten to death with a stick, before it is too late."

In contrast, the North has credited a "close personal relationship" between Kim and Trump for saving ties between their countries from a destructive pattern of hostility.

The leaders have met three times to discuss improving ties and ending the North's nuclear weapons programme.

Trump backed a previous personal attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-trump-ally-admits-tying-ukraine-aid-to-biden-investigation-260217">Biden</a> by the North and dismissed criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American.

In May, North Korea had called Biden "an imbecile" for criticising its leader.

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US Vice President Joe Biden for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down.

North Korea's state media on Friday stepped up a personal attack on former US Vice President Joe Biden for slandering its leader, calling the Democratic presidential candidate "a rabid dog" that needed to be put down. The official KCNA news agency did not say how Biden had insulted the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, but the 2020 presidential hopeful has been critical of US President Donald Trump's policy, saying he was coddling a murderous dictator. Misspelling Biden's name, KCNA said the former vice president was showing signs of "the final stage of dementia", and the "time has come for him to depart his life". In a commentary, it said, "Such a guy had the temerity to dare slander the dignity of the supreme leadership of the DPRK," using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "It was the last-ditch efforts of the rabid dog expediting his death," KCNA said. "Rabid dogs like Baiden [sic] can hurt lots of people if they are allowed to run about. They must be beaten to death with a stick, before it is too late." In contrast, the North has credited a "close personal relationship" between Kim and Trump for saving ties between their countries from a destructive pattern of hostility. The leaders have met three times to discuss improving ties and ending the North's nuclear weapons programme. Trump backed a previous personal attack on Biden by the North and dismissed criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American. In May, North Korea had called Biden "an imbecile" for criticising its leader.

North Korea calls United States' Biden a 'rabid dog' nearing death

The United States on Thursday pressured members of a global coalition fighting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-leader-baghdadi-better-captured-alive-uk-labours-corbyn-261912">Islamic State</a> to allow foreign fighters to be repatriated but despite consensus on the gravity of the problem, disagreements on whether and how to send people back persisted.

Foreign ministers from the global coalition against Islamic State convened in Washington to discuss the next step against the jihadi group after Turkey's October&nbsp;9 incursion into northeast Turkey and the US&nbsp;decision to reduce its presence there.

While Islamic State has lost nearly all its territory in Syria and US&nbsp;forces killed its former leader last month, it is still seen as a global threat.

Dealing with some 10,000 Islamic State fighters detained in northeast Syria, as well as their families, is among the coalition's top concerns.

"No one should expect the United States or anyone else to solve this problem for them," Nathan Sales, US&nbsp;coordinator for counterterrorism, told a briefing at the State Department.

Washington wants fighters sent back to their home nations and either prosecuted or rehabilitated there. Europe does not want to try its Islamic State nationals at home, citing the difficulty in collecting evidence as well as concerns about a public backlash and the risk of fresh attacks on European soil.

"Our view is that it is not a feasible option ... to ask other countries in the region to import another country's foreign fighters and pursue prosecution and incarceration there," Sales said.

He also said the relatively stable situation regarding foreign fighters in Syria, who are held in prisons guarded by America's SDF Syrian Kurdish allies, might not last.

"It's Syria - we all know that things can change in the blink of an eye."

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian repeated the French stance that fighters "should be brought to justice as close (as possible) to the crimes they committed" - code for not bringing them home.

Syria landscape changed

Following on his campaign promise of withdrawing US&nbsp;troops from foreign conflicts, President Donald Trump shocked US&nbsp;allies last December by saying Washington was pulling out all its troops from Syria.

Since then, Trump has changed his mind several times and last month decided to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country, focusing on preventing Islamic State from staging a comeback and attacking the oilfields there. Washington is also keeping control of the air space.

On Wednesday, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said once the partial US&nbsp;withdrawal was finished, the US&nbsp;military would still have roughly around 600 troops in Syria, down from about 1,000 before Trump's withdrawal order last month.

"The United States has decided to maintain military assets in northeastern Syria to continue the fight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-detains-three-islamic-state-suspects-over-attack-plan-261601">against Islamic State</a> and to support our local partners. This is good news," Le Drian said, saying France would also maintain its presence.

Still, the US&nbsp;decision to reduce its footprint has left some of its Western and Arab allies, in addition to Kurdish forces in the region, feeling burned.

"The landscape of Syria has changed," a foreign diplomat told reporters on condition of anonymity ahead of Thursday's meeting. "The players who are shaping the future of Syria ... (are) mainly Russia, Iran and Turkey."

The Turkish incursion, which Trump opposed but facilitated by withdrawing a handful of US&nbsp;troops in Ankara's way, has upended the region.

The US&nbsp;withdrawal and Trump's reluctance to spend US&nbsp;blood and treasure to secure the Middle East underscored a wider trend of waning US&nbsp;influence and the need for nations to draw to powers such as Russia and China, the diplomat said.

Earlier, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had also urged members of the coalition fighting Islamic State to step up their funding to help restore infrastructure in Iraq and northeastern Syria, parts of which were severely damaged by conflict.

The United States on Thursday pressured members of a global coalition fighting Islamic State to allow foreign fighters to be repatriated but despite consensus on the gravity of the problem, disagreements on whether and how to send people back persisted.

