<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-presses-election-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-explain-brexit-stance-260104">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>, in a phone call, urged US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to lift tariffs on goods including Scotch whisky, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

Johnson also urged Trump not to impose tariffs on car exports, the statement added.

A White House statement about the call did not give any specifics on the two leaders' discussion of trade issues.

"The two leaders again reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Relationship through a robust bilateral free trade agreement once the United Kingdom leaves the EU," the White House said.

"The President also stressed the need for NATO allies to robustly fund their defenses," it said.

Last month, the United States slapped a 25%-tariff on Scotch whisky and other European products in retaliation for European Union subsidies on large aircraft.

Separately, the Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs of as much as 25% on EU vehicles and parts. Washington is due to decide whether to enact the duties by Nov. 14. The tariffs have already been delayed once by six months, and trade experts say that could happen again.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a phone call, urged US President Donald Trump to lift tariffs on goods including Scotch whisky, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a phone call, urged US President Donald Trump to lift tariffs on goods including Scotch whisky, a Downing Street spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. Johnson also urged Trump not to impose tariffs on car exports, the statement added. A White House statement about the call did not give any specifics on the two leaders' discussion of trade issues. "The two leaders again reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Relationship through a robust bilateral free trade agreement once the United Kingdom leaves the EU," the White House said. "The President also stressed the need for NATO allies to robustly fund their defenses," it said. Last month, the United States slapped a 25%-tariff on Scotch whisky and other European products in retaliation for European Union subsidies on large aircraft. Separately, the Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs of as much as 25% on EU vehicles and parts. Washington is due to decide whether to enact the duties by Nov. 14. The tariffs have already been delayed once by six months, and trade experts say that could happen again.

Johnson, in phone call, urges Trump to lift tariffs on scotch whisky

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreement-us-should-take-more-responsibility-says-china-260120">deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985.

Xi received a key to the 24,000-population city during his first visit, when he led an agricultural study group and stayed at the home of a local family. He also met and befriended then-governor Terry Branstad, who is now Trump's ambassador to Beijing.

Xi returned with much fanfare in 2012 as China's vice president, visiting that home and meeting with a dozen local "Old Friends" - people he had met in the 1980s.

Those were more hopeful times in US-China relations, before Trump kicked off a debilitating tit-for-tat tariff war, and the US&nbsp;Secretary of State declared Xi's ruling Communist Party "truly hostile to the United States and our values."

US&nbsp;and Chinese trade negotiators are now racing to complete the text of a "phase one" agreement that could defuse the 16-month trade war. Tariffs have had an outsized impact on farmers in Iowa, a big exporter of soybeans.

Trump last week said he hoped to sign the trade deal with Xi at a US&nbsp;site, perhaps in Iowa. The location is still in flux, but one Beijing official said Xi is willing to travel to the United States.

Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said Iowa would be a great place to sign the trade deal. "Farmers in particular have been hard hit by the trade war and deserve recognition for their sacrifice," he said.

Greg Jenkins, who heads the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the community was keen to host a Trump-Xi visit, but he had not been contacted by either side.

"It would be really appropriate to have that happen, given the long relationship we've had with China and President Xi," Jenkins said. The city's ties to China may have been an accident of history, but "people have worked awfully hard to ensure that it is retained."

This year, the Shanghai Symphony will perform a free concert for the people of Muscatine, the fifth year of such arrangements that help keep ties close, he said.

The split-level house that Xi first visited in Muscatine has been purchased by a Chinese businessman, and renamed the Sino-US&nbsp;Friendship House. It regularly draws visitors from China.

Lee Belfield, general manager of the 122-room Merrill Hotel which opened in Muscatine in 2017 in part with Chinese funds, said he would "bend over backwards to accommodate" any request to host the meeting.

'Iowa is important'

While Xi's historical ties to Muscatine might mean he would receive a particularly warm welcome, an Iowa signing would also be a politically-savvy move for Trump, trade experts said.

"Iowa is important. It's Trump country. It's the farm base," said Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center in Washington.

"The people are warm and hardworking, so they will be wonderful hosts and that's always key. When you go to China, you're treated as an honored guest, the Chinese will expect to be treated the same way when they come."

When the Chinese leader visited Iowa in 2012, he told the Muscatine Journal: "You were the first group of Americans I came into contact with. To me, you are America."

Steve Bradford, senior vice president at HNI Corp, a Muscatine-based Fortune 100 company that builds office furniture, said a US-China trade deal would help his company, no matter where it was signed.

"These tariffs have had a stifling effect on business. Removing them would benefit the US&nbsp;and China," he said. HNI employs about 4,000 people in Iowa, many of whom live in or near Muscatine, he said.

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985.

