US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-prez-donald-trump-holds-rally-in-wisconsin- 274347">Donald Trump</a> has joined the chorus for weakening device encryptions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backs-sanders-in-row-with-warren-over-prospect-of-female-us-president-274374">Trump backs Sanders in row with Warren over prospect of female US president</a>

And on his radar, this time is the technology giant Apple.

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/democratic-debate-in-iowa-274401">Democratic Debate in Iowa</a>

Trump asked Apple to help the federal agencies unlock phones that are used by criminals something that Apple has refused to do.

He said that his government had consistently helped apple in trade matters and so it was time for Apple to reciprocate.

The US president in his tweet, said:&nbsp;"We are helping Apple all of the time on trade&nbsp;and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, Now! Make America great again."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1217228960964038658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's latest comments came after attorney general William Barr said that Apple "refused to cooperate"&nbsp;in the Florida shooting case involving a Saudi gunman.

Apple says that they offered all the necessary data to the FBI, including cloud data and back-ups.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/trump-calls-for-weaker-encryption-wants-suspects-iphones-unlocked-274433/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But they have consistently denied easing encryption levels for law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;In a statement issued on Monday, the company said there would be no backdoor entry for the good guys.

This is the latest instance in a long stand-off between Apple and the American government.&nbsp;Back in 2015, a terrorist attack in San Bernardino claimed the lives of 14 people.&nbsp;The FBI obtained a court order asking Apple to unlock the attacker's I-phone.

But Apple did not comply, and the FBI ended up using a private company to bypass the encryption.

Apple had a stand-off with the Obama administration over the same problem, and now it has spilt over to the Trump regime.

Tech companies like Apple and Google argue that weaker encryption will jeopardize billions of devices across the world.

But US Senate in December warned that if tech companies do not cooperate with law enforcement, they would introduce laws to regulate encryption.

Even in India, the government is fighting a battle with tech giants over encryption.

The Indian government argued that a terrorist cannot have privacy in India, and so phones belonging to criminals must be decrypted by the parent companies.

The disputes reached the Supreme Court, where Facebook argued that it was not legally bound to share data with the Indian government.

The company said it was open to the government decrypting messages by itself, but not to wilfully sharing user data.&nbsp;The case is a reminder of an earlier row between Facebook and the Indian government&nbsp;over WhatsApp decryption row.

US President Donald Trump has joined the chorus for weakening device encryptions. Also read: Trump backs Sanders in row with Warren over prospect of female US president And on his radar, this time is the technology giant Apple.

US President Donald Trump has joined the chorus for weakening device encryptions. Also read: Trump backs Sanders in row with Warren over prospect of female US president And on his radar, this time is the technology giant Apple. Also see- Democratic Debate in Iowa Trump asked Apple to help the federal agencies unlock phones that are used by criminals something that Apple has refused to do. He said that his government had consistently helped apple in trade matters and so it was time for Apple to reciprocate. The US president in his tweet, said: "We are helping Apple all of the time on trade and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, Now! Make America great again." We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2020 × Trump's latest comments came after attorney general William Barr said that Apple "refused to cooperate" in the Florida shooting case involving a Saudi gunman. Apple says that they offered all the necessary data to the FBI, including cloud data and back-ups. × But they have consistently denied easing encryption levels for law enforcement agencies. In a statement issued on Monday, the company said there would be no backdoor entry for the good guys. This is the latest instance in a long stand-off between Apple and the American government. Back in 2015, a terrorist attack in San Bernardino claimed the lives of 14 people. The FBI obtained a court order asking Apple to unlock the attacker's I-phone. But Apple did not comply, and the FBI ended up using a private company to bypass the encryption. Apple had a stand-off with the Obama administration over the same problem, and now it has spilt over to the Trump regime. Tech companies like Apple and Google argue that weaker encryption will jeopardize billions of devices across the world. But US Senate in December warned that if tech companies do not cooperate with law enforcement, they would introduce laws to regulate encryption. Even in India, the government is fighting a battle with tech giants over encryption. The Indian government argued that a terrorist cannot have privacy in India, and so phones belonging to criminals must be decrypted by the parent companies. The disputes reached the Supreme Court, where Facebook argued that it was not legally bound to share data with the Indian government. The company said it was open to the government decrypting messages by itself, but not to wilfully sharing user data. The case is a reminder of an earlier row between Facebook and the Indian government over WhatsApp decryption row.

We help Apple on trade, yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers: Trump

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election.&nbsp;

Warren's comments came amid escalating tensions between her and Sanders, who are friends and have similar ideological leanings.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-disappointed-bernie-sanders-sent-volunteers-to-trash-me-elizabeth-warren-273907">'I'm disappointed Bernie Sanders sent volunteers to trash me': Elizabeth Warren</a>

Earlier, as per a CNN report, Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that he does not believe that a woman could beat US President Donald Trump. The media outlet also mentioned the names of four people who have knowledge about the meeting.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/warren-sanders-campaigns-spar-in-rare-show-of-discord-between-progressive-democratic-contenders-273901/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sanders denied the report and in an interview to CNN said that it was "ludicrous" that he would tell Warren a woman could not win.&nbsp;

"I thought a woman could win; he disagreed," Warren said in a statement released on Monday.&nbsp;

Warren&nbsp;later said that she has no interest in discussing this private meeting anymore "because Bernie and I have far more in common than our differences in punditry".

The tensions between both the senators earlier rose when Politico reported on Sunday that Sanders' campaign volunteers are describing Warren as a candidate for the elite.&nbsp;

Warren responded she was disappointed to know that Sanders&nbsp;was sending volunteers to "trash" her.&nbsp;

Sanders later said that he didn't approve of talking negative points about other rival candidates.&nbsp;

"Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine... No one is gonna trash Elizabeth Warren," Sanders had said.&nbsp;

Warren and Sanders will face off in the seventh Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election.

Elizabeth Warren made another stunning revelation against fellow Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders that he had told her earlier that a woman could not win the 2020 US election. Warren's comments came amid escalating tensions between her and Sanders, who are friends and have similar ideological leanings. Also read: 'I'm disappointed Bernie Sanders sent volunteers to trash me': Elizabeth Warren Earlier, as per a CNN report, Sanders told Warren in a 2018 meeting that he does not believe that a woman could beat US President Donald Trump. The media outlet also mentioned the names of four people who have knowledge about the meeting. Watch: Sanders denied the report and in an interview to CNN said that it was "ludicrous" that he would tell Warren a woman could not win. "I thought a woman could win; he disagreed," Warren said in a statement released on Monday. Warren later said that she has no interest in discussing this private meeting anymore "because Bernie and I have far more in common than our differences in punditry". The tensions between both the senators earlier rose when Politico reported on Sunday that Sanders' campaign volunteers are describing Warren as a candidate for the elite. Warren responded she was disappointed to know that Sanders was sending volunteers to "trash" her. Sanders later said that he didn't approve of talking negative points about other rival candidates. "Elizabeth Warren is a very good friend of mine... No one is gonna trash Elizabeth Warren," Sanders had said. Warren and Sanders will face off in the seventh Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday.

Bernie Sanders said no woman could beat Donald Trump in 2020: Elizabeth Warren

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial.&nbsp;

Pelosi will meet with the House Democratic caucus early Tuesday regarding the formal vote required to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-prepared-to-testify-in-trump-impeachment-trial-john-bolton-272608">I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton</a>

The trial in Senate is expected to be held quickly as Republicans have enough votes to reject impeachment charges.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-us-senate-in-stalemate-over-how-to-proceed-272003">Trump impeachment row: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed</a>

Trump was impeached on December 18 by the House for pressurising Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden and obstructing the subsequent congressional probe.

Pelosi had hoped to convince Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for allowing new evidence and witnesses in the trial. McConnell, however, has not budged.&nbsp;

"We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses," she told ABC on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Now the ball is in their court, to either do that or pay a price for not doing it."

McConnell claimed that Republicans have enough votes to block Democrats demand on witnesses and evidence.&nbsp;

The Speaker also said that new emails that back charges against the US President have emerged. Pelosi added that former national security adviser John Bolton has also expressed willingness to participate in the trial if subpoenaed.

Trump, earlier, had said in an interview on Friday that he might use executive privilege to block Bolton's testimony.&nbsp;The US President has expressed confidence on the trial and asked to done with it as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did nothing wrong," the president tweeted on Sunday. "Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!"

(with inputs from AFP)

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday asserted that there is "enough testimony to remove President Donald Trump from office" when the impeachment hearing will move to Senate for the trial. Pelosi will meet with the House Democratic caucus early Tuesday regarding the formal vote required to send the two articles of impeachment to the Senate. Also read: I am prepared to testify in Trump impeachment trial: John Bolton The trial in Senate is expected to be held quickly as Republicans have enough votes to reject impeachment charges. Also read: Trump impeachment row: US Senate in stalemate over how to proceed Trump was impeached on December 18 by the House for pressurising Ukraine to investigate his potential 2020 election rival Joe Biden and obstructing the subsequent congressional probe. Pelosi had hoped to convince Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell for allowing new evidence and witnesses in the trial. McConnell, however, has not budged. "We wanted the public to see the need for witnesses," she told ABC on Sunday. "Now the ball is in their court, to either do that or pay a price for not doing it." McConnell claimed that Republicans have enough votes to block Democrats demand on witnesses and evidence. The Speaker also said that new emails that back charges against the US President have emerged. Pelosi added that former national security adviser John Bolton has also expressed willingness to participate in the trial if subpoenaed. Trump, earlier, had said in an interview on Friday that he might use executive privilege to block Bolton's testimony. The US President has expressed confidence on the trial and asked to done with it as soon as possible. "Why should I have the stigma of Impeachment attached to my name when I did nothing wrong," the president tweeted on Sunday. "Very unfair to tens of millions of voters!" (with inputs from AFP)

Enough testimony to remove Donald Trump from office: Nancy Pelosi

Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Zeinab, daughter of Qasem Soleimani

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq</a>, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

"The Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry... over stances of American officials with regards to developments in Iraq," a ministry statement said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran conveyed its strong protest... over warmongering remarks made by American officials which violate the United Nations Charter," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pro-iran-protesters-attack-us-embassy-over-deadly-iraq-strikes-271286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Donald Trump and other US officials have blamed Iran for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor in northern Iraq on Friday.

They have also accused Iran of being behind the storming of the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday by protesters angry over retaliatory US airstrikes in western Iraq that killed 25 militants.

In its statement, the Iranian foreign ministry said it had asked the Swiss charge d'affaires to inform the United States that "Iraq is an independent country".

"The American army has martyred at least 25 young Iraqis and has wounded countless more without presenting the slightest evidence of them being at fault," it said.

"Naturally the people of Iraq react to the country that has occupied their country and kills their young people."

Tehran and Washington have not had direct diplomatic relations since Iranian students stormed the US embassy in 1980 and held staff hostage for 444 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-have-peace-trump-says-he-doesnt-want-nor-foresee-war-with-iran-271328">Does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran</a>

US President Donald Trump said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Asked about the possibility of tensions spiralling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida: "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Tehran summoned an official from the Swiss embassy, which represents US interests in Iran, to complain about American "warmongering" in neighbouring Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday. "The Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned to the foreign ministry... over stances of American officials with regards to developments in Iraq," a ministry statement said. "The Islamic Republic of Iran conveyed its strong protest... over warmongering remarks made by American officials which violate the United Nations Charter," it added. Watch: President Donald Trump and other US officials have blamed Iran for rocket fire that killed an American civilian contractor in northern Iraq on Friday. They have also accused Iran of being behind the storming of the US embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday by protesters angry over retaliatory US airstrikes in western Iraq that killed 25 militants. In its statement, the Iranian foreign ministry said it had asked the Swiss charge d'affaires to inform the United States that "Iraq is an independent country". "The American army has martyred at least 25 young Iraqis and has wounded countless more without presenting the slightest evidence of them being at fault," it said. "Naturally the people of Iraq react to the country that has occupied their country and kills their young people." Tehran and Washington have not had direct diplomatic relations since Iranian students stormed the US embassy in 1980 and held staff hostage for 444 days. Does not want, nor foresee, war with Iran US President Donald Trump said he does not want, or foresee, war with Iran after he earlier threatened to retaliate against the country following violent protests led by Iranian-backed militias at the US embassy in Baghdad. Asked about the possibility of tensions spiralling into a war with Iran, Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida: "Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want to have peace more than anybody. So I don't see that happening."

US embassy attack: Iran summons envoy over US 'warmongering' but Trump says he doesn't want war

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-says-investigating-data-exposure-of-267-million-users-269245">Facebook </a>on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram.

The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher.

"In each of these cases, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action," Gleicher said in an online post.

The announcement marked the latest move by the huge social network against manipulation by accounts created with fake identities to amplify a political group or cause.

One campaign was traced by Facebook &nbsp;to US-based Epoch Media Group, which has been a connect to controversial religious organization Falun Gong, and an outlet known as The BL, according to Gleicher.

"The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few," Gleicher said.

The BL has been banned from Facebook, he added.

Facebook removed 610 accounts, 89 pages, 156 groups and 72 Instagram accounts that originated in Vietnam and the US, some of which used profile photos generated by artificial intelligence and pretended to be people from the US, according to the social network.

The accounts "typically posted memes and other content about US political news and issues including impeachment, conservative ideology, political candidates, elections, trade, family values and freedom of religion," Gleicher said.