The United States on Thursday pressured members of a global coalition fighting Islamic State to allow foreign fighters to be repatriated but despite consensus on the gravity of the problem, disagreements on whether and how to send people back persisted. Foreign ministers from the global coalition against Islamic State convened in Washington to discuss the next step against the jihadi group after Turkey's October 9 incursion into northeast Turkey and the US decision to reduce its presence there. While Islamic State has lost nearly all its territory in Syria and US forces killed its former leader last month, it is still seen as a global threat. Dealing with some 10,000 Islamic State fighters detained in northeast Syria, as well as their families, is among the coalition's top concerns. "No one should expect the United States or anyone else to solve this problem for them," Nathan Sales, US coordinator for counterterrorism, told a briefing at the State Department. Washington wants fighters sent back to their home nations and either prosecuted or rehabilitated there. Europe does not want to try its Islamic State nationals at home, citing the difficulty in collecting evidence as well as concerns about a public backlash and the risk of fresh attacks on European soil. "Our view is that it is not a feasible option ... to ask other countries in the region to import another country's foreign fighters and pursue prosecution and incarceration there," Sales said. He also said the relatively stable situation regarding foreign fighters in Syria, who are held in prisons guarded by America's SDF Syrian Kurdish allies, might not last. "It's Syria - we all know that things can change in the blink of an eye." Speaking to reporters after the meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian repeated the French stance that fighters "should be brought to justice as close (as possible) to the crimes they committed" - code for not bringing them home. Syria landscape changed Following on his campaign promise of withdrawing US troops from foreign conflicts, President Donald Trump shocked US allies last December by saying Washington was pulling out all its troops from Syria. Since then, Trump has changed his mind several times and last month decided to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country, focusing on preventing Islamic State from staging a comeback and attacking the oilfields there. Washington is also keeping control of the air space. On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said once the partial US withdrawal was finished, the US military would still have roughly around 600 troops in Syria, down from about 1,000 before Trump's withdrawal order last month. "The United States has decided to maintain military assets in northeastern Syria to continue the fight against Islamic State and to support our local partners. This is good news," Le Drian said, saying France would also maintain its presence. Still, the US decision to reduce its footprint has left some of its Western and Arab allies, in addition to Kurdish forces in the region, feeling burned. "The landscape of Syria has changed," a foreign diplomat told reporters on condition of anonymity ahead of Thursday's meeting. "The players who are shaping the future of Syria ... (are) mainly Russia, Iran and Turkey." The Turkish incursion, which Trump opposed but facilitated by withdrawing a handful of US troops in Ankara's way, has upended the region. The US withdrawal and Trump's reluctance to spend US blood and treasure to secure the Middle East underscored a wider trend of waning US influence and the need for nations to draw to powers such as Russia and China, the diplomat said. Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had also urged members of the coalition fighting Islamic State to step up their funding to help restore infrastructure in Iraq and northeastern Syria, parts of which were severely damaged by conflict.

Coalition against Islamic State at odds on repatriation of jihadi detainees

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recognises-jeanine-anez-as-bolivias-interim-president-261929">Bolivia's interim government</a> and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday.

"Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role.

She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect.

"Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said.

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate.

Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October&nbsp;20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud.

Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm.

Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico.

No fourth term

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-bolivian-leader-seeks-quick-vote-foes-plan-disruptions-261889">Evo Morales</a> does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits.

She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said.

Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights."

Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS.

"We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue.

"There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more."

Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week.

Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz.

Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment.

Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held.

The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off.

In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-mexico-morales-pledges-to-remain-in-politics-as-bolivia-battles-to-restore-stability-261704">Morales</a>, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis.

Bolivia's interim government and lawmakers from the party of unseated leader Evo Morales struck a deal late on Thursday to pursue new elections, potentially helping resolve the South American country's political crisis. In a late-night session of the Bolivian Senate, the chamber's President, a member of Morales' Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, said there was an agreement to work towards new elections after weeks of protests and violence that led to leftist leader Morales resigning under pressure last Sunday. "Today is a historic day where we have been able to agree between opposition and government with the sole objective to make new elections as soon as possible, to pacify our country and above all to defend democracy," said Mónica Eva Copa Murga, who had earlier been confirmed in her role. She called on Bolivia's security forces, who have been facing skirmishes in the streets with pro-Morales supporters, to treat the country's indigenous groups with respect. "Let's get rid of colours, of radical positions, what our country is looking for right now is peace," she said. Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez, who took over on Tuesday after a spate of resignations, had earlier indicated she wanted to mend bridges with Morales' party. She said, however, that Morales himself would not be welcome as a candidate. Anez, 52, is trying to lead a sharply divided Bolivia that has been rocked by protests since an October 20 election, which was won by Morales but marred by widespread allegations of fraud. Veteran leftist and indigenous leader Morales resigned after an audit found electoral irregularities and the military withdrew its backing and urged him to step down as president to help restore calm. Morales and his vice president Alvaro Garcia, who also resigned, have been offered asylum by Mexico. No fourth term "Evo Morales does not qualify to run for a fourth term," conservative former senator Anez told a news conference on Thursday, adding the country's "convulsions" were because he had run in defiance of term limits. She said MAS, which has a majority in Congress, was welcome to participate in the vote. "They should start searching for a candidate," she said. Morales, the charismatic leader of Bolivia since 2006, ran again despite a 2016 referendum against lifting term limits, after a court packed with loyalists gave him a green light to run indefinitely, citing his "human rights." Jerjes Justiniano, one of Anez's newly appointed ministers, earlier told reporters that the interim government was pursuing talks with MAS. "We are at the dialogue table, we are talking," he said in comments aired on channel Unitel, adding that MAS had sought assurance that Morales would be able to return freely to Bolivia, which he said would not be an issue. "There's no problem with that, it's just one citizen more." Anez did not give a specific date for the election, but under the constitution, she has 90 days to do so since declaring herself interim leader by invoking the constitutional line of succession earlier this week. Morales has said he was the victim of a coup, with his supporters continuing to agitate on his behalf with marches and skirmishes in the streets of La Paz and nearby El Alto. On Thursday thousands of Morales supporters marched carrying colourful flags and banners in La Paz. Meanwhile, Anez is shoring up her position. She has appointed a new military chief and cabinet members, while MAS lawmakers seemed to have backed away from plans to try to nullify her interim appointment. Russia, an ally for Bolivia under Morales, said it would work with Anez and recognise her as Bolivia's leader until new elections were held. The United States, Brazil, Colombia, Britain and Germany have also recognised Anez. Other governments in South America, including neighbouring Peru and Argentina, have so far held off. In protests since the October vote, at least 10 people have been killed, the public prosecutor's office said, mostly by projectiles from firearms. Morales, tweeting from Mexico, has called for dialogue to help "pacify" Bolivia, asking the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church to help find a solution. The United Nations is sending an envoy.

Bolivia's rival parties strike deal to end political chaos

Three major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-slides-deeper-into-chaos-no-sign-of-new-government-261811">Lebanese parties</a> agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis.

Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October&nbsp;29 in the face of an unprecedented wave of protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war.

The consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a leading Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal.

The news was first reported by Lebanese broadcasters LBCI and MTV.

A source familiar with the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination, adding that MPs from Hariri's Future Movement would nominate Safadi in a formal process expected to begin soon.

A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting.

There was no official confirmation from the parties or Safadi.

Safadi, 75, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He previously served as finance minister and minister of economy and trade.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system.

The next government will face huge challenges.

It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis while addressing the challenge posed by a nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power.

Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began. Banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US&nbsp;dollar withdrawals.

Served under Mikati, Siniora

Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister of a Cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-lebanon-to-form-government-of-competence-banks-close-261669">aid and save Lebanon</a> from the crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties.

But while Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have been insisting that the Cabinet include both technocrats and politicians.

Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament.

The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult MPs on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes.

Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now.

Safadi was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

In 2008, he became minister of economy and trade in the government of Western-backed Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. He held that post again in a Hariri-led Cabinet formed in 2009.

Safadi was part of the Hariri-led "March 14" alliance that emerged after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. March 14 mobilised against the presence of Syrian forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 and was then locked in years of political conflict with Hezbollah over its weapons.

A 2009 US&nbsp;Embassy cable published by WikiLeaks described Safadi as having made his fortune in Saudi Arabia and being close to the Saudi royal family.

He was first elected as an MP in Tripoli in 2000 but did not stand in the last election.

His wife, Violette Safadi, is the minister of state for economic empowerment of women and youth in the Hariri cabinet.

Three major Lebanese parties agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis.

Three major Lebanese parties agreed to nominate Mohammad Safadi, a former finance minister, to become prime minister, three sources familiar with the situation said, suggesting progress towards a new government at a time of acute economic crisis. Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister on October 29 in the face of an unprecedented wave of protests against ruling politicians who are blamed for rampant state corruption and steering Lebanon into its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war. The consensus on Safadi emerged in a meeting late on Thursday between Hariri, a leading Sunni politician aligned with Western and Gulf states, and representatives of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its Shi'ite ally Amal. The news was first reported by Lebanese broadcasters LBCI and MTV. A source familiar with the meeting said Hariri had expressed no objections to Safadi's nomination, adding that MPs from Hariri's Future Movement would nominate Safadi in a formal process expected to begin soon. A second source, a senior figure close to Amal and Hezbollah, said agreement in principle on Safadi's nomination had emerged at the meeting. There was no official confirmation from the parties or Safadi. Safadi, 75, is a prominent businessman and former member of parliament from the predominantly Sunni city of Tripoli. He previously served as finance minister and minister of economy and trade. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim, according to its sectarian power-sharing system. The next government will face huge challenges. It must win international financial support seen as critical to alleviating the economic crisis while addressing the challenge posed by a nationwide protest movement that wants to see the old elite gone from power. Lebanon's long-brewing economic crisis, rooted in years of state waste, corruption and mismanagement, has deepened since the protests began. Banks have imposed controls on transfers abroad and US dollar withdrawals. Served under Mikati, Siniora Hariri had said he would only return as prime minister of a Cabinet of specialist ministers that he believed would be best placed to win aid and save Lebanon from the crisis. To that end, he has been holding many closed-door meetings with other parties. But while Hezbollah and Amal wanted Hariri to return as premier, the Shi'ite groups and President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, have been insisting that the Cabinet include both technocrats and politicians. Listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the heavily armed Hezbollah and groups politically aligned with it hold a majority of seats in parliament. The process requires Aoun, a Maronite Christian, to formally consult MPs on their choice for prime minister. He must designate whoever gets the most votes. Hariri remains caretaker prime minister for now. Safadi was finance minister from 2011 to 2014 under Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In 2008, he became minister of economy and trade in the government of Western-backed Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. He held that post again in a Hariri-led Cabinet formed in 2009. Safadi was part of the Hariri-led "March 14" alliance that emerged after the 2005 assassination of Rafik al-Hariri, Saad's father. March 14 mobilised against the presence of Syrian forces that withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 and was then locked in years of political conflict with Hezbollah over its weapons. A 2009 US Embassy cable published by WikiLeaks described Safadi as having made his fortune in Saudi Arabia and being close to the Saudi royal family. He was first elected as an MP in Tripoli in 2000 but did not stand in the last election. His wife, Violette Safadi, is the minister of state for economic empowerment of women and youth in the Hariri cabinet.

Lebanon's Safadi emerges as prime minister of choice for three parties

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-united-states-not-fulfilling-syria-deal-ahead-of-doanld-trump-talks-260531">Tayyip Erdogan</a>, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world.

"He's a good man. He's just representing you very well," Trump said at the ceremony.

Since becoming the US&nbsp;president, Trump has openly complimented Erdogan and his combative ruling style, calling him "a friend" and "hell of a leader."

Such fondness from Trump for the Turkish president, who is due to meet with him at the White House on Wednesday, is seen by many as the only reason why relations between Turkey and the United States have not completely collapsed, having soured severely over their disagreements on a host of issues.

"The two leaders have an affinity for each other as strongman presidents," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, while warning of the deep animosity within the bureaucracies of the two NATO allies.

"The Erdogan-Trump part of the US-Turkey relationship is really the only component of it that is currently working right now," Cagaptay said. "Confidence between government agencies of both countries has eroded and there is considerable anger towards the US&nbsp;in Turkey and vice versa."

Washington and Ankara hit a new crisis point last month over Syria after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-kurdish-fighters-have-not-left-syria-safe-zone-despite-us-russia-deals-260109">Erdogan began a cross-border incursion</a> against America's Kurdish allies and upended the US&nbsp;presence there. Months earlier, the United States was livid over Turkey's purchase of Russian missile defence systems.

Turkey shrugged off threats of US&nbsp;sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. In response, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, in which Ankara was a manufacturer and buyer. But so far, it has not imposed any sanctions.

The move infuriated the US&nbsp;Congress, whose anger toward Turkey deepened following Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out the Kurdish militia, Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State.

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives last month passed a sanctions package to punish Turkey over its Syria operation while key members of the Senate, including Trump ally Lindsey Graham, have vowed to advance it if Ankara endangers Kurds.