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he could sign a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Iowa has set off a flurry of excitement in Muscatine, Iowa, a city on the banks of the Mississippi River that has hosted Xi twice since 1985. Xi received a key to the 24,000-population city during his first visit, when he led an agricultural study group and stayed at the home of a local family. He also met and befriended then-governor Terry Branstad, who is now Trump's ambassador to Beijing. Xi returned with much fanfare in 2012 as China's vice president, visiting that home and meeting with a dozen local "Old Friends" - people he had met in the 1980s. Those were more hopeful times in US-China relations, before Trump kicked off a debilitating tit-for-tat tariff war, and the US Secretary of State declared Xi's ruling Communist Party "truly hostile to the United States and our values." US and Chinese trade negotiators are now racing to complete the text of a "phase one" agreement that could defuse the 16-month trade war. Tariffs have had an outsized impact on farmers in Iowa, a big exporter of soybeans. Trump last week said he hoped to sign the trade deal with Xi at a US site, perhaps in Iowa. The location is still in flux, but one Beijing official said Xi is willing to travel to the United States. Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said Iowa would be a great place to sign the trade deal. "Farmers in particular have been hard hit by the trade war and deserve recognition for their sacrifice," he said. Greg Jenkins, who heads the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the community was keen to host a Trump-Xi visit, but he had not been contacted by either side. "It would be really appropriate to have that happen, given the long relationship we've had with China and President Xi," Jenkins said. The city's ties to China may have been an accident of history, but "people have worked awfully hard to ensure that it is retained." This year, the Shanghai Symphony will perform a free concert for the people of Muscatine, the fifth year of such arrangements that help keep ties close, he said. The split-level house that Xi first visited in Muscatine has been purchased by a Chinese businessman, and renamed the Sino-US Friendship House. It regularly draws visitors from China. Lee Belfield, general manager of the 122-room Merrill Hotel which opened in Muscatine in 2017 in part with Chinese funds, said he would "bend over backwards to accommodate" any request to host the meeting. 'Iowa is important' While Xi's historical ties to Muscatine might mean he would receive a particularly warm welcome, an Iowa signing would also be a politically-savvy move for Trump, trade experts said. "Iowa is important. It's Trump country. It's the farm base," said Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center in Washington. "The people are warm and hardworking, so they will be wonderful hosts and that's always key. When you go to China, you're treated as an honored guest, the Chinese will expect to be treated the same way when they come." When the Chinese leader visited Iowa in 2012, he told the Muscatine Journal: "You were the first group of Americans I came into contact with. To me, you are America." Steve Bradford, senior vice president at HNI Corp, a Muscatine-based Fortune 100 company that builds office furniture, said a US-China trade deal would help his company, no matter where it was signed. "These tariffs have had a stifling effect on business. Removing them would benefit the US and China," he said. HNI employs about 4,000 people in Iowa, many of whom live in or near Muscatine, he said.

Trump-Xi meeting in Iowa would be poignant reminder of better US-China ties

The United States accused Iran on Tuesday of "nuclear extortion" and vowed no let-up in pressure after the clerical regime said it would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-concerned-by-iran-nuclear-enrichment-announcement-260166">resume uranium enrichment</a> at the key Fordow plant.

"Iran has no credible reason to expand its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-decision-to-enrich-uranium-goes-against-vienna-agreement-france-260161">uranium enrichment program</a>, at the Fordow facility or elsewhere, other than a clear attempt at nuclear extortion that will only deepen its political and economic isolation," a State Department spokesperson said.

"We will continue to impose maximum pressure on the regime until it abandons its destabilizing behavior, including proliferation-sensitive work."

President Hassan Rouhani said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-resume-enrichment-at-underground-plant-hassan-rouhani-260070">Iran would resume enrichment</a> at the plant near the Shiite holy city of Qom that was suspended under a 2015 nuclear accord with the United States and five other powers.

It was the latest action by Iran to seek tangible benefits from the deal, from which the United States withdrew as President Donald Trump imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at reducing Tehran's regional role.

The State Department said it would await verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog which stepped up inspection under the 2015 accord.

The United States accused Iran on Tuesday of "nuclear extortion" and vowed no let-up in pressure after the clerical regime said it would resume uranium enrichment at the key Fordow plant.

The United States accused Iran on Tuesday of "nuclear extortion" and vowed no let-up in pressure after the clerical regime said it would resume uranium enrichment at the key Fordow plant. "Iran has no credible reason to expand its uranium enrichment program, at the Fordow facility or elsewhere, other than a clear attempt at nuclear extortion that will only deepen its political and economic isolation," a State Department spokesperson said. "We will continue to impose maximum pressure on the regime until it abandons its destabilizing behavior, including proliferation-sensitive work." President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would resume enrichment at the plant near the Shiite holy city of Qom that was suspended under a 2015 nuclear accord with the United States and five other powers. It was the latest action by Iran to seek tangible benefits from the deal, from which the United States withdrew as President Donald Trump imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at reducing Tehran's regional role. The State Department said it would await verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog which stepped up inspection under the 2015 accord.

US accuses Iran of 'nuclear extortion' with enrichment step

The&nbsp;United&nbsp;States&nbsp;and&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;remain&nbsp;committed&nbsp;to reaching a post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-says-his-deal-is-only-way-to-get-brexit-done-259664">Brexit</a> bilateral free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;agreement, the White House said Tuesday,&nbsp;after&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;questioned whether such a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is possible.