Examples provided of posts were pro-Trump.

About 55 million accounts followed one or more pages orchestrated by the campaign, which spent less than $9.5 million on advertising at Facebook and Instagram combined, according to the California-based internet firm.

The second network of accounts taken down at Facebook and Instagram originated in the country of Georgia and targeted people there, according to Gleicher.

"Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation linked this activity to Panda, an advertising agency in Georgia, and the Georgian Dream-led government."

A total of 39 Facebook accounts, 344 pages, 13 groups and 22 Instagram accounts that had amassed more than 440,000 followers overall were removed after being linked to the Georgia campaign.

The news came on the same day Twitter it had suspended thousands of accounts linked to a manipulation effort stemming from Saudi Arabia, aiming to amplify messages favorable to the government at home and abroad.

Facebook on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram. The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher.

Facebook on Friday said it took down a network of accounts using fake identities while spreading pro-Trump messages at the social network and Instagram. The campaign was one of two derailed for "engaging in foreign and government interference" and endeavoring "to mislead others about who they were and what they were doing," according to the Facebook head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher. "In each of these cases, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action," Gleicher said in an online post. The announcement marked the latest move by the huge social network against manipulation by accounts created with fake identities to amplify a political group or cause. One campaign was traced by Facebook to US-based Epoch Media Group, which has been a connect to controversial religious organization Falun Gong, and an outlet known as The BL, according to Gleicher. "The BL-focused network repeatedly violated a number of our policies, including our policies against coordinated inauthentic behavior, spam and misrepresentation, to name just a few," Gleicher said. The BL has been banned from Facebook, he added. Facebook removed 610 accounts, 89 pages, 156 groups and 72 Instagram accounts that originated in Vietnam and the US, some of which used profile photos generated by artificial intelligence and pretended to be people from the US, according to the social network. The accounts "typically posted memes and other content about US political news and issues including impeachment, conservative ideology, political candidates, elections, trade, family values and freedom of religion," Gleicher said. Examples provided of posts were pro-Trump. About 55 million accounts followed one or more pages orchestrated by the campaign, which spent less than $9.5 million on advertising at Facebook and Instagram combined, according to the California-based internet firm. The second network of accounts taken down at Facebook and Instagram originated in the country of Georgia and targeted people there, according to Gleicher. "Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities and coordination, our investigation linked this activity to Panda, an advertising agency in Georgia, and the Georgian Dream-led government." A total of 39 Facebook accounts, 344 pages, 13 groups and 22 Instagram accounts that had amassed more than 440,000 followers overall were removed after being linked to the Georgia campaign. The news came on the same day Twitter it had suspended thousands of accounts linked to a manipulation effort stemming from Saudi Arabia, aiming to amplify messages favorable to the government at home and abroad.

Facebook blocks group spreading pro-Trump posts from fake accounts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Boris Johnson </a>on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit.&nbsp;

The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987.&nbsp;

Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205368801438707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit. The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987. Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935. US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019 × After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Boris Johnson for win in UK election

US&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;announced an agreement on Monday on a $738-billion&nbsp;bill&nbsp;setting policy for the Department of&nbsp;Defence, including new measures for competing with Russia and&nbsp;China, family leave for federal workers and the creation of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s long-desired Space Force.

It also calls for sanctions on&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;over its purchase of a Russian missile&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system, and tough response to North Korea's efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;House of Representatives and Senate Armed Services Committees agreed on a compromise version of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-congress-paves-way-for-waivers-from-caatsa-sanctions-for-india-156385">National&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;Authorization Act</a>, or NDAA, after months of negotiations. It is expected to pass before Congress leaves Washington later this month for the year-end holiday break.

The legislation includes $658.4&nbsp;billion for the Department of&nbsp;Defense&nbsp;and Department of Energy national security programs, $71.5&nbsp;billion to pay for ongoing foreign wars, known as "Overseas Contingency Operations" funding, and $5.3&nbsp;billion in emergency funding for repairs of damage from extreme weather and natural disasters.

There were concerns earlier this year that the NDAA might fail for the first time in 58 years over steep divides between the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Republican-controlled Senate over Trump's policies.

Because it is one of the few pieces of major legislation Congress passes every year, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caatsa-sanctions-waiver-intended-to-wean-countries-off-of-russian-equipment-white-house-169717"> NDAA</a> becomes a vehicle for a range of policy measures as well as setting everything from military pay levels to which ships or aircraft will be modernized, purchased or discontinued.

It includes a 3.1 per cent&nbsp;pay hike for the troops, the largest in a decade and, for the first time, 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers, something Democrats strongly sought.

Among other things, the proposed fiscal 2020 NDAA imposes sanctions related to Russia's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines and bars military-to-military cooperation with Russia.

Russia is building the pipelines to bolster supply to Europe while bypassing Ukraine, and members of Congress have been pushing the Trump administration to do more to stop the projects as they near completion.

The NDAA also prohibits the transfer of F-35 stealth fighter jets, which Lockheed Martin Corp is developing, to&nbsp;Turkey. It expresses a sense of Congress that&nbsp;Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system, which Washington says it not compatible with NATO&nbsp;defences and threatens the F-35, constitutes a significant transaction under&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions law.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;says Trump should implement sanctions on&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;over the S-400 purchase, something&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;have been demanding.

The NDAA also reauthorizes $300 million of funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, to include lethal defensive items as well as new authorities for coastal&nbsp;defence&nbsp;cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles.

Military aid to Ukraine has been at the centre of the impeachment enquiry into Trump after his administration held up security assistance for Kiev last summer even as the country&nbsp;dealt with challenges from Russia.

Fulfilling one of Trump's most high-profile requests, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;establishes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-has-come-for-us-space-force-6th-military-branch-pence-158147">US&nbsp;Space Force</a> as the sixth Armed Service of the United States, under the Air Force.

The legislation also contains a series of provisions intended to address potential threats from&nbsp;China, including requiring reports on&nbsp;China's overseas investments and its military relations with Russia.

It bars the use of federal funds to buy rail cars and buses from&nbsp;China, and it says Congress "unequivocally supports" residents of Hong Kong as they defend their rights and seek to preserve their autonomy with&nbsp;China. It also supports improving Taiwan's&nbsp;defence&nbsp;capabilities.

The NDAA calls for a sweeping approach to North Korea's nuclear weapons development, as well as the threat it poses to&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces on the Korean peninsula and allies in the region.

It puts&nbsp;mandatory sanctions on North Korean imports and exports of coal and other minerals and textiles, as well as some petroleum products and crude oil, and it puts&nbsp;additional sanctions on banks that&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with North Korea.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also bars the Pentagon from reducing the number of troops deployed to South Korea below 28,500 unless the Secretary of&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;certifies that it is in the&nbsp;US&nbsp;national security interest to do so.

US lawmakers announced an agreement on Monday on a $738-billion bill setting policy for the Department of Defence, including new measures for competing with Russia and China, family leave for federal workers and the creation of President Donald Trump's long-desired Space Force.

US lawmakers announced an agreement on Monday on a $738-billion bill setting policy for the Department of Defence, including new measures for competing with Russia and China, family leave for federal workers and the creation of President Donald Trump's long-desired Space Force. It also calls for sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of a Russian missile defence system, and tough response to North Korea's efforts to develop nuclear weapons. The US House of Representatives and Senate Armed Services Committees agreed on a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, after months of negotiations. It is expected to pass before Congress leaves Washington later this month for the year-end holiday break. The legislation includes $658.4 billion for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy national security programs, $71.5 billion to pay for ongoing foreign wars, known as "Overseas Contingency Operations" funding, and $5.3 billion in emergency funding for repairs of damage from extreme weather and natural disasters. There were concerns earlier this year that the NDAA might fail for the first time in 58 years over steep divides between the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Republican-controlled Senate over Trump's policies. Because it is one of the few pieces of major legislation Congress passes every year, the NDAA becomes a vehicle for a range of policy measures as well as setting everything from military pay levels to which ships or aircraft will be modernized, purchased or discontinued. It includes a 3.1 per cent pay hike for the troops, the largest in a decade and, for the first time, 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers, something Democrats strongly sought. Among other things, the proposed fiscal 2020 NDAA imposes sanctions related to Russia's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines and bars military-to-military cooperation with Russia. Russia is building the pipelines to bolster supply to Europe while bypassing Ukraine, and members of Congress have been pushing the Trump administration to do more to stop the projects as they near completion. The NDAA also prohibits the transfer of F-35 stealth fighter jets, which Lockheed Martin Corp is developing, to Turkey. It expresses a sense of Congress that Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defence system, which Washington says it not compatible with NATO defences and threatens the F-35, constitutes a significant transaction under US sanctions law. The bill says Trump should implement sanctions on Turkey over the S-400 purchase, something lawmakers have been demanding. The NDAA also reauthorizes $300 million of funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, to include lethal defensive items as well as new authorities for coastal defence cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. Military aid to Ukraine has been at the centre of the impeachment enquiry into Trump after his administration held up security assistance for Kiev last summer even as the country dealt with challenges from Russia. Fulfilling one of Trump's most high-profile requests, the bill establishes the US Space Force as the sixth Armed Service of the United States, under the Air Force. The legislation also contains a series of provisions intended to address potential threats from China, including requiring reports on China's overseas investments and its military relations with Russia. It bars the use of federal funds to buy rail cars and buses from China, and it says Congress "unequivocally supports" residents of Hong Kong as they defend their rights and seek to preserve their autonomy with China. It also supports improving Taiwan's defence capabilities. The NDAA calls for a sweeping approach to North Korea's nuclear weapons development, as well as the threat it poses to US forces on the Korean peninsula and allies in the region. It puts mandatory sanctions on North Korean imports and exports of coal and other minerals and textiles, as well as some petroleum products and crude oil, and it puts additional sanctions on banks that deal with North Korea. The bill also bars the Pentagon from reducing the number of troops deployed to South Korea below 28,500 unless the Secretary of Defence certifies that it is in the US national security interest to do so.

US lawmakers reach deal on massive defence bill, eye Russia, Turkey, China

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s decision to pull US&nbsp;forces from northern Syria.

Russian troops were shown in footage on the defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel shaking hands with Syrian children and unloading humanitarian aid bundles with the slogan "Russia is with you" from the back of trucks.

Raqqa was captured two years ago by US&nbsp;troops and their Kurdish-led Syrian allies in the biggest victory of Washington's campaign against Islamic State in Syria. But since Trump abruptly ordered a pull-out in October, Moscow has swiftly advanced into territory where US&nbsp;troops had operated.

Russia is a close battlefield ally of Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/efforts-to-return-syrias-bashar-al-assad-to-arab-fold-amount-to-hollow-victory-for-autocrats-186828">Bashar al-Assad</a>'s government, which was invited by the Kurds into territory they controlled after Trump pulled his forces out of the way of a Turkish assault against Kurdish-held areas.

Russian troops in Raqqa were handing out humanitarian aid and its military doctors were offering residents medical attention, Vladimir Varnavsky, a defence ministry official, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency.

"Work in the city to get rid of the rubble and clear the area (of bombs or mines) is not yet complete and there is a shortage of clean water, medicine, and food," he said.

Russia last month set up a helicopter base an airport in a northeastern Syrian city and also landed forces at a sprawling airbase in the region that had been vacated by US&nbsp;forces.

Russia and Turkey are carrying out joint patrols along Syria's northern border with Turkey as part of a deal struck between Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728">Vladimir Putin</a> and his Turkish counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-renews-syria-air-and-ground-operation-threat-253960">Tayyip Erdogan</a>.

After saying all US&nbsp;troops would leave northern Syria, Washington has left some behind for now at some bases but rolled back most of their operations.

&nbsp;

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President Donald Trump's decision to pull US forces from northern Syria.

Russian forces have entered Raqqa, the former de facto capital of the Islamic State caliphate, in one of the starkest examples yet of how Moscow has filled the vacuum created by President Donald Trump's decision to pull US forces from northern Syria. Russian troops were shown in footage on the defence ministry's Zvezda TV channel shaking hands with Syrian children and unloading humanitarian aid bundles with the slogan "Russia is with you" from the back of trucks. Raqqa was captured two years ago by US troops and their Kurdish-led Syrian allies in the biggest victory of Washington's campaign against Islamic State in Syria. But since Trump abruptly ordered a pull-out in October, Moscow has swiftly advanced into territory where US troops had operated. Russia is a close battlefield ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, which was invited by the Kurds into territory they controlled after Trump pulled his forces out of the way of a Turkish assault against Kurdish-held areas. Russian troops in Raqqa were handing out humanitarian aid and its military doctors were offering residents medical attention, Vladimir Varnavsky, a defence ministry official, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency. "Work in the city to get rid of the rubble and clear the area (of bombs or mines) is not yet complete and there is a shortage of clean water, medicine, and food," he said. Russia last month set up a helicopter base an airport in a northeastern Syrian city and also landed forces at a sprawling airbase in the region that had been vacated by US forces. Russia and Turkey are carrying out joint patrols along Syria's northern border with Turkey as part of a deal struck between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan. After saying all US troops would leave northern Syria, Washington has left some behind for now at some bases but rolled back most of their operations.

Russian forces enter former Islamic State stronghold in Syria after US pullback

The International Monetary Fund said Saturday it had reached an agreement in principle with Ukraine on a new $5.5 billion, three-year aid program for the war-scarred country.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the deal, adding it was subject to IMF management approval.

