US ends Syria development fund, says Trump; urges 'rich countries' to pay
Washington, Aug 19 : US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US has ended the development fund for Syria, urging "rich countries" to pay instead.
In a tweet, Trump said "the US has ended the ridiculous $230 million yearly development payment to Syria."
"Saudi Arabia and other rich countries in the Middle East will start making payments instead of the US," he said. "I want to develop the US, our military and countries that help us!"
Earlier on Friday, the US State Department said that the fund, which was targeted to support the stabilization initiative in Syria, has been ordered to be redirected, ramping up speculation that it would be withdrawn from the country.
US former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced on February 13 that the US pledges $200 million in support of the anti-IS coalition efforts and recovery commitment in Syria, Xinhua reported.
However, Trump reportedly ordered in March a hold on the funds, demanding more information on how the money is being used, and urging other countries to step up to the plate and pay more.
He also said that his country will withdraw its troops in Syria "very soon," triggering speculation of the US possible retreat from Syria. Syria has always denounced the US military action in the country as uninvited aggression.
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Air India CEO Campbell Wilson resigns, says source
Mumbai (PTI): Tata Group-owned Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has resigned from the position, according to a source.
Wilson was appointed as Air India's CEO and MD in July 2022 , following former Turkish Airlines Chairman Ilker Ayci's decision not to take up the top job in March 2022 amid a controversy.
Tata Group acquired Air India from the government in January 2022.
"He expressed his desire to resign, conveyed it (to the Board) and resigned," the source privy to the development said.
A response from Air India on the developments was awaited.
Earlier this year, a source had said that the Tata Group was scouting for a suitable candidate to head Air India, as Wilson's five-year tenure at the airline was set to end in 2027.
Air India's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express also does not have a head since March 19 this year following the resignation of then Managing Director Aloke Singh's exit from the airline after he completed his 5-year tenure at the airline.
Wilson has been under fire since June 12 last year following the crash of the airline's London-bound flight soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 of the 242 persons on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
