Amsterdam is plagued by overflowing hordes of tourists and is considering a ban on visitors from cannabis-vending coffee shops, to balance the quality of life for locals and the demands of travellers.

Amsterdam is plagued by overflowing hordes of tourists and is considering a ban on visitors from cannabis-vending coffee shops, to balance the quality of life for locals and the demands of travellers. Young tourists commissioned by Mayor Femke Halsema conducted a survey which revealed that half the respondents chose to visit the Dutch capital because they wanted to experience a cannabis cafe. The survey sought to investigate "what would happen to the willingness of tourists to visit Amsterdam if either the availability or accessibility of one or more of these factors should reduce or disappear," by observing the most popular reasons for visiting Amsterdam. Addressing the ever-increasing flood of tourists has been a consistent issue for Amsterdam, as the famously liberal city strains to deal with a surge in visitors and vulgar vacationists. Approximately 57 per cent of respondents put coffee shops near the top of their list of important reasons for coming to Amsterdam, while 34 per cent indicated they'd come to Amsterdam less often if they weren't able to visit coffee shops. Eleven per cent stated that the sole reason they were visiting is for the cannabis cafe. Halsema, before conducting the survey, sent a letter to councillors and suggested that the city's coffee shops can put "the quality of life in the city centre under pressure." On April 1, 2020, new measures will be in place to regulate group tours of the area and prevent tour groups from passing the red-light windows, touring past 10 pm and idling in "places that are sensitive to pressure" such as narrow bridges or new entryways. Anyone found in violation of the rules would be fined $205.

Amsterdam considers banning tourists from cannabis cafes

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him.

John Bolton, the former National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump, raised concern on Monday about his unpublished book being "suppressed" by the White House and suggested he should be able to respond to the president's tweets about him. “I hope, ultimately, I can get the book published,” Bolton told a Duke University event in North Carolina during his first public remarks since Trump's acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial. “I hope it’s not suppressed.” Asked about the president's criticism of him on Twitter, Bolton said: “He (Trump) tweets, but I can’t talk about it. How fair is that?” For a guy who couldn’t get approved for the Ambassador to the U.N. years ago, couldn’t get approved for anything since, “begged” me for a non Senate approved job, which I gave him despite many saying “Don’t do it, sir,” takes the job, mistakenly says “Libyan Model” on T.V., and.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × ....many more mistakes of judgement, gets fired because frankly, if I listened to him, we would be in World War Six by now, and goes out and IMMEDIATELY writes a nasty & untrue book. All Classified National Security. Who would do this? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2020 × Bolton, 71, left his post in September after disagreements with the president. Trump said he fired him. Bolton said he quit. Also Read: Trump, White House seek to quash Bolton testimony at Senate trial Media outlets reported in October that Bolton, a leading foreign policy hawk, was planning to write a book about his time in the Trump administration. Bolton allegedly described in his manuscript how Trump wanted to continue freezing $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine until officials there helped with investigations into Democratic rival Joe Biden — an allegation that fueled Trump's impeachment. On December 18, the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power and obstructing Congress relating to his actions in Ukraine. Watch: White House blocks Bolton's book, Contains classified information Trump denied wrongdoing and denounced the impeachment process as a sham. The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump largely along party lines on February 5 in only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history. Bolton had refused to cooperate with the House impeachment investigation but said on January 6 he would be willing to testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed to do so. Democrats sought his testimony at the trial, but the chamber voted not to call witnesses. The White House informed Bolton in January that his book manuscript appeared to contain “significant amounts of classified information” and could not be published in its current form. Bolton said during Monday's event that the White House was still doing a pre-publication review of his manuscript.

Bolton hopes his book is not 'suppressed' by White House

Relatives of a seven-year-old girl murdered in Mexico said on Monday the government had failed to protect her despite their pleas, while President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appeared to blame the crime on neo-liberal economics.

Relatives of a seven-year-old girl murdered in Mexico said on Monday the government had failed to protect her despite their pleas, while President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador appeared to blame the crime on neo-liberal economics. Fatima Cecilia Aldrighett went missing on February 11. Her body was discovered over the weekend in a plastic garbage bag in Mexico City's Tlahuac neighbourhood, days after another murder of a young woman triggered angry protests. Sonia Lopez, Aldrighett's aunt, said the girl could have been found alive if authorities had listened to the family. "Fatima is not with us because the protocols were not followed, because the institutions did not give the attention they should have," Lopez said, her voice breaking with emotion as she spoke to reporters. "We will not forget her." Also Read: Murders in Mexico hit record as Lopez Obrador seeks justice system reform Lopez said precious hours were wasted after Aldrighett was reported missing. She also said social services had not heeded calls to help the girl's mother, who has health problems, support her daughter. Mexico City's attorney general and mayor promised justice and offered a $107,000 reward for information. The attorney general, Ernestina Godoy Ramos, said she would review the office's handling of the case. "The full institution has been activated for the investigation," she told reporters. Asked about the girl's death, Lopez Obrador said he was sure authorities would catch the perpetrators, but said punishment alone was not the solution. [ People protest outside the school of seven-year old Fatima Cecilia Aldrighett, who went missing on February 11 and whose body was discovered last weekend inside a plastic garbage bag, in Mexico City (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The bigger challenge, he said, was to purify Mexican society, which he said had "fallen into decline, a progressive degradation that has to do with the neoliberal model." Lopez Obrador regularly blames problems such as corruption, poverty and violence on policies implemented during the era of pro-market policies such as economic liberalization starting in the 1980s. Family members and parents protested on Monday outside Aldrighett's home and her school, where she was seen leaving accompanied by an adult woman last week. #JuticiaParaFatima, or Justice for Fatima, was tweeted 179,000 times and her name was a top global trend. Footage on Twitter showed residents of the girl's neighbourhood pushing and shouting as they held signs demanding justice. The girl's grandfather, Guillermo Anton Godinez, standing outside the family's modest home, said Lopez Obrador could not blame only his predecessors for Mexico's problems. [ Man looks on next to white balloons and flowers at the site where the body of seven-year old Fatima Cecilia Aldrighett was discovered over the weekend inside a plastic garbage bag (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Now he is in charge, he is president... He should show us he is different." Social media users noted other countries with free-market economies do not suffer the levels of gender violence seen in Mexico. Women on Friday daubed the words "femicide state" in blood-red on the door of Mexico's National Palace and demanded justice for 25-year-old Ingrid Escamilla, whose killer skinned her body last week. Lopez Obrador on Monday asked the protesters not to paint the palace, saying his government was working to end the murder of women. Approximately 10 women a day are killed in Mexico and the year 2019, the first of Lopez Obrador's government, set an overall homicide record, according to official data. Victims of femicide increased by 10 per cent in 2019 to over 1,000.

Government accused by Mexican family for daughter's murder in Mexico City

The British monarchy was left ashen-faced on Monday after it emerged that clicking on a link on the Royal Family's website led to a site featuring inappropriate content.

