China's state media accused Apple on Wednesday of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nba-rockets-executive-says-hong-kong-tweet-not-meant-to-offend-254149">supporting pro-democracy protesters</a>, warning the US tech giant would suffer consequences for its "unwise and reckless" decision.

An opinion piece in the People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, highlighted a transport app available on Apple's store that it alleged helped protesters identify police in Hong Kong. &nbsp;

In the article called: Is Apple helping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-fire-tear-gas-as-large-crowds-defy-hong-kong-mask-ban-254056">HK rioters engage in more</a> violence? it said, "Apple's approval for the app obviously helps rioters."

"Does this mean Apple intended to be an accomplice to the rioters?"

The article then cautioned that: "The map app is just the tip of the iceberg".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reopens-most-metro-stations-shops-after-weekend-protests-254571/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

It alleged that a song advocating "Hong Kong independence" had appeared on the "Apple Music Store" in the southern Chinese city, then issued an ominous warning.

"Nobody wants to drag Apple into the lingering unrest in Hong Kong. But people have reason to assume that Apple is mixing business with politics, and even illegal acts," it said.

"Apple has to think about the consequences of its unwise and reckless decision," the article said.

As with other campaigns led by state-run press against foreign firms for perceived support of the democracy movement in Hong Kong, comments on China's strictly controlled internet echoed those of the media.

"It definitely wasn't an accident that Apple allowed HKmap.live online," wrote one commentator on Weibo.&nbsp;

"(Apple) should know exactly what it's doing... It seems that there is too little domestic pressure against Apple."

Apple, which has a huge presence in China, did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

Hong Kong has endured nearly four months of protests that were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions of criminal suspects to the mainland.

They snowballed into a movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability, in the biggest challenge to China's rule of Hong Kong since its handover from the British in 1997.

China tolerates no dissent on the highly sensitive issue and has in recent weeks increasingly targeted foreign companies and organisations for perceived support of the protesters.

The American National Basketball Association was this week targeted after the general manager of the Houston Rockets, Daryl Morey, posted a tweet supporting the protesters.

US jewellery brand Tiffany and Hong Kong's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, have also been heavily criticised in China. 
&nbsp;

China's state media accused Apple on Wednesday of supporting pro-democracy protesters, warning the US tech giant would suffer consequences for its "unwise and reckless" decision.

China's state media accused Apple on Wednesday of supporting pro-democracy protesters, warning the US tech giant would suffer consequences for its "unwise and reckless" decision. An opinion piece in the People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, highlighted a transport app available on Apple's store that it alleged helped protesters identify police in Hong Kong. In the article called: Is Apple helping HK rioters engage in more violence? it said, "Apple's approval for the app obviously helps rioters." "Does this mean Apple intended to be an accomplice to the rioters?" The article then cautioned that: "The map app is just the tip of the iceberg". Watch Video: It alleged that a song advocating "Hong Kong independence" had appeared on the "Apple Music Store" in the southern Chinese city, then issued an ominous warning. "Nobody wants to drag Apple into the lingering unrest in Hong Kong. But people have reason to assume that Apple is mixing business with politics, and even illegal acts," it said. "Apple has to think about the consequences of its unwise and reckless decision," the article said. As with other campaigns led by state-run press against foreign firms for perceived support of the democracy movement in Hong Kong, comments on China's strictly controlled internet echoed those of the media. "It definitely wasn't an accident that Apple allowed HKmap.live online," wrote one commentator on Weibo. "(Apple) should know exactly what it's doing... It seems that there is too little domestic pressure against Apple." Apple, which has a huge presence in China, did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. Hong Kong has endured nearly four months of protests that were ignited by a now-scrapped plan to allow extraditions of criminal suspects to the mainland. They snowballed into a movement calling for more democratic freedoms and police accountability, in the biggest challenge to China's rule of Hong Kong since its handover from the British in 1997. China tolerates no dissent on the highly sensitive issue and has in recent weeks increasingly targeted foreign companies and organisations for perceived support of the protesters. The American National Basketball Association was this week targeted after the general manager of the Houston Rockets, Daryl Morey, posted a tweet supporting the protesters. US jewellery brand Tiffany and Hong Kong's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, have also been heavily criticised in China.

Nobody wants to drag Apple into lingering unrest in Hong Kong: Chinese state media

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamallapuram-zhou-enlai-in-1956-and-modi-xi-in-2019-254588">PM Modi in Chennai</a>, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations."

