Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau 'killed in air strike by Nigerian fighter jets

• Government planes attacked Boko Haram in Borno State on Friday
• Nigerian air force said Shekau was 'fatally wounded on his shoulders' 
• There has been no immediate reaction from the terrorist group

Meghan McCain: ‘When Hillary makes mistakes, people die’

When Donald Trump says things, it offends people sometimes and it can be controversial,” the daughter of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said on Fox News on Friday. “But when Hillary makes mistakes, people die.” 

McCain cited Iran’s recent execution of a nuclear scientist who helped the United States as an example. The man's name was reportedly mentioned in Clinton’s emails that were kept on her private server during her time as secretary of State.

How Turkey 'coup attempt' will affect Nigeria?

It happened on July 15. Soldiers shut down parts of Ankara and Istanbul. News about Turkey 'coup attempt'became a very actual topic for Nigerians.

The strongest communication between Nigeria and Turkey consists in trade, tourism, socio-cultural similarities and the fact that many Nigerian travelers consider simpler and cheaper way now to go through Turkey to other European capitals with Turkish Airlines getting all profit on the route. No Nigerian company participates in it.

Arms Spending May Rise as Beijing Asserts Control in South China Sea

BEIJING—

China is expected to increase its military investment in the South China Sea and significantly raise its overall defense spending to affirm its claim to the region.

Nigeria: Sex Scandal - U.S. Ambassador Breached Communication Protocol, Says House Committee

Abuja — The House of Representatives Committee investigating the allegations of sexual misconduct against three lawmakers has accused the out going United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, of breaching diplomatic protocols, by writing directly to the Speaker of the House.

Diplomatic convention requires that any communication to an arm of government by a diplomat, should be channelled through the Foreign Ministry of the host country, and vice versa.

Donald Trump Postpones Naming Running Mate

Donald J. Trump's presidential campaign signaled strongly on Thursday that he would name Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana as his running mate, but abruptly postponed a long-planned unveiling of the Republican ticket after an attack that left dozens dead in France.

Mr. Trump said on Twitter that he was delaying his announcement after the "horrible attack" in Nice. He did not specify when the event would go forward.

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Donald J. Trump 

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In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow's news conference concerning my Vice Presidential announcement.

12:09 AM - 15 Jul 2016

 
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Aaron P. Bernstein | Getty Images

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

Kaduna Government Demolishes All Islamic Movement Properties, Cemeteries -

In the ongoing suppression of the Islamic movement in Kaduna, the El-Rufai-run state government has reportedly continued to demolish all the minority Muslims’ acquired properties in the state in continuation of the demolishing of Zakzaky’s house and the Husainiyyah center destroyed since last week.

Over sixty graves were exhumed yesterday in the ongoing persecution. Soldiers together with government agents went back to the Shuhada cemetery and completely destroyed it including the graves of Ayatullah Zakzaky’s sons which were killed last year by the Jonathan government. They are currently demolishing Sheikh Zakzaky’s family house and mother’s grave as in image above.


Kaduna demolishes Sheikh Zakzaky family house and mother’s grave

Human Rights Watch has condemned the actions involving the killing as many as a thousand faithfuls and secret burial of over 300 as unjustified. According to the Human Rights Watch report, dozens of faithfuls were also killed during the aggression at cemeteries.

IMN Press Release:

It has come to our notice that the Kaduna state Governor has ordered KASUPDA to demolish all the properties belonging to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Yesterday, KASUPDA under the protection of security agents razed to ground what remained of our Husainiyya Islamic centre.

We are particularly irked by the demolition of our newly bought property adjacent the Husainiyya, a former NTC compound, which they did yesterday. That compound has been in existence since the colonial times.


El-Rufai during condolence visit to El-Zakzaky last July

Governor Elrufai didn’t stop at that, his government’s KASUPDA demolished our Fudiyya Islamic centre, where we were holding our Islamic programmes before relocating to Husainiyya about five years ago. That building was also duly occupied by us and was built by the owner over thirty years ago. It was in the midst of other people’s houses.

Today also KASUPDA demolished the family house of Sheikh Zakzaky wherein lies the remains of his mother who died a year ago. The house is located in Jushi qtrs of Tudunwada Zaria.


Sheikh Zakzaky family house and mother’s grave

We condemn this act of brutality against the Islamic movement. This atrocity is a pointer to the fact that, while the government is busy telling the public that they want peace to prevail after the massacre, but at the same time it is out to provoke us more.


