INTERVIEW--Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic

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Czech Republic - Ukraine an important partner in Europe, country, home to a huge Ukrainian community. Today, relations between states in various fields develop incrementally. Only three months of this year, trade volume increased by a third compared to last year. On the prospects of economic, political dialogue and humanitarian plane in an interview told UKRINFORM Ambassador of Ukraine in the Czech Republic Yevhen Perebiynis.

Turnover for the quarter increased by a third

- Mr. Ambassador, recently held a meeting in Kiev, Ukrainian-Czech intergovernmental joint commission on economic, industrial, scientific and technical cooperation and business forum. You were there. What are the main results of this meeting?

- This meeting was the first in 5 years. It was an extremely important step that gave us a chance after a long break identify areas that we will continue to move in terms of intensification of trade and economic cooperation.

After my visit to Prague in late February, one of the main goals was to revive the work of the bilateral intergovernmental commission. I am glad that it was done very quickly. In addition, we increased the level of the presidency to Vice Prime Minister Ukrainian side and the Czech (formerly commission headed by deputy ministers). This enables a more efficient implementation of the decisions taken. 

They discussed a huge range of issues of trade and economic plan - cooperation in finance, energy, including nuclear; Interaction in the direction of energy efficiency in industry and agriculture, transport, science and technology, education and tourism. In particular, we agreed to work on the opening of direct rail link between the two countries. Ukraine proposes to use our Czech gas storage and oil transportation capabilities, including the Caspian. 

It is important to develop interregional cooperation. A good example here is the interaction between the Vysočina and Transcarpathian Liberec Region and Vinnitsa regions. 

- What are we now turnover rates? What are the major bilateral projects can be called?

- Positive trends currently demonstrates how Ukrainian economy and Czech. This provides a good basis for enhancing bilateral trade, which now is on an ascending trajectory. If the 2014-15 biennium. Trade performance suffered severe recession, in 2016. It has grown by almost 20% to more than 1.2 billion dollars. This Ukrainian exports amounted to 560 million (an increase of almost 4%) and imports - 654 million (an increase of 36%). 

But if we look at trade three months of the year, we will see a better trend: turnover for the period amounted to 315 million USD., Which is 32% more compared to the same period last year. And, very nice, Ukrainian exports compared with three months in 2016 increased by 40%. 

There is great interest in Ukraine by Czech investors. One of the most successful examples - Skoda Auto, which has Eurocar plant in Transcarpathia. We call on the Czech business investment to continue to cooperate, create other businesses in Ukraine. 

In the Czech Republic there is a serious shortage of manpower, according to some estimates - 150,000 jobs. So here there is a program to attract Ukrainian workers, skills and hard work in the Czech Republic are very appreciated. Czech entrepreneurs But I always say, if you open their production in Ukraine and Ukrainian offer comparable wages in their homeland, they all benefit from this. I hope that soon we will see new such projects. 

- As for the political arena? It has long been announced visit to Ukraine Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka. Does it happen? 

- In general, since the end of 2016 the first five ministers visited the Czech Ukraine: Culture, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Defense, Industry and Trade. 

The question about the visit of the Prime Minister on the agenda. But now, as the Czechs outside the campaign period, it is obvious that the parliamentary elections to be held in October, the visit will likely not take place. But hopefully it will happen soon after the formation of a new Czech government. 

In early July, Ukraine plans to visit the head of the Czech Parliament. Czech Republic marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle Zboriv, ​​so he visited the Assembly in Ternopil region to take part in memorial events. There, in 1917 there was a famous battle, which was the first battle involving the Czechoslovak Legion, which actually then played an important role in the creation of an independent Czechoslovak state. 

HUGE LOSS OF SANCTIONS FROM EU - is an exaggeration

- Czech approaching elections. It turned out that this is where all the states of the European Union is not the most active work to counter Russian propaganda. Is it minimizes the risk of interference in the Moscow elections in the country this year? 

In the Czech Interior Ministry created a hybrid unit counter threats and information

- Recently, as among Czech non-governmental organizations and the government, there is awareness of the seriousness of the situation and the need to take measures against Russian propaganda and even hybrid impacts and threats. In particular, the Interior Ministry set up an appropriate division counter information and hybrid threats. 

The ongoing contacts between the respective Czech and Ukrainian experts at various levels to share experiences, because Ukraine was actually the first victim of these hybrid threats, including information. 

This cooperation between Ukraine and the EU countries, efforts to develop common countermeasures extremely important and will continue. 

- And on the level of the republic? President Miloš Zeman has repeatedly advocated statements that are anything but pro-Ukrainian ...