The House has also voted in favour of a non-binding resolution recognizing as genocide the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago, for the first time, angering Ankara. Some lawmakers on Monday asked Trump in a letter to rescind the invitation to Erdogan.

Erdogan has managed to avoid sanctions so far, but on Sunday, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the threat was real. "If Turkey doesn't get rid of the S-400, I mean, there will likely be sanctions. ... Turkey will feel the impact of those sanctions," he told CBS News.

Washington wants S-400S abandoned

The issues straining the NATO allies stretch well beyond Syria and Russia. While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-speaks-with-trump-to-visit-washington-next-week-260443">Washington has largely stayed quiet</a> in the face of an increasingly authoritarian Erdogan, it wants Ankara to drop charges against US&nbsp;consular workers prosecuted in Turkey.

For Ankara, its long-standing extradition request for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for orchestrating the 2016 failed coup, and US&nbsp;charges on Turkey's state-owned Halkbank for Iran sanctions-busting are also contentious.

"We are of the same opinion with President Trump to solve problems and to improve our relations despite clouds in our bilateral ties," Erdogan told reporters before his flight to Washington. "We have made significant progress on several issues despite bureaucratic and political sabotage attempts by some remnants of the previous administration."

For Wednesday, the Trump administration's main goals are to get Erdogan to drop plans to use the S-400s and to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Syria, a senior administration official said. "We want to lock that in," the official said, referring to both issues.

If Turkey agrees, Washington could eventually allow Ankara back on the F-35 fighter jet program and offer to sign a $100 billion trade agreement, two US&nbsp;officials said. But Ankara has yet to signal a reversal.

"Something like Turkey taking a step back from its purchase of S-400s is not on the agenda," a senior Turkish official said.

Since his announcement last December to pull out all troops from Syria, Trump has softened plans and agreed to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country. As part of that plan, Washington wants to continue working with SDF fighters in the region to press on Islamic State, a move Ankara dislikes.

"US&nbsp;soldiers remaining at oil fields in Syria are also against the spirit of what is being done in Syria," the Turkish official said. "The support the United States provides the YPG is one of the biggest threats to ties between the two countries in the coming period. This will be underlined very seriously during the visit," he said.

Despite the disagreements, Ankara remains hopeful, citing a warm telephone conversation between the two leaders last week. "With Trump's personal support, I believe the visit will contribute to overcoming problems. The phone call gave serious indications of this," the official added.

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of Tayyip Erdogan, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world.

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of Tayyip Erdogan, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world. "He's a good man. He's just representing you very well," Trump said at the ceremony. Since becoming the US president, Trump has openly complimented Erdogan and his combative ruling style, calling him "a friend" and "hell of a leader." Such fondness from Trump for the Turkish president, who is due to meet with him at the White House on Wednesday, is seen by many as the only reason why relations between Turkey and the United States have not completely collapsed, having soured severely over their disagreements on a host of issues. "The two leaders have an affinity for each other as strongman presidents," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, while warning of the deep animosity within the bureaucracies of the two NATO allies. "The Erdogan-Trump part of the US-Turkey relationship is really the only component of it that is currently working right now," Cagaptay said. "Confidence between government agencies of both countries has eroded and there is considerable anger towards the US in Turkey and vice versa." Washington and Ankara hit a new crisis point last month over Syria after Erdogan began a cross-border incursion against America's Kurdish allies and upended the US presence there. Months earlier, the United States was livid over Turkey's purchase of Russian missile defence systems. Turkey shrugged off threats of US sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. In response, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, in which Ankara was a manufacturer and buyer. But so far, it has not imposed any sanctions. The move infuriated the US Congress, whose anger toward Turkey deepened following Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out the Kurdish militia, Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State. The US House of Representatives last month passed a sanctions package to punish Turkey over its Syria operation while key members of the Senate, including Trump ally Lindsey Graham, have vowed to advance it if Ankara endangers Kurds. The House has also voted in favour of a non-binding resolution recognizing as genocide the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago, for the first time, angering Ankara. Some lawmakers on Monday asked Trump in a letter to rescind the invitation to Erdogan. Erdogan has managed to avoid sanctions so far, but on Sunday, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the threat was real. "If Turkey doesn't get rid of the S-400, I mean, there will likely be sanctions. ... Turkey will feel the impact of those sanctions," he told CBS News. Washington wants S-400S abandoned The issues straining the NATO allies stretch well beyond Syria and Russia. While Washington has largely stayed quiet in the face of an increasingly authoritarian Erdogan, it wants Ankara to drop charges against US consular workers prosecuted in Turkey. For Ankara, its long-standing extradition request for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for orchestrating the 2016 failed coup, and US charges on Turkey's state-owned Halkbank for Iran sanctions-busting are also contentious. "We are of the same opinion with President Trump to solve problems and to improve our relations despite clouds in our bilateral ties," Erdogan told reporters before his flight to Washington. "We have made significant progress on several issues despite bureaucratic and political sabotage attempts by some remnants of the previous administration." For Wednesday, the Trump administration's main goals are to get Erdogan to drop plans to use the S-400s and to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Syria, a senior administration official said. "We want to lock that in," the official said, referring to both issues. If Turkey agrees, Washington could eventually allow Ankara back on the F-35 fighter jet program and offer to sign a $100 billion trade agreement, two US officials said. But Ankara has yet to signal a reversal. "Something like Turkey taking a step back from its purchase of S-400s is not on the agenda," a senior Turkish official said. Since his announcement last December to pull out all troops from Syria, Trump has softened plans and agreed to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country. As part of that plan, Washington wants to continue working with SDF fighters in the region to press on Islamic State, a move Ankara dislikes. "US soldiers remaining at oil fields in Syria are also against the spirit of what is being done in Syria," the Turkish official said. "The support the United States provides the YPG is one of the biggest threats to ties between the two countries in the coming period. This will be underlined very seriously during the visit," he said. Despite the disagreements, Ankara remains hopeful, citing a warm telephone conversation between the two leaders last week. "With Trump's personal support, I believe the visit will contribute to overcoming problems. The phone call gave serious indications of this," the official added.

Behind Trump-Erdogan 'bromance,' a White House meeting to repair US-Turkey ties

Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivian-president-morales-resigns-after-protests-over-disputed-october-vote-261231">buildings set on fire</a> in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month

Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked.