Buhari and El-Rufai at Kaduna Music And Disco Festival

We believe if the government is truly searching for avenues for peaceful resolution to this crisis, the government should be seen by all to be following due process in whatever breach they are accusing the Movement.

We are calling on the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir Elrufai, to desist from exploiting our patience and endurance and stop further destruction of our properties.

Signed by
IBRAHIM MUSA
President of Media Forum of the Islamic Movement 

Read full text of Buhari’s 2016 “Budget of Change”

2016 Budget Speech: “The Budget of Change”

Delivered By:
His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

To
A Joint Session of the National Assembly (on December 22, 2016)

PROTOCOLS

1. I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly, but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.

Buhari presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to NASS

2. I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years. From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.

3. By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.

4. Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.

5. The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.

6. This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

7. In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.
2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges

8. Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84% in the third quarter of 2015.

9. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.

10. Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.

11. On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of Government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support States to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.

12. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.
2015 Budget Performance

13. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.

14. The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.

2016: Budget Assumptions

15. After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.

16. Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

17. We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with Government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimize the impact of public expenditure.

18. In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilization of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinize the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralized for economies to be made.

19. We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how Government spends public revenue.

2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

20. The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.

21. We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37% and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.

22. As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidized funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.

23. As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.

24. We also intend to partner with State and Local Governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.

25. Furthermore, through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.

The 2016 Budget

26. Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.

27. The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14% of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3% of GDP by 2018.

28. In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.

29. Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.

30. The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

31. I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.

32. To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30% of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.

33. This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.

34. We will invest to safeguard lives and property.

35. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques.

36. We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.

37. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.

38. Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223% year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.

39. In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9% reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.

39. As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.

40. We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.

41. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.

42. I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.

43. These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the Bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.

44. We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.

45. So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.
Conclusion

46. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.

47. The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a Government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.

48. I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in Government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.

49. We will not betray the trust reposed in us.

50. We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.

51. We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.

52. We as a Government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organized labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.

53. This Budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.

54. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Pentagon chief: US strike that killed Iraqi soldiers seems to be 'mistake'

The American airstrike that may have killed a number of Iraqi soldiers on Friday seems to be "a mistake that involved both sides," U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter said Saturday. He called Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to express condolences.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the USS Kearsarge in the Persian Gulf, Carter said the incident near the western Iraqi city of Fallujah was "regrettable."

"These kinds of things happen when you're fighting side by side as we are," Carter said. He said the airstrike Friday "has all the indications of being a mistake of the kind that can happen on a dynamic battlefield."

Carter, who spent two days in Iraq this past week, called Abadi from the USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship supporting coalition missions in Iraq and Syria against Islamic State militants. The Kearsarge carries a Marine expeditionary unit and naval aircraft.

The Pentagon chief did not provide details about the airstrike, which the U.S. military headquarters in charge of the war effort in Syria and Iraq said was one of several it conducted Friday against IS targets. A U.S. military statement said the airstrikes came in response to requests and information provided by Iraqi security forces on the ground near Fallujah, which is in IS control, and were done in co-ordination with Iraqi forces.

A senior U.S. defence official said there was fog in that area and that weather may have played a role in the incident. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Carter said he told Abadi that the United States was investigating and would work with the Iraqis.

Asked if he was worried the deaths might further anger Iraqi citizens who may not be happy with the American and coalition presence in Iraq, Carter said, "I hope Iraqis will understand that this is a reflection of things that happen in combat. But it's also a reflection of how closely we are working with the government" of Iraq.

He added that during the call, both he and Abadi recognized that "things like this can happen in war."

The U.S. military statement Friday said the strike may have resulted in the death of Iraqi soldiers. The statement did not say how many Iraqi soldiers may have been killed; other officials said the Iraqis initially reported that about 10 may have died.

When asked how many Iraqis may have been killed, the U.S. military command known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve said, "The coalition is investigating the incident and will make further details available when appropriate."

Two countries had no idea they were in Saudi Arabia's Muslim coalition to fight terrorism

rlier this week Saudi Arabia announced a new 34-country coalition of Muslim nations to fight terrorism, but two of the key countries have said they had no idea they were involved.

The countries from Asia, Africa and the Arab world were combining their efforts to combat extremism, according to the Saudis, who have faced mounting pressure to step up efforts in addressing the threat of extremism.

