Corey Lewandowski, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">Donald Trump</a>'s former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached.

Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-steps-up-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-248698">impeachment</a>&nbsp;witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation.

Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign.

The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice.

Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers.

The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify.

Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President."

The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity."

"If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump.

A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. 
An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment.

Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump.

"I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16.

Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters.

In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions.

The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation.

At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached. Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first impeachment witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation. Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign. The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice. Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers. The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify. Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President." The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity." "If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump. A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment. Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump. "I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16. Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters. In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions. The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation. At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Ex-Trump campaign chief Lewandowski to testify in impeachment hearing

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christine-lagarde-resigns-as-international-monetary-fund-chief-starting-race-for-her-successor-236536">outgoing IMF chief</a> Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lagarde-temporarily-steps-down-as-imf-chief-american-economist-david-lipton-named-interim-leader-232570">Lagarde</a>, who was absent for the vote, won backing from 394 MEPs, with 206 votings against and 49 abstaining in a secret ballot.

Some criticised her not turning up.

The parliament's green light is just a recommendation.

The final decision on her appointment is up to EU leaders in a mid-October summit.

She is expected to easily clinch that confirmation as the leaders put her forward for the ECB post back in July.

Lagarde, a former French economy minister and head of the International Monetary Fund for the past eight years, is expected to largely follow the course set by departing ECB president Mario Draghi.

Draghi was hailed seven years ago for saving the eurozone from the debilitating crisis by vowing "the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes".

But his decision last Thursday to have the ECB intervene again with quantitative easing (QE) from November and a cut to the interest paid on banks' deposits deeper into negative territory has ruffled the feathers of some EU states.

Germany and the Netherlands notably accused Draghi of going too far. Sources told AFP that around 10 of the 25 ECB governors were against relaunching QE.

Draghi had underlined three challenges facing the ECB and its goal of price stability: a slowing eurozone economy, looming trade protectionism and Brexit, and the bank's degrading economic forecasts.

He is to leave his job to Lagarde after hosting a last monetary policy meeting in October.

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved outgoing IMF chief Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors.

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved outgoing IMF chief Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors. Lagarde, who was absent for the vote, won backing from 394 MEPs, with 206 votings against and 49 abstaining in a secret ballot. Some criticised her not turning up. The parliament's green light is just a recommendation. The final decision on her appointment is up to EU leaders in a mid-October summit. She is expected to easily clinch that confirmation as the leaders put her forward for the ECB post back in July. Lagarde, a former French economy minister and head of the International Monetary Fund for the past eight years, is expected to largely follow the course set by departing ECB president Mario Draghi. Draghi was hailed seven years ago for saving the eurozone from the debilitating crisis by vowing "the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes". But his decision last Thursday to have the ECB intervene again with quantitative easing (QE) from November and a cut to the interest paid on banks' deposits deeper into negative territory has ruffled the feathers of some EU states. Germany and the Netherlands notably accused Draghi of going too far. Sources told AFP that around 10 of the 25 ECB governors were against relaunching QE. Draghi had underlined three challenges facing the ECB and its goal of price stability: a slowing eurozone economy, looming trade protectionism and Brexit, and the bank's degrading economic forecasts. He is to leave his job to Lagarde after hosting a last monetary policy meeting in October.

European Parliament approves Lagarde as next European Central Bank chief

With an eye on re-election, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-faces-traffic-chaos-as-metro-workers-strike-over-macrons-pension-reform-249437">France's Emmanuel Macron</a> has signalled a tougher line on immigration, arguing that the government must end its "lax" approach to prevent voters from drifting to the far right.

Setting out his priorities for the second half of his mandate on Monday evening, Macron said that his centrist Republic on the Move (LREM) party risked being seen as "bourgeois" unless it tackled the issue of immigration.

"By claiming to be humanist we are sometimes too lax," he told a meeting of his ministers and ruling party representatives, claiming that France's asylum laws were being "misused" by people-smuggling networks and "people who manipulate" the system.

The question for his three-year-old party, which has struggled to establish a presence in small-town and rural <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/snowden-says-he-hopes-france-will-grant-him-asylum-249728">France</a>, was "whether we want to be a bourgeois party or not," Macron was quoted by party members as telling the meeting.

"The bourgeois have no problem with this (immigration). They don't come up against it. The working classes live with it. For decades the Left didn't want to deal with this problem so the working class migrated to the far right."

"We're like the three little monkeys, we don't want to see," he said, referring to the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" dictum represented by three monkeys with their hands over their eyes, ears, and mouth.

An Ispos/Sopra Steria poll on divisions in French society published Tuesday showed that 63 per cent of respondents felt there were "too many foreigners in France."

Anti-foreigner sentiment was strongest among working-class respondents, with 88 per cent saying they were too many immigrants.

Sixty-six per cent also said they felt that immigrants did not try hard enough to integrate.

Chasing Le Pen voters

During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron was fulsome in his praise of the welcome extended by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-germany-eu-urge-iran-to-cooperate-with-iaea-on-nuclear-issue-249518">German </a>Chancellor Angela Merkel to over a million Syrian refugees, crediting her and the German people with having "saved our collective dignity."

But since coming to office, he has taken a tough line on so-called economic migrants who leave home in search of better opportunities abroad, drawing a firm distinction between them and refugees fleeing war or persecution.

