South Korea's acquisition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hell-bent-on-hostile-acts-despite-wanting-to-talk-north-korea-232880">American F-35 stealth fighter jets</a> will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher.

South Korean authorities are "impudent and pitiful" for "talking loudly about reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south" while buying more weapons from the United States, an unnamed policy research director at the Institute for American Studies of North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

"There is no room for doubt that the delivery of 'F-35A', which is also called an 'invisible lethal weapon', is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a 'gate' to invading the north in time of emergency on the Korean peninsula," the statement said.

"We, on our part, have no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in south Korea."

South Korea took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March, with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021.

North Korea's latest criticism of South Korea's military acquisition as an "extremely dangerous action which will trigger our reaction" comes as inter-Korean relations have stalled.

South Korean leader Moon Jae-in was left on the sidelines of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the inter-Korean border in June, and there have been few signs that relations have improved.

"The south Korean authorities had better come to their senses before it is too late, shattering the preposterous illusions that an opportunity would come for improved inter-Korean relations if they follow in the footsteps of the United States," the statement said.

South Korea's acquisition of American F-35 stealth fighter jets will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher.

South Korea's acquisition of American F-35 stealth fighter jets will force North Korea to develop and test "special armaments" to destroy the new weapons, North Korea's state media said on Thursday, citing a government researcher. South Korean authorities are "impudent and pitiful" for "talking loudly about reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south" while buying more weapons from the United States, an unnamed policy research director at the Institute for American Studies of North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. "There is no room for doubt that the delivery of 'F-35A', which is also called an 'invisible lethal weapon', is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a 'gate' to invading the north in time of emergency on the Korean peninsula," the statement said. "We, on our part, have no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in south Korea." South Korea took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March, with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021. North Korea's latest criticism of South Korea's military acquisition as an "extremely dangerous action which will trigger our reaction" comes as inter-Korean relations have stalled. South Korean leader Moon Jae-in was left on the sidelines of a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump at the inter-Korean border in June, and there have been few signs that relations have improved. "The south Korean authorities had better come to their senses before it is too late, shattering the preposterous illusions that an opportunity would come for improved inter-Korean relations if they follow in the footsteps of the United States," the statement said.

South Korea's acquisition of US F-35 fighter aimed at 'opening gate' to invade north: North Korea state media

Japan's Hayabusa2 probe landed successfully Thursday on a distant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-spacecraft-hayabusa2-lands-on-ryugu-asteroid-takes-samples-198878">asteroid for a final touchdown</a>, hoping to collect samples that could shed light on the evolution of the solar system.

"The touchdown is successful," spokesman Takayuki Tomobe from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The successful touchdown was greeted with cheering and applause in the JAXA mission control room, with officials grinning and shaking hands.

JAXA officials said earlier that the probe appeared to have landed successfully, but confirmation came only after Hayabusa2 lifted back up from the asteroid and resumed communications with the control room.

"All of us are relieved to see that the probe has resumed sending data from its antenna, which can send a large amount of data to us," Tomobe said.

"This means that the probe is not in a serious condition," he added.

The brief landing Thursday is the second time Hayabusa2 has touched down on the desolate asteroid Ryugu, some 300 million kilometres (185 million miles) from Earth.

The complex multi-year mission has also involved sending rovers and robots down to the surface.

Thursday's touchdown was intended to collect pristine materials from beneath the surface of the asteroid that could provide insights into what the solar system was like at its birth, some 4.6 billion years ago.

To get at those crucial materials, in April an "impactor" was fired from Hayabusa2 towards Ryugu in a risky process that created a crater on the asteroid's surface and stirred up material that had not previously been exposed to the atmosphere.

Hayabusa2's first touchdown was in February, when it landed briefly on Ryugu and fired a bullet into the surface to puff up dust for collection, before blasting back to its holding position.

The second touchdown required special preparations because any problems could mean the probe would lose the precious materials already gathered during its first landing.

A photo of the crater taken by Hayabusa2's camera after the April blast showed that parts of the asteroid's surface are covered with materials that are "obviously different" from the rest of the surface, mission manager Makoto Yoshikawa told reporters before the latest touchdown.

The probe was expected to land briefing in an area some 20 metres away from the centre of the crater to collect the unidentified materials believed to be "ejecta" from the blast.

"It would be safe to say that extremely attractive materials are near the crater," Tsuda said.

The touchdown is the last major part of Hayabusa2's mission, and when the probe returns to Earth next year scientists hope to learn more about the history of the solar system and even the origin of life from its samples.

"I'm really looking forward to analysing these materials," Yoshikawa said.

The Hayabusa2 mission has attracted international attention, with Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May sending a video to the probe's team ahead of the landing.

"The world is watching. We love you, take care Hayabusa2," the musician told the team.

At about the size of a large refrigerator and equipped with solar panels to keep it powered, Hayabusa2 is the successor to JAXA's first asteroid explorer, Hayabusa -&nbsp;Japanese for falcon.

That probe returned with dust samples from a smaller, potato-shaped asteroid in 2010, despite various setbacks during its epic seven-year odyssey and was hailed as a scientific triumph.

Hayabusa2's photos of Ryugu, which means "Dragon Palace" in Japanese and refers to a castle at the bottom of the ocean in an ancient Japanese tale, show the asteroid has a rough surface full of boulders.

The Hayabusa2 mission was launched in December 2014, and has a price tag of around $270 million.&nbsp;

It has already made history, including with the creation of the crater on Ryugu's surface.

In 2005, NASA's Deep Impact project succeeded in creating an artificial crater on a comet but only for observation purposes.

