A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed.

Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped.

Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said.

Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities.

Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework.

Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case.

"The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday.

Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said.

A murder case that led to mass street protests in Hong Kong should be handled independently by Taiwan, where the suspect allegedly committed the crime, authorities in the Chinese-ruled city said. Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen, was accused of murdering his girlfriend in Taiwan last year before fleeing back to the financial hub. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam held up Chan's case as an example of why an extradition bill, that would have allowed suspects to be sent from Hong Kong to greater China - including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau - was needed. Hong Kong has been reeling from five months of unrest originally triggered by the extradition bill but which has now evolved into a pro-democracy movement. The government has announced it will withdraw the bill, but the protests have not stopped. Chan has offered to voluntarily surrender himself to Taiwan on release from prison in the former British colony where he has been serving a 29-month sentence for money laundering, the chief executive's office said. Taiwan has said Chan's offer to give himself up was not sufficient and formal talks were needed with Hong Kong authorities. Taiwan authorities argue that his extradition without a legal assistance framework would damage the self-ruled island's sovereignty and put Taiwan under the "one China" framework. Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang said on Tuesday the government had requested legal assistance and warned Hong Kong not to "politically manipulate" the case. Beijing considers Taiwan to be a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Hong Kong has said the case can be handled without any further discussions as all relevant evidence was in Taiwan, giving it absolute jurisdiction over the case. "The surrender does not present any obstacle in terms of legal principles and procedures...The case can totally be handled independently," the Hong Kong government said in a statement late on Monday. Chan was arrested by police in Hong Kong in March 2018 and local authorities were only able to find evidence against him for money laundering.

Hong Kong, Taiwan authorities tussle as fate of murder suspect in limbo

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof.

"Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof."

Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers.

About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said.

"There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice.

Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke.

The $452-million&nbsp;SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre&nbsp;site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project.

Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays.

The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent&nbsp;at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project.

New Zealand fire services were battling a massive blaze on Tuesday on the roof of a convention centre being built in the city of Auckland, considered to be the country's biggest current building project. The fire, which broke out at the SkyCity Convention Centre, is close to the Sky City tower in downtown Auckland. Videos posted by witnesses on Twitter showed fire and black smoke billowing from the roof. "Fire is really building," Auckland's mayor, Phil Goff, said on Twitter. "People can be seen on the roof." Fire and emergency crews are fighting to bring the blaze under control, police said in a statement, adding that they were assisting Fire and Emergency NZ with cordons and evacuations of workers. About 23 fire trucks from across greater Auckland had responded to the blaze, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said. "There have been no reported injuries," SkyCity said on Twitter, adding that everyone had been evacuated from the convention centre, with Sky Tower and a casino closed until further notice. Construction workers were among the hundreds of people evacuated, media said. Traffic came to a standstill in central Auckland, with people asked to avoid the business district and urged to take precautions against inhaling smoke. The $452-million SkyCity Convention Centre, which sits on a 3.5-acre site, with a floor space of 349,827 sq ft, is considered to be New Zealand's biggest building project. Owned by New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group, the project has been plagued by delays. The country's largest builder, Fletcher Building Ltd, is building the centre. Shares of SkyCity were down 4 per cent at NZ$3.82 on the New Zealand exchange after the fire reports.

New Zealand battles to rein in blaze at convention centre

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

"President Kovind met the President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, in Tokyo, Japan," Kovind tweeted.

The two leaders are on a visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

This is the first presidential visit by an Indian president to Japan after a gap of 19 years.

On Monday, Kovind visited Shinto Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation. "President Kovind met the President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, in Tokyo, Japan," Kovind tweeted. The two leaders are on a visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito. This is the first presidential visit by an Indian president to Japan after a gap of 19 years. On Monday, Kovind visited Shinto Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

President Kovind and Nepal counterpart meet in Tokyo, discuss bilateral issues and mutual cooperation

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday.