Last week,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the terms of his EU divorce&nbsp;deal&nbsp;meant that "under certain aspect... you can't&nbsp;trade" with the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States.

Trump&nbsp;used a lengthy appearance on Brexit Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-figurehead-nigel-farage-will-not-run-to-become-mp-259688">Nigel Farage's</a> radio phone-in show Thursday to share his characteristically blunt views ahead of a December 12 snap election in&nbsp;Britain.

Trump's remarks threatened to hurt Johnson at the outset of a campaign that has huge implications for&nbsp;Britain's future place in Europe and the rest of the world.

Both&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Farage are deeply polarizing figures in&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;who could hurt Johnson's chances with more moderate voters.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Johnson spoke, the White House said.

"The two leaders again reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Relationship through a robust bilateral free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;agreement once the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Kingdom leaves the European Union," deputy press secretary Judd Deere said.

Trump&nbsp;also insisted that NATO allies "robustly fund their defenses", a reflection of his argument that the US bears a disproportionate share of spending within the transatlantic alliance.

The United States and Britain remain committed to reaching a post-Brexit bilateral free trade agreement, the White House said Tuesday, after President Donald Trump questioned whether such a deal is possible.

The United States and Britain remain committed to reaching a post-Brexit bilateral free trade agreement, the White House said Tuesday, after President Donald Trump questioned whether such a deal is possible. Last week, Trump warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the terms of his EU divorce deal meant that "under certain aspect... you can't trade" with the United States. Trump used a lengthy appearance on Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage's radio phone-in show Thursday to share his characteristically blunt views ahead of a December 12 snap election in Britain. Trump's remarks threatened to hurt Johnson at the outset of a campaign that has huge implications for Britain's future place in Europe and the rest of the world. Both Trump and Farage are deeply polarizing figures in Britain who could hurt Johnson's chances with more moderate voters. On Tuesday, Trump and Johnson spoke, the White House said. "The two leaders again reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special Relationship through a robust bilateral free trade agreement once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union," deputy press secretary Judd Deere said. Trump also insisted that NATO allies "robustly fund their defenses", a reflection of his argument that the US bears a disproportionate share of spending within the transatlantic alliance.

United States says committed to Britain trade deal after Trump expresses doubt

Iran has started to inject <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-iran-of-nuclear-extortion-with-enrichment-step-260207">uranium gas into centrifuges</a> at its underground Fordow nuclear facility, state TV reported on Wednesday, further distancing itself from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that curbed its atomic work.

The deal bans nuclear material from Fordow and, with the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/european-union-concerned-by-iran-nuclear-enrichment-announcement-260166">injection of uranium</a> gas into its centrifuges, the facility will move from its permitted status of research plant to become an active nuclear site.

"With the presence of inspectors from International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran started injecting (uranium) gas into centrifuges in Fordow," TV reported.

Iran agreed in 2015 to turn Fordow into a "nuclear, physics and technology centre" where 1,044 centrifuges are used for purposes other than enrichment, such as producing stable isotopes, which have a variety of civil uses.

Last year, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump exited the deal and said it was flawed in Iran’s favour. Washington has since renewed and intensified its sanctions, slashing Iran’s economically vital crude oil sales by more than 80 per cent.

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Responding to Washington’s "maximum pressure" policy, Iran has bypassed the restrictions of the deal step-by-step - including by breaching both its cap on stockpiled enriched uranium and on the level of enrichment.

"Iran has taken its fourth step to decrease its nuclear commitments to the deal in reaction to the increased US&nbsp;pressure and inactivity of European parties to the deal to save it," state TV added.

In Vienna, the IAEA, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said its inspectors are on the ground in Iran and will report back on relevant activities.&nbsp;

Iranian authorities also said on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-decision-to-enrich-uranium-goes-against-vienna-agreement-france-260161">Tehran will enrich uranium to 5 per cent at Fordow</a>, which will further complicate the chances of saving the accord, which European powers, Russia and the European Union have urged Iran to respect.

The agreement capped the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium at 3.67 percent - suitable for civilian power generation and far below the 90 per cent threshold of nuclear weapons grade. Iran denies ever having aimed to develop a nuclear bomb.

Iran said on Monday it had accelerated enrichment by doubling the number of advanced IR-6 centrifuges in operation, adding that it was working on "a prototype called the IR-9, which works 50-times faster than the IR-1 centrifuges".

The nuclear deal, under which international sanctions against Iran were lifted, was tailored to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb - sometimes referred to as the "breakout time" - to about a year from 2-3 months.

Iran, which flatly denies seeking a nuclear bomb, has given another two-month deadline to Britain, France and Germany to salvage the deal. Leaving room for diplomacy, Tehran says talks are possible if Washington lifts all the sanctions and itself returns to the nuclear deal.

Iran has started to inject uranium gas into centrifuges at its underground Fordow nuclear facility, state TV reported on Wednesday, further distancing itself from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that curbed its atomic work.