"China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

"The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-before-modi-xi-summit-in-india-imran-rushes-to-beijing-254602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In August, China had called a consultative meet at the UNSC in&nbsp;the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir. The move found no support at the U.N. body which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India.

On Tuesday, in an apparent softening of its stand, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent and clear. We call on India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations."

"It serves the common interests of both India and Pakistan and represents the shared expectation of regional countries and the international community," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

China's statement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Chennai's seaside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahabalipuram-preparations-in-full-swing-for-informal-summit-between-modi-jinping-254576">heritage town of Mamallapuram</a> for an informal summit from October 11 to 13.

The first India-China informal summit had taken place in Wuhan in April of 2018. During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis.&nbsp;

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with PM Modi in Chennai, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations.

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with PM Modi in Chennai, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations." "China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said. "The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues," the foreign ministry spokesman added. Watch Video: In August, China had called a consultative meet at the UNSC in the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir. The move found no support at the U.N. body which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India. On Tuesday, in an apparent softening of its stand, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent and clear. We call on India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations." "It serves the common interests of both India and Pakistan and represents the shared expectation of regional countries and the international community," the foreign ministry spokesman added. China's statement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Chennai's seaside heritage town of Mamallapuram for an informal summit from October 11 to 13. The first India-China informal summit had taken place in Wuhan in April of 2018. During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis.

Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally between India, Pak, says China ahead of Xi-Modi summit in Chennai

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-572-million-for-opioid-addiction-crisis-245872"> giant Johnson &amp; Johnson </a>must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men. &nbsp;

Johnson &amp; Johnson and its subsidiary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/johnson-johnson-rejects-report-by-rajasthan-government-on-presence-of-formaldehyde-in-baby-shampoo-214079">Janssen Pharmaceuticals were blamed</a> as plaintiff Nicholas Murray told the Philadelphia court that the drug Risperdal, prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had made him grow breasts.&nbsp;

The company challenged the ruling in a statement, calling the damages awarded "grossly disproportionate" with the initial award in the case of $680,000.&nbsp;

"The company is confident (the ruling) will be overturned," the statement said, and "will be immediately moving to set aside this excessive and unfounded verdict."&nbsp;

In the statement, Johnson &amp; Johnson accused the court of preventing their defence team from presenting "key evidence" on Risperdal labelling.&nbsp;

The company is facing a series of complaints in state courts for failing to properly warn of Risperdal's side effects, including in Pennsylvania, California and Missouri. &nbsp;

Risperdal, approved for the treatment of adults by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993, brought in some $737 million in sales in 2018.&nbsp;

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men.

A Pennsylvania jury ruled on Tuesday that US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages and interest for failing to warn that a psychiatric drug could cause breast growth in men. Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals were blamed as plaintiff Nicholas Murray told the Philadelphia court that the drug Risperdal, prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, had made him grow breasts. The company challenged the ruling in a statement, calling the damages awarded "grossly disproportionate" with the initial award in the case of $680,000. "The company is confident (the ruling) will be overturned," the statement said, and "will be immediately moving to set aside this excessive and unfounded verdict." In the statement, Johnson & Johnson accused the court of preventing their defence team from presenting "key evidence" on Risperdal labelling. The company is facing a series of complaints in state courts for failing to properly warn of Risperdal's side effects, including in Pennsylvania, California and Missouri. Risperdal, approved for the treatment of adults by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993, brought in some $737 million in sales in 2018.

Johnson & Johnson must pay $8 billion in damages over drug side effect case: US court

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-be-in-process-of-leaving-syria-but-in-no-way-have-we-abandoned-the-kurds-trump-254577">Kurdish forces using the route</a> to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday.

Turkey said it is ready to advance into northeast Syria now that the United States has begun withdrawing troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-united-states-spar-over-syrian-operation-kurdish-forces-feel-vulnerable-254450">America's allies, the Kurds</a>.

As Turkish troops finalise plans, the government's scheme to move millions of refugees into conquered territory in northeast Syria is alarming some Western allies as much as the military operation itself.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prez-warned-turkey-against-hurting-us-soldiers-during-their-operation-254364/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat.

The US move will leave Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit the United States on November 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue.

On Tuesday, a US official said US defense secretary Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley took part in the phone call, but the official did not provide further details.

"Given the likely military issues raised on the call between (Trump) and President Erdogan, Secretary of Defense Esper and Chairman Milley participated on the call," said the official.

Earlier, the Pentagon said Esper and Milley had been consulted by Trump "over the last several days" about a possible Turkish strike in Syria.

"Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

A Turkish security official said one of the main goals of the overnight strike was to cut off a transit route between Iraq and Syria often used by Kurdish armed groups "before the operation in Syria".

It was unclear what damage was done or whether there were casualties. Details of the strike, a joint operation by Turkey's intelligence service and the military, were hazy. One official described them as an air strike, while the other said the site was made "unusable through various means".

Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State(IS) in Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in Syria.

Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians.

Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led forces said they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US withdrawal.

Turkey sought to underscore its determination to act. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said. 
&nbsp;

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday.

Turkey's military struck the Syrian-Iraqi border to prevent Kurdish forces using the route to reinforce northeast Syria, as Ankara prepared to attack following a surprise US troop pullback, Turkish officials said on Tuesday. Turkey said it is ready to advance into northeast Syria now that the United States has begun withdrawing troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier in an abrupt policy shift by US President Donald Trump widely criticised in Washington as a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. As Turkish troops finalise plans, the government's scheme to move millions of refugees into conquered territory in northeast Syria is alarming some Western allies as much as the military operation itself. Watch Video: For Turkey, which views Kurdish YPG fighters in northeast Syria as terrorists because of their ties to militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey, an influx of non-Kurdish Syrians would help it secure a buffer against its main security threat. The US move will leave Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington vulnerable to attack by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will visit the United States on November 13 at Trump's invitation, a White House spokesman said. On Monday, Erdogan said US troops had started to withdraw after a phone call he had with Trump, adding that talks between Turkish and US officials on the matter would continue. On Tuesday, a US official said US defense secretary Mark Esper and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley took part in the phone call, but the official did not provide further details. "Given the likely military issues raised on the call between (Trump) and President Erdogan, Secretary of Defense Esper and Chairman Milley participated on the call," said the official. Earlier, the Pentagon said Esper and Milley had been consulted by Trump "over the last several days" about a possible Turkish strike in Syria. "Unfortunately, Turkey has chosen to act unilaterally. As a result we have moved the US forces in northern Syria out of the path of potential Turkish incursion to ensure their safety," US Defense Department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. A Turkish security official said one of the main goals of the overnight strike was to cut off a transit route between Iraq and Syria often used by Kurdish armed groups "before the operation in Syria". It was unclear what damage was done or whether there were casualties. Details of the strike, a joint operation by Turkey's intelligence service and the military, were hazy. One official described them as an air strike, while the other said the site was made "unusable through various means". Trump denied he had abandoned the Kurdish forces, the most effective US partners in fighting Islamic State(IS) in Syria. But he praised Turkey as a trade partner, in a softening of tone hours after threatening to "totally destroy" Turkey's economy if it acted "off limits" in Syria. Amid deepening humanitarian concerns, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties in northeast Syria to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians. Signalling a further potential shift in the region's power balance, the Kurdish-led forces said they might start talks with the Syrian government and Russia to fill a security vacuum in the event of a full US withdrawal. Turkey sought to underscore its determination to act. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said.

Turkey strikes in Syrian-Iraqi border ahead of planned offensive

A defiant White House declared war Tuesday against the impeachment <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-subpoena-pentagon-docs-in-impeachment-inquiry-254451">investigation of Donald Trump</a>, blasting the process as partisan, illegitimate and unconstitutional and saying neither the president nor his administration will cooperate.

In a fiery letter, the White House threw down the gauntlet to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the chairmen of three congressional panels leading the inquiry, challenging them to proceed with their effort to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-to-testify-about-trump-ukraine-efforts-as-democrats-build-impeachment-case-254216">Trump despite zero future cooperation</a>.

"Put simply, you seek to overturn the results of the 2016 election and deprive the American people of the president they have freely chosen," White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote in an eight-page letter.

"Your inquiry lacks any legitimate constitutional foundation, any pretense of fairness, or even the most elementary due process protections," he said of the probe, which is weighing whether Trump abused his office by seeking a corruption probe in Ukraine of his rival Joe Biden.

"President Trump cannot permit his administration to participate in this partisan inquiry under these circumstances."

Pelosi fired back, terming the letter "manifestly wrong" and describing it as "another unlawful attempt to hide the facts."

"Mr President, you are not above the law. You will be held accountable," she said, warning that "continued efforts to hide the truth of the president's abuse of power from the American people will be regarded as further evidence of obstruction."

The stand-off set Washington on a path toward a constitutional crisis and into unknown territory, with the potential for a court showdown just as the nation gears up for the 2020 election.

Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell expressed support for Trump's strategy, tweeting that the House had failed "to follow the same basic procedures that it has followed for every other President in our history."

The White House &nbsp;letter capped a day of explosive developments that included Trump barring a key witness, Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from speaking to Congress -- calling it a "totally compromised kangaroo court."

In response, Democrats slapped Sondland with a subpoena that "compels" him to appear on October 16.

Pelosi formally launched the impeachment inquiry last month after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call.

Biden, the former vice president who is seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination, joined the chorus of condemnation, tweeting that Trump "must stop stonewalling Congress."

Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, was one of a handful of US diplomats on a text message chain between July and September that goes to the heart of the investigation.

The messages involving Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani show them coordinating to pressure Kiev into investigating Biden, as Ukraine sought US military aid and access.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said investigators have learned that Sondland has text messages or emails on a personal device that are "deeply relevant" to the probe, but that State is withholding them.

A defiant White House declared war Tuesday against the impeachment investigation of Donald Trump, blasting the process as partisan, illegitimate and unconstitutional and saying neither the president nor his administration will cooperate.

A defiant White House declared war Tuesday against the impeachment investigation of Donald Trump, blasting the process as partisan, illegitimate and unconstitutional and saying neither the president nor his administration will cooperate. In a fiery letter, the White House threw down the gauntlet to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the chairmen of three congressional panels leading the inquiry, challenging them to proceed with their effort to oust Trump despite zero future cooperation. "Put simply, you seek to overturn the results of the 2016 election and deprive the American people of the president they have freely chosen," White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote in an eight-page letter. "Your inquiry lacks any legitimate constitutional foundation, any pretense of fairness, or even the most elementary due process protections," he said of the probe, which is weighing whether Trump abused his office by seeking a corruption probe in Ukraine of his rival Joe Biden. "President Trump cannot permit his administration to participate in this partisan inquiry under these circumstances." Pelosi fired back, terming the letter "manifestly wrong" and describing it as "another unlawful attempt to hide the facts." "Mr President, you are not above the law. You will be held accountable," she said, warning that "continued efforts to hide the truth of the president's abuse of power from the American people will be regarded as further evidence of obstruction." The stand-off set Washington on a path toward a constitutional crisis and into unknown territory, with the potential for a court showdown just as the nation gears up for the 2020 election. Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell expressed support for Trump's strategy, tweeting that the House had failed "to follow the same basic procedures that it has followed for every other President in our history." The White House letter capped a day of explosive developments that included Trump barring a key witness, Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, from speaking to Congress -- calling it a "totally compromised kangaroo court." In response, Democrats slapped Sondland with a subpoena that "compels" him to appear on October 16. Pelosi formally launched the impeachment inquiry last month after revelations Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call. Biden, the former vice president who is seeking the 2020 Democratic nomination, joined the chorus of condemnation, tweeting that Trump "must stop stonewalling Congress." Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, was one of a handful of US diplomats on a text message chain between July and September that goes to the heart of the investigation. The messages involving Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani show them coordinating to pressure Kiev into investigating Biden, as Ukraine sought US military aid and access. House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said investigators have learned that Sondland has text messages or emails on a personal device that are "deeply relevant" to the probe, but that State is withholding them.

Trump impeachment enquiry lacks legitimate constitutional foundation: White House

As US troops began pulling out from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-united-states-spar-over-syrian-operation-kurdish-forces-feel-vulnerable-254450">northeast Syrian border</a>, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we Abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters. Likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and Trading partner, has been very good. Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181553630354259968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters," the US president said, adding, "likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and trading partner, has been very good."&nbsp;

"Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully understands that while we only had 50 soldiers remaining in that section of Syria, and they have been removed, any unforced or unnecessary fighting by Turkey will be devastating to their economy and to their very fragile currency," the US president said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So many people conveniently forget that Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States, in fact they make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter Jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province, and returning, in very.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1181547331822456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are helping the Kurds financially/weapons! Trump added.

The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had accused the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-preparations-for-syria-operations-completed-says-turkey-254414">US of reneging on an ally</a>, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the Islamic State.

Trump on Sunday threatened that the US would "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" as the US troops withdraw from the region. However, in a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, Trump said Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-united-states-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria-254350/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"They make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province," Trump said. In the tweet, the US president thanked Turkey for returning Pastor Brunson at his request while stating that, "Turkey is an important member in good standing of NATO."

The White House had said earlier that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As US troops began pulling out from northeast Syrian border, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned".