"I think there's lots of room on the Moon, and we need all our international partners to go with us to the Moon," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters at the 70th International Astronautical Congress held in Washington.

"If we can come to agreements on the contributions of all the nations and how they're going to be a part of the architecture, then certainly I would, I would see that there'd be no reason we can't have all of our international partners with us on the Moon," he added.

The Americans are developing a spacecraft (Orion) and a mini space station (Gateway) that will remain in lunar orbit, which will, in theory, be used for a first crewed mission in 2024, Artemis 3.

Only one element of the mission will be produced outside the US: the Orion service module that will supply it with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air and water in space and is being delivered by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Only once the Gateway is expanded will non-Americans be able to make the journey too.

"We are in the discussion also with NASA, so that we have European astronauts on the surface of the Moon, this is, of course, the European intention," said Jan Worner, head of the ESA, at the same press conference.

"2024 is for sure something which is purely American," he later told AFP. For Europeans, it could be "2027, 2028, something like that."

For its part, Japan also wants to take advantage of the new US program to write a new chapter in its own history.

"It's a very simple question to me because JAXA would like to send Japanese astronauts to the surface of the Moon," said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The building of the ISS in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to usher in a new era of space cooperation between the US and Russia following the Cold War, but this time around, Washington is in no mood to work with geopolitical rivals.

Specifically, the US Congress has explicitly prohibited any cooperation with China, the world's biggest economy and an emerging space power.

During his speech inaugurating the weeklong conference, Vice President Mike Pence repeated seven times that the US wanted to work with "freedom-loving nations."

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday.

As it looks to return to the Moon, NASA is open to the idea of international participation, which could mean a non-American setting foot on Earth's natural satellite for the first time in history, global space chiefs said Monday. "I think there's lots of room on the Moon, and we need all our international partners to go with us to the Moon," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters at the 70th International Astronautical Congress held in Washington. "If we can come to agreements on the contributions of all the nations and how they're going to be a part of the architecture, then certainly I would, I would see that there'd be no reason we can't have all of our international partners with us on the Moon," he added. The Americans are developing a spacecraft (Orion) and a mini space station (Gateway) that will remain in lunar orbit, which will, in theory, be used for a first crewed mission in 2024, Artemis 3. Only one element of the mission will be produced outside the US: the Orion service module that will supply it with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air and water in space and is being delivered by the European Space Agency (ESA). Only once the Gateway is expanded will non-Americans be able to make the journey too. "We are in the discussion also with NASA, so that we have European astronauts on the surface of the Moon, this is, of course, the European intention," said Jan Worner, head of the ESA, at the same press conference. "2024 is for sure something which is purely American," he later told AFP. For Europeans, it could be "2027, 2028, something like that." For its part, Japan also wants to take advantage of the new US program to write a new chapter in its own history. "It's a very simple question to me because JAXA would like to send Japanese astronauts to the surface of the Moon," said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The building of the ISS in the late 1990s and 2000s appeared to usher in a new era of space cooperation between the US and Russia following the Cold War, but this time around, Washington is in no mood to work with geopolitical rivals. Specifically, the US Congress has explicitly prohibited any cooperation with China, the world's biggest economy and an emerging space power. During his speech inaugurating the weeklong conference, Vice President Mike Pence repeated seven times that the US wanted to work with "freedom-loving nations."

NASA wants international partners to go to Moon too

United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-exhorts-republicans-to-get-tougher-against-impeachment-enquiry-257396">Donald Trump</a> on Monday said progress in developing the text of a partial trade pact with China means he will likely be able to sign it next month.

Trump remains upbeat on the chances Beijing and Washington will seal the mini-deal he announced earlier this month,&nbsp;marking a cooling-off period in the two nations' damaging trade war.

"We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts to commit the agreement to paper before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile next month are "on track" though some work remains to be done.

"Our target is to have the phase one deal by the time you go to Chile," Lighthizer told Trump.