Iran has started to inject uranium gas into centrifuges at its underground Fordow nuclear facility, state TV reported on Wednesday, further distancing itself from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that curbed its atomic work. The deal bans nuclear material from Fordow and, with the injection of uranium gas into its centrifuges, the facility will move from its permitted status of research plant to become an active nuclear site. "With the presence of inspectors from International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran started injecting (uranium) gas into centrifuges in Fordow," TV reported. Iran agreed in 2015 to turn Fordow into a "nuclear, physics and technology centre" where 1,044 centrifuges are used for purposes other than enrichment, such as producing stable isotopes, which have a variety of civil uses. Last year, US President Donald Trump exited the deal and said it was flawed in Iran’s favour. Washington has since renewed and intensified its sanctions, slashing Iran’s economically vital crude oil sales by more than 80 per cent. × Responding to Washington’s "maximum pressure" policy, Iran has bypassed the restrictions of the deal step-by-step - including by breaching both its cap on stockpiled enriched uranium and on the level of enrichment. "Iran has taken its fourth step to decrease its nuclear commitments to the deal in reaction to the increased US pressure and inactivity of European parties to the deal to save it," state TV added. In Vienna, the IAEA, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said its inspectors are on the ground in Iran and will report back on relevant activities. Iranian authorities also said on Tuesday that Tehran will enrich uranium to 5 per cent at Fordow, which will further complicate the chances of saving the accord, which European powers, Russia and the European Union have urged Iran to respect. The agreement capped the level of purity to which Iran can enrich uranium at 3.67 percent - suitable for civilian power generation and far below the 90 per cent threshold of nuclear weapons grade. Iran denies ever having aimed to develop a nuclear bomb. Iran said on Monday it had accelerated enrichment by doubling the number of advanced IR-6 centrifuges in operation, adding that it was working on "a prototype called the IR-9, which works 50-times faster than the IR-1 centrifuges". The nuclear deal, under which international sanctions against Iran were lifted, was tailored to extend the time Iran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb - sometimes referred to as the "breakout time" - to about a year from 2-3 months. Iran, which flatly denies seeking a nuclear bomb, has given another two-month deadline to Britain, France and Germany to salvage the deal. Leaving room for diplomacy, Tehran says talks are possible if Washington lifts all the sanctions and itself returns to the nuclear deal.

Iran starts injecting uranium gas into centrifuges at Fordow: State media

Military build-up on icy Norway-Russia border stirs uneasiness

A United States State Department report has said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mujahideen-terrorist-wanted-in-several-blasts-sent-to-police-custody-32954">Indian Mujahidin</a> (IM), which has ties with Pakistan-based terrorist groups <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/viral-video-of-lashkar-e-taiba-training-camp-in-pok-exposes-pakistans-lies-140937">Lashkar e-Tayyiba</a>, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami, is using Nepal as a hub to carry out terrorist activities against Indians.

In its recently released 'Country Report on Terrorism 2018'&nbsp;the State Department said the IM, designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US since September 2011, is suspected of obtaining funding and support from sources in Pakistan and the Middle East and that it has expanded its area of operations in Nepal.

"IM maintains ties to other terrorist entities including Pakistan-based Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami. The IM's stated goal is to carry out terrorist actions against Indians for their oppression of Muslims. IM has also expanded its area of operations into Nepal, which is now the biggest hub for IM operatives," the report which was released in October, said.

"The group is suspected to obtain funding and support from other terrorist organisations, as well as from sources in Pakistan and the Middle East," it added.

The Indian Mujahidin (IM) known for carrying out multiple coordinated bombings in crowded areas against economic and civilian targets to maximize terror and casualties was designated as an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organisation) on September 19, 2011.

The IM has been responsible for dozens of bomb attacks throughout India since 2005, causing the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

The US State Government report mentioned that Nepal did not experience any acts of international terrorism the previous year.

However, it acknowledged incidents of domestic terrorism conducted by Netra Bikram Chand led the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

The report has incorporated various incidents of bombings in Nepal in the year of 2017 and 2018.

Amongst three incidents, the report mentions the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a compound wall inside the India-funded Arun-3 Hydel Project just ahead of inaugural by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The report has cautioned Nepal that it can be used as a transit or staging point for international terrorists because of lapses and inadequate security measures.

"Due to Nepal's open border with India and insufficient security protocols at the country's sole international airport in Kathmandu, Nepal has and could continue to be used as a transit or staging point for international terrorists," the report stated.

It stated that security measures at Nepal's Airport was weak and inadequate.

"Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal's only international airport, does not pre-screen passengers, and landing data are not entered into any database.

Physical security checks of passengers are rudimentary. There is no travel document security and the airport lacks ultraviolet lights to examine documents," the report stated.

The US government report also mentioned that Nepal lacks proper screening of the passengers with that of the INTERPOL database.

"The Special Bureau of the Nepal Police assigns approximately 10 personnel to the airport and approximately 15 officers to its INTERPOL national central bureau, which is located at Nepal Police headquarters.