Delivering the announcement on Tuesday, defence minister Mohammed bin Salman said: "Currently, every Muslim country is fighting terrorism individually... so co-ordinating efforts is very important."




The coalition is targeting extremists in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

But following the statement at least two governments have claimed they were not aware of their own involvement. Pakistan's foreign secretary, Aizaz Chaudhry, has been quoted as saying he only learnt of his country's inclusion in the alliance from news reports.

He is said to have phoned the country's ambassador in Saudi capital Riyadh - where a joint operations centre is planned - for clarification. Senior officials claimed they were not consulted beforehand.




Despite being a long-term ally of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan has refrained from joining its military exploits, instead reaffirming its position of non-involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. In November, army spokesman Lt Gen Asim Bajwa stated: "We are not looking for any involvement outside our region."

Lebanon was also equally baffled country following the announcement, according to Lebanese media outlet Naharnet. The Prime Minister Tammam Salam reportedly welcomed the news, saying: "Lebanon is at the forefront of the confrontation with terrorism."

In contrast the foreign ministry was adamant they had no "memo or phone call mentioning this coalition." They added they had :"No knowledge whatsoever of the issue of forming an Islamic anti-terror coalition."

The office also questioned whether the move encroached on their 'constitutional jurisdiction on foreign affairs'.

Indonesia was also said to be still deciding whether to join, while Malaysia ruled out any military intervention.

After the initial release the UK government was broadly positive about the news, with Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, tweeting: "Announcement of Islamic anti-terror coalition is welcome. Across the world, we're fighting common enemy in extremism. We will #DefeatDaesh."

The Foreign Office did not comment on the recent revelations.

The coalition is (thought to) include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Guinea, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Mali, Malaysia, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Qatar, the Palestinians, Pakistan, Senegal, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

UN adopts Syria resolution

The UN Security Council has endorsed an international plan for a political peace process in Syria, calling on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's office to facilitate peace talks starting in January.

The resolution, which comes at a summit of 17 foreign ministers in New York, rubber-stamps a plan agreed on in Vienna last month that would lead to the establishment of a transitional government in Syria within six months and new elections within 18 months.

The text tasks the UN with setting up and implementing a ceasefire across Syria.

It calls on Ban to present options for a ceasefire-monitoring mechanism within a month.

Talks between Syria's government and opposition should begin in early January, the resolution said.

It also endorsed the continued battle to defeat militants from the Islamic State group who have seized large swaths of both Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

Echoing earlier resolutions focused on the humanitarian situation in the Syria, the council also "demands that all parties immediately cease any attacks against civilians and civilian objects".

The resolution came after Russia and the United States clinched a deal on a text.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said there must be decisions on what kind of transitional unity government Syria should have within the next month or two.

Speaking at a news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kerry also said talks between the Syrian opposition and government aimed at reaching agreement on a unity government were not likely to start before mid to late January.

Lavrov added that it would be possible to reach an agreement on a unity government for Syria within six months.

Number of global refugees to hit record 60 million by end of year

The number of refugees and internally displaced people worldwide will likely reach a new record far beyond 60 million this year, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said Friday in Geneva.

This means that one in every 122 humans is someone who has has been forced from their home.

"Forced displacement is now profoundly affecting our times," said Antonio Guterres, the outgoing UN high commissioner for refugees.

"Never has there been a greater need for tolerance, compassion and solidarity with people who have lost everything," he said.

At least 5 million people around the world fled across borders or became displaced within their countries between January and June, UNHCR said in its preliminary annual statistics that were based on data from the first half of the year.

Syria has remained as the biggest source of new refugees this year and the conflict there contributed to the new annual record.

Syria's neighbour Turkey was the world's biggest host, according to the refugee agency. It currently hosts 2.3 million Syrians.

In Lebanon, another country bordering Syria, one in five inhabitants is a refugee, making it the country with the biggest refugee population per capita.

The agency said it was worried that the number of refugees who returned home during the first half of 2015 was at the lowest level in 30 years, as falling return rates indicate high levels of conflict around the world.

Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister and peace negotiator, leaves office at the end of the year. He will be replaced by the Italian UN diplomat Filippo Grandi, who led the UN agency for Palestinian refugees until 2014. 

By Alexandra Mayer-Hohdahl and Albert Otti