Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November.

Iran and Saudi Arabia appeared no closer to bridging their differences on Saturday with both sides sticking to their positions and regional facilitator Oman seeing no breakthrough before US elections in November. Tensions in the Gulf region stepped up after the killing in early January of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani by the United States in Iraq. European and Arab states have since scrambled to avert a full-fledged conflict between the two sides. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud both attended the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and took part in a session on defusing tensions in the Gulf. Also Read: How Saudi-Iranian oil rivalry has been shaped by American power But the two were kept apart with Zarif even claiming that his Saudi counterpart had asked to reshuffle the schedule so that he wouldn't have to meet him. "I believe our neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia, do not want to (de-escalate)," Zarif said, adding that he believed Riyadh was firmly under the influence of the US campaign to put maximum pressure on Tehran. When asked about possible contacts with Iran, Prince Faisal said there had been neither private messages nor direct contacts. He said the ball was in Iran's court, especially as it had been behind attacks on the kingdom, including drone and missile strikes on its oil facilities in September. "Our message to Iran is to change its behaviour first before anything is to be discussed," he said after Zarif had left the room thirty minutes earlier. "Until we can talk about the real sources of that instability, talk is going to be unproductive." After Washington withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Trump began a policy of "maximum pressure", saying a broader deal should be negotiated on nuclear issues, Iran's missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East. US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it will not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place. [ Irani Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (Courtesy: AFP) ] Zarif said French and Japanese efforts to bring Iran and the United States around the negotiating table had "fallen on deaf ears" because Trump believed Iran was on the verge of economic collapse. "He is wrong," Zarif said. "Everything they want is about regime change." Oman often considered as a facilitator for talks between Washington and Tehran appeared downcast on the prospects. "The reality is there are no messages," Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said after meeting Zarif earlier in the day. "I'm not anticipating anything (will happen) in the next six months," he said, referring to upcoming US elections.

No dialogue for now as Saudis, Iranians camp on positions

On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes.&nbsp;

In a video posted on Twitter, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-breaking-news-pete-buttigieg-defeats-bernie-sanders-in-iowa-caucus-279172">Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana</a> can be seen performing the “Raise the Roof” dance move with New Hampshire congresswoman Annie Kuster.

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It’s all happening. What exactly “it” is, I’m not sure. But here it is. <a href="https://t.co/IOcyIPfEy2">pic.twitter.com/IOcyIPfEy2</a>
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The American public has not been appeased by Buttigieg's best attempt, and the public outcry for such a repulsive Raise the Roof has been felt across the media spectrum, causing a flood of tweets comparing the presidential candidate to droids due to his rigid, robotic dance moves.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-caucus-buttigieg-takes-a-narrow-lead-over-sanders-279671">Salt on the wound</a> comes in the form of what is perhaps the most amusing part of the video, where a person in the background is holding up a placard supporting Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, which is promptly covered up by a Buttigieg sign.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-breaking-news-update-meet-Pete-Buttigieg-the-man-who-shocked-Sanders-Biden-in-Iowa-caucus">Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus</a>

The success of Buttigieg's campaign in the New Hampshire primary warrants celebration, even if such revelry is displayed by subpar dance moves.&nbsp;Finishing in New Hampshire with 24 per cent and reportedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-caucus-pete-buttigieg-takes-surprise-lead-in-democratic-race-278711">leading the Iowa caucus</a> last week, former Mayor of South Bend currently stands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-unmitigated-disaster-as-sanders-buttigieg-claim-victory-278558">a mere 2 per cent</a> behind Vermont Senator and State winner Bernie Sanders.

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Asked if his dance moves cost him a first place finish in NH, Pete Buttigieg tells CNN's Alisyn Camerota on <a href="https://twitter.com/NewDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NewDay</a>, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.” <a href="https://t.co/1suR3lCs7y">pic.twitter.com/1suR3lCs7y</a>
— DJ Judd (@DJJudd) <a href="https://twitter.com/DJJudd/status/1227590165633413120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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When asked by Alisyn Camerota, a CNN correspondent, whether he will continue to show his dance moves on the campaign trail, Buttigieg responded with a laugh and said, "I think the less people see me dancing the better, but we definitely bring a lot of joy to the campaign trail."&nbsp;

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"...it's also a joyful process because you're engaging with the supporters, with the fellow Americans in this extraordinary experience in American democracy, and you never know what moments that can lead to on the campaign trail," he added.