Trump has said he expects to sign the partial deal on the sidelines of the summit when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While details are scant, the new mini-deal includes a surge in Chinese purchases of American farm exports and also&nbsp;covers intellectual property, financial services and currency exchange, according to the White House.

Trump said Monday the Chinese "have started the buying."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-united-states-made-progress-in-trade-talks-chinese-vice-foreign-minister-257388">China sounded a positive note at a defence forum being held in Beijing</a>, with the vice minister of foreign affairs saying they wanted "China-US relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability."

With hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade now subject to additional tariffs, there are mounting signs the trade war -- now in its second year -- has damaged the world economy, adding to pressure on both sides to strike a deal.

"We don't approve the tactic of brandishing the baton of tariffs at every turn and exerting maximum pressure on China," said China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Yucheng.

"This practice is old thinking and will not work."

However, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said earlier Monday that the US side is not rushing to sign on the dotted line next month.

"We would like to make a deal," Ross told Fox Business on Monday.

"But from our point of view, it has to be the right deal and it doesn't have to be in November."

While the White House has said the "phase one" deal touches on major issues, Ross said the heaviest lifting remained to be done.

"The real question is, do we get to an early signing of phase one?" said Ross, who is not a member of the US delegation to the trade talks.

"Second, how far do we get toward phase two or two and three? Two and three are really where the meat is."

United States President Donald Trump on Monday said progress in developing the text of a partial trade pact with China means he will likely be able to sign it next month.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday said progress in developing the text of a partial trade pact with China means he will likely be able to sign it next month. Trump remains upbeat on the chances Beijing and Washington will seal the mini-deal he announced earlier this month, marking a cooling-off period in the two nations' damaging trade war. "We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts to commit the agreement to paper before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile next month are "on track" though some work remains to be done. "Our target is to have the phase one deal by the time you go to Chile," Lighthizer told Trump. Trump has said he expects to sign the partial deal on the sidelines of the summit when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While details are scant, the new mini-deal includes a surge in Chinese purchases of American farm exports and also covers intellectual property, financial services and currency exchange, according to the White House. Trump said Monday the Chinese "have started the buying." China sounded a positive note at a defence forum being held in Beijing, with the vice minister of foreign affairs saying they wanted "China-US relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability." With hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade now subject to additional tariffs, there are mounting signs the trade war -- now in its second year -- has damaged the world economy, adding to pressure on both sides to strike a deal. "We don't approve the tactic of brandishing the baton of tariffs at every turn and exerting maximum pressure on China," said China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Yucheng. "This practice is old thinking and will not work." However, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said earlier Monday that the US side is not rushing to sign on the dotted line next month. "We would like to make a deal," Ross told Fox Business on Monday. "But from our point of view, it has to be the right deal and it doesn't have to be in November." While the White House has said the "phase one" deal touches on major issues, Ross said the heaviest lifting remained to be done. "The real question is, do we get to an early signing of phase one?" said Ross, who is not a member of the US delegation to the trade talks. "Second, how far do we get toward phase two or two and three? Two and three are really where the meat is."

Trump says 'phase 1' China trade pact on track for November

BJP Tipped To Win Assembly Elections In Maharashtra & Haryana. BJP in both the states. Krishna Kumar summarises the predictions of exit polls

Gravitas: Assembly Polls: Exit polls hint at a landslide victory for BJP

The repeated ceasefire violations from Pakistan. It is targeting the common Indian civilians who live along the LoC. Watch this WION's exclusive ground report to know more.

Repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan, civilians targeted | WION Exclusive Ground Report

The 43rd general elections are underway in Canada. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is battling for his second term. So, Will the prince charming win again. We spoke to some special people to know more about this election. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Trudeau vs Scheer: 43rd general elections underway in Canada

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-liberals-take-early-lead-after-first-canadian-polls-close-257389">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a> held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

The man former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely.

Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern.

"The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down."

Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight.

On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media.

But before long, key allies turned hard to the right,&nbsp;the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president.