Japan's Hayabusa2 probe landed successfully Thursday on a distant asteroid for a final touchdown, hoping to collect samples that could shed light on the evolution of the solar system.

Japan's Hayabusa2 probe landed successfully Thursday on a distant asteroid for a final touchdown, hoping to collect samples that could shed light on the evolution of the solar system. "The touchdown is successful," spokesman Takayuki Tomobe from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The successful touchdown was greeted with cheering and applause in the JAXA mission control room, with officials grinning and shaking hands. JAXA officials said earlier that the probe appeared to have landed successfully, but confirmation came only after Hayabusa2 lifted back up from the asteroid and resumed communications with the control room. "All of us are relieved to see that the probe has resumed sending data from its antenna, which can send a large amount of data to us," Tomobe said. "This means that the probe is not in a serious condition," he added. The brief landing Thursday is the second time Hayabusa2 has touched down on the desolate asteroid Ryugu, some 300 million kilometres (185 million miles) from Earth. The complex multi-year mission has also involved sending rovers and robots down to the surface. Thursday's touchdown was intended to collect pristine materials from beneath the surface of the asteroid that could provide insights into what the solar system was like at its birth, some 4.6 billion years ago. To get at those crucial materials, in April an "impactor" was fired from Hayabusa2 towards Ryugu in a risky process that created a crater on the asteroid's surface and stirred up material that had not previously been exposed to the atmosphere. Hayabusa2's first touchdown was in February, when it landed briefly on Ryugu and fired a bullet into the surface to puff up dust for collection, before blasting back to its holding position. The second touchdown required special preparations because any problems could mean the probe would lose the precious materials already gathered during its first landing. A photo of the crater taken by Hayabusa2's camera after the April blast showed that parts of the asteroid's surface are covered with materials that are "obviously different" from the rest of the surface, mission manager Makoto Yoshikawa told reporters before the latest touchdown. The probe was expected to land briefing in an area some 20 metres away from the centre of the crater to collect the unidentified materials believed to be "ejecta" from the blast. "It would be safe to say that extremely attractive materials are near the crater," Tsuda said. The touchdown is the last major part of Hayabusa2's mission, and when the probe returns to Earth next year scientists hope to learn more about the history of the solar system and even the origin of life from its samples. "I'm really looking forward to analysing these materials," Yoshikawa said. The Hayabusa2 mission has attracted international attention, with Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May sending a video to the probe's team ahead of the landing. "The world is watching. We love you, take care Hayabusa2," the musician told the team. At about the size of a large refrigerator and equipped with solar panels to keep it powered, Hayabusa2 is the successor to JAXA's first asteroid explorer, Hayabusa - Japanese for falcon. That probe returned with dust samples from a smaller, potato-shaped asteroid in 2010, despite various setbacks during its epic seven-year odyssey and was hailed as a scientific triumph. Hayabusa2's photos of Ryugu, which means "Dragon Palace" in Japanese and refers to a castle at the bottom of the ocean in an ancient Japanese tale, show the asteroid has a rough surface full of boulders. The Hayabusa2 mission was launched in December 2014, and has a price tag of around $270 million. It has already made history, including with the creation of the crater on Ryugu's surface. In 2005, NASA's Deep Impact project succeeded in creating an artificial crater on a comet but only for observation purposes.

Japan's Hayabusa2 probe lands successfully on asteroid

Wall Street stocks cheered dovish testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday, lifting the Nasdaq to a fresh record while the prospect of looser monetary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sp-500-hits-3000-for-the-first-time-as-fed-signals-possible-rate-cut-234770">policy pressured the dollar</a>.

In the first of two days of congressional testimony, Powell said many central bankers believed the case for lower rates "had strengthened" as myriad trade conflicts cloud the growth outlook.

Since the June meeting, when Powell's dovish remarks were interpreted as signalling a possible cut, "it appears that uncertainties around trade tension and concerns about the strength of the global economy continue to weigh on the US economic outlook," Powell said.

The remarks confirmed to broad investor expectations about what Powell would say and appeared to quash speculation that last week's strong US jobs report would prevent a rate cut later this month.

Powell has been under constant pressure from US President Donald Trump to cut interest rates but said again Wednesday that White House sniping played no role in his outlook.

All three major indices surged to all-time intraday records near the start of the Wall Street session after Powell's written congressional testimony was released. But the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was the only one to hold the record, ending at 8,202.53, up 0.8 per cent.

The Dow and S&amp;P 500 also finished higher on a day in which European stocks retreated and leading Asian bourses were mixed.

The dollar also shifted course following Powell's remarks.

The US currency had rallied following the jobs report but "today's testimony implies that a rate cut is a 'done deal,'" said Matt Weller in a note on Forex.com.

Heading into Wednesday's much-anticipated hearing, many investors had taken an interest rate cut as a near certainty, viewing the next meeting as a question of how aggressively the Fed would act.

"I don't think it's changed anything. Everyone expected him to cut in July," said Maris Ogg of Tower Bridge Advisors, who thinks the Fed will undertake a 25 basis point cut in interest rates this month.

"But a cut of 50 basis points is not gonna happen," Ogg said. "We're not seeing that much weakness and it would indicate that something is not working well."

Following the testimony, most investors still predicted a smaller interest rate cut but a solid minority bet on a larger 50 basis point cut.

Christopher Vecchio of Daily FX, meanwhile, said Powell's appearance "laid the groundwork for a series of interest rate cuts over the coming months."

In other markets, oil prices jumped more than two per cent after a government inventory report showed a massive drop in US stockpiles last week. Traders also cheered reports that Russian output fell in July to its lowest in nearly three years.