CNN's Alisyn Camerota then asked Buttigieg whether he thinks his dance moves cost him the win in New Hampshire, to which Pete responded by saying, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.”

On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes.

On the campaign trail in New Hampshire, presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was recorded cheering and dancing with supporters by Washington Post reporter Chelsea Janes. In a video posted on Twitter, Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana can be seen performing the “Raise the Roof” dance move with New Hampshire congresswoman Annie Kuster. It’s all happening. What exactly “it” is, I’m not sure. But here it is. pic.twitter.com/IOcyIPfEy2 — Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) February 11, 2020 × The American public has not been appeased by Buttigieg's best attempt, and the public outcry for such a repulsive Raise the Roof has been felt across the media spectrum, causing a flood of tweets comparing the presidential candidate to droids due to his rigid, robotic dance moves. Salt on the wound comes in the form of what is perhaps the most amusing part of the video, where a person in the background is holding up a placard supporting Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, which is promptly covered up by a Buttigieg sign. Also Read: Meet Pete Buttigieg, the man who shocked Sanders, Biden in Iowa caucus The success of Buttigieg's campaign in the New Hampshire primary warrants celebration, even if such revelry is displayed by subpar dance moves. Finishing in New Hampshire with 24 per cent and reportedly leading the Iowa caucus last week, former Mayor of South Bend currently stands a mere 2 per cent behind Vermont Senator and State winner Bernie Sanders. Asked if his dance moves cost him a first place finish in NH, Pete Buttigieg tells CNN's Alisyn Camerota on @NewDay, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.” pic.twitter.com/1suR3lCs7y — DJ Judd (@DJJudd) February 12, 2020 × When asked by Alisyn Camerota, a CNN correspondent, whether he will continue to show his dance moves on the campaign trail, Buttigieg responded with a laugh and said, "I think the less people see me dancing the better, but we definitely bring a lot of joy to the campaign trail." "...it's also a joyful process because you're engaging with the supporters, with the fellow Americans in this extraordinary experience in American democracy, and you never know what moments that can lead to on the campaign trail," he added. CNN's Alisyn Camerota then asked Buttigieg whether he thinks his dance moves cost him the win in New Hampshire, to which Pete responded by saying, "Well, I doubt that they played a big role in bringing a majority together, but you never know how things are received among voters.”

Twitter trolls Buttigieg's robotic 'Raise the Roof' dance move

Seattle witnessed the disruption of underground sex trafficking at the hands of a non-profit group that deployed decoy chatbots in conversations with tens of thousands of men.

