Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that apart from winning the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP will win in upcoming Jharkhand and Delhi polls too.

"After five years, people gave us more mandate in Lok Sabha elections. Now they will give us more mandate in Assembly elections. After Maharashtra and Haryana, we will also win in Jharkhand and Delhi," Javadekar told ANI.

While talking to media, Javadekar said that people of Maharashtra and Haryana have trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the works done by the governments in the respective state.

Assembly elections were held in Maharashtra and Haryana on October 21, while counting of votes is currently underway.

Meanwhile, talking about India's jump of 14 positions to be ranked 63rd in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Javadekar said, "India is becoming very hot destination for FDI and other business because of conscious policy decisions and practices adopted by Narendra Modi government, which is proving real ease of doing business and ease of living. Therefore, people are preferring India over many other countries."

He added, "We were 142 in ease of doing business ranking in 2014. Last year, we were 77 and now this year we have again jumped to 63. Our march towards providing ease of doing business and ease of living will continue and that is what India deserves."

Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that apart from winning the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP will win in upcoming Jharkhand and Delhi polls too.

Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that apart from winning the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP will win in upcoming Jharkhand and Delhi polls too. "After five years, people gave us more mandate in Lok Sabha elections. Now they will give us more mandate in Assembly elections. After Maharashtra and Haryana, we will also win in Jharkhand and Delhi," Javadekar told ANI. While talking to media, Javadekar said that people of Maharashtra and Haryana have trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the works done by the governments in the respective state. Assembly elections were held in Maharashtra and Haryana on October 21, while counting of votes is currently underway. Meanwhile, talking about India's jump of 14 positions to be ranked 63rd in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings, Javadekar said, "India is becoming very hot destination for FDI and other business because of conscious policy decisions and practices adopted by Narendra Modi government, which is proving real ease of doing business and ease of living. Therefore, people are preferring India over many other countries." He added, "We were 142 in ease of doing business ranking in 2014. Last year, we were 77 and now this year we have again jumped to 63. Our march towards providing ease of doing business and ease of living will continue and that is what India deserves."

After Maharashtra, Haryana we will win in Delhi and Jharkhand too: Javadekar

Donald Trump has made building a barrier to stop migrants on the US-Mexico border a central plank of his presidency, but on Wednesday, he came up with a puzzling new twist to the initiative: a wall in Colorado.

The problem? Colorado lies well within the United States, though its large southern neighbour New Mexico does border Mexico.

"You know why we are going to win New Mexico? Because they want safety on their border," Trump said during a speech in Pittsburgh.

"And we are building a wall on the border of New Mexico, and we are building a wall in Colorado," he continued. "We are building a beautiful wall, a big one that really works, that you can't get over, you can't get under."

"And we are building a wall in Texas, and we are not building a wall in Kansas, but they get the benefit of the walls that we just mentioned," he added.

Building a wall on the southern border with Mexico was one of the signature promises of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, but Congress has refused to pay for its construction.

Politicians and social media users reacted to Trump's comment with bafflement and mockery.

"Well, this is awkward... Colorado doesn't border Mexico," tweeted the state's Governor Jared Polis.

"Good thing Colorado now offers free full-day kindergarten so our kids can learn basic geography."

Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy tweeted a map showing a new international border drawn around New Mexico and a line obscuring the first half of the state's name so that it reads: Mexico.

Trump later tweeted he had spoken of building a wall in Colorado "kiddingly", and "referred to people in the very packed auditorium, from Colorado &amp; Kansas, getting the benefit of the Border Wall!"

&nbsp;

Donald Trump has made building a barrier to stop migrants on the US-Mexico border a central plank of his presidency, but on Wednesday, he came up with a puzzling new twist to the initiative: a wall in Colorado.

Donald Trump has made building a barrier to stop migrants on the US-Mexico border a central plank of his presidency, but on Wednesday, he came up with a puzzling new twist to the initiative: a wall in Colorado. The problem? Colorado lies well within the United States, though its large southern neighbour New Mexico does border Mexico. "You know why we are going to win New Mexico? Because they want safety on their border," Trump said during a speech in Pittsburgh. "And we are building a wall on the border of New Mexico, and we are building a wall in Colorado," he continued. "We are building a beautiful wall, a big one that really works, that you can't get over, you can't get under." "And we are building a wall in Texas, and we are not building a wall in Kansas, but they get the benefit of the walls that we just mentioned," he added. Building a wall on the southern border with Mexico was one of the signature promises of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, but Congress has refused to pay for its construction. Politicians and social media users reacted to Trump's comment with bafflement and mockery. "Well, this is awkward... Colorado doesn't border Mexico," tweeted the state's Governor Jared Polis. "Good thing Colorado now offers free full-day kindergarten so our kids can learn basic geography." Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy tweeted a map showing a new international border drawn around New Mexico and a line obscuring the first half of the state's name so that it reads: Mexico. Trump later tweeted he had spoken of building a wall in Colorado "kiddingly", and "referred to people in the very packed auditorium, from Colorado & Kansas, getting the benefit of the Border Wall!"

Trump says building a wall... in Colorado

FIFA will double its funding for women's football to $1 billion over the next four years, president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday following a meeting of the world governing body's council.

"The Council decided to put 500 million in addition to the 500 million already budgeted," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racists-must-be-kicked-out-of-stadiums-fifa-president-gianni-infantino-256771">Infantino</a> told reporters in Shanghai.

Meanwhile, FIFA has awarded the inaugural edition of its expanded 24-team Club World Cup to China, the association's president Gianni Infantino announced in Shanghai on Thursday, calling it a "historic decision".

"The FIFA Council decided today, unanimously, to appoint China... as the host of the new FIFA World Cup for Clubs," he told reporters.

FIFA will double its funding for women's football to $1 billion over the next four years, president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday following a meeting of the world governing body's council.

