An Australian man has been sentenced to death for drug trafficking by a court in southern China.

The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court made the ruling on Wednesday against the man, who was identified only as an Australian citizen.

As well as the death sentence, his assets would be seized, the court said in a statement on its website, without providing any further details.

However, a report said the man was arrested at the end of 2013 when customs officers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport discovered more than 7.5kg (16.5lbs) of Ice, a form of methamphetamine, in his bag as he was trying to leave the country. The man was identified as Karm Gilespie.

While Australia’s foreign ministry said consular assistance was being provided to a citizen in China, it would not confirm the person’s identity, citing privacy obligations.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said&nbsp;"we are deeply saddened to hear of the verdict made in his case. Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people."

"We support the universal abolition of the death penalty and are committed to pursuing this goal through all the avenues available to us. Owing to our privacy obligations, we will not provide further comment," it said.

The announcement of the verdict comes amid tense relations between Beijing and Canberra following Australia’s support for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first reported in China.

Besides imposing tariffs on Australian barley, banning imports of beef from four Australian abattoirs and issuing other trade-related sanctions, Beijing released a travel alert&nbsp;warning citizens against travelling to Australia because of what it said had been a significant increase in the number of racist attacks on Chinese and Asian people.

The education ministry also issued a warning to Chinese students looking to continue their studies at Australian universities when the spring semester starts in July.

An Australian man has been sentenced to death for drug trafficking by a court in southern China. The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court made the ruling on Wednesday against the man, who was identified only as an Australian citizen.

An Australian man has been sentenced to death for drug trafficking by a court in southern China. The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court made the ruling on Wednesday against the man, who was identified only as an Australian citizen. As well as the death sentence, his assets would be seized, the court said in a statement on its website, without providing any further details. However, a report said the man was arrested at the end of 2013 when customs officers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport discovered more than 7.5kg (16.5lbs) of Ice, a form of methamphetamine, in his bag as he was trying to leave the country. The man was identified as Karm Gilespie. While Australia’s foreign ministry said consular assistance was being provided to a citizen in China, it would not confirm the person’s identity, citing privacy obligations. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said "we are deeply saddened to hear of the verdict made in his case. Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people." "We support the universal abolition of the death penalty and are committed to pursuing this goal through all the avenues available to us. Owing to our privacy obligations, we will not provide further comment," it said. The announcement of the verdict comes amid tense relations between Beijing and Canberra following Australia’s support for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first reported in China. Besides imposing tariffs on Australian barley, banning imports of beef from four Australian abattoirs and issuing other trade-related sanctions, Beijing released a travel alert warning citizens against travelling to Australia because of what it said had been a significant increase in the number of racist attacks on Chinese and Asian people. The education ministry also issued a warning to Chinese students looking to continue their studies at Australian universities when the spring semester starts in July.

Australian sentenced to death in China for smuggling meth in checked flight luggage

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

A top North Korean official warned that the country would soon take ''painful''&nbsp;retaliation against South Korea, saying that its trust in Seoul to uphold inter-Korean agreements has been ''shattered''&nbsp;by the government’s failure to stop activists from sending anti-regime leaflets into its territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-tensions-escalate-between-north-korea-and-south-korea-305202">Amid pandemic, tensions escalate between North Korea and South Korea</a>

In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) ahead of Monday’s 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s efforts to stop NGOs from launching balloons and bottles carrying anti-DPRK literature as ''lip-service.''

''The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities,''&nbsp;the statement, reportedly delivered by head of the United Front Department (UFD) Jang Geum Chol, read, accusing South Korea of having ''no will''&nbsp;to implement previous inter-Korean agreements.

''The confidence that [we] tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered,''&nbsp;he added. ''We really don’t want to stand face to face with them as they often talk tall as if to achieve something great but fail in taking even a step in practice.''

''The recent incident has smashed to pieces the confidence in the south Korean authorities that we have made so much effort to build.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-and-the-north-the-two-issues-of-south-korea-305463">Coronavirus and the North: The two issues of South Korea</a>

A meeting of South Korea’s Blue House earlier in the week aimed at taking steps&nbsp; to curb the launch of the balloons by activists, Jang said, was insincere.

South Korea has been the target of a wave of angry statements recently from the North, which has accused Seoul of allowing defectors to launch leaflets critical of leader Kim Jong Un into its territory.

The latest statement was in response to a South Korean foreign ministry official reportedly saying Seoul would continue "efforts for denuclearisation", referring to the long-stalled nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea.

"It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of south Korean authorities... who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or... poke their noses into the matters between" Pyongyang and Washington, Kwon Jong Gun, the North's foreign affairs official in charge of negotiating with the US, said in a statement.

