Israel suggests U.S open consulate for Palestinians in West Bank, not Jerusalem
Israel stepped up its public opposition on Saturday to a plan by President Joe Biden's administration to reopen a U.S. consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem, suggesting such a mission should be in the occupied West Bank.
"My position, and it was presented to the Americans ... is that there is no place for a U.S. consulate which serves the Palestinians in Jerusalem. We are voicing our opinion consistently, quietly, without drama," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told reporters.
Israel stepped up its public opposition on Saturday to a plan by President Joe Biden's administration to reopen a U.S. consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem, suggesting such a mission should be in the occupied West Bank.
"My position, and it was presented to the Americans ... is that there is no place for a U.S. consulate which serves the Palestinians in Jerusalem. We are voicing our opinion consistently, quietly, without drama," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told reporters.
Amnesty says NSO's Pegasus used to hack phones of Palestinian rights workers
The mobile phones of six Palestinian rights workers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank were hacked using Israeli technology firm NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, Amnesty International and internet security watchdog Citizen Lab said on Monday.
London-based Amnesty and Toronto's Citizen Lab said they had independently confirmed that Pegasus had been used to hack the Palestinian activists' phones, after Front Line Defenders, an international rights group, began collecting data in October about the suspected hacking.
The mobile phones of six Palestinian rights workers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank were hacked using Israeli technology firm NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, Amnesty International and internet security watchdog Citizen Lab said on Monday.
London-based Amnesty and Toronto's Citizen Lab said they had independently confirmed that Pegasus had been used to hack the Palestinian activists' phones, after Front Line Defenders, an international rights group, began collecting data in October about the suspected hacking.
French Catholics agree to sell property to compensate abuse victims
France's Catholic Church said on Monday it would sell real estate and, if needed, take out loans to set up a fund to compensate thousands of people sexually abused by clergy.
A major investigation found in October that French clerics sexually abused more than 200,000 children over the past 70 years.
De Moulins-Beaufort said the bishops had also decided to ask the Pope to send them special envoys to supervise each bishop's and diocese's handling of individual abuse cases.
France's Catholic Church said on Monday it would sell real estate and, if needed, take out loans to set up a fund to compensate thousands of people sexually abused by clergy.
A major investigation found in October that French clerics sexually abused more than 200,000 children over the past 70 years.
De Moulins-Beaufort said the bishops had also decided to ask the Pope to send them special envoys to supervise each bishop's and diocese's handling of individual abuse cases.
Taiwan says China can blockade its key harbours, warns of 'grave' threat
China's armed forces are capable of blockading Taiwan's key harbours and airports, the island's defence ministry said on Tuesday, offering its latest assessment of what it describes as a "grave" military threat posed by its giant neighbour.
To counter China's attempt to "seize Taiwan swiftly whilst denying foreign interventions", the ministry vowed to deepen its efforts on "asymmetric warfare" to make any attack as painful and as difficult for China as possible.
That includes precision strikes by long-range missiles on targets in China, deployment of coastal minefields as well as boosting reserve training.
China's armed forces are capable of blockading Taiwan's key harbours and airports, the island's defence ministry said on Tuesday, offering its latest assessment of what it describes as a "grave" military threat posed by its giant neighbour.
To counter China's attempt to "seize Taiwan swiftly whilst denying foreign interventions", the ministry vowed to deepen its efforts on "asymmetric warfare" to make any attack as painful and as difficult for China as possible.
That includes precision strikes by long-range missiles on targets in China, deployment of coastal minefields as well as boosting reserve training.
Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama criticised the leaders of China on Wednesday saying they "don't understand the variety of different cultures" there and there is too much control by the main Han ethnic group.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/dalai-lama-says-prefers-stay-india-since-taiwan-china-relations-delicate-2021-11-10/
China is ready to properly manage differences with the United States, President Xi Jinping has said, ahead of a virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/xi-says-china-is-ready-work-with-us-to-manage-differences-2021-11-10/
Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, is training farmers and teachers and running social media campaigns to highlight the "positive aspects" of the $50 billion industry.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-recruits-farmers-teachers-battle-anti-palm-oil-sentiment-2021-11-10/
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/dalai-lama-says-prefers-stay-india-since-taiwan-china-relations-delicate-2021-11-10/
China is ready to properly manage differences with the United States, President Xi Jinping has said, ahead of a virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/xi-says-china-is-ready-work-with-us-to-manage-differences-2021-11-10/
Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, is training farmers and teachers and running social media campaigns to highlight the "positive aspects" of the $50 billion industry.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-recruits-farmers-teachers-battle-anti-palm-oil-sentiment-2021-11-10/
Migrants trapped in Belarus made multiple attempts to force their way into Poland overnight, Warsaw said on Wednesday, announcing that it had reinforced the border as the European Union prepares to impose sanctions on Belarus over the crisis.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/stranded-migrants-try-again-breach-polish-border-more-troops-deployed-2021-11-10/
Russia blamed the European Union on Wednesday for the migrant crisis on the border between Belarus and Poland, accusing it of trying to "strangle" Belarus with plans to close part of the frontier and urging it to talk directly with Minsk.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-blames-eu-looming-catastrophe-over-migrants-belarus-poland-border-2021-11-10/
Ethiopian authorities have detained more than 70 drivers working with the United Nations, a U.N. spokesperson said, amid international alarm over reported widespread arrests of ethnic Tigrayans as the war in the country's north escalates.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopian-authorities-detain-more-than-70-un-drivers-un-email-2021-11-10/
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/stranded-migrants-try-again-breach-polish-border-more-troops-deployed-2021-11-10/
Russia blamed the European Union on Wednesday for the migrant crisis on the border between Belarus and Poland, accusing it of trying to "strangle" Belarus with plans to close part of the frontier and urging it to talk directly with Minsk.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-blames-eu-looming-catastrophe-over-migrants-belarus-poland-border-2021-11-10/
Ethiopian authorities have detained more than 70 drivers working with the United Nations, a U.N. spokesperson said, amid international alarm over reported widespread arrests of ethnic Tigrayans as the war in the country's north escalates.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopian-authorities-detain-more-than-70-un-drivers-un-email-2021-11-10/
The United States and China, the world's two largest emitters of carbon dioxide, unveiled a deal to ramp up cooperation tackling climate change, including by cutting methane emissions, phasing out coal consumption and protecting forests.
https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/un-climate-agency-publishes-draft-final-glasgow-deal-2021-11-10/
The U.N. Security Council expressed deep concern on Wednesday over increased violence across Myanmar and in a rare statement, agreed by the 15-members, called for an immediate end to fighting and for the military to exercise utmost restraint.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-security-council-urges-end-myanmar-violence-2021-11-10/
Ghana's parliament on Thursday will hold its first public hearing on a new law that would make it illegal to be gay or to advocate for gay rights, its press office said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-parliament-begins-public-hearings-anti-lgbt-law-2021-11-11/
https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/un-climate-agency-publishes-draft-final-glasgow-deal-2021-11-10/
The U.N. Security Council expressed deep concern on Wednesday over increased violence across Myanmar and in a rare statement, agreed by the 15-members, called for an immediate end to fighting and for the military to exercise utmost restraint.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-security-council-urges-end-myanmar-violence-2021-11-10/
Ghana's parliament on Thursday will hold its first public hearing on a new law that would make it illegal to be gay or to advocate for gay rights, its press office said.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ghana-parliament-begins-public-hearings-anti-lgbt-law-2021-11-11/
Countries bordering Belarus expressed concern on Thursday that a crisis over growing numbers of migrants trying to break through its frontiers into the European Union could escalate into a military confrontation.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-reports-violent-clashes-overnight-migrants-attempt-new-border-breach-2021-11-11/
Death rates from COVID-19 infections are much higher in patients with diabetes in Africa, where the number of people with diabetes is growing rapidly, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/diabetes-problem-makes-africa-more-vulernable-covid-19-death-says-who-2021-11-11/