INTERPOL notices are maintained in a database, but passengers are not routinely screened through this database.

Security and immigration officials are generally responsive to US&nbsp;requests for information, but often have little information to provide," it said."Nepal shares an open border with India.

The 1,000-mile border has a few checkpoints, but there is a lack of sufficient security controls; for example, only one immigration official may be present at the checkpoint.

Thus, most people crossing the border are neither stopped nor checked, and the crossing points can easily be circumvented to avoid scrutiny," the report said.

"The primary constraint preventing more robust border-control capability is a lack of resources. The security services lack the personnel, technology, databases, basic equipment, and often even electrical power to provide effective border control. Additional constraints include lack of training and widespread corruption," it further added.

A United States State Department report has said that Indian Mujahidin (IM), which has ties with Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami, is using Nepal as a hub to carry out terrorist activities against Indians.

A United States State Department report has said that Indian Mujahidin (IM), which has ties with Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami, is using Nepal as a hub to carry out terrorist activities against Indians. In its recently released 'Country Report on Terrorism 2018' the State Department said the IM, designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US since September 2011, is suspected of obtaining funding and support from sources in Pakistan and the Middle East and that it has expanded its area of operations in Nepal. "IM maintains ties to other terrorist entities including Pakistan-based Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami. The IM's stated goal is to carry out terrorist actions against Indians for their oppression of Muslims. IM has also expanded its area of operations into Nepal, which is now the biggest hub for IM operatives," the report which was released in October, said. "The group is suspected to obtain funding and support from other terrorist organisations, as well as from sources in Pakistan and the Middle East," it added. The Indian Mujahidin (IM) known for carrying out multiple coordinated bombings in crowded areas against economic and civilian targets to maximize terror and casualties was designated as an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organisation) on September 19, 2011. The IM has been responsible for dozens of bomb attacks throughout India since 2005, causing the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The US State Government report mentioned that Nepal did not experience any acts of international terrorism the previous year. However, it acknowledged incidents of domestic terrorism conducted by Netra Bikram Chand led the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The report has incorporated various incidents of bombings in Nepal in the year of 2017 and 2018. Amongst three incidents, the report mentions the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a compound wall inside the India-funded Arun-3 Hydel Project just ahead of inaugural by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The report has cautioned Nepal that it can be used as a transit or staging point for international terrorists because of lapses and inadequate security measures. "Due to Nepal's open border with India and insufficient security protocols at the country's sole international airport in Kathmandu, Nepal has and could continue to be used as a transit or staging point for international terrorists," the report stated. It stated that security measures at Nepal's Airport was weak and inadequate. "Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal's only international airport, does not pre-screen passengers, and landing data are not entered into any database. Physical security checks of passengers are rudimentary. There is no travel document security and the airport lacks ultraviolet lights to examine documents," the report stated. The US government report also mentioned that Nepal lacks proper screening of the passengers with that of the INTERPOL database. "The Special Bureau of the Nepal Police assigns approximately 10 personnel to the airport and approximately 15 officers to its INTERPOL national central bureau, which is located at Nepal Police headquarters. INTERPOL notices are maintained in a database, but passengers are not routinely screened through this database. Security and immigration officials are generally responsive to US requests for information, but often have little information to provide," it said."Nepal shares an open border with India. The 1,000-mile border has a few checkpoints, but there is a lack of sufficient security controls; for example, only one immigration official may be present at the checkpoint. Thus, most people crossing the border are neither stopped nor checked, and the crossing points can easily be circumvented to avoid scrutiny," the report said. "The primary constraint preventing more robust border-control capability is a lack of resources. The security services lack the personnel, technology, databases, basic equipment, and often even electrical power to provide effective border control. Additional constraints include lack of training and widespread corruption," it further added.

Nepal, now biggest operation hub for Indian Mujahidin: United States

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/china-france-reaffirm-support-of-paris-climate-agreement-call-it-irreversible-260303">China and France</a> signed contracts totalling $15 billion&nbsp;during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China.

They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office.

Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie&nbsp;to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin.

An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on.

Among other deals, France's Total&nbsp;will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta.

The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva.

Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday. Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China. They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office. Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin. An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on. Among other deals, France's Total will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta. The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva. Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France sign deals worth $15 billion during Macron's visit

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report.

The US State Department Report in its 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2018' said India continues to experience attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations.

"Pakistan continued to experience significant terrorist attacks, particularly against vulnerable civilian and government targets. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan did not take sufficient action against externally focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to operate, train, organize, and fundraise in Pakistan," said the US Department in its report was released in October.

The state department said that Pakistan-based LeT, which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and JeM maintained the "capability and intent" to attack Indian and Afghan targets.

"India continued to experience attacks, including by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. India continued to apply pressure to detect, disrupt, and degrade terrorist organizations' operations within its borders, including the disruption of an ISIS-inspired terrorist cell reportedly planning terrorist attacks in late 2018," the report stated.