The British monarchy was left ashen-faced on Monday after it emerged that clicking on a link on the Royal Family's website led to a site featuring inappropriate content. The website was supposed to link out to Welsh charity Dolen Cymru, of which Prince Harry is patron, but instead included a link to a Chinese adult website. After meeting members during his gap year placement in Lesotho in 2004 Prince Harry was named royal patron of the organisation in 2007 which introduces professionals from schools and hospitals to each other. See: 5 times members of the British royal family got into legal feuds with media The unfortunate horror has not been addressed by the Palace, though the link has since been corrected to www.waleslesotholink.org. This is not the first time an error on such a scale has been made by palace officials when it comes to an online forum. The birth of the Royal Prince Archie in May 2019 was marked by statements from a royal commentator who suggested that palace aides may have been caught off guard by the arrival of the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Watch: UK Royal family website blunder: Redirected to a porn site The announcement that the 37-year-old Duchess had gone into labour was followed by another one less than an hour later, revealing that she had safely delivered a son. Meanwhile, it took a while for the Buckingham Palace to issue a statement on the joyous occasion as they were seemingly unaware of the birth of another Royal. The official announcement on the website also carried with a humiliating error, when it congratulated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for welcoming a baby boy, when in fact it was the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In a hurry to share photos across all official channels of the newest member of the royal family, social media team of the Palace made a mistake and got Diana's sisters mixed up.

British Royals left ashen-faced after X-rated error on royal website

Though the tech giant Amazon, after much pressure, admitted that conversations recorded by virtual assistant Alexa and transcribed by humans were to check for accuracy and the information is made anonymous beforehand, Robert Frederick revealed that he always turns off his Alexa smart speaker during personal and particularly sensitive conversations.

Though the tech giant Amazon, after much pressure, admitted that conversations recorded by virtual assistant Alexa and transcribed by humans were to check for accuracy and the information is made anonymous beforehand, Robert Frederick revealed that he always turns off his Alexa smart speaker during personal and particularly sensitive conversations. Robert Frederick, a former manager at Amazon Web Services stated in an interview with BBC Panorama that 'whoever owns, collects the data, if you have access to it, and rights to data, then you are king. It's all about the data. Everything,' Amazon has responded to the backlash from this laundering with an opt-out of annotation, affording customers the ability to delete recordings they do not want on the system. Amazon Senior VP for Devices and Services Dave Limp issued a statement guaranteeing that recordings that are kept allow the system to recognise the user's voice easily over time. Ring doorbells from Amazon have also been criticized for the way they utilise data, particularly in supplying video evidence to law enforcement. [ Amazon's Alexa smart speaker (L); Amazon Ring's doorbell cameras (R) (Courtesy: AFP) ] Having spent $840 million to buy the manufacturer, Amazon defended the product by saying that the doorbells "make it convenient to speak to and see whoever is at your front door." Police forces in the US and the UK have been beneficiaries of generous donations of the Amazon Ring doorbells, including Suffolk Constabulary who were given 1,000 units. Ring cameras in the US are being used by Amazon to create digital neighbourhood watch schemes with the help of an app called "Neighbours" where residents can share footage from the cameras. Access to the app's data has also been granted to more than 900 police forces, with permission from residents to have access to camera locations and footage. Dave Limp stated that this was not a marketing ploy to exhibit the product as a surveillance device, but an effort to make the lives of Amazon's customers safer. Also Read: Amazon's slow climate action: Defying company policy, over 300 employees speak out Concerns have been raised by the Government's Surveillance Camera Commissioner for England and Wales, Tony Porter. Responding to BBC Panorama, Porter warned that the introduction of Amazon's Neighbors app to the UK would "change from being community reassurance to a state form of surveillance." "This lays a foundation for a network that quite rightly and properly causes concerns for people that don't want to live in a society that is enmeshed in surveillance," he added. "We could end up in a surveillance state and I don't know anybody that wants to live in a surveillance state," said Porter.

Former Amazon executive says he turns off Alexa when he needs privacy

In a recent interview with South Africa's national broadcaster, former State President Frederik Willem de Klerk was asked to confirm whether apartheid - the legalised discrimination against non-white people - was a crime against humanity.

In a recent interview with South Africa's national broadcaster, former State President Frederik Willem de Klerk was asked to confirm whether apartheid - the legalised discrimination against non-white people - was a crime against humanity. He said that he was "not fully agreeing" with the statement. Klerk has reportedly apologised for his comments to calm a fortnight of increasingly furious debate, as many interpreted his statements to be an attempt to rewrite history and play down the seriousness of apartheid. De Klerk Foundation issued a statement saying that the 83-year-old expressed regret for "the confusion, anger, and hurt" his remarks might have caused. Also Read: South Africa: Struggling 25 years after apartheid A revised statement was issued by the former president acknowledging that it was indeed a crime, and to apologise profusely for his role in it. Following the "Rumba" approach of addressing divisive political issues, de Klerk insisted that apartheid was responsible for relatively few deaths and that it should not be categorized as "genocide" or "crimes against humanity." Having shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela after helping to negotiate an end to apartheid FW de Klerk was a peripheral figure in the country and his polarising comments went under the radar at first. Watch: Anti-apartheid campaigner Winnie Madikizela-Mandela dies at 81 The calm before the storm ended when he attended parliament for President Cyril Ramaphosa's annual State of the Nation Address as a former Head of State. The President was interrupted by members of the opposition, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, who demanded the removal of De Klerk from the chamber. EFF leader Julius Malema stated that De Klerk was "an apartheid apologist with blood on his hands". He reportedly said that they have "a murderer in the House." President Ramaphosa was finally able to begin after 1.5 hours, and the EFF's aggressive delaying tactics were widely condemned by governing ANC and other opposition parties as an ''outrageous, shameful stunt''. [ Former South Africa State President Frederik Willem de Klerk (L), opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader Julius Malema (R) (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Voices, particularly, but not exclusively, of white South Africans called for people to "move on" and to focus on more urgent priorities like fighting corruption, tackling poverty and reviving a stagnant economy. They also suggested that the furore was being deliberately exploited by the ANC and others to shift blame on to the white minority. Under the Zuma administration, spurred on by the EFF political rhetoric in South Africa has become increasingly racialised. "White monopoly capital" and white farmers have frequently been blamed for the country's slow pace of economic transformation. De Klerk's comments have reinforced a wider perception among the masses that many white people have never fully confronted the evils of the past. This is in part, perhaps, because apartheid ended through negotiation rather than a military victory.