To his credit, the Czech government - he carefully monitors compliance with sanctions against Russia

- In the Czech Republic for the implementation of foreign policy meets the government's position is regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine and our struggle against Russian aggression is a clear and uncompromising. On all these issues we feel the unequivocal support of the Czech Republic both at bilateral level and within international organizations. 

As for the statements of some Czech politicians who go contrary to the official position of the EU on Ukraine, we will always respond to them, explain our position related to the Russian occupation of Crimea, its aggressive actions in eastern Ukraine. 

- What is today's position on sanctions Prague? Have heard "suffering" of losing them to the Czech economy?

The assertion that the European economy does not fall apart after tomorrow sanctions against Russia and its antysanktsiyi - Myth Russian propaganda

- The Czech government has consistently supported imposed against Russia within the EU and other international organizations penalties for violating its territorial integrity of Ukraine and international law. To his credit, the Czech government - he carefully monitors compliance with sanctions and believes that talk of any repeal will only be possible after Russia fulfill Minsk agreements Crimea and Ukraine back under control.

Generally, it is to put it mildly, an exaggeration, Russian propaganda myth that the European economy does not fall apart after tomorrow sanctions against Russia and its antysanktsiyi. The negative impact of sanctions on the Czech economy certainly is, but it is quite small. Czech business have long been able to adapt to the situation and is actively seeking new markets. 

- Cz ech Republic chairs the Committee of Ministers. What kind of support can count Kyiv here?

- Indeed, in the next six months, from May to November, the Czech Presidency of the Council of Europe. Last month in Prague held bilateral consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers, during which we discussed with the Czech side of its priorities, including a focus on the situation in Ukraine on human rights in the occupied territories of Russia. We hope that this issue will provide the Czech presidency due attention. 

Also important is the role of the Czech Republic in preparation of a new action plan for Ukraine in the Council of Europe. Overall I have to say that our cooperation with the Council of Europe in Prague is very constructive. 

Workers are often victims of unscrupulous employers

- More than two weeks have passed since the introduction of visa-free regime. In the Czech press sometimes express concerns about a possible increase in the number of illegal Ukrainian workers in the Czech Republic. What kind of "preventive measures" can be taken, in order to prevent this? 

- The situation of workers is not related to visa-free. He just works really well. 

On the issue of illegal employment of Ukrainian in the Czech Republic, then it is primarily about people who enter the Czech Republic with Polish work permit. Czech police and immigration Think of this as a breach of EU law. I must say that the Ukrainian citizens are not illegal immigrants. They get absolutely the EU legally but then become victims of unscrupulous agents, employers that they say that working with Polish permits in the Czech Republic is not against the law. 

We maintain close contact with the relevant Czech authorities to ensure that their efforts are primarily focused on punishing those unscrupulous intermediaries who push Ukrainian citizens to do so, rather than Ukrainian, who often do not realize that doing something illegal.

In the second half of June in Kiev held consular consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries, which, in particular, and discussed this issue. We are interested to Ukrainian system of employment was as a clear and simple so that you can minimize the possibility that when this "warm hands" any kind of intermediaries. 

How to prevent? Strengthening advocacy. Such work among our people conduct themselves and work closely in this area with the Czech side, including diplomatic and consular offices of the Czech Republic in Ukraine. 

- But sometimes conducted raids and detain our compatriots ...

- From time to time raid by the Czech police, aimed at identifying those who work illegally held. We from the Czech side there is a very good cooperation, we immediately report the detention of our citizens for violations of migration regime. We make sure that their rights are not violated, if necessary assist in returning home. Despite not what these cases are, it really is not a mass phenomenon. In recent weeks seen reduction in the number of seizures. 

Basically, the Czech side does not consider Ukraine as a serious risk after migration visa-free regime. If certain media this topic in this regard and sounded, the beginning of the visa-free regime has proved that such fears are totally unfounded. The first days of visa-free have shown that the number of Ukrainian who come to the Czech Republic, if increased, very slightly. When crossing the border does not arise any problems, namely registration is almost a minute.

Visa-free regime - an opportunity for Ukrainian travel worthy, civilized, as do citizens of other countries. This is especially important for young people. 

UKRAINIAN community in the Czech Republic - the largest of all other communities

- How many Ukrainian students studying in the Czech Republic? 

- Approximately 4000. Czech Republic - a very popular destination for Ukrainian students. Learning Czech language is free. 

It should be noted that the Czech Republic is now one of the most active countries that provide us with assistance in reforming education. This assistance applies to borrowing Czech experience appropriate, financial assistance to move the university from the occupied territories to the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government and others. 