Kwon denounced Seoul for trying to "meddle" in the process in the statement, which was carried by North Korea's official KCNA news agency and concluded with the warning: "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons. A top North Korean official warned that the country would soon take ''painful'' retaliation against South Korea, saying that its trust in Seoul to uphold inter-Korean agreements has been ''shattered'' by the government’s failure to stop activists from sending anti-regime leaflets into its territory. Also read: Amid pandemic, tensions escalate between North Korea and South Korea In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) ahead of Monday’s 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s efforts to stop NGOs from launching balloons and bottles carrying anti-DPRK literature as ''lip-service.'' ''The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities,'' the statement, reportedly delivered by head of the United Front Department (UFD) Jang Geum Chol, read, accusing South Korea of having ''no will'' to implement previous inter-Korean agreements. ''The confidence that [we] tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered,'' he added. ''We really don’t want to stand face to face with them as they often talk tall as if to achieve something great but fail in taking even a step in practice.'' ''The recent incident has smashed to pieces the confidence in the south Korean authorities that we have made so much effort to build.'' Also read: Coronavirus and the North: The two issues of South Korea A meeting of South Korea’s Blue House earlier in the week aimed at taking steps to curb the launch of the balloons by activists, Jang said, was insincere. South Korea has been the target of a wave of angry statements recently from the North, which has accused Seoul of allowing defectors to launch leaflets critical of leader Kim Jong Un into its territory. The latest statement was in response to a South Korean foreign ministry official reportedly saying Seoul would continue "efforts for denuclearisation", referring to the long-stalled nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea. "It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of south Korean authorities... who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or... poke their noses into the matters between" Pyongyang and Washington, Kwon Jong Gun, the North's foreign affairs official in charge of negotiating with the US, said in a statement. Kwon denounced Seoul for trying to "meddle" in the process in the statement, which was carried by North Korea's official KCNA news agency and concluded with the warning: "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."

North Korea warns South Korea of 'painful' consequences as tensions mount

Lagan Kishore, who was detained by Nepal's security personnel yesterday after firing near India-Nepal border, returned to Sitamarhi district of Bihar on Friday after being released by them.

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Bihar: One person Lagan Kishore, who was detained by Nepal's security personnel yesterday after firing near India-Nepal border, returned to Sitamarhi today after being released by them. <a href="https://t.co/wbwXj1ffDa">pic.twitter.com/wbwXj1ffDa</a>
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"We ran to return to India when they started firing, but they dragged me from the Indian side, hit me with a rifle butt and took me to Nepal's Sangrampur. They told me to confess that I was brought there from Nepal. I told them you can kill me but I was brought there from India," said Lagan Kishore while speaking to ANI.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-indian-killed-in-firing-by-nepal-forces-at-indo-nepal-border-305378">One Indian killed in firing by Nepal forces at Indo-Nepal border</a>

"My son and I was at the border to meet my daughter-in-law (a Nepali national). Security personnel from that side hit my son. They asked me to shut up when I asked why did they do that. They called up 10 more security personnel, they came to the border and fired bullets in air," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/firing-at-india-nepal-border-it-was-a-local-issue-that-generated-from-instant-altercation-says-dg-ssb-305445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An unprecedented incident of firing on Indians took place on Friday morning when some locals were going to Nepal as their daughter in law was there.

Nepal security personnel started firing on them in which one person died.According to the DG, during the firing three persons suffered injuries and one person died.

"A total of three persons have suffered injuries. Another person Vikesh Yadav succumbed to injuries. Two others who have sustained injuries have been identified as Umesh Ram and Uday Thakur," DG SSB Kumar Rajesh Chandra had said while speaking to ANI.

Lagan Kishore, who was detained by Nepal's security personnel yesterday after firing near India-Nepal border, returned to Sitamarhi district of Bihar on Friday after being released by them.

Lagan Kishore, who was detained by Nepal's security personnel yesterday after firing near India-Nepal border, returned to Sitamarhi district of Bihar on Friday after being released by them. Bihar: One person Lagan Kishore, who was detained by Nepal's security personnel yesterday after firing near India-Nepal border, returned to Sitamarhi today after being released by them. pic.twitter.com/wbwXj1ffDa — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2020 × "We ran to return to India when they started firing, but they dragged me from the Indian side, hit me with a rifle butt and took me to Nepal's Sangrampur. They told me to confess that I was brought there from Nepal. I told them you can kill me but I was brought there from India," said Lagan Kishore while speaking to ANI. Also read: One Indian killed in firing by Nepal forces at Indo-Nepal border "My son and I was at the border to meet my daughter-in-law (a Nepali national). Security personnel from that side hit my son. They asked me to shut up when I asked why did they do that. They called up 10 more security personnel, they came to the border and fired bullets in air," he added. An unprecedented incident of firing on Indians took place on Friday morning when some locals were going to Nepal as their daughter in law was there. Nepal security personnel started firing on them in which one person died.According to the DG, during the firing three persons suffered injuries and one person died. "A total of three persons have suffered injuries. Another person Vikesh Yadav succumbed to injuries. Two others who have sustained injuries have been identified as Umesh Ram and Uday Thakur," DG SSB Kumar Rajesh Chandra had said while speaking to ANI.