In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry.

The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption.

Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona.

Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country.

Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 
 
'Voice to be needed more'

On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority.

"It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected."

The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election.

In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders.

"Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished. The man former US President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely. Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern. "The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down." Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight. On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media. But before long, key allies turned hard to the right, the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president. In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry. The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption. Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona. Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country. Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 'Voice to be needed more' On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority. "It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected." The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election. In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders. "Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canada's Trudeau clings to power, but loses some of his lustre

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-must-present-new-solutions-for-conflict-north-korea-257194">Seoul would increase military spending</a> and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked.

Contact between North and South Korea stalled after the collapse of a February summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi.

Since then Pyongyang has excoriated its neighbour over joint military drills with the US, and the acquisition of American fighter jets.

It is a far cry from the cross-border warmth of last year when Moon seized on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to broker the North-South discussion process and held three summits himself with Kim.

South Korea will increase defence spending by seven per cent to more than $42 billion&nbsp;next year, Moon told parliament, emphasising that "strong defence" was crucial for "self-determination".

"We will strengthen the core defence system by boosting assets such as next-generation submarines and surveillance satellites."

The announcement came after North Korea this month tested what it said was a submarine-launched ballistic missile that marked a "new phase" in its capabilities -- the most provocative in a series of weapons tests it resumed after an 18-month hiatus.

North Korea is under multiple sets of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Pyongyang and Washington restarted working-level talks in Sweden this month only for them to quickly break down, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude" and setting the end of this year as the deadline for Washington to change its stance.

It has also said it has nothing more to talk about with Seoul and condemned joint South Korea-US drills and the deployment of F-35A fighter jets in the South as&nbsp;rehearsals for invasion and violations of Seoul-Pyongyang agreements.

But Moon,&nbsp;who has long championed engagement with Pyongyang, held out hope for a breakthrough despite the setbacks, claiming that the deadlocked talks were the "last hurdle" before denuclearisation.

A "bright future" for the North would only be possible on the basis of a "peace economy" driven by inter-Korean economic projects, he said. "I urge the North to respond."

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Seoul would increase military spending and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Seoul would increase military spending and urged the North to return to dialogue in a budget speech Tuesday that could infuriate Pyongyang with nuclear talks gridlocked. Contact between North and South Korea stalled after the collapse of a February summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi. Since then Pyongyang has excoriated its neighbour over joint military drills with the US, and the acquisition of American fighter jets. It is a far cry from the cross-border warmth of last year when Moon seized on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to broker the North-South discussion process and held three summits himself with Kim. South Korea will increase defence spending by seven per cent to more than $42 billion next year, Moon told parliament, emphasising that "strong defence" was crucial for "self-determination". "We will strengthen the core defence system by boosting assets such as next-generation submarines and surveillance satellites." The announcement came after North Korea this month tested what it said was a submarine-launched ballistic missile that marked a "new phase" in its capabilities -- the most provocative in a series of weapons tests it resumed after an 18-month hiatus. North Korea is under multiple sets of UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes. Pyongyang and Washington restarted working-level talks in Sweden this month only for them to quickly break down, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude" and setting the end of this year as the deadline for Washington to change its stance. It has also said it has nothing more to talk about with Seoul and condemned joint South Korea-US drills and the deployment of F-35A fighter jets in the South as rehearsals for invasion and violations of Seoul-Pyongyang agreements. But Moon, who has long championed engagement with Pyongyang, held out hope for a breakthrough despite the setbacks, claiming that the deadlocked talks were the "last hurdle" before denuclearisation. A "bright future" for the North would only be possible on the basis of a "peace economy" driven by inter-Korean economic projects, he said. "I urge the North to respond."

South Korea's Moon ups defence spending, urges North to talk

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morales-leads-bolivia-election-but-faces-run-off-257140">Bolivia's electoral board</a> released new data late on Monday that showed President Evo Morales had enough votes to win the hotly contested election, sparking allegations of fraud from the opposition and angry clashes in the streets.