Seattle witnessed the disruption of underground sex trafficking at the hands of a non-profit group that deployed decoy chatbots in conversations with tens of thousands of men. In two years, Seattle Against Slavery used their Freedom Signal Technology to deter people looking for sex online and helped them understand the lives this act destroys. Per the website of Seattle Against Slavery, their platform to disrupt the purchase and sale of trafficked sex online called Freedom Signal comprises of six pillars, namely: Victim Reachout potential victims are contacted online to build relationships with them through a texting platform. Decoy Chatbots Posing as minor or adult sex trafficking victims, decoy chatbots interact with buyers. Deterrence Sites Buyers are then redirected to deterrence websites with information about the consquences and alternatives to conducting transactions for sex online. Social Media Reinforcement Deterrence messaging on social media is reinforced with buyer profiles generated from bot data. Search Ad Deterrence Buyers searching for sex-buying opportunities are interrupted with the help of keywords to target deterrence messaging. Data Analytics Insights into patterns and behaviours of regional buyers and victims is developed. Former Executive Director of Seattle Against Slavery is reportedly presenting the findings of their campaign at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Seattle. “In a fairly short length of time we were able to reach hundreds of thousands of people who had searched for common terms. In Seattle, we were able to impact the marketplace pretty dramatically,” he told reporters. Also Read: New app to fight sex trafficking by snapping pictures He also stated that though not everyone selling sex online was a trafficking victim, internet searches were targeted because survivors of trafficking had reported that transactions were typically initiated online. Seattle Against Slavery made it public knowledge that sex trafficking online is not a hidden dark web environment that people were using, it was as simple as Googling it. “In some cases, it would possibly be easier to order a sex-trafficking victim online than to order a pizza,” he said. Google ad grant was awarded to Seattle Against Slavery which allowed them to place free targeted adverts that would appear as sponsored links in response to common search terms such as “escort sex tonight”. 2.1 million ads were placed between 2014 and 2016 that had simple deterrence messages such as “You could be arrested for buying sex online” or “By buying sex online you could be causing harm to a victim” and links to counselling services and other support groups. The same period witnessed a 40 to 60 per cent of decline in keyword searches. The organisation also began posting fake ads between 2016 and 2018, offering sex that would appear in response to keyword searches. A mobile number would be enclosed in these ads which would trigger a chatbot designed to pose as a sex worker. Watch: Indian sex trafficking film gives voice to 'voiceless girls' With the knowledge of about 19,000 conversations with 15,000 people, the bots were able to convincingly pose as sex trafficking victims - though the fact that the nature of the questions was repetitive did help the non-profit's endeavours. “There were lots of ‘Hello, where are you? What do you do? Where can I meet you?’,” Beiser said. The bot would disappear after a short chat or post a message stating the risks of buying sex online to test the impact of deterrence messages. People who received such messages were 30 per cent less likely to click on one of these ads in the future. Placing decoys was not a decision that was ethically fraught because the ads would only be visible to people who were explicitly seeking sex online. Beiser has reaffirmed that the decision was in line with an understanding that these websites have hundreds of thousands of ads and that Seattle Against Slavery was not creating a marketplace or enticing people into such behaviour. Seattle Against Slavery has developed a platform in the latest phase of its campaign to help anti-trafficking support groups to reach potential trafficking victims. 21,000 phone numbers that appeared online on escort sites were collected by using automated search methods, which were then utilised to reach out to possible victims - reportedly prompting 2,000 messages.

Non-profit organization fighting sex trafficking with ‘sex worker’ chatbots to deter potential buyers and victims

Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis suffered the ire of President Jair Bolsonaro after he pleaded for the protection of the Amazon rainforest. "Pope Francis said yesterday the Amazon is his, the world’s, everyone’s,” said Bolsonaro.

Head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis suffered the ire of President Jair Bolsonaro after he pleaded for the protection of the Amazon rainforest. "Pope Francis said yesterday the Amazon is his, the world’s, everyone’s,” said Bolsonaro. “Well, the pope may be Argentinian, but God is Brazilian," he added. I dream of an Amazon region that fights for the rights of the poor, the original peoples and the least of our brothers and sisters, where their voices can be heard and their dignity advanced. #QueridaAmazonia — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 12, 2020 × Bolsonaro described Greenpeace as "rubbish" during a chat with reporters. The Lord, who is the first to care for us, teaches us to care for our brothers and sisters and the environment which he daily gives us. This is the first ecology that that we need. #QueridaAmazonia https://t.co/LvZxR36SoQ — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 12, 2020 × Pope Francis tweeted about the condition of the Amazon rainforest. Citing messages of equality, harmony and unity in the face of adversity, he said: "The Amazonian peoples have a right to hear the Gospel: the proclamation of God who infinitely loves every man and woman, and has revealed this love fully in Jesus Christ" The Amazonian peoples have a right to hear the Gospel: the proclamation of God who infinitely loves every man and woman, and has revealed this love fully in Jesus Christ, crucified for us and risen in our lives. #QueridaAmazonia — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 12, 2020 × "All Australia caught fire and nobody’s talking about Australia. Where is the zealotry for Australia?" Bolsanoro said while taking a jibe at the moment. Also Read: Brazil Amazon deforestation soars to 11-year high in 2019 Environmentalists and the international community have repeatedly condemned Bolsonaro and his policies on the world's largest rainforest ever since he took office in January last year. Also See: Deforestation in the Amazon soars to record numbers in 11 years Greenpeace was also in Bolsanro's crosshairs. "What is this crap called Greenpeace? Nothing but rubbish," the Brazilian president said.