Indian man released by Nepal after firing incident at Indo-Nepal border

Twelve people were arrested for allegedly thrashing Dalits in Sikandarpur Aima village under Maharajganj Police Station here, police said on Saturday.

Action is being initiated against them under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), a senior officer said, adding that the SHO of Maharajganj Police Station, Arvind Pandey, was suspended for laxity in duty.

Under NSA, a person can be detained without a charge for up to 12 months if authorities are satisfied that they are a threat to national security or law and order.

On Wednesday evening, some local Muslims had allegedly molested Dalit girls near the village tubewell, police said.

"When residents of the Dalit locality resisted, they were attacked with sharp-edged weapons and sticks. In the police complaint, 9 people were named while 10 were unidentified,? Superintendent of Police of Azamgarh, Triveni Singh said.

Of them, 12 have been arrested and action is being initiated against them under the NSA,&nbsp;Singh added.

A cash reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information on the absconding accused, he said.

Twelve people were arrested for allegedly thrashing Dalits in Sikandarpur Aima village under Maharajganj Police Station here, police said on Saturday. Action is being initiated against them under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), a senior officer said, adding that the SHO of Maharajganj Police Station, Arvind Pandey, was suspended for laxity in duty.

Twelve people were arrested for allegedly thrashing Dalits in Sikandarpur Aima village under Maharajganj Police Station here, police said on Saturday. Action is being initiated against them under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), a senior officer said, adding that the SHO of Maharajganj Police Station, Arvind Pandey, was suspended for laxity in duty. Under NSA, a person can be detained without a charge for up to 12 months if authorities are satisfied that they are a threat to national security or law and order. On Wednesday evening, some local Muslims had allegedly molested Dalit girls near the village tubewell, police said. "When residents of the Dalit locality resisted, they were attacked with sharp-edged weapons and sticks. In the police complaint, 9 people were named while 10 were unidentified,? Superintendent of Police of Azamgarh, Triveni Singh said. Of them, 12 have been arrested and action is being initiated against them under the NSA, Singh added. A cash reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information on the absconding accused, he said.

12 held for thrashing Dalits in Uttar Pradesh village

Surgeons led by an Indian-origin doctor have performed a double-lung transplant on a patient whose lungs were damaged by COVID-19, a surgery believed to be the first of its kind in the US since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

The Chicago patient is in her twenties and was on a ventilator and heart-lung machine for almost two months before her operation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The 10-hour procedure was challenging because the virus had left her lungs full of holes and almost fused to the chest wall, said Ankit Bharat, who performed the operation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-doctor-couple-begin-legal-battle-with-uk-government-over-ppe-kits-304939">Indian-origin doctor couple begin legal battle with UK government over PPE kits</a>

The patient spent six weeks in the coronavirus&nbsp;ICU on a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support machine that does the work of the heart and lungs, the hospital said. By early June, the patient’s lungs showed irreversible damage. The lung transplant team listed her for a double-lung transplant, and 48 hours later, performed the life-saving procedure a the hospital.

“A lung transplant was her only chance for survival,” says Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery and surgical director of the Northwestern Medicine Lung Transplant Program.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-hiv-scientist-gita-ramjee-dies-from-coronavirus-289940">Indian-origin HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies from coronavirus</a>

“We are one of the first health systems to successfully perform a lung transplant on a patient recovering from Covid-19. We want other transplant centers to know that while the transplant procedure in these patients is quite technically challenging, it can be done safely, and it offers the terminally ill Covid-19 patients another option for survival.” Before putting the patient on the transplant wait-list, she had to test negative for Covid-19.

“For many days, she was the sickest person in the Covid ICU – and possibly the entire hospital,” said Beth Malsin, MD, pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “One of the most exciting times was when the first coronavirus test came back negative and we had the first sign she may have cleared the virus to become eligible for a life-saving transplant,” Malsin said.

“Due to the ability of Northwestern Medicine’s programme to support patients with life-threatening lung failure for extended durations, the patient could get adequate time to clear the virus from her body, allowing the consideration of transplantation,” said Bharat. “This is one of the toughest transplants I’ve done,” The Washinton Post quoted Bharat as saying. “This was truly one of the most challenging cases.” Meerut-born Bharat said. Surgeons in Austria on May 26 performed the world’s first known lung transplant to save the life of a Covid-19 survivor, a 45-year-old woman stricken with a severe form of the disease. Bharat said he and others in his field are not aware of another organ transplant of any kind in the United States involving a recipient who had contracted the coronavirus.

The United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that coordinates transplantation in the United States, has no record of an organ transplant into a Covid-19 patient as of May 29, spokeswoman Anne Paschke said. However, hospitals have two months from the date of surgery to report a transplant to the Richmond organisation, she said.

The median life of a double-lung transplant is about nine years before the organs must be replaced, but experts have seen transplanted lungs function much longer, Bharat said.

Surgeons led by an Indian-origin doctor have performed a double-lung transplant on a patient whose lungs were damaged by COVID-19, a surgery believed to be the first of its kind in the US since the pandemic began.