Former South African President Klerk says apartheid was not 'genocide' or a 'crime against humanity'

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

Millions&nbsp;quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Read more</a>

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turkey-call-for-russia-to-stop-backing-syrian-atrocities-281103">Read more</a>

99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454

Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">Read more</a>

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from&nbsp;Storm&nbsp;Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-wreaks-havoc-across-united-kingdom-parts-of-france-281173">Read more</a>

UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer

The&nbsp;British government&nbsp;will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-invest-16-billion-in-weather-and-climate-supercomputer-281035">Read more</a>

Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor

Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern&nbsp;Burkina Faso. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-four-killed-in-burkina-faso-church-attack-governor-281154">Read more</a>

14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations

Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of&nbsp;Cameroon, according to the&nbsp;United Nations. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-children-among-up-to-22-dead-in-cameroon-massacre-united-nations-281151">Read more</a>

United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant

The&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-arab-emirates-issues-operating-licence-for-arab-worlds-first-nuclear-plant-281148">Read more</a>

Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations

UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-libya-arms-embargo-has-become-a-joke-un-281003">Read more</a>

Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week

Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pole-vaulting-wonder-boy-armand-duplantis-breaks-his-world-record-within-a-week-281080">Read more</a>

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities.

China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have asked Russia to stopped backing Syrian atrocities. Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 China reported 105 new deaths on Monday as the death toll rose to 1,770 due to coronavirus. Read more President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities' In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump asked Russia to stop backing Syrian atrocities. Read more 99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454 Nearly 99 more people on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus. Read more Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from Storm Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. Read more UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer The British government will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. Read more Twenty-four killed in Burkina Faso church attack: Governor Gunmen have killed 24 people and wounded 18 in an attack on a Protestant church in a village in northern Burkina Faso. Read more 14 children among up to 22 dead in Cameroon massacre: United Nations Armed men have massacred 22 villagers including 14 children in an anglophone region of Cameroon, according to the United Nations. Read more United Arab Emirates issues operating licence for Arab world's first nuclear plant The United Arab Emirates has issued an operating licence for the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. Read more Libya arms embargo has become a joke: United Nations UN Deputy Special Representative to Libya Stephanie Williams said that arms embargo has become a joke in Libya as the world body called members to "step up". Read more Pole vault wonder boy Armand Duplantis breaks own world record within a week Pole vault's new wonder boy Armand Duplantis is back in the news for breaking his world record within a week. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll rises, US and Turkey call out Russia on Syria

Online content should be regulated with a system somewhere between the existing rules used for the telecoms and media industries, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told global leaders and security chiefs on Saturday.

Online content should be regulated with a system somewhere between the existing rules used for the telecoms and media industries, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told global leaders and security chiefs on Saturday. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Zuckerberg said Facebook had improved its work countering online election interference, and expanded on his previous calls for regulation of social media firms. "I do think that there should be regulation on harmful content. There's a question about which framework you use for this," Zuckerberg said during a question and answer session. Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg defends Facebook's hands-off policy for politicians "Right now there are two frameworks that I think people have for existing industries - there's like newspapers and existing media, and then there's the telco-type model, which is 'the data just flows through you', but you're not going to hold a telco responsible if someone says something harmful on a phone line." [ Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg attends the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "I think where we should be is somewhere in between," he said. Facebook and social media giants including Twitter and Alphabet's Google have come under increasing pressure to better combat governments and political groups using their platforms to spread false and misleading information. Zuckerberg said he now employed 35,000 people to review online content and implement security measures. Those teams and Facebook's automated technology currently suspend more than 1 million fake accounts each day, he said, adding that "the vast majority are detected within minutes of signing up." "Our budget is bigger today than the whole revenue of the company when we went public in 2012 when we had a billion users. I'm proud of the results but we will have to stay vigilant," he said.

Zuckerberg asks Facebook to be treated "'like something between a telco and a newspaper"

The number of new cases of a coronavirus in China fell slightly, more than three weeks after the outbreak's epicentre was locked down, and a Chinese tourist died from the virus in France, the first fatality in Europe.

The number of new cases of a coronavirus in China fell slightly, more than three weeks after the outbreak's epicentre was locked down, and a Chinese tourist died from the virus in France, the first fatality in Europe. The coronavirus, thought to have emerged at a wildlife market in the central Chinese province of Hubei, has presented the ruling Communist Party with the huge challenge of halting its spread while at the same time minimising damage to the world's second-largest economy. Beijing's latest figures showed 68,500 cases of the illness and 1,665 deaths, most of them in Hubei. The National Health Commission on Sunday reported 2,009 new cases, down from 2,641 the previous day, and 142 new deaths, just one lower than the 143 the previous day. All but four of the new deaths were in Hubei. Also Read: France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500 The province and its capital, Wuhan, have been virtually sealed off and locked down since January 23, with schools, offices and factories shut and most travel suspended. The virus is believed to have an incubation period of 14 days which would appear to indicate it has been spreading since the lockdown was imposed. "China should strengthen the unified leadership of efforts to control the epidemic," President Xi Jinping said in comments reported by the Xinhua news agency. Outside mainland China, there have been about 500 cases in some two dozen countries and territories, with four deaths - in Japan, Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, the Philippines and now France. In the French case, an 80-year-old Chinese man died at a Paris hospital of lung infection due to the flu-like virus, authorities said on Saturday. "We have to get our health system ready to face a possible pandemic propagation of the virus, and therefore the spreading of the virus across France," said Health Minister Agnes Buzyn. Robin Thompson, an expert in mathematical epidemiology at Britain's University of Oxford, said that with nearly 50 cases in Europe, death was not surprising. "The most important thing to point out, however, is that there still hasn't been sustained person-to-person transmission in Europe," he said. [ Statues with face masks in Wuhan, the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Hubei province, China (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Lack of urgency After an extended Lunar New Year holiday, China urgently needs to get back to work. But some cities remain in lockdown, streets are deserted, employees are nervous, and travel bans and quarantine orders are in place around the country. Those returning to Beijing from the holiday have been ordered to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus. Many factories are yet to re-open, disrupting supply chains in China and beyond for everyone from smartphone makers to car manufacturers. While there has been some hope expressed this week that the disease may be peaking in China, numbers keep rising and a trend has been hard to discern, especially after a reclassification that widened the definition of cases. World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was impossible to tell where the epidemic will spread. "We are concerned by the continued increase in the number of cases in China," Tedros told the Munich Security Conference in Germany. "We are concerned by the lack of urgency in finding the response from the international community. Most of all, we are concerned about the potential havoc this virus could wreak in countries with weaker health systems," he added. Also WHO defends China's handling of coronavirus as death toll rises to 1,665 Knocking growth The biggest cluster outside China has been on a cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, quarantined off Japan's Yokohama, with 70 more cases reported on Sunday. That took the total out of about 3,700 passengers and crew onboard to 355. Those testing positive are sent to the hospital. The United States said on Saturday it plans to send an aircraft to pick up American passengers and take them back home where they face another two weeks of isolation "out of an abundance of caution". Hong Kong said it planned to do the same for some 330 of its residents, while Canada said it too would send a plane for its citizens on the vessel. Another cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, finally docked in Cambodia on Thursday after being rejected by ports in several other countries and territories. The ship was believed to be free of the virus but an 83-year-old American woman from it tested positive on landing in Malaysia, health authorities there said. The sickness, now officially labelled Covid-19, has killed about 2 per cent of those infected. Cases have spread faster than other respiratory viruses this century. The economic ripple effects go far beyond China. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the coronavirus might knock two- to three-tenths of a per cent of US growth in the first quarter. The sporting world has suffered too. In the latest disruption, Chinese gymnasts were forced to cancel attendance at next week's World Cup in Melbourne because of Australian travel curbs.