The board had halted a preliminary vote count late on Sunday with results then showing the election going to a second-round run-off. The abrupt pause had fuelled concerns among election monitors and foreign governments over potential vote tampering.

After the 24-hour gap, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) updated its count to show Morales with a wider lead of 46.85 per cent&nbsp;of votes to rival Carlos Mesa's 36.73 per cent, just enough to give him the 10-point lead needed to win in the first round.

As protesters scuffled with police in the streets of the capital, La Paz, outside the counting venue, runner-up Mesa slammed the results as "shameful" and said he would not recognise them.

"We trust citizens won't accept this," Mesa told journalists in the lowland city of Santa Cruz. "This government has created an impossible situation. It's mocking the popular vote."

Just a day earlier, Mesa had celebrated making it to a second-round after an official count of nearly 84 per cent&nbsp;of ballots showed Morales short of the votes needed to avoid a run-off. Other polls also showed a tight race leading to a second round.

Morales, however, who has won his previous three terms with solid majorities, insisted late on Sunday that he would get enough votes from rural areas for an outright win.

The uncertainty sparked protests in the landlocked South American country and fears among international election observers and diplomats about potential manipulation of the vote, with some worried it could trigger the kind of violent unrest that has recently roiled Chile and Ecuador.

"The result is in question and we're seeing the start of a conflict, a climate could be unleashed that moves this from tension to convulsion," said Bolivian political analyst Franklin Pareja.

 
Tear gas

Before the electoral court resumed updating of preliminary results on Monday, thousands of Bolivians protested outside a hotel in La Paz where the TSE had gathered to process votes. Police fired tear gas at crowds, amid reports of clashes in protests elsewhere.

The TSE's earlier decision to halt the provisionary count with just 83.76 per cent&nbsp;of the ballot completed had prompted the official monitor, the Organisation of American States (OAS), to demand to know why.

"Those numbers clearly indicated a second round, a trend that coincided with the only authorized rapid count and statistics from the observation mission," Manuel Gonzalez, the head of the mission, said.

Gonzalez said the change in one day was "inexplicable" and a blow to voters' trust in the electoral process, but his comments fell short of calling the results illegitimate.

Argentina, Brazil and the White House also expressed concern over the interruption of the official reporting of results.

"Electoral authorities should immediately restore credibility and transparency to the process so that the will of the Bolivian people is respected," Michael Kozak, the US assistant secretary of state for western hemisphere affairs, said on Twitter.

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The U.S. is closely watching 1st round of elections in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bolivia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bolivia</a>, especially the sudden interruption of the electronic vote tabulation. 
 
Electoral authorities should immediately restore credibility &amp; transparency to the process so that the will of the Bolivian people is respected. <a href="https://t.co/vDc1L4ffX3">https://t.co/vDc1L4ffX3</a>
— Michael G. Kozak (@WHAAsstSecty) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/1186264315780878337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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If Morales wins, Latin America's longest continuous-serving standing leader would extend his rule to 19 years.

Antonio Costas, one of the six-member TSE team coordinating the count, told Reuters on Monday that the decision had been made to suspend the preliminary count to focus on the slower official calculation.

That count, still underway, with about 60 per cent&nbsp;of ballots processed, has Mesa and Morales closely tied with a little over 42 per cent&nbsp;of votes each.

Costas added that he had not come under any political pressure to halt the preliminary count, which had been meant as a tool to help ensure greater transparency of the vote.

Morales, a former union leader of coca growers, has overseen a long stretch of political and economic stability for Bolivia, the continent's poorest country. His support has slipped amid slowing economic growth and concern about government corruption and anti-democratic practices.

Bolivia's electoral board released new data late on Monday that showed President Evo Morales had enough votes to win the hotly contested election, sparking allegations of fraud from the opposition and angry clashes in the streets.