Surgeons led by an Indian-origin doctor have performed a double-lung transplant on a patient whose lungs were damaged by COVID-19, a surgery believed to be the first of its kind in the US since the pandemic began. The Chicago patient is in her twenties and was on a ventilator and heart-lung machine for almost two months before her operation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The 10-hour procedure was challenging because the virus had left her lungs full of holes and almost fused to the chest wall, said Ankit Bharat, who performed the operation. Also read: Indian-origin doctor couple begin legal battle with UK government over PPE kits The patient spent six weeks in the coronavirus ICU on a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support machine that does the work of the heart and lungs, the hospital said. By early June, the patient’s lungs showed irreversible damage. The lung transplant team listed her for a double-lung transplant, and 48 hours later, performed the life-saving procedure a the hospital. “A lung transplant was her only chance for survival,” says Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of thoracic surgery and surgical director of the Northwestern Medicine Lung Transplant Program. Also read: Indian-origin HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies from coronavirus “We are one of the first health systems to successfully perform a lung transplant on a patient recovering from Covid-19. We want other transplant centers to know that while the transplant procedure in these patients is quite technically challenging, it can be done safely, and it offers the terminally ill Covid-19 patients another option for survival.” Before putting the patient on the transplant wait-list, she had to test negative for Covid-19. “For many days, she was the sickest person in the Covid ICU – and possibly the entire hospital,” said Beth Malsin, MD, pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “One of the most exciting times was when the first coronavirus test came back negative and we had the first sign she may have cleared the virus to become eligible for a life-saving transplant,” Malsin said. “Due to the ability of Northwestern Medicine’s programme to support patients with life-threatening lung failure for extended durations, the patient could get adequate time to clear the virus from her body, allowing the consideration of transplantation,” said Bharat. “This is one of the toughest transplants I’ve done,” The Washinton Post quoted Bharat as saying. “This was truly one of the most challenging cases.” Meerut-born Bharat said. Surgeons in Austria on May 26 performed the world’s first known lung transplant to save the life of a Covid-19 survivor, a 45-year-old woman stricken with a severe form of the disease. Bharat said he and others in his field are not aware of another organ transplant of any kind in the United States involving a recipient who had contracted the coronavirus. The United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that coordinates transplantation in the United States, has no record of an organ transplant into a Covid-19 patient as of May 29, spokeswoman Anne Paschke said. However, hospitals have two months from the date of surgery to report a transplant to the Richmond organisation, she said. The median life of a double-lung transplant is about nine years before the organs must be replaced, but experts have seen transplanted lungs function much longer, Bharat said.

US: Indian-origin doctor performs first lung transplant for COVID-19 survivor

The members of of the European Union's&nbsp;parliament are&nbsp;mulling to sue China in the highest court of the United Nations for imposing a national security law for Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.

According to the draft document, which is expected to be finished on Friday, ''the European Parliament calls on the EU and its member states to consider filing a case before the International Court of Justice, alleging that China’s decision to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong violates the Sino-British Joint Declaration”'' as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Supported by the leading groups in the parliament, the draft resolution also calls for the European Union to follow Britain’s example and provide a ''lifeboat policy''&nbsp;to those people living in Hong Kong&nbsp;but&nbsp;wish to leave the city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-names-and-shames-china-russia-for-spreading-disinformation-campaigns-304973">EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns'</a>

Britain has vowed to offer 3 million Hongkongers a path to British citizenship should Beijing impose the national security law.

Containing a long list of recommended actions, the draft resolution also urges UN human rights officials to appoint a special envoy in charge of the city; the EU to enact ''Magnitsky-style''&nbsp;sanctions to punish ''leaders who conduct this crackdown on Hong Kong and its people''; and the Chinese central government to “desist from blackmailing European businesses” into supporting the national security law.

Even if passed next week, the resolution is not binding on either the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, or the EU’s member states.

<img alt="The European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium. The parliament is working on a resolution calling for the European Union to take China to court over its moves on Hong Kong. Photo: AFP" data-v-107701cc="" data-v-22ae94a0="" src="https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1200x800/public/d8/images/methode/2020/06/12/8f816626-ac2e-11ea-bf1b-7541df8028ff_image_hires_071358.jpg?itok=XEy5zhjj&amp;v=1591917244" />

The European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium. The parliament is working on a resolution calling for the European Union to take China to court over its moves on Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Still, it would create political pressure on the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel ahead of their annual summit with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in less than two weeks. The meeting will come as Beijing moves closer to imposing the sweeping law that critics fear will curb the political freedoms now enjoyed by the 7 million Hongkongers.

The parliament’s draft motion ''strongly urges''&nbsp;the EU executive leaders to ''address the issue of the national security law for Hong Kong as a top priority on the agenda of the upcoming EU-China Summit.''

The draft also ''strongly condemns the constant and increasing interference by China in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, as well the recent assertion by China that the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 is a historic document, and hence is no longer valid.''

The strong action by the parliament, the EU’s legislative branch, contrasts with the more measured approach so far taken by the commission.