Chinese tourist dies in France as coronavirus cases show slight decline

Iran will never yield to America's pressure for talks, says President Rouhani

Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-yield-to-americas-pressure-for-talks-says-president-rouhani-280967">Read more</a>

Coronavirus outbreak: China reports drop in cases for third consecutive day as toll passes 1,600

The number of new cases from China's coronavirus epidemic dropped for a third consecutive day on Sunday, as the World Health Organisation chief warned it was "impossible" to predict how the outbreak would develop.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-china-reports-drop-in-cases-for-third-consecutive-day-as-toll-passes-1600-280937">Read more</a>

Sri Lanka calls on US to reconsider barring army chief

Sri Lanka on Sunday said the US should reconsider its decision to refuse entry to the island's army chief over his alleged war crimes and warned that relations were being "unnecessarily complicated".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-calls-on-us-to-reconsider-barring-army-chief-280963">Read more</a>

UK issues rare 'danger to life' warning over Storm Dennis

Storm Dennis swept across Britain on Sunday with the army drafted in to help deal with heavy flooding and high winds, officials warning it could be "life-threatening" in South Wales.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">Read more</a>

Pakistan's fate hangs in the balance as FATF plenary kicks off today in Paris&nbsp;

Pakistan's fate hangs in balance as crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary begins in Paris later today. The plenary will decide whether Pakistan stays in or out of the 'Grey List'.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-as-fatf-plenary-starts-today-in-paris-280888">Read more</a>

Virus spreads on ship in Japan, American passengers set to disembark

Hundreds of passengers were preparing to be evacuated from a cruise ship on Sunday after spending two weeks under quarantine off Japan over the coronavirus, with Americans expected to begin flying home on chartered planes as soon as Sunday evening.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-spreads-on-ship-in-japan-american-passengers-set-to-disembark-280966">Read more</a>

'Happy I can choose': New era sees Saudi women light up in public

Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-happy-i-can-choose-new-era-sees-saudi-women-light-up-in-public-280946">Read more</a>

Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-rocket-attack-hits-near-us-embassy-in-iraq-capital-militaries-280932">Read more</a>

Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-erdogan-says-russia-managing-libya-war-at-highest-level-280933">Read more</a>

NBA loses 'hundreds of millions' in China over Hong Kong tweet

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday the league expects to lose "several hundred million dollars" due to a row with China over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/latest-sports-news-nba-loses-hundreds-of-millions-in-china-over-hong-kong-tweet-280931">Read more</a>

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Iran will never yield to America's pressure for talks, says President Rouhani Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East.

Iran will never yield to America's pressure for talks, says President Rouhani Iran will never hold talks with its longtime foe, the United States, under pressure, President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised news conference on Sunday, adding that Tehran's help was essential to establish security in the Middle East. Read more Coronavirus outbreak: China reports drop in cases for third consecutive day as toll passes 1,600 The number of new cases from China's coronavirus epidemic dropped for a third consecutive day on Sunday, as the World Health Organisation chief warned it was "impossible" to predict how the outbreak would develop. Read more Sri Lanka calls on US to reconsider barring army chief Sri Lanka on Sunday said the US should reconsider its decision to refuse entry to the island's army chief over his alleged war crimes and warned that relations were being "unnecessarily complicated". Read more UK issues rare 'danger to life' warning over Storm Dennis Storm Dennis swept across Britain on Sunday with the army drafted in to help deal with heavy flooding and high winds, officials warning it could be "life-threatening" in South Wales. Read more Pakistan's fate hangs in the balance as FATF plenary kicks off today in Paris Pakistan's fate hangs in balance as crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary begins in Paris later today. The plenary will decide whether Pakistan stays in or out of the 'Grey List'. Read more Virus spreads on ship in Japan, American passengers set to disembark Hundreds of passengers were preparing to be evacuated from a cruise ship on Sunday after spending two weeks under quarantine off Japan over the coronavirus, with Americans expected to begin flying home on chartered planes as soon as Sunday evening. Read more 'Happy I can choose': New era sees Saudi women light up in public Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation. Read more Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. Read more Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount. Read more NBA loses 'hundreds of millions' in China over Hong Kong tweet NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Saturday the league expects to lose "several hundred million dollars" due to a row with China over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak, Iran warns US, and more

Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation.

Like Western feminists of the early 20th century, in an era of social change in Saudi Arabia some women are embracing cigarettes, shisha pipes or vaping as a symbol of emancipation. The sight of women smoking in public has become much more common in recent months, an unthinkable prospect before the introduction of sweeping reforms in the ultra-conservative kingdom. The kingdom's ambitious de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has rolled out an array of economic and social innovations to project a moderate, business-friendly image. Watch: Saudi Arabia arrests 200 people for violating 'public decency' Women are now allowed to drive, attend public sporting events and concerts, or obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian. Rima, who started smoking two years ago, dismisses concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco but is worried her family will find out. She says she is prepared for a showdown. "I won't tell them that this is about my liberty, because they won't understand that women are free to smoke like men," said Rima, dressed in a traditional black abaya with gold embroidery matching the hijab that covered her hair. Najla, 26, who like Rima asked to use a pseudonym, said that despite the rapid social changes, double standards still existed and that it was still considered a "scandal and disgrace" if women smoked. The only woman lighting up amid several tables of male smokers, she said she intended to "challenge society" and ignore the occasional dirty looks. "My rights will be fully respected when my family accepts me as a smoker," she said, recalling that a friend was sent to an addiction clinic when her parents found out about her smoking. Najla started smoking while still a school student and, like her, up to 65 per cent of female Saudi high schoolers light up secretly, according to a 2015 study by the medical faculty at King Abdulaziz University cited by Arab News. Everything is allowed Despite the limitations, in a country where until just a few years ago religious police would chase and hit women for infractions like wearing nail polish or allowing a strand of hair to escape from their hijab, the changes have been head-spinning. "Most of our women clients order shisha. It was unimaginable just three months ago," a Lebanese waiter stated. Heba, a 36-year-old longtime smoker who sat at a table nearby, described growing up in a closed country where "everything was forbidden to women". "Now, everything is allowed. Women venture out without hijab, without abaya and they even smoke publicly." But even as the kingdom has introduced reforms, it has attracted condemnation for a heavy-handed crackdown on dissidents including intellectuals, clerics and female activists. In 2018, authorities arrested at least a dozen women activists just before the historic lifting of the decades-long ban on female motorists. Many of the detained have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi authorities reject the accusations. "There is no doubt that at the persona level there is more freedom," said Walid al-Hathloul, whose sister Loujain is on trial over allegations of having contacts with foreign media and diplomats. "The arrest and demonisation of women activists is proof of this - it's designed so that the reforms will not be credited to the activists."