Legal reforms in Abu Dhabi designed to enhance the emirate's appeal to foreigners will allow for non-Muslim judges, birth certificates for children of unmarried parents, equality of men and women as witnesses, and new alimony and inheritance laws.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/abu-dhabis-new-secular-family-law-steps-up-gulf-talent-competition-2021-11-11/
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-reports-violent-clashes-overnight-migrants-attempt-new-border-breach-2021-11-11/
Death rates from COVID-19 infections are much higher in patients with diabetes in Africa, where the number of people with diabetes is growing rapidly, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/diabetes-problem-makes-africa-more-vulernable-covid-19-death-says-who-2021-11-11/
Legal reforms in Abu Dhabi designed to enhance the emirate's appeal to foreigners will allow for non-Muslim judges, birth certificates for children of unmarried parents, equality of men and women as witnesses, and new alimony and inheritance laws.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/abu-dhabis-new-secular-family-law-steps-up-gulf-talent-competition-2021-11-11/
China's Communist Party officials called President Xi Jinping a "helmsman" and "people's leader" on Friday, in a show of support for his continuing leadership.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/president-xi-is-helmsman-chinas-rejuvenation-says-party-official-2021-11-12/
A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Friday jailed American journalist Danny Fenster for 11 years, his lawyer and his employer said, despite U.S. calls for his release from what it said was unjust detention.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/us-journalist-fenster-sentenced-11-years-jail-myanmar-lawyer-2021-11-12/
Denmark on Friday proposed to fast-track legislation allowing workplaces to mandate a digital "corona pass" for employees in its latest measure to curb a third wave of infections.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmark-proposes-corona-pass-mandate-workers-2021-11-12/
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/president-xi-is-helmsman-chinas-rejuvenation-says-party-official-2021-11-12/
A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Friday jailed American journalist Danny Fenster for 11 years, his lawyer and his employer said, despite U.S. calls for his release from what it said was unjust detention.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/us-journalist-fenster-sentenced-11-years-jail-myanmar-lawyer-2021-11-12/
Denmark on Friday proposed to fast-track legislation allowing workplaces to mandate a digital "corona pass" for employees in its latest measure to curb a third wave of infections.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/denmark-proposes-corona-pass-mandate-workers-2021-11-12/
It's worth it: Pregnant Iraqi woman tells migrants to keep crossing EU border
Umm Malak, 26 and due to give birth in weeks, was willing to go through chest-deep water, hiding in cold forests with her three small daughters in the hopes of giving them a better life in Germany.
The Iraqi woman said she did not regret her efforts, even though she said she and her family had been shunted between Polish and Belarusian border guards six times in the last few weeks.
Some migrants at the open center in Bialystok told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, that they regretted the journey to Poland and that they were calling loved ones back in the Middle East telling them not to come.
But Umm Malak said migrants, especially those from Iraq like her, should still try getting over the border to the EU.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/its-worth-it-pregnant-iraqi-woman-tells-migrants-keep-crossing-eu-border-2021-11-13/
Umm Malak, 26 and due to give birth in weeks, was willing to go through chest-deep water, hiding in cold forests with her three small daughters in the hopes of giving them a better life in Germany.
The Iraqi woman said she did not regret her efforts, even though she said she and her family had been shunted between Polish and Belarusian border guards six times in the last few weeks.
Some migrants at the open center in Bialystok told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, that they regretted the journey to Poland and that they were calling loved ones back in the Middle East telling them not to come.
But Umm Malak said migrants, especially those from Iraq like her, should still try getting over the border to the EU.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/its-worth-it-pregnant-iraqi-woman-tells-migrants-keep-crossing-eu-border-2021-11-13/
U.N. climate agreement clinched after late drama over coal
U.N. climate talks ended Saturday with a deal that for the first time targeted fossil fuels as the key driver of global warming, even as coal-reliant countries lobbed last-minute objections.
Developing countries argue rich nations, whose historical emissions are largely responsible for warming the planet, must finance their efforts both to transition away from fossil fuels and to adapt to increasingly severe climate impacts.
Rich nations once again resisted acknowledging financial liability for their years of emissions that drove climate change as they rose to economic prosperity.
https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/un-climate-negotiators-go-into-overtime-save-15-celsius-goal-2021-11-13/
U.N. climate talks ended Saturday with a deal that for the first time targeted fossil fuels as the key driver of global warming, even as coal-reliant countries lobbed last-minute objections.
Developing countries argue rich nations, whose historical emissions are largely responsible for warming the planet, must finance their efforts both to transition away from fossil fuels and to adapt to increasingly severe climate impacts.
