Page 490 - Politics
Sudan army rulers, protesters plan more talks after no agreement
Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders said more talks were planned for Monday on finalising the makeup of a new ruling body, after hours of negotiations through the night ended without agreement. Both sides have been at loggerheads over the new governing body that would rule Sudan for a three-year transitional period after the ouster last month of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The latest discussions were launched Sunday evening following pressure from world powers to install a civilian-led governing body -- a key demand of demonstrators. After continuing into the early hours of Monday, the ruling military council announced the talks would resume at 9:00 pm (local time). "The structure of the sovereign authority has been discussed," Lieutenant General Shamseddine Kabbashi, spokesman of the military council, told reporters. "It's agreed to resume negotiations today (Monday) evening... hoping to reach a final deal." The Sudanese Professional Association -- the group that initially
Exit polls are all wrong: Shashi Tharoor
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Monday rejected the predictions of exit polls and said that he will wait till May 23 for the "real results"."I believe the exit polls are all wrong. In Australia last weekend, 56 different exit polls proved wrong. In India many people don't tell pollsters the truth fearing they might be from the government. Will wait till 23rd for the real results," Tharoor tweeted.In another tweet, Tharoor wrote, "Actually they CAN all be wrong, as Australia (a much smaller and less diverse country than India) showed us last weekend. But you're right that we are all better off waiting for the 23rd than wasting our time in empty debate about these imaginary numbers."Besides him, several other Opposition leaders have expressed disappointment over the exit polls."Every single exit poll can't be wrong! Time to switch off the TV, log out of social media & wait to see if the world is still spinning on its axis on the 23rd," tweeted National Conference (NC) ...
Threats to US would mean Iran end: Warns Trump
US President Donald Trump has asked Iran "never to threaten" the US and warned Tehran that if it wants a fight, it would be "the official end" of the Islamic nation.
Kumaraswamy slams media for 'belittling' politicians in satirical programmes
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy hit out at media organisations for "belittling" politicians on their satirical programmes, saying he was thinking of bringing a law to curb the practice."Whom are you (media) trying to help by misusing our name. I am thinking of bringing in a law. What have you thought of us politicians? Do you think we're jobless? You are belittling us. Do we look like cartoon characters to you? Who gave you the authority to show everything humorously?" Kumaraswamy said at a book launch here on Sunday.Accusing BJP of hatching a conspiracy to dislodge the Congress-JDS coalition government in the state, the Chief Minister said that his government will not fall "easily.""This government will not go that easily. I heard that after election results are out on May 23, some BJP leaders said they will be ready for another election in the state. These people have been waiting for a month now to do so. But let me tell you that this government is not going to fall that ...
Market opens on a strong note
Local stocks opened on a strong note after most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls. At 9:23 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 785.20 points or 2.07% at 38,715.97. The Nifty 50 index was up 229.10 points or 2.01% at 11,636.25. The Sensex regained the psychological 38,000 mark in early trade.
Hope Naidu's excitement lasts till May 23: Shiv Sena mocks Andhra CM
Shiv Sena on Monday took a dig at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and mocked his efforts to form a non-BJP government at the Centre.The TDP chief's deliberations are part of his efforts to unite non-NDA parties and bring them together on one platform."There are at least five contenders for the Prime Minister's post in Opposition. There are more chances of their disillusionment (mohbhang). Who will form the government? This question has already been answered. Amit Shah said that BJP will win 300 seats and the party reached that target in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections only," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'."Why Chandrababu Naidu is exhausting himself without any reason? Hope his current excitement last till May 23. We wish him luck for the same," the party added.TDP chief Naidu in the past week undertook a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and ...
After exit polls predict BJP win, ex-Maldives Prez Nasheed congratulates PM Modi
With most of the exit polls predicting a majority for the NDA, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping that the island nation would continue to have close cooperation with the BJP-led government."As Indian polls close, congratulations are in order for @narendramodi and the BJP. I am sure the Maldives people and Govt will be delighted to continue their close cooperation with the PM and the BJP-led Govt," Nasheed wrote on his Twitter handle on Sunday.In November last year, Modi had visited the Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih after he surprisingly defeated Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls.During Solih's visit to India in December, New Delhi had announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Male.Nasheed's congratulatory message comes even as the counting of votes in the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will begin on May 23.Several exit polls on television channels have ...