Other factors boosting oil prices included continued diplomatic tensions involving OPEC member Iran and a storm in the Gulf of Mexico that prompted some producers to evacuate offshore workers and suspend some output.

Wall Street stocks cheered dovish testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday, lifting the Nasdaq to a fresh record while the prospect of looser monetary policy pressured the dollar.

Wall Street stocks cheered dovish testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday, lifting the Nasdaq to a fresh record while the prospect of looser monetary policy pressured the dollar. In the first of two days of congressional testimony, Powell said many central bankers believed the case for lower rates "had strengthened" as myriad trade conflicts cloud the growth outlook. Since the June meeting, when Powell's dovish remarks were interpreted as signalling a possible cut, "it appears that uncertainties around trade tension and concerns about the strength of the global economy continue to weigh on the US economic outlook," Powell said. The remarks confirmed to broad investor expectations about what Powell would say and appeared to quash speculation that last week's strong US jobs report would prevent a rate cut later this month. Powell has been under constant pressure from US President Donald Trump to cut interest rates but said again Wednesday that White House sniping played no role in his outlook. All three major indices surged to all-time intraday records near the start of the Wall Street session after Powell's written congressional testimony was released. But the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index was the only one to hold the record, ending at 8,202.53, up 0.8 per cent. The Dow and S&P 500 also finished higher on a day in which European stocks retreated and leading Asian bourses were mixed. The dollar also shifted course following Powell's remarks. The US currency had rallied following the jobs report but "today's testimony implies that a rate cut is a 'done deal,'" said Matt Weller in a note on Forex.com. Heading into Wednesday's much-anticipated hearing, many investors had taken an interest rate cut as a near certainty, viewing the next meeting as a question of how aggressively the Fed would act. "I don't think it's changed anything. Everyone expected him to cut in July," said Maris Ogg of Tower Bridge Advisors, who thinks the Fed will undertake a 25 basis point cut in interest rates this month. "But a cut of 50 basis points is not gonna happen," Ogg said. "We're not seeing that much weakness and it would indicate that something is not working well." Following the testimony, most investors still predicted a smaller interest rate cut but a solid minority bet on a larger 50 basis point cut. Christopher Vecchio of Daily FX, meanwhile, said Powell's appearance "laid the groundwork for a series of interest rate cuts over the coming months." In other markets, oil prices jumped more than two per cent after a government inventory report showed a massive drop in US stockpiles last week. Traders also cheered reports that Russian output fell in July to its lowest in nearly three years. Other factors boosting oil prices included continued diplomatic tensions involving OPEC member Iran and a storm in the Gulf of Mexico that prompted some producers to evacuate offshore workers and suspend some output.

Nasdaq ends at record high, dollar falls as US Federal Reserve signals possible rate cut

Sri Lanka is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-vetoes-military-deal-with-washington-that-allows-us-troops-free-access-to-islands-ports-233571">fresh military cooperation deal</a> with the United States, the country's&nbsp;Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government was discussing a replacement for the 1995 Status of Forces (SOFA) arrangement that would allow the US military easier access to the strategically placed Indian Ocean island.

The prime minister said negotiations were ongoing as the new document contained provisions Sri Lanka was "not able to accept", without elaborating on what they were.

His comments came days after President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal giving US forces freer access to Sri Lanka.

"I will not allow the SOFA that seeks to betray the nation. Some foreign forces want to make Sri Lanka one of their bases. I will not allow them to come into the country and challenge our sovereignty," Sirisena, who faces an election this year, said at a rally last weekend.

Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island.

"The US navy is not a fleet of fishing trawlers. They don't need any bases (in Sri Lanka)," he said.

The US and Sri Lankan militaries can already access each other's ports and airports under the 2007 Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

The United States last year granted $39 million for maritime security to Sri Lanka as China increases its presence in the strategic region.

US concern has increased as China steps up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative.

China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt.

Sri Lanka in 2017 gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the $1.4 billion project.

Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

Sri Lanka is negotiating a fresh military cooperation deal with the United States, the country's Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement.

Sri Lanka is negotiating a fresh military cooperation deal with the United States, the country's Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement. Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government was discussing a replacement for the 1995 Status of Forces (SOFA) arrangement that would allow the US military easier access to the strategically placed Indian Ocean island. The prime minister said negotiations were ongoing as the new document contained provisions Sri Lanka was "not able to accept", without elaborating on what they were. His comments came days after President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal giving US forces freer access to Sri Lanka. "I will not allow the SOFA that seeks to betray the nation. Some foreign forces want to make Sri Lanka one of their bases. I will not allow them to come into the country and challenge our sovereignty," Sirisena, who faces an election this year, said at a rally last weekend. Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island. "The US navy is not a fleet of fishing trawlers. They don't need any bases (in Sri Lanka)," he said. The US and Sri Lankan militaries can already access each other's ports and airports under the 2007 Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The United States last year granted $39 million for maritime security to Sri Lanka as China increases its presence in the strategic region. US concern has increased as China steps up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt. Sri Lanka in 2017 gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the $1.4 billion project. Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement

The consumption of sugary drinks has exploded worldwide in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cancer-deaths-over-last-5-years-falling-in-european-union-study-204192">recent decades and the high-calorie</a> beverages have already been associated with a elevated risk of obesity -&nbsp;itself recognised as a leading cancer risk factor.

A team of researchers in France wanted to assess the associations between heightened consumption of sugar drinks and the risks of overall cancer, as well as several cancer types, including breast, prostate and bowel cancers.