Bolsonaro lashes out at Pope, Greenpeace over Amazon

More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-robert-abela-set-to-become-new-pm-as-joseph-muscat-steps-down-273792">reportedly forcing officers</a> to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets.

Police said some 30 members of the unit, which numbers about 50, were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltese-prime-minister-announces-plans-to-step-down-265627">being questioned</a> by the Economic Crimes Unit over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maltese-prime-minister-joseph-muscat-announces-step-down-265739">accusations </a>they had filed for hundreds of hours of overtime that they did not carry out over at least three years.

Some of the officers also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maltas-ruling-party-lawmakers-back-embattled-prime-minister-265622">face accusations</a> they misappropriated fuel and used it for their private vehicles. Police sources said former traffic police now working in other sections of the force had been asked to return to their old duties.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malta-protesters-block-entry-to-prime-ministers-office-267243">Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office</a>

Despite this, motorists said there were noticeably fewer police directing traffic on Tuesday morning. Prime Minister Robert Abela said it was good that the police were investigating their people.

Malta is the smallest nation in the European Union and has been rocked in recent years by allegations of widespread corruption, cronyism and financial wrongdoing amongst both the political and business elite.

Abela was sworn in as prime minister last month after his predecessor resigned over his handling of investigations into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. 
&nbsp;

More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, reportedly forcing officers to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets.

More than half of Malta's traffic police force was arrested on Tuesday for suspected overtime fraud, reportedly forcing officers to draw up emergency plans to ensure they have enough police to put on the streets. Police said some 30 members of the unit, which numbers about 50, were being questioned by the Economic Crimes Unit over accusations they had filed for hundreds of hours of overtime that they did not carry out over at least three years. Some of the officers also face accusations they misappropriated fuel and used it for their private vehicles. Police sources said former traffic police now working in other sections of the force had been asked to return to their old duties. Also Read: Malta protesters block entry to prime minister's office Despite this, motorists said there were noticeably fewer police directing traffic on Tuesday morning. Prime Minister Robert Abela said it was good that the police were investigating their people. Malta is the smallest nation in the European Union and has been rocked in recent years by allegations of widespread corruption, cronyism and financial wrongdoing amongst both the political and business elite. Abela was sworn in as prime minister last month after his predecessor resigned over his handling of investigations into the murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

50 per cent of Malta's traffic police sent to jail over corruption charges

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-military-force-against-syria-277818">Syria</a>'s northwest on Monday.

Here are the top ten stories of the day.

Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines

The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Read more</a>

Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up

Turkish and&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;troops traded&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;fire in&nbsp;Syria's northwest on Monday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-syrian-regime-in-deadly-flare-up-278351">Read more</a>

Social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus

Social media platforms such as&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Twitter, Youtube and&nbsp;Tiktok are taking steps to address false information about the deadly coronavirus on them. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-social-media-applications-tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">Read more</a>

Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases

Bushfires eased near&nbsp;Australia's&nbsp;capital, Canberra, on Monday, as temperatures dipped, but officials warned heavy&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;was set to blow into the city with a shift in the wind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-smoke-blows-into-australias-capital-as-fire-threat-eases-278276">Read more</a>

Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations

Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in&nbsp;Kenya,&nbsp;according to the&nbsp;United Nations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-spray-planes-can-counter-worst-locust-outbreak-in-eastern-africa-united-nations-278328">Read more</a>

Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report

A Chinese doctor named&nbsp;had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Read more</a>

'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks

Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will lay&nbsp;out&nbsp;his negotiating&nbsp;terms&nbsp;for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-prosper-prime-minister-johnson-sets-out-tough-terms-for-eu-talks-278292">Read more</a>

Palestinians should come to the table and negotiate: Kushner on Middle East peace plan