- Some countries are invited to treat soldiers ATO. Does Czech participation in these projects?

- Recently, the Czech Government has decided to allocate funds to treat the wounded Ukrainian soldiers, as announced Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Martin Stropnitskyy during his visit to Ukraine in May. 

- Ukrainian community in the Czech Republic - the largest of all the other communities. Is Ukrainian unison living in the Czech Republic? 

The largest by the number of national minorities in the Czech Republic - Ukrainian - about 120 thousand

- Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic are members of several waves of emigration. There are so-called classical diaspora - the descendants of those who came to Czechoslovakia in 1920-30's. There are people who came in the early 1990s, some of them have become citizens of the Czech Republic. There is a new wave of even difficult to call the diaspora, because it is the citizens of Ukraine who have a residence permit in the Czech Republic. There are now about 120,000. This - the largest number of minorities in the country. And if we add another Ukrainian those who are citizens of the Czech Republic, it can be up to 170 thousand. 

Ukrainian organizations in the Czech Republic much more than 30. We have recently reanimated Coordination Council of heads of Ukrainian organizations. It meets periodically at the Embassy to discuss the most important issues that unite all Ukrainian living in the Czech Republic. 

I think the atmosphere in the Diaspora is quite constructive. Of course, there are issues where some organizations do not agree with each other, but the strategic issues combining virtually no differences. 

Olga Tanasiichuk , Prague

Abe Aims to Submit LDP's Constitutional Revision Plan by Year-End

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 Kobe, June 24 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe showed his hope on Saturday that his ruling Liberal Democratic Party will submit its proposal for constitutional amendments to relevant panels of the Diet, Japan's parliament, within this year. 
   "I hope that the LDP constitutional revision proposal will be presented to the commissions on the constitution of both chambers of the Diet before the end of an upcoming extraordinary Diet session," Abe, also president of the party, said during a speech in Kobe, the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan.
   It is the first time that Abe has shown his willingness to see the LDP proposal submitted to the extraordinary Diet session, which is likely to open in autumn. He has already expressed his readiness to revise Article 9 of the constitution and put the amended national charter into force in 2020.
   Based on the instructions of Abe, the LDP plans to produce its constitutional revision proposal within this year. But the party has stopped short of stating that it would be submitted to the Diet commissions by year-end.
   Abe is apparently preparing to reshuffle his cabinet and the LDP's executive team in early August.

Qatar says demands by blockade states not 'reasonable'

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By Furkan Guldemir and Mehmet Nuri Ucar

DOHA

Qatar said Saturday a list of demands by Saudi Arabia and its allies to end their blockade was not "reasonable" and "actionable".

Sheikh Yusuf Bin Ahmed, the director of the government's Communication Office, said the blockade was meant to "limit Qatar's sovereignty and interfere in its foreign policy", according to the official QNA news agency.

"We are reviewing these demands out of respect for ... regional security and there will be an official response from our ministry of foreign affairs," he said.

Bin Ahmed said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had recently called upon Saudi Arabia and the other countries to produce a list of grievances that was "reasonable and actionable."

"This list does not satisfy that criteria," he added.

On June 5, five Arab countries -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen -- abruptly cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Doha, for its part, strenuously denies accusations that it supports terrorism, describing the attempts to isolate it as “unjustified”. 

Qatar said early Saturday it has received a list of demands by the four countries to end their blockade on the Gulf country. 

According to foreign media, the 13-point list of demands includes the closure of Al Jazeera television, downgrading ties with Iran and extraditing "terrorists".

The four countries have given Doha a 10-day deadline to meet the demands.

Russian weapons delivered to Azerbaijan to be sent to frontline

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Baku, Azerbaijan, June 24

Trend:

Azerbaijan has received delivery of Russian military equipment, said Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry June 24.

“A planned delivery of the latest Russian military equipment to Azerbaijan has been carried out in accordance with the intergovernmental agreement and within the framework of successfully developing military-technical cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation,” said the Defence Ministry.

The big cargo of modern weapons that arrived at the Baku port will be sent to the frontline zone in the near future, added the Defence Ministry.

“These weapons will strengthen the combat and maneuver capabilities of the forward-based units of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan to defeat armored vehicles, engineering and fortification structures, low-speed air targets, military personnel and other military facilities of the enemy.”

The delivery of Russian military equipment and weapons to Azerbaijan will continue, said the Defence Ministry.

Defence Ministry said General Director of Rosoboronexport JSC Alexander Mikheev was among the first who sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov on the occasion of the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, celebrated on June 26.