They surveyed more than 100,000 adults, with an average of age of 42, 79 per cent of whom were women.&nbsp;

The participants, who were followed for a maximum of nine years, completed at least two 24-hour online validated dietary questionnaires, calculating their daily consumption of sugar and artificially sweetened beverages as well as 100 per cent fruit juices.

Researchers measured the daily intakes of sugary drinks against those of diet beverages and compared them to cancer cases in participants' medical records during the follow-up period.

They found that just a 100 ml increase per day of sugary drinks was associated with an 18 per cent increased risk of cancer, and with a 22 per cent increase in breast cancer.&nbsp;

Both sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices saw a similar higher risk association.&nbsp;

During a follow-up, researchers found 2,193 cases of cancer were diagnosed, the average age at diagnosis being 59 years.&nbsp;

Authors of the study, which appeared in the BMJ medical journal, stressed their work was based on observation and so could not establish the cause of cancer prognoses.&nbsp;

But the sample size was large and they adjusted for a number of other influential factors.

Its authors suggested that, based on their findings, taxing sugary products could have a significant impact on cancer rates.&nbsp;

"This large, well-designed study adds to the existing evidence that consumption of sugary drinks may be associated with increased risk of some cancers," Graham Wheeler, senior statistician of the Cancer Research UK said of the study.

The consumption of sugary drinks has exploded worldwide in recent decades and the high-calorie beverages have already been associated with a elevated risk of obesity - itself recognised as a leading cancer risk factor.

The consumption of sugary drinks has exploded worldwide in recent decades and the high-calorie beverages have already been associated with a elevated risk of obesity - itself recognised as a leading cancer risk factor. A team of researchers in France wanted to assess the associations between heightened consumption of sugar drinks and the risks of overall cancer, as well as several cancer types, including breast, prostate and bowel cancers. They surveyed more than 100,000 adults, with an average of age of 42, 79 per cent of whom were women. The participants, who were followed for a maximum of nine years, completed at least two 24-hour online validated dietary questionnaires, calculating their daily consumption of sugar and artificially sweetened beverages as well as 100 per cent fruit juices. Researchers measured the daily intakes of sugary drinks against those of diet beverages and compared them to cancer cases in participants' medical records during the follow-up period. They found that just a 100 ml increase per day of sugary drinks was associated with an 18 per cent increased risk of cancer, and with a 22 per cent increase in breast cancer. Both sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juices saw a similar higher risk association. During a follow-up, researchers found 2,193 cases of cancer were diagnosed, the average age at diagnosis being 59 years. Authors of the study, which appeared in the BMJ medical journal, stressed their work was based on observation and so could not establish the cause of cancer prognoses. But the sample size was large and they adjusted for a number of other influential factors. Its authors suggested that, based on their findings, taxing sugary products could have a significant impact on cancer rates. "This large, well-designed study adds to the existing evidence that consumption of sugary drinks may be associated with increased risk of some cancers," Graham Wheeler, senior statistician of the Cancer Research UK said of the study.

Just 100 ml consumption of sugary drinks can increase cancer risk: Study

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel.

The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a set of decisions instructing a lower court judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against the Republican president in June 2017 by the Democratic attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case.

The court said the District of Columbia and Maryland's interest “in enforcing the Emoluments Clauses is so attenuated and abstract that their prosecution of this case readily provokes the question of whether this action against the President is an appropriate use of the courts, which were created to resolve real cases and controversies."

The decision halts dozens of subpoenas issued to Trump's businesses and government agencies for financial documents related to the hotel.

“Today’s pair of decisions by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is a complete victory," Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, said in a statement. "This latest effort at presidential harassment has been dismissed with prejudice."

"Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt," Trump wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148971885457285120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump also called the lawsuit "ridiculous," adding that he loses a "fortune" by being president.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
....serving and doing a great job as your President (including accepting Zero salary!).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148971886279311361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The idea that the District of Columbia and Maryland are not harmed by the President’s violation of the Constitution is plain error," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a joint statement. "We will continue to pursue our legal options to hold him accountable.”

Trump opened the Trump International Hotel, just blocks from the White House, shortly before he was elected in November 2016. Unlike past presidents, he has retained ownership of numerous business interests, including the hotel, while serving as president.

Since his election, the hotel has become a favoured lodging and event space for some foreign and state officials visiting the US capital.

The lawsuit alleges that, in failing to disengage from the hotel, Trump has made himself vulnerable to inducements by foreign governments seeking to curry favour, violating the Constitution.

Maryland-based US District Judge Peter Messitte last year allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a ruling that Trump appealed to the 4th Circuit.

All three of the judges who heard the appeal were appointed by Republican presidents.