FIFA will double its funding for women's football to $1 billion over the next four years, president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday following a meeting of the world governing body's council. "The Council decided to put 500 million in addition to the 500 million already budgeted," Infantino told reporters in Shanghai. Meanwhile, FIFA has awarded the inaugural edition of its expanded 24-team Club World Cup to China, the association's president Gianni Infantino announced in Shanghai on Thursday, calling it a "historic decision". "The FIFA Council decided today, unanimously, to appoint China... as the host of the new FIFA World Cup for Clubs," he told reporters.

FIFA to invest $1 billion in women's football in the next four years: FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel. 
Justice Anu Malhotra directed both the agencies to file a reply in two weeks before the court and the next date of hearing in the case is November 13.

 
On October 23, Michel had approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the cases filed against him by CBI and ED in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal.

He approached the High Court after a special court dismissed his bail plea by observing that the accusations against him are "serious in nature".

The bail plea has been filed on the ground that he has been in the custody since January and the charge sheet has also been filed by both CBI and by ED in April this year.

Earlier, in the special court, both the investigating agencies had opposed the bail plea of Michel.

The agencies submitted that they would file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing to the criminality against other public servants and private persons had surfaced during the ongoing probe.

The agencies also submitted that Michel was a flight risk and could possibly flee the country.

Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel.

Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the response of ED and CBI on a bail application filed by alleged middleman in AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, Christian Michel. Justice Anu Malhotra directed both the agencies to file a reply in two weeks before the court and the next date of hearing in the case is November 13. On October 23, Michel had approached the Delhi High Court seeking bail in the cases filed against him by CBI and ED in connection with Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal. He approached the High Court after a special court dismissed his bail plea by observing that the accusations against him are "serious in nature". The bail plea has been filed on the ground that he has been in the custody since January and the charge sheet has also been filed by both CBI and by ED in April this year. Earlier, in the special court, both the investigating agencies had opposed the bail plea of Michel. The agencies submitted that they would file a supplementary charge sheet in the case since sufficient evidence attributing to the criminality against other public servants and private persons had surfaced during the ongoing probe. The agencies also submitted that Michel was a flight risk and could possibly flee the country. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a 'middleman' in the deal, the ED is investigating money laundering charges against him.

AgustaWestland: Delhi HC seeks ED, CBI's response on bail plea of Christian Michel

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly.

''Neither BJP, nor Congress will cross 40 seats. The JJP will have the key to form the government," Chautala told media here.

"JJP will have the key of Vidhan Sabha of Haryana. Time will tell you more... Haryana wants change," he stated.

When asked whether his party will support BJP or Congress, he said, "Let the result come. We have decided to hold a meeting of MLAs. We will take a decision on this after holding discussions will all of them."

The fate of a total of 1,169 candidates is sealed will be decided today. The state went to Assembly polls on October 21.

According to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), 1,064 male and 105 female candidates are in the fray.

Ninety candidates are from the BJP, 87 from the BSP, four from the CPI, seven from the CPI-M, 90 from the Congress, one from the NCP, 81 from the Indian National Lok Dal, 375 Independent and 434 other candidates.

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly.

As counting of votes has begun for the Haryana Assembly elections, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala said that both BJP and Congress will not cross the 40 mark in the state and JJP will have the key of the State Assembly. ''Neither BJP, nor Congress will cross 40 seats. The JJP will have the key to form the government," Chautala told media here. "JJP will have the key of Vidhan Sabha of Haryana. Time will tell you more... Haryana wants change," he stated. When asked whether his party will support BJP or Congress, he said, "Let the result come. We have decided to hold a meeting of MLAs. We will take a decision on this after holding discussions will all of them." The fate of a total of 1,169 candidates is sealed will be decided today. The state went to Assembly polls on October 21. According to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), 1,064 male and 105 female candidates are in the fray. Ninety candidates are from the BJP, 87 from the BSP, four from the CPI, seven from the CPI-M, 90 from the Congress, one from the NCP, 81 from the Indian National Lok Dal, 375 Independent and 434 other candidates.

JJP will have key of Haryana Vidhan Sabha: Dushyant Chautala

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-find-answers-to-all-complicated-questions-putin-after-meeting-erdogan-in-sochi-257563">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> said on Tuesday the United States has not fully kept its promises agreed in last week's temporary truce in northeastern Syria, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV.

Erdogan, speaking after striking a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turkey-ceasefire-agreement-uncertain-as-erdogan-meets-putin-257131">deal with Russia</a> to remove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-the-kurdish-conflict-in-turkey-is-so-intractable-257232">Syrian Kurdish fighters</a> from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-replaces-four-more-pro-kurdish-mayors-as-crackdown-widens-257486">Turkey</a>'s border regions, was quoted as saying, "The US&nbsp;has not fully kept its promises."

"If we make compromises we would open the way for the terrorist organisation," he added according to NTV.

Syrian and Russian forces will deploy in northeast Syria to remove Kurdish YPG fighters and their weapons from the border with Turkey under a deal agreed on Tuesday which both Moscow and Ankara hailed as a triumph.

Hours after the deal was announced, the Turkish defence ministry said that the United States had told Turkey the withdrawal of Kurdish militants was complete from the "safe zone" Ankara demands in northern Syria.

There was no need to initiate another operation outside the current area of operation at this stage, the ministry said in a statement, effectively ending its military offensive that had begun on October&nbsp;9, drawing widespread criticism.

The agreement follows a US-brokered truce which expired on Tuesday and underlines the dizzying changes in Syria since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American troops two weeks ago ahead of Turkey's cross-border offensive against the Kurds.

The Russia-Turkey agreement struck in the Black Sea resort of Sochi endorses the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces to the border alongside Russian troops, replacing the Americans who had patrolled the region for years with their former Kurdish allies.

Under the pact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the two countries said Russian military police and Syrian border guards would start removing the YPG 30 km (19 miles) from the Turkish border on Wednesday.

Six days later, Russian and Turkish forces will jointly start to patrol a narrower, 10 km strip of land in the "safe zone" that Ankara has long sought in northeast Syria.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence voiced support for the establishment of the safe zone.

"We may well give the international community an opportunity to establish a safe zone between Turkey and the Kurdish population in Syria that will ensure peace and security," Pence told a Heritage Foundation gala in Washington.