The congratulatory letter said, “Joint efforts will benefit our states and will contribute to strengthening of defence capability of Azerbaijan.”

The letter also read that the development of military and technical cooperation will allow significantly increasing the power of the Armed Forces and their ability to ensure peace and prosperity of the Azerbaijani people.

Protest rally in central Seoul demands withdrawal of THAAD

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SEOUL, June 24 (Yonhap) -- Thousands of South Koreans staged a protest rally in central Seoul on Saturday demanding the withdrawal of the deployment of an American high-tech anti-missile defense system as President Moon Jae-in and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump are set to meet in Washington D.C. next week.

"The deployment of THAAD, which is unnecessary for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, should be pulled back," the protesters said in a rally held in Seoul Plaza at the heart of Seoul. The rally's organizer put the number of participants at 3,000.

The rally came ahead of the first Moon-Trump summit to be held from June 29-30, which is expected to feature the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

After taking office last month, Moon ordered the deployment to be delayed until an environmental impact assessment is carried out at its deployment site.

"The South Korea-U.S. summit to come next week should be a venue where the review of the THAAD deployment should be assured," the protests said. They also demanded the U.S. stop enforcing the deployment.

Following the rally, the protesters moved to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to lay siege to the embassy building in central Seoul before leaving the embassy area to stage protest marches.

pbr@yna.co.kr

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry forwards note of protest to Russia over Putin’s visit to Crimea

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KIEV, June 24. /TASS/. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has forwarded a note of protest to the Russian Foreign Ministry over the visit of a Russian delegation led by President Vladimir Putin to Crimea.

"The Ukrainian side views the above-mentioned visit [on June 24] and other so-called trips of Russian officials to the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol as a blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s press service said in a statement circulated on Saturday.

Kiev believes that the Russian president’s visit to Crimea should have been approved by Ukrainian relevant agencies.

"A note of protest has been submitted to the Russian Foreign Ministry," it said.

Earlier on Saturday, Putin alongside Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, his aide Andrei Fursenko and Crimea’s top officials visited the international youth center Artek. Putin was shown around the children’s holiday camps, their infrastructure. Also, he met with children holidaying in Artek - some were from the United States and Donbass - and wished them a strong friendship and new knowledge.

The Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, a city with special status on the Crimean Peninsula, where most residents are Russians, refused to recognize the legitimacy of authorities who took power amid riots during the February 2014 coup in Ukraine.

Crimea and Sevastopol adopted declarations of independence on March 11, 2014. They held a referendum on March 16, 2014, in which 96.77% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. President Vladimir Putin signed the reunification treaty on March 18, 2014 and three days later, on March 21, the Federal Assembly (both houses of Russia’s parliament) ratified it. Despite convincing results of the referendum, Ukraine has been refusing to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.

Trips of Russian officials, along with those of foreign politicians, to Crimea have become regular since 2014. In each separate case, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry launches a protest. Russia has reiterated that Crimea is a Russian territory and the issue is a no discussion subject.

More:
http://tass.com/world/953178

Italy satisfied by EU summit on migrants-Gentiloni

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ANSA) - Rome, June 23 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Friday that he was satisfied about how the European summit had responded to Italy's demands for more help with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. "I think Italy can be satisfied with the conclusions reached, although we know very well that the problems we have to tackle cannot be resolved with the conclusions of a European Council document," Gentiloni told a press conference. European Council President Donald Tusk said that leaders at the EU summit "agreed to coordinate better in the next few weeks to help Italy" with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. Tusk said that progress was being made regarding the central Mediterranean route but he added that "the situation remains critical for illegal arrivals". He said that "the only result that we are interested in is putting a definitive end" to the arrivals. French President Emmanuel Macron told an end-of-summit press conference that the EU had failed to pay sufficient attention in the past to Italy's appeals. "We lacked balance on solidarity" on migrants and the economic crisis, Macron said in reference to countries hit by "asymmetric shocks". "We did not listen to Italy about the migrant wave that was arriving," he added. "Common EU rules are needed both for the Balkan route and the Libya one".
   

German parliament throws out thousands of anti-gay convictions

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Germany's parliament has approved a measure to throw out decades of convictions under the nation's now-defunct law that criminalized sex between men. File Photo EPA/Sophia Kembowski

June 24 (UPI) -- Germany's parliament this week approved an annulment of thousands of criminal convictions under the nation's former anti-gay law and issued compensation to convicted men.

The law criminalizing sex between men existed in Germany under various forms from 1871 to 1994. Parliament members voted Thursday to throw out convictions affecting about 50,000 men since World War II.