Trump still faces a lawsuit making similar claims brought by a group of more than 200 Democratic Party lawmakers. A judge in Washington has issued key preliminary rulings against Trump, who on Monday asked an appeals court to halt the case.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday scored a crucial victory in a Democratic-backed lawsuit that accuses him of violating anti-corruption provisions of the US Constitution with his Washington hotel. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a set of decisions instructing a lower court judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed against the Republican president in June 2017 by the Democratic attorneys general of Maryland and the District of Columbia. The three-judge panel said the attorneys general lacked legal standing to bring the case. The court said the District of Columbia and Maryland's interest “in enforcing the Emoluments Clauses is so attenuated and abstract that their prosecution of this case readily provokes the question of whether this action against the President is an appropriate use of the courts, which were created to resolve real cases and controversies." The decision halts dozens of subpoenas issued to Trump's businesses and government agencies for financial documents related to the hotel. “Today’s pair of decisions by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is a complete victory," Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, said in a statement. "This latest effort at presidential harassment has been dismissed with prejudice." "Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt," Trump wrote on Twitter. Word just out that I won a big part of the Deep State and Democrat induced Witch Hunt. Unanimous decision in my favor from The United States Court of Appeals For The Fourth Circuit on the ridiculous Emoluments Case. I don’t make money, but lose a fortune for the honor of..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019 × Trump also called the lawsuit "ridiculous," adding that he loses a "fortune" by being president. ....serving and doing a great job as your President (including accepting Zero salary!). — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 10, 2019 × "The idea that the District of Columbia and Maryland are not harmed by the President’s violation of the Constitution is plain error," Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a joint statement. "We will continue to pursue our legal options to hold him accountable.” Trump opened the Trump International Hotel, just blocks from the White House, shortly before he was elected in November 2016. Unlike past presidents, he has retained ownership of numerous business interests, including the hotel, while serving as president. Since his election, the hotel has become a favoured lodging and event space for some foreign and state officials visiting the US capital. The lawsuit alleges that, in failing to disengage from the hotel, Trump has made himself vulnerable to inducements by foreign governments seeking to curry favour, violating the Constitution. Maryland-based US District Judge Peter Messitte last year allowed the lawsuit to proceed, a ruling that Trump appealed to the 4th Circuit. All three of the judges who heard the appeal were appointed by Republican presidents. Trump still faces a lawsuit making similar claims brought by a group of more than 200 Democratic Party lawmakers. A judge in Washington has issued key preliminary rulings against Trump, who on Monday asked an appeals court to halt the case.

US court hands win to Trump in hotel 'emoluments' case; president celebrates

Armed Iranian boats attempted to seize a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-initiator-of-insecurity-will-realise-consequences-warns-rouhani-over-oil-tanker-seizure-234591">British tanker in strategic Gulf waters</a> on Wednesday but were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate, CNN reported.

The Iranians ordered the British Heritage oil tanker, which was crossing into the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sanctions-on-iran-will-soon-be-increased-substantially-234771">Strait of Hormuz area</a>, to change course and stop in Tehran's nearby waters, CNN said, citing two American officials.

A US aircraft shot video of the incident, which ended when the HMS Montrose -- which was escorting the tanker -- trained its guns on the boats and successfully warned them to back off, the channel said.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" on Wednesday over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

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"I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV.

The 330-meter (1,000-foot) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs officers in Gibraltar -- a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip -- with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines.

Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions.

Iran denied this, saying that the destination "was somewhere else."

The latest reported incident comes after Iran said it had lost patience with perceived inaction by European countries more than a year after US President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the US out of a landmark 2015 international agreement curbing Tehran's nuclear program, and started to impose punishing sanctions, raising tensions between the US and Iran. 
&nbsp;

Armed Iranian boats attempted to seize a British tanker in strategic Gulf waters on Wednesday but were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate, CNN reported. The Iranians ordered the British Heritage oil tanker, which was crossing into the Strait of Hormuz area, to change course and stop in Tehran's nearby waters, CNN said, citing two American officials.

Armed Iranian boats attempted to seize a British tanker in strategic Gulf waters on Wednesday but were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate, CNN reported. The Iranians ordered the British Heritage oil tanker, which was crossing into the Strait of Hormuz area, to change course and stop in Tehran's nearby waters, CNN said, citing two American officials. A US aircraft shot video of the incident, which ended when the HMS Montrose -- which was escorting the tanker -- trained its guns on the boats and successfully warned them to back off, the channel said. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani had warned Britain of "consequences" on Wednesday over the detention of one of the country's oil tankers off the coast of Gibraltar. Watch Video: "I point out to the British that you initiated insecurity (on the seas) and you shall grasp the consequences of it later on," Rouhani said in comments to the cabinet broadcast by state TV. The 330-meter (1,000-foot) Grace 1 tanker, capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, was halted on Thursday by police and customs officers in Gibraltar -- a British overseas territory on Spain's southern tip -- with the aid of a detachment of British Royal Marines. Iran condemned the detention as an "illegal interception," but Gibraltar officials said that the cargo was believed to be destined for Syria, which is subject to European sanctions. Iran denied this, saying that the destination "was somewhere else." The latest reported incident comes after Iran said it had lost patience with perceived inaction by European countries more than a year after US President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the US out of a landmark 2015 international agreement curbing Tehran's nuclear program, and started to impose punishing sanctions, raising tensions between the US and Iran.

Iran attempted to seize British tanker, fended off by warship HMS Montrose: Report

Forty-two bonded labourers, including children, were rescued from two wood cutting units on the same day from Kancheepuram and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu. After a tip-off from an NGO, sub collectors of Kancheepuram and Vellore visited the spots and were shocked to see the reality.

Twenty-eight people including nineteen children from eight families were rescued from Kancheepuram after the bonded labourers association informed the district authorities.

Among the pictures and videos that were in circulation from rescue, the most moving was that of a frail-looking senior citizen falling on the feet of the officials, ostensibly for having rescued the labourers and their families.&nbsp;

The families were subjected to bonded labour for allegedly two to 15 years after they borrowed amounts in cash ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000 rupees.

The families accused the owner of starving them and their children and fell on the authorities legs to save them.

In one the videos, a rescued woman recounted&nbsp;the inhuman treatment meted out and saying&nbsp;to the officials, "The torture was such that they didn't even provide us food before going for work in the morning. We had to often appease our hunger by drinking water. Our kids aspired to study in schools but they were not allowed to.. the person who is responsible for this inhuman treatment meted out to us is Nataraj. He has his meals on time and takes rest, while we toil hard without food. Few others who were bonded labourers here ran away unable to tolerate the ill-treatment. He barely pays us Rs 100 or 200."&nbsp;

In another video, a lady official is seen questioning the alleged perpetrator of the crime. On being questioned by the district officials the man who held the labourers captive said:&nbsp;"I am taking care of them,&nbsp;they have been working here only for a week or so."