Georgieva said she spoke by telephone on Saturday to President Volodymyr Zelensky and commended him on "impressive progress" on reforms and "sound economic policies."

"The President and I agreed that Ukraine's economic success depends crucially on strengthening the rule of law, enhancing the integrity of the judiciary, and reducing the role of vested interests," she said.

She added that it was "paramount to safeguard the gains made in cleaning up the banking system and recover the large costs to the taxpayers from bank resolutions."

The IMF and other international donors have repeatedly pressed Kiev to attract much-needed investment by addressing pervasive corruption and reducing the power of oligarchs.

But bankers and analysts said they fear the current authorities are targeting former bankers who have helped clean up the market instead of the oligarch owners of banks that go bankrupt.

Georgieva said that the effectiveness of the new program would be "conditional on the implementation of a set of prior actions."

War budget

Ukrainian lawmakers in November authorized an increase in defence spending to record levels as Zelensky vows to end the country's long conflict with Russian-backed separatists.

Approving the 2020 budget, lawmakers voted for a 16 per cent increase in both defence and security spending, bringing it to nearly $10 billion, or 5.45 per cent of gross domestic product.

At his inauguration in May, the 41-year-old president -- a former comedian -- urged people with Ukrainian heritage to return home and help build a "new, strong and successful Ukraine."

The country is also in the spotlight due to the impeachment proceedings against US President Donald Trump.

Trump is accused of abusing his office by pressuring Ukraine to find dirt on former US vice president Joe Biden, his potential challenger in the 2020 election.

The White House maintains Trump was simply encouraging the new government of Ukraine to rein in corruption.

More than 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with separatists in the industrial east which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.

Ukraine's economy has been hit hard by the conflict and the country has struggled to keep up with arms purchases.

It is also reliant on foreign military help, including aid from the United States that was temporarily frozen this year in a move now being scrutinized in the impeachment probe.

Ukraine's overall budget for 2020 set an economic growth target of 3.7 per cent. It also set a deficit of 2.09 per cent -- in line with requirements of the IMF.

The International Monetary Fund said Saturday it had reached an agreement in principle with Ukraine on a new $5.5 billion, three-year aid program for the war-scarred country.

The International Monetary Fund said Saturday it had reached an agreement in principle with Ukraine on a new $5.5 billion, three-year aid program for the war-scarred country. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva welcomed the deal, adding it was subject to IMF management approval. Georgieva said she spoke by telephone on Saturday to President Volodymyr Zelensky and commended him on "impressive progress" on reforms and "sound economic policies." "The President and I agreed that Ukraine's economic success depends crucially on strengthening the rule of law, enhancing the integrity of the judiciary, and reducing the role of vested interests," she said. She added that it was "paramount to safeguard the gains made in cleaning up the banking system and recover the large costs to the taxpayers from bank resolutions." The IMF and other international donors have repeatedly pressed Kiev to attract much-needed investment by addressing pervasive corruption and reducing the power of oligarchs. But bankers and analysts said they fear the current authorities are targeting former bankers who have helped clean up the market instead of the oligarch owners of banks that go bankrupt. Georgieva said that the effectiveness of the new program would be "conditional on the implementation of a set of prior actions." War budget Ukrainian lawmakers in November authorized an increase in defence spending to record levels as Zelensky vows to end the country's long conflict with Russian-backed separatists. Approving the 2020 budget, lawmakers voted for a 16 per cent increase in both defence and security spending, bringing it to nearly $10 billion, or 5.45 per cent of gross domestic product. At his inauguration in May, the 41-year-old president -- a former comedian -- urged people with Ukrainian heritage to return home and help build a "new, strong and successful Ukraine." The country is also in the spotlight due to the impeachment proceedings against US President Donald Trump. Trump is accused of abusing his office by pressuring Ukraine to find dirt on former US vice president Joe Biden, his potential challenger in the 2020 election. The White House maintains Trump was simply encouraging the new government of Ukraine to rein in corruption. More than 13,000 people have been killed in Ukraine's conflict with separatists in the industrial east which broke out shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. Ukraine's economy has been hit hard by the conflict and the country has struggled to keep up with arms purchases. It is also reliant on foreign military help, including aid from the United States that was temporarily frozen this year in a move now being scrutinized in the impeachment probe. Ukraine's overall budget for 2020 set an economic growth target of 3.7 per cent. It also set a deficit of 2.09 per cent -- in line with requirements of the IMF.

International Monetary Fund and Ukraine reach tentative $5.5 billion aid deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-hits-9-year-high-in-pakistan-266392">Pakistan</a> has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same.

"Pakistan welcomes the announcement regarding the resumption of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-specific-date-fixed-for-resumption-of-talks-with-us-taliban-political-office-spokesperson-tells-wion-266422">US-Taliban talks</a>. We hope that it will lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and ultimately to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan," the country's Foreign Office said in a statement, as cited by Dawn.

"Pakistan encourages all parties to the conflict to engage constructively as a shared responsibility," it added.

The US State Department said on Wednesday that&nbsp;America will shortly resume talks with the Taliban.

A statement released in this regard read that US negotiator on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will head to Qatar to "rejoin talks with the Taliban to discuss steps that could lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire."

The US and Taliban had held 9 rounds of peace talks in Doha and had reached upon an agreement "in principle", albeit, the negotiations were called off by US President Donald Trump citing the group's continued attacks.

Pakistan has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same.

Pakistan has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same. "Pakistan welcomes the announcement regarding the resumption of the US-Taliban talks. We hope that it will lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and ultimately to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan," the country's Foreign Office said in a statement, as cited by Dawn. "Pakistan encourages all parties to the conflict to engage constructively as a shared responsibility," it added. The US State Department said on Wednesday that America will shortly resume talks with the Taliban. A statement released in this regard read that US negotiator on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will head to Qatar to "rejoin talks with the Taliban to discuss steps that could lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire." The US and Taliban had held 9 rounds of peace talks in Doha and had reached upon an agreement "in principle", albeit, the negotiations were called off by US President Donald Trump citing the group's continued attacks.

Pakistan welcomes resumption of US-Taliban talks

US&nbsp;President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025"> Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;solicited foreign interference to boost his re-election chances, undermined national security and ordered an "unprecedented" campaign to obstruct Congress,&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;said on Tuesday in a report that lawmakers will use as the basis of any formal&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;charges.

In the 300-page report,&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;leading the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee levelled allegations of sweeping abuse of&nbsp;power&nbsp;by&nbsp;Trump, saying he used US&nbsp;military aid and the prospect of a White House visit to pressure Ukrainian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/comedian-volodymyr-zelenskiy-leads-presidential-polls-207124">Volodymyr Zelenskiy</a> to undertake investigations that would benefit&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;politically.

Republican&nbsp;Trump, who will stand for re-election in November 2020, denies any wrongdoing and calls the inquiry a hoax.

The heart of the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;probe&nbsp;is whether&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;misused the&nbsp;power&nbsp;of his office to pressure Ukraine to investigate the son of former Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-unveils-17-trillion-climate-plan-to-end-us-carbon-emissions-by-2050-224374">Joe Biden</a>, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the 2020 election.

Watch: Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for December 4

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-impeachment-hearings-set-for-dec-4-265791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The public release of the report is a milestone in a weeks-long investigation into whether&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;should be removed from office over his dealings on Ukraine. It summarizes hours of private testimony and televised hearings in which former government officials described a months-long effort to pressure Ukraine to carry out the investigations sought by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in July.

The report's completions hands the process over to the House Judiciary Committee, which will now be responsible for drafting actual articles of&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;should lawmakers decide to move forward. That panel will begin proceedings on Wednesday.

In the report,&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;detail accusations that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;obstructed their investigation, including refusing to provide documents and testimony from his top advisers, unsuccessful attempts to block career government officials from testifying and intimidation of witnesses.

The&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;argue that "damage will be long-lasting and potentially irrevocable if the President’s ability to stonewall Congress goes unchecked."

Making their case to move forward with&nbsp;impeachment, the report said that "any future President will feel empowered to resist an investigation into their own wrongdoing, malfeasance, or corruption, and the result will be a nation at far greater risk of all three."

In a news conference, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff described&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as a "president who believes that he is beyond indictment, beyond&nbsp;impeachment, beyond any form of accountability and indeed above the law."

Trump, who is in London for a NATO summit, repeated accusations that&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;are using the&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;process to engage in a politically-motivated attack seeking to undo the results of the 2016 presidential election by removing him from office. Opinion polls show Americans are bitterly divided over&nbsp;impeachment.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;had conducted a "one-sided sham process" that had failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by&nbsp;Trump.

"This report reflects nothing more than their frustrations. Chairman Schiff’s report reads like the ramblings of a basement blogger straining to prove something when there is evidence of nothing,” Grisham said in a statement.

Lawmakers and the public have heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Zelenskiy was conditioned on Kiev announcing a&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into Biden, as well as one into a debunked conspiracy theory about Ukrainian interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

The report was approved by the intelligence panel on a partisan vote on Tuesday evening. The vote was 13-9. It was not immediately clear how each member voted.

If the full House eventually votes to approve formal&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;charges, a trial would be held in the Republican-led US&nbsp;Senate, where a two-thirds majority of those present would be required to convict&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and remove him from office.

The report also brought to light new allegations by&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;about phone calls between&nbsp;Trump's Republican allies.

The report suggested wrongdoing within the executive branch extended beyond&nbsp;Trump.

The report said many of&nbsp;Trump's "closest subordinates and advisors," including White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry aided&nbsp;Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine and withheld information from Congress. Senior administration officials declined to testify in the proceedings.

The report cited dozens of previously unreported phone records of contact between&nbsp;Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, Giuliani’s associates, the House Intelligence Committee's top Republican, Devin Nunes, and the White House's Office of Management and Budget.

The phone records were obtained from AT&amp;T, the report says.

An AT&amp;T statement acknowledged the company complied with a request.

"Like all companies, we are required by law to provide information to government and law enforcement agencies," the statement said. "In all cases, we ensure that requests for assistance are valid and that we act in compliance with the law."

A spokesman for Nunes did not respond to a request for comment.

The report also sought to push back at a frequent defence of&nbsp;trump&nbsp;by Republican lawmakers - that the political novice was simply doing what all presidents do.

"The President’s misconduct was not an isolated occurrence, nor was it the product of a naïve president," the report argues.

Republicans, in an advance rebuttal report released on Monday, said&nbsp;Democrats&nbsp;had not established that&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had committed an impeachable offence.

Trump&nbsp;and other Republicans have suggested that Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, should be investigated for corruption. The Bidens have denied wrongdoing.

US President Donald Trump solicited foreign interference to boost his re-election chances, undermined national security and ordered an "unprecedented" campaign to obstruct Congress, Democrats said on Tuesday in a report that lawmakers will use as the basis of any formal impeachment charges.

US President Donald Trump solicited foreign interference to boost his re-election chances, undermined national security and ordered an "unprecedented" campaign to obstruct Congress, Democrats said on Tuesday in a report that lawmakers will use as the basis of any formal impeachment charges. In the 300-page report, Democrats leading the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee levelled allegations of sweeping abuse of power by Trump, saying he used US military aid and the prospect of a White House visit to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to undertake investigations that would benefit Trump politically. Republican Trump, who will stand for re-election in November 2020, denies any wrongdoing and calls the inquiry a hoax. The heart of the impeachment probe is whether Trump misused the power of his office to pressure Ukraine to investigate the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the 2020 election. Watch: Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for December 4 The public release of the report is a milestone in a weeks-long investigation into whether Trump should be removed from office over his dealings on Ukraine. It summarizes hours of private testimony and televised hearings in which former government officials described a months-long effort to pressure Ukraine to carry out the investigations sought by Trump in July. The report's completions hands the process over to the House Judiciary Committee, which will now be responsible for drafting actual articles of impeachment should lawmakers decide to move forward. That panel will begin proceedings on Wednesday. In the report, Democrats detail accusations that Trump obstructed their investigation, including refusing to provide documents and testimony from his top advisers, unsuccessful attempts to block career government officials from testifying and intimidation of witnesses. The Democrats argue that "damage will be long-lasting and potentially irrevocable if the President’s ability to stonewall Congress goes unchecked." Making their case to move forward with impeachment, the report said that "any future President will feel empowered to resist an investigation into their own wrongdoing, malfeasance, or corruption, and the result will be a nation at far greater risk of all three." In a news conference, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff described Trump as a "president who believes that he is beyond indictment, beyond impeachment, beyond any form of accountability and indeed above the law." Trump, who is in London for a NATO summit, repeated accusations that Democrats are using the impeachment process to engage in a politically-motivated attack seeking to undo the results of the 2016 presidential election by removing him from office. Opinion polls show Americans are bitterly divided over impeachment. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Democrats had conducted a "one-sided sham process" that had failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by Trump. "This report reflects nothing more than their frustrations. Chairman Schiff’s report reads like the ramblings of a basement blogger straining to prove something when there is evidence of nothing,” Grisham said in a statement. Lawmakers and the public have heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Zelenskiy was conditioned on Kiev announcing a probe into Biden, as well as one into a debunked conspiracy theory about Ukrainian interference in the 2016 US election. The report was approved by the intelligence panel on a partisan vote on Tuesday evening. The vote was 13-9. It was not immediately clear how each member voted. If the full House eventually votes to approve formal impeachment charges, a trial would be held in the Republican-led US Senate, where a two-thirds majority of those present would be required to convict Trump and remove him from office. The report also brought to light new allegations by Democrats about phone calls between Trump's Republican allies. The report suggested wrongdoing within the executive branch extended beyond Trump. The report said many of Trump's "closest subordinates and advisors," including White House acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry aided Trump's efforts to pressure Ukraine and withheld information from Congress. Senior administration officials declined to testify in the proceedings. The report cited dozens of previously unreported phone records of contact between Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, Giuliani’s associates, the House Intelligence Committee's top Republican, Devin Nunes, and the White House's Office of Management and Budget. The phone records were obtained from AT&T, the report says. An AT&T statement acknowledged the company complied with a request. "Like all companies, we are required by law to provide information to government and law enforcement agencies," the statement said. "In all cases, we ensure that requests for assistance are valid and that we act in compliance with the law." A spokesman for Nunes did not respond to a request for comment. The report also sought to push back at a frequent defence of trump by Republican lawmakers - that the political novice was simply doing what all presidents do. "The President’s misconduct was not an isolated occurrence, nor was it the product of a naïve president," the report argues. Republicans, in an advance rebuttal report released on Monday, said Democrats had not established that Trump had committed an impeachable offence. Trump and other Republicans have suggested that Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who was on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, should be investigated for corruption. The Bidens have denied wrongdoing.

