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Friday, July 14, 2017

காலமான ஓவியம்

 
ஓவியர் வீரசந்தானம் சென்னையில் காலமானார்!
 
Tamilnadu Devarajan Posted By: Devarajan Published: Thursday, July 13, 2017, 21:35 [IST] 
 
ஓவியர் வீரசந்தானம் சென்னையில் இன்று காலமானார். மூச்சுத்திணறல் ஏற்பட்டு அவதிப்பட்ட ஓவியர் வீரசந்தானம் தனியார் மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை பலனில்லாமல் மரணமடைந்தார். தமிழ் பற்றாளரும் சிறந்த ஓவியருமான வீரசந்தானம் உலக தமிழர்கள் நெஞ்சில் நீங்கா இடம்பிடித்தவர்.
 
தஞ்சை முள்ளிவாய்க்கால் முற்றம் என்ற ஈழத் தமிழர்களின் நினைவகத்தை தனது ஓவிய திறனால் நிஜமாக்கித் தந்தவர்.
 
தமிழ் மக்களுக்கான கலையையும் மண்ணுக்கான அரசியலையும் சுமந்து திரிந்த மக்கள் கலைஞன்
 
71 வது வயதில் மறைந்துள்ளார்.
 
கும்பகோணம் ஓவிய பள்ளியில் படித்து, மும்பையில நெசவாளர் பணி மையத்தில் டிசைனராக பணியில் சேர்ந்தார். பின்னர் அங்கிருந்து, தமிழ் இனத்துக்காகப் போராட வேண்டும் என்ற நோக்கோடு விருப்ப ஓய்வில் வெளியேறினார். கடந்த ஆண்டு அவருக்கு உடல்நலத்தில் குறைபாடு ஏற்பட்டது. அதனைத் தொடர்ந்து பல மாதங்கள் மருத்துவ சிகிச்சையில் இருந்து, நோயிலிருந்து மீண்டு, தமிழர் நலன் சார்ந்த பணிகளை மேற்கொண்டார். ஆனால் இன்று திடீரென்று உடல்நலக்குறைவு ஏற்பட்டு, மறைந்துவிட்டார்
 
 
 
 
 

மேற் திசை மீறி எம் ஈழக் காற்றிசை வெல்லும் என்பது உறுதி!

நினைவேந்தல்
 ஓவியர் - தோழர் வீர சந்தானம் 

 (1947 ஒப்பிலியப்பன் கோயில் தஞ்சாவூர் - 2017.07.13 சென்னை)
 
 சொல்லும் செயலுமாக வாழ்ந்த அறம்சார் மென் மனப் பண்பாளர்.
 
காலமாகிய தமிழ்த் தூரிகையாளருக்கு
 வீர சந்தான ஓவிய மலராகத் தூவி
 சமர்ப்பணப் படைப்பாக இறுதி வணக்கம் !
 
அவரது நினைவு தாங்கி தமது தூரிகைகளால் இந்த ஓவியங்களை வரைந்த ஓவியர்களுக்கு நன்றி கூறிப் பகிர்கிறேன்.
 
70களின் கடைசியில் ‘ஈழக் கனவு சுமந்த’ பணியாளர்களாக சென்னையில் அலைந்த போராட்ட முன்னோடிகளை வரவேற்று கைகுலுக்கிய தொடக்க கால ஆரம்பக் கரங்களில் இவரது கரங்களும் வாஞ்சையுடன் இறுகிப் பற்றியவை.
 
அந்த இறுக்கம் அவரது இறுதி மூச்சு வரையில் நிலைத்திருந்தது. தமிழக ஈழ நட்புறவுக் கழகமாகவும் பின்னர் ஈழ நண்பர் கழகமாகவும் கடைசியாக காக்கைச் சிறகினிலே இதழின் தொடக்க நெறியாளர்களில் ஒருவராகவும் முன்னின்ற உழைப்பாளி – அர்ப்பணிப்பாளர் !!
 