Bolivia's electoral board released new data late on Monday that showed President Evo Morales had enough votes to win the hotly contested election, sparking allegations of fraud from the opposition and angry clashes in the streets. The board had halted a preliminary vote count late on Sunday with results then showing the election going to a second-round run-off. The abrupt pause had fuelled concerns among election monitors and foreign governments over potential vote tampering. After the 24-hour gap, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) updated its count to show Morales with a wider lead of 46.85 per cent of votes to rival Carlos Mesa's 36.73 per cent, just enough to give him the 10-point lead needed to win in the first round. As protesters scuffled with police in the streets of the capital, La Paz, outside the counting venue, runner-up Mesa slammed the results as "shameful" and said he would not recognise them. "We trust citizens won't accept this," Mesa told journalists in the lowland city of Santa Cruz. "This government has created an impossible situation. It's mocking the popular vote." Just a day earlier, Mesa had celebrated making it to a second-round after an official count of nearly 84 per cent of ballots showed Morales short of the votes needed to avoid a run-off. Other polls also showed a tight race leading to a second round. Morales, however, who has won his previous three terms with solid majorities, insisted late on Sunday that he would get enough votes from rural areas for an outright win. The uncertainty sparked protests in the landlocked South American country and fears among international election observers and diplomats about potential manipulation of the vote, with some worried it could trigger the kind of violent unrest that has recently roiled Chile and Ecuador. "The result is in question and we're seeing the start of a conflict, a climate could be unleashed that moves this from tension to convulsion," said Bolivian political analyst Franklin Pareja. Tear gas Before the electoral court resumed updating of preliminary results on Monday, thousands of Bolivians protested outside a hotel in La Paz where the TSE had gathered to process votes. Police fired tear gas at crowds, amid reports of clashes in protests elsewhere. The TSE's earlier decision to halt the provisionary count with just 83.76 per cent of the ballot completed had prompted the official monitor, the Organisation of American States (OAS), to demand to know why. "Those numbers clearly indicated a second round, a trend that coincided with the only authorized rapid count and statistics from the observation mission," Manuel Gonzalez, the head of the mission, said. Gonzalez said the change in one day was "inexplicable" and a blow to voters' trust in the electoral process, but his comments fell short of calling the results illegitimate. Argentina, Brazil and the White House also expressed concern over the interruption of the official reporting of results. "Electoral authorities should immediately restore credibility and transparency to the process so that the will of the Bolivian people is respected," Michael Kozak, the US assistant secretary of state for western hemisphere affairs, said on Twitter. The U.S. is closely watching 1st round of elections in #Bolivia, especially the sudden interruption of the electronic vote tabulation. Electoral authorities should immediately restore credibility & transparency to the process so that the will of the Bolivian people is respected. https://t.co/vDc1L4ffX3 — Michael G. Kozak (@WHAAsstSecty) October 21, 2019 × If Morales wins, Latin America's longest continuous-serving standing leader would extend his rule to 19 years. Antonio Costas, one of the six-member TSE team coordinating the count, told Reuters on Monday that the decision had been made to suspend the preliminary count to focus on the slower official calculation. That count, still underway, with about 60 per cent of ballots processed, has Mesa and Morales closely tied with a little over 42 per cent of votes each. Costas added that he had not come under any political pressure to halt the preliminary count, which had been meant as a tool to help ensure greater transparency of the vote. Morales, a former union leader of coca growers, has overseen a long stretch of political and economic stability for Bolivia, the continent's poorest country. His support has slipped amid slowing economic growth and concern about government corruption and anti-democratic practices.

Bolivia's election sparks protest as rivals clash over results

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-leaning-toward-leaving-200-united-states-special-forces-in-eastern-syria-reports-257155">Donald Trump</a> on Monday exhorted fellow Republicans to get tougher and fight for his presidency, saying the Democratic-led United States&nbsp;House of Representatives wants to impeach him "as quick as possible" over his request that Ukraine investigates a political rival.