'Happy I can choose': New era sees Saudi women light up in public

Storm Dennis swept across Britain on Sunday with the army drafted in to help deal with heavy flooding and high winds, officials warning it could be "life-threatening" in South Wales.

The government weather agency issued a rare red warning for the area, saying there was a risk of "significant impacts from flooding" that included a "danger to life from fast-flowing water, extensive flooding to property and road closures".

Almost 200 flood warnings were in place early on Sunday, extending from Scotland's River Tweed to Cornwall in southwest England. Winds of over 90 miles per hour (150 kilometres per hour) were recorded in Aberdaron, south Wales.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier deployed troops in West Yorkshire, northern England, which suffered badly from flooding caused by last weekend's Storm Ciara.

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidwi5wJZ2yvJ9K" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/storm-dennis-wreaks-havoc-in-uk-280889" target="_blank">Storm Dennis wreaks havoc in UK</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/storm-dennis-wreaks-havoc-in-uk-280889/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our armed forces are always ready to support local authorities and communities whenever they need it," said defence minister Ben Wallace.

British Airways and EasyJet confirmed they had grounded flights, while two bodies were pulled from rough seas off the south England coast on Saturday as the storm barrelled in.

One of the men is assumed to have been the subject of a search triggered when an LPG tanker reported that one of its crew was unaccounted for.

He was last seen several hours earlier.

Storm Dennis swept across Britain on Sunday with the army drafted in to help deal with heavy flooding and high winds, officials warning it could be "life-threatening" in South Wales.

Storm Dennis swept across Britain on Sunday with the army drafted in to help deal with heavy flooding and high winds, officials warning it could be "life-threatening" in South Wales. The government weather agency issued a rare red warning for the area, saying there was a risk of "significant impacts from flooding" that included a "danger to life from fast-flowing water, extensive flooding to property and road closures". Almost 200 flood warnings were in place early on Sunday, extending from Scotland's River Tweed to Cornwall in southwest England. Winds of over 90 miles per hour (150 kilometres per hour) were recorded in Aberdaron, south Wales. The Ministry of Defence had earlier deployed troops in West Yorkshire, northern England, which suffered badly from flooding caused by last weekend's Storm Ciara. Watch: Storm Dennis wreaks havoc in UK "Our armed forces are always ready to support local authorities and communities whenever they need it," said defence minister Ben Wallace. British Airways and EasyJet confirmed they had grounded flights, while two bodies were pulled from rough seas off the south England coast on Saturday as the storm barrelled in. One of the men is assumed to have been the subject of a search triggered when an LPG tanker reported that one of its crew was unaccounted for. He was last seen several hours earlier.

UK issues rare 'danger to life' warning over Storm Dennis

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone.

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone... No casualties" said coalition spokesman Myles Caggins. That base, known as Union III, is the headquarters for the US-led coalition, deployed in Iraq since 2014 to help local troops fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Also Read: Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated Iraq's military said three Katyusha rockets hit inside the Green Zone, the high-security enclave where the US mission and Union III are located, as well as Iraqi government buildings, United Nations offices and other embassies. A fourth rocket hit a logistics base in a different neighbourhood operated by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network officially incorporated into the Iraqi state, the Iraqi military said. There was no immediate statement from the Hashed. Strikes on assets of both the US and Hashed at the same time are unusual, as Washington has blamed hardline elements within the military network for repeated rocket attacks on American installations across Iraq. Sunday's was the 19th attack since October to target either the embassy or the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed alongside local forces across Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for any of the incidents. In late December, a rocket attack on the northern Iraqi base of K1 left one US contractor dead and unleashed a dramatic series of events. Watch: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked Washington responded with retaliatory strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline Hashed faction in western Iraq. Days later, an American drone strike in Baghdad killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man, Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Hashed factions have vowed revenge for the pair's death but said they would prioritise a political objective first: the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. But the network includes a broad range of groups and some have appeared more willing to harass US troops militarily. Sunday's attack came just hours after one of the Hashed's Iran-backed factions, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced a "countdown" to ousting American forces from the country. A top leader within Nujaba, Nasr al-Shammary, tweeted a photograph of what he claimed was an American military vehicle, adding: "We are closer than you think." Sunday's assault reportedly sent warning sirens blaring across the diplomatic compound. Multiple strong explosions followed by aircraft circling near the Green Zone were reported.

Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of managing the Libyan conflict "at the highest level", local media reported Saturday, as Ankara-Moscow tensions mount. "Russia is managing the war there right now at the highest level," Erdogan said, according to the Hurriyet daily. Turkey and Russia are currently engaged in a war of words over Syria where the two countries support opposing sides. Likewise in Libya, Ankara supports the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli while Russia backs military strongman Khalifa Haftar. Watch: 'Turkey will make Syria to pay heavy price' vows Erdogan The president has repeated the accusation that Russian security company Wagner is supporting Haftar despite Moscow's denials. "They are presently managing Wagner," Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board his plane after a visit to Pakistan this week. "Yet they still stand up and say, 'there's no link'," he added. The Wagner Group is a shadowy private security firm and thousands of its security contractors are believed to be in foreign conflicts from Syria to Ukraine to the Central African Republic. Also Read: Erdogan battles on multiple fronts in risky regional power bid Erdogan insisted Turkey would continue to support the GNA as part of a security deal signed late last year. He also hit out at the West over backing Haftar without directly naming any country. "The West still supports this man.... (He) is given arms, ammunition and money." Earlier on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticised the "very dangerous" meddling by some Gulf countries during the Munich Security Conference. "Those countries believe that democracy in one Arab country or the region is the biggest threat for their own regime," the top Turkish diplomat added.

Turkey President Erdogan says Russia managing Libya war 'at highest level'

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday criticized the conduct of online supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, saying his rival for the Democratic nomination for president has "some accountability.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday criticized the conduct of online supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, saying his rival for the Democratic nomination for president has "some accountability." Biden, in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," waded into a spat between Sanders supporters and leaders of The Culinary Union, a powerful labour group in Nevada that has been critical of the senator's healthcare proposals. Nevada holds the next nominating contest in the Democratic presidential primary. "He may not be responsible for it but he has some accountability," Biden said in the interview that will air on Sunday morning. Also Read: Trump mocks 'communist' Bernie and 'Sleepy Joe' before Iowa "If any of my supporters did that, I'd disown them. Flat disown them. The stuff that was said online, the way they threatened these two women who are leaders in that Culinary Union. It is outrageous." Biden has watched his standing in opinion polls slide as Sanders has risen to secure front-runner status. The Culinary Workers Union said supporters of Sanders "viciously" attacked the organization via Twitter, text, voicemail and direct messaging after the union criticized the senator's universal healthcare plan on Tuesday. [ Democratic 2020 US presidential candidate and former US vice president Joe Biden at a campaign event (Courtesy: Reuters ] Sanders, in turn, called for an end to all online harassment but stopped short of acknowledging that the attacks were coming from his supporters. Instead, Sanders suggested in an interview on "PBS NewsHour" on Thursday that the attacks might be coming from people posing as his supporters. "And I'm not so sure, to be honest with you, that they are necessarily part of our movement," Sanders said.