Earlier on Tuesday, Jim Jeffrey, the senior US&nbsp;diplomat on Syria, dismissed the Sochi deal and questioned whether the Russians could get the YPG to leave the territory it covers.

"It's full of holes," he told a congressional hearing. "All I know it will stop the Turks from moving forward. Whether the Russians will ever live up to their commitment, which is very vague, to ... get the YPG out of their areas, I don't know."

Putin calls deal 'momentous'

After six hours of talks with Erdogan in Sochi, Putin expressed satisfaction at decisions he described as "very important, if not momentous, to resolve what is a pretty tense situation which has developed on the Syrian-Turkish border".

A senior Turkish official described it as an "excellent" deal which would achieve Turkey's long-held goal of a border strip cleared of the YPG, which Ankara regards as a terrorist organisation because of its links to insurgents inside Turkey.

Last week's US-brokered deal was limited to the central part of the border strip between the Syrian towns of Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain, where Turkish forces had focused their military offensive.

Under the deal with Moscow, the length of border which the YPG would be required to pull back from is more than triple the size of the territory covered by the US-Turkish accord, covering most of the area Turkey had wanted to include.

"The outcome of the Putin-Erdogan meeting in Sochi today indicates that Erdogan has become a master of leveraging the US&nbsp;and Russia against each other to maximize Ankara's gains," Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute said in a tweet.

"Turkey got the safe zone it wanted all this time."

Some 300,000 people have been displaced by Turkey's offensive and 120 civilians have been killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor. It said on Sunday 259 fighters with the Kurdish-led forces had been killed, and 196 Turkey-backed Syrian rebels. Turkey says 765 terrorists but no civilians have been killed in its offensive.

Pence received a letter from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Kobani on Tuesday saying their forces had withdrawn "from the relevant area of operations" under that deal, Pence's spokeswoman Katie Waldman said.

However, before flying to Russia Erdogan had said hundreds of Kurdish fighters remained near to Syria's northeast border despite the truce demanding their withdrawal. Earlier he had said the fighting might resume if promises by Washington were not kept.

The US&nbsp;withdrawal from northern Syria has been criticized by US&nbsp;lawmakers, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans, as a betrayal of Kurdish allies who have helped the United States fight Islamic State in Syria.

Turkey sought a "safe zone" along 440 km (275 miles) of border with northeast Syria, but its assault focused on the two border towns in the centre of that strip, Ras al Ain and Tel Abyad.

Syrian and Russian forces have already entered two border cities, Manbij and Kobani, which lie within Turkey's planned "safe zone" but to the west of Turkey's military operations.

Erdogan has said he could accept the presence of Syrian troops in those areas, as long as the YPG are pushed out.

Russia is an ally of Assad. Turkey has backed rebels seeking to oust Assad during Syria's more than eight-year-long civil war but has dropped its once frequent calls for him to quit.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday the United States has not fully kept its promises agreed in last week's temporary truce in northeastern Syria, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday the United States has not fully kept its promises agreed in last week's temporary truce in northeastern Syria, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV. Erdogan, speaking after striking a deal with Russia to remove Syrian Kurdish fighters from Turkey's border regions, was quoted as saying, "The US has not fully kept its promises." "If we make compromises we would open the way for the terrorist organisation," he added according to NTV. Syrian and Russian forces will deploy in northeast Syria to remove Kurdish YPG fighters and their weapons from the border with Turkey under a deal agreed on Tuesday which both Moscow and Ankara hailed as a triumph. Hours after the deal was announced, the Turkish defence ministry said that the United States had told Turkey the withdrawal of Kurdish militants was complete from the "safe zone" Ankara demands in northern Syria. There was no need to initiate another operation outside the current area of operation at this stage, the ministry said in a statement, effectively ending its military offensive that had begun on October 9, drawing widespread criticism. The agreement follows a US-brokered truce which expired on Tuesday and underlines the dizzying changes in Syria since US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American troops two weeks ago ahead of Turkey's cross-border offensive against the Kurds. The Russia-Turkey agreement struck in the Black Sea resort of Sochi endorses the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces to the border alongside Russian troops, replacing the Americans who had patrolled the region for years with their former Kurdish allies. Under the pact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the two countries said Russian military police and Syrian border guards would start removing the YPG 30 km (19 miles) from the Turkish border on Wednesday. Six days later, Russian and Turkish forces will jointly start to patrol a narrower, 10 km strip of land in the "safe zone" that Ankara has long sought in northeast Syria. US Vice President Mike Pence voiced support for the establishment of the safe zone. "We may well give the international community an opportunity to establish a safe zone between Turkey and the Kurdish population in Syria that will ensure peace and security," Pence told a Heritage Foundation gala in Washington. Earlier on Tuesday, Jim Jeffrey, the senior US diplomat on Syria, dismissed the Sochi deal and questioned whether the Russians could get the YPG to leave the territory it covers. "It's full of holes," he told a congressional hearing. "All I know it will stop the Turks from moving forward. Whether the Russians will ever live up to their commitment, which is very vague, to ... get the YPG out of their areas, I don't know." Putin calls deal 'momentous' After six hours of talks with Erdogan in Sochi, Putin expressed satisfaction at decisions he described as "very important, if not momentous, to resolve what is a pretty tense situation which has developed on the Syrian-Turkish border". A senior Turkish official described it as an "excellent" deal which would achieve Turkey's long-held goal of a border strip cleared of the YPG, which Ankara regards as a terrorist organisation because of its links to insurgents inside Turkey. Last week's US-brokered deal was limited to the central part of the border strip between the Syrian towns of Tel Abyad and Ras al Ain, where Turkish forces had focused their military offensive. Under the deal with Moscow, the length of border which the YPG would be required to pull back from is more than triple the size of the territory covered by the US-Turkish accord, covering most of the area Turkey had wanted to include. "The outcome of the Putin-Erdogan meeting in Sochi today indicates that Erdogan has become a master of leveraging the US and Russia against each other to maximize Ankara's gains," Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute said in a tweet. "Turkey got the safe zone it wanted all this time." Some 300,000 people have been displaced by Turkey's offensive and 120 civilians have been killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor. It said on Sunday 259 fighters with the Kurdish-led forces had been killed, and 196 Turkey-backed Syrian rebels. Turkey says 765 terrorists but no civilians have been killed in its offensive. Pence received a letter from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Kobani on Tuesday saying their forces had withdrawn "from the relevant area of operations" under that deal, Pence's spokeswoman Katie Waldman said. However, before flying to Russia Erdogan had said hundreds of Kurdish fighters remained near to Syria's northeast border despite the truce demanding their withdrawal. Earlier he had said the fighting might resume if promises by Washington were not kept. The US withdrawal from northern Syria has been criticized by US lawmakers, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans, as a betrayal of Kurdish allies who have helped the United States fight Islamic State in Syria. Turkey sought a "safe zone" along 440 km (275 miles) of border with northeast Syria, but its assault focused on the two border towns in the centre of that strip, Ras al Ain and Tel Abyad. Syrian and Russian forces have already entered two border cities, Manbij and Kobani, which lie within Turkey's planned "safe zone" but to the west of Turkey's military operations. Erdogan has said he could accept the presence of Syrian troops in those areas, as long as the YPG are pushed out. Russia is an ally of Assad. Turkey has backed rebels seeking to oust Assad during Syria's more than eight-year-long civil war but has dropped its once frequent calls for him to quit.