Trump made his comments during a White House Cabinet meeting as Democrats sought to build public support for their fast-moving impeachment enquiry and the administration pressed its efforts to stonewall the probe.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a video and "fact sheet" that may give hints about the articles of impeachment,&nbsp;formal charges,&nbsp;Democrats may pursue against Republican Trump, accusing him of abuse of power, a "shakedown" involving Ukraine and a cover-up.

Republicans in the House of Representatives tried to censure one of the enquiry's leaders, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, but the motion was blocked by Democrats who control the chamber.

Few Republican lawmakers have shown an inclination to remove Trump from office even as Democrats focus on his pushing a vulnerable foreign ally to interfere to his benefit in the November 2020 US&nbsp;election by providing political dirt on Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination to run against Trump.

Senator Mitt Romney is one of the few Republicans who have sharply criticised Trump, who has denied wrongdoing.

Other Republicans have expressed misgivings about Trump policies, including criticism from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Lindsey Graham of his withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in northeastern Syria, which exposed US-allied Kurdish fighters to a Turkish cross-border offensive.

Approval of articles of impeachment in the House would prompt a trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove Trump from office.

"The Republicans have to get tougher and fight. We have some that are great fighters, but they have to get tougher and fight because the Democrats are trying to hurt the Republican Party before the election," Trump said.

Trump said the Democrats are "vicious and they stick together."

"They don't have Mitt Romney in their midst. They don't have people like that. They stick together," Trump added.

In an interview aired with "Axios on HBO," Romney denounced Trump's requests to Ukraine and China to investigate Biden, questioned Trump's character, criticised his decision to "abandon" Kurdish allies and deplored his hush money payment to an adult film star.

Romney was the 2012 Republican presidential nominee but lost to incumbent Barack Obama.

 
Anti-corruption provision

Trump also labelled as "phoney" an anti-corruption clause in the US&nbsp;Constitution that Democrats have accused him of violating by profiting from his businesses, including a hotel in downtown Washington. The so-called emoluments clause bars a president from receiving any gifts, payment or other things of value from a foreign country.

An accusation of violating the emoluments clause could figure into the articles of impeachment against Trump.

Democrats mocked the president over the issue.

"It is literally in the Constitution," Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell said on Twitter.

Asked if it is a foregone conclusion that House Democrats will vote to impeach him, Trump said: "They want to impeach. And they want to do it as quick as possible."

At the heart of the inquiry is a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who had been a director of a Ukrainian energy company, as well as a discredited theory that Ukraine, and not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

Another round of testimony in the inquiry is set for this week, including by Bill Taylor, the top US&nbsp;diplomat in Ukraine, on Tuesday.

Acting White House budget director Russell Vought said both he and Michael Duffey, associate director for national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, would not provide depositions to the committees leading the inquiry.

Duffey had been scheduled to testify behind closed doors on Wednesday as Democrats investigate whether Trump withheld $391 million in security aid to Ukraine to pressure the country to investigate Biden and its own role in the US&nbsp;election.

A planned deposition on Wednesday by Philip Reeker, the acting US&nbsp;assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who oversaw US&nbsp;policy toward Ukraine, has been postponed at the request of the lawmakers carrying out the inquiry, a source familiar with the matter said. He is now expected to testify in closed session on Saturday, an official working on the inquiry said.

Trump, a real estate developer, said serving as president has personally cost him $2 billion to $5 billion dollars. He also expressed annoyance at having to reverse his decision to stage the Group of Seven summit in June at his Trump National Doral golf resort in the Miami area.

His plan to host the gathering was lambasted by both Democrats and Republicans who said it gave the impression he was profiting from being president.

"I would've made a fortune if I just ran my business. I was doing it really well. I have a great business. I have the best properties," Trump told reporters.

Donald Trump on Monday exhorted fellow Republicans to get tougher and fight for his presidency, saying the Democratic-led United States House of Representatives wants to impeach him "as quick as possible" over his request that Ukraine investigates a political rival.