'Disown them:' Biden criticizes Sanders for supporters' online attacks

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement accused the Saudi-led coalition of carrying out retaliatory airstrikes on Saturday that killed at least 30 people including civilians, in the latest flare-up of a five-year war.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement accused the Saudi-led coalition of carrying out retaliatory airstrikes on Saturday that killed at least 30 people including civilians, in the latest flare-up of a five-year war. The United Nations office in Yemen said preliminary field reports indicated that "as many as 31 civilians were killed and 12 others injured in strikes that hit Al-Hajah area" in Al-Jawf province. The health ministry in Houthi-controlled Al-Jawf province said women and children were among those killed, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported. It followed a Houthi claim to have downed a coalition Tornado warplane in the area on Friday. [ Civilians gathering around the wreckage for inspection in Yemen (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Drone shot down in Yemen, Houthi group responsible: US officials But the Saudi-led coalition's spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said only that a Tornado jet had crashed in Al-Jawf, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported on Saturday. Maliki later said that rescue operations had been launched and that the possibility of "collateral damages" has been reported, without providing more details. Maliki said the crew of two officers ejected from the plane before it crashed but the Houthis opened fire at them. | [ Civilians gather at crash site to inspect the wreckage (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The office of the UN resident coordinator in Yemen said in a statement that humanitarian partners have deployed rapid response teams for the victims, many of whom were being transferred to hospitals in Al-Jawf governorate and Sanaa for treatment. The Saudi-led Sunni Muslim coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. The conflict is widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and its regional foe, Shi’ite Muslim Iran. There was no independent verification of the airstrikes or Tornado downing.

'31 civilians' killed in Yemen's air strikes after Saudi jet crash

Another 70 people on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases from the vessel to 355, Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato said on Sunday.

Another 70 people on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases from the vessel to 355, Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato said on Sunday. The Diamond Princess, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, on Feb. 3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus. The ship, with some 3,700 passengers and crew on board, has the most coronavirus infections outside China. Those testing positive are transferred to Japanese hospitals. Also Read: At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says No one from the ship has died of the virus. "We must anticipate a spread of infections from now and must build medical system and so on to focus efforts to prevent people from becoming gravely ill or dying," Kato said in a programme on state broadcaster NHK. "We will make the people feel at ease by providing information in a timely manner, and continue to forestall measures," he said. The United States, Canada and Hong Kong are sending aircraft to Japan to bring back their citizens on board the ship. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said passengers and crew on board the ship were at high risk of exposure to the virus and it recommended that its citizens get off and take one of the flights home. | [ A passenger wearing a mask stands on the deck of the cruise ship Diamond Princess (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are taking additional steps to assist U.S. citizens," it said. The embassy said all passengers would be screened before being allowed to board the chartered flights and everyone would be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival back in the United States. "No symptomatic or infected passengers will be allowed to board," it said. Clyde Smith, 80, who was evacuated from the ship to a Tokyo hospital after testing positive for the virus told Reuters on Sunday he had not been told if would be allowed on a U.S. evacuation plane. Hong Kong authorities said they were also sending chartered flights to bring Hong Kong residents and Canada has also chartered a plane to repatriate Canadians on the ship, its government said. Latest figures from Beijing on Sunday showed 68,500 cases of the illness and 1,665 deaths, mostly in Hubei province. Japan has had 53 cases of the coronavirus, apart from those on the ship, NHK reported, with one of only four deaths from the virus outside mainland China in Japan. Hong Kong, the Philippines and France have all had single virus deaths.

Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus on Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan

Twitter said on Saturday that an official Twitter account of the Olympics and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) media Twitter account had been hacked and temporarily locked.

Twitter said on Saturday that an official Twitter account of the Olympics and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) media Twitter account had been hacked and temporarily locked. The accounts were hacked through a third-party platform, a spokesperson for the social media platform said in an emailed statement, without giving further details. "As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we locked the compromised accounts and are working closely with our partners to restore them," the Twitter spokesperson said. Also Read: Twitter moves to curb manipulated content including 'deepfakes' A spokesperson for the IOC separately said that the IOC was investigating the potential breach. Last month, the official Twitter accounts of several US National Football League (NFL) teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, were hacked a few days ahead of the Super Bowl. Earlier this month, some of Facebook's official Twitter accounts were briefly compromised.

Twitter says Olympics, IOC accounts hacked

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

France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-confirms-first-coronavirus-death-outside-asia-280816"> Read more</a>

India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir&nbsp;

India criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and asked him to not to interfere in India’s internal affairs and to develop a proper understanding of facts including the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-strong-exception-to-turkish-president-erdogans-comments-on-kashmir-280785">Read more</a>

Australian bushfires extinguished, but climate rows rage on

Australia's "black summer" of devastating bushfires is finally coming to a close, but bitter arguments over how to tackle climate-fuelled disasters are raging on.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-extinguished-but-climate-rows-rage-on-280835">&nbsp;Read more</a>

US defence chief warns of Huawei 5G 'threat' to NATO

Top US officials fired a fresh broadside at Huawei on Saturday, warning the Chinese tech giant posed a threat to NATO if allies allowed it to build new 5G communications networks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-chief-warns-of-huawei-5g-threat-to-nato-280840">Read more</a>

NASA to explore Venus, moons of Jupiter and Neptune next

NASA is going to fund four concept studies for potential robotic missions to Venus, Jupiter’s moon Io and Neptune’s moon Triton under its Discovery Program to investigate how the cosmos came into existence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-to-explore-venus-moons-of-jupiter-and-neptune-next-280844">Read more</a>

Pakistan court orders release of Pashtun rights leader

A Pakistani court Saturday ordered the release of a Pashtun rights leader critical of the military, his lawyer said, weeks after he was arrested on sedition charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-release-of-pashtun-rights-leader-280830">Read more</a>

40 killed in attacks in restive central Mali

Forty people, including nine soldiers, have been killed in a spate of attacks in central Mali, authorities said Friday, with most of the deaths caused by inter-ethnic violence in the deeply troubled region.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/40-killed-in-attacks-in-restive-central-mali-280847">&nbsp;Read more</a>

Irked US squeezes Iraq with cash delays, short waivers

Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irked-us-squeezes-iraq-with-cash-delays-short-waivers-280853">Read more</a>

Airbus 'deeply regrets' US tariff hike from 10% to 15%

The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbus-deeply-regrets-us-tariff-hike-from-10-to-15-280848">Read more</a>

Irked US squeezes Iraq with cash delays, short waivers

Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irked-us-squeezes-iraq-with-cash-delays-short-waivers-280853">Read more</a>

France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500 An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia.