France last year received a record of 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

"The entry flows into Europe have never been so low, and the asylum requests have never been so high," Macron complained on Monday, arguing that France needed a system that was both "more efficient and more humane."

His remarks saw him compared with former right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy, who also tried to court far-right voters while in office by talking tough on immigration but without significantly changing French laws.

Sarkozy later failed to secure his re-election.

Jerome Sainte-Marie, president of Pollingvox research firm, warned that Macron risked setting a trap for himself.

"Once you have talked about immigration, once you have launched that debate, people expect action," he said.

"Otherwise he will have the same difficulty with voters that Sarkozy had," he said.

French media and opposition parties see his latest remarks as linked to local elections next March and a signal that he is preparing to seek a second term in 2022.

Polls show that since 2017, Macron's core support has shifted from the centre towards the right.

"By sending a signal on immigration a few months before the local elections, he is trying to reassure this important part of his electorate," Sainte-Marie said.

Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, whom Macron beat in 2017, was scathing of the president's tough-sounding rhetoric on an issue that has been her party's bread-and-butter for the last three decades.

"For the past two and a half years he has seen nothing and heard nothing" on the misuse of asylum laws, she told BFM television Tuesday.

"Emmanuel Macron is clearly launching into the presidential election," she said.

A Communist member of the French Senate, Eliane Assassi, accused Macron of whipping up fear among voters about immigrants and warned him, referring to the far right, that voters "prefer the original to the copy."

With an eye on re-election, France's Emmanuel Macron has signalled a tougher line on immigration, arguing that the government must end its "lax" approach to prevent voters from drifting to the far right.

With an eye on re-election, France's Emmanuel Macron has signalled a tougher line on immigration, arguing that the government must end its "lax" approach to prevent voters from drifting to the far right. Setting out his priorities for the second half of his mandate on Monday evening, Macron said that his centrist Republic on the Move (LREM) party risked being seen as "bourgeois" unless it tackled the issue of immigration. "By claiming to be humanist we are sometimes too lax," he told a meeting of his ministers and ruling party representatives, claiming that France's asylum laws were being "misused" by people-smuggling networks and "people who manipulate" the system. The question for his three-year-old party, which has struggled to establish a presence in small-town and rural France, was "whether we want to be a bourgeois party or not," Macron was quoted by party members as telling the meeting. "The bourgeois have no problem with this (immigration). They don't come up against it. The working classes live with it. For decades the Left didn't want to deal with this problem so the working class migrated to the far right." "We're like the three little monkeys, we don't want to see," he said, referring to the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" dictum represented by three monkeys with their hands over their eyes, ears, and mouth. An Ispos/Sopra Steria poll on divisions in French society published Tuesday showed that 63 per cent of respondents felt there were "too many foreigners in France." Anti-foreigner sentiment was strongest among working-class respondents, with 88 per cent saying they were too many immigrants. Sixty-six per cent also said they felt that immigrants did not try hard enough to integrate. Chasing Le Pen voters During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron was fulsome in his praise of the welcome extended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to over a million Syrian refugees, crediting her and the German people with having "saved our collective dignity." But since coming to office, he has taken a tough line on so-called economic migrants who leave home in search of better opportunities abroad, drawing a firm distinction between them and refugees fleeing war or persecution. France last year received a record of 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017. "The entry flows into Europe have never been so low, and the asylum requests have never been so high," Macron complained on Monday, arguing that France needed a system that was both "more efficient and more humane." His remarks saw him compared with former right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy, who also tried to court far-right voters while in office by talking tough on immigration but without significantly changing French laws. Sarkozy later failed to secure his re-election. Jerome Sainte-Marie, president of Pollingvox research firm, warned that Macron risked setting a trap for himself. "Once you have talked about immigration, once you have launched that debate, people expect action," he said. "Otherwise he will have the same difficulty with voters that Sarkozy had," he said. French media and opposition parties see his latest remarks as linked to local elections next March and a signal that he is preparing to seek a second term in 2022. Polls show that since 2017, Macron's core support has shifted from the centre towards the right. "By sending a signal on immigration a few months before the local elections, he is trying to reassure this important part of his electorate," Sainte-Marie said. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, whom Macron beat in 2017, was scathing of the president's tough-sounding rhetoric on an issue that has been her party's bread-and-butter for the last three decades. "For the past two and a half years he has seen nothing and heard nothing" on the misuse of asylum laws, she told BFM television Tuesday. "Emmanuel Macron is clearly launching into the presidential election," she said. A Communist member of the French Senate, Eliane Assassi, accused Macron of whipping up fear among voters about immigrants and warned him, referring to the far right, that voters "prefer the original to the copy."

Bourgeois have no problem with immigration, they don't come up against it: Macron

Saudi Aramco is pressing ahead with its listing plans this week, although some investors and analysts doubt it can now meet its timeline as it has not said when oil output will be restored after attacks on its facilities.

Reuters has reported it could take months for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-trading-arm-wants-refined-products-after-attacks-sources-250148">Aramco</a>, the world's biggest oil firm, to restore output after Saturday's attacks, which cut production by 5.7 million barrels per day, some 5 per cent of world oil supply.

The state-owned oil group will meet local Saudi banks to discuss the initial public offering (IPO) plans, but bankers at international lenders working on the IPO told Reuters there had been no communication from Aramco's management on any delay.

Aramco, which did not respond to a Reuters request for comment, is continuing to prepare for a local IPO, which the sources said may happen as early as November.