Donald Trump on Monday exhorted fellow Republicans to get tougher and fight for his presidency, saying the Democratic-led United States House of Representatives wants to impeach him "as quick as possible" over his request that Ukraine investigates a political rival. Trump made his comments during a White House Cabinet meeting as Democrats sought to build public support for their fast-moving impeachment enquiry and the administration pressed its efforts to stonewall the probe. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a video and "fact sheet" that may give hints about the articles of impeachment, formal charges, Democrats may pursue against Republican Trump, accusing him of abuse of power, a "shakedown" involving Ukraine and a cover-up. Republicans in the House of Representatives tried to censure one of the enquiry's leaders, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, but the motion was blocked by Democrats who control the chamber. Few Republican lawmakers have shown an inclination to remove Trump from office even as Democrats focus on his pushing a vulnerable foreign ally to interfere to his benefit in the November 2020 US election by providing political dirt on Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination to run against Trump. Senator Mitt Romney is one of the few Republicans who have sharply criticised Trump, who has denied wrongdoing. Other Republicans have expressed misgivings about Trump policies, including criticism from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Lindsey Graham of his withdrawal of US troops in northeastern Syria, which exposed US-allied Kurdish fighters to a Turkish cross-border offensive. Approval of articles of impeachment in the House would prompt a trial in the Republican-led Senate on whether to remove Trump from office. "The Republicans have to get tougher and fight. We have some that are great fighters, but they have to get tougher and fight because the Democrats are trying to hurt the Republican Party before the election," Trump said. Trump said the Democrats are "vicious and they stick together." "They don't have Mitt Romney in their midst. They don't have people like that. They stick together," Trump added. In an interview aired with "Axios on HBO," Romney denounced Trump's requests to Ukraine and China to investigate Biden, questioned Trump's character, criticised his decision to "abandon" Kurdish allies and deplored his hush money payment to an adult film star. Romney was the 2012 Republican presidential nominee but lost to incumbent Barack Obama. Anti-corruption provision Trump also labelled as "phoney" an anti-corruption clause in the US Constitution that Democrats have accused him of violating by profiting from his businesses, including a hotel in downtown Washington. The so-called emoluments clause bars a president from receiving any gifts, payment or other things of value from a foreign country. An accusation of violating the emoluments clause could figure into the articles of impeachment against Trump. Democrats mocked the president over the issue. "It is literally in the Constitution," Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell said on Twitter. Asked if it is a foregone conclusion that House Democrats will vote to impeach him, Trump said: "They want to impeach. And they want to do it as quick as possible." At the heart of the inquiry is a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Biden and his son Hunter, who had been a director of a Ukrainian energy company, as well as a discredited theory that Ukraine, and not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election. Another round of testimony in the inquiry is set for this week, including by Bill Taylor, the top US diplomat in Ukraine, on Tuesday. Acting White House budget director Russell Vought said both he and Michael Duffey, associate director for national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, would not provide depositions to the committees leading the inquiry. Duffey had been scheduled to testify behind closed doors on Wednesday as Democrats investigate whether Trump withheld $391 million in security aid to Ukraine to pressure the country to investigate Biden and its own role in the US election. A planned deposition on Wednesday by Philip Reeker, the acting US assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who oversaw US policy toward Ukraine, has been postponed at the request of the lawmakers carrying out the inquiry, a source familiar with the matter said. He is now expected to testify in closed session on Saturday, an official working on the inquiry said. Trump, a real estate developer, said serving as president has personally cost him $2 billion to $5 billion dollars. He also expressed annoyance at having to reverse his decision to stage the Group of Seven summit in June at his Trump National Doral golf resort in the Miami area. His plan to host the gathering was lambasted by both Democrats and Republicans who said it gave the impression he was profiting from being president. "I would've made a fortune if I just ran my business. I was doing it really well. I have a great business. I have the best properties," Trump told reporters.

Trump exhorts Republicans to 'get tougher' against impeachment enquiry

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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