France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500 An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. Read more India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir India criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and asked him to not to interfere in India’s internal affairs and to develop a proper understanding of facts including the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Read more Australian bushfires extinguished, but climate rows rage on Australia's "black summer" of devastating bushfires is finally coming to a close, but bitter arguments over how to tackle climate-fuelled disasters are raging on. Read more US defence chief warns of Huawei 5G 'threat' to NATO Top US officials fired a fresh broadside at Huawei on Saturday, warning the Chinese tech giant posed a threat to NATO if allies allowed it to build new 5G communications networks. Read more NASA to explore Venus, moons of Jupiter and Neptune next NASA is going to fund four concept studies for potential robotic missions to Venus, Jupiter’s moon Io and Neptune’s moon Triton under its Discovery Program to investigate how the cosmos came into existence. Read more Pakistan court orders release of Pashtun rights leader A Pakistani court Saturday ordered the release of a Pashtun rights leader critical of the military, his lawyer said, weeks after he was arrested on sedition charges. Read more 40 killed in attacks in restive central Mali Forty people, including nine soldiers, have been killed in a spate of attacks in central Mali, authorities said Friday, with most of the deaths caused by inter-ethnic violence in the deeply troubled region. Read more Irked US squeezes Iraq with cash delays, short waivers Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers. Read more Airbus 'deeply regrets' US tariff hike from 10% to 15% The United States is increasing tariffs on Airbus planes imported from Europe to 15 per cent, authorities announced, in a move, the aerospace giant said on Saturday was "deeply" regrettable. Read more Irked US squeezes Iraq with cash delays, short waivers Irked by Iraq's close ties to neighbouring Iran, Washington has begun following through on threats to squeeze Baghdad's fragile economy with delays to crucial cash deliveries and shortened sanctions waivers. Read more

Top 10 world news today: France confirms first coronavirus death, Huawei 5G 'threat' to NATO and more

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>
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) <a href="https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1227203687757631489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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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

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, Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana 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>
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) <a href="https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1227203687757631489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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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.

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.

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 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.

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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;

"...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.” 
&nbsp;

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. 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.”

Buttigieg's 'Raise the Roof' dance move goes viral

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According to a report, the couple closed their UK office and asked their staff to leave way back in January soon after they decided to quit the royal family.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle-meghan-markle-prince-harry-fire-all-their-staff-in-uk-280692">READ MORE</a>

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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.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-non-profit-organization-ruins-trafficking-industry-with-sex-worker-chatbots-to-deter-potential-buyers-and-victims-280681">READ MORE</a>

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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

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial.

Three US senators will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday, seeking to reinforce the importance of his country as a strategic US ally after he found himself at the centre of President Donald Trump's acrimonious impeachment trial. "The US-Ukraine relationship is as important now as ever," Republican Senators Ron Johnson and John Barrasso and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in a statement on Wednesday announcing their trip. "The future of Ukraine matters to the United States and we must make sure Ukraine knows that we view them as a strategic ally," they said. Also Read: Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses Johnson and Murphy last met with Zelenskiy in Kyiv on September 5, as his government was dealing with Trump's decision to freeze nearly $400 million (£308.43 million) in security assistance. Murphy told reporters at a news conference in Washington with Johnson on September 10 that Ukrainian officials did not have a full understanding of why the money might be withheld, and that they had brought up the issue in every meeting during their trip. That decision, and Trump's telephone call with the Ukrainian leader to discuss it, became central to an investigation of Trump that led to his impeachment by the Democratic-led House of Representatives late last year. Also See: Winners and losers from impeachment and acquittal of Donald Trump The Republican-led Senate acquitted Trump last week. His defence argued that the money had been withheld because of corruption in Ukraine, not to put pressure on Zelenskiy. Trump insisted his call with Zelenskiy had been "perfect." Democratic impeachment managers contended that Trump withheld the money to put pressure on Zelenskiy to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic rival to Trump as he seeks re-election this year, and Biden's son, Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian company. Johnson is chairman, and Barrasso and Murphy are members, of a Senate subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

US Senators plan on visiting Ukraine after Trump impeachment trial

Japan will allow a few aged travellers on a quarantined cruise liner who test negative for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-death-toll-crosses-800-china-allocates-1026-billion-to-fight-the-outbreak-279604">new coronavirus</a> to debark ahead of schedule, the Health Minister said as another 44 new cases were confirmed aboard the Diamond Princess.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said elderly passengers who have pre-existing conditions or are in windowless rooms would be allowed to leave starting from Friday, rather than the originally targeted date of February&nbsp;19, and complete their quarantine ashore.

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-the-coronavirus-breeches-asian-megacities-279050">number of those infected</a> on the cruise ship now up to 218, concerns have been raised about conditions on the ship, where about 3,500 people remain on board.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says</a>

The liner was quarantined on arrival in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on February&nbsp;3 after a man who disembarked from the liner in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus that has now killed more than 1,350 in mainland China.

About <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">80 per cent of the ship</a> passengers were aged 60 or over, with 215 in their 80s and 11 in their 90s, according to Japanese media. The ship typically has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670.

"We will make every effort to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the people," Kato told a televised news conference, without confirming the number of passengers who may leave ahead of schedule.

<img alt="Infected Passengers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1113a76-b957-48a0-8270-01b29acb8a96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2833%29_3.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Passengers look out on the balcony of a cabin on the cruise ship Diamond Princess&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The minister said those who fit the criteria and wished to disembark would be housed in unspecified facilities provided by the Japanese government. Those who had been in close contact with persons who tested positive would not be allowed to leave the ship, he said.

The British-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world's largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp. 
Kyodo news agency said the additional 44 cases included 43 passengers and one crew member, with the total number of confirmed cases in Japan rising to 247, including those infected on the Diamond Princess. 
&nbsp;

Japan will allow a few aged travellers on a quarantined cruise liner who test negative for the new coronavirus to debark ahead of schedule, the Health Minister said as another 44 new cases were confirmed aboard the Diamond Princess.

Japan will allow a few aged travellers on a quarantined cruise liner who test negative for the new coronavirus to debark ahead of schedule, the Health Minister said as another 44 new cases were confirmed aboard the Diamond Princess. Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said elderly passengers who have pre-existing conditions or are in windowless rooms would be allowed to leave starting from Friday, rather than the originally targeted date of February 19, and complete their quarantine ashore. With the number of those infected on the cruise ship now up to 218, concerns have been raised about conditions on the ship, where about 3,500 people remain on board. Also Read: At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says The liner was quarantined on arrival in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on February 3 after a man who disembarked from the liner in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus that has now killed more than 1,350 in mainland China. About 80 per cent of the ship passengers were aged 60 or over, with 215 in their 80s and 11 in their 90s, according to Japanese media. The ship typically has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670. "We will make every effort to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the people," Kato told a televised news conference, without confirming the number of passengers who may leave ahead of schedule. [ Passengers look out on the balcony of a cabin on the cruise ship Diamond Princess (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The minister said those who fit the criteria and wished to disembark would be housed in unspecified facilities provided by the Japanese government. Those who had been in close contact with persons who tested positive would not be allowed to leave the ship, he said. The British-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world's largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp. Kyodo news agency said the additional 44 cases included 43 passengers and one crew member, with the total number of confirmed cases in Japan rising to 247, including those infected on the Diamond Princess.