'US has not kept promises on Syria,' says Erdogan after sealing Russia deal

Nike Inc's long-time chief executive officer, Mark Parker, will step down next year and be replaced by board member and former eBay CEO John Donahoe, who will be tasked with strengthening the sportswear maker's online strategy.

Donahoe, who has been on Nike's board since 2014, will join the sneaker maker from cloud computing firm ServiceNow Inc, where he was CEO for more than four years. Prior to that, he led online retailer eBay for the seven years through 2015.

Nike's Parker had said last year he would remain CEO and chairman of the footwear maker beyond 2020, with his remarks coming in the midst of a series of executive departures and probes on workplace complaints.

The move comes days after the world's biggest footwear maker shut down its Nike Oregon Project training group, following the recent four-year ban of the centre's founder and coach Alberto Salazar by the US&nbsp;Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Nike did not give any reason for Parker's exit from the top job. In an interview to CNBC, Parker said the change was unrelated to the Oregon Project or any other issues.

Parker joined Nike as one of its first footwear designers in 1979 and held several roles during his tenure at the company before taking charge as its top boss in 2006.

Credited with creating the popular Nike Air sneakers as well as other pioneering products, Parker, in the past few years, oversaw Nike's shift to selling directly to customers online and its success in international markets, particularly China.

He will become Nike's executive chairman and continue to lead the board after Donahoe takes over as CEO.

"We like that (Donahoe) comes from technology and that he comes from the digital space and we like that he is a strategist and a leader ... things that have made Nike positive have been because of those sort of strengths," Jane Hali &amp; Associates analyst Jessica Ramirez said.

Nike's digital revenue surged 35% in the last fiscal year, with the company expecting online sales to account for about a third of its business by 2023.

Edward Jones analyst Brian Yarbrough said Donahoe's e-commerce experience could help with Nike's online push, while Parker could focus more on product development, one of his key strengths.

Hits and misses

During Parker's tenure, Nike's stock surged more than nine-folds. They were marginally higher in extended trading on Tuesday.

Over the past year, however, Parker faced a number of speedbumps as he chased his target of $50 billion in annual sales. He apologised to staff last year after a series of workplace complaints at the company.

Nike also came under fire for featuring an ad with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who sparked a national controversy by kneeling during the national anthem.

"Nike has had their fair share of scandals and issues ... and they didn't really go out and look externally. It definitely seems like it could be part of" the Oregon scandal, Yarbrough said, referring to Parker's departure.

Separately, ServiceNow said it appointed Bill McDermott as its CEO. McDermott helmed software maker SAP from 2014 until recently. ServiceNow shares fell about 16% on the news.

McDermott stood down earlier this month after a decade building up SAP as the world's leading enterprise software company, handing the task of completing its transition to cloud computing to new co-CEOs Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein.

Earlier in the day, Nike rival Under Armour Inc said its founder and CEO Kevin Plank would step down, giving his responsibilities to Patrik Frisk, a company insider, hoping a change in leadership will help battle brutal competition from Nike and Adidas in the United States.

Nike Inc's long-time chief executive officer, Mark Parker, will step down next year and be replaced by board member and former eBay CEO John Donahoe, who will be tasked with strengthening the sportswear maker's online strategy.

