Pompeo praises ‘US ally’ Denmark after Trump cancels visit
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49430537
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has praised Denmark amid a public row over Greenland that saw President Donald Trump cancel a visit to the country.
In a phone call with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod, Mr Pompeo "expressed appreciation for Denmark's co-operation" as a US ally.
Mr Kofod welcomed the "frank, friendly and constructive talk".
It came after Mr Trump said Denmark's prime minister had been "nasty" when rebuffing his idea of buying Greenland.
Mette Frederiksen had called his ambitions of buying the autonomous Danish territory "absurd". She said she was "disappointed and surprised" that he had cancelled his visit.
The trip was scheduled to take place on 2 September, at the invitation of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II.
The US State Department said Mr Pompeo and Mr Kofod had a friendly phone call on Wednesday about the "postponement" of the president's trip.
"The secretary expressed appreciation for Denmark's co-operation as one of the United States' allies and Denmark's contributions to address shared global security priorities," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. "The secretary and Foreign Minister Kofod also discussed strengthening co-operation with the Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland - in the Arctic."
國際時事政治選舉新聞張貼及討論區（七）
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Brexit: Backstop indispensable, Macron tells Johnson
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49427007
Boris Johnson has met Emmanuel Macron in Paris for Brexit talks, with the French president saying the UK's vote to quit the EU must be respected.
But he added that the Ireland-Northern Ireland backstop plan was "indispensable" to preserving political stability and the single market.
The backstop, opposed by Mr Johnson, aims to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
Mr Johnson said that with "energy and creativity we can find a way forward".
On Wednesday German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the onus was on the UK to find a workable plan.
Speaking after he greeted Mr Johnson at Paris's Elysee Palace, Mr Macron said he was "very much confident" that the UK and EU would be able to find a solution within 30 days - a timetable suggested by Mrs Merkel - "if there is a good will on both sides".
He said it would not be possible to find a new withdrawal agreement "very different from the existing one" within that time, but added that an answer could be reached "without reshuffling" the current deal.
He also denied that he was the "hard boy in the band", following suggestions that he would be tougher on the UK than his German counterpart.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49427007
Boris Johnson has met Emmanuel Macron in Paris for Brexit talks, with the French president saying the UK's vote to quit the EU must be respected.
But he added that the Ireland-Northern Ireland backstop plan was "indispensable" to preserving political stability and the single market.
The backstop, opposed by Mr Johnson, aims to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit.
Mr Johnson said that with "energy and creativity we can find a way forward".
On Wednesday German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the onus was on the UK to find a workable plan.
Speaking after he greeted Mr Johnson at Paris's Elysee Palace, Mr Macron said he was "very much confident" that the UK and EU would be able to find a solution within 30 days - a timetable suggested by Mrs Merkel - "if there is a good will on both sides".
He said it would not be possible to find a new withdrawal agreement "very different from the existing one" within that time, but added that an answer could be reached "without reshuffling" the current deal.
He also denied that he was the "hard boy in the band", following suggestions that he would be tougher on the UK than his German counterpart.
G7 summit in Biarritz winds down after three days of talks
https://www.dw.com/en/g7-summit-in-biarritz-winds-down-after-three-days-of-talks/a-50172646
After three days of talks in Biarritz, the leaders of the US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada have narrowed some of their differences. The Group of Seven'sthree days of talks were dominated by the Iran nuclear crisis, trade, and fires in the Amazonian rainforest.
French President Emmanuel Macron and American President Donald Trump praised the common ground found by G7 leaders at their summit. "We have managed to find real points of convergence, unprecedented, very positive, that will allow us to go forward in a very useful way," Macron said in a press conference alongside Trump.
Trump indicated that there could be a thaw in trade-war tensions between China and the US, as he declared that delegations would "very shortly" resume talks, with Beijing's top negotiator calling for "calm."
The US president opened the summit with guns blazing regarding the trade war with China, having announced new tariffs on Beijing late last weekand commanding US companies based there to exit.
https://www.dw.com/en/g7-summit-in-biarritz-winds-down-after-three-days-of-talks/a-50172646
After three days of talks in Biarritz, the leaders of the US, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, Italy and Canada have narrowed some of their differences. The Group of Seven'sthree days of talks were dominated by the Iran nuclear crisis, trade, and fires in the Amazonian rainforest.
French President Emmanuel Macron and American President Donald Trump praised the common ground found by G7 leaders at their summit. "We have managed to find real points of convergence, unprecedented, very positive, that will allow us to go forward in a very useful way," Macron said in a press conference alongside Trump.