The measure includes financial compensation for those still living. Germany will send 3,000 euro, or about $3,350, to roughly 5,000 men -- and another 1,500 euro, or about $1,680, for each year they spent in prison.

"This has been a very, very long fight for the rehabilitation of gay men who were convicted in this democratic German state -- not in the National Socialist state, but in the democratic German state," Axel Hochrein, a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Federation in Germany, told the New York Times.

Despite that support, CNN reported that Hochrein's organization has said Germany's level of compensation is not enough.

The group also critically pointed to how parliament members defined which convictions they'd throw out. Parliament chose to keep on the books convictions involving men charged with having sex with 14- and 15-year-olds. The age of consent in Germany is 14.

Iran arrests IS-linked group planning attacks

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Iranian security forces have arrested members of a group linked to Islamic State which had planned bombings and suicide attacks in religious centres, state television reported on Saturday.

Intelligence Ministry agents "were able to arrest a group linked to Daesh (Islamic state) that intended to carry out terror operations in religious cities ..., and (seized) explosive and suicide attack equipment," the television said. It did not say how many militants were held.

The arrests came days after Iranian Revolutionary Guards fired missiles from western Iran into eastern Syria, aiming at bases of the Islamic State which had claimed responsibility for twin attacks that killed 18 people in Tehran on June 7.

The attacks by the Sunni Muslim militants at Iran's parliament and near the mausoleum of the Islamic Republic's founder exacerbated regional tensions.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said afterwards the raids would increase hatred for Saudi Arabia, the region's main Sunni power, and America.

Authorities seized three assault rifles, a machine-gun equipped with a silencer, three suicide belts, as well as explosives and bomb-making equipment, the state broadcaster IRIB said on its website on Saturday.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Ros Russell)

Brazil to urge U.S. to lift meat embargo

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BRASILIA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Minister of Agriculture Blairo Maggi said on Friday he would travel to the U.S. to present evidence for the U.S. to reverse its ban on importing fresh meat from Brazil.

In a statement on social media, Maggi said he would travel to Washington in order to hold "the necessary talks and to reestablish this important market for Brazil.

"All the corrective measures are already being taken and our objective continues to be the same: guarantee our existing markets and expand our exports by 7 to 10 percent in the next five years," the minister added.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the suspension of all fresh meat imports from Brazil, due to concerns about their safety for the American market.

The ban would remain in place until the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture provides corrective measures to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Bangladeshi origin boy donates 108 iPads to Dhaka orphan girls

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DHAKA, June 24, 2017 (BSS) -Chowdhury Muhtasim Ahsan Orney, a 17-year-old Bangladeshi origin and a high school student from Las Vegas, Nevada in the U.S donated 108 iPads to Distressed Children and Infants International (DCI) supported orphan girls in Bangladesh.

Muhtasim, president of DCI and Rights and Sight for Children (RSC) Las Vegas Chapter, recently came to Dhaka and distributed the iPads among the children at the organization's office at Mohammedpur here.

These iPads will be used for developing the communication between DCI supported children in Bangladesh with their sponsors in America. 

These iPads will also be used in the continued education efforts of the orphanage, which is currently responsible for teaching over 48 orphaned girls ranging from kindergarten to the 8th grade. 

The iPads will allow the orphanage to guarantee an iPad for every student as they continue their studies in traditional classes such as mathematics and English. 

The integration of individualized technology allows teachers to better express information and understand every student's particular needs. 

Muhtasim has been involved with DCI for the last several years, founding a DCI club at the Meadows School and establishing the Las Vegas Youth Chapter. 

He has been diligently creating more and more community awareness for child rights and promoting the organization among various schools and companies in the valley. 

His father is Prof Dr Chowdhury H Ahsan and mother Dr Selina Parveen. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Road crash kills 16 garments workers in Rangpur

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RANGPUR, June 24, 2017 (BSS) - Sixteen homebound garments workers were killed and seven others injured in a fatal road accident at Kolabagan Shukanchowki Bazar point on the Dhaka-Rangpur highway under Pirganj upazila here today, police sources said. 

"The accident occurred when a Lalmonirhat bound cement-laden truck from Dhaka skidded off the road and overturned after its driver lost control over steering there at 4:45 am today," said In-charge of Barodorga Highway Police Camp Sub-inspector Hafizur Rahman. 

"Eleven garments workers, including three women and an adolescent, of Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Jhenaidah and Mymensingh districts were killed on the spot after being buried under the cement bags and 12 others injured in the accident," he said. 

