BRUSSELS
European Council President Donald Tusk said on Thursday that many politicians lie to stay in power.

"To protect the truth, it is not enough to accuse others of promoting fake news. Frankly speaking, it would be enough to simply stop lying. Today, too many politicians use lies as a permanent method to maintain power," Tusk said without naming any politician at UN General Assembly.

He also highlighted the importance of truth in public life, freedom, rule of law as well as international solidarity.

Touching on the environmental problems, he said microplastics are spreading in oceans, adding up to almost 200 species becoming extinct each day.