Trump indicated that there could be a thaw in trade-war tensions between China and the US, as he declared that delegations would "very shortly" resume talks, with Beijing's top negotiator calling for "calm."
The US president opened the summit with guns blazing regarding the trade war with China, having announced new tariffs on Beijing late last weekand commanding US companies based there to exit.
Australian writer Yang Hengjun charged with spying in China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/27/australian-writer-yang-hengjun-charged-spying-china
The Australian novelist and former Chinese diplomat Yang Hengjun has been charged with espionage in Beijing.
Yang has been detained in China since January when he was arrested in Guangzhou. He is being held in Beijing in a ministry of state security detention centre.
The Australian embassy was informed by the Beijing national security bureau on Monday afternoon that Yang had been formally charged, “suspected of committing espionage crimes”.
Yang’s lawyer Rob Stary confirmed his client had been charged with “a single act of espionage”, though there were no details of the alleged act. It is not clear whether the charge relates to his work as a writer, blogger or democracy activist. It is also unclear whether Australia is the country he is alleged to have spied for.
Stary said Yang’s legal team held “particular anxiety” over the fact he had now been charged with an offence that potentially carried the death penalty. Julian McMahon, who represented Van Nguyen and members of the Bali Nine facing capital charges, has been engaged to represent Yang.
Australia’s foreign minister, Marise Payne, said on Tuesday morning she was “disappointed” to learn that Yang had been charged, saying he had been held “in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months”. No evidence had been presented to support any allegation of spying, she said.
“China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang’s detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/27/australian-writer-yang-hengjun-charged-spying-china
The Australian novelist and former Chinese diplomat Yang Hengjun has been charged with espionage in Beijing.
Yang has been detained in China since January when he was arrested in Guangzhou. He is being held in Beijing in a ministry of state security detention centre.
The Australian embassy was informed by the Beijing national security bureau on Monday afternoon that Yang had been formally charged, “suspected of committing espionage crimes”.
Yang’s lawyer Rob Stary confirmed his client had been charged with “a single act of espionage”, though there were no details of the alleged act. It is not clear whether the charge relates to his work as a writer, blogger or democracy activist. It is also unclear whether Australia is the country he is alleged to have spied for.
Stary said Yang’s legal team held “particular anxiety” over the fact he had now been charged with an offence that potentially carried the death penalty. Julian McMahon, who represented Van Nguyen and members of the Bali Nine facing capital charges, has been engaged to represent Yang.
Australia’s foreign minister, Marise Payne, said on Tuesday morning she was “disappointed” to learn that Yang had been charged, saying he had been held “in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months”. No evidence had been presented to support any allegation of spying, she said.
“China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang’s detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits.”
G7 summit: Trump 'would meet Iran's Rouhani if circumstances right'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49475744'
US President Donald Trump says he is open to meeting Iran's President Hassan Rouhani under the right circumstances.
It comes after Iran's foreign minister made a brief and unannounced visit to the G7 summit in France on Sunday.
Relations between Iran and the US have deteriorated since Washington withdrew last year from a 2015 deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities.
However, on Monday, Mr Trump said he had "good feelings" about the prospect of a new nuclear deal with Iran.
"Iran is not the same country it was two and a half years ago when I came into office," he told reporters at a joint G7 press conference with French leader Emmanuel Macron.
"I really believe that Iran can be a great nation... but they can't have nuclear weapons," he said, adding that they had to be "good players" before he would agree to a meeting.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49475744'
US President Donald Trump says he is open to meeting Iran's President Hassan Rouhani under the right circumstances.
It comes after Iran's foreign minister made a brief and unannounced visit to the G7 summit in France on Sunday.
Relations between Iran and the US have deteriorated since Washington withdrew last year from a 2015 deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities.
However, on Monday, Mr Trump said he had "good feelings" about the prospect of a new nuclear deal with Iran.
"Iran is not the same country it was two and a half years ago when I came into office," he told reporters at a joint G7 press conference with French leader Emmanuel Macron.
"I really believe that Iran can be a great nation... but they can't have nuclear weapons," he said, adding that they had to be "good players" before he would agree to a meeting.
Romania's coalition government collapses
https://www.dw.com/en/romanias-coalition-government-collapses/a-50173322
Romania’s coalition government collapsed on Monday after a junior ally quit over government policy.
As a result, the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) no longer hold a parliamentary majority, leaving them susceptible to a confidence vote.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said in a Facebook post that her party would continue to rule with support from politicians "who have the courage to undertake this process."
However, her leadership is now hanging by a thread following Monday's development, which leaves the PSD 25 seats short of a parliamentary majority.
The leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE), Calin Popescu Tariceanu, confirmed that the coalition was over due to a loss of faith in Dancila.
"My confidence was badly shaken by a series of measures taken without consulting me," said Tariceanu, a former prime minister himself.
ALDE had held several ministerial posts within the government that Dancila will now seek to fill via an alternative alliance, possibly with the ethnic Hungarian UDMR.
https://www.dw.com/en/romanias-coalition-government-collapses/a-50173322
Romania’s coalition government collapsed on Monday after a junior ally quit over government policy.
As a result, the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) no longer hold a parliamentary majority, leaving them susceptible to a confidence vote.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said in a Facebook post that her party would continue to rule with support from politicians "who have the courage to undertake this process."
However, her leadership is now hanging by a thread following Monday's development, which leaves the PSD 25 seats short of a parliamentary majority.
The leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE), Calin Popescu Tariceanu, confirmed that the coalition was over due to a loss of faith in Dancila.
"My confidence was badly shaken by a series of measures taken without consulting me," said Tariceanu, a former prime minister himself.
ALDE had held several ministerial posts within the government that Dancila will now seek to fill via an alternative alliance, possibly with the ethnic Hungarian UDMR.
Iran's Rouhani rules out Trump meeting until US lifts sanctions
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49481150
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged the United States to take the first step towards dialogue by lifting sanctions against Iran.
"Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked," Mr Rouhani said.
He spoke a day after President Donald Trump said he was open to a meeting if the circumstances were right.
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since Mr Trump abandoned a deal limiting Iran's nuclear activities last year and reinstated sanctions.
He wants a new agreement that would place indefinite curbs on Iran's nuclear programme and also halt its development of ballistic missiles. Iran has refused.
Other world powers party to the 2015 deal - the UK, France, Germany, China and Russia - have tried to keep it alive. But the sanctions have caused Iran's oil exports to collapse, the value of its currency to plummet, and sent inflation soaring.
After the US sought to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero earlier this year, it responded by suspending some commitments enshrined in the nuclear agreement. It has threatened to go further if its economy were not shielded from the sanctions' effects.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49481150
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged the United States to take the first step towards dialogue by lifting sanctions against Iran.
"Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked," Mr Rouhani said.
He spoke a day after President Donald Trump said he was open to a meeting if the circumstances were right.
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since Mr Trump abandoned a deal limiting Iran's nuclear activities last year and reinstated sanctions.
He wants a new agreement that would place indefinite curbs on Iran's nuclear programme and also halt its development of ballistic missiles. Iran has refused.
Other world powers party to the 2015 deal - the UK, France, Germany, China and Russia - have tried to keep it alive. But the sanctions have caused Iran's oil exports to collapse, the value of its currency to plummet, and sent inflation soaring.
After the US sought to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero earlier this year, it responded by suspending some commitments enshrined in the nuclear agreement. It has threatened to go further if its economy were not shielded from the sanctions' effects.
Brexit: Opposition MPs agree strategy to block no deal
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49483374
Opposition MPs say they have agreed to try to block a no-deal Brexit by passing legislation in Parliament.
A meeting between those opposed to no deal was called by Jeremy Corbyn.
A joint statement afterwards did not detail how or when legislative attempts would be made, but Green MP Caroline Lucas said it was the best way to stop a PM "careering towards" no deal.
The statement also made clear using a vote of no confidence to bring down the government remained an option.
The UK is set to leave the EU by 31 October and Boris Johnson has promised to stick to that date even if he cannot agree a deal with Brussels.
Ms Lucas said "the legislative way forward" was "the most secure way to try to extend Article 50, to get rid of that 31 October deadline".
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49483374
Opposition MPs say they have agreed to try to block a no-deal Brexit by passing legislation in Parliament.
A meeting between those opposed to no deal was called by Jeremy Corbyn.
A joint statement afterwards did not detail how or when legislative attempts would be made, but Green MP Caroline Lucas said it was the best way to stop a PM "careering towards" no deal.
The statement also made clear using a vote of no confidence to bring down the government remained an option.
The UK is set to leave the EU by 31 October and Boris Johnson has promised to stick to that date even if he cannot agree a deal with Brussels.
Ms Lucas said "the legislative way forward" was "the most secure way to try to extend Article 50, to get rid of that 31 October deadline".
Italian party leaders 'close' to agreement on alliance
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/26/italys-pd-pressed-to-accept-conte-to-lead-m5s-alliance-as-deadline-looms
Talks between the leaders of Italy’s Democratic party (PD) and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) went on late into the night on Monday as they sought to thrash out an agreement on a potential alliance that could avert a snap election.