Five of the injured 12 garments workers, succumbed to their injuries after they were taken to Pirganj Upazila Health Complex and seven others shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH), Hafizur added. 

"The deceased and injured people boarded on the cement-laden truck at Chandra Mour point on the highway in Gazipur district on way back homes to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr festivity," he said. 

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pirganj Thana Rezaul Karim said personnel of the Fire Service and Civil Defense rushed to the spot soon after the accident, recovered the bodies and injured persons and completed rescue operation within a couple of hours. 

The deceased were identified as Alamgir Hossain, 30, Saddam Hossain, 28, Manju Mian, 22, and Suborna, 12, of village Lotabor Chanparhat, Delwar Hossain, 25, and Monir Hossain, 22, of village Dongagachhi, Kohinoor Begum, 40, and Shahidul Islam, 35, of village Uttar Botrish Hazari, Mohsin Ali, 20, of Balapara village and Anwar Hossain, 35, of village Uttara Balapara under Kaliganj upazila, Azizul Islam, 22, of village Boraibari and Rabiul Islam, 28, of village Mohishkhoncha under Aditmari upazila in Lalmonirhat district, Nashida Akhter, 28, of village Sonakazi under Fulbari upazila in Kurigram, Anisuzzaman, 40, and his wife Samsunnahar, 24, of village Mimgram under Sailokupa upazila in Jhenaidah and Jashim Uddin, 42, of village Balujhuri under Bhaluka upazila in Mymensingh districts. 

Highway Police seized the truck and filed a case in this connection. 

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Wahiduzzaman visited the spot, distributed Taka 20,000 among relatives of every deceased garments worker and Taka 5,000 among each of the injured persons as instant assistance on behalf of the government. 

He also directed a two-member probe committee headed by Assistant Director of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Abdul Quddus for completing investigation into reason behind the fatal road accident. 

Besides, a three-member probe committee comprising of Additional Police Super Mahidul Islam of Highway Police, its Senior Assistant Superintendent Birendra Chandra Mahapatro and OC of Taraganj Highway Thana Abdullah Al Baki, has also started investigation.

Bangladesh-President, PM greet Hindu community on Ratha Yatra

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DHAKA, June 24, 2017 (BSS) - President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev and a major festival of the Hindu community. 

In separate messages on the eve of the religious festival, they wished all success of all programmes. 

In his message, President Hamid said Ratha Yatra is one of the main religious festivals of Hindu community. 

"This festival is being observed here with due respect and religious solemnity from ancient time. Different great human beings have arrived in this world in different ages to remove lawlessness and establish peace. They have made relentless efforts to bring together the world with the spirit of harmony," the President said.

He also hoped that this Ratha Yatra festival will play an effective role in spreading unity, affection and harmony among people of all religions. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said, "I am delighted to know that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) is publishing a souvenir on the occasion of Ratha Yatra. 

She said people of different religions of the country have been performing their respective rituals peacefully for long. "Religious festivals develop kindness among the people. Religion is personal, festival is for all," she added.

She hoped the Ratha Yatra will play an important role to build mutual trust and amity among people irrespective of castes, creeds and religions.

Myanmar to host 3rd Asia-Pacific water forum

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YANGON, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will host the 3rd Asia-Pacific Water forum in Nay Pyi Taw on Dec. 11-12 to seek ways of management of water resources, Myanmar News Agency reported Friday.

Vice President U Henry Van Thio, who is also Chairman of the National Water Resources Committee, called for support of the work of the committee in continuing the rain water harvesting, mitigating flooding and inundation, and controlling water pollution.

He said the hosting of the event will provide opportunities to learn from international specialists about all round management of water resources, reducing the effects of natural disaster, obtaining new technique and idea on water resources management and achieving water sufficiency in the region.

The Asia-Pacific water forum had been held once every six years starting 2007 with the aim of assisting heads of states in the region to resolve future challenges with regard to water sufficiency, increase in international cooperation in the region and cooperation with the host country to implement long-term development aim.

The first such forum was held in Japan in 2007, while the second in Thailand in 2013.

Six found dead in SW China landslide burying 120

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Rescuers work at the accident site after a landslide occurred in Xinmo Village of Maoxian County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 24, 2017. The landslide on Saturday morning smashed some 40 homes, where about 100 people are feared to be buried. (Xinhua/He Qinghai)

CHENGDU, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Six people have been confirmed dead in a landslide in southwest China's Sichuan Province early Saturday that buried 62 homes and left more than 120 people missing.

Fire fighters involved in the rescue operation said they had retrieved six bodies from the debris by Saturday evening.