Reuters has reported that Aramco plans to sell 1 per cent this year, in a potential $20 billion deal, and another 1 per cent in 2020 in Riyadh ahead of an international sale.

Three sources close to the deal said meetings scheduled this week with Saudi banks to discuss the underwriting work they will do in the offering are still scheduled to take place.

But other sources, including bankers and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-crashes-over-600-points-after-saudi-arabias-aramco-attacks-250193">investors</a>, said while work would continue, the attacks would have an impact.

"The train has left the station. But it's a pretty major event and a lot will depend on how quickly the damage will be repaired," one banker said.

The Aramco IPO is a pillar of an ambitious economic diversification drive by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has put the firm's valuation at $2 trillion. The domestic flotation is the first step of a targeted 5 per cent sale.

"It would seem logical that Aramco's IPO will be delayed while the damage is assessed but beyond this, we would expect that the risk premium that investors will require should the IPO go ahead will now be higher," said Piers Hillier, chief investment officer at Royal London Asset Management.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, recently accelerated plans for the IPO, naming a new chairman for Aramco and mandating 9 banks in top roles.

A separate source with knowledge of the deal said Aramco has already carved up the different tasks for banks such as determining valuations, organizing roadshows and focusing on certain geographic areas.

"The banks continue to work on it until they are told otherwise. The sense is that they want it done as quick as they can," the source said.

Aramco Vulnerability

An Aramco pre-IPO meeting with analysts, both local and international, is scheduled for next week at Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, two sources, said, with one adding that the meeting would still go ahead as planned despite the attack.

Even before the attack, Aramco was looking to place part of the offering to wealthy Saudi individuals to ensure demand, two other sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

However, some analysts and investors said the strikes could pose a major setback to the Aramco offering. Oil prices surged oversupply concerns and the threat of a military response to the assault on the heartland of the Saudi oil industry, which US officials blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies. Dollar-denominated bonds issued by the Saudi government and Aramco hit multi-week lows on Monday, but rebounded on Tuesday.

"Even if Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities are quickly restored, the weekend’s attacks will raise concerns of potential geopolitical risk and the level of premia required," said Monica Malik, Chief Economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, in a research note.

"The developments also have significance ahead of the planned part-IPO of Aramco, highlighting the potential vulnerability of its key infrastructure and raising questions over the appropriate level of risk to be factored in the valuation."

Banks including JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have been appointed to coordinate the deal, which has already faced repeated delays and is crucial for Prince Mohammed's plans to diversify the Saudi economy in an era of low oil prices. 
&nbsp;

Saudi Aramco is pressing ahead with its listing plans this week, although some investors and analysts doubt it can now meet its timeline as it has not said when oil output will be restored after attacks on its facilities.

Saudi Aramco is pressing ahead with its listing plans this week, although some investors and analysts doubt it can now meet its timeline as it has not said when oil output will be restored after attacks on its facilities. Reuters has reported it could take months for Aramco, the world's biggest oil firm, to restore output after Saturday's attacks, which cut production by 5.7 million barrels per day, some 5 per cent of world oil supply. The state-owned oil group will meet local Saudi banks to discuss the initial public offering (IPO) plans, but bankers at international lenders working on the IPO told Reuters there had been no communication from Aramco's management on any delay. Aramco, which did not respond to a Reuters request for comment, is continuing to prepare for a local IPO, which the sources said may happen as early as November. Reuters has reported that Aramco plans to sell 1 per cent this year, in a potential $20 billion deal, and another 1 per cent in 2020 in Riyadh ahead of an international sale. Three sources close to the deal said meetings scheduled this week with Saudi banks to discuss the underwriting work they will do in the offering are still scheduled to take place. But other sources, including bankers and investors, said while work would continue, the attacks would have an impact. "The train has left the station. But it's a pretty major event and a lot will depend on how quickly the damage will be repaired," one banker said. The Aramco IPO is a pillar of an ambitious economic diversification drive by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has put the firm's valuation at $2 trillion. The domestic flotation is the first step of a targeted 5 per cent sale. "It would seem logical that Aramco's IPO will be delayed while the damage is assessed but beyond this, we would expect that the risk premium that investors will require should the IPO go ahead will now be higher," said Piers Hillier, chief investment officer at Royal London Asset Management. Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, recently accelerated plans for the IPO, naming a new chairman for Aramco and mandating 9 banks in top roles. A separate source with knowledge of the deal said Aramco has already carved up the different tasks for banks such as determining valuations, organizing roadshows and focusing on certain geographic areas. "The banks continue to work on it until they are told otherwise. The sense is that they want it done as quick as they can," the source said. Aramco Vulnerability An Aramco pre-IPO meeting with analysts, both local and international, is scheduled for next week at Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, two sources, said, with one adding that the meeting would still go ahead as planned despite the attack. Even before the attack, Aramco was looking to place part of the offering to wealthy Saudi individuals to ensure demand, two other sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. However, some analysts and investors said the strikes could pose a major setback to the Aramco offering. Oil prices surged oversupply concerns and the threat of a military response to the assault on the heartland of the Saudi oil industry, which US officials blamed on Iran, a charge Tehran denies. Dollar-denominated bonds issued by the Saudi government and Aramco hit multi-week lows on Monday, but rebounded on Tuesday. "Even if Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities are quickly restored, the weekend’s attacks will raise concerns of potential geopolitical risk and the level of premia required," said Monica Malik, Chief Economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, in a research note. "The developments also have significance ahead of the planned part-IPO of Aramco, highlighting the potential vulnerability of its key infrastructure and raising questions over the appropriate level of risk to be factored in the valuation." Banks including JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have been appointed to coordinate the deal, which has already faced repeated delays and is crucial for Prince Mohammed's plans to diversify the Saudi economy in an era of low oil prices.