Giuseppe Conte, the outgoing prime minister, joined the meeting between the PD leader, Nicola Zingaretti, and his M5S counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, in a sign that Zingaretti has succumbed to M5S’s demands to reinstate Conte.
The nomination of Conte, who last week ended an ill-fated coalition government between M5S and the far-right League, has been the main obstacle in the talks.
“It’s close, but not set in stone,” a source close to the discussions said before the meeting. “If Conte is nominated prime minister, then it could be in exchange for M5S losing some ministries to the PD.” Di Maio might also be forced to step down as deputy prime minister in exchange, the source added.
Zingaretti declined to respond to questions about Conte’s potential return after an initial meeting with Di Maio in Rome on Monday evening, but said: “We are on the right track. I’m optimistic about making this agreement. Creating a government is a serious thing – we are serious people – and we don’t want [a government] that finishes after 14 months like the M5S-League one.”
The PD leader, who until last week was reluctant to negotiate with M5S, a longstanding foe, told reporters earlier that Italy needed a “turning point” government that required a break from the past.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/26/italys-pd-pressed-to-accept-conte-to-lead-m5s-alliance-as-deadline-looms
Talks between the leaders of Italy’s Democratic party (PD) and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) went on late into the night on Monday as they sought to thrash out an agreement on a potential alliance that could avert a snap election.
Giuseppe Conte, the outgoing prime minister, joined the meeting between the PD leader, Nicola Zingaretti, and his M5S counterpart, Luigi Di Maio, in a sign that Zingaretti has succumbed to M5S’s demands to reinstate Conte.
The nomination of Conte, who last week ended an ill-fated coalition government between M5S and the far-right League, has been the main obstacle in the talks.
“It’s close, but not set in stone,” a source close to the discussions said before the meeting. “If Conte is nominated prime minister, then it could be in exchange for M5S losing some ministries to the PD.” Di Maio might also be forced to step down as deputy prime minister in exchange, the source added.
Zingaretti declined to respond to questions about Conte’s potential return after an initial meeting with Di Maio in Rome on Monday evening, but said: “We are on the right track. I’m optimistic about making this agreement. Creating a government is a serious thing – we are serious people – and we don’t want [a government] that finishes after 14 months like the M5S-League one.”
The PD leader, who until last week was reluctant to negotiate with M5S, a longstanding foe, told reporters earlier that Italy needed a “turning point” government that required a break from the past.
Italy inches toward new govt as Trump backs Conte's return as PM
[urlhttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-5star/italy-inches-toward-new-govt-as-trump-backs-contes-return-as-pm-idUSKCN1VH0QT[/url]
ROME (Reuters) - The two parties trying to form a new Italian government made progress toward a coalition deal on Tuesday, cheering financial markets as well as U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he hoped Giuseppe Conte would be reinstated as prime minister.
The role of Conte has been a sticking point in the negotiations between the 5-Star Movement, a member of the outgoing coalition, and the opposition Democratic Party (PD), which has been resisting his reappointment.
“Starting to look good for the highly respected Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte,” Trump said on Twitter. “A very talented man who will hopefully remain Prime Minister.”
After setbacks early on Tuesday the roller-coaster talks between the anti-establishment 5-Star and the center-left PD appeared to be back on track later in the day, with upbeat comments from both sides prompting a strong market rally.
[urlhttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-5star/italy-inches-toward-new-govt-as-trump-backs-contes-return-as-pm-idUSKCN1VH0QT[/url]
ROME (Reuters) - The two parties trying to form a new Italian government made progress toward a coalition deal on Tuesday, cheering financial markets as well as U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he hoped Giuseppe Conte would be reinstated as prime minister.
The role of Conte has been a sticking point in the negotiations between the 5-Star Movement, a member of the outgoing coalition, and the opposition Democratic Party (PD), which has been resisting his reappointment.
“Starting to look good for the highly respected Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte,” Trump said on Twitter. “A very talented man who will hopefully remain Prime Minister.”
After setbacks early on Tuesday the roller-coaster talks between the anti-establishment 5-Star and the center-left PD appeared to be back on track later in the day, with upbeat comments from both sides prompting a strong market rally.
Russia strikes deal with Turkey on Syria's Iblid, says Putin
https://www.dw.com/en/russia-strikes-deal-with-turkey-on-syrias-iblid-says-putin/a-50188639
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed the Syrian government over its offensive into the rebel-held Idlib on Tuesday, saying it was "unacceptable that the regime rains death on civilians from air and land, under the pretext of fighting terrorism."
Meeting his Russian colleague, Vladimir Putin, Erdogan also said that Turkey's troops in the region were "in danger."