A total of 739 fire fighters with 133 rescue vehicles were working along with paramilitary officers and other professional rescue teams at the site.

The landslide from a high part of a mountain in Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Aba hit Xinmo Village in Maoxian County at about 6 a.m., blocking a 2-km section of river and burying 1,600 meters of road.

The provincial government has launched the highest level of disaster relief response and sent rescue teams to the site.

Currently, more than 1,000 workers with life-detection instruments are engaged in the search for survivors.

The provincial department of land and resources said the landslide was caused by heavy rain. An estimated 18 million cubic meters of earth mass fell some 1,600 meters, engulfing Xinmo Village.

Geological experts at the site said the chance of survival for the people buried was really slim.

Only three people from one family were rescued five hours after the landslide struck. They were taken to Maoxian County People's Hospital and none suffered life-threatening injuries. Another child of the family remains buried.

More than 110 villagers living nearby were being evacuated to township schools on Saturday night, fearing there might be rain and secondary disasters.

Two pandas arrive in Berlin from China

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BERLIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A pair of pandas have arrived here Saturday, making German public able to visit the animal species again at home after five years.

The male panda Jiao Qing, born in 2010, and the female one Meng Meng, born in 2013, came from the panda breeding and research base in Chengdu, southwest China.

The panda couple will stay in Berlin Zoo, the oldest one in Germany, for 15 years.

After a long trip by air accompanied by both Chinese and German vets, Jiao Qing and Meng Meng were greeted by Chinese Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde and Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller.

"This year marks the 45 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany. I wish that the pandas as the 'ambassador of friendship' would be adored by German people," Shi said while greeting the pandas at the airport.

"We are delighted that Berlin has gained another fantastic attraction with these bears," Mueller said.

Newly constructed "Panda Garden" in the zoo, covering nearly 5,500 square meters and costing nearly 10 million euros (11.2 million U.S. dollars), will be the two pandas' new home.

They will head to the Garden and take some days to rest. The zoo will host a grand greeting party for them next month before the public visit, according to Berlin Zoo.

It has been five years since the 34-year-old male panda Bao Bao died here in 2012.

Bao Bao had been sent by the Chinese government in 1980 as a national gift and kept in Berlin Zoo, along with a female one Tian Tian, who died in 1984.

Another female panda, Yan Yan, who died in 2007, arrived in the zoo in 1995.

UAE: Arab states don't seek 'regime change' in Qatar

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A top United Arab Emirates official said Saturday the Arab countries isolating Qatar do not seek to force out the country's leadership over allegations it supports extremist ideology but are willing to cut ties altogether if it does not agree to their demands.

(1 of 2) Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs talks to the media during a press conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, June 24, 2017. The top United Arab Emirates official says the Arab countries isolating Qatar do not seek to force out the country's leadership but are willing to cut ties with it if it does not agree to their demands.

June 24, 2017

Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told reporters in Dubai that his country and its allies do not want "regime change" in Qatar, but a "behavioral change." He described the six-member, Saudi-led Gulf Cooperation Council that includes his country and Qatar as being in a state of crisis as a result of the standoff, and he referred to Qatar as a "Trojan horse" within the once close-knit group of Arab monarchies that would be isolated for the long term if it does not capitulate.

"The alternative is not escalation. The alternative is parting of ways," he said. "It's very difficult for us to maintain a collective grouping with one of the partners ... actively promoting what is an extremist and terrorist agenda."

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain presented a 13-point list of demands to Qatar on Thursday and gave it 10 days to take action. They have signaled that if Qatar refuses to comply by the deadline, they will continue to restrict its access to land, sea and air routes indefinitely amid mounting economic pressure on the Persian Gulf nation.

Qatar says it is reviewing the ultimatum, which includes demands to shut Al-Jazeera and cut ties with Islamist groups including the Muslim Brotherhood. But it has also said it won't negotiate while under siege.

The countries have previously suggested the demands were their bottom line, though Gargash on Saturday appeared to allow for the possibility for some negotiation facilitated by Kuwait, a GCC member mediating the crisis.

"It is understood that any mediator — that's his job. The job is to take your ... position and to look at the position of the other party and to try and reach something that is doable," Gargash said. Qatar has long denied that it supports extremist groups and funds terrorism. But it acknowledges that it allows members of some groups such as Hamas to live in Qatar, arguing that fostering dialogue is key to resolving global conflicts. The Al-Jazeera network it hosts has provided exposure for groups ranging from the Muslim Brotherhood to al-Qaida, and is seen by its critics as a mouthpiece for extremist ideology.