Jared Kushner,&nbsp;said that if Palestinians are unable to meet the conditions then&nbsp;the US wouldn't be able to get "Israel to take the risk to recognize them as a state." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-should-come-to-the-table-and-negotiate-kushner-on-middle-east-peace-plan-278319">Read more</a>

NFL Super Bowl: After leading Chiefs to Super Bowl win, the future belongs to Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought with its win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL's 100th season. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-super-bowl-after-leading-chiefs-to-super-bowl-win-the-future-belongs-to-mahomes-278338">Read more</a>

Today is National Sickie Day: 8.6 million claimed sick days last year due to 'painful' jobs

A recent survey suggested that 8.6 million people claimed sick days last year because they thought their jobs were ''too painful''. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/today-is-national-sickie-day-86-million-claimed-sick-days-last-year-due-to-painful-jobs-278223">Read more&nbsp;</a>

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile, Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday.

The total number of coronavirus infections surpassed 17,000 nationwide in China with the fatalities now exceeding the SARS outbreak-related deaths in 2002-2003. Meanwhile, Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday. Here are the top ten stories of the day. Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines The death toll from China's coronavirus epidemic jumped to 361 on Monday as authorities continued to grapple with the virus. Read more Turkey and Syrian regime engage in deadly flare-up Turkish and Syrian troops traded deadly fire in Syria's northwest on Monday. Read more Social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Tiktok are taking steps to address false information about the deadly coronavirus on them. Read more Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases Bushfires eased near Australia's capital, Canberra, on Monday, as temperatures dipped, but officials warned heavy smoke was set to blow into the city with a shift in the wind. Read more Spray planes can counter worst locust outbreak in eastern Africa: United Nations Small planes that can spray pesticides are the only effective way to combat the worst locusts outbreak in 70 years in Kenya, according to the United Nations. Read more Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report A Chinese doctor named had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. Read more 'Britain will prosper': Prime Minister Johnson sets out tough terms for EU talks Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lay out his negotiating terms for talks with the European Union on Monday, saying Britain will prosper even if he cannot strike his preferred trade deal. Read more Palestinians should come to the table and negotiate: Kushner on Middle East peace plan Jared Kushner, said that if Palestinians are unable to meet the conditions then the US wouldn't be able to get "Israel to take the risk to recognize them as a state." Read more NFL Super Bowl: After leading Chiefs to Super Bowl win, the future belongs to Mahomes The Kansas City Chiefs ended a 50-year Super Bowl drought with its win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFL's 100th season. Read more Today is National Sickie Day: 8.6 million claimed sick days last year due to 'painful' jobs A recent survey suggested that 8.6 million people claimed sick days last year because they thought their jobs were ''too painful''. Read more

Top 10 world news: Coronavirus outbreak, deadly flare-up between Turkey and Syria, NFL Superbowl and more

Thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-some-eu-countries-are-struggling-to-relocate-migrants-265965">migrants facing the perilous journey</a> from Turkey to the Aegean islands on Europe’s periphery are now supposed to face another obstacle as the Greek government announced that it will build a floating barrier to deter them. The centre-right administration revealed the project to deny entry to undocumented migrants accessing the country.

Erected off the island of Lesbos, the bulwark of the 2.7km-long netted barrier will rise from pylons 50 metres above the water and will be equipped with flashing lights to demarcate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-as-storm-front-batters-greece-264668">Greece’s sea borders</a>. “In Evros, natural barriers had relative [good] results in containing flows,” stated Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, referring to the barbed-wire topped fence that Greece built along its northern land border with Turkey in 2012 to deter asylum seekers.

The plan was ridiculed the world over, and Amnesty International warned that it would enhance the dangers asylum-seekers and refugees encountered as they attempted to seek safety. “The plan raises serious issues about rescuers’ ability to continue providing life-saving assistance to people attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Lesbos. The government must urgently clarify the operational details and necessary safeguards to ensure that this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-with-influx-greece-to-shut-down-three-refugee-camps-263414">system does not cost further lives</a>,” said Massimo Moratti, Research Director for Europe, Amnesty International.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twelve-dead-21-rescued-as-migrant-boat-sinks-off-greek-island-273697">Twelve dead, 21 rescued as migrant boat sinks off Greek island</a>

Calling this a "stupid idea" and adding that it was bound to be ineffective was Greece’s former migration minister, Dimitris Vitsas. “It’s not going to stop anybody making the journey,” he added. Human traffickers along Turkey’s western coast target Greece's outlying Aegean isles with renewed vigour, leading to a huge uptick in arrivals of refugees and migrants than any other part of Europe. Outposts designed to hold a maximum of 5,400 people are housing more than 44,000.