As US troops began pulling out from northeast Syrian border, the US president in a series of tweets asserted that although US forces were in the process of leaving Syria "but in no way were the Kurds been abandoned". We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we Abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters. Likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and Trading partner, has been very good. Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2019 × "We may be in the process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds, who are special people and wonderful fighters," the US president said, adding, "likewise our relationship with Turkey, a NATO and trading partner, has been very good." "Turkey already has a large Kurdish population and fully understands that while we only had 50 soldiers remaining in that section of Syria, and they have been removed, any unforced or unnecessary fighting by Turkey will be devastating to their economy and to their very fragile currency," the US president said. So many people conveniently forget that Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States, in fact they make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter Jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province, and returning, in very..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2019 × "We are helping the Kurds financially/weapons! Trump added. The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had accused the US of reneging on an ally, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the Islamic State. Trump on Sunday threatened that the US would "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" as the US troops withdraw from the region. However, in a conciliatory tone on Tuesday, Trump said Turkey is a big trading partner of the United States. Watch Video: "They make the structural steel frame for our F-35 Fighter jet. They have also been good to deal with, helping me to save many lives at Idlib Province," Trump said. In the tweet, the US president thanked Turkey for returning Pastor Brunson at his request while stating that, "Turkey is an important member in good standing of NATO." The White House had said earlier that the Trump administration would not support or endorse any Turkish military action on the Kurds and it will also have to take responsibility for the Islamic State fighters currently imprisoned by the Kurdish forces.

We may be in process of leaving Syria, but in no way have we abandoned the Kurds: Trump

India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rajnath-singh-lands-in-merignac-airport-to-receive-rafale-fighter-jet-254515">first&nbsp;Rafale fighter jet</a> from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France on Tuesday.

As he landed at&nbsp;Mérignac airport, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier. India's defence minister took a tour of the Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation's plant at Bordeaux.

During the handover ceremony, French defence minister Florence Parley said, "Rafale is the best technology France has to offer, adding,"sixty-six Rafale jets will be delivered between 2019-2023."

"It is a historic day for India's forces," Rajnath Singh said during the ceremony. "India-France deal was struck on May 23, 2016, after three years it is ready for delivery," Rajnath Singh added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-defence-minister-florence-parly-speaks-over-india-france-relations-at-rafale-handover-ceremony-254546/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

India had signed a deal with France for 36 Rafale jets, four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022.

The fighter jet is expected to add to India's strike capability giving the Indian Air Force strategic depth. There are 13 India-specific enhancements in the Rafale jet.

The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the 87th foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month.

The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France on Tuesday. As he landed at Mérignac airport, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier.

India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation at a ceremony in Bordeaux in France on Tuesday. As he landed at Mérignac airport, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier. India's defence minister took a tour of the Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation's plant at Bordeaux. During the handover ceremony, French defence minister Florence Parley said, "Rafale is the best technology France has to offer, adding,"sixty-six Rafale jets will be delivered between 2019-2023." "It is a historic day for India's forces," Rajnath Singh said during the ceremony. "India-France deal was struck on May 23, 2016, after three years it is ready for delivery," Rajnath Singh added. Watch Video: India had signed a deal with France for 36 Rafale jets, four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year, the rest will arrive in September 2022. The fighter jet is expected to add to India's strike capability giving the Indian Air Force strategic depth. There are 13 India-specific enhancements in the Rafale jet. The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the 87th foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month. The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

Historic day for India's forces, says Rajnath Singh as India receives first Rafale jet

EU Council president Donald Tusk lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> on Tuesday warning him not to play "some stupid blame game" over Brexit.

"PM Johnson what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game. At stake is the future of Europe and the UK as well as the security and interests of our people," the EU Council president said on Twitter, adding, "you don’t want a deal, you don’t want an extension, you don’t want to revoke, quo vadis?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a>, what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game. At stake is the future of Europe and the UK as well as the security and interests of our people. You don’t want a deal, you don’t want an extension, you don’t want to revoke, quo vadis?
— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1181519363783974912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the final Brexit proposal last week, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-tells-eu-brexit-ball-is-in-your-court-now-254283">British PM Johnson had said</a> that he would leave the European Union(EU) on October 31, the deadline set by the European body for Britain's exit from the common market.

Despite Tusk's comments, European Commission spokeswoman, Mina Andreeva rejected reports that talks had broken down with Britain.

"Technical talks are continuing today so I don't see how talks could have actually been broken down if they are happening today and in the days to continue," the European Commission spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

"Our working assumption remains that the United Kingdom is leaving the EU on the 31st of October as they have notified to us and as Prime Minister Johnson keeps reiterating. And again, the principle of sincere cooperation is very important," Andreeva added.