Hope Naidu's excitement last till May 23: Shiv Sena mocks Andhra CM
Shiv Sena on Monday took a dig at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and mocked his efforts to form a non-BJP government at the Centre.The TDP chief's deliberations are part of his efforts to unite non-NDA parties and bring them together on one platform."There are at least five contenders for the Prime Minister's post in Opposition. There are more chances of their disillusionment (mohbhang). Who will form the government? This question has already been answered. Amit Shah said that BJP will win 300 seats and the party reached that target in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections only," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'."Why Chandrababu Naidu is exhausting himself without any reason? Hope his current excitement last till May 23. We wish him luck for the same," the party added.TDP chief Naidu in the past week undertook a hectic round of discussions with parties opposed to BJP when he met leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi and ...
White House unveils 1st part of Middle East peace plan
The White House has unveiled the first part of its Middle East peace proposal, which is being deemed as an economic "workshop" to encourage investing capital in the West Bank, Gaza, and the region, a senior administration official told CNN.
A rally on the cards
Local stocks are likely to open on a strong note after most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could surge 265 points at the opening bell.
No meetings scheduled for Mayawati in Delhi today: BSP
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Monday clarified that their supremo Mayawati will not be holding any meetings with the leaders of Opposition in the national capital today.The statement from the BSP came after reports of Mayawati holding meetings with opposition parties came to fore.Speaking to ANI, Senior BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra said, "Mayawati ji has no programme or meetings scheduled in Delhi today, she will be in Lucknow."Several media outlets were reporting that Mayawati is likely to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi here, ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election result on May 23.Earlier on Saturday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu met Mayawati in Lucknow.After the culmination of polls on Sunday, several exit polls on television channels have projected the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to retain power at the Centre with most pollsters giving Prime Minister Narendra Modi a clear majority again in
Saudis say they will defend themselves, as Trump warns Iran
Saudi Arabia does not want war but will not hesitate to defend itself against Iran, a top Saudi diplomat said Sunday after the kingdom's energy sector was targeted this past week amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned Iran that it will face destruction if it seeks a fight, while Iranian officials said their country isn't looking for war. Trump spoke after a rocket hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad. Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, spoke a week after four oil tankers two of them Saudi were targeted in an alleged act of sabotage off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and days after Iran-allied Yemeni rebels claimed a drone attack on a Saudi oil pipeline. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not want war in the region and does not strive for that... but at the same time, if the other side chooses war, the kingdom will fight this with all force and determination and it will defend itself, its citizens ...
Explosion near US Embassy in Iraq
An explosion was reported on Sunday near the Green Zone area here close to the US Embassy.No casualties have been reported so far, as per Sputnik.Iraqi authorities have not commented on the incident so far.However, the local media reported that the sound of the explosion was heard in an area close to the US embassy.Some media outlets have also reported that the explosion set off warning sirens.This comes days after the United States ordered its non-emergency government employees to leave Iraq immediately.The US State Department has also urged American citizens to abandon their visits to Iraq because of threats in the region linked to "terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict".
Houthi rebels to launch attacks at 300 Saudi facilities: reports
The Yemeni Shia Houthi rebels are planning to launch attacks at 300 critical infrastructure facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), SABA News Agency reported.According to the agency, the Houthis will attack 299 more targets, including military and strategic facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.This comes after Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities last week, calling it the "largest military operation" conducted by militants since the start of the armed conflict in 2015.The attack caused a fire and some minor damage to one of the pumps of Saudi Aramco's cross-country pipelines. The company has stated that it has halted crude oil traffic via the pipeline as a precautionary measure.In retaliation, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes in war-torn Yemen on Thursday in which at least six people lost their lives while several others, including two Russian women, were wounded.The coalition warplanes which hit the ..