Japan allows elderly to leave cruise liner after 44 new cases confirmed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551">Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus</a>

Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-first-death-due-to-coronavirus-280551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears</a> 
 
United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545">Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims</a>

Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-agrees-to-compensate-families-of-uss-cole-victims-280545" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540">Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities</a>

Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-disabled-lawmakers-fight-to-end-the-invisibility-of-people-with-disabilities-280540" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532">Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts</a>

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-caution-advisory-issued-as-mount-merapi-erupts-280532" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523">How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries</a>

Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-young-saudis-are-sowing-seeds-of-love-amid-conservative-boundaries-280523" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521">Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive</a>

Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-crowns-112-year-old-japanese-man-named-oldest-man-alive-280521" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a>

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477">Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido</a>

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-sanctions-against-the-maduro-regime-defended-by-venezuelas-president-guaido-280477" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read More</a>

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Japan confirms first death due to coronavirus Japan on Thursday confirmed its first coronavirus death, country's health minister announced on Thursday. Read More United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears United Airlines issued a statement saying that it will extend cancellations of all US flights to China through late April due to the coronavirus epidemic. Read More Sudan agrees to compensate families of USS Cole victims Sudan has agreed to compensate the families of sailors killed in an al Qaeda attack on the USS Cole warship 20 years ago. Read More Japan's disabled lawmakers fight to end the invisibility of people with disabilities Yasuhiko Funago is Japan's first lawmaker with a severe neurological disease that impairs his ability to speak. Read More Indonesia: Caution advisory issued as Mount Merapi erupts Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted Thursday as fiery red molten lava streamed down from the crater and it belched clouds of grey ash 2,000 metres into the sky. Read More How young Saudis are sowing seeds of love amid conservative boundaries Saudi Arabia is not just known for its lavish lifestyle but of rigid laws where once clampdown on something as trivial as selling roses was common. There was a time when relationships outside marriage in the country were seen as asking for a death wish. Read More Guinness world record crowns 112-year-old Japanese man oldest man alive Japan's 112-year-old Chitetsu Watanabe has been crowned the world's oldest male. Read More Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus China's novel coronavirus has adversely affected sporting events in China. The latest victim is the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix. Read More US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. Read More Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Read More

Top 10 world news today: China Flight Ban, COVID-19 death in Japan and more

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

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly&nbsp;killed one civilian.

The incident serves to highlight the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-backed-syrian-forces-gain-ground-in-idlib-269853">complex situation in Syria</a>, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes.

TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-do-it-trump-warns-russia-syria-iran-against-killing-civilians-in-idlib-270437">Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib</a>

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-30-dead-as-russia-syria-regime-press-idlib-assault-279858">contact with hostile forces</a>, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region.

Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of&nbsp;Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian.

US warplanes carried out at least one airstrike in Syria’s northeast Hasakah region. The airstrike reportedly comes after an incident at a checkpoint where US soldiers allegedly killed one civilian. The incident serves to highlight the complex situation in Syria, with the Assad regime and Russian forces battling to reclaim Idlib. However, Turkey's state-owned news agency named Anadolu declared that there were two airstrikes. TV footage aired on Syrian channels displays residents responding to United States troops along with a man confronting American soldiers and requesting them to leave the village. Also Read: Don’t do it! Trump warns Russia, Syria, Iran against killing civilians in Idlib The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State has said that its troops opened fire after they came in contact with hostile forces, though the coalition statement has made no reference to any airstrike in the region. Providing a succinct summation of the complex political reality of Syria is the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, who has found itself in disputes with both the United States and Turkey. Such is the drive of the Syrian autocrat who wishes to restore draconic Power and control over all of Syria.

US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday defended foreign sanctions against his country 24 hours after he was attacked at Caracas international airport by state airline employees calling him a fascist. Guaido returned on Tuesday from a three-week international tour that took him to the US, Canada, Colombia and Europe. He was met by some angry Conviasa workers enraged that last Friday the US placed sanctions on the state airline company. The US action criminalizing transactions with the flag carrier is the latest of many sanctions by Washington aimed at toppling leftist President Nicolas Maduro's regime, particularly by cutting his government's oil revenue. One protester appeared to douse Guaido with a fizzy drink. But speaking to journalists after a legislative session held in a Caracas plaza, the National Assembly speaker defended the use of sanctions. Guaido's uncle Juan Marquez, who vanished after flying back with him, had been arrested, top Maduro ally Diosdado Cabello said, accusing him of smuggling explosives. Also Read: Venezuela's Guaido calls for more protests against Maduro On his state television programme, Cabello said Marquez was detained for allegedly carrying C-4 explosives hidden inside flashlights and perfume refills, and was wearing a bulletproof vest. Guaido had denounced the "disappearance" of his uncle at the airport and said he would hold Maduro responsible for whatever happened to him. More sanctions for criminals Maduro retains the support of Venezuela's powerful military and has resisted Guaido's challenge, even as the United States ramps up the pressure. For the second time in less than a year, Guaido flouted a travel ban imposed by Maduro's regime to meet with allies around the world, including US President Donald Trump. Guaido sprang to prominence in January 2019 when he declared himself the country's acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro. He derived such authority from his position as the speaker of the National Assembly after the legislature declared Maduro's 2018 re-election invalid following a poll widely denounced as rigged. Lawmakers called Maduro a "usurper" while more than 50 countries recognized Guaido as interim president. He retained his Assembly post last month despite a standoff in which troops stopped him from entering the legislature. Watch: Donald Trump calls Juan Guaido as true President of Venezuela Although it sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela's economy has collapsed under Maduro's leadership and the country has suffered five years of recession. The UN says more than 4.5 million people have left the country due to its crisis while inflation is the highest in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. Maduro told supporters celebrating World Youth Day that "traitors go abroad to ask for sanctions against the people." Cabello, considered the second-most powerful person in the country, said the sanctions had affected Venezuela's ability to buy food and medicine. Last year, Guaido tried to force in humanitarian aid from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao but under Maduro's orders, the military blocked entry points to keep it out. Students rallied in Caracas on Wednesday in support of Guaido, who repeated his claim from Tuesday that his uncle had disappeared since returning with him to the Caracas international airport on the same flight he took from Portugal.

Sanctions against the Maduro regime defended by Venezuela's President Guaido

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