With just weeks remaining, Johnson's move has run into trouble with several British lawmakers against a "no-deal" Brexit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Amid the uncertainty over Johnson's Brexit's plan, Ireland's finance minister Paschal Donohoe said today that the country's 2020 budget includes a $1.3 billion relief fund to cushion the economic blow if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal.

"I am today announcing a package of over euros $1.3 billion, excluding EU funding, to respond to Brexit", Donohoe said. "This is a budget that has been developed in the shadow of Brexit. And the context of Brexit has now shifted to no deal as our central assumption. This does not mean that no deal is inevitable, but equally we stand ready if it does happen," Ireland's finance minister added.

Meanwhile, The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), a leading think tank warned that Britain's debt burden would jump to its highest level in 50 years if it leaves the EU without a deal.

The IFS &nbsp;said that a no-deal Brexit would likely lead to borrowing approaching £100 billion or four per cent of Britain's GDP.

EU Council president Donald Tusk lashed out at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday warning him not to play "some stupid blame game" over Brexit. "PM Johnson what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game.

EU Council president Donald Tusk lashed out at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday warning him not to play "some stupid blame game" over Brexit. "PM Johnson what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game. At stake is the future of Europe and the UK as well as the security and interests of our people," the EU Council president said on Twitter, adding, "you don’t want a deal, you don’t want an extension, you don’t want to revoke, quo vadis?" .@BorisJohnson, what’s at stake is not winning some stupid blame game. At stake is the future of Europe and the UK as well as the security and interests of our people. You don’t want a deal, you don’t want an extension, you don’t want to revoke, quo vadis? — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) October 8, 2019 × In the final Brexit proposal last week, British PM Johnson had said that he would leave the European Union(EU) on October 31, the deadline set by the European body for Britain's exit from the common market. Despite Tusk's comments, European Commission spokeswoman, Mina Andreeva rejected reports that talks had broken down with Britain. "Technical talks are continuing today so I don't see how talks could have actually been broken down if they are happening today and in the days to continue," the European Commission spokeswoman said. "Our working assumption remains that the United Kingdom is leaving the EU on the 31st of October as they have notified to us and as Prime Minister Johnson keeps reiterating. And again, the principle of sincere cooperation is very important," Andreeva added. With just weeks remaining, Johnson's move has run into trouble with several British lawmakers against a "no-deal" Brexit. Amid the uncertainty over Johnson's Brexit's plan, Ireland's finance minister Paschal Donohoe said today that the country's 2020 budget includes a $1.3 billion relief fund to cushion the economic blow if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal. "I am today announcing a package of over euros $1.3 billion, excluding EU funding, to respond to Brexit", Donohoe said. "This is a budget that has been developed in the shadow of Brexit. And the context of Brexit has now shifted to no deal as our central assumption. This does not mean that no deal is inevitable, but equally we stand ready if it does happen," Ireland's finance minister added. Meanwhile, The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), a leading think tank warned that Britain's debt burden would jump to its highest level in 50 years if it leaves the EU without a deal. The IFS said that a no-deal Brexit would likely lead to borrowing approaching £100 billion or four per cent of Britain's GDP.

At stake is not winning some stupid blame game: Tusk to PM Johnson on Brexit

Just hours after meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-meets-french-president-emmanuel-macron-254457">President Macron in Paris</a>, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft.&nbsp;

As he landed in Mérignac, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier.&nbsp;Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year. India had signed a deal with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh met French President Emmanuel Macron calling France India's "important strategic partner".

"Our special relationship goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. My visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries," India's defence minister said in a tweet.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-rituals-in-france-before-receiving-first-rafale-jet-shastra-puja-to-be-done-254399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month.

The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

Just hours after meeting President Macron in Paris, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft.

Just hours after meeting President Macron in Paris, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft. As he landed in Mérignac, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier. Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year. India had signed a deal with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets. Earlier on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh met French President Emmanuel Macron calling France India's "important strategic partner". "Our special relationship goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. My visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries," India's defence minister said in a tweet. Watch Video: The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month. The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

Rajnath Singh lands in Mérignac airport to receive Rafale fighter jet

India, Pakistan nuclear war could span for less than a week and 'kill 50-125 million people': Study

1st Test, Day-2: Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal put India on top against South Africa

India's opener Mayank Agarwal hits maiden double century against South Africa in first Test

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.