Nike Inc's long-time chief executive officer, Mark Parker, will step down next year and be replaced by board member and former eBay CEO John Donahoe, who will be tasked with strengthening the sportswear maker's online strategy. Donahoe, who has been on Nike's board since 2014, will join the sneaker maker from cloud computing firm ServiceNow Inc, where he was CEO for more than four years. Prior to that, he led online retailer eBay for the seven years through 2015. Nike's Parker had said last year he would remain CEO and chairman of the footwear maker beyond 2020, with his remarks coming in the midst of a series of executive departures and probes on workplace complaints. The move comes days after the world's biggest footwear maker shut down its Nike Oregon Project training group, following the recent four-year ban of the centre's founder and coach Alberto Salazar by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Nike did not give any reason for Parker's exit from the top job. In an interview to CNBC, Parker said the change was unrelated to the Oregon Project or any other issues. Parker joined Nike as one of its first footwear designers in 1979 and held several roles during his tenure at the company before taking charge as its top boss in 2006. Credited with creating the popular Nike Air sneakers as well as other pioneering products, Parker, in the past few years, oversaw Nike's shift to selling directly to customers online and its success in international markets, particularly China. He will become Nike's executive chairman and continue to lead the board after Donahoe takes over as CEO. "We like that (Donahoe) comes from technology and that he comes from the digital space and we like that he is a strategist and a leader ... things that have made Nike positive have been because of those sort of strengths," Jane Hali & Associates analyst Jessica Ramirez said. Nike's digital revenue surged 35% in the last fiscal year, with the company expecting online sales to account for about a third of its business by 2023. Edward Jones analyst Brian Yarbrough said Donahoe's e-commerce experience could help with Nike's online push, while Parker could focus more on product development, one of his key strengths. Hits and misses During Parker's tenure, Nike's stock surged more than nine-folds. They were marginally higher in extended trading on Tuesday. Over the past year, however, Parker faced a number of speedbumps as he chased his target of $50 billion in annual sales. He apologised to staff last year after a series of workplace complaints at the company. Nike also came under fire for featuring an ad with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who sparked a national controversy by kneeling during the national anthem. "Nike has had their fair share of scandals and issues ... and they didn't really go out and look externally. It definitely seems like it could be part of" the Oregon scandal, Yarbrough said, referring to Parker's departure. Separately, ServiceNow said it appointed Bill McDermott as its CEO. McDermott helmed software maker SAP from 2014 until recently. ServiceNow shares fell about 16% on the news. McDermott stood down earlier this month after a decade building up SAP as the world's leading enterprise software company, handing the task of completing its transition to cloud computing to new co-CEOs Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein. Earlier in the day, Nike rival Under Armour Inc said its founder and CEO Kevin Plank would step down, giving his responsibilities to Patrik Frisk, a company insider, hoping a change in leadership will help battle brutal competition from Nike and Adidas in the United States.

Nike's Parker hands over CEO role to former eBay chief

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-suffers-defeat-in-failing-to-form-israeli-government-257515">next coalition government</a> after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday.

Netanyahu, a fourth-term conservative whose party tied with Gantz's in a September election, told Rivlin on Monday (October 21) that he was giving up on forming the government after failing to win support from a majority of parliament.

For the first time in a decade, someone other than Netanyahu will be asked to form a government in Israel.

The 70-year-old prime minister has called two elections this year, has twice been given the chance by the president to put together a ruling coalition and has twice failed.

Rivlin will on Wednesday turn to Gantz, leaving Netanyahu even more vulnerable in his fight for political survival.

But although he has failed, Gantz - a former general and political novice - also has no clear path to success.

Gantz's Blue and White party said in a statement it was "determined to form a liberal unity government."

Netanyahu, in power for the past decade and 13 years in total, has seen his political strength wane as he faces a looming indictment on corruption allegations he denies. Gantz, a former military chief, has pledged not to serve in a government under a premier facing criminal charges.

Likud placed second in the September ballot with 32 seats in the 120-member parliament, behind 33 for Blue and White.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the next coalition government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will on Wednesday task centrist politician Benny Gantz with trying to form the next coalition government after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed, Rivlin's office said on Tuesday. Netanyahu, a fourth-term conservative whose party tied with Gantz's in a September election, told Rivlin on Monday (October 21) that he was giving up on forming the government after failing to win support from a majority of parliament. For the first time in a decade, someone other than Netanyahu will be asked to form a government in Israel. The 70-year-old prime minister has called two elections this year, has twice been given the chance by the president to put together a ruling coalition and has twice failed. Rivlin will on Wednesday turn to Gantz, leaving Netanyahu even more vulnerable in his fight for political survival. But although he has failed, Gantz - a former general and political novice - also has no clear path to success. Gantz's Blue and White party said in a statement it was "determined to form a liberal unity government." Netanyahu, in power for the past decade and 13 years in total, has seen his political strength wane as he faces a looming indictment on corruption allegations he denies. Gantz, a former military chief, has pledged not to serve in a government under a premier facing criminal charges. Likud placed second in the September ballot with 32 seats in the 120-member parliament, behind 33 for Blue and White.

Netanyahu rival Gantz to be named to try to form next Israeli government

The son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday that he had dropped hopes of becoming the country's ambassador to the United States.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, 35, told fellow lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies that he had made the decision partly due to lack of support, adding that his father had not influenced his choice.

"It was a decision I had been thinking about for a long time," he told local media in Brasilia.

"You listen to the advice of many people. There is also the issue of my electorate. I confess that the majority was not supportive."

The president this week said Eduardo, his third son, could help "pacify" his Social Liberal Party (PSL) that is split by bitter divisions.

Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, first said in July that his son was on track to becoming the ambassador in Washington.

The son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday that he had dropped hopes of becoming the country's ambassador to the United States. Eduardo Bolsonaro, 35, told fellow lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies that he had made the decision partly due to lack of support, adding that his father had not influenced his choice.

The son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday that he had dropped hopes of becoming the country's ambassador to the United States. Eduardo Bolsonaro, 35, told fellow lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies that he had made the decision partly due to lack of support, adding that his father had not influenced his choice. "It was a decision I had been thinking about for a long time," he told local media in Brasilia. "You listen to the advice of many people. There is also the issue of my electorate. I confess that the majority was not supportive." The president this week said Eduardo, his third son, could help "pacify" his Social Liberal Party (PSL) that is split by bitter divisions. Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, first said in July that his son was on track to becoming the ambassador in Washington.

Bolsonaro's son ditches plan to be US ambassador

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced a package of social measures Tuesday aimed at stemming days of protests over economic inequality that have swept the country and claimed 15 lives.

Apologizing to the nation for failing to anticipate the outbreak of social unrest, Pinera said his government had "received with humility and clarity the message Chileans have given us."

The leader vowed to increase the universal basic pension by 20 per cent, cancel a recent 9.2 per cent increase in electricity bills and propose a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment.

"I recognize this lack of vision and I apologize to my compatriots," Pinera said in an address from the presidential palace in Santiago.

Pinera also pledged a state subsidy to increase the minimum wage to 350,000 pesos ($482) a month and said the government would introduce health insurance for medication, which is among the most expensive in the region.

Earlier in the day, he met with the leaders of some of Chile's opposition parties as he sought a way to stem the country's worst violence in decades, initially triggered by an increase in metro fares.&nbsp;

The protests, which began Friday, mushroomed into a broader outcry against social and economic woes, including a yawning gap between rich and poor, in a country normally considered one of the most stable in Latin America.