Tensions around the country, which have been simmering for weeks, mounted late into the night amid a political vacuum after Morales, his Vice President and many of his political allies in government stepped down.

In the capital and the eastern city of Santa Cruz, crowds cheered the resignation of Morales, who drew ire by running for a fourth term in defiance of term limits before claiming victory in an election mired in allegations of fraud.

But as night fell gangs roamed the streets, looting businesses and setting fire to properties. Prominent opposition figure and academic Waldo Albarracin tweeted that his house had been burned by pro-Morales supporters.

Another widely-shared video appeared to show people inside leftist leader Morales' property with graffiti daubed on the walls after he flew to another part of the country.

It was not initially clear who would take the helm of the country pending planned new elections, though an opposition Senator, Jeanine Añez, said in televised comments that she would accept the responsibility.

According to Bolivian law, in the absence of the president and vice president, the head of the Senate would normally take over provisionally. However, Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also stepped down late on Sunday.

Legislators are expected to meet on Monday to agree on an interim commission or legislator who would have temporary administrative control of the country, according to a constitutional lawyer who spoke to Reuters.

A report from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-agrees-to-new-elections-after-damning-organisation-of-american-states-audit-261204">Organisation of American States (OAS)</a> released early on Sunday had said the October&nbsp;20 election should be annulled and a new vote held after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that called into question Morales' win.

Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with buildings set on fire in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked.

Bolivia's capital La Paz was rocked by violent clashes overnight with buildings set on fire in apparent retaliatory attacks after Evo Morales, the country's president since 2006, resigned under pressure over a disputed election last month Morales said on Sunday he would step down to ease violence that has gripped the South American nation since a disputed election, though he stoked fears of more unrest by lashing out at a "civic coup" against him and saying his home had been attacked. Tensions around the country, which have been simmering for weeks, mounted late into the night amid a political vacuum after Morales, his Vice President and many of his political allies in government stepped down. In the capital and the eastern city of Santa Cruz, crowds cheered the resignation of Morales, who drew ire by running for a fourth term in defiance of term limits before claiming victory in an election mired in allegations of fraud. But as night fell gangs roamed the streets, looting businesses and setting fire to properties. Prominent opposition figure and academic Waldo Albarracin tweeted that his house had been burned by pro-Morales supporters. Another widely-shared video appeared to show people inside leftist leader Morales' property with graffiti daubed on the walls after he flew to another part of the country. It was not initially clear who would take the helm of the country pending planned new elections, though an opposition Senator, Jeanine Añez, said in televised comments that she would accept the responsibility. According to Bolivian law, in the absence of the president and vice president, the head of the Senate would normally take over provisionally. However, Senate President Adriana Salvatierra also stepped down late on Sunday. Legislators are expected to meet on Monday to agree on an interim commission or legislator who would have temporary administrative control of the country, according to a constitutional lawyer who spoke to Reuters. A report from the Organisation of American States (OAS) released early on Sunday had said the October 20 election should be annulled and a new vote held after it had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system that called into question Morales' win.

Morales' exit in Bolivia sparks night of violence, leaves a political vacuum

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day.&nbsp;

But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party,&nbsp;which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year.

After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh. Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day. But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party, which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year. After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Rainsy arrives in Malaysia

World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 172.7 points in October, up 1.7 per cent&nbsp;on the previous month and 6.0 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year.

FAO also predicted that cereal production would be 2.704 billion tonnes in 2019, slightly lower than its last forecast.

The FAO sugar price index jumped 5.8 per cent&nbsp;from September levels, largely because of expectations of lower supplies in the year ahead following forecasts of large reductions in sugar output in India and Thailand.

The cereal price index rose 4.2 per cent, with wheat and maize export prices climbing on the back of reduced crop prospects in several major producing countries and "robust trade activity". By contrast, rice prices fell, hit by subdued demand and expectations of an abundant basmati harvest.

The vegetable oil price index increased 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to reach its highest level in more than a year, while the meat price index rose 0.9 per cent, driven by higher import demand, especially from China.

By contrast, the dairy price index dropped 0.7per cent&nbsp;in October, as lower quotations for cheese offset increases in those for skimmed and whole milk powders, FAO said.

FAO lowered its forecast for global cereal production in 2019 by some 2 million tonnes, pegging world cereal output at 2.704 billion tonnes, but still up 1.8 per cent&nbsp;from 2018 levels.

The U.N. agency said worldwide coarse grain production in 2019 was seen at 1.425 billion tonnes, down 1.3 million on the previous forecast.

Wheat output was seen at 765 million tonnes, down nearly 1 million tonnes on the last outlook, but still on course to set a new record and up 4.5 per cent&nbsp;on 2018 levels.

The forecast for global rice production was put at 513.4 million tonnes, little changed on the previous forecast and slightly below 2018 levels.

World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

World food prices rose for the first time in five months in October, boosted by jumps in quotations for sugar and cereals, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 172.7 points in October, up 1.7 per cent on the previous month and 6.0 per cent year-on-year. FAO also predicted that cereal production would be 2.704 billion tonnes in 2019, slightly lower than its last forecast. The FAO sugar price index jumped 5.8 per cent from September levels, largely because of expectations of lower supplies in the year ahead following forecasts of large reductions in sugar output in India and Thailand. The cereal price index rose 4.2 per cent, with wheat and maize export prices climbing on the back of reduced crop prospects in several major producing countries and "robust trade activity". By contrast, rice prices fell, hit by subdued demand and expectations of an abundant basmati harvest. The vegetable oil price index increased 0.5 per cent to reach its highest level in more than a year, while the meat price index rose 0.9 per cent, driven by higher import demand, especially from China. By contrast, the dairy price index dropped 0.7per cent in October, as lower quotations for cheese offset increases in those for skimmed and whole milk powders, FAO said. FAO lowered its forecast for global cereal production in 2019 by some 2 million tonnes, pegging world cereal output at 2.704 billion tonnes, but still up 1.8 per cent from 2018 levels. The U.N. agency said worldwide coarse grain production in 2019 was seen at 1.425 billion tonnes, down 1.3 million on the previous forecast. Wheat output was seen at 765 million tonnes, down nearly 1 million tonnes on the last outlook, but still on course to set a new record and up 4.5 per cent on 2018 levels. The forecast for global rice production was put at 513.4 million tonnes, little changed on the previous forecast and slightly below 2018 levels.