When asked about whose land it is, he declared the&nbsp;"the land belongs to a person in Chennai and we have been asked to take care and cut the wood, the wood is later sold to rice mills and other factories".

All have been rescued and an investigation has been initiated against the owner.

Forty-two bonded labourers, including children, were rescued from two wood cutting units on the same day from Kancheepuram and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu. After a tip-off from an NGO, sub collectors of Kancheepuram and Vellore visited the spots and were shocked to see the reality.

Forty-two bonded labourers, including children, were rescued from two wood cutting units on the same day from Kancheepuram and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu. After a tip-off from an NGO, sub collectors of Kancheepuram and Vellore visited the spots and were shocked to see the reality. Twenty-eight people including nineteen children from eight families were rescued from Kancheepuram after the bonded labourers association informed the district authorities. Among the pictures and videos that were in circulation from rescue, the most moving was that of a frail-looking senior citizen falling on the feet of the officials, ostensibly for having rescued the labourers and their families. The families were subjected to bonded labour for allegedly two to 15 years after they borrowed amounts in cash ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,000 rupees. The families accused the owner of starving them and their children and fell on the authorities legs to save them. In one the videos, a rescued woman recounted the inhuman treatment meted out and saying to the officials, "The torture was such that they didn't even provide us food before going for work in the morning. We had to often appease our hunger by drinking water. Our kids aspired to study in schools but they were not allowed to.. the person who is responsible for this inhuman treatment meted out to us is Nataraj. He has his meals on time and takes rest, while we toil hard without food. Few others who were bonded labourers here ran away unable to tolerate the ill-treatment. He barely pays us Rs 100 or 200." In another video, a lady official is seen questioning the alleged perpetrator of the crime. On being questioned by the district officials the man who held the labourers captive said: "I am taking care of them, they have been working here only for a week or so." When asked about whose land it is, he declared the "the land belongs to a person in Chennai and we have been asked to take care and cut the wood, the wood is later sold to rice mills and other factories". All have been rescued and an investigation has been initiated against the owner.

Bonded labourers rescued from two Tamil Nadu districts; families complain of inhuman treatment, torture

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP.&nbsp;

"Vincent died at 8:24 am (0624 GMT) this morning," his nephew Francois Lambert told AFP.&nbsp;

Lambert, 42, was involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2008 that left him a quadriplegic with severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-six-year-battle-over-a-mans-life-support-220150">brain damage which doctors had long said was irreversible</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Left in a vegetative state, the question of whether to continue keeping him alive artificially divided his family and the nation.

Doctors at a hospital in the northern city of Reims began removing the tubes on July 2 while keeping him heavily sedated following a years-long legal battle that has raged in the highest courts in France and Europe.

The case rekindled a charged debate over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-appeal-to-french-president-in-right-to-die-case-219660">France's right-to-die laws</a>, which allow so-called "passive" euthanasia for severely ill or injured patients who are being kept alive artificially with no chance of recovery.&nbsp;

In May, even Pope Francis got involved, tweeting that it was necessary to "always safeguard life, God's gift, from its beginning until its natural end".

Lambert's wife Rachel, who is his legal guardian under French law, had said her husband made clear even before his accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially, though this was never put in writing.

Multiple medical assessments ordered by the courts over the years found that the former psychiatric nurse, who was poised to become a father shortly before his accident, had no chance of recovering.

'Not a vegetable'&nbsp;

But his parents, devout Catholics who between them have nine children, had over the years successfully challenged five different attempts by doctors to halt his life-support.

The last time they tried to do so was in May, but it was quickly overturned by a Paris appeals court.

That ruling was then taken to France's top appeals court, the Cour de Cassation, which on June 28 said doctors could legally end his life support in what was hailed as a definitive final judgment by lawyers for his wife.&nbsp;

With their efforts spurned by the highest courts in France as well as by the European Court of Human Rights, Lambert's parents have threatened to file charges of "murder" when their son dies.&nbsp;

On July 1, his mother Viviane turned to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in a last-ditch plea for help.&nbsp;

"Without your intervention, my son, Vincent Lambert, will be euthanised because of his mental handicap," she said.&nbsp;

"He is in a state of minimal consciousness but he is not a vegetable."

But by Monday, the couple had accepted that the death of their son was now "unavoidable".

"We have nowhere else to turn and now it's too late. Vincent is dying," they said in a statement through their lawyers sent to AFP, saying that his condition was now "medically irreversible".&nbsp;

In early May, the UN committee on disabled rights also asked France to keep Lambert alive while it conducted its investigation into his fate, but the government said it was not legally bound to abide by its request.&nbsp;

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP.