கறுப்பு – வெள்ளைக் காட்சியாகப் புலப்படுத்தும் தமிழ் அடையாளத் தூரிகையாளர்.
வார்த்தைகளைக் குவிக்கும் ஒற்றை ஓவியமாக இவரது தூரிகையால் வெளிப்பட்ட படையல்கள் வெளியீடுகளில் தடமிட்டன. ஓவியக் கலையை அசட்டை செய்யும் தமிழ்ச் சமூகத்தில் முகிழ்தெழுந்து தலைநிமிரப் பவனிவந்த முன்னோடிகளில் ஒருவர்.
 
இவரது அன்றைய ஓவியங்களைத் தொகுத்து 1987 இல் ‘முகில்களின் மீது நெருப்பு’ ஓவிய
 நூல் வெளியீட்டை நண்பரும் தோழருமான வைகறை பொன்னி மூலம் வெளியிட்டார். இந்தத் தொகுப்பை நண்பரும் தோழருமான மாரீசு அமைத்திருந்தார். நண்பர் இந்திரன் முன்னுரையுடன் இந்நூல் வெளிவந்தது. அக்காலத்தில் தமிழ்நாட்டில் வெளிவந்த ‘தனி ஓவியத் தொகுப்பு’ நூல்களில் இது முதன்மையானது என்பதை நினைவில் கொள்ளலாம்.
 
நெருநல் உளனொருவன் இன்றில்லை என்னும்
 பெருமை உடைத்து இவ் வுலகு.
 
(குறள் 336 – நிலையாமை)
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Monday, July 10, 2017

Modi in Israel: Full text of joint statement issued by India and Israel

Full text: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

By: Express Web Desk |   Updated: July 5, 2017 9:56 pm
 
PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu
Marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India visited Israel from 4-6 July 2017 at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. This historic first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel solidified the enduring friendship between their peoples and raised the bilateral relationship to that of a strategic partnership.

2. Noting that they represent two cradles of civilizations that have nurtured their respective heritages over the centuries, the two leaders affirmed their intention to build a broad-based relationship that will realise the full potential of their association. In doing so, they recognized that throughout history, the Jewish Communities have always had a home in India and have been treated with warmth and respect.

3. Reviewing the development of the relationship after a quarter century of diplomatic ties, the two leaders agreed on initiatives and policies that would reflect the goals and aspirations of both nations and widen their collaborative endeavours in a broad range of areas. They visualized that the two countries will become close partners in development, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, defence and security.

4. Recognizing its centrality for development, India and Israel agreed to establish a “Strategic Partnership in Water and Agriculture”. This will focus on water conservation, waste-water
treatment and its reuse for agriculture, desalination, water utility reforms, and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced water technologies. It will also include the
reinforcement and expansion of the existing Centres of Excellence (COE) under the stewardship of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV) and the Ministry of Agriculture of
India to promote commercially viable business models involving Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs); the provision of quality planting material; and the transfer of post-harvest
technical know-how and market linkages involving the private sector through PPP, B2B & other models. The two leaders also agreed on the establishment of a Joint Working Group to
steer this Partnership.

5. The two Prime Ministers noted the importance of realizing the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. They tasked the India-Israel CEO Forum to come up with early recommendations in this regard. Both leaders underlined the need to boost bilateral cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship and called for greater collaboration in the field of
start-ups.

6. Recognizing the importance of facilitating movement of businessmen and women, India and Israel underlined their expectation that the granting of multiple entry visas to business people for up to five years will encourage greater economic and commercial exchanges.

7. The two Prime Ministers agreed that negotiations would be conducted on an agreement for the Protection of Investments in order to encourage bilateral investments from both sides.

8. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding for establishing the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund(I 4 F) by the Department of Science and Technology, India and the National Authority for Technological Innovation, Israel with a contribution of US$ 20 million from each side. This MoU will play a seminal role in enabling Indian and Israeli enterprises to undertake joint R&D projects leading to development of innovative technologies and products that have potential for commercial application.

9. Recognising the importance of fostering wide ranging knowledge-business partnership for industries, R&D institutions and government agencies from both countries, Israel warmly
welcomed India’s offer to be the “Partner Country” for the annual Technology Summit to be held in India in 2018.

10. Both leaders welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). They expressed satisfaction over the signing of three MoUs and Plan of Cooperation in the areas of Cooperation in Atomic Clocks; GEO-LEO Optical Link; Academic collaboration and Electric propulsion for small satellites which would further enhance cooperation between the two countries. They also encouraged the two Space Agencies to further enhance the growing relationship for mutual benefit.

The two leaders acknowledged that the recent launching by ISRO of an Israeli nano satellite is an important milestone in this arena.

11. The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to upgrade their scientific and technological collaboration by supporting joint research and development projects in the cutting edge areas, including ‘Big Data Analytics in Health Care’. They directed the India-Israel Joint Committee on Science and Technology to explore the possibility of further advancement of scientific collaboration including setting up of Networked Centres of Research Excellence in the cutting edge areas of mutual strength and interest.

12. Reaffirming the importance of bilateral defence cooperation over the years, it was agreed that future developments in this sphere should focus on joint development of defence products, including transfer of  technology from Israel, with a special emphasis on the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

13. India and Israel are committed to promote security and stability in cyberspace on both the governmental and private levels. The Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of
enhanced dialogue between their national cyber authorities and expressed their commitment to expand and accelerate their cooperation in this sphere including laying a mutual roadmap for its implementation. Both sides also recognise the value of enhancing and further institutionalising their broad-based cooperation on cyber issues through a Framework for cooperation in the area of cyber security.

14. Recognizing that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability, the two Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to combat it in all its forms and manifestations. They stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. The leaders asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organizations, their networks and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism, or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups. They also underscored the need to ensure that terrorist organizations do not get access to any WMD or technologies. Both leaders also committed to cooperate for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

15. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitments as envisaged in the agreement on cooperation on Homeland and Public Security and encouraged the various Working Groups to
implement the agreement in an efficient and effective manner.

16. The two Prime Ministers underlined the importance of enhanced collaboration in the field of Higher Education and Research and agreed to promote this through relevant
agreements and the Joint Research Grant Programme.

17. Noting the importance of growing people to people contacts between India and Israel, the two leaders agreed to facilitate the promotion of travel & tourism in both directions,
including through the further enhancement of air links between India and Israel.

18. Appreciating the contribution of the Jewish community in India and Jews of Indian origin in Israel in bringing the two societies closer, Prime Minister Modi announced the opening
of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel. This was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Netanyahu who expressed his deep respect for Indian culture and recalled Israel’s strong support
and sponsorship of PM Modi’s initiative to promote the practice of Yoga by designating June 21 as International Yoga Day.

19. The two Prime Ministers recognized the contribution of Indian care-givers in Israel and expressed their intention to reach a mutually agreed-upon arrangement which will provide
for their continued arrival in a regulated manner.

20. The two Prime Ministers discussed the developments pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. They underlined the need for the establishment of a just and durable
peace in the region. They reaffirmed their support for an early negotiated solution between the sides based on mutual recognition and security arrangements

21. During the visit, the following Agreements were signed:

i. MoU between the Department of Science & Technology, India and National Technological Innovation Authority, Israel for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological
Innovation Fund (I 4 F).
ii. MoU between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of the State of Israel
on National Campaign for Water Conservation in India.
iii MoU between U.P. Jal Nigam, Government of Uttar Pradesh, of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of the State of Israel
on State Water Utility Reform in India.
iv India-Israel Development Cooperation – Three Year Work Program in Agriculture 2018-2020
v Plan of Cooperation Between the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in Atomic Clocks
vi MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA)regarding cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link
vii MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in Electric Propulsion for Small Satellites

22. Prime Minister Modi thanked the people and Government of Israel for their gracious hospitality and extended a warm invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit India at a mutually convenient time. Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted the invitation.