The demands from Qatar's neighbors amount to a call for a sweeping overhaul of Qatar's foreign policy and natural gas-funded influence peddling in the region. Complying would bring Qatar's policies in line with the regional vision of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's biggest economy and gatekeeper of Qatar's only land border.

"This list of demands confirms what Qatar has said from the beginning — the illegal blockade has nothing to do with combatting terrorism, it is about limiting Qatar's sovereignty, and outsourcing our foreign policy," Sheikh Saif Al-Thani, a Qatari ruling family member who heads the country's government communications office, said in a statement earlier Saturday.

The United Arab Emirates has said the list was intended to be confidential, and it has accused Qatar of leaking it to the press in a sign of bad faith. Qatar's neighbors are also demanding that it: —Curb diplomatic ties with Iran, and limit trade and commerce.

—Stop funding other news outlets, including Arabi21, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed and Middle East Eye. —Hand over "terrorist figures" and wanted individuals from the four countries. —Stop all means of funding for groups or people designated by foreign countries as terrorists.

—Pay an unspecified sum in reparations. —Stop all contacts with the political opposition in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain

UK PM pledges help for hundreds of evacuated

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LONDON (AP) — The Latest on response to deadly tower-block fire in London (all times local): 2:55 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May says the government is supporting local authorities in London to make sure residents evacuated from four public housing blocks due to fire safety concerns will have somewhere to stay.

(1 of 6) Residents leave a tower block on the Chalcots Estate in Camden, London, Friday evening, June 23, 2017, as the building is evacuated in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire to allow "urgent fire safety works" to take place. More than 800 homes in tower blocks on the council estate in Camden, north London, are be evacuated. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

June 24, 2017

Over 600 apartments were evacuated overnight after fire inspectors concluded that the buildings, in north London's Camden area, were unsafe because of problematic fire doors, gas pipe insulation, and external cladding similar to that blamed for the rapid spread of a fire that engulfed Grenfell Tower on June 14. Residents say they were given little notice and were forced to seek emergency shelter.

May added that the government is working with local authorities across the country to address fire safety fears about apartment towers.

11:30 a.m.

Britain's Press Association reports that dozens of people have refused to leave their homes on a London housing estate, defying efforts by officials to evacuate some apartment blocks due to fire safety concerns.

Camden Council in north London decided that hundreds of residents at the Chalcots Estate had to leave Friday night amid safety fears linked to the deadly inferno that engulfed Grenfell Tower on June 14. Four tower blocks were evacuated following worries about the blocks' external cladding and gas pipe insulation.

Many people gathered at a nearby leisure center used as a temporary shelter complained about the chaotic situation.

Carl McDowell, 31, said he took one look at the packed inflatable beds offered in the center's gym and went back to his own apartment. He said officials knocked on residents' doors Friday night, two hours after he had heard about the evacuation on the news.

Camden Council leader Georgia Gould said if residents had not left their homes after being visited again by officials on Saturday, "it will become a matter for the fire service."

11:10 a.m.

Britain's government now says that 27 high-rise apartment blocks in 15 areas have failed fire cladding safety tests.

Officials had said earlier that samples of cladding panels from 14 buildings in London, Manchester and Plymouth had been found to be combustible.

The testing is being done as officials around Britain scramble to assess the safety of apartment buildings following the June 14 inferno that engulfed Grenfell Tower in west London, killing an estimated 79 people. Combustible cladding used to insulate that tower and improve its appearance has been blamed for the rapid spread of the blaze.

10:10 a.m.

A local council in London says it evacuated some 650 homes overnight after inspectors found fire safety issues in four public housing towers, following the inferno in awest London apartment block that killed 79.

The revised number was lower than the 800 estimated Friday night.

Camden Borough Council says in a statement Saturday that it housed many of the residents at two temporary shelters while many others were provided hotel rooms.

The council is working with police, firefighters and the British Red Cross to help the evacuees.

Sky News quoted council leader Georgia Gould as saying the council secured 270 hotel rooms, 100 places in local public housing projects and asked neighboring boroughs for support.

8:15 a.m.

The residents of roughly 800 apartments in London have been evacuated due to fire-safety concerns.

Many are being housed Saturday in temporary shelters. The unusual evacuation follows the fire that claimed at least 79 lives in a London high-rise last week.

That fire was found to have been spread by a type of exterior cladding also found on the buildings that were evacuated.

Camden Council in north London started the evacuation Friday night so urgent safety upgrades could begin.

Officials say they acted because fire officials said they could not guarantee the safety of residents. Similar inspections are ongoing elsewhere in Britain on hundreds of buildings.