Rich nations once again resisted acknowledging financial liability for their years of emissions that drove climate change as they rose to economic prosperity.
https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/un-climate-negotiators-go-into-overtime-save-15-celsius-goal-2021-11-13/
China's Xi expected to prioritise Taiwan issue in Biden discussion
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to use his first virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to warn the United States to "step back" on the Taiwan issue, according to Chinese state media editorials printed on Monday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-expected-prioritise-taiwan-issue-biden-discussion-2021-11-15/
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to use his first virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to warn the United States to "step back" on the Taiwan issue, according to Chinese state media editorials printed on Monday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-expected-prioritise-taiwan-issue-biden-discussion-2021-11-15/
Myanmar frees U.S. journalist Fenster after negotiations with ex-U.S. diplomat
American journalist Danny Fenster was released from prison on Monday in Myanmar and has left the country, his employer said, following negotiations between former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson and the ruling military junta.
Fenster, 37, the managing editor of independent online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was arrested in May and sentenced to prison on Friday to 11 years in prison for incitement and violations of laws on immigration and unlawful assembly, a ruling that drew international condemnation.
American journalist Danny Fenster was released from prison on Monday in Myanmar and has left the country, his employer said, following negotiations between former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson and the ruling military junta.
Fenster, 37, the managing editor of independent online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was arrested in May and sentenced to prison on Friday to 11 years in prison for incitement and violations of laws on immigration and unlawful assembly, a ruling that drew international condemnation.
Biden promises candor, Xi greets 'old friend' in U.S.-China talks
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping stressed their responsibility to the world to avoid conflict as the heads of the two top global economies gathered for hours of talks on Monday.
The United States and China disagree on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade and competition rules, Beijing's expanding nuclear arsenal and its stepped-up pressure on Taiwan, among other issues.
Calling Biden an "old friend," Xi said the two sides must increase communication and cooperation to solve the many challenges they face. Biden previously disputed the characterization of their relationship as an old friendship.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping stressed their responsibility to the world to avoid conflict as the heads of the two top global economies gathered for hours of talks on Monday.
The United States and China disagree on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade and competition rules, Beijing's expanding nuclear arsenal and its stepped-up pressure on Taiwan, among other issues.
Calling Biden an "old friend," Xi said the two sides must increase communication and cooperation to solve the many challenges they face. Biden previously disputed the characterization of their relationship as an old friendship.
Netanyahu makes rare appearance at his corruption trial
Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare appearance at his corruption trial on Tuesday but an expected courtroom encounter with an ex-aide who has turned state's witness never happened as judges postponed his testimony.
Netanyahu, who served as prime minister for 12 consecutive years but lost power in June and is now the opposition leader, has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud in cases that centre on alleged regulatory favours he awarded to media tycoons in return for positive press coverage and illicit receipt of gifts, including cigars and champagne.
Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare appearance at his corruption trial on Tuesday but an expected courtroom encounter with an ex-aide who has turned state's witness never happened as judges postponed his testimony.
Netanyahu, who served as prime minister for 12 consecutive years but lost power in June and is now the opposition leader, has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, breach of trust and fraud in cases that centre on alleged regulatory favours he awarded to media tycoons in return for positive press coverage and illicit receipt of gifts, including cigars and champagne.
Australia toughens rules on foreign interference at universities
Australia says it has toughened foreign interference rules for universities to stop self-censorship on campuses and the covert transfer of sensitive technology, before hundreds of thousands of international students are expected to return as borders closed by the COVID-19 pandemic re-open.
International education is Australia's fourth-largest export industry, with China the biggest source of fee-paying students.
Australia is concerned its commercial advantage could be lost by unwanted technology transfer, and by researchers not declaring affiliations with militaries or governments in countries that don't rank highly on transparency or democracy indices, the guidelines said.
Australia says it has toughened foreign interference rules for universities to stop self-censorship on campuses and the covert transfer of sensitive technology, before hundreds of thousands of international students are expected to return as borders closed by the COVID-19 pandemic re-open.
International education is Australia's fourth-largest export industry, with China the biggest source of fee-paying students.
Australia is concerned its commercial advantage could be lost by unwanted technology transfer, and by researchers not declaring affiliations with militaries or governments in countries that don't rank highly on transparency or democracy indices, the guidelines said.
EXCLUSIVE Germany may have been naive on China at first, Merkel says
Germany may at first have been naive in some areas of cooperation with China, but should not sever all connections in reaction to growing tensions, Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Reuters.
Merkel's strategy of engagement has seen China become Germany's top trading partner during her 16 years in office, and has shaped Europe's stance on Asia's rising superpower, even amid concerns about unfair competition and industrial espionage.