Saudi Aramco pursues IPO planning despite attack damage doubts

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion&nbsp;in back taxes.

The EU's tax demand, made three years ago, "defies reality and common sense," Apple's lawyer Daniel Beard told the EU's lower General Court.

The commission's "conclusion is wrong," he added at the start of two days of hearings.

Lawyers for the world's biggest company faced EU officials in the Luxembourg court, challenging a decision that CEO Tim Cook slammed at the time as "total political crap" with no basis in law.

Ireland, which is similarly appealing the decision, lashed out at the EU's "astonishing" interpretation of tax law.

"The Commission decision simply ignores Irish laws," Ireland's representative Maurice Collins told judges.

The commission's historic decision was delivered on August 2016 by Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a shock decision that put Europe at the forefront of an emerging effort to rein in the power of America's largest technological companies.

The EU accuses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disney-ceo-bob-iger-resigns-from-apple-board-as-tv-battle-looms-249672">Apple</a> of parking untaxed revenue earned in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India in Ireland, which has become a European hub for US-based big tech.

This privilege allegedly gave Apple an advantage over other companies, allowing it to avoid Irish taxes between 2003 and 2014 of around 13 billion euros which, according to Brussels, constituted illegal "state aid" by Ireland.

An EU lawyer pushed back at Apple and Ireland's arguments, insisting that the iPhone-maker was on the hook to pay taxes in Ireland.

The judges are not expected to hand down their decision before 2020. Any appeal would then go the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final ruling that could land as late as 2021.

'Rewrite history'

Apple fiercely rejects the tax bill, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-demands-tech-company-emails-in-antitrust-investigation-249510">US </a>government insists the order by Brussels constitutes a major breach of international tax law.

"The European Commission has tried to rewrite Apple's history in Europe, to ignore Ireland's tax laws and, in doing so, to disrupt the international tax system," Tim Cook said in an open letter in 2016.

The group insists that it is in the United States, where the company invests in research and development and thus creates wealth, that it must pay taxes on the revenue in question.

This became possible after a major tax overhaul in the US at the end of 2017 that allowed Apple to repatriate profits made abroad. Apple has promised to pay Washington a tax bill of $37 billion, in addition to the taxes already paid in the United States.

That argument is "perfectly irrelevant", said the commission's lawyer.

"There is no tax mismatch here," said the lawyer.

The two days of hearings are taking place in a tense trade context between the EU and the United States. President Donald Trump accuses Europeans of deliberately attacking American technology giants.

The EU's competition supremo, Vestager, has in particular been accused by Trump of "hating" the US. He has slammed her as the "tax lady" because of the investigations and heavy fines imposed on US tech firms such as Google.

Pending the conclusion of the case, Apple has blocked the funds in an escrow account: a total of 14.3 billion euros after interest.

The group, which has been present in Ireland since the 1980s, employs around 6,000 people in Cork, the country's second-largest city.

The first indications of how the Apple case may finish will come as early as September 24 when the same EU court will rule on whether Vestager was right to demand unpaid taxes from Starbucks and a unit of Fiat Chrysler.

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion in back taxes.

Apple went on the offensive against Brussels in an EU court on Tuesday, fighting the European Commission's landmark order that the iPhone-maker reimburse Ireland's $14 billion in back taxes. The EU's tax demand, made three years ago, "defies reality and common sense," Apple's lawyer Daniel Beard told the EU's lower General Court. The commission's "conclusion is wrong," he added at the start of two days of hearings. Lawyers for the world's biggest company faced EU officials in the Luxembourg court, challenging a decision that CEO Tim Cook slammed at the time as "total political crap" with no basis in law. Ireland, which is similarly appealing the decision, lashed out at the EU's "astonishing" interpretation of tax law. "The Commission decision simply ignores Irish laws," Ireland's representative Maurice Collins told judges. The commission's historic decision was delivered on August 2016 by Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, a shock decision that put Europe at the forefront of an emerging effort to rein in the power of America's largest technological companies. The EU accuses Apple of parking untaxed revenue earned in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India in Ireland, which has become a European hub for US-based big tech. This privilege allegedly gave Apple an advantage over other companies, allowing it to avoid Irish taxes between 2003 and 2014 of around 13 billion euros which, according to Brussels, constituted illegal "state aid" by Ireland. An EU lawyer pushed back at Apple and Ireland's arguments, insisting that the iPhone-maker was on the hook to pay taxes in Ireland. The judges are not expected to hand down their decision before 2020. Any appeal would then go the EU's highest court, the European Court of Justice, for a final ruling that could land as late as 2021. 'Rewrite history' Apple fiercely rejects the tax bill, while the US government insists the order by Brussels constitutes a major breach of international tax law. "The European Commission has tried to rewrite Apple's history in Europe, to ignore Ireland's tax laws and, in doing so, to disrupt the international tax system," Tim Cook said in an open letter in 2016. The group insists that it is in the United States, where the company invests in research and development and thus creates wealth, that it must pay taxes on the revenue in question. This became possible after a major tax overhaul in the US at the end of 2017 that allowed Apple to repatriate profits made abroad. Apple has promised to pay Washington a tax bill of $37 billion, in addition to the taxes already paid in the United States. That argument is "perfectly irrelevant", said the commission's lawyer. "There is no tax mismatch here," said the lawyer. The two days of hearings are taking place in a tense trade context between the EU and the United States. President Donald Trump accuses Europeans of deliberately attacking American technology giants. The EU's competition supremo, Vestager, has in particular been accused by Trump of "hating" the US. He has slammed her as the "tax lady" because of the investigations and heavy fines imposed on US tech firms such as Google. Pending the conclusion of the case, Apple has blocked the funds in an escrow account: a total of 14.3 billion euros after interest. The group, which has been present in Ireland since the 1980s, employs around 6,000 people in Cork, the country's second-largest city. The first indications of how the Apple case may finish will come as early as September 24 when the same EU court will rule on whether Vestager was right to demand unpaid taxes from Starbucks and a unit of Fiat Chrysler.