The commission is trying to reach a trade agreement with China, leading some parliament members to ask if that was behind the commission’s relatively soft-spoken response to Beijing’s action against Hong Kong, compared to Washington and London.

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The members of of the European Union's parliament are mulling to sue China in the highest court of the United Nations for imposing a national security law for Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post.

The members of of the European Union's parliament are mulling to sue China in the highest court of the United Nations for imposing a national security law for Hong Kong, according to the South China Morning Post. According to the draft document, which is expected to be finished on Friday, ''the European Parliament calls on the EU and its member states to consider filing a case before the International Court of Justice, alleging that China’s decision to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong violates the Sino-British Joint Declaration”'' as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Supported by the leading groups in the parliament, the draft resolution also calls for the European Union to follow Britain’s example and provide a ''lifeboat policy'' to those people living in Hong Kong but wish to leave the city. Also read: EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns' Britain has vowed to offer 3 million Hongkongers a path to British citizenship should Beijing impose the national security law. Containing a long list of recommended actions, the draft resolution also urges UN human rights officials to appoint a special envoy in charge of the city; the EU to enact ''Magnitsky-style'' sanctions to punish ''leaders who conduct this crackdown on Hong Kong and its people''; and the Chinese central government to “desist from blackmailing European businesses” into supporting the national security law. Even if passed next week, the resolution is not binding on either the EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, or the EU’s member states. The European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium. The parliament is working on a resolution calling for the European Union to take China to court over its moves on Hong Kong. Photo: AFP Still, it would create political pressure on the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel ahead of their annual summit with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in less than two weeks. The meeting will come as Beijing moves closer to imposing the sweeping law that critics fear will curb the political freedoms now enjoyed by the 7 million Hongkongers. The parliament’s draft motion ''strongly urges'' the EU executive leaders to ''address the issue of the national security law for Hong Kong as a top priority on the agenda of the upcoming EU-China Summit.'' The draft also ''strongly condemns the constant and increasing interference by China in Hong Kong’s internal affairs, as well the recent assertion by China that the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 is a historic document, and hence is no longer valid.'' The strong action by the parliament, the EU’s legislative branch, contrasts with the more measured approach so far taken by the commission. The commission is trying to reach a trade agreement with China, leading some parliament members to ask if that was behind the commission’s relatively soft-spoken response to Beijing’s action against Hong Kong, compared to Washington and London.

EU parliament considering UN court action against Hong Kong's national security law

A Spanish archaeologist whose&nbsp;staggering discoveries&nbsp;included one of the earliest representations of the crucifixion&nbsp;and proof that the written Basque language was centuries older than previously thought has been found guilty of faking the finds.

In June 2006 when Eliseo Gil presented artefacts excavated from the Roman town of Veleia, near the Basque city of Vitoria.

<img alt="Eliseo Gil " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e0ba5f4-9f07-4972-8cd3-308d63292e73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/699.jpg" /> 
Eliseo Gil 

The discoveries included: pieces of third-century pottery&nbsp;engraved with one of the first depictions of the crucified Christ, along with Egyptian hieroglyphics, and with Basque words that predated the earliest known written examples of the language by 600 years.

Gil proclaimed that his finds would “rewrite the history books”, and for a while it looked as though they might. But less than two years later, an expert committee questioned&nbsp;the authenticity of the discoveries. As well as pointing out that some of the pieces bore traces of modern glue, they found references to non-existent gods – and to the 17th-century French philosopher René Descartes.

<img alt="basque" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4ff7cdf-ee12-43df-8e82-dc738b434fca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5120.jpg" /> 
he site near the Roman town of Veleia, near the Basque city of Vitoria, where Eliseo Gil said he discovered artefacts that would ‘rewrite the history books’.|AFP

Further suspicions emerged when it was noted that the crucifixion scene bore the abbreviation RIP, which would have called into question Christ’s resurrection and divinity.

Equally suspicious was the fact that the first letter of the name of the Roman god Jupiter had been spelled not with an I but with a J, a letter than does not exist in the Latin alphabet.

“They’re either a joke or a fraud,” Martín Almagro, a professor in prehistory from Madrid, said at the time, adding: “How has something like this been taken seriously for so long?”&nbsp;

On Wednesday a court in Vitoria found Gil and his collaborator Rubén Cerdán&nbsp;guilty of fraud and keeping false records.

It ruled that the finds had been manipulated “with contemporary incisions that were intended to suggest they contained inscriptions or markings of the same age as the objects themselves, and that they possessed a historical and cultural value of which they were devoid”.

Gil was sentenced to a total of two years and three months, while Cerdán was handed a 15-month sentence. Both were ordered to pay a fine of €12,500 to the provincial authorities in Álava, which helped fund the excavations.

The men are unlikely to serve time in prison as neither received a custodial sentence of more than two years for any individual offence. Under Spanish law, prison sentences of less than two years are usually suspended if the defendant has no prior convictions.