Sunday, July 09, 2017

North Korea warns of nuclear conflict and world war


The US B-1B bombers were flanked by several Japanese and South Korean warplanes(Reuters file photo)

North Korea warns of nuclear conflict and world war after US flies bombers

State-run paper slams US over 'crazy act of playing fire on top of an ammunitions locker'.

VASUDEVAN-SRIDHARAN
By Vasudevan Sridharan Updated July 9, 2017 09:17 BST

     
After the US flew sophisticated B-1B Lancer bombers over the Korean peninsula, Pyongyang warned that more such actions could lead to a nuclear conflict and eventually world war,

In a show of force against the reclusive regime of North Korea, Washington flew two long-range strategic bombers on Saturday, 8 July, flanked by several Japanese and South Korean fighter jets. The trilateral action came days after North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Responding to the unscheduled military exercises, the North said such actions could only exacerbate the already tense situation.

"A simple misjudgment or mistake may lead to the outbreak of a nuclear war and that, in turn, is sure to lead to a new world war. The US saying it will regularly deploy strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula is the same as a crazy act of playing fire on top of an ammunitions locker," said the state-run Rodong Sinmun on Sunday, 9 July.

The signed commentary by the mouthpiece is in line with North Korea's policy. It usually sees any joint military drills by South Korea and the US as actual preparations for a full-scale invasion.

"US schemes aimed at increasing its threats of nuclear war against the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea – North Korea's official name] for its legitimate and justified measures to defend its sovereignty and dignity will not evade self-destruction," added the Pyongyang daily.

The nuclear-capable B-1B bombers, originating from the Guam airbase, practised "attack capabilities" for several hours. In an unusual move, US forces also published a photo of the bombers dropping inert GBU-56 laser-guided bombs on mock targets.

Immediate withdrawal is only wise move for India


Commentary: Immediate withdrawal is only wise move for India
(Xinhua)    16:33, July 07, 2017
  
After a three-week stand-off with China on Chinese territory, India should immediately pull back its trespassing troops.

The face-off was caused by Indian border guards who crossed the border at the Sikkim section into Chinese territory and obstructed routine road construction in the Doklam area of China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

In contrast to previous confrontations, the current border dispute is at a long-demarcated section of the China-India border, where no incidents had occurred over the past years.

India has tried to justify its incursion in the name of protecting Bhutan, arguing that Doklam is Bhutanese territory.

However, according to the Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (1890), Doklam undoubtedly belongs to China. The agreement was inherited by India after its independence and has been repeatedly confirmed in writing by successive governments of the former British colony.

Documents between the Chinese and Indian governments show former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru confirmed several times, on behalf of the Indian government, that the Sikkim-Tibet border was defined by the 1890 convention.

It is a basic principle of international law that binding treaties must be executed in good faith.

India's sudden disregard of the 1890 convention runs counter to the ongoing position of the Indian government. It has breached the basic norms of the UN Charter and international laws and will pose a significant threat to bilateral relations.

By creating disputes in Doklam, India seeks to obstruct border negotiations between China and Bhutan, and follow its own ulterior motives in the area.

The claim can not hold water. Doklam has long been under the effective jurisdiction of China. Both Bhutan and China have a basic consensus on the functional conditions and demarcation of their border region.

Moreover, India has no right to interfere in China-Bhutan boundary issues, nor is it entitled to make territorial claims on behalf of Bhutan.

India's current actions have not only encroached on China's territorial sovereignty, but also impaired the independence of Bhutan, one of the world's smallest countries, which is closely allied with India.
India has also argued that Chinese construction would represent a "significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India" in a statement by its Ministry of External Affairs. That argument is unconvincing.