Democrats accuse Trump of abusing power, obstructing Congress' impeachment probe

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-very-capable-265958">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;said he would press ahead with new&nbsp;taxes on US internet giants like Facebook and Google, putting him at odds with US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-according-to-call-records-nunes-had-frequent-contact-with-giuliani-266054">Donald Trump</a> who has threatened retaliation against France over its&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;plans.

"On the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services&nbsp;tax, I do think we need to look at the operation of the big&nbsp;digital&nbsp;companies and the huge revenues they have in this country and the amount of&nbsp;tax&nbsp;that they pay,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said on Tuesday, according to a BBC report.

"We need to sort that out. They need to make a fairer contribution."

Johnson's Conservative Party has committed to implementing a&nbsp;digital&nbsp;service&nbsp;tax&nbsp;on the revenue of companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon in its blueprint for government if it wins this month's national election.

Under the plan, tech companies that generate at least 500 million pounds($640 million) a year in global revenue will pay a levy of 2 per cent&nbsp;of the money they make from UK users from April 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-threatens-france-with-100-tariffs-on-goods-over-digital-tax-265818">France</a>'s&nbsp;digital&nbsp;service&nbsp;tax, which has been set at a rate of 3 per cent&nbsp;of revenue derived from French users backdated to early 2019, has raised the&nbsp;ire&nbsp;of Trump.

The United States said on Monday said it could slap punitive duties of up to 100 per cent&nbsp;on $2.4 billion in imports from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-act-and-react-as-one-european-union-on-proposed-us-tariffs-on-french-goods-265977"> France</a> of Champagne, handbags, cheese and other products.

"We've&nbsp;taxed wine and we have other&nbsp;taxes scheduled," Trump told reporters, sitting alongside French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">Emmanuel Macron</a> in London ahead of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">NATO</a> summit, on Tuesday.

"We'd rather not do that, but that's the way it would work. So it's either going to work out, or we'll work out some mutually beneficial&nbsp;tax."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would press ahead with new taxes on US internet giants like Facebook and Google, putting him at odds with US President Donald Trump who has threatened retaliation against France over its digital tax plans.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would press ahead with new taxes on US internet giants like Facebook and Google, putting him at odds with US President Donald Trump who has threatened retaliation against France over its digital tax plans. "On the digital services tax, I do think we need to look at the operation of the big digital companies and the huge revenues they have in this country and the amount of tax that they pay," Johnson said on Tuesday, according to a BBC report. "We need to sort that out. They need to make a fairer contribution." Johnson's Conservative Party has committed to implementing a digital service tax on the revenue of companies such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon in its blueprint for government if it wins this month's national election. Under the plan, tech companies that generate at least 500 million pounds($640 million) a year in global revenue will pay a levy of 2 per cent of the money they make from UK users from April 2020. France's digital service tax, which has been set at a rate of 3 per cent of revenue derived from French users backdated to early 2019, has raised the ire of Trump. The United States said on Monday said it could slap punitive duties of up to 100 per cent on $2.4 billion in imports from France of Champagne, handbags, cheese and other products. "We've taxed wine and we have other taxes scheduled," Trump told reporters, sitting alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in London ahead of a NATO summit, on Tuesday. "We'd rather not do that, but that's the way it would work. So it's either going to work out, or we'll work out some mutually beneficial tax."

Britain's Johnson backs digital tax despite Trump's ire

Indian shares tracked Asian markets lower on Tuesday, amid weakness in metal stocks, after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/effective-immediately-us-to-restore-steel-aluminum-tariffs-on-brazil-argentina-trump-265754">Donald Trump's move</a> to impose tariffs on Brazil and Argentina stoked fresh concerns about global trade.

The NSE Nifty 50 index fell 0.2 per cnet&nbsp;to 12,021.50 and the S&amp;P BSE&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;declined 0.18 per cent&nbsp;to 40,720.73 by 0354 GMT.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.45 per cent.

Trump on Monday said he would impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Brazil and Argentina, attacking what he saw as both countries' "massive devaluation of their currencies."

Meanwhile, investors back home were hopeful of a sixth rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this year, after a Reuters poll last week said the bank may cut rates by 25 basis points at its policy meeting later this week.

The expectations for a rate-cut comes as India's economic growth slowed to a six-year low at 4.5 per cent&nbsp;for the July-September period.

Metal stocks were lower as most industrial metal prices came under pressure due to Trump's tariffs move. The Nifty metals index fell 2.04 per cent.

Steelmakers Tata Steel and JSW Steel were among the top losers on the Nifty, dropping about 1.45 per cent&nbsp;each, while Britannia Industries gained about 1.42 per cent.

Indian shares tracked Asian markets lower on Tuesday, amid weakness in metal stocks, after US President Donald Trump's move to impose tariffs on Brazil and Argentina stoked fresh concerns about global trade.

Indian shares tracked Asian markets lower on Tuesday, amid weakness in metal stocks, after US President Donald Trump's move to impose tariffs on Brazil and Argentina stoked fresh concerns about global trade. The NSE Nifty 50 index fell 0.2 per cnet to 12,021.50 and the S&P BSE Sensex declined 0.18 per cent to 40,720.73 by 0354 GMT. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.45 per cent. Trump on Monday said he would impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Brazil and Argentina, attacking what he saw as both countries' "massive devaluation of their currencies." Meanwhile, investors back home were hopeful of a sixth rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this year, after a Reuters poll last week said the bank may cut rates by 25 basis points at its policy meeting later this week. The expectations for a rate-cut comes as India's economic growth slowed to a six-year low at 4.5 per cent for the July-September period. Metal stocks were lower as most industrial metal prices came under pressure due to Trump's tariffs move. The Nifty metals index fell 2.04 per cent. Steelmakers Tata Steel and JSW Steel were among the top losers on the Nifty, dropping about 1.45 per cent each, while Britannia Industries gained about 1.42 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex fall on global trade worries; metals top drag

The Trump administration considered banning China's Huawei from the US&nbsp;financial system earlier this year as part of a host of policy options to thwart the blacklisted telecoms equipment giant, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The plan, which was ultimately shelved, called for placing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-plans-to-shift-research-center-to-canada-from-us-globe-and-mail-265889">Huawei Technologies Co Ltd</a>, the world's second-largest smartphone producer, on the Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.

One of the people familiar with the matter, who favours the move, said it could be revived in the coming months depending on how things go with Huawei.

The plan was considered by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frustrated-trump-lashes-out-at-impeachment-probe-263974">White House National Security Council</a> and seen by officials as a nuclear option atop a ladder of policy tools to sanction the company, two of the people said. Such a designation can make it virtually impossible for a company to complete transactions in US&nbsp;dollars.

Administration officials drafted a memo and held interagency meetings on the issue, according to one of the people, showing the extent to which administration officials mulled deploying the United States' most aggressive sanctioning tool against the Chinese company.

Its use was tabled in favour of other measures, such as placing Huawei on a trade blacklist, which forces some suppliers to obtain a special license to sell to it.

Huawei did not respond to a request for comment. A Treasury spokesperson said the agency "does not comment on investigations or prospective actions, including to confirm whether one exists."

Huawei would have been among the largest companies ever added to the list, which has included Russia's Rusal, the world's second-largest aluminium company, Russian oligarchs, Iranian politicians, and Venezuelan drug traffickers.

Annie Fixler, a cyber expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, said designating the company "would have broad, widespread implications for Huawei across the globe," noting that its business would be "severely impacted" in Europe and in Asia outside of China.

The US&nbsp;government has brought criminal charges against Huawei, alleging theft of trade secrets, bank fraud, violations of US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran, and has sought to convince allies to ban it from 5G networks over spying fears.

But placing the company on the "SDN list" would mean a host of logistical, diplomatic and economic difficulties for the US&nbsp;government.

The designation prohibits American companies or citizens from trading or conducting financial transactions with those listed and freezes assets held in the United States.

Adding Huawei would, therefore, hammer US&nbsp;allies that already rely on the company for their 4G networks, since almost all dollar payments clear through U.S. financial institutions.

The Treasury could grant licenses to exempt US&nbsp;banks involved in those transactions. But it has generally shied away from doing so, concerned that too many exemptions would blunt the strength of the tool, experts said.

Huawei's sprawling size, with dozens of subsidiaries, would significantly complicate enforcement and carve-out efforts, experts said.

"The larger an entity is, the harder it is for a US&nbsp;Administration to foresee and prepare for the major effects, foreign and domestic, that placing it on the SDN list may cause" said Matthew Tuchband, a former Treasury official who added that careful consideration is needed before designating a company the size of Huawei.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who is seen by many China hawks in the administration as sympathetic to Beijing, has rarely overseen the use of the tool against China, designating a handful of Chinese persons for trafficking in fentanyl and over violations of sanctions against North Korea and Iran.

Nevertheless, some lawmakers still see designating Huawei as worth considering.

"Given Huawei's relentless drive to dominate the 5G landscape, it is one of the most urgent national security threats facing the free world," Republican Congressman Michael Gallagher said.

"All options should be on the table in order to impose maximum pressure," he added.

The Trump administration considered banning China's Huawei from the US financial system earlier this year as part of a host of policy options to thwart the blacklisted telecoms equipment giant, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Trump administration considered banning China's Huawei from the US financial system earlier this year as part of a host of policy options to thwart the blacklisted telecoms equipment giant, according to three people familiar with the matter. The plan, which was ultimately shelved, called for placing Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, the world's second-largest smartphone producer, on the Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. One of the people familiar with the matter, who favours the move, said it could be revived in the coming months depending on how things go with Huawei. The plan was considered by the White House National Security Council and seen by officials as a nuclear option atop a ladder of policy tools to sanction the company, two of the people said. Such a designation can make it virtually impossible for a company to complete transactions in US dollars. Administration officials drafted a memo and held interagency meetings on the issue, according to one of the people, showing the extent to which administration officials mulled deploying the United States' most aggressive sanctioning tool against the Chinese company. Its use was tabled in favour of other measures, such as placing Huawei on a trade blacklist, which forces some suppliers to obtain a special license to sell to it. Huawei did not respond to a request for comment. A Treasury spokesperson said the agency "does not comment on investigations or prospective actions, including to confirm whether one exists." Huawei would have been among the largest companies ever added to the list, which has included Russia's Rusal, the world's second-largest aluminium company, Russian oligarchs, Iranian politicians, and Venezuelan drug traffickers. Annie Fixler, a cyber expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, said designating the company "would have broad, widespread implications for Huawei across the globe," noting that its business would be "severely impacted" in Europe and in Asia outside of China. The US government has brought criminal charges against Huawei, alleging theft of trade secrets, bank fraud, violations of US sanctions against Iran, and has sought to convince allies to ban it from 5G networks over spying fears. But placing the company on the "SDN list" would mean a host of logistical, diplomatic and economic difficulties for the US government. The designation prohibits American companies or citizens from trading or conducting financial transactions with those listed and freezes assets held in the United States. Adding Huawei would, therefore, hammer US allies that already rely on the company for their 4G networks, since almost all dollar payments clear through U.S. financial institutions. The Treasury could grant licenses to exempt US banks involved in those transactions. But it has generally shied away from doing so, concerned that too many exemptions would blunt the strength of the tool, experts said. Huawei's sprawling size, with dozens of subsidiaries, would significantly complicate enforcement and carve-out efforts, experts said. "The larger an entity is, the harder it is for a US Administration to foresee and prepare for the major effects, foreign and domestic, that placing it on the SDN list may cause" said Matthew Tuchband, a former Treasury official who added that careful consideration is needed before designating a company the size of Huawei. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who is seen by many China hawks in the administration as sympathetic to Beijing, has rarely overseen the use of the tool against China, designating a handful of Chinese persons for trafficking in fentanyl and over violations of sanctions against North Korea and Iran. Nevertheless, some lawmakers still see designating Huawei as worth considering. "Given Huawei's relentless drive to dominate the 5G landscape, it is one of the most urgent national security threats facing the free world," Republican Congressman Michael Gallagher said. "All options should be on the table in order to impose maximum pressure," he added.