Pinera quickly suspended the metro fare hike but also declared that Chile was "at war against a powerful, implacable enemy," and imposed a state of emergency in Santiago and most of Chile's 16 regions.

Adopting a more conciliatory tone, he later called for Tuesday's meeting, which was boycotted by three of the largest opposition groups, including the powerful Socialist Party.

The day's protests were mostly peaceful, particularly in the capital, although looting continued in other towns.

But with the country's largest union, the Workers' United Center of Chile (CUT) alongside 18 other social organizations, calling strikes and protests for Thursday and Friday, the pressure had been on Pinera to act.

The protest violence -- widespread looting, arson and clashes with the 20,000 security forces deployed on the streets -- is the worst to hit Chile since the country's return to democracy after the 1973-1990 rightwing dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet.

On Tuesday the army announced a nighttime curfew -- from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am -- for the fourth day in a row.

Huge wealth disparity

Before Pinera's announcement, one of Chile's largest conglomerates, Quinenco, decided to act swiftly and promised to increase its minimum salaries to 500,000 pesos a month from January 1 -- 60 per cent more than the current minimum wage of 301,000 pesos.

Chile's big business conglomerates are one of the major factors in the huge wealth disparity that has angered protesters.

A 55-year-old man taking part in Monday's protests, who gave his name only as Orlando, told AFP that low salaries and pensions, waiting lists at hospitals and high prices for medicine, were the true reasons for the protests.

The government started naming some of the dead on Tuesday. Nine had died in fires, one was electrocuted and five were shot, four of those by the security forces.

Eleven of the fatalities were in the Santiago region, while a Peruvian and an Ecuadorian were among the dead.

Chile's human rights institute said more than 200 people had been taken to the hospital, almost half with gunshot wounds, while many others suffered eye injuries from pellets.

Since the unrest began, more than 2,600 people have been detained.

Relative calm

Tuesday saw almost none of the violence, looting or torching of public property and private businesses that marked the first few days of protest.

However, television images showed looters in one town smashing a bus into a department store before ransacking it.

In central Santiago, many shops and businesses that were closed on Monday reopened. Commuters and shoppers formed long lines at bus stops and supermarkets.

Only one of the Santiago metro's seven lines -- which normally carry three million people a day -- was operational, although a fleet of 4,300 public buses took up much of the slack.

More than half of Santiago's 136 metro stations suffered heavy damage during last week's protests.

Around 50 schools and 10 universities in the capital remained closed on Tuesday but hospitals and clinics operated normally.

At Santiago's international airport, South American airline giant LATAM brought out deck chairs for passengers stranded by flight cancellations caused by the protests.

Chile's football association said it was suspending its professional leagues for a second successive weekend.&nbsp;

Security forces have previously used tear gas and water cannon on stone-throwing demonstrators who set up street barricades and lit fires.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced a package of social measures Tuesday aimed at stemming days of protests over economic inequality that have swept the country and claimed 15 lives.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced a package of social measures Tuesday aimed at stemming days of protests over economic inequality that have swept the country and claimed 15 lives. Apologizing to the nation for failing to anticipate the outbreak of social unrest, Pinera said his government had "received with humility and clarity the message Chileans have given us." The leader vowed to increase the universal basic pension by 20 per cent, cancel a recent 9.2 per cent increase in electricity bills and propose a law that would see the state cover the costs of expensive medical treatment. "I recognize this lack of vision and I apologize to my compatriots," Pinera said in an address from the presidential palace in Santiago. Pinera also pledged a state subsidy to increase the minimum wage to 350,000 pesos ($482) a month and said the government would introduce health insurance for medication, which is among the most expensive in the region. Earlier in the day, he met with the leaders of some of Chile's opposition parties as he sought a way to stem the country's worst violence in decades, initially triggered by an increase in metro fares. The protests, which began Friday, mushroomed into a broader outcry against social and economic woes, including a yawning gap between rich and poor, in a country normally considered one of the most stable in Latin America. Pinera quickly suspended the metro fare hike but also declared that Chile was "at war against a powerful, implacable enemy," and imposed a state of emergency in Santiago and most of Chile's 16 regions. Adopting a more conciliatory tone, he later called for Tuesday's meeting, which was boycotted by three of the largest opposition groups, including the powerful Socialist Party. The day's protests were mostly peaceful, particularly in the capital, although looting continued in other towns. But with the country's largest union, the Workers' United Center of Chile (CUT) alongside 18 other social organizations, calling strikes and protests for Thursday and Friday, the pressure had been on Pinera to act. The protest violence -- widespread looting, arson and clashes with the 20,000 security forces deployed on the streets -- is the worst to hit Chile since the country's return to democracy after the 1973-1990 rightwing dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet. On Tuesday the army announced a nighttime curfew -- from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am -- for the fourth day in a row. Huge wealth disparity Before Pinera's announcement, one of Chile's largest conglomerates, Quinenco, decided to act swiftly and promised to increase its minimum salaries to 500,000 pesos a month from January 1 -- 60 per cent more than the current minimum wage of 301,000 pesos. Chile's big business conglomerates are one of the major factors in the huge wealth disparity that has angered protesters. A 55-year-old man taking part in Monday's protests, who gave his name only as Orlando, told AFP that low salaries and pensions, waiting lists at hospitals and high prices for medicine, were the true reasons for the protests. The government started naming some of the dead on Tuesday. Nine had died in fires, one was electrocuted and five were shot, four of those by the security forces. Eleven of the fatalities were in the Santiago region, while a Peruvian and an Ecuadorian were among the dead. Chile's human rights institute said more than 200 people had been taken to the hospital, almost half with gunshot wounds, while many others suffered eye injuries from pellets. Since the unrest began, more than 2,600 people have been detained. Relative calm Tuesday saw almost none of the violence, looting or torching of public property and private businesses that marked the first few days of protest. However, television images showed looters in one town smashing a bus into a department store before ransacking it. In central Santiago, many shops and businesses that were closed on Monday reopened. Commuters and shoppers formed long lines at bus stops and supermarkets. Only one of the Santiago metro's seven lines -- which normally carry three million people a day -- was operational, although a fleet of 4,300 public buses took up much of the slack. More than half of Santiago's 136 metro stations suffered heavy damage during last week's protests. Around 50 schools and 10 universities in the capital remained closed on Tuesday but hospitals and clinics operated normally. At Santiago's international airport, South American airline giant LATAM brought out deck chairs for passengers stranded by flight cancellations caused by the protests. Chile's football association said it was suspending its professional leagues for a second successive weekend. Security forces have previously used tear gas and water cannon on stone-throwing demonstrators who set up street barricades and lit fires.