Apple slams European Union as court battle over tax bill begins

Britain and Germany on Tuesday urged the international community to forge a "collective response" to the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil installations, which US officials <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-trading-arm-wants-refined-products-after-attacks-sources-250148">have blamed on Iran</a>.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the attacks during a telephone conversation, agreeing on "the need to work together, alongside international partners, to agree a collective response," according to Downing Street.

The weekend<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-falls-more-than-1-per-cent-as-market-awaits-response-to-saudi-oil-attacks-250122"> strikes on Abqaiq</a> -- the world's largest processing plant -- and the Khurais oilfield have knocked out 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd), or six per cent of global production, sending prices soaring.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-iran-engage-in-a-war-of-words-over-drone-strikes-250064/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Washington has blamed Tehran, and President Donald Trump has said that the United States is ready to help Saudi Arabia, but will wait for a "definitive" determination on who was responsible.

Johnson and Merkel stressed the "importance of avoiding the further escalation of tensions in the region".

The weekend attacks have spiked tensions and prompted concerns about an escalation. Conflict in the Gulf region could put a large portion of global energy supplies at risk.

Britain and Germany on Tuesday urged the international community to forge a "collective response" to the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil installations, which US officials have blamed on Iran.

Britain and Germany on Tuesday urged the international community to forge a "collective response" to the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil installations, which US officials have blamed on Iran. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the attacks during a telephone conversation, agreeing on "the need to work together, alongside international partners, to agree a collective response," according to Downing Street. The weekend strikes on Abqaiq -- the world's largest processing plant -- and the Khurais oilfield have knocked out 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd), or six per cent of global production, sending prices soaring. Washington has blamed Tehran, and President Donald Trump has said that the United States is ready to help Saudi Arabia, but will wait for a "definitive" determination on who was responsible. Johnson and Merkel stressed the "importance of avoiding the further escalation of tensions in the region". The weekend attacks have spiked tensions and prompted concerns about an escalation. Conflict in the Gulf region could put a large portion of global energy supplies at risk.

Need to agree on collective response to Saudi Arabia's oil facility attack, say UK, Germany

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the two blasts in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-killed-as-blast-rocks-central-kabul-near-us-embassy-250190"> Afghanistan today</a> in which at least 30 people were killed ahead of the presidential elections on September 28.

A powerful blast took place during<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-24-killed-in-blast-in-afghan-president-ashraf-ghanis-election-rally-250184"> President Ashraf Ghani's election</a> rally in central Parwan province. The Afghan president was about to address the rally when the blast occurred, Ghani was unhurt.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber was on a motorbike and detonated the bomb at the first checkpoint leading to the rally.&nbsp;

Another blast took place near Massoud Square near the US embassy in Kabul in which at least six people were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both blasts.

The suicide attacks targeted Afghan security forces, the Taliban spokesman said.

The attacks occurred even as Afghanistan gets set for presidential polls later this month amid fears that the Taliban may disrupt the elections after talks between the Trump administration and the Taliban broke down last week.

US President Trump had called off talks last week with the Taliban after a blast in which a US serviceman was killed including several Afghan civilians.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the two blasts in Afghanistan today in which at least 30 people were killed ahead of the presidential elections on September 28.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the two blasts in Afghanistan today in which at least 30 people were killed ahead of the presidential elections on September 28. A powerful blast took place during President Ashraf Ghani's election rally in central Parwan province. The Afghan president was about to address the rally when the blast occurred, Ghani was unhurt. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber was on a motorbike and detonated the bomb at the first checkpoint leading to the rally. Another blast took place near Massoud Square near the US embassy in Kabul in which at least six people were killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both blasts. The suicide attacks targeted Afghan security forces, the Taliban spokesman said. The attacks occurred even as Afghanistan gets set for presidential polls later this month amid fears that the Taliban may disrupt the elections after talks between the Trump administration and the Taliban broke down last week. US President Trump had called off talks last week with the Taliban after a blast in which a US serviceman was killed including several Afghan civilians.

Taliban claims responsibility for two blasts in Afghanistan

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-blast-hits-pro-ghani-campaign-gathering-in-central-afghanistan-source-250173">central Parwan province</a> on Tuesday with several people reportedly killed in the attack.