Trump administration considered placing China's Huawei on SDN list: Sources

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-climb-as-trump-says-us-china-trade-deal-near-264827">Asian markets</a> mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see-how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">Donald Trump</a> signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing.

Global equities have been surging in recent weeks with Wall Street hitting multiple records on expectations, the much-vaunted negotiations would result in a partial pact soon.

Trump on Wednesday put his name to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china-threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act,</a> which requires the president to annually review the city's favorable trade status and threatens to revoke it if the territory's freedoms are quashed.

He also agreed to legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces in putting down protests that have wracked the city since June and have battered its economy.

The president spoke of "respect" for his Chinese counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-major-highway-reopens-authorities-appeal-for-calm-264791">Xi Jinping</a> and said he hoped Beijing and Hong Kong could "amicably settle their differences".

For his part, Trump had seemed reluctant to sign the bill with the trade talks still ongoing, but with almost unanimous US congressional support for the measure, he had little political room to maneuver.

However, China hit out at the decision, calling it "extremely abominable", and threatened "firm countermeasures", though it did not specify what they would be. Hong Kong's government expressed "extreme regret" at the move.

The signing, while not entirely surprising, spooked investors, who had been in an upbeat mood following a string of positive comments from both sides indicating the first part of a wider agreement was close.

"Trump's signing the Hong Kong bill is likely to trigger another risk-off session," said Hao Zhou, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank AG. "The phase one deal is likely to be delayed."

Hong Kong fell 0.4 per cent in the morning session and Shanghai shed 0.1 per cent, while China's yuan was also slightly lower.

Singapore slipped 0.3 per cent and Seoul dropped 0.2 per cent while Taipei and Manila also retreated.

However, Tokyo ended the morning up 0.1 per cent, Sydney rose 0.3 per cent and Jakarta added 0.1 per cent.

Wellington climbed one per cent on data showing a pick-up in New Zealand business confidence.

"Now the big question is, does China decide to compartmentalise the Hong Kong issues away from the phase one deal. So that's where the risk lies now," said AxiTrader's Stephen Innes.

Wall Street had provided another record lead following figures showing US growth was faster than originally reported in the July-September period, easing concerns about the world's top economy.

However, China remains under pressure, and a top government adviser on Wednesday warned its economy could expand slower than six per cent this year. The government had fixed a growth target of between six and 6.5 per cent for 2019.

Worries about the trade talks also weighed on oil prices, with traders concerned that the prolonging of the China-US trade war would hit long-term demand.

On currency markets, the pound rallied after a much-anticipated opinion poll suggested Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on course to win a healthy majority in next month's general election.

The huge YouGov poll of around 100,000 people sparked buying in the pound on hopes a big Conservative party win would allow Johnson to push through his Brexit deal and avoid a no-deal divorce from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-election-poll-predicts-conservative-majority-264965">European Union</a>.

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after Donald Trump signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing.

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as optimism over the China-US trade talks took a jolt after Donald Trump signed into law a bill recognising Hong Kong's rights, prompting an angry response from Beijing. Global equities have been surging in recent weeks with Wall Street hitting multiple records on expectations, the much-vaunted negotiations would result in a partial pact soon. Trump on Wednesday put his name to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which requires the president to annually review the city's favorable trade status and threatens to revoke it if the territory's freedoms are quashed. He also agreed to legislation banning sales of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment used by Hong Kong security forces in putting down protests that have wracked the city since June and have battered its economy. The president spoke of "respect" for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and said he hoped Beijing and Hong Kong could "amicably settle their differences". For his part, Trump had seemed reluctant to sign the bill with the trade talks still ongoing, but with almost unanimous US congressional support for the measure, he had little political room to maneuver. However, China hit out at the decision, calling it "extremely abominable", and threatened "firm countermeasures", though it did not specify what they would be. Hong Kong's government expressed "extreme regret" at the move. The signing, while not entirely surprising, spooked investors, who had been in an upbeat mood following a string of positive comments from both sides indicating the first part of a wider agreement was close. "Trump's signing the Hong Kong bill is likely to trigger another risk-off session," said Hao Zhou, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank AG. "The phase one deal is likely to be delayed." Hong Kong fell 0.4 per cent in the morning session and Shanghai shed 0.1 per cent, while China's yuan was also slightly lower. Singapore slipped 0.3 per cent and Seoul dropped 0.2 per cent while Taipei and Manila also retreated. However, Tokyo ended the morning up 0.1 per cent, Sydney rose 0.3 per cent and Jakarta added 0.1 per cent. Wellington climbed one per cent on data showing a pick-up in New Zealand business confidence. "Now the big question is, does China decide to compartmentalise the Hong Kong issues away from the phase one deal. So that's where the risk lies now," said AxiTrader's Stephen Innes. Wall Street had provided another record lead following figures showing US growth was faster than originally reported in the July-September period, easing concerns about the world's top economy. However, China remains under pressure, and a top government adviser on Wednesday warned its economy could expand slower than six per cent this year. The government had fixed a growth target of between six and 6.5 per cent for 2019. Worries about the trade talks also weighed on oil prices, with traders concerned that the prolonging of the China-US trade war would hit long-term demand. On currency markets, the pound rallied after a much-anticipated opinion poll suggested Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on course to win a healthy majority in next month's general election. The huge YouGov poll of around 100,000 people sparked buying in the pound on hopes a big Conservative party win would allow Johnson to push through his Brexit deal and avoid a no-deal divorce from the European Union.

Asian markets hit as Trump sparks China anger with Hong Kong law

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../north-korea-says-pointless-for-kim-to-attend- south-korea-asean-summit-263634">North Korea </a>fired two "unidentified projectiles" on Thursday, the Thanksgiving holiday in the US,&nbsp;Seoul said, as nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked.

The brief statement from the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Pyongyang fired two projectiles eastwards from South Hamgyong province which came down in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

It said the launch was carried out at 16:59 pm local time or the early hours in Washington DC, on one of the US' biggest annual holidays.

It was also one day short of the two-year anniversary of the first test of its Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts say is capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

Japan's defence ministry described the projectiles as "ballistic missile-like" but said they did not come down in the country's exclusive economic zone.

Pyongyang is banned from firing ballistic missiles under UN Security Council resolutions.

Thursday's launch was the latest in a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang, which fired what it called two "super-large multiple rocket launcher" systems last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../trump-signs-hong-kong-democracy-act-china- threatens-firm-countermeasures-264966">US President Donald Trump</a> has played down the recent launches, repeatedly pointing to North Korea's moratorium on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches as foreign policy successes for him.

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un adopted a vaguely-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first summit in Singapore in June last year, but little progress has since been made.

Negotiations have been gridlocked since a second summit between the pair in Hanoi in February collapsed without a deal.

North Korea is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes and lifting some of them was a key demand at the Hanoi summit.

Trump and Kim then agreed to restart working-level talks during a brief meeting at the Demilitarised Zone dividing the peninsula in June and the two sides met in Sweden in October, only for Pyongyang to walk away.

Earlier this month, Seoul and Washington said they would postpone planned joint military exercises to ease diplomacy with the North, an announcement Pyongyang dismissed.

The North has long condemned the joint drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and carried out multiple missile launches in the summer in protest as the allies carried out their annual exercises.

North Korea has issued a series of increasingly assertive comments in recent weeks as its end-of-year deadline for the US to come up with a fresh offer approaches.

Trump hinted at the prospect of a fourth meeting with Kim in a tweet earlier this month, only to be rebuffed by the North, which said it had no interest in summits "that bring nothing to us".

North Korea fired two "unidentified projectiles" on Thursday, the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, Seoul said, as nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked.

North Korea fired two "unidentified projectiles" on Thursday, the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, Seoul said, as nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked. The brief statement from the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Pyongyang fired two projectiles eastwards from South Hamgyong province which came down in the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. It said the launch was carried out at 16:59 pm local time or the early hours in Washington DC, on one of the US' biggest annual holidays. It was also one day short of the two-year anniversary of the first test of its Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts say is capable of reaching the entire US mainland. Japan's defence ministry described the projectiles as "ballistic missile-like" but said they did not come down in the country's exclusive economic zone. Pyongyang is banned from firing ballistic missiles under UN Security Council resolutions. Thursday's launch was the latest in a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang, which fired what it called two "super-large multiple rocket launcher" systems last month. US President Donald Trump has played down the recent launches, repeatedly pointing to North Korea's moratorium on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches as foreign policy successes for him. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un adopted a vaguely-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first summit in Singapore in June last year, but little progress has since been made. Negotiations have been gridlocked since a second summit between the pair in Hanoi in February collapsed without a deal. North Korea is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes and lifting some of them was a key demand at the Hanoi summit. Trump and Kim then agreed to restart working-level talks during a brief meeting at the Demilitarised Zone dividing the peninsula in June and the two sides met in Sweden in October, only for Pyongyang to walk away. Earlier this month, Seoul and Washington said they would postpone planned joint military exercises to ease diplomacy with the North, an announcement Pyongyang dismissed. The North has long condemned the joint drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and carried out multiple missile launches in the summer in protest as the allies carried out their annual exercises. North Korea has issued a series of increasingly assertive comments in recent weeks as its end-of-year deadline for the US to come up with a fresh offer approaches. Trump hinted at the prospect of a fourth meeting with Kim in a tweet earlier this month, only to be rebuffed by the North, which said it had no interest in summits "that bring nothing to us".

North Korea fires two 'unidentified projectiles': Seoul

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see- how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">China </a>on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../china-overtakes-united-states-in-number-of- diplomatic-missions-264784">US President Donald Trump</a> has decided to abruptly withdraw troops from northeast Syria and reimpose sweeping sanctions on Iran, Beijing,&nbsp;the world's top crude importer,&nbsp;has doubled down on its economic commitments in the oil-rich region.

"The United States, the world's only superpower and one with tremendous influence in the region, has pursued a selfish and unilateralist policy," said Chen Xiaodong, China's assistant foreign minister.

This policy "sides with the strong at the expense of the weak, which has been a prominent factor behind the security predicament of the region," said Chen, speaking at the two-day Middle East Security Forum in Beijing.

Since taking office, President Xi Jinping has overseen a concerted effort to expand Chinese influence in the Middle East and Africa, including the construction of the country's first military base in Arab League state Djibouti.

In July 2018, Xi pledged $20 billion in loans for economic development to Arab states, which have remained largely silent on Beijing's rounding up and detention of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in China's western Xinjiang region.

Beijing has also increased its involvement in neighbouring Muslim countries, such as the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"We hope that China could play a bigger role in the political and economic security of the region," said Jawad Anani, former deputy prime minister of Jordan, in an opening speech.

Speakers echoed China's criticism of US actions in the Middle East, such as the Iraq War, and highlighted China's support for an independent Palestinian state.

Many blamed Washington's backing of Israel,&nbsp;including Trump's decision to recognise bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital -- for disrupting the peace process.

"Both China and Russia have benefited from the anti-US sentiment in the Middle East because both the ruling elites and ordinary people hope to see an alternative to US hegemony," Ahmed Ould Teguedi, Mauritania's foreign affairs minister, said at the forum's opening ceremony.

The conference came as a report Wednesday said for the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the US.

China on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years.

China on Wednesday denounced US policies in the Middle East as "selfish", as it blamed Washington for destabilising the fraught region where Beijing has stepped up investment in recent years. While US President Donald Trump has decided to abruptly withdraw troops from northeast Syria and reimpose sweeping sanctions on Iran, Beijing, the world's top crude importer, has doubled down on its economic commitments in the oil-rich region. "The United States, the world's only superpower and one with tremendous influence in the region, has pursued a selfish and unilateralist policy," said Chen Xiaodong, China's assistant foreign minister. This policy "sides with the strong at the expense of the weak, which has been a prominent factor behind the security predicament of the region," said Chen, speaking at the two-day Middle East Security Forum in Beijing. Since taking office, President Xi Jinping has overseen a concerted effort to expand Chinese influence in the Middle East and Africa, including the construction of the country's first military base in Arab League state Djibouti. In July 2018, Xi pledged $20 billion in loans for economic development to Arab states, which have remained largely silent on Beijing's rounding up and detention of an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in China's western Xinjiang region. Beijing has also increased its involvement in neighbouring Muslim countries, such as the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. "We hope that China could play a bigger role in the political and economic security of the region," said Jawad Anani, former deputy prime minister of Jordan, in an opening speech. Speakers echoed China's criticism of US actions in the Middle East, such as the Iraq War, and highlighted China's support for an independent Palestinian state. Many blamed Washington's backing of Israel, including Trump's decision to recognise bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital -- for disrupting the peace process. "Both China and Russia have benefited from the anti-US sentiment in the Middle East because both the ruling elites and ordinary people hope to see an alternative to US hegemony," Ahmed Ould Teguedi, Mauritania's foreign affairs minister, said at the forum's opening ceremony. The conference came as a report Wednesday said for the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the US.

China slams 'selfish' US-Middle East policies

Qatar&nbsp;could support&nbsp;Turkey's&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to&nbsp;settle&nbsp;more than a million&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in northeast Syria after its offensive against Kurdish militia in the region, broadcaster&nbsp;NTV&nbsp;quoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-recep-tayyip-erdogan-says-trump-can-waive-sanctions-on-turkey-report-236013">President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;</a>as saying on Tuesday.