"Regionally focused terrorist groups also remained a threat in 2018. For example, Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba - which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks - and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) maintained the capability and intent to attack Indian and Afghan targets. In February, operatives reportedly affiliated with JeM attacked an Indian army camp at Sunjuwan, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven," it added.

The department also pointed out that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-set-to-attend-afghanistan-peace-talks-in-russia-257851">Islamabad pledged support </a>for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban, however, did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network (HQN) from operating in Pakistan and threatening US&nbsp;and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"The Pakistani government pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and HQN from operating in Pakistan and threatening US&nbsp;and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.

In June, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/february-2020-deadline-crucial-for-pakistan-to-exit-fatf-grey-list-257530">FATF placed Pakistan</a> on its list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies (the "grey list") for deficiencies in its AML/CFT regimes, including the failure to implement U.N. sanctions related to designated entities," the report read.

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report.

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report. The US State Department Report in its 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2018' said India continues to experience attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. "Pakistan continued to experience significant terrorist attacks, particularly against vulnerable civilian and government targets. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan did not take sufficient action against externally focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to operate, train, organize, and fundraise in Pakistan," said the US Department in its report was released in October. The state department said that Pakistan-based LeT, which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and JeM maintained the "capability and intent" to attack Indian and Afghan targets. "India continued to experience attacks, including by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. India continued to apply pressure to detect, disrupt, and degrade terrorist organizations' operations within its borders, including the disruption of an ISIS-inspired terrorist cell reportedly planning terrorist attacks in late 2018," the report stated. "Regionally focused terrorist groups also remained a threat in 2018. For example, Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba - which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks - and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) maintained the capability and intent to attack Indian and Afghan targets. In February, operatives reportedly affiliated with JeM attacked an Indian army camp at Sunjuwan, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven," it added. The department also pointed out that Islamabad pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban, however, did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network (HQN) from operating in Pakistan and threatening US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. "The Pakistani government pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and HQN from operating in Pakistan and threatening US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. In June, the FATF placed Pakistan on its list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies (the "grey list") for deficiencies in its AML/CFT regimes, including the failure to implement U.N. sanctions related to designated entities," the report read.

Pakistan failed to take action sufficient against terrorist groups: United States

Borussia Dortmund defender Achraf Hakimi produced a blistering individual performance as he scored twice to help his side overhaul a two-goal deficit and beat Inter Milan 3-2 at home in their Champions League Group F clash on Tuesday.

Lautaro Martinez and Matias Vecino fired Inter into a 2-0 first-half lead before Dortmund came storming back with Hakimi scoring either side of a Julian Brandt effort.

The result left Dortmund second in the group on seven points from four games, one behind leaders Barcelona and three ahead of third-placed Inter. Bottom team Slavia Prague, who earned a 0-0 draw at Barca in the early kick off, have two points.

Inter were in complete control in the first half and looked set to complete the double over Dortmund after beating them 2-0 in the reverse fixture at home a fortnight ago.

The Argentine Martinez continued his rich vein of form with a sublime fifth-minute opener when he weaved his way past three players and cut inside the box before burying his shot past keeper Roman Buerki.

With Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic having pulled off two excellent saves, the visitors doubled their lead in the 40th minute as Vecino swept a low shot into the bottom corner after good buildup work from Martinez and Antonio Candreva.

But Dortmund turned the match around in the second half.

The 21-year old Hakimi, on loan at Dortmund from Real Madrid, pulled one back soon after the break with a scrambled close-range shot after a fine cut-back from Mario Goetze.

With the home crowd roaring them on, Dortmund pressed on relentlessly and Brandt levelled with a low shot from a tight angle after he was put through by substitute Paco Alcacer.

Hakimi then put the icing on the cake with a goal of the highest quality.

The Spanish-born Moroccan right back beat his marker with some neat footwork before exchanging a one-two with England forward Jadon Sancho and steering the ball past Handanovic, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

Dortmund captain Mats Hummels said he was surprised how well his team responded to falling behind.

"At the interval we said that we should continue the way we had done before with the ball, but that we had to create more chances," the centre-back told UEFA's official website.

"I would not have expected that things would turn out this well."