At least 24 people have been killed in the blast with 30 people wounded, reports said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Ghani was about to make a speech when the blast occurred.&nbsp;The Afghan president is safe and unharmed.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber was on a motorbike and detonated the bomb at the first checkpoint leading to the rally, AFP reported.

Presidential elections are due to take place on September 28 amid fears the Taliban may try to disrupt the polls after the breakdown of peace talks between the Trump administration and the Taliban.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in central Parwan province on Tuesday with several people reportedly killed in the attack.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in central Parwan province on Tuesday with several people reportedly killed in the attack. At least 24 people have been killed in the blast with 30 people wounded, reports said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. President Ghani was about to make a speech when the blast occurred. The Afghan president is safe and unharmed. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomber was on a motorbike and detonated the bomb at the first checkpoint leading to the rally, AFP reported. Presidential elections are due to take place on September 28 amid fears the Taliban may try to disrupt the polls after the breakdown of peace talks between the Trump administration and the Taliban.

Afghanistan: At least 24 killed in blast in Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally

The weapons used to strike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-middle-east-oil-gas-but-will-help-our-allies-says-trump-after-attacks-on-saudi-arabias-aramco-250005">Saudi oil facilities</a> were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault.

The weekend strikes on Abqaiq -&nbsp;the world's largest oil processing facility -&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-shuts-pipeline-to-bahrain-after-aramco-attacks-sources-250013">Khurais oil field</a> in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond.

Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply.

The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons.

Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint".

China also called on the US and Iran to "exercise restraint... in the absence of a conclusive investigation or verdict."

"All indications are that weapons used in both attacks came from Iran," coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told reporters in Riyadh, adding they were now probing "from where they were fired".

"This strike didn't come from Yemen territory as the Huthi militia are pretending," Maliki said, adding an investigation had been opened.

He labelled the Huthis "a tool in the hands of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the terrorist regime of Iran".

The rebels said they fired 10 drones at the Saudi infrastructure, but the New York Times reported that US officials had satellite images showing the attacks -- possibly with drones and cruise missiles -- had come from the north or northwest.&nbsp;

It&nbsp;indicated they were sourced in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran or Iraq, rather than Yemen.

The assault on the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, which engulfed the facilities in flames, has been condemned by Washington as an "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply".

Oil prices saw their biggest daily gain since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday after the attacks halved output in the world's top crude exporter, fuelling fresh geopolitical and growth fears.

Europe's benchmark Brent crude surged by 20 percent and US counterpart WTI by 15 percent as commodities trading got underway.

Both contracts later came off their peaks, but were still up more than 10 percent on the day by the mid-afternoon in Europe.

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry insisted world oil markets still had sizeable reserves saying the market has "a fairly substantial amount of oil out there available".&nbsp;

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday said the kingdom would use its vast inventories to partially compensate for the lost production, and the US also authorised the release of its reserves.

"Growing tensions in the Middle East are another headwind for the global economy in already uncertain times, and a full-blown conflict could trigger another leg in the global downturn," said Jennifer McKeown, head of Global Economics at Capital Economics.

With the Huthis threatening further attacks, analyst Oanda senior market analyst Craig Erlam noted Saturday's events had "highlighted the vulnerability of security at these facilities to drone attacks".

The kingdom also has a spare capacity of around two million bpd that it can draw on at times of crisis.

But a prolonged production delay could potentially see prices climb to "triple digits", warned Saudi economic consultant Sulaiman al-Assaf.&nbsp;

The attack is a major test for Saudi Arabia as it could dampen investor confidence in Aramco's upcoming two-stage initial public offering (IPO), a mammoth listing that the government hopes will generate up to $100 billion.

Saudi authorities are considering whether to delay an IPO for the oil giant, people with knowledge of the matter said.

"They're in the process of assessing the damage. It's a possibility but it's still very early," said one of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The IPO, earlier scheduled for 2018, has already been mired in delays as it reportedly struggled to reach a $2 trillion valuation desired by Saudi rulers.

Saudi authorities have sought to calm jittery markets, with the Energy Intelligence specialist newsletter citing industry sources as saying Aramco was "close to restoring as much as 40 percent" of the lost production, or about 2.3 million barrels per day (bdp).

The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the damage estimates as saying the targeted facilities would take weeks to return to full production capacity.

The real extent of the damage at the facilities however remains unclear.

All eyes are on official word from the Saudis on the situation, which could offer reassurance to world markets. 
&nbsp;

The weapons used to strike Saudi oil facilities were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault.