Turkey launched a military incursion against the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Kurdish YPG militia last month, seizing a 120-km strip of land along its southeastern border.

Since launching its offensive, Turkey has urged Western allies to back its&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to build new towns in northeast Syria, where it&nbsp;says&nbsp;up to half of the 3.6 million&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;it currently hosts could be&nbsp;settled.

It has called for an international donor summit to back the plan. Western officials say they would be reluctant to fund any project which involved involuntary returns or changes to Syria's demographics - something Ankara denies it is planning.

Speaking to reporters on his return flight from a visit to Doha,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said he presented his&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-receives-500-from-qatar-231719">Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani</a>, adding that "Mr Tamim liked our projects", according to&nbsp;NTV.

Asked whether&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;will help fund the&nbsp;plans,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said: "They are at the point of: 'We can carry out these efforts together'. There really isn't another way."

Qatar's Red Crescent Society said last week it had opened a housing project in partnership with&nbsp;Turkey's&nbsp;AFAD emergency relief authority near the northern&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;city of Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed forces seized from Islamic State two years ago.

Relations between Turkey and&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;have been close in recent years. Ankara supported Doha after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with&nbsp;Qatar&nbsp;in 2017, accusing it of funding militant groups. Doha denies the charge.

Erdogan&nbsp;said that he had also presented the&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vladimir-putin-a-brief-profile-of-the-russian-president-728"> Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2020-us-presidential-election-trump-accused-google-of-very-illegal-acts-241344">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a>, adding that he would renew his call for a donor meeting at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-attend-nato-summit-in-london-days-before-uk-vote-262476">NATO summit </a>in London next week. He said that realising the&nbsp;plans&nbsp;would be "an example to the world".

The Turkish offensive was met by a chorus of criticism from Ankara's Western allies, who say the operation may hinder the fight against Islamic State. Turkey has rejected those concerns and said it will continue fighting militants.

Ankara views the YPG, the main component of the US-backed&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;Democratic Forces (SDF), as a terrorist group because of its link to Kurdish insurgents on its own soil. It has been infuriated with US&nbsp;support for the group and has repeatedly urged its allies to stop backing the militia.

Qatar could support Turkey's plans to settle more than a million Syrian refugees in northeast Syria after its offensive against Kurdish militia in the region, broadcaster NTV quoted President Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Tuesday.

Qatar could support Turkey's plans to settle more than a million Syrian refugees in northeast Syria after its offensive against Kurdish militia in the region, broadcaster NTV quoted President Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Tuesday. Turkey launched a military incursion against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia last month, seizing a 120-km strip of land along its southeastern border. Since launching its offensive, Turkey has urged Western allies to back its plans to build new towns in northeast Syria, where it says up to half of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it currently hosts could be settled. It has called for an international donor summit to back the plan. Western officials say they would be reluctant to fund any project which involved involuntary returns or changes to Syria's demographics - something Ankara denies it is planning. Speaking to reporters on his return flight from a visit to Doha, Erdogan said he presented his plans to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, adding that "Mr Tamim liked our projects", according to NTV. Asked whether Qatar will help fund the plans, Erdogan said: "They are at the point of: 'We can carry out these efforts together'. There really isn't another way." Qatar's Red Crescent Society said last week it had opened a housing project in partnership with Turkey's AFAD emergency relief authority near the northern Syrian city of Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed forces seized from Islamic State two years ago. Relations between Turkey and Qatar have been close in recent years. Ankara supported Doha after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing it of funding militant groups. Doha denies the charge. Erdogan said that he had also presented the plans to Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, adding that he would renew his call for a donor meeting at the NATO summit in London next week. He said that realising the plans would be "an example to the world". The Turkish offensive was met by a chorus of criticism from Ankara's Western allies, who say the operation may hinder the fight against Islamic State. Turkey has rejected those concerns and said it will continue fighting militants. Ankara views the YPG, the main component of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a terrorist group because of its link to Kurdish insurgents on its own soil. It has been infuriated with US support for the group and has repeatedly urged its allies to stop backing the militia.

Erdogan says Qatar backs Turkey's plans to settle Syrian refugees: NTV

Trump-Cook bonhomie on display as both visit Apple facility

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-lawyer-tells-us-jury-spelling-errors-video-shows-rival-stole-trade-secrets-224361">Huawei Technologies&nbsp;</a>has dismissed a new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gives-huawei-another-90-days-reprieve-from-ban-amid-economic-blacklist-244165">90-day extension</a> by the Trump administration allowing US&nbsp;firms to continue doing business with the Chinese company as making little difference, repeating that it was being unfairly treated.

US&nbsp;regulators are crafting rules on telecommunications firms that pose national security risks. But after adding Huawei to an economic blacklist in May, the US&nbsp;Commerce Department has allowed it to purchase some American-made goods.

Its 90-day license extensions aim to minimise disruption for its customers, many of which operate networks in rural America.

Huawei said on Monday that the latest extension would not "have a substantial impact on Huawei's business either way".

"This decision does not change the fact that Huawei continues to be treated unfairly either," the Chinese firm said.

The extension comes as the United States and China try to resolve a trade war that has lasted for more than a year, with Huawei one of its most visible targets.

Beijing reiterated on Tuesday that it hopes Chinese companies will be treated fairly.

"We urge the US&nbsp;to stop abusing export controls to discriminate against the firms of another country in the name of national security, and to stop politicizing a trade problem," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday.

Reuters on Sunday reported the 90-day extension after the administration of President Donald Trump had initially planned a two-week reprieve but ran into bureaucratic issues.

"The Temporary General License extension will allow carriers to continue to service customers in some of the most remote areas of the United States who would otherwise be left in the dark," US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said.

"The Department will continue to rigorously monitor sensitive technology exports to ensure that our innovations are not harnessed by those who would threaten our national security," Ross said in a statement on Monday.

The US&nbsp;Commerce Department added Huawei to its "Entity List" in May, concluding it was engaged in activities "contrary to US&nbsp;national security or foreign policy interests."

Huawei said the decision to add it to the list had caused more harm to the US&nbsp;than to Huawei.

"This has done significant economic harm to the American companies with which Huawei does business," it added.

In May, Trump also signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US&nbsp;companies from using telecommunications equipment made by companies posing a national security risk. The Commerce Department was directed to draw up an enforcement plan by mid-October but has yet to publish one.

Huawei Technologies has dismissed a new 90-day extension by the Trump administration allowing US firms to continue doing business with the Chinese company as making little difference, repeating that it was being unfairly treated.

Huawei Technologies has dismissed a new 90-day extension by the Trump administration allowing US firms to continue doing business with the Chinese company as making little difference, repeating that it was being unfairly treated. US regulators are crafting rules on telecommunications firms that pose national security risks. But after adding Huawei to an economic blacklist in May, the US Commerce Department has allowed it to purchase some American-made goods. Its 90-day license extensions aim to minimise disruption for its customers, many of which operate networks in rural America. Huawei said on Monday that the latest extension would not "have a substantial impact on Huawei's business either way". "This decision does not change the fact that Huawei continues to be treated unfairly either," the Chinese firm said. The extension comes as the United States and China try to resolve a trade war that has lasted for more than a year, with Huawei one of its most visible targets. Beijing reiterated on Tuesday that it hopes Chinese companies will be treated fairly. "We urge the US to stop abusing export controls to discriminate against the firms of another country in the name of national security, and to stop politicizing a trade problem," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday. Reuters on Sunday reported the 90-day extension after the administration of President Donald Trump had initially planned a two-week reprieve but ran into bureaucratic issues. "The Temporary General License extension will allow carriers to continue to service customers in some of the most remote areas of the United States who would otherwise be left in the dark," US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said. "The Department will continue to rigorously monitor sensitive technology exports to ensure that our innovations are not harnessed by those who would threaten our national security," Ross said in a statement on Monday. The US Commerce Department added Huawei to its "Entity List" in May, concluding it was engaged in activities "contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests." Huawei said the decision to add it to the list had caused more harm to the US than to Huawei. "This has done significant economic harm to the American companies with which Huawei does business," it added. In May, Trump also signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by companies posing a national security risk. The Commerce Department was directed to draw up an enforcement plan by mid-October but has yet to publish one.

Huawei plays down impact of new US license extension

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday.

Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue.

"We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said.

The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-wonderful-meeting-trump-and-erdogan-fail-to-resolve-conflicts-262004">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump </a>met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-out-of-question-to-leave-s-400s-but-would-buy-patriots-too-says-turkish-president-erdogan-262147">US patriot defences </a>in addition to Russia's defence systems.&nbsp;

Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems.

US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia.&nbsp;

"We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said.&nbsp;

Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working&nbsp;closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside.

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue. "We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said. The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase US patriot defences in addition to Russia's defence systems. Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems. US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia. "We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said. Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems. Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year. (with inputs from agencies)

Turkey bought s-400s from Russia to use them, not to put them aside

Trump impeachment: What rules will the House use in televised hearings?

In what can be described as the biggest challenge Donald Trump's presidency, public hearings of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-faces-perilous-test-as-impeachment-hearings-open-261230">impeachment</a> probe against him will be telecast from the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The Democrats intent&nbsp;to prove that the US president abused his office by seeking the help of his Ukrainian counterpart for finding dirt on his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and described the inquiry as "corrupt" and "illegal".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
....This is a phony showtrial. There is zero due process, none. It is yet another fraudulent hoax conspiracy theory. It is another Witch Hunt. This is what the Socialist Doemocrat Party has become. There’s not one thing the Democrats have done in the past 3 years except try...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1194458299720175616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the US history, only two presidents have so far been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. However, neither of the two presidents was convicted and removed. But, in 1974, Richard Nixon resigned as the US president after the demand of impeachment rose because of the Watergate scandal.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who will lead the hearings, told NPR radio on Tuesday that as per witnesses statements, Trump can be impeached in a number of 'impeachable' offences such as bribery, high crimes and misdemeanours, reports AFP.&nbsp;

The impeachment hearings are expected to be fiery as many government officials decided to testify on Trump's Ukraine machinations during the middle of 2019. There will be no holds barred from both Republicans and Democrats also because the US is nearly a year away from presidential elections and any setback by either of the parties may impact the outcome of the elections.&nbsp;

Latest polls show that Americans who are favouring impeachment of the president are holding a slim majority. However, the polls also reflect that a big chunk of voters that made Trump victorious in 2016 are still backing the president and are against the impeachment.&nbsp;

The witnesses to testify to Wednesday are William Taylor, the acting ambassador in Kyiv and George Kent, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. The former Ukraine envoy Marie Yovanovitch will testify on Friday.&nbsp;

After the impeachment inquiry is completed, the House which has a majority of Democrats, will vote. A simple majority is required in order to impeach Trump. If the US president gets impeached, the proceedings will move to the Senate and two-third of all majority will be required for removing Trump from the office.&nbsp;

The Democrats accuse Trump of pressurising Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky to find dirt on Biden and investigate 2016 election tampering. The main evidence is the official White House transcript of phone call on July 25 showing Trump asking the Ukrainian president to open a probe into Biden and the 2016 conspiracy theory.

On Tuesday, the Democrats announced the schedule for public testimony next week by eight more witnesses, all of whom previously testified behind closed doors.

The Republicans accuse Democrats of including witnesses that are biased against Trump. The Republicans also tried to shift focus on Biden's link to Ukraine&nbsp;and that Ukraine helped Democrats in the last presidential elections in the US.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In what can be described as the biggest challenge Donald Trump's presidency, public hearings of the impeachment probe against him will be telecast from the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.

In what can be described as the biggest challenge Donald Trump's presidency, public hearings of the impeachment probe against him will be telecast from the US House of Representatives on Wednesday. The Democrats intent to prove that the US president abused his office by seeking the help of his Ukrainian counterpart for finding dirt on his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and described the inquiry as "corrupt" and "illegal". ....This is a phony showtrial. There is zero due process, none. It is yet another fraudulent hoax conspiracy theory. It is another Witch Hunt. This is what the Socialist Doemocrat Party has become. There’s not one thing the Democrats have done in the past 3 years except try... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2019 × In the US history, only two presidents have so far been impeached: Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. However, neither of the two presidents was convicted and removed. But, in 1974, Richard Nixon resigned as the US president after the demand of impeachment rose because of the Watergate scandal. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who will lead the hearings, told NPR radio on Tuesday that as per witnesses statements, Trump can be impeached in a number of 'impeachable' offences such as bribery, high crimes and misdemeanours, reports AFP. The impeachment hearings are expected to be fiery as many government officials decided to testify on Trump's Ukraine machinations during the middle of 2019. There will be no holds barred from both Republicans and Democrats also because the US is nearly a year away from presidential elections and any setback by either of the parties may impact the outcome of the elections. Latest polls show that Americans who are favouring impeachment of the president are holding a slim majority. However, the polls also reflect that a big chunk of voters that made Trump victorious in 2016 are still backing the president and are against the impeachment. The witnesses to testify to Wednesday are William Taylor, the acting ambassador in Kyiv and George Kent, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. The former Ukraine envoy Marie Yovanovitch will testify on Friday. After the impeachment inquiry is completed, the House which has a majority of Democrats, will vote. A simple majority is required in order to impeach Trump. If the US president gets impeached, the proceedings will move to the Senate and two-third of all majority will be required for removing Trump from the office. The Democrats accuse Trump of pressurising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to find dirt on Biden and investigate 2016 election tampering. The main evidence is the official White House transcript of phone call on July 25 showing Trump asking the Ukrainian president to open a probe into Biden and the 2016 conspiracy theory. On Tuesday, the Democrats announced the schedule for public testimony next week by eight more witnesses, all of whom previously testified behind closed doors. The Republicans accuse Democrats of including witnesses that are biased against Trump. The Republicans also tried to shift focus on Biden's link to Ukraine and that Ukraine helped Democrats in the last presidential elections in the US.