The Basque police officer who led the investigation told the court that the case was “one of the greatest falsifications or manipulations relating to archaeological materials from the Roman world”.

A Spanish archaeologist whose staggering discoveries included one of the earliest representations of the crucifixion and proof that the written Basque language was centuries older than previously thought has been found guilty of faking the finds.

A Spanish archaeologist whose staggering discoveries included one of the earliest representations of the crucifixion and proof that the written Basque language was centuries older than previously thought has been found guilty of faking the finds. In June 2006 when Eliseo Gil presented artefacts excavated from the Roman town of Veleia, near the Basque city of Vitoria. Eliseo Gil The discoveries included: pieces of third-century pottery engraved with one of the first depictions of the crucified Christ, along with Egyptian hieroglyphics, and with Basque words that predated the earliest known written examples of the language by 600 years. Gil proclaimed that his finds would “rewrite the history books”, and for a while it looked as though they might. But less than two years later, an expert committee questioned the authenticity of the discoveries. As well as pointing out that some of the pieces bore traces of modern glue, they found references to non-existent gods – and to the 17th-century French philosopher René Descartes. he site near the Roman town of Veleia, near the Basque city of Vitoria, where Eliseo Gil said he discovered artefacts that would ‘rewrite the history books’.|AFP Further suspicions emerged when it was noted that the crucifixion scene bore the abbreviation RIP, which would have called into question Christ’s resurrection and divinity. Equally suspicious was the fact that the first letter of the name of the Roman god Jupiter had been spelled not with an I but with a J, a letter than does not exist in the Latin alphabet. “They’re either a joke or a fraud,” Martín Almagro, a professor in prehistory from Madrid, said at the time, adding: “How has something like this been taken seriously for so long?” On Wednesday a court in Vitoria found Gil and his collaborator Rubén Cerdán guilty of fraud and keeping false records. It ruled that the finds had been manipulated “with contemporary incisions that were intended to suggest they contained inscriptions or markings of the same age as the objects themselves, and that they possessed a historical and cultural value of which they were devoid”. Gil was sentenced to a total of two years and three months, while Cerdán was handed a 15-month sentence. Both were ordered to pay a fine of €12,500 to the provincial authorities in Álava, which helped fund the excavations. The men are unlikely to serve time in prison as neither received a custodial sentence of more than two years for any individual offence. Under Spanish law, prison sentences of less than two years are usually suspended if the defendant has no prior convictions. The Basque police officer who led the investigation told the court that the case was “one of the greatest falsifications or manipulations relating to archaeological materials from the Roman world”.

Renowned Spanish archaeologist sentenced for faking Basque finds

Two restaurant owners called Apichart Bowornbancharak and Prapassorn Bawornban&nbsp;have been sentenced to 723 years in prison in&nbsp;Thailand, after defrauding the public with a seafood promotion.

They both sold vouchers to customers that entitled them to use their seafood buffet at an extremely low price. But they later reneged on the promotions, leading to complaints from hundreds of disgruntled customers.

Up to 20,000 people had purchased&nbsp;$1.6 million worth of vouchers before the&nbsp;Laemgate seafood restaurant was shut down.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/live-streaming-seafood-seller-makes-millions-in-sales-in-thailand-229241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They were found guilty on 723 counts on Wednesday and sentenced to 1,446 years in jail each.

They pleaded guilty and their sentences were cut by half to 723 years each. They will in fact only be serving a maximum of 20 years.

Their company, Laemgate Infinite, was also fined 1.8m baht, and the co-owners and the company was ordered to refund 2.5m baht in damages to the victims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-seafood-companys-vessel-spawns-a-coronavirus-cluster-with-86-new-cases-302388">American seafood company's vessel spawns a coronavirus cluster with 86 new cases</a>

In 2017, a Thai court sentenced a fraudster to more than 13,000 years in prison.

It is not uncommon for those found guilty of fraud in Thailand to be sentenced to such long terms, owing to the number of complaints received.

However, Thai law limits jail time for public fraud to 20 years.

Two restaurant owners called Apichart Bowornbancharak and Prapassorn Bawornban have been sentenced to 723 years in prison in Thailand, after defrauding the public with a seafood promotion.

Two restaurant owners called Apichart Bowornbancharak and Prapassorn Bawornban have been sentenced to 723 years in prison in Thailand, after defrauding the public with a seafood promotion. They both sold vouchers to customers that entitled them to use their seafood buffet at an extremely low price. But they later reneged on the promotions, leading to complaints from hundreds of disgruntled customers. Up to 20,000 people had purchased $1.6 million worth of vouchers before the Laemgate seafood restaurant was shut down. They were found guilty on 723 counts on Wednesday and sentenced to 1,446 years in jail each. They pleaded guilty and their sentences were cut by half to 723 years each. They will in fact only be serving a maximum of 20 years. Their company, Laemgate Infinite, was also fined 1.8m baht, and the co-owners and the company was ordered to refund 2.5m baht in damages to the victims. Also read: American seafood company's vessel spawns a coronavirus cluster with 86 new cases In 2017, a Thai court sentenced a fraudster to more than 13,000 years in prison. It is not uncommon for those found guilty of fraud in Thailand to be sentenced to such long terms, owing to the number of complaints received. However, Thai law limits jail time for public fraud to 20 years.