"We do not want this to continue," he said on the sidelines of Russia's air show MAKS outside of Moscow. "All necessary steps will be taken here as needed."
Moscow and Ankara had set up a demilitarized zone in the jihadi-dominated province. However, Syrian troops backed by Russian airpower have advanced in recent weeks against jihadi forces in the last major rebel enclave in northwestern Syria, and encircled a Turkish military post.
https://www.dw.com/en/russia-strikes-deal-with-turkey-on-syrias-iblid-says-putin/a-50188639
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed the Syrian government over its offensive into the rebel-held Idlib on Tuesday, saying it was "unacceptable that the regime rains death on civilians from air and land, under the pretext of fighting terrorism."
Meeting his Russian colleague, Vladimir Putin, Erdogan also said that Turkey's troops in the region were "in danger."
"We do not want this to continue," he said on the sidelines of Russia's air show MAKS outside of Moscow. "All necessary steps will be taken here as needed."
Moscow and Ankara had set up a demilitarized zone in the jihadi-dominated province. However, Syrian troops backed by Russian airpower have advanced in recent weeks against jihadi forces in the last major rebel enclave in northwestern Syria, and encircled a Turkish military post.
Government to ask Queen to suspend Parliament
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49493632
The Queen will be asked by the government to suspend Parliament days after MPs return to work - and a matter of weeks before the Brexit deadline.
The BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, says it will make way for Boris Johnson's new administration to hold a Queen's Speech - laying out the government's future plans - on 14 October.
But it means MPs are unlikely to have time to pass any laws that could stop the prime minister taking the UK out of the EU without a deal on 31 October.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49493632
The Queen will be asked by the government to suspend Parliament days after MPs return to work - and a matter of weeks before the Brexit deadline.
The BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, says it will make way for Boris Johnson's new administration to hold a Queen's Speech - laying out the government's future plans - on 14 October.
But it means MPs are unlikely to have time to pass any laws that could stop the prime minister taking the UK out of the EU without a deal on 31 October.
Boris Johnson's Letter
Speaker's response
Speaker's response
Parliament suspension sparks furious backlash
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49504526
The prime minister's decision to suspend Parliament has prompted an angry backlash from MPs and campaigners.
Hundreds of people protested in London on Wednesday and a petition against the move gained a million signatures.
Earlier the Queen approved Boris Johnson's request to suspend Parliament for five weeks in September and October - weeks before the Brexit deadline.
Opponents say it will leave MPs with little time to stop a no-deal Brexit.
But cabinet minister Michael Gove insisted the suspension was "certainly not" a political move to stop MPs blocking a no deal.
Instead, he told the BBC there would be "plenty of time" to debate Brexit before the scheduled departure date of 31 October.
Cross-party rebel alliance gears up for Brexit clash with Johnson
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/28/cross-party-rebel-alliance-gears-up-for-brexit-clash-with-johnson
「強制休會」後，英國兩派下週對決
https://europechinese.blogspot.com/2019/08/blog-post_29.html?
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49504526
The prime minister's decision to suspend Parliament has prompted an angry backlash from MPs and campaigners.
Hundreds of people protested in London on Wednesday and a petition against the move gained a million signatures.
Earlier the Queen approved Boris Johnson's request to suspend Parliament for five weeks in September and October - weeks before the Brexit deadline.
Opponents say it will leave MPs with little time to stop a no-deal Brexit.
But cabinet minister Michael Gove insisted the suspension was "certainly not" a political move to stop MPs blocking a no deal.
Instead, he told the BBC there would be "plenty of time" to debate Brexit before the scheduled departure date of 31 October.
Cross-party rebel alliance gears up for Brexit clash with Johnson
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/aug/28/cross-party-rebel-alliance-gears-up-for-brexit-clash-with-johnson
「強制休會」後，英國兩派下週對決
https://europechinese.blogspot.com/2019/08/blog-post_29.html?
US election 2020: Kirsten Gillibrand drops out
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49505417
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has ended her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
Mrs Gillibrand announced her decision to withdraw in an online video after failing to qualify for a third Democratic debate next month.
"After more than eight incredible months, I am ending my presidential campaign," she said.
The 52-year-old has been a vocal advocate for women's rights but her campaign failed to gain traction.
"I know this isn't the result we wanted. We wanted to win this race," she said. "But it's important to know when it's not your time, and to know how you can best serve your community and country."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49505417
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has ended her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
Mrs Gillibrand announced her decision to withdraw in an online video after failing to qualify for a third Democratic debate next month.
"After more than eight incredible months, I am ending my presidential campaign," she said.
The 52-year-old has been a vocal advocate for women's rights but her campaign failed to gain traction.
"I know this isn't the result we wanted. We wanted to win this race," she said. "But it's important to know when it's not your time, and to know how you can best serve your community and country."
Italy crisis: PD and Five Star agree coalition deal after talks
[urlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49502232[/url]
The leaders of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and populist Five Star Movement have agreed to form a coalition government.
"We consider it worthwhile to try this experience," the PD's Nicola Zingaretti said after meeting the president on Wednesday - the deadline for any deal.
It was agreed that Giuseppe Conte should stay on as prime minister.
The planned joint administration will serve until the next scheduled elections in 2023.
On Tuesday, Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio welcomed what he referred to as the PD's willingness to accept Mr Conte's reappointment.
The two parties, traditionally staunch rivals, have been holding tense talks following the collapse of the previous coalition government last week.
"In difficult times like these, shunning our responsibility to have the courage to try this is something we cannot afford," Mr Zingaretti said.
President Sergio Mattarella, who met party leaders in Rome to try to chart a way forward, has summoned Mr Conte to a meeting on Thursday morning.
He is widely expected to give him a mandate to form a new government.
[urlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49502232[/url]
The leaders of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and populist Five Star Movement have agreed to form a coalition government.
"We consider it worthwhile to try this experience," the PD's Nicola Zingaretti said after meeting the president on Wednesday - the deadline for any deal.
It was agreed that Giuseppe Conte should stay on as prime minister.
The planned joint administration will serve until the next scheduled elections in 2023.
On Tuesday, Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio welcomed what he referred to as the PD's willingness to accept Mr Conte's reappointment.
The two parties, traditionally staunch rivals, have been holding tense talks following the collapse of the previous coalition government last week.
"In difficult times like these, shunning our responsibility to have the courage to try this is something we cannot afford," Mr Zingaretti said.
President Sergio Mattarella, who met party leaders in Rome to try to chart a way forward, has summoned Mr Conte to a meeting on Thursday morning.
He is widely expected to give him a mandate to form a new government.
At least three dead in West Papua as protest turns violent
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/29/west-papua-deaths-as-protest-turns-violent
At least one Indonesian soldier and two civilians were killed on Wednesday in a violent protest in the country’s restive Papua region, police have said.
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said a peaceful protest by 150 people against racism at the Deiyai district chief’s office turned violent when more than a thousand others tried to storm the building with arrows and machetes.
Papua military spokesman Eko Daryanto said in a statement that security forces managed to restore order and found two protesters had been injured, one with an arrow piercing his stomach and the other shot in the leg. Both died at a nearby hospital. A soldier died at the scene and five police and military personnel were injured, mostly by arrows.
A number of violent protests have roiled Papua since last week, triggered by videos circulated on the internet showing security forces calling Papuan students “monkeys” and “dogs” in East Java’s Surabaya city.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/29/west-papua-deaths-as-protest-turns-violent
At least one Indonesian soldier and two civilians were killed on Wednesday in a violent protest in the country’s restive Papua region, police have said.
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said a peaceful protest by 150 people against racism at the Deiyai district chief’s office turned violent when more than a thousand others tried to storm the building with arrows and machetes.
Papua military spokesman Eko Daryanto said in a statement that security forces managed to restore order and found two protesters had been injured, one with an arrow piercing his stomach and the other shot in the leg. Both died at a nearby hospital. A soldier died at the scene and five police and military personnel were injured, mostly by arrows.
A number of violent protests have roiled Papua since last week, triggered by videos circulated on the internet showing security forces calling Papuan students “monkeys” and “dogs” in East Java’s Surabaya city.
Colombia ex-Farc rebel Iván Márquez issues call to arms
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-49508411
A former commander in the Farc rebel group in Colombia, Iván Márquez, has called on his followers to take up arms less than three years after the rebels signed a peace agreement with the government.
Iván Márquez appeared in a video in military fatigues and carrying a gun.
He announced that a "new phase of the armed struggle" was beginning.
He was one of the main negotiators of the peace deal and his announcement is a heavy blow to the peace process.
In his 30-minute-long statement, Iván Márquez says that he called for a return to arms because the Colombian state had "betrayed" the peace agreement he helped negotiate.
"In two years, more than 500 social leaders have been killed and 150 guerrilla fighters are dead amidst the indifference and the indolence of the state," he says referring to the high number of activists and former Farc members killed since President Iván Duque took up office.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-49508411
A former commander in the Farc rebel group in Colombia, Iván Márquez, has called on his followers to take up arms less than three years after the rebels signed a peace agreement with the government.
Iván Márquez appeared in a video in military fatigues and carrying a gun.
He announced that a "new phase of the armed struggle" was beginning.
He was one of the main negotiators of the peace deal and his announcement is a heavy blow to the peace process.
In his 30-minute-long statement, Iván Márquez says that he called for a return to arms because the Colombian state had "betrayed" the peace agreement he helped negotiate.
"In two years, more than 500 social leaders have been killed and 150 guerrilla fighters are dead amidst the indifference and the indolence of the state," he says referring to the high number of activists and former Farc members killed since President Iván Duque took up office.
Ruth Davidson quits as Scottish Conservative leader
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49509275
Ruth Davidson has quit as leader of the Scottish Conservatives after eight years in the job.
In a statement she said it had been the "privilege of my life" to have led the party.
But she added that "much had changed" both politically and personally, which had led her to tender her resignation.
Ms Davidson had a baby last year, and has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Boris Johnson - particularly over his approach to Brexit.
She also said her personal priorities had changed, and the prospect of spending hundreds of hours away from her son and partner during a possible election campaign now filled her with "dread".
The 40-year-old, who will continue as the MSP for Edinburgh Central, tweeted her resignation statement shortly before addressing the media at an event in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.
Conservative sources insisted that her decision to leave the post had been building for several months, and was not a direct result of Mr Johnson announcing that he would suspend parliament for several weeks ahead of the Brexit deadline on 31 October.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-49509275
Ruth Davidson has quit as leader of the Scottish Conservatives after eight years in the job.
In a statement she said it had been the "privilege of my life" to have led the party.
But she added that "much had changed" both politically and personally, which had led her to tender her resignation.
Ms Davidson had a baby last year, and has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Boris Johnson - particularly over his approach to Brexit.
She also said her personal priorities had changed, and the prospect of spending hundreds of hours away from her son and partner during a possible election campaign now filled her with "dread".
The 40-year-old, who will continue as the MSP for Edinburgh Central, tweeted her resignation statement shortly before addressing the media at an event in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.
Conservative sources insisted that her decision to leave the post had been building for several months, and was not a direct result of Mr Johnson announcing that he would suspend parliament for several weeks ahead of the Brexit deadline on 31 October.
Italy PM Conte vows more united Italy as Salvini leaves power
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49510582
Caretaker Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has accepted a mandate to form a new coalition with a vow to lead a "more united, inclusive" Italy, a week after the collapse of his government dominated by nationalists.
He said Italy should play a leading role in Europe, a marked change from the policies of the right-wing League.
League leader Matteo Salvini triggered the downfall of the previous coalition.
His partner, Five Star, has now reached a deal with the centre left.
Mr Conte, an independent ex-law professor, had already savaged Mr Salvini in parliament last week, accusing him of creating a political crisis for "personal and party interests".
After President Sergio Mattarella gave him a mandate to form a new coalition, he said Italy had to make up for lost time as it was in a "very delicate phase".
"It will be a government for the good of the citizens, to modernise the country, to make our nation even more competitive internationally, but also more just, more supportive and more inclusive."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49510582
Caretaker Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has accepted a mandate to form a new coalition with a vow to lead a "more united, inclusive" Italy, a week after the collapse of his government dominated by nationalists.
He said Italy should play a leading role in Europe, a marked change from the policies of the right-wing League.
League leader Matteo Salvini triggered the downfall of the previous coalition.
His partner, Five Star, has now reached a deal with the centre left.
Mr Conte, an independent ex-law professor, had already savaged Mr Salvini in parliament last week, accusing him of creating a political crisis for "personal and party interests".
After President Sergio Mattarella gave him a mandate to form a new coalition, he said Italy had to make up for lost time as it was in a "very delicate phase".
"It will be a government for the good of the citizens, to modernise the country, to make our nation even more competitive internationally, but also more just, more supportive and more inclusive."
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'Don't beat us, just shoot us': Kashmiris allege violent army crackdown
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49481180
Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir have been accused of carrying out beatings and torture in the wake of the government's decision to strip the region of its autonomy.
The BBC heard from several villagers who said they were beaten with sticks and cables, and given electric shocks.
Residents in several villages showed me injuries. But the BBC was not able to verify the allegations with officials.
The Indian army has called them "baseless and unsubstantiated".
Unprecedented restrictions have put Kashmir into a state of lockdown for more than three weeks and information has only trickled out since 5 August when Article 370 - as the provision giving the region special status is known - was revoked.
Tens of thousands of extra troops have been deployed to the region and about 3,000 people - including political leaders, businesspeople and activists - are reported to have been detained. Many have been moved to prisons outside the state.
The authorities say these actions are pre-emptive and designed to maintain law and order in the region, which was India's only Muslim-majority state but is now being divided into two federally-run territories.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49481180
Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir have been accused of carrying out beatings and torture in the wake of the government's decision to strip the region of its autonomy.
The BBC heard from several villagers who said they were beaten with sticks and cables, and given electric shocks.
Residents in several villages showed me injuries. But the BBC was not able to verify the allegations with officials.
The Indian army has called them "baseless and unsubstantiated".
Unprecedented restrictions have put Kashmir into a state of lockdown for more than three weeks and information has only trickled out since 5 August when Article 370 - as the provision giving the region special status is known - was revoked.
Tens of thousands of extra troops have been deployed to the region and about 3,000 people - including political leaders, businesspeople and activists - are reported to have been detained. Many have been moved to prisons outside the state.
The authorities say these actions are pre-emptive and designed to maintain law and order in the region, which was India's only Muslim-majority state but is now being divided into two federally-run territories.
Brexit: UK negotiators 'to step up tempo' on new deal talks
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49515489
Boris Johnson has promised a renewed effort to secure a deal with the EU before the Brexit deadline.
The UK's Brexit negotiators will now meet their EU counterparts twice a week next month, in the run up to a crucial summit on October 17-18.
It follows a backlash from MPs and opponents of a no-deal Brexit against the prime minister's decision to suspend Parliament next month.
The EU said it expected the UK to come up with "concrete proposals".
A European Commission spokesperson said its "doors remain open" and insisted it had "demonstrated our willingness to work 24/7 throughout this long process".
Mr Johnson said he had been "encouraged" by the response from EU leaders but said "it is now time for both sides to step up the tempo".
He also said he had seen "a willingness to talk about alternatives to the anti-democratic backstop".
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49515489
Boris Johnson has promised a renewed effort to secure a deal with the EU before the Brexit deadline.
The UK's Brexit negotiators will now meet their EU counterparts twice a week next month, in the run up to a crucial summit on October 17-18.
It follows a backlash from MPs and opponents of a no-deal Brexit against the prime minister's decision to suspend Parliament next month.
The EU said it expected the UK to come up with "concrete proposals".
A European Commission spokesperson said its "doors remain open" and insisted it had "demonstrated our willingness to work 24/7 throughout this long process".
Mr Johnson said he had been "encouraged" by the response from EU leaders but said "it is now time for both sides to step up the tempo".
He also said he had seen "a willingness to talk about alternatives to the anti-democratic backstop".
James Comey violated FBI policies, says justice department watchdog
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/29/james-comey-justice-department-watchdog-fbi-violations
The justice department’s Office of the Inspector General on Thursday released a report finding that former FBI director James Comey violated department policies when he shared memos on his interactions with Donald Trump in the early stages of the administration.
The report noted that the department had declined to pursue prosecution against Comey, but concluded: “Comey’s retention, handling and dissemination of certain memos violated department and FBI policies, and his FBI employment agreement.”
The former official’s memos involved notes Comey took of highly sensitive interactions he had with Donald Trump in early 2017, which ended up as one of the spurs to the former special counsel Robert Mueller’s two-year investigation into whether Trump and his election campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election or subsequently obstructed justice.
The Trump White House has long claimed that the investigation was improper and attacked Comey, whom Trump fired early in his presidency, for his part in sparking it.
Among the most prominent memos, the former FBI director alleged the president expressed hope in a private meeting in 2017 that Comey would “let go” of an investigation into Michael Flynn, Trump’s short-lived national security adviser.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/29/james-comey-justice-department-watchdog-fbi-violations
The justice department’s Office of the Inspector General on Thursday released a report finding that former FBI director James Comey violated department policies when he shared memos on his interactions with Donald Trump in the early stages of the administration.
The report noted that the department had declined to pursue prosecution against Comey, but concluded: “Comey’s retention, handling and dissemination of certain memos violated department and FBI policies, and his FBI employment agreement.”
The former official’s memos involved notes Comey took of highly sensitive interactions he had with Donald Trump in early 2017, which ended up as one of the spurs to the former special counsel Robert Mueller’s two-year investigation into whether Trump and his election campaign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election or subsequently obstructed justice.
The Trump White House has long claimed that the investigation was improper and attacked Comey, whom Trump fired early in his presidency, for his part in sparking it.
Among the most prominent memos, the former FBI director alleged the president expressed hope in a private meeting in 2017 that Comey would “let go” of an investigation into Michael Flynn, Trump’s short-lived national security adviser.