World food prices rise for first time in five months: United Nations Food Agency

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen.

It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand.

A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return.

Thailand had denied her entry.

On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return.

"What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia."

Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission.

Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next.

Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.

Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP.

Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum.

The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-discusses-sustainable-development-with-asean-leaders-259811">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her.

The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries.

Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested.

"They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday.

Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said.

"There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added.

Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-report-on-uighurs-full-of-prejudice-says-china-164872">Human Rights Watch (HRW)</a>.

"She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home.

Malaysia has detained Cambodian former minister Mu Sochua, rights groups said on Thursday, after Phnom Penh sought her arrest on grounds that she and other self-exiled members of the banned opposition were plotting a coup in trying to return home. The detention came as Sam Rainsy, the founder of the opposition party, prepared to fly from Paris to Bangkok, vowing to return to Cambodia on Saturday to lead demonstrations against the one-party rule of longtime Prime Minister Hun Sen. It was unclear if any of the opposition figures abroad would reach Cambodia. Thailand has said it will not allow transit for Sam Rainsy, and Malaysia this week detained two other opposition leaders who were trying to fly to Thailand. A dual US-Cambodian citizen and former women's minister, Mu Sochua, 65, is vice president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and one of the highest-profile opposition leaders detained in Hun Sen's efforts to prevent their return. Thailand had denied her entry. On Wednesday, she held a news conference in Indonesia to denounce a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, who have arrested dozens of opposition activists at home and deployed troops along the borders ahead of the leaders' planned return. "What do they fear?" she asked. "They totally fear the determination of the people of Cambodia, who are responding positively to our appeal, which is that together we will build a better Cambodia." Sochua later flew to Malaysia, only to be detained. She was being held at the airport in its capital, said Jerald Joseph, an official of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission. Joseph said he had spoken with Sochua, who had been told she would not be deported to Cambodia. It was not immediately clear where authorities would send her next. Malaysia's immigration department did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters. Sochua had fled Cambodia in 2017 under threat of arrest amid a mass crackdown on the opposition. The party's leader, Kem Sokha, was arrested on treason charges and remains under house arrest. The Supreme Court later dissolved the CNRP. Sochua's news conference in the Indonesian capital was interrupted by the Cambodian ambassador, who urged that she should not be given a forum. The Cambodian embassy asked Indonesia, as a fellow member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping, to detain her. The embassy sought her deportation to Cambodia "in the true spirit of ASEAN," it said in a statement, adding that similar requests had been made to neighbouring countries. Instead, Sochua flew to Malaysia, where she said she knew she could also be arrested. "They will follow me, they will follow us, all the way," she said on Wednesday. Sochua has been charged in a plot to topple the Cambodian government, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun said. "There is an arrest warrant for her, we really want her but we don't know what is Malaysia's position," he added. Sochua's detention in Malaysia is unacceptable, said New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW). "She's done nothing wrong and should be immediately released and allowed to undertake the consultations she planned with the Malaysia government and civil society groups," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia.

Malaysia detains Cambodian opposition leader Mu Sochua

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-kurdish-ypg-still-in-syria-border-area-as-deadline-looms-258685">Syrian Kurdish</a> YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols. 
 
Watch: Baghdadi killed in US operation in Syria

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-news-baghdadi-killed-in-us-operation-in-syria-258396/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Inter-delegation talks with Russia have concluded a short while ago. An agreement was largely reached. Our efforts continue in a mutually constructive, understanding way," Akar was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.

Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria have concluded and the two delegations have "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the Syrian Kurdish YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols. Watch: Baghdadi killed in US operation in Syria "Inter-delegation talks with Russia have concluded a short while ago. An agreement was largely reached. Our efforts continue in a mutually constructive, understanding way," Akar was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

Turkey says "largely" reached agreement with Russia in Syria talks: Report

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-lawmakers-hear-from-corroborating-witness-in-trump-impeachment-probe-258323">United States</a>&nbsp;military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US&nbsp;official said, as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, was unable to say whether the operation against Baghdadi was successful. Newsweek said the operation took place in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence.

The official did not disclose details of the operation and other US&nbsp;officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT (1830 IST)&nbsp;on Sunday.

Gidley gave no further details.

The president gave an indication that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!"

Trump has been frustrated by the US&nbsp;news media's heavy focus on the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry, which he calls an illegitimate witch hunt.

He has also faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies.

Trump was expected to make the statement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-united-states-not-to-exploit-close-trump-kim-ties-258322">White House</a> Diplomatic Reception Room, which he has used to make a number of major announcements.

Just last week he used the same room to announce that a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds had taken hold.

The United States military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US official said, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning.

The United States military conducted an operation against elusive Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi on Saturday, a US official said, as US President Donald Trump prepared to make a "major statement" at the White House on Sunday morning. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, was unable to say whether the operation against Baghdadi was successful. Newsweek said the operation took place in Syria's northwestern Idlib province and was carried out by special operations forces after receiving actionable intelligence. The official did not disclose details of the operation and other US officials contacted by Reuters declined to comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley announced late on Saturday that Trump would make a "major statement" at 1300 GMT (1830 IST) on Sunday. Gidley gave no further details. The president gave an indication that something was afoot earlier on Saturday night when he tweeted without explanation, "Something very big has just happened!" Trump has been frustrated by the US news media's heavy focus on the Democratic-led impeachment enquiry, which he calls an illegitimate witch hunt. He has also faced withering criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike for his US troop withdrawal from northeastern Syria, which permitted Turkey to attack America's Kurdish allies. Trump was expected to make the statement in the White House Diplomatic Reception Room, which he has used to make a number of major announcements. Just last week he used the same room to announce that a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurds had taken hold.

Islamic State leader targeted by United States forces as Trump plans Sunday statement

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">persistent mass protests</a> across the country.

Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead.

Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc,&nbsp;parliament's largest with 54 MPs,&nbsp;escalated the situation.

MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding."

Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier.

The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government.&nbsp;

He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them.

Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness.

Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light.&nbsp;

Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. 
&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-at-least-40-have-been-killed-in-the-anti-govt-protests-258243/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vows of 'revenge'

In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf.

They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.

<a href="wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">The latest round of demonstrations</a> has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.

That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220.

Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country.

Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services.&nbsp;

"Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.

But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr.&nbsp;

"The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers".

"Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

'It's enough!'

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25.

The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell.

Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began.

But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed</a> by the government's efforts.

"They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side.

Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis.&nbsp;

"Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday.

"We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.&nbsp;

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country.

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country. Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead. Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections. Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc, parliament's largest with 54 MPs, escalated the situation. MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding." Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier. The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government. He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them. Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness. Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light. Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests Vows of 'revenge' In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf. They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. The latest round of demonstrations has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission. That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220. Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country. Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services. "Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr. "The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter. The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers". "Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. 'It's enough!' Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell. Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began. But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum. Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed by the government's efforts. "They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side. Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. "Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday. "We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.

Sit-in puts pressure on Iraq government amid relentless protests

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

The 44-year-old&nbsp;still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest.

Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest".

Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018.

He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since.

The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May.

"Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter.

Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee.

Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday. The 44-year-old still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest. Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest". Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018. He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since. The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May. "Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter. Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee. Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

First woman named as Belgian prime minister

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-he-wants-early-election-on-december-12-258016">snap election</a> he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday.

But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed.

Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels.

EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday.

"If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford.

He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303">Johnson has proposed</a> an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then.

The SNP and Lib Dems,&nbsp;who both strongly oppose Brexit,&nbsp;want an election on December 9.

Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal.

"Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January.

The leaders of two British opposition parties unveiled a plan Saturday to give Prime Minister Boris Johnson the snap election he wants, but only if EU leaders delay Brexit until January. Johnson has tried twice to call an early election to break the deadlock in the House of Commons over Britain's departure from the European Union and will try again in a vote on Monday. But he needs the support of opposition MPs and they have refused to back a poll until the risk of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit on October 31 is completely removed. Johnson was forced by law to ask EU leaders last weekend to delay Brexit after MPs refused to back the divorce terms he struck with Brussels. EU leaders are expected to decide on Monday or early Tuesday whether to grant the three-month delay requested or to set another date. The Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Liberal Democrats, who between them have 54 MPs in the 650-seat Commons, said that a three-month delay to end-January would see them put forward plans for an early election on Tuesday. "If that meaningful extension is secured we will then work together to bring forward an election this year," said SNP leader Ian Blackford. He and Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson have laid out their offer in a letter to European Council president Donald Tusk. Johnson has proposed an election on December 12, but only if parliament ratifies his Brexit deal before then. The SNP and Lib Dems, who both strongly oppose Brexit, want an election on December 9. Johnson late Saturday accused MPs of holding Britain "hostage" by refusing to back an election or a Brexit deal. "Millions of businesses and people cannot plan their futures, this paralysis is causing real damage and the country must move on in 2020," he said in a statement.

United Kingdom opposition parties outline election plan

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-set-to-win-outright-as-disputed-vote-count-nears-completion-257985">controversial election</a> count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing.

Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa.

A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in.

The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent&nbsp;on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote.

Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency.

The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest.

Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending.

The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico.

After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear.

"Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders."

Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional.

"The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. 
 
Steady growth

A former union leader for coca farmers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-election-sparks-protest-as-rivals-clash-over-results-257398">Morales has overseen steady growth</a> and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging.

Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports.

The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website.

Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales.

Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said.

The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here."

The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades.

Bolivians banged on pots and pans from windows and rooftops in the capital La Paz on Friday, protesting a controversial election count handing President Evo Morales a fourth consecutive term that would extend his rule to nearly two decades. Morales, 59, who swept to power in 2006 as the country's first indigenous leader, hailed the official result of Sunday's vote as another historic triumph for his leftist movement and accused the opposition, without evidence, of trying to stage a coup d'etat with foreign backing. Morales faced a fifth day of street protests in La Paz and other cities that begun after an official quick count of votes was suddenly suspended on Sunday when it revealed Morales heading to a riskier run-off election against rival Carlos Mesa. A confident Morales said then his socialist party MAS would get an outright win as rural votes trickled in. The tabulation of ballots at 100 per cent on Friday confirmed his prediction, giving him a 10.57-point lead over Mesa, less than a point above what he needed to avoid a second-round vote. Election monitors, the opposition and some foreign governments criticised the election for lacking transparency. The European Union, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia called for Bolivia to convene a second-round vote to ease the unrest. Brazil's foreign ministry said it would not recognize Morales' win while an audit of the vote count by the regional group Organization of American States (OAS) was still pending. The only countries that have congratulated Morales on his win were Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico. After nightfall, Bolivians banged on pots and pans in a traditional form of protest. Earlier, roads were blocked and demonstrators surrounded the headquarters of the country's electoral board, guarded by rows of police in anti-riot gear. "Evo Morales had an acceptable administration," said protester Jose Callisaya, 38. But "it's healthy in a democracy to change leaders." Mesa, a former president who leads the Citizen Community party, has called for indefinite protests until a second-round vote is convened, which Morales has ruled out as unconstitutional. "The government is despising the popular vote," Mesa told local television channel Unitel on Friday. Steady growth A former union leader for coca farmers, Morales has overseen steady growth and relative stability in one of South America's poorest countries and is now the region's longest-serving president. He has accused the opposition of trying to stir up unrest and denied charges of vote-rigging. Officials and diplomats raised concerns the conflict could hit Bolivia's ties with global trade partners and hurt an economy already straining under declining gas exports. The country's electoral board denied any political interference in its count and invited anyone to examine voting sheets posted on its website. Mesa's campaign has said it had found irregularities on the website that swung some 100,000 votes in favour of Morales. Bolivia's electoral system was "absolutely transparent," said Idelfonso Mamani, one of the five remaining members of the board following the resignation of its vice president in protest this week. "We have the means to prove the results," he said. The office of the country's ombudsman, which monitors conflicts, said 57 people have been arrested and 29 people wounded in this week's protests. Prosecutor Juan Lanchipa said 40 people have been investigated for vandalism. Interior Minister Carlos Romero called for calm. "There are people out for blood...to say there's a dictatorship here." The OAS, a regional group that sent an observer mission to Bolivia, has said it had "serious doubts" about the election and earlier this week accepted an invitation by Morales' government to audit it to clear them up. It was unclear when the audit would begin.