Fierce proceedings expected as impeachment testimony against Donald Trump set to telecast today

How Ayatollah Khomeini's feared Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps changed Iran

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue.

Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the region. The move prompted widespread concern over the fate of Islamic State prisoners in the region.

The YPG is the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a leading US&nbsp;ally in beating back Islamic State in the region and has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeastern Syria. The United States and Turkey's Western allies have said Ankara's offensive could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence.

Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies. It has repeatedly called on European countries to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists.

Speaking to reporters, Soylu said Turkey would send back any captured Islamic State fighters to their countries even if their citizenships are revoked.

"We will send back those in our hands, but the world has come up with a new method now: revoking their citizenships," Soylu said. "They are saying they should be tried where they have been caught. This is a new form of international law, I guess."

"It is not possible to accept this. We will send back Daesh (Islamic State) members in our hands to their own countries whether they revoke their citizenships or not," he said.

Soylu had warned at the weekend that Turkey would send back Islamic State members captured by Turkey to their home countries and complained of European inaction on the matter.

The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria, where Turkey and Russia have troops. While Baghdadi's death was hailed by world leaders, including Turkey, the group has vowed revenge against the United States.

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue.

Turkey will send captured Islamic State members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticising the approach of European countries on the issue. Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw troops from the region. The move prompted widespread concern over the fate of Islamic State prisoners in the region. The YPG is the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which has been a leading US ally in beating back Islamic State in the region and has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeastern Syria. The United States and Turkey's Western allies have said Ankara's offensive could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence. Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies. It has repeatedly called on European countries to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists. Speaking to reporters, Soylu said Turkey would send back any captured Islamic State fighters to their countries even if their citizenships are revoked. "We will send back those in our hands, but the world has come up with a new method now: revoking their citizenships," Soylu said. "They are saying they should be tried where they have been caught. This is a new form of international law, I guess." "It is not possible to accept this. We will send back Daesh (Islamic State) members in our hands to their own countries whether they revoke their citizenships or not," he said. Soylu had warned at the weekend that Turkey would send back Islamic State members captured by Turkey to their home countries and complained of European inaction on the matter. The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria, where Turkey and Russia have troops. While Baghdadi's death was hailed by world leaders, including Turkey, the group has vowed revenge against the United States.

Will send back Islamic State prisoners even if citizenships revoked: Turkey

When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down 30 years ago, many hoped its demise portended an end to barriers between borders and isolationism.

But with US President Donald Trump's planned wall on the border with Mexico, the West Bank "separation barrier" and Hungary's anti-migrant fence facing Serbia and Croatia, manmade partitions are going up again.

"Edifices of fear, both real and imaginary, are being constructed everywhere," the Transnational Institute, an Amsterdam-based think-tank, wrote in its "Building Walls" report last year.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, a Cold War structure erected in 1961 to separate Soviet-allied East Berlin from the democratic West, was met with jubilation by Germans and millions of others dreaming of cooperation and openness in a more globalist and liberal world.

But the optimism and idealism of 1989 was "short-lived," said Alexandra Novosseloff, a senior researcher at the International Peace Institute in New York.

"Walls are still there and have multiplied. There are more today than 30 years ago," she told AFP.

Not only physical walls but also political and legislative ones are rising.

The United States and some European countries have been taking an ever-harder stance against migrants, and Brexit is the result of citizens choosing to leave a barrier-free European Union created exactly to put an end to the continent's recurrent, bloody conflicts -- often over border disputes.

Too risky&nbsp;

Bruno Tertrais, deputy director of the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, argues that globalisation has, somewhat ironically, fuelled a resurgence of nationalism.

After the initial rush of freedom, many people started worrying that too much openness was putting their national identity and values at risk.

Then everything changed on September 11, 2001.

It was really after the terror attacks on the United States, Tertrais said, that "barriers started to multiply."

Raphael Bossong of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin said the post-9/11 war on terrorism "fuelled a sense of paranoia and erosion of political freedoms".

"By the late 2000s, economic shocks, rising inequality and a growing political backlash against globalisation led to a resurgence of nationalism in the West," he wrote in a blog entitled "New Walls I: Militarizing Borders in Europe" for the Bertelsmann Stiftung research foundation.

"The resurrection of physical borders has taken on an outsized symbolic importance."

Elisabeth Vallet, a political analyst at Canada's Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM), said she had counted "70 to 75" border walls built or being built around the world, compared to 15 in 1989.

Placed end to end, the world's existing walls would stretch over 40,000 kilometres (25,000 miles), Vallet said -- enough to cover the circumference of the Earth and divide our planet into two parts.

'Staunch our fears'&nbsp;

Former French diplomat Michel Foucher, author of "The Return of Borders," argues that the vulnerability many people feel in the face of globalisation has caused them to welcome more state protectionism, and by extension, more walls.

The wall serves as "a metaphor, it is supposed to calm our fears," Foucher said.

For Vallet, author of "Borders, Fences and Walls -- State of Insecurity, "at a time when populism is growing fast, a wall is a quick solution that a populist government can quickly exploit."

As the migration flows from south to north continue, more and more walls are seeking to keep foreigners out.

"Member states of the European Union and Schengen Area have constructed almost 1,000 km of walls, the equivalent of more than six times the total length of the Berlin Wall, since the nineties to prevent displaced people migrating into Europe", according to the Transnational Institute.

In spite of their growing popularity, however, there is little evidence of their efficiency, Vallet said.

"They do not, for example, halt the trafficking of drugs, most of which enter the United States through border crossings," he told AFP by email.

"What is clear is that the ever-changing role of borders serves as an indicator for the health of liberal democracy," Bossong said. 
 
&nbsp;

When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down 30 years ago, many hoped its demise portended an end to barriers between borders and isolationism. But with US President Donald Trump's planned wall on the border with Mexico, the West Bank "separation barrier" and Hungary's anti-migrant fence facing Serbia and Croatia, manmade partitions are going up again.

When the Berlin Wall came tumbling down 30 years ago, many hoped its demise portended an end to barriers between borders and isolationism. But with US President Donald Trump's planned wall on the border with Mexico, the West Bank "separation barrier" and Hungary's anti-migrant fence facing Serbia and Croatia, manmade partitions are going up again. "Edifices of fear, both real and imaginary, are being constructed everywhere," the Transnational Institute, an Amsterdam-based think-tank, wrote in its "Building Walls" report last year. The fall of the Berlin Wall, a Cold War structure erected in 1961 to separate Soviet-allied East Berlin from the democratic West, was met with jubilation by Germans and millions of others dreaming of cooperation and openness in a more globalist and liberal world. But the optimism and idealism of 1989 was "short-lived," said Alexandra Novosseloff, a senior researcher at the International Peace Institute in New York. "Walls are still there and have multiplied. There are more today than 30 years ago," she told AFP. Not only physical walls but also political and legislative ones are rising. The United States and some European countries have been taking an ever-harder stance against migrants, and Brexit is the result of citizens choosing to leave a barrier-free European Union created exactly to put an end to the continent's recurrent, bloody conflicts -- often over border disputes. Too risky Bruno Tertrais, deputy director of the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, argues that globalisation has, somewhat ironically, fuelled a resurgence of nationalism. After the initial rush of freedom, many people started worrying that too much openness was putting their national identity and values at risk. Then everything changed on September 11, 2001. It was really after the terror attacks on the United States, Tertrais said, that "barriers started to multiply." Raphael Bossong of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin said the post-9/11 war on terrorism "fuelled a sense of paranoia and erosion of political freedoms". "By the late 2000s, economic shocks, rising inequality and a growing political backlash against globalisation led to a resurgence of nationalism in the West," he wrote in a blog entitled "New Walls I: Militarizing Borders in Europe" for the Bertelsmann Stiftung research foundation. "The resurrection of physical borders has taken on an outsized symbolic importance." Elisabeth Vallet, a political analyst at Canada's Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM), said she had counted "70 to 75" border walls built or being built around the world, compared to 15 in 1989. Placed end to end, the world's existing walls would stretch over 40,000 kilometres (25,000 miles), Vallet said -- enough to cover the circumference of the Earth and divide our planet into two parts. 'Staunch our fears' Former French diplomat Michel Foucher, author of "The Return of Borders," argues that the vulnerability many people feel in the face of globalisation has caused them to welcome more state protectionism, and by extension, more walls. The wall serves as "a metaphor, it is supposed to calm our fears," Foucher said. For Vallet, author of "Borders, Fences and Walls -- State of Insecurity, "at a time when populism is growing fast, a wall is a quick solution that a populist government can quickly exploit." As the migration flows from south to north continue, more and more walls are seeking to keep foreigners out. "Member states of the European Union and Schengen Area have constructed almost 1,000 km of walls, the equivalent of more than six times the total length of the Berlin Wall, since the nineties to prevent displaced people migrating into Europe", according to the Transnational Institute. In spite of their growing popularity, however, there is little evidence of their efficiency, Vallet said. "They do not, for example, halt the trafficking of drugs, most of which enter the United States through border crossings," he told AFP by email. "What is clear is that the ever-changing role of borders serves as an indicator for the health of liberal democracy," Bossong said.

Build that wall! Barriers back 30 years after Berlin Wall

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-reprieve-brings-no-refuge-from-recession-risk-report-257841">United States and China</a> on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US&nbsp;officials said a deal could be signed this month.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Friday said the world's two largest economies had reached "consensus on principles" during a "serious and constructive" telephone call between their main trade negotiators.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-us-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-by-middle-of-november-256808">Donald Trump said he hoped to sign an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping </a>at a US&nbsp;location, perhaps in the farming state of Iowa, which will be a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election.

"China wants to make the deal very much," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday evening. "I don't like to talk about deals until they happen, but we're making a lot of progress."

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US&nbsp;demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm products.

A critical date is Dec. 15, when new US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs.

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators had made "enormous progress" toward finalising the phase one agreement, although the deal was not yet 100% complete, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Friday.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin moved forward on a range of issues during their call with China's Vice Premier Liu He, and were working to resolve outstanding issues, USTR said in a statement.

The talks are set to continue at the deputy level.

"The deal is not completed, but we made enormous progress. We're beyond where we were last spring, so I'm going to play that from the optimistic side," Kudlow told reporters.

US&nbsp;officials have said the two sides were close to an agreement in May, but talks faltered when China backtracked on commitments to change its laws to resolve core US&nbsp;complaints about theft of intellectual property, forced technology transfers and other practices.

Three phases needed

For now, Kudlow said the planned Dec. 15 tariffs would remain on the table. The decision on whether to cancel them would be made by Trump, he said.

Washington still hoped to sign the deal this month, he added, despite Chile's withdrawal as host of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been expected to ink the agreement.

"We're looking for a venue," he said. "We'd love the timing to be similar, but it will all be determined."

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox Business Network three phases of the trade agreement would be required to address all of China's "structural deadly sins."

He said Lighthizer was insisting on an enforcement mechanism that would allow the United States to impose tariffs without fear of retaliation if China violated the deal.

Agreements on agriculture, financial services and currency were nearly completed, and there had been "excellent progress" on intellectual property theft issues, Kudlow said, although some additional work remained on that topic.

He said the thorny issue of technology transfer to China would likely be pushed back to a second phase.

The agreement covered Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm products, and other steps to open up its market to agricultural goods, while in financial services, the agreement would "give 100 per cent ownership to American companies in China," Kudlow said, citing insurers, security firms, and investment and commercial banks.

A Chinese ministry website also showed that China plans to let foreign-funded firms raise money via stock and bond issuance both in China and overseas, and to let them freely repatriate profits, as part of its moves to encourage foreign investment.

The United States and China on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US officials said a deal could be signed this month.

The United States and China on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US officials said a deal could be signed this month. The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Friday said the world's two largest economies had reached "consensus on principles" during a "serious and constructive" telephone call between their main trade negotiators. US President Donald Trump said he hoped to sign an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a US location, perhaps in the farming state of Iowa, which will be a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election. "China wants to make the deal very much," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday evening. "I don't like to talk about deals until they happen, but we're making a lot of progress." US and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US farm products. A critical date is Dec. 15, when new US tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs. US and Chinese negotiators had made "enormous progress" toward finalising the phase one agreement, although the deal was not yet 100% complete, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Friday. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin moved forward on a range of issues during their call with China's Vice Premier Liu He, and were working to resolve outstanding issues, USTR said in a statement. The talks are set to continue at the deputy level. "The deal is not completed, but we made enormous progress. We're beyond where we were last spring, so I'm going to play that from the optimistic side," Kudlow told reporters. US officials have said the two sides were close to an agreement in May, but talks faltered when China backtracked on commitments to change its laws to resolve core US complaints about theft of intellectual property, forced technology transfers and other practices. Three phases needed For now, Kudlow said the planned Dec. 15 tariffs would remain on the table. The decision on whether to cancel them would be made by Trump, he said. Washington still hoped to sign the deal this month, he added, despite Chile's withdrawal as host of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been expected to ink the agreement. "We're looking for a venue," he said. "We'd love the timing to be similar, but it will all be determined." White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox Business Network three phases of the trade agreement would be required to address all of China's "structural deadly sins." He said Lighthizer was insisting on an enforcement mechanism that would allow the United States to impose tariffs without fear of retaliation if China violated the deal. Agreements on agriculture, financial services and currency were nearly completed, and there had been "excellent progress" on intellectual property theft issues, Kudlow said, although some additional work remained on that topic. He said the thorny issue of technology transfer to China would likely be pushed back to a second phase. The agreement covered Chinese purchases of US farm products, and other steps to open up its market to agricultural goods, while in financial services, the agreement would "give 100 per cent ownership to American companies in China," Kudlow said, citing insurers, security firms, and investment and commercial banks. A Chinese ministry website also showed that China plans to let foreign-funded firms raise money via stock and bond issuance both in China and overseas, and to let them freely repatriate profits, as part of its moves to encourage foreign investment.