Greece fears a further surge in arrivals in the spring amid mounting tensions with Turkey over energy resources in the Mediterranean, despite numbers dropping radically since the EU struck a landmark accord with Ankara to curb the flows in March 2016.&nbsp;Blame for this humanitarian catastrophe has been thrown at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister for exploiting the refugee drama as political leverage in dealings with Athens and the EU.

As Idlib, Syria's last opposition holdout falls, Greek officials fear that the number of arrivals will rise further. Recent attacks from regime forces are gradually becoming more and more frequent. It is hoped that the barrier is functional by April, with the Greek Defence Ministry asking private contractors to submit offers.

Officials have guaranteed that the project will be completed by the military and will cost approximately €500,000 and has reassured the masses that it will be done by “non-military specifications” to ensure international maritime standards. More parts will be added to the 15-kilometre fence if the initial pilot is deemed successful.

Thousands of migrants facing the perilous journey from Turkey to the Aegean islands on Europe’s periphery are now supposed to face another obstacle as the Greek government announced that it will build a floating barrier to deter them.

Thousands of migrants facing the perilous journey from Turkey to the Aegean islands on Europe’s periphery are now supposed to face another obstacle as the Greek government announced that it will build a floating barrier to deter them. The centre-right administration revealed the project to deny entry to undocumented migrants accessing the country. Erected off the island of Lesbos, the bulwark of the 2.7km-long netted barrier will rise from pylons 50 metres above the water and will be equipped with flashing lights to demarcate Greece’s sea borders. “In Evros, natural barriers had relative [good] results in containing flows,” stated Greece’s Defence Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, referring to the barbed-wire topped fence that Greece built along its northern land border with Turkey in 2012 to deter asylum seekers. The plan was ridiculed the world over, and Amnesty International warned that it would enhance the dangers asylum-seekers and refugees encountered as they attempted to seek safety. “The plan raises serious issues about rescuers’ ability to continue providing life-saving assistance to people attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Lesbos. The government must urgently clarify the operational details and necessary safeguards to ensure that this system does not cost further lives,” said Massimo Moratti, Research Director for Europe, Amnesty International. Also Read: Twelve dead, 21 rescued as migrant boat sinks off Greek island Calling this a "stupid idea" and adding that it was bound to be ineffective was Greece’s former migration minister, Dimitris Vitsas. “It’s not going to stop anybody making the journey,” he added. Human traffickers along Turkey’s western coast target Greece's outlying Aegean isles with renewed vigour, leading to a huge uptick in arrivals of refugees and migrants than any other part of Europe. Outposts designed to hold a maximum of 5,400 people are housing more than 44,000. Greece fears a further surge in arrivals in the spring amid mounting tensions with Turkey over energy resources in the Mediterranean, despite numbers dropping radically since the EU struck a landmark accord with Ankara to curb the flows in March 2016. Blame for this humanitarian catastrophe has been thrown at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister for exploiting the refugee drama as political leverage in dealings with Athens and the EU. As Idlib, Syria's last opposition holdout falls, Greek officials fear that the number of arrivals will rise further. Recent attacks from regime forces are gradually becoming more and more frequent. It is hoped that the barrier is functional by April, with the Greek Defence Ministry asking private contractors to submit offers. Officials have guaranteed that the project will be completed by the military and will cost approximately €500,000 and has reassured the masses that it will be done by “non-military specifications” to ensure international maritime standards. More parts will be added to the 15-kilometre fence if the initial pilot is deemed successful.

Greek Defence Ministry plans to build sea barrier off Lesbos to deter migrants

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