Thai restaurant owners sentenced 723 years of imprisonment for seafood scam

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to&nbsp;impose sanctions&nbsp;on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

"These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement.

"These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-authorises-sanctions-over-icc-afghanistan-war-crimes-case-305171" hreflang="en">Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case</a>

In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty.

"We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil.

“The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter.

Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.”

“This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea&nbsp;Prasow.

The ICC was established in&nbsp;2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities.

The International Criminal Court says United States President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions on court employees investigating alleged war crimes in Afghanistan is not only an attack on the court and the system of international criminal justice, but on the interests of the victims of atrocities. "These are the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks on the ICC," the Hague-based court said in a statement. "These attacks constitute an escalation and an unacceptable attempt to interfere with the rule of law and the Court's judicial proceedings," said the ICC. Also read: Trump authorises sanctions over ICC Afghanistan war crimes case In a statement, ICC president O-Gon Kwon said he “rejects measures taken against” the Hague-based body. US President Donald Trump on Thursday authorized sanctions against any official at the International Criminal Court who investigates US troops, ramping up pressure to stop its case into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. The administration had accused the court, which the US has never recognised, of infringing on its sovereignty. "We cannot, we will not stand by as our people are threatened by a kangaroo court," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in announcing the move. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced “serious concern” and said the court “must be respected and supported by all nations.” Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said he was “very disturbed” by the US move, and said The Netherlands supported the court on its soil. “The ICC is crucial in the fight against impunity and upholding international rule of law,” Blok wrote on Twitter. Human Rights Watch said Trump’s order “demonstrates contempt for the global rule of law.” “This assault on the ICC is an effort to block victims of serious crimes whether in Afghanistan, Israel or Palestine from seeing justice,” said the group’s Washington director, Andrea Prasow. The ICC was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity and genocide in areas where perpetrators might not otherwise face justice. Some 123 states from across the world recognise its jurisdiction.

Trump's sanctions attack the court, victims of atrocities: International Criminal Court of Justice

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s&nbsp;search&nbsp;for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign.

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Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-lead-over-donald-trump-as-55-americans-back-him-for-presidency-survey-304298">Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey</a>

With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash.

Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement.

Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018.

Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-appoint-a-woman-as-vice-president-if-elected-president-biden-286568">&nbsp;I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden</a>

"He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday.

“Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added.

The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month.

"We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said.

Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.
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As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate.

As protests over racism and police brutality roil the country, Democrats are putting more importance in Joe Biden choosing a black candidate or a woman of colour as his running mate. The widescale uprisings have reshaped the national dialogue around Biden’s search for a running mate and made the issue of an African American vice presidential nominee a top consideration for the campaign. Biden’s list of contenders includes Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Florida Rep. Val Demings and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. All three have seen their public profiles rise in recent weeks. Harris, the lone VP contender to have run against Biden in the primary, also saw her favorability among Democrats rise in the poll. Meantime, public attention on Bottoms has grown since her well-reviewed speech after massive protests and looting descended on her city. Also read: Joe Biden extends lead over Donald Trump as 55% Americans back him for presidency: Survey With the focus turning to police reform, Demings, a former metropolitan police chief, and Harris, a former district attorney and state attorney general, have leaned on their personal experiences despite the potential for backlash. Both argue that their careers, which became a burden for Harris in the primary, are an asset in their efforts to overhaul law enforcement. Other African American women under consideration include former national security adviser Susan Rice and Stacey Abrams, a former Democratic state House leader in Georgia who narrowly lost a race for governor in 2018. Amid nationwide protests sweeping the nation calling for systemic change following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police, former vice president and presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden is aware of the increased calls for him to choose a woman of color as his running mate, according to Biden’s senior adviser, Symone Sanders. Also read: I will appoint a woman as vice president, if elected president: Biden "He absolutely is. He hears the concerns of folks across this country who have asked for an African American woman vice president running mate, but also folks from the Latino community have said he should pick a Latina. There are folks that believe he should pick someone that represents the LGBTQ+ community," Sanders said in an appearance on ABC’s "The View" on Wednesday. “Your points are well taken, and I will have to tell you that if you were to ask Joe Biden today, he would say he doesn't know who he's going to pick, but he can promise you that the person he will pick will be ready to govern on day one, will mirror the relationship he and President Obama had, and it could be a black woman but we just don't know yet. We'll have to wait and see,” Sanders added. The campaign is also seeking to draw a sharp contrast with President Donald Trump as calls for tangible police reform grow, and Sanders argued Wednesday that the president had “abdicated” leadership on the issue and is instead “hiding in a bunker,” a reference to reports that Trump was taken to a secure location in the White House due to growing protests in the vicinity of the complex earlier this month. "We believe that Donald Trump has abdicated his position of leadership. When Vice President Biden was out touring the unrest that happened in his own city just a couple miles from where he lived in Wilmington, Delaware last week, where was Donald Trump? He was in a bunker...hiding in a bunker," Sanders said. Sanders also pointed to criticism of Trump from former top defense officials like former Defense Secretary James Mattis as evidence that there is a growing attitude even among Republicans that the president must be defeated in November.