Borussia Dortmund defender Achraf Hakimi produced a blistering individual performance as he scored twice to help his side overhaul a two-goal deficit and beat Inter Milan 3-2 at home in their Champions League Group F clash on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund defender Achraf Hakimi produced a blistering individual performance as he scored twice to help his side overhaul a two-goal deficit and beat Inter Milan 3-2 at home in their Champions League Group F clash on Tuesday. Lautaro Martinez and Matias Vecino fired Inter into a 2-0 first-half lead before Dortmund came storming back with Hakimi scoring either side of a Julian Brandt effort. The result left Dortmund second in the group on seven points from four games, one behind leaders Barcelona and three ahead of third-placed Inter. Bottom team Slavia Prague, who earned a 0-0 draw at Barca in the early kick off, have two points. Inter were in complete control in the first half and looked set to complete the double over Dortmund after beating them 2-0 in the reverse fixture at home a fortnight ago. The Argentine Martinez continued his rich vein of form with a sublime fifth-minute opener when he weaved his way past three players and cut inside the box before burying his shot past keeper Roman Buerki. With Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic having pulled off two excellent saves, the visitors doubled their lead in the 40th minute as Vecino swept a low shot into the bottom corner after good buildup work from Martinez and Antonio Candreva. But Dortmund turned the match around in the second half. The 21-year old Hakimi, on loan at Dortmund from Real Madrid, pulled one back soon after the break with a scrambled close-range shot after a fine cut-back from Mario Goetze. With the home crowd roaring them on, Dortmund pressed on relentlessly and Brandt levelled with a low shot from a tight angle after he was put through by substitute Paco Alcacer. Hakimi then put the icing on the cake with a goal of the highest quality. The Spanish-born Moroccan right back beat his marker with some neat footwork before exchanging a one-two with England forward Jadon Sancho and steering the ball past Handanovic, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. Dortmund captain Mats Hummels said he was surprised how well his team responded to falling behind. "At the interval we said that we should continue the way we had done before with the ball, but that we had to create more chances," the centre-back told UEFA's official website. "I would not have expected that things would turn out this well."

Champions League: Hakimi shines as Dortmund fight back to beat Inter Milan

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-klopp-may-pull-liverpool-out-of-league-cup-over-fixture-pile-up-258925">Juergen Klopp</a> said it was too soon to decide exactly how his team will play two games in 24 hours in England and Qatar but it was time to address the regular fixture pile-ups facing top clubs.

Premier League leaders and European champions Liverpool plan to field two different squads in the League Cup and FIFA's Club World Cup in the space of 24 hours in December due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic match.

Liverpool's League Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa is set to be played on December&nbsp;17,&nbsp;the week they travel to Qatar for the Club World Cup where they play their first match on December&nbsp;18.

It is not yet clear how Liverpool will split their squad and whether Klopp will be present at both games.

"We asked Aston Villa if they could come to Qatar and we could play the game there," joked Klopp when asked about the situation after his team's 2-1 win over Genk in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"We don't know exactly how we do it, we have an idea but its too early to speak about it. We had to make a decision, we made that decision because all the other alternatives were more problems than solutions and didn’t work out.

"We said this way we can do as good as is possible. In the next couple of weeks we will decide exactly how it will look," he said.

Asked if the club had faced pressure from FIFA and the English Football League (EFL) over the situation, Klopp said: "Kind of. You want to be really in trouble with FIFA? I’m not sure. You want to be really in trouble with the EFL, probably not. We respect the competitions."

The German said his main issue with the League Cup was playing two-legged semi-finals at a busy time in the campaign.

"I don’t understand that and I don’t like it. With the rest it is a nice competition," he said.

"The Club World Cup you play only if you win the Champions League and that doesn’t happen in your life five million times, you take the opportunity. Is it the best time of the year? Nope. Are we anyway pretty busy? Yep. But we go there, we try to play all the games we have, with all that we have," he said.

Klopp, who guided Liverpool to the Champions League title last season, said it was wrong that competitions were relying on certain teams going out in order to keep the fixtures in order.

"You cannot work like this that you hope that somebody goes out and then everything is fine," he said.

"I don’t want to cancel competitions, I am from Germany, why would I want to cancel English competitions? But it should still be possible to talk about the problems and that is what I did. If some people don’t like that – I cannot change.

"The problems are obvious. Every year we do the same thing – and some people find it funny that 'Look at that they have to play five games in three days, let's see how they do that?'”

"We cannot carry on like this, come on, that is why I asked to sit down at a table because at one point we have to find a solution, the solutions so far sound to me more like another problem."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said it was too soon to decide exactly how his team will play two games in 24 hours in England and Qatar but it was time to address the regular fixture pile-ups facing top clubs.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said it was too soon to decide exactly how his team will play two games in 24 hours in England and Qatar but it was time to address the regular fixture pile-ups facing top clubs. Premier League leaders and European champions Liverpool plan to field two different squads in the League Cup and FIFA's Club World Cup in the space of 24 hours in December due to a lack of available dates to postpone the domestic match. Liverpool's League Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa is set to be played on December 17, the week they travel to Qatar for the Club World Cup where they play their first match on December 18. It is not yet clear how Liverpool will split their squad and whether Klopp will be present at both games. "We asked Aston Villa if they could come to Qatar and we could play the game there," joked Klopp when asked about the situation after his team's 2-1 win over Genk in the Champions League on Tuesday. "We don't know exactly how we do it, we have an idea but its too early to speak about it. We had to make a decision, we made that decision because all the other alternatives were more problems than solutions and didn’t work out. "We said this way we can do as good as is possible. In the next couple of weeks we will decide exactly how it will look," he said. Asked if the club had faced pressure from FIFA and the English Football League (EFL) over the situation, Klopp said: "Kind of. You want to be really in trouble with FIFA? I’m not sure. You want to be really in trouble with the EFL, probably not. We respect the competitions." The German said his main issue with the League Cup was playing two-legged semi-finals at a busy time in the campaign. "I don’t understand that and I don’t like it. With the rest it is a nice competition," he said. "The Club World Cup you play only if you win the Champions League and that doesn’t happen in your life five million times, you take the opportunity. Is it the best time of the year? Nope. Are we anyway pretty busy? Yep. But we go there, we try to play all the games we have, with all that we have," he said. Klopp, who guided Liverpool to the Champions League title last season, said it was wrong that competitions were relying on certain teams going out in order to keep the fixtures in order. "You cannot work like this that you hope that somebody goes out and then everything is fine," he said. "I don’t want to cancel competitions, I am from Germany, why would I want to cancel English competitions? But it should still be possible to talk about the problems and that is what I did. If some people don’t like that – I cannot change. "The problems are obvious. Every year we do the same thing – and some people find it funny that 'Look at that they have to play five games in three days, let's see how they do that?'” "We cannot carry on like this, come on, that is why I asked to sit down at a table because at one point we have to find a solution, the solutions so far sound to me more like another problem."