Chile president announces social measures to stem street violence

The pound extended losses Wednesday after Boris Johnson's failure to push through his Brexit deal fuelled fresh uncertainty, while Asian markets also ticked lower as investors took a step back after recent gains.

With everything quiet on the China-US trade talks, attention was on Westminster where Britain's prime minister finally got MPs to agree to his EU divorce pact, but minutes later lost a vote on a truncated debate that would have passed it in just three days.

The news means Johnson is unlikely to fulfil his pledge of leaving the European Union the October 31 deadline and raises the possibility of his calling a general election before the end of the year.

EU chiefs are now expected to recommend another extension to the withdrawal date, which analysts said the PM would blame on opposition lawmakers in the event of a national poll.

The prospect of another delay hit sterling, which fell as low as $1.2843 on Wednesday. The unit had earlier this week broken $1.30 for the first time in five months on hopes of averting a painful no-deal divorce. It was also lower against the euro.

"Getting a revised withdrawal agreement to this point and winning with a convincing margin... is an extraordinary achievement," said Stephen Innes, senior market analyst at AxiTrader.

"But with parliament rejecting PM Johnson's truncated timetable in favour of more time to debate the bill, it now means members will give the statute the fine-tooth comb treatment, opening it to more criticism suggesting it could be knocked down later."

- 'Endless' permutations - 
However, one observer pointed out that remarks from Johnson that he would drag Britain out of the EU with the deal come what may be significant.

"This could be an important, indeed key, shift in the government's position as it may indicate a willingness to extend and then seek to get the bill through Parliament," said Neil Wilson at Markets.com.

"My initial thoughts are that the government will let the EU offer the extension to get the bill through, and (Johnson) can square the circle later with amendments etcetera."

But he added that "the permutations remain nearly endless... Uncertainty prevails, but parliament has backed a deal and that feels like a key moment".

The news weighed on US markets, with all three main indexes ending down, and the losses seeped through to Asia.

Tokyo went into the break slightly lower as investors returned from a one-day holiday, while Shanghai slipped 0.1 per cent and Sydney shed 0.2 per cent.

Hong Kong was down 0.5 per cent, with traders keeping tabs on reactions to a Financial Times report saying China was drawing up a plan to remove the city's beleaguered chief executive after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

Singapore fell 0.6 per cent and Seoul was off 0.3 per cent, while Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were also well into the red.

Wellington tumbled two per cent, with major construction firm Fletcher Building hit by a massive fire at a&nbsp;$450 million convention centre it is building in the middle of Auckland.

Oil prices dipped after data indicated US stockpiles increased again last week, reinforcing worries about demand as the world economy slows.&nbsp;

The pound extended losses Wednesday after Boris Johnson's failure to push through his Brexit deal fuelled fresh uncertainty, while Asian markets also ticked lower as investors took a step back after recent gains.

The pound extended losses Wednesday after Boris Johnson's failure to push through his Brexit deal fuelled fresh uncertainty, while Asian markets also ticked lower as investors took a step back after recent gains. With everything quiet on the China-US trade talks, attention was on Westminster where Britain's prime minister finally got MPs to agree to his EU divorce pact, but minutes later lost a vote on a truncated debate that would have passed it in just three days. The news means Johnson is unlikely to fulfil his pledge of leaving the European Union the October 31 deadline and raises the possibility of his calling a general election before the end of the year. EU chiefs are now expected to recommend another extension to the withdrawal date, which analysts said the PM would blame on opposition lawmakers in the event of a national poll. The prospect of another delay hit sterling, which fell as low as $1.2843 on Wednesday. The unit had earlier this week broken $1.30 for the first time in five months on hopes of averting a painful no-deal divorce. It was also lower against the euro. "Getting a revised withdrawal agreement to this point and winning with a convincing margin... is an extraordinary achievement," said Stephen Innes, senior market analyst at AxiTrader. "But with parliament rejecting PM Johnson's truncated timetable in favour of more time to debate the bill, it now means members will give the statute the fine-tooth comb treatment, opening it to more criticism suggesting it could be knocked down later." - 'Endless' permutations - However, one observer pointed out that remarks from Johnson that he would drag Britain out of the EU with the deal come what may be significant. "This could be an important, indeed key, shift in the government's position as it may indicate a willingness to extend and then seek to get the bill through Parliament," said Neil Wilson at Markets.com. "My initial thoughts are that the government will let the EU offer the extension to get the bill through, and (Johnson) can square the circle later with amendments etcetera." But he added that "the permutations remain nearly endless... Uncertainty prevails, but parliament has backed a deal and that feels like a key moment". The news weighed on US markets, with all three main indexes ending down, and the losses seeped through to Asia. Tokyo went into the break slightly lower as investors returned from a one-day holiday, while Shanghai slipped 0.1 per cent and Sydney shed 0.2 per cent. Hong Kong was down 0.5 per cent, with traders keeping tabs on reactions to a Financial Times report saying China was drawing up a plan to remove the city's beleaguered chief executive after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest. Singapore fell 0.6 per cent and Seoul was off 0.3 per cent, while Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were also well into the red. Wellington tumbled two per cent, with major construction firm Fletcher Building hit by a massive fire at a $450 million convention centre it is building in the middle of Auckland. Oil prices dipped after data indicated US stockpiles increased again last week, reinforcing worries about demand as the world economy slows.