Bolivians bang on pots and pans in protest at Morales election win

The United States&nbsp;and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-united-states-made-progress-in-trade-talks-chinese-vice-foreign-minister-257388">a trade agreement</a> after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously."

The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress.

"They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said.

Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on October&nbsp;11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile.

Agricultural products are a major area of discussion.

Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US&nbsp;commodities like soybeans.

The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions.

The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth.

"They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible."

Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion&nbsp;in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact.

White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US&nbsp;companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. 
 
Tariffs take the lead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-hopes-china-will-ease-restrictions-on-diplomats-257221">Beijing</a> was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December&nbsp;15, two US-based sources told Reuters.

Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs imposed on September&nbsp;1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said.

US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started.

In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US&nbsp;agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US&nbsp;put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods.&nbsp;

Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December&nbsp;15 tariffs.

Phase One will not cover US&nbsp;allegations of Chinese hacking into US&nbsp;companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said.

An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said.

 
Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-china-seeks-sanctions-on-us-in-world-trade-organisation-257427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A scaled-down deal

&nbsp;

If an agreement on China buying US&nbsp;agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US&nbsp;agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters.

But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau.

One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing.

USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US&nbsp;genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US&nbsp;sources say could pave the way for much higher US&nbsp;farm exports to China.

Friday's high-level call came a day after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing.

While the US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US&nbsp;grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model.

Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US&nbsp;election in 2020.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-closer-military-coordination-with-united-states-despite-disagreements-defence-minister-257203">US-China talks</a> change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously.

The United States and Chinese officials are "close to finalising" some parts of a trade agreement after high-level telephone discussions on Friday, the US Trade Representative's office said, adding that deputy-level talks would proceed "continuously." The USTR provided no details on the areas of progress. "They made headway on specific issues and the two sides are close to finalizing some sections of the agreement. Discussions will go on continuously at the deputy level, and the principals will have another call in the near future," a statement said. Washington and Beijing are working to agree on the text for a "Phase 1" trade agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on October 11. Trump has said he hopes to sign the deal with China's President Xi Jinping next month at a summit in Chile. Agricultural products are a major area of discussion. Beijing wants the United States to cancel some existing US tariffs on Chinese imports, people briefed on the Friday call told Reuters, in return for pledging to step up its purchases of US commodities like soybeans. The United States wants Beijing to commit to buying these products at a specific time and price, while Chinese buyers would like the discretion to buy based on market conditions. The world's two largest economies are trying to calm a nearly 16-month trade war that is roiling financial markets, disrupting supply chains and slowing global economic growth. "They want to make a deal very badly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "They're going to be buying much more farm products than anybody thought possible." Trump agreed earlier this month to cancel an October 15 increase in tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods as part of a tentative agreement on agricultural purchases, increased access to China's financial services markets, improved protections for intellectual property rights and a currency pact. White House advisers are hoping to cement a binding, enforceable agreement with Beijing, including a pledge not to force US companies to transfer technology to Chinese companies to do business there. Tariffs take the lead Beijing was expected to ask Washington during Friday's call to drop its plan to impose tariffs on $156 billion worth of Chinese goods, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys, on December 15, two US-based sources told Reuters. Beijing is also seeking the removal of 15 per cent tariffs imposed on September 1 on about $125 billion of Chinese goods, one of the sources said. Trump imposed the tariffs in August after a failed round of talks. "The Chinese want to get back to tariffs on just the original $250 billion in goods," the source said. US farmers have been struggling since the trade war started. In the decade before Trump took office, China’s purchases of US agriculture and related products tripled, reaching $25.2 billion in 2016. But they dropped to $13.2 billion in 2018, after the US put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. Derek Scissors, a resident scholar and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said the original goal of the early October talks was to finalize a text on intellectual property, agriculture and market access to pave the way for a postponement of the December 15 tariffs. Phase One will not cover US allegations of Chinese hacking into US companies and government agencies, state subsidies, Beijing's alleged dumping of lower-priced products on global markets or China’s involvement in the fentanyl market, one person briefed on the negotiations said. An intellectual property rights chapter in the agreement largely deals with copyright and trademark issues and pledges to curb technology transfers that Beijing has already put into a new investment law, people familiar with the discussions said. Watch: China seeks sanctions on US in World Trade Organisation A scaled-down deal If an agreement on China buying US agricultural products can be sealed, Beijing in return would exempt some US agricultural products from tariffs, including soybeans, wheat and corn, a China-based source told Reuters. But the ultimate amounts of China's purchases are uncertain. Trump has touted purchases of $40 billion to $50 billion annually, far above China's 2017 purchases of $19.5 billion as measured by the American Farm Bureau. One of the sources briefed on the talks said China's offer would start at around $20 billion in annual purchases, largely restoring the pre-trade-war status quo, but this could rise over time. Purchases also would depend on market conditions and pricing. USTR head Robert Lighthizer has emphasized China's agreement to remove some restrictions on US genetically modified crops and other food safety barriers, which US sources say could pave the way for much higher US farm exports to China. Friday's high-level call came a day after US Vice President Mike Pence railed against China's trade practices and what he termed construction of a "surveillance state" in a major policy speech. But Pence left the door open to a trade deal with China, saying Trump wanted a "constructive" relationship with Beijing. While the US tariffs on Chinese goods have brought Beijing to the negotiating table to address US grievances over trade and intellectual property practices, they have not sparked significant change in China's state-led economic model. Some China trade experts said that completion of a Phase 1 deal could leave little incentive for China to negotiate further, especially with a US election in 2020. "US-China talks change very quickly from hot to cold but, the longer it takes to nail down the easy Phase 1, the harder it is to imagine a Phase 2 breakthrough," said Scissors.

United States, China 'close to finalising' part of Phase One trade deal: Report

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