The weapons used to strike Saudi oil facilities were Iranian-made, the Riyadh-led coalition said Monday, heightening fears of regional conflict after the US hinted at a military response to the assault. The weekend strikes on Abqaiq - the world's largest oil processing facility - and the Khurais oil field in eastern Saudi Arabia have roiled global energy markets with prices spiking Monday to record highs. Yemen's Iran-aligned Huthi rebels claimed responsibility for the strikes but Washington has squarely blamed Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the US is "locked and loaded" to respond. Saudi's energy infrastructure has been hit before, but this strike was of a different order, abruptly halting 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd) or about six per cent of the world's oil supply. The Saudi-led coalition, which is bogged down in a five-year war in neighbouring Yemen, reiterated the assessment that the Huthis were not behind it, pointing the finger at Iran for providing the weapons. Russia urged "all countries to avoid hasty steps or conclusions that could exacerbate the situation" while the European Union stressed all sides should show "maximum restraint". China also called on the US and Iran to "exercise restraint... in the absence of a conclusive investigation or verdict." "All indications are that weapons used in both attacks came from Iran," coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told reporters in Riyadh, adding they were now probing "from where they were fired". "This strike didn't come from Yemen territory as the Huthi militia are pretending," Maliki said, adding an investigation had been opened. He labelled the Huthis "a tool in the hands of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the terrorist regime of Iran". The rebels said they fired 10 drones at the Saudi infrastructure, but the New York Times reported that US officials had satellite images showing the attacks -- possibly with drones and cruise missiles -- had come from the north or northwest. It indicated they were sourced in the northern Persian Gulf, Iran or Iraq, rather than Yemen. The assault on the heart of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, which engulfed the facilities in flames, has been condemned by Washington as an "unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply". Oil prices saw their biggest daily gain since the 1991 Gulf War on Monday after the attacks halved output in the world's top crude exporter, fuelling fresh geopolitical and growth fears. Europe's benchmark Brent crude surged by 20 percent and US counterpart WTI by 15 percent as commodities trading got underway. Both contracts later came off their peaks, but were still up more than 10 percent on the day by the mid-afternoon in Europe. US Energy Secretary Rick Perry insisted world oil markets still had sizeable reserves saying the market has "a fairly substantial amount of oil out there available". Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday said the kingdom would use its vast inventories to partially compensate for the lost production, and the US also authorised the release of its reserves. "Growing tensions in the Middle East are another headwind for the global economy in already uncertain times, and a full-blown conflict could trigger another leg in the global downturn," said Jennifer McKeown, head of Global Economics at Capital Economics. With the Huthis threatening further attacks, analyst Oanda senior market analyst Craig Erlam noted Saturday's events had "highlighted the vulnerability of security at these facilities to drone attacks". The kingdom also has a spare capacity of around two million bpd that it can draw on at times of crisis. But a prolonged production delay could potentially see prices climb to "triple digits", warned Saudi economic consultant Sulaiman al-Assaf. The attack is a major test for Saudi Arabia as it could dampen investor confidence in Aramco's upcoming two-stage initial public offering (IPO), a mammoth listing that the government hopes will generate up to $100 billion. Saudi authorities are considering whether to delay an IPO for the oil giant, people with knowledge of the matter said. "They're in the process of assessing the damage. It's a possibility but it's still very early," said one of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. The IPO, earlier scheduled for 2018, has already been mired in delays as it reportedly struggled to reach a $2 trillion valuation desired by Saudi rulers. Saudi authorities have sought to calm jittery markets, with the Energy Intelligence specialist newsletter citing industry sources as saying Aramco was "close to restoring as much as 40 percent" of the lost production, or about 2.3 million barrels per day (bdp). The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the damage estimates as saying the targeted facilities would take weeks to return to full production capacity. The real extent of the damage at the facilities however remains unclear. All eyes are on official word from the Saudis on the situation, which could offer reassurance to world markets.

Weapons used in Saudi oil attacks came from Iran: Saudi coalition

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464"> respiratory infections</a> due to choking smoke from forest fires.

Indonesia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are regularly hit by smoky haze from slash-and-burn clearances of forests for timber and palm oil plantations, but conditions this year have been the worst since 2015 due to an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">El Nino weather pattern</a> causing an extended dry spell.

In recent days, thick smog from fires has been drifting across cities in Borneo and Sumatra. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency says more than 328,000 hectares of forests and peatlands have been burnt since January.

The air pollution index in Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province on Borneo, has been at "dangerous" levels for days, data from Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry showed. The air quality in other areas, such as Jambi and Riau provinces in Sumatra, also hit "unhealthy" levels.

Schools in two cities in Central Kalimantan have been closed this week due to concerns over the pollution, while schools in Riau have also been shut.

West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji had extended school closures in his province until Wednesday, according to a circular issued on Monday.

Mimi Nazir, the head of Riau's health agency, said the Sumatran province had opened 12 temporary centres in the capital Pekanbaru to treat people suffering respiratory infections.

"If people need fresh air, they can come to the houses. There's oxygen, medical staff, and basic and emergency medicines," Nazir said by telephone, adding that if people needed further treatment they could be referred to hospital.

Acute respiratory infections have affected 11,758 people in Palangka Raya, 15,346 in Riau and 15,047 in Jambi, according to data from Indonesia's Health Ministry.

The ministry distributed more than 1.2 million masks in impacted areas as well as 1,000 vials of respiratory medicine.

Poor visibility due to the smoke affected 11 airports across Sumatra and Indonesian parts of Borneo on Monday, causing 10 flight to be cancelled, 50 delayed and two diverted, air traffic control provider AirNav said in a statement.

Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda said in a statement on Monday it had cancelled at least 15 domestic flights to cities in Indonesian parts of Borneo until Thursday due to concerns over limited visibility.

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering respiratory infections due to choking smoke from forest fires.