Pound, Asian markets slip as Johnson Brexit bid fails again

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries.

Mt Kumgang was one of two major inter-Korean economic projects, along with the Kaesong industrial zone, and an important token of cooperation between the two Koreas during decades of hostilities following the Korean War.

But Kim, while inspecting the tourist spot on the east coast of North Korea, said it was a "mistaken idea" for Mt Kumgang to be viewed as a symbol of North-South relations.

The resort is on North Korean soil, and tourism there must not be under the control of South Korea, Kim said.

"We will always welcome our compatriots from the south if they want to come to Mt Kumgang after it is wonderfully built as the world-level tourist destination," Kim added.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said it was examining the North’s intentions.

“If there’s any request from the North, we’re always willing to hold discussions from the aspects of protecting our citizens’ property rights, the spirit of inter-Korean agreements and the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang,” ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a briefing on Wednesday.

North and South Korea had been exploring the prospect of re-starting joint economic projects before a recent cooling in relations. North Korea has criticised the South for adopting high-tech weapons and continuing joint military drills with the United States.

Tours suspended

South Koreans were allowed to visit Mt Kumgang starting in 1998 by sea and from 2003 by land, with South Korean firms such as Hyundai Asan Corp and Ananti Inc investing in the tourist spot, which channelled millions of dollars a year to Pyongyang.

However, South Korea suspended tours in 2008 after a North Korean soldier shot dead a South Korean tourist who had wandered unknowingly into a military area.

Hyundai Asan said in a brief statement it was perturbed by the report of Kim's pledge but it would "respond in a calm manner" to developments.

Hyundai Elevator, the majority shareholder of unlisted Hyundai Asan, fell 6.6 per cent, while shares in Ananti, which owns a golf and spa resort in Mt Kumgang that has been closed since 2008, were down 7 per cent.

South Korea-funded facilities have remained there since then, but tours from the South have not resumed amid international sanctions trying to force North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons programmes.

Only infrequent inter-Korean events, such as reunions of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, have been held there since.

Kim criticized the "mistaken policy of the predecessors" who were dependent on others to develop the tourist spot, and said Mt Kumgang must be taken care of as part of a larger tourist area that encompasses the mountain and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area, KCNA said.

Tourism is not subject to international sanctions and has increasingly become one of the focal industries central to Kim's policy of 'self-reliant' economic growth.

The resumption of Mt Kumgang tours has been repeatedly mentioned as a possibility by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in recent years.

During a summit with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September 2018, Moon and Kim had agreed to normalise Mt Kumgang tours and the Kaesong industrial complex "as soon as the environment is created," Moon announced at the time.

In April, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was asked his stance on the possibility of restarting tours to Mt. Kumgang before a summit with Moon.

"This isn’t the right time, but at the right time I’d have great support," Trump said, according to South Korean presidential office records, extolling the North's "tremendous" tourism potential.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said South Korean facilities in the North's Mt Kumgang tourist resort must be removed and rebuilt in a modern way, state media reported on Wednesday, underscoring the cooling of relations between the two countries. Mt Kumgang was one of two major inter-Korean economic projects, along with the Kaesong industrial zone, and an important token of cooperation between the two Koreas during decades of hostilities following the Korean War. But Kim, while inspecting the tourist spot on the east coast of North Korea, said it was a "mistaken idea" for Mt Kumgang to be viewed as a symbol of North-South relations. The resort is on North Korean soil, and tourism there must not be under the control of South Korea, Kim said. "We will always welcome our compatriots from the south if they want to come to Mt Kumgang after it is wonderfully built as the world-level tourist destination," Kim added. Seoul’s Unification Ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said it was examining the North’s intentions. “If there’s any request from the North, we’re always willing to hold discussions from the aspects of protecting our citizens’ property rights, the spirit of inter-Korean agreements and the resumption of tours to Mt. Kumgang,” ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a briefing on Wednesday. North and South Korea had been exploring the prospect of re-starting joint economic projects before a recent cooling in relations. North Korea has criticised the South for adopting high-tech weapons and continuing joint military drills with the United States. Tours suspended South Koreans were allowed to visit Mt Kumgang starting in 1998 by sea and from 2003 by land, with South Korean firms such as Hyundai Asan Corp and Ananti Inc investing in the tourist spot, which channelled millions of dollars a year to Pyongyang. However, South Korea suspended tours in 2008 after a North Korean soldier shot dead a South Korean tourist who had wandered unknowingly into a military area. Hyundai Asan said in a brief statement it was perturbed by the report of Kim's pledge but it would "respond in a calm manner" to developments. Hyundai Elevator, the majority shareholder of unlisted Hyundai Asan, fell 6.6 per cent, while shares in Ananti, which owns a golf and spa resort in Mt Kumgang that has been closed since 2008, were down 7 per cent. South Korea-funded facilities have remained there since then, but tours from the South have not resumed amid international sanctions trying to force North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons programmes. Only infrequent inter-Korean events, such as reunions of families separated by the 1950-1953 Korean War, have been held there since. Kim criticized the "mistaken policy of the predecessors" who were dependent on others to develop the tourist spot, and said Mt Kumgang must be taken care of as part of a larger tourist area that encompasses the mountain and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area, KCNA said. Tourism is not subject to international sanctions and has increasingly become one of the focal industries central to Kim's policy of 'self-reliant' economic growth. The resumption of Mt Kumgang tours has been repeatedly mentioned as a possibility by South Korean President Moon Jae-in in recent years. During a summit with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September 2018, Moon and Kim had agreed to normalise Mt Kumgang tours and the Kaesong industrial complex "as soon as the environment is created," Moon announced at the time. In April, US President Donald Trump was asked his stance on the possibility of restarting tours to Mt. Kumgang before a summit with Moon. "This isn’t the right time, but at the right time I’d have great support," Trump said, according to South Korean presidential office records, extolling the North's "tremendous" tourism potential.

North Korea leader Kim vows to clear South Korea relics from Kumgang resort

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