Sudan's military, protest leaders resume talks
Sudan's military and protest leaders on Sunday resumed talks to finalise a new governing body to replace the Transitional Military Council."The talks between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Alliance for Freedom and Change have started," a statement by the military council said in reference to the protest movement.Earlier in the day, the alliance said it was determined that the country's new ruling body be "led by a civilian as its chairman and with a limited military representation", reported Al Jazeera.The two sides have been divided over the composition of the transitional authorities. Both have demanded the majority of seats on the 11-member governing council and to operate as the top tier of power during the planned transition period.Sudan's military leaders on Wednesday announced a power-sharing agreement with the opposition alliance for a three-year transition period before a civilian government is elected.Thousands of protesters have been holding a sit-in ...
Russia declares unilateral ceasefire in Idlib
Russia-backed Syrian government forces have unilaterally ceased fire in the northwestern Idlib province, the last major rebel-held territory, Moscow's defence ministry said on Sunday.The defence ministry's Centre for Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria said government forces had ceased fire as of midnight. It described the move as unilateral, but did not give any further details, reported Al Jazeera.However, opposition activists have claimed that shelling and air attacks continued on Sunday.Fighting erupted in northwestern Syria last month breaking a truce brokered by Russia and Turkey in 2018.The Syrian government has been accused of attacking civilians in Idlib. United Nations has also warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is trying to regain control over the last province in the rebel-held Idlib province.The multi-sided armed conflict in Syria has been raging since 2011, with Russia, Turkey and Iran being the guarantors of the ceasefire ...
I do not see anything wrong in PM performing religious rites: KC Tyagi
Amid criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath temples in Uttarakhand, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi asserted that he does not see anything wrong in it.Speaking to ANI, Tyagi said: "PM Modi is a religious man. I do not see anything wrong if he performs his religious rites."Prime Minister Modi had on Saturday offered prayers at the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath, a day after campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls came to a close. After spending over 15 hours meditating inside a holy cave in Kedarnath, he visited Badrinath, another temple in Uttarakhand's revered 'Char Dham' circuit the next day.Since then, several opposition leaders have been targeting Modi for his visit to the temples, stating that his action was a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).Criticising opposition parties for colluding ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha results, Tyagi said: "Anti NDA (National Democratic Alliance) front is divided into two camps. ..
Sudan army rulers, protesters in talks over new governing body
Sudan's army rulers and protest leaders remained locked in talks early Monday to finalise a new governing body that would replace the generals who took power after ousting longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir last month. The resumption of talks comes following pressure from world powers to reach an agreement over an interim government that would be civilian-led -- a key demand of demonstrators. The talks began at around 12.30 am IST on Sunday and were still continuing in the early hours of Monday, an AFP correspondent reported from the presidential palace where the negotiations were being held. "The meeting is still on to discuss the transitional body," the Sudanese Professionals Association, which initially launched the nationwide protest campaign against Bashir, wrote on Twitter. "We are not in a hurry for the crucial victory ... whatever be the outcome, it will be a step forward," it wrote without elaborating. The generals and protest leaders have been at loggerheads on the thorniest ..
US ambassador makes rare visit to Tibet
The US ambassador to China is making the first trip to Tibet by an American envoy in four years after obtaining rare access to the restricted region, his embassy said Monday. The visit by Ambassador Terry Branstad comes two months after the US State Department said Beijing had "systematically" impeded access to Tibetan areas for US diplomats, journalists and tourists. Branstad was scheduled to visit Qinghai province and the neighbouring Tibet Autonomous Region from Sunday until this Saturday, an embassy spokesperson said in an email to AFP. "This visit is a chance for the Ambassador to engage with local leaders to raise longstanding concerns about restrictions on religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetan culture and language," the spokesperson said. "The Ambassador welcomes this opportunity to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region, and encourages authorities to provide access to the region to all American citizens." Branstad will have official meetings, visit schools and tour ...
Trump says war with US will 'officially end' Iran
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran "never" to threaten the US again, saying if Tehran wants to fight, that will be the "official end" of the Iranian regime.