Indonesia closed more schools on Monday in parts of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, as well as providing oxygen at health centres to help treat some of the thousands suffering respiratory infections due to choking smoke from forest fires. Indonesia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are regularly hit by smoky haze from slash-and-burn clearances of forests for timber and palm oil plantations, but conditions this year have been the worst since 2015 due to an El Nino weather pattern causing an extended dry spell. In recent days, thick smog from fires has been drifting across cities in Borneo and Sumatra. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency says more than 328,000 hectares of forests and peatlands have been burnt since January. The air pollution index in Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province on Borneo, has been at "dangerous" levels for days, data from Indonesia's Environment and Forestry Ministry showed. The air quality in other areas, such as Jambi and Riau provinces in Sumatra, also hit "unhealthy" levels. Schools in two cities in Central Kalimantan have been closed this week due to concerns over the pollution, while schools in Riau have also been shut. West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji had extended school closures in his province until Wednesday, according to a circular issued on Monday. Mimi Nazir, the head of Riau's health agency, said the Sumatran province had opened 12 temporary centres in the capital Pekanbaru to treat people suffering respiratory infections. "If people need fresh air, they can come to the houses. There's oxygen, medical staff, and basic and emergency medicines," Nazir said by telephone, adding that if people needed further treatment they could be referred to hospital. Acute respiratory infections have affected 11,758 people in Palangka Raya, 15,346 in Riau and 15,047 in Jambi, according to data from Indonesia's Health Ministry. The ministry distributed more than 1.2 million masks in impacted areas as well as 1,000 vials of respiratory medicine. Poor visibility due to the smoke affected 11 airports across Sumatra and Indonesian parts of Borneo on Monday, causing 10 flight to be cancelled, 50 delayed and two diverted, air traffic control provider AirNav said in a statement. Indonesia's flag carrier Garuda said in a statement on Monday it had cancelled at least 15 domestic flights to cities in Indonesian parts of Borneo until Thursday due to concerns over limited visibility.

Indonesia shuts schools as forest fires choke Borneo, Sumatra islands

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">oil to US allies</a>, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran.

"We are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, &amp; now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1173560246863876096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 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 don't need Middle Eastern Oil &amp; Gas, &amp; in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/long-series-of-rocket-and-drone-strikes-against-saudi-arabian-oil-facilities-249718/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves.

Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility.

On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks.

It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day.

Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted.

President Donald Trump on Monday promised to supply oil to US allies, after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure that Washington has blamed on Iran. "We are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World," Trump tweeted. Because we have done so well with Energy over the last few years (thank you, Mr. President!), we are a net Energy Exporter, & now the Number One Energy Producer in the World. We don’t need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2019 × "We don't need Middle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact have very few tankers there, but will help our Allies!" he added. Watch Video: Trump's comments come after weekend drone strikes on two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which slashed the country's oil production by half and led both the kingdom and the United States to announce they may tap into their strategic reserves. Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a five-year war, have claimed responsibility. On Sunday, Trump warned that the US was "locked and loaded" to respond to the Saturday attacks. It is the first time the president has hinted at a potential American military response to the drone strikes. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the US was the top global oil producer in 2018, turning out nearly 18 million barrels per day. Saudi Arabia was second, with 12.42 million barrels per day.

Don't need Middle East oil & gas, but will help our allies, says Trump after attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco

Saudi Arabia has shut down its crude oil pipeline to Bahrain after attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-need-middle-east-oil-gas-but-will-help-our-allies-says-trump-after-attacks-on-saudi-arabias-aramco-250005">Saudi oil facilities</a>, two trade sources told Reuters on Monday.

The pipeline, which carries 220,000-230,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Arab Light crude from state <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">oil company Saudi Aramco</a> to Bahrain's Bapco, was closed after Saturday's attack reduced output of mainly light crude grades, one of the sources said.

Bapco is working to secure vessels to bring in about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude as a result of the pipeline shutdown, the sources said.

The Abqaiq processing plant was hit at the weekend. It processes crude from the Ghawar, Shaybah and Khurais fields that produce Arab Light or Arab Extra Light.

Bapco shutdown a 22,000 bpd crude distillation unit at its Sitrah refinery on Monday, according to an alert sent to clients from research company IIR.

Another 22,000 bpd CDU, 10,200 bpd Vacuum Distillation Unit 1 and 24,000 bpd Visbreaker Unit had to reduce run rates to 45 per cent.

Saudi state oil firm Aramco and Bapco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saudi Arabia has shut down its crude oil pipeline to Bahrain after attacks on Saudi oil facilities, two trade sources told Reuters on Monday. The pipeline, which carries 220,000-230,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Arab Light crude from state oil company Saudi Aramco to Bahrain's Bapco, was closed after Saturday's attack reduced output of mainly light crude grades, one of the sources said.

Saudi Arabia has shut down its crude oil pipeline to Bahrain after attacks on Saudi oil facilities, two trade sources told Reuters on Monday. The pipeline, which carries 220,000-230,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Arab Light crude from state oil company Saudi Aramco to Bahrain's Bapco, was closed after Saturday's attack reduced output of mainly light crude grades, one of the sources said. Bapco is working to secure vessels to bring in about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude as a result of the pipeline shutdown, the sources said. The Abqaiq processing plant was hit at the weekend. It processes crude from the Ghawar, Shaybah and Khurais fields that produce Arab Light or Arab Extra Light. Bapco shutdown a 22,000 bpd crude distillation unit at its Sitrah refinery on Monday, according to an alert sent to clients from research company IIR. Another 22,000 bpd CDU, 10,200 bpd Vacuum Distillation Unit 1 and 24,000 bpd Visbreaker Unit had to reduce run rates to 45 per cent. Saudi state oil firm Aramco and Bapco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Saudi Arabia shuts pipeline to Bahrain after Aramco attacks: Sources

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