Chinese construction is being conducted within its own territory. It is India that has broken the status quo by trespassing onto Chinese soil. It is not acceptable to any sovereign country that India has crossed a demarcated border into another country on the grounds of its "security concerns."
Indian troops should immediately withdraw to the Indian side of the border as a precondition for any meaningful dialogue between the two countries.

It is clear that if the "Chinese Dragon" and the "Indian Elephant" co-exist harmoniously and achieve peaceful, cooperative development, it will benefit not only their combined 2.7 billion people, but also those living beyond their borders.

Otherwise, a spiral of bilateral rivalry would definitely result in a slow down in their growth.

Friday, July 07, 2017

G20 கிளர்ச்சியாளர்கள் மீது ஜேர்மன் பொலிஸ் வன்முறை வெறியாட்டம்


 
More than 100,000 protesters were expected on the streets of Hamburg to protest against the meeting of world leaders. Pictured: Fires burn as riot police and protesters continue to clash 
 

Pictured: Protesters erect burning barricades in front of the Rote Flora left-wing centre after the 'Welcome to Hell' protest march
 

 
Organizers quickly called an end to the march after the violence broke out but skirmishes continued into the night. Pictured: Riot police patrol the streets of Hamburg 
 
Pictured: A man throws his hands in the air as he stands in front of burning bins after the 'Welcome to Hell' rally in Hamburg
 
Pictured: German police deploying a water cannon during a protest against the G20 summit in Hamburg
 
Pictured: A protester covered in blood is taken away by police during the 'Welcome to Hell' demonstration in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: An injured protester sticks up his finger as paramedics carry him away from the violence in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: A protester stands in front of a police riot van and officers as a water cannon is fired towards him 
 
Pictured: A woman is helped up from the pavement as protesters clash with riot police in Hamburg
 
Pictured: A man is detained by riot police during clashes between protesters and officers in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: A policeman and a protester tussle on the ground as another officer stands by with a spray can
 
Pictured: Firemen extinguish a car that was set alight during demonstrations ahead of the G20 summit
 
The blaze is put out by the firemen (pictured), who are accompanied by police in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: A riot policeman pushes a protester in the road as a flare burns nearby. In the bottom right, a brick can be seen on the pavement 
 
Pictured: A broken shop window in Hamburg as the protest continues in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: A car burns during a protest against the upcoming G20 summit in Hamburg
 
Pictured: A pizza delivery man encounters unusual traffic as he does his rounds in Hamburg 
 
Protesters jump as they are sprayed by a water cannon during the 'Welcome to Hell' demonstration in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: One woman laughed after being drenched by the riot van's water cannon
 

 
Pictured: Police firing pepper spray into the crowd of protesters in an attempt to disperse participants of the 'Welcome to Hell' demonstration at the Fish Market
 
Pictured: German riot police confront protesters during the demonstrations at the G20 summit
 
Pictured: Pepper spray being fired into crowds of protesters in Hamburg. They can be seen climbing over the wall to the left 
 
Pictured: A woman looks at a man's eye after he was allegedly punched by a policeman during the 'Welcome to Hell' protest
 
Protesters (pictured) stand in front of a riot van as it sprays its water cannon in front of them
 
Pictured: Riot police march through the streets of Hamburg as G20 protesters demonstrate 
 
Pictured: Police hold a man on the ground as he is arrested during the protest march in Hamburg
Pictured: A can is thrown as riot police use water cannon during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg 
Pictured: Two people stand in front of an armoured police vehicle with their hands up
 
A protester (pictured) runs in front of policemen as crowds are dispersed during the demonstration in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: Protesters using smoke bombs during the demonstrations during in northern Germany 
 
Pictured: Protesters clash with riot police at the Fish Market in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: German riot police running towards protesters during the demonstration in Hamburg
Pictured: Several armoured police vans spray protesters with water cannons. Police using loudspeakers  were also calling on about 1,000 demonstrators to remove masks
 