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP. "Vincent died at 8:24 am (0624 GMT) this morning," his nephew Francois Lambert told AFP. Lambert, 42, was involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2008 that left him a quadriplegic with severe brain damage which doctors had long said was irreversible. Left in a vegetative state, the question of whether to continue keeping him alive artificially divided his family and the nation. Doctors at a hospital in the northern city of Reims began removing the tubes on July 2 while keeping him heavily sedated following a years-long legal battle that has raged in the highest courts in France and Europe. The case rekindled a charged debate over France's right-to-die laws, which allow so-called "passive" euthanasia for severely ill or injured patients who are being kept alive artificially with no chance of recovery. In May, even Pope Francis got involved, tweeting that it was necessary to "always safeguard life, God's gift, from its beginning until its natural end". Lambert's wife Rachel, who is his legal guardian under French law, had said her husband made clear even before his accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially, though this was never put in writing. Multiple medical assessments ordered by the courts over the years found that the former psychiatric nurse, who was poised to become a father shortly before his accident, had no chance of recovering. 'Not a vegetable' But his parents, devout Catholics who between them have nine children, had over the years successfully challenged five different attempts by doctors to halt his life-support. The last time they tried to do so was in May, but it was quickly overturned by a Paris appeals court. That ruling was then taken to France's top appeals court, the Cour de Cassation, which on June 28 said doctors could legally end his life support in what was hailed as a definitive final judgment by lawyers for his wife. With their efforts spurned by the highest courts in France as well as by the European Court of Human Rights, Lambert's parents have threatened to file charges of "murder" when their son dies. On July 1, his mother Viviane turned to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in a last-ditch plea for help. "Without your intervention, my son, Vincent Lambert, will be euthanised because of his mental handicap," she said. "He is in a state of minimal consciousness but he is not a vegetable." But by Monday, the couple had accepted that the death of their son was now "unavoidable". "We have nowhere else to turn and now it's too late. Vincent is dying," they said in a statement through their lawyers sent to AFP, saying that his condition was now "medically irreversible". In early May, the UN committee on disabled rights also asked France to keep Lambert alive while it conducted its investigation into his fate, but the government said it was not legally bound to abide by its request.

Brain-damaged French patient dies after doctors remove life support: Family

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-brazil-for-us-asylum-deal-trump-revives-tariff-threat-226124">Mexico</a>.

Yazmin Juarez told a House of Representatives subcommittee that it was "like they tore out a piece of my heart" when just weeks after they were released her daughter Mariee died at 19 months old.

She said she left a hospital with nothing but a piece of paper with two handprints in pink paint that staff had made for her, and described through a translator how she missed her daughter's hugs.

Juarez said it was hard to relive the experience, but wanted to shed light on the lack of medical care. "The world should know," she said.

"It can’t be so hard for a country like the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-rights-chief-shocked-by-conditions-at-us-migrant-detention-centres-234083">United States</a> to protect kids who are locked up.

Guatemalan migrant: Life is difficult without my child

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/guatemalan-migrant-life-is-difficult-without-my-child-234883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Juarez testified at the House Committee on Oversight and Reform that was examining the treatment of refugees in US detention.

Apprehensions along the border have spiked to the highest in at least a decade, driven by families from Central America who say they are seeking asylum and fleeing violence in their home countries.

Images of filthy detention facilities jammed with refugees have sparked widespread criticism. On Monday UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was "appalled" that migrant children were forced to sleep on floors.

President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration has been one of his signature policies. "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centers, just tell them not to come," Trump wrote on Twitter last week.

Juarez told members of Congress, several of whom appeared shaken by her testimony, that her daughter was healthy when the pair were initially detained. They were held with 30 others, including sick children whom Juarez said could have infected her daughter.

Juarez said that she and her daughter fled violence in Guatemala for a better life.

“Unfortunately, that did not happen,” Juarez said.

Several members of the subcommittee including New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hugged Juarez after she spoke.

"No hay palabras, there are no words," said Chip Roy of Texas, the ranking Republican on the subcommittee.

He blamed Democrats for the border crowding.

"The blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to actually address this," he said.

The hearing came as a senior US Customs and Border Protection official told reporters that border agents were detaining only about 200 unaccompanied children at locations in the Southwest as of Wednesday, down from more than 2,500 in May. The reduction reflects funding increases that have enabled a federal health agency to expand its holding capacity.

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with Mexico.

A Guatemalan asylum seeker left some members of a US House panel visibly shaken on Wednesday with the story of her daughter's death, saying the toddler had contracted a deadly lung infection during 20-day detention near the US border with Mexico. Yazmin Juarez told a House of Representatives subcommittee that it was "like they tore out a piece of my heart" when just weeks after they were released her daughter Mariee died at 19 months old. She said she left a hospital with nothing but a piece of paper with two handprints in pink paint that staff had made for her, and described through a translator how she missed her daughter's hugs. Juarez said it was hard to relive the experience, but wanted to shed light on the lack of medical care. "The world should know," she said. "It can’t be so hard for a country like the United States to protect kids who are locked up. Guatemalan migrant: Life is difficult without my child Juarez testified at the House Committee on Oversight and Reform that was examining the treatment of refugees in US detention. Apprehensions along the border have spiked to the highest in at least a decade, driven by families from Central America who say they are seeking asylum and fleeing violence in their home countries. Images of filthy detention facilities jammed with refugees have sparked widespread criticism. On Monday UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was "appalled" that migrant children were forced to sleep on floors. President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration has been one of his signature policies. "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centers, just tell them not to come," Trump wrote on Twitter last week. Juarez told members of Congress, several of whom appeared shaken by her testimony, that her daughter was healthy when the pair were initially detained. They were held with 30 others, including sick children whom Juarez said could have infected her daughter. Juarez said that she and her daughter fled violence in Guatemala for a better life. “Unfortunately, that did not happen,” Juarez said. Several members of the subcommittee including New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hugged Juarez after she spoke. "No hay palabras, there are no words," said Chip Roy of Texas, the ranking Republican on the subcommittee. He blamed Democrats for the border crowding. "The blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to actually address this," he said. The hearing came as a senior US Customs and Border Protection official told reporters that border agents were detaining only about 200 unaccompanied children at locations in the Southwest as of Wednesday, down from more than 2,500 in May. The reduction reflects funding increases that have enabled a federal health agency to expand its holding capacity.