US-China trade deal in sight after progress in high-level talks

The United States wants to bolster a coalition fighting Islamic State in northeastern Syria, a senior State Department official said on Monday, after the leader of the jihadi movement, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isis-chief-baghdadi-died-crying-screaming-like-a-coward-by-us-soldiers-trump-258418">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed</a> in the weekend operation.

World leaders welcomed his death, but they and security experts warned that the group, which carried out atrocities against religious minorities and horrified most Muslims, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baghdadis-death-not-the-end-of-islamic-state-iran-258406">remained a security threat</a> in Syria and beyond.

The official said that President Donald Trump, by announcing the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces from northern Syria on October&nbsp;6, did not suggest that Washington was abandoning the fight against Islamic State.

"There was never an idea that we would abandon the mission of going after ISIS. ... This is a major effort that is continuing," the official told reporters.

Foreign ministers will meet in Washington on November&nbsp;14 to discuss the mission.

"The United States is determined to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq and continues to work with the Global Coalition to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart its global ambitions," the US&nbsp;State Department said in a statement.

It said the Washington meeting's discussions would have a "particular focus on recent developments in northeast Syria and their relationship to stability and security of the region."

Trump has softened his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-retreat-from-syria-could-see-islamic-state-roar-back-to-life-258190">pullout plans for Syria</a> after a backlash from Congress, including from fellow Republicans, who say he enabled a long-threatened Turkish incursion on October&nbsp;9 against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State since 2014.

US&nbsp;special forces carried out the Syrian operation in which Baghdadi killed himself and three of his children by detonating a suicide vest when he was cornered in a tunnel.

Trump said on Monday he may declassify and release part of the video taken on Saturday of the raid. The video is believed to include aerial footage and possibly footage from cameras mounted on the soldiers who stormed Baghdadi's compound.

Trump said on Sunday that Baghdadi had died "whimpering and crying" in a raid that fulfilled the president's top national security goal.

The United States has given the remains of Baghdadi a burial at sea and afforded him religious rites according to Islamic custom, three officials told Reuters.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to say if the United States had told Russia about the operation in advance. Trump, in announcing the operation, said Russia "treated us great" by opening up airspace it controlled for the raid.

Peskov added: "If this information is confirmed, we can talk about a serious contribution by the president of the United States to the fight against international terrorism."

French President Emmanuel Macron said Baghdadi's death was a major blow against Islamic State, but "the fight continues to finally defeat this terrorist organisation".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We will work with our coalition partners to bring an end to the murderous, barbaric activities of Daesh (Islamic State) once and for all."

In Southeast Asia, an important focus for Islamic State, officials said security forces were preparing for a long battle to thwart the group's ideology.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, home to some of Asia's most organised Islamist militants, said they were braced for retaliation by Islamic State loyalists, including "lone-wolf" attacks by radicalised locals.

The United States on Monday confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the jihadi group, in a separate US&nbsp;operation in northern Syria.

Although Baghdadi's death will unsettle Islamic State, it remains capable and dangerous, said Delfin Lorenzana, defence secretary of the Philippines, where the group's influence has taken a hold in its troubled Mindanao region.

"This is a blow to the organisation considering al-Baghdadi's stature as a leader. But this is just a momentary setback considering the depth and reach of the organisation worldwide," Lorenzana said. "Somebody will take his place."

Islamic State has no declared successor as leader. But the group has proved resilient, continuing to mount or inspire attacks in the region and beyond despite losing most of its territory in recent years.

Baghdadi had long been sought by the United States - which offered a $25 million reward - as leader of a jihadist group that at one point controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, where it declared a caliphate.

Islamic State has brutally attacked religious minorities and launched deadly strikes on five continents in a violent campaign that horrified most Muslims.

In their long hunt for Baghdadi, Iraqi intelligence teams secured a break in February 2018 after one of his top aides gave them information on how he escaped capture for so many years, two Iraqi security officials said.

Baghdadi held strategy talks with his commanders in moving minibuses packed with vegetables in order to avoid detection, Ismael al-Ethawi told officials after he was arrested by Turkish authorities and handed to the Iraqis.

"Ethawi gave valuable information which helped the Iraqi multi-security agencies team complete the missing pieces of the puzzle of Baghdadi's movements and places he used to hide," one of the Iraqi security officials said.

Iraqi security officials said Kurdish intelligence agents had exchanged information with counterparts in Baghdad on the movements of Baghdadi and his aides in Syria. One of the Kurds' sources passed on a "golden tip" earlier this year.

Suspicious movements were spotted by locals at a house in a village in Syria, which was placed under surveillance and turned out to be the house used by Baghdadi, the Iraqi officials said.

The raid on Baghdadi comes weeks after Trump announced the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops from northeastern Syria.

Critics expressed concern at the abandoning of the Kurdish fighters who were instrumental in defeating Islamic State in Syria, and said the move might allow the group to regain strength and pose a threat to US&nbsp;interests.

The Pentagon, however, said the United States would repel any attempt to take Syria's oilfields away from US-backed Syrian militia with "overwhelming force," whether the opponent is Islamic State or even forces backed by Russia or Syria.

Trump said the raid would not change his decision to withdraw troops from Syria.

But killing Baghdadi could help blunt those concerns, as well as boosting Trump domestically at a time when he is facing an impeachment inquiry in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives.

Egypt, which is fighting militants loyal to Islamic State, said the killing of Baghdadi was "an important step towards eradicating terrorism".

US&nbsp;foe Iran, which accuses the United States and its allies of creating Islamic State, was dismissive. Information Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted: "Not a big deal, You just killed your creature".

At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people from northern Syria to the outskirts of Baghdad.

Thousands of civilians were killed by the group as it mounted what the United Nations called a genocidal campaign against Iraq's Yazidi minority. It also caused worldwide revulsion by beheading foreign nationals from countries including the United States, Britain and Japan.

The group has claimed responsibility for or inspired attacks in cities including Paris, Nice, France, Orlando, Florida, Manchester, England, London and Berlin, and in Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The United States wants to bolster a coalition fighting Islamic State in northeastern Syria, a senior State Department official said on Monday, after the leader of the jihadi movement, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in the weekend operation.

The United States wants to bolster a coalition fighting Islamic State in northeastern Syria, a senior State Department official said on Monday, after the leader of the jihadi movement, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in the weekend operation. World leaders welcomed his death, but they and security experts warned that the group, which carried out atrocities against religious minorities and horrified most Muslims, remained a security threat in Syria and beyond. The official said that President Donald Trump, by announcing the withdrawal of US forces from northern Syria on October 6, did not suggest that Washington was abandoning the fight against Islamic State. "There was never an idea that we would abandon the mission of going after ISIS. ... This is a major effort that is continuing," the official told reporters. Foreign ministers will meet in Washington on November 14 to discuss the mission. "The United States is determined to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq and continues to work with the Global Coalition to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart its global ambitions," the US State Department said in a statement. It said the Washington meeting's discussions would have a "particular focus on recent developments in northeast Syria and their relationship to stability and security of the region." Trump has softened his pullout plans for Syria after a backlash from Congress, including from fellow Republicans, who say he enabled a long-threatened Turkish incursion on October 9 against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State since 2014. US special forces carried out the Syrian operation in which Baghdadi killed himself and three of his children by detonating a suicide vest when he was cornered in a tunnel. Trump said on Monday he may declassify and release part of the video taken on Saturday of the raid. The video is believed to include aerial footage and possibly footage from cameras mounted on the soldiers who stormed Baghdadi's compound. Trump said on Sunday that Baghdadi had died "whimpering and crying" in a raid that fulfilled the president's top national security goal. The United States has given the remains of Baghdadi a burial at sea and afforded him religious rites according to Islamic custom, three officials told Reuters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to say if the United States had told Russia about the operation in advance. Trump, in announcing the operation, said Russia "treated us great" by opening up airspace it controlled for the raid. Peskov added: "If this information is confirmed, we can talk about a serious contribution by the president of the United States to the fight against international terrorism." French President Emmanuel Macron said Baghdadi's death was a major blow against Islamic State, but "the fight continues to finally defeat this terrorist organisation". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We will work with our coalition partners to bring an end to the murderous, barbaric activities of Daesh (Islamic State) once and for all." In Southeast Asia, an important focus for Islamic State, officials said security forces were preparing for a long battle to thwart the group's ideology. The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, home to some of Asia's most organised Islamist militants, said they were braced for retaliation by Islamic State loyalists, including "lone-wolf" attacks by radicalised locals. The United States on Monday confirmed the killing of Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir, Islamic State spokesman and a high-ranking figure within the jihadi group, in a separate US operation in northern Syria. Although Baghdadi's death will unsettle Islamic State, it remains capable and dangerous, said Delfin Lorenzana, defence secretary of the Philippines, where the group's influence has taken a hold in its troubled Mindanao region. "This is a blow to the organisation considering al-Baghdadi's stature as a leader. But this is just a momentary setback considering the depth and reach of the organisation worldwide," Lorenzana said. "Somebody will take his place." Islamic State has no declared successor as leader. But the group has proved resilient, continuing to mount or inspire attacks in the region and beyond despite losing most of its territory in recent years. Baghdadi had long been sought by the United States - which offered a $25 million reward - as leader of a jihadist group that at one point controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, where it declared a caliphate. Islamic State has brutally attacked religious minorities and launched deadly strikes on five continents in a violent campaign that horrified most Muslims. In their long hunt for Baghdadi, Iraqi intelligence teams secured a break in February 2018 after one of his top aides gave them information on how he escaped capture for so many years, two Iraqi security officials said. Baghdadi held strategy talks with his commanders in moving minibuses packed with vegetables in order to avoid detection, Ismael al-Ethawi told officials after he was arrested by Turkish authorities and handed to the Iraqis. "Ethawi gave valuable information which helped the Iraqi multi-security agencies team complete the missing pieces of the puzzle of Baghdadi's movements and places he used to hide," one of the Iraqi security officials said. Iraqi security officials said Kurdish intelligence agents had exchanged information with counterparts in Baghdad on the movements of Baghdadi and his aides in Syria. One of the Kurds' sources passed on a "golden tip" earlier this year. Suspicious movements were spotted by locals at a house in a village in Syria, which was placed under surveillance and turned out to be the house used by Baghdadi, the Iraqi officials said. The raid on Baghdadi comes weeks after Trump announced the withdrawal of US troops from northeastern Syria. Critics expressed concern at the abandoning of the Kurdish fighters who were instrumental in defeating Islamic State in Syria, and said the move might allow the group to regain strength and pose a threat to US interests. The Pentagon, however, said the United States would repel any attempt to take Syria's oilfields away from US-backed Syrian militia with "overwhelming force," whether the opponent is Islamic State or even forces backed by Russia or Syria. Trump said the raid would not change his decision to withdraw troops from Syria. But killing Baghdadi could help blunt those concerns, as well as boosting Trump domestically at a time when he is facing an impeachment inquiry in the US House of Representatives. Egypt, which is fighting militants loyal to Islamic State, said the killing of Baghdadi was "an important step towards eradicating terrorism". US foe Iran, which accuses the United States and its allies of creating Islamic State, was dismissive. Information Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi tweeted: "Not a big deal, You just killed your creature". At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people from northern Syria to the outskirts of Baghdad. Thousands of civilians were killed by the group as it mounted what the United Nations called a genocidal campaign against Iraq's Yazidi minority. It also caused worldwide revulsion by beheading foreign nationals from countries including the United States, Britain and Japan. The group has claimed responsibility for or inspired attacks in cities including Paris, Nice, France, Orlando, Florida, Manchester, England, London and Berlin, and in Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

US wants to bolster fight against Islamic State after its leader's death

President Donald Trump doesn't like what he reads in two of America's biggest newspapers, The New York Times and Washington Post, so he won't be getting them any longer.

"We did not renew our subscription, that is correct. This will be a significant cost savings to taxpayers," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told AFP.

Trump on Monday had told Fox News, the television network that he watches daily and relies on for largely friendly coverage,&nbsp;that he didn't want to get the papers because they are "fake."

Grisham also told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that the White House plans to require all federal agencies to cancel their subscriptions to the two newspapers.

"I have no doubt the hardworking reporters of The New York Times and Washington Post will continue to do quality journalism regardless of whether the president acknowledges he reads them," White House Correspondents' Association president Jonathan Karl told