Biden may select black woman candidate for post of vice president

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-us-states-report-spike-in-coronavirus-cases-as-stocks-plunge-305259" hreflang="en">Several US states report spike in coronavirus cases as stocks plunge</a>

<img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dffb8fb-64b1-47af-9b26-61e3d583e3ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/144450-coronvirus-in-us.jpg" />

Several US states witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases as the COVID-19 death toll climbed to over 1 million on Thursday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-us-states-report-spike-in-coronavirus-cases-as-stocks-plunge-305259">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/twitter-deletes-thousands-of-accounts-linked-to-chinas-covid-19-spin-hong-kong-protests-305264">Twitter deletes thousands of accounts linked to China's COVID-19 spin</a>

<img alt="tWITTER" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e2645b8-0044-4f93-8f90-c189453243d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/127236-untitled-design-37.jpg" /> 
US social media giant Twitter said on Friday that it had removed thousands of accounts linked to China, Russia, and Turkey's state propaganda. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/twitter-deletes-thousands-of-accounts-linked-to-chinas-covid-19-spin-hong-kong-protests-305264">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-in-brazil-crosses-40000-peru-reports-deaths-of-170-cops-305261">COVID-19: Death toll in Brazil crosses 40,000; Peru reports deaths of 170 cops</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="764e4f74-ff0c-46ab-a495-71f58d0ffae4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/144451-brazil.jpg" />

As the number of coronavirus cases in Latin America crossed 1.5 million, Brazil on Thursday reported 40,000 total deaths due to COVID-19 and 800,000 cases. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-in-brazil-crosses-40000-peru-reports-deaths-of-170-cops-305261">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-to-reduce-troops-from-iraq-in-coming-months-305276">US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months</a>

<img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="40c4a4d1-4142-4c1c-a79c-facdcf0bfd38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/142120-us-afghan-reuters.jpg" /> 
The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-to-reduce-troops-from-iraq-in-coming-months-305276">Read more</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-continues-war-propaganda-amid-the-rising-border-tension-between-india-china-305281/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Several US states report spike in coronavirus cases as stocks plunge Several US states witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases as the COVID-19 death toll climbed to over 1 million on Thursday.

Several US states report spike in coronavirus cases as stocks plunge Several US states witnessed a spike in coronavirus cases as the COVID-19 death toll climbed to over 1 million on Thursday. Read more Twitter deletes thousands of accounts linked to China's COVID-19 spin US social media giant Twitter said on Friday that it had removed thousands of accounts linked to China, Russia, and Turkey's state propaganda. Read more COVID-19: Death toll in Brazil crosses 40,000; Peru reports deaths of 170 cops As the number of coronavirus cases in Latin America crossed 1.5 million, Brazil on Thursday reported 40,000 total deaths due to COVID-19 and 800,000 cases. Read more US vows to reduce troops from Iraq in coming months The United States on Thursday vowed that in the coming months it would withdraw troops from Iraq. Read more

Morning news brief: US reports spike in COVID-19 cases, Twitter deletes thousands of accounts and more

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the&nbsp;leaders’ first summit.

US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA.

The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but&nbsp;the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-meddling-in-inter-korean-affairs-can-affect-election-north-korea-304974">US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea</a>

Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate&nbsp;North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change.

“Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.”

On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly.

Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse.

“The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said.

The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit.

North Korea sees no improvement in relations to be made by maintaining a relationship between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump, state media reported on Friday on the two-year anniversary of the leaders’ first summit. US policies prove Washington remains a long-term threat to the North Korean state and its people, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA. The Singapore summit in June 2018 represented the first time a sitting American president met with a North Korean leader, but the statement that came out of the meeting was light on specifics, opting instead for four general commitments Also read: US meddling in inter-Korean affairs can affect election: North Korea Ri said in retrospect the Trump administration appears to have been open to talks while seeking to isolate and suffocate North Korea, and threatening it with preemptive nuclear strikes and regime change. “Never again will we provide the US chief executive with another package to be used for achievements without receiving any returns,” he said. “Nothing is more hypocritical than an empty promise.” On Thursday North Korea criticised the United States for commenting on inter-Korean affairs, and said Washington should stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly. Ri said North Korea’s desire to open a new cooperative era runs deep as ever, but that the situation on the Korean peninsula is daily taking a turn for the worse. “The US professes to be an advocate for improved relations with the DPRK, but in fact, it is hell-bent on only exacerbating the situation,” Ri said. The official name of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). North Korea will continue to build up its military forces to cope with the threats from the United States, Ri said.

North Korea sees no future benefit of Kim's relationship with Trump

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