'World should know,' migrant tells US Congress of toddler's death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office.

"@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted.

"Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you."

"Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays."

He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy.

Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks.

The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis.

Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain.

She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit.

Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy.

"I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters.

"I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally.

"The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump was "disrespectful and wrong" in making disparaging remarks about outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May and her ambassador to Washington. Hunt, who is vying with his predecessor Boris Johnson to replace May in Downing Street later this month, added that he would keep US ambassador Kim Darroch in place if he took office. "@realDonaldTrump friends speak frankly so I will: these comments are disrespectful and wrong to our prime minister and my country," he tweeted. "Your diplomats give their private opinions to @SecPompeo and so do ours! You said the UK/US alliance was the greatest in history and I agree.But allies need to treat each other with respect as @theresa_may has always done with you." "Ambassadors are appointed by the UK government and if I become PM our ambassador stays." He was responding to a broadside by Trump against both May's government and Darroch, triggered by the leak of unflattering diplomatic cables written by the British envoy. Trump said Darroch was a "very stupid guy" and slammed outgoing May's "foolish" Brexit policies on Tuesday in a second straight day of virulent attacks. The missives threaten to plunge Washington and London into an unprecedented diplomatic crisis. Hunt is trailing Johnson in the contest to replace May as leader of their Conservative party and prime minister of Britain. She is stepping down after failing to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union, three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit. Earlier, Johnson said he had a good relationship with the Trump White House and noted that he had criticized May's Brexit strategy. "I have got a good relationship with the White House and I have no embarrassment in saying that," he told reporters. "I think it's very important that we have a strong relationship with our most important ally. "The United States is, has been, will be and for the foreseeable future our number one political-military friend."

Trump comments 'disrespectful and wrong': Jeremy Hunt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-stupid-guy-donald-trump-renews-attack-on-uk-ambassador-theresa-may-234370">US President Donald Trump</a>'s administration on Tuesday threatened he would veto a massive defence bill being considered by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-votes-to-repeal-obamacare-11249">House of Representatives</a>, saying it provides less money than he wants for the military and disagreeing with some of its policy provisions.

The version of the National Defence Authorization Act, or NDAA, up for a vote in the Democratic-led House sets $733 billion in military spending, $17 billion less than Trump's fiscal-year 2020 budget request.

The Republican-led Senate last month passed its version of the measure, authorizing $750 billion for the Pentagon. Once the House passes its bill, the two chambers must come up with a compromise bill, which must pass both before being sent to the White House for Trump to sign into law or veto.

The administration objected as well to provisions in the House bill seeking to stop Trump from spending billions of dollars to build a wall on the US border with Mexico after he declared a national emergency to go ahead with construction without Congress' approval.&nbsp;

It also opposed the bill's proposed imposition of stricter limits on the deployment of US troops to work along the border and the curtailing of Trump's ability to transfer money from one project to another without consulting Congress.

Trump's promise to build a border wall was a feature of his 2016 presidential campaign and has been a theme of his bid for re-election in 2020.

The administration also objected to a range of provisions including some related to nuclear weapons, Trump's plan for a "Space Force" and restrictions on detentions at the military prison at the Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, including a proposed ban on additional transfers to the prison in Cuba.

The House is expected to vote on the NDAA later this week.

It was not immediately clear that it would pass. Trump's fellow Republicans may vote no and could be joined by many of the more liberal House Democrats, who object among other things to increasing defence spending without doing more to avoid waste at the Pentagon.&nbsp;

One of the few pieces of major legislation passed every year, the NDAA becomes a vehicle for a broad range of policy measures, as well as determining everything from military pay levels to which ships or aircraft will be modernized, purchased or discontinued.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday threatened he would veto a massive defence bill being considered by the House of Representatives, saying it provides less money than he wants for the military and disagreeing with some of its policy provisions.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday threatened he would veto a massive defence bill being considered by the House of Representatives, saying it provides less money than he wants for the military and disagreeing with some of its policy provisions. The version of the National Defence Authorization Act, or NDAA, up for a vote in the Democratic-led House sets $733 billion in military spending, $17 billion less than Trump's fiscal-year 2020 budget request. The Republican-led Senate last month passed its version of the measure, authorizing $750 billion for the Pentagon. Once the House passes its bill, the two chambers must come up with a compromise bill, which must pass both before being sent to the White House for Trump to sign into law or veto. The administration objected as well to provisions in the House bill seeking to stop Trump from spending billions of dollars to build a wall on the US border with Mexico after he declared a national emergency to go ahead with construction without Congress' approval. It also opposed the bill's proposed imposition of stricter limits on the deployment of US troops to work along the border and the curtailing of Trump's ability to transfer money from one project to another without consulting Congress. Trump's promise to build a border wall was a feature of his 2016 presidential campaign and has been a theme of his bid for re-election in 2020. The administration also objected to a range of provisions including some related to nuclear weapons, Trump's plan for a "Space Force" and restrictions on detentions at the military prison at the Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, including a proposed ban on additional transfers to the prison in Cuba. The House is expected to vote on the NDAA later this week. It was not immediately clear that it would pass. Trump's fellow Republicans may vote no and could be joined by many of the more liberal House Democrats, who object among other things to increasing defence spending without doing more to avoid waste at the Pentagon. One of the few pieces of major legislation passed every year, the NDAA becomes a vehicle for a broad range of policy measures, as well as determining everything from military pay levels to which ships or aircraft will be modernized, purchased or discontinued.

Trump threatens veto of House defence bill over spending levels, Mexico wall

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