Pictured: A protester gestures defiantly towards a police riot van as it sprays him with water
 
Pictured: A group of protesters is broken off from the main demonstration and surrounded by German riot police in Hamburg
 
Pictured: Riot police with shields and helmets escort the 'Welcome to Hell' rally in Hamburg as leaders from the world's richest economies descend on the city for talks 
 
Pictured: Onlookers take photographs (left) as the riot vans spray water into the crowd of protesters
 
Pictured: A riot van firing its water cannon at protesters on the eve of the G20 summit in Hamburg 
 
Pictured: Riot police spray protesters with water cannons as smoke from a flare rises in the streets of Hamburg 
 
Protesters marching during the 'Welcome to Hell' demonstration near the Fish Market ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg
 
Pictured: A man puts his hands in the air as riot police move in during the "Welcome to Hell" rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg
 
 
Tens of thousands of anti-capitalist protesters are gathering in Hamburg ahead of US President Donald Trump and other world leaders' arrival for the G20 summit
 
Pictured: A giant inflatable 'Black Block' is carried during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg
Pictured: Demonstrators shout and cheer as they listen to speeches in Hamburg 
 
Protesters wearing black hooded coats and sunglasses hold up a 'Welcome to Hell' banner as they march through Hamburg 
Pictured: Protesters covering their faces and wearing black clothes demonstrate against the G20 summit 
 
Pictured: Protesters listening to live music during the rally as leaders from the world's biggest economies come to Germany 
 
Police and hooded protesters meet in Hamburg as G20 leaders arrive in the city for the summit 
 
Pictured: A policeman with a scoped rifle outside the Hotel Atlantic before the beginning of bilateral talks with Chancellor Merkel ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pictured: A man in a wheel chair makes his way past riot police during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit
 
Pictured: Riot police stand next to protesters, one of whom is brandishing a 'capitalism kills' placard 
 
German police are well prepared for the 'Welcome to Hell' rally. Pictured: Officers guard the road to the guesthouse of the Senate of Hamburg 
Pictured: Police march in Hamburg with riot shields and helmets as they prepare for the G20 protest 
 
Pictured: Huge crowds gather by the cranes in Hamburg as leaders from around the world arrive in the city for the G20 summit 
 
As many as 100,000 protesters from across Europe are pouring into the port city for a demonstration dubbed 'Welcome To Hell'
 
German police fear as many as 8,000 of more than 100,000 protesters amassing in Hamburg are ready to commit violence
Demonstrators gather with anti-G20 banners associating the group of nations with a 'war' on terror, the climate and the poor, adding: 'Not in my name' 
 
Protesters say the G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace, including climate change, worsening inequality and violent conflicts. Pictured: A demonstrator raises her hands in the air as music plays during the rally 

The event poses a challenge for those tasked with securing the summit of leaders from the world's 20 biggest economies, hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel
 
At the summit, shrouded by massive protests, Merkel faces a monumental talks on navigating through divisive issues including trade and climate change
 
Protesters say the G20 has failed to solve many of the issues threatening world peace, including climate change, worsening inequality and violent conflicts
 
A protester wearing a Donald Trump mask joins in a demonstration ahead of Friday and Saturday's G20 summit
 
Tens of thousands were expected to gather at the fish market in the borough of St Pauli, known for its red light district, at 2pm - around the same time as Trump's Air Force One jet is due to land in Hamburg. Pictured: A protester holds a flare in central Hamburg
 
Riot police prepare for G20 protests to begin in central Hamburg, Germany, ahead of the start of the 2017 Summit
 
Merkel is set to meet leaders including Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan and Trump, who today called on NATO allies to spend more on defence
 
Trump will also have his first session with Russian President Vladimir Putin since he called Russia's behaviour 'destabilising'


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