Football: Liverpool's Klopp unsure how he will approach two games in 24 hours

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday.

Ernesto Valverde's side had fallen to a 3-1<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-crash-to-defeat-at-levante-after-second-half-collapse-259630"> defeat at Levante</a> in La Liga on the weekend and could not give the rousing response they craved, failing to break down a diligent and bold Slavia side.

With Luis Suarez injured, Barca lacked a cutting edge and visiting goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar produced an admirable display to shut out the Catalans, thwarting Lionel Messi and Sergi Roberto from close range in the second half.

Messi also struck the top of the post in the first period following a thrilling solo charge from his own half and then teed up Arturo Vidal for a tap-in late in the game but the effort was ruled out for offside against the Argentine.

"Playing like this it's difficult to see us winning the Champions League," said Barca defender Gerard Pique.

"We had chances to score but the ball wouldn't go in. Results aren't going our way in these last two games, and when you go two games without winning at Barca the fans expect more because expectations are so high."

Barca lead the group on eight points after four games, while Slavia are bottom with two.

The Czechs, who were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Barcelona two weeks ago, made a bright start and nearly took an early lead with a heavily-deflected shot which was repelled by the Catalans' goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

They did manage to find the net at the end of the first half but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside.

The visitors had bright spells in the second half although they did not manage to test Ter Stegen further, and angry boos and whistles rang out around the Camp Nou at fulltime.

"It's a difficult moment for us but the fans have the right to express how they feel and it's up to us to deal with it," said Barca defender Clement Lenglet.

"We knew Slavia were a dangerous opponent who had quality and we were not taken by surprise by them. We suffered at various stages of the game.

"We don't have any time to sit around and get worried, we have to keep working and play every three days. We're going to turn this around."

There was more bad news for Barca after the game, with the club revealing first-choice left back Jordi Alba had injured his hamstring.

The club's statement did not say how long the Spaniard would be out for but Spanish media reports said he could be missing for three weeks.

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday.

Barcelona were booed off the pitch by their supporters as their patchy form continued with a 0-0 draw at home to Slavia Prague in their Champions League Group F game on Tuesday. Ernesto Valverde's side had fallen to a 3-1 defeat at Levante in La Liga on the weekend and could not give the rousing response they craved, failing to break down a diligent and bold Slavia side. With Luis Suarez injured, Barca lacked a cutting edge and visiting goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar produced an admirable display to shut out the Catalans, thwarting Lionel Messi and Sergi Roberto from close range in the second half. Messi also struck the top of the post in the first period following a thrilling solo charge from his own half and then teed up Arturo Vidal for a tap-in late in the game but the effort was ruled out for offside against the Argentine. "Playing like this it's difficult to see us winning the Champions League," said Barca defender Gerard Pique. "We had chances to score but the ball wouldn't go in. Results aren't going our way in these last two games, and when you go two games without winning at Barca the fans expect more because expectations are so high." Barca lead the group on eight points after four games, while Slavia are bottom with two. The Czechs, who were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Barcelona two weeks ago, made a bright start and nearly took an early lead with a heavily-deflected shot which was repelled by the Catalans' goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. They did manage to find the net at the end of the first half but the goal was disallowed for a clear offside. The visitors had bright spells in the second half although they did not manage to test Ter Stegen further, and angry boos and whistles rang out around the Camp Nou at fulltime. "It's a difficult moment for us but the fans have the right to express how they feel and it's up to us to deal with it," said Barca defender Clement Lenglet. "We knew Slavia were a dangerous opponent who had quality and we were not taken by surprise by them. We suffered at various stages of the game. "We don't have any time to sit around and get worried, we have to keep working and play every three days. We're going to turn this around." There was more bad news for Barca after the game, with the club revealing first-choice left back Jordi Alba had injured his hamstring. The club's statement did not say how long the Spaniard would be out for but Spanish media reports said he could be missing for three weeks.

Champions League: Camp Nou turns on toothless Barca after draw with Slavia

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