China became Germany's biggest trade partner in 2016 and its rapid economic expansion has fuelled German growth throughout her tenure. But some critics say Germany is now too reliant on China, and becoming too soft on Beijing on awkward issues such as human rights violations.
Germany may at first have been naive in some areas of cooperation with China, but should not sever all connections in reaction to growing tensions, Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Reuters.
Merkel's strategy of engagement has seen China become Germany's top trading partner during her 16 years in office, and has shaped Europe's stance on Asia's rising superpower, even amid concerns about unfair competition and industrial espionage.
China became Germany's biggest trade partner in 2016 and its rapid economic expansion has fuelled German growth throughout her tenure. But some critics say Germany is now too reliant on China, and becoming too soft on Beijing on awkward issues such as human rights violations.
China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania on Sunday, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the Baltic State for allowing Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there and raising tensions in a row that has dragged in Washington.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-downgrades-its-diplomatic-ties-with-lithuania-over-taiwan-issue-2021-11-21/
Five police officers were injured in the Netherlands and at least 28 people detained across three provinces as violent protests against COVID-19 restrictions continued for a second night into Sunday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/dutch-police-detain-dozens-second-night-covid-19-rioting-2021-11-21/
Sudan's military plans to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and release all political detainees under a deal to end weeks of deadly unrest, the head of one of the country's main political parties told Reuters on Sunday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-military-reinstate-ousted-pm-hamdok-after-deal-reached-umma-party-head-2021-11-21/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-downgrades-its-diplomatic-ties-with-lithuania-over-taiwan-issue-2021-11-21/
Five police officers were injured in the Netherlands and at least 28 people detained across three provinces as violent protests against COVID-19 restrictions continued for a second night into Sunday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/dutch-police-detain-dozens-second-night-covid-19-rioting-2021-11-21/
Sudan's military plans to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and release all political detainees under a deal to end weeks of deadly unrest, the head of one of the country's main political parties told Reuters on Sunday.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-military-reinstate-ousted-pm-hamdok-after-deal-reached-umma-party-head-2021-11-21/
El Salvador plans first 'Bitcoin City', backed by bitcoin bonds
El Salvador plans to build the world's first "Bitcoin City", funded initially by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said on Saturday, doubling down on his bet to harness the crypto currency to fuel investment in the Central American country.
Speaking at an event closing a week-long promotion of bitcoin in El Salvador, Bukele said the city planned in the eastern region of La Union would get geothermal power from a volcano and not levy any taxes except for value added tax (VAT).
El Salvador plans to build the world's first "Bitcoin City", funded initially by bitcoin-backed bonds, President Nayib Bukele said on Saturday, doubling down on his bet to harness the crypto currency to fuel investment in the Central American country.
Speaking at an event closing a week-long promotion of bitcoin in El Salvador, Bukele said the city planned in the eastern region of La Union would get geothermal power from a volcano and not levy any taxes except for value added tax (VAT).
Xi tells Southeast Asian leaders China does not seek 'hegemony'
Chinese President Xi Jinping told leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a summit on Monday that Beijing would not "bully" its smaller regional neighbours amid rising tension over the South China Sea.
Beijing's territorial claims over the sea clash with those of several Southeast Asian nations and have raised alarm from Washington to Tokyo.
China’s assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea has set it against ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also lay claim to parts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told leaders of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at a summit on Monday that Beijing would not "bully" its smaller regional neighbours amid rising tension over the South China Sea.
Beijing's territorial claims over the sea clash with those of several Southeast Asian nations and have raised alarm from Washington to Tokyo.
China’s assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea has set it against ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also lay claim to parts.
GoDaddy security breach exposes WordPress users' data
Web hosting company GoDaddy Inc (GDDY.N) said on Monday email addresses of up to 1.2 million active and inactive Managed WordPress customers had been exposed in an unauthorized third-party access.
The company said the incident was discovered on Sept. 6 and the third-party accessed the system using a compromised password.
Web hosting company GoDaddy Inc (GDDY.N) said on Monday email addresses of up to 1.2 million active and inactive Managed WordPress customers had been exposed in an unauthorized third-party access.
The company said the incident was discovered on Sept. 6 and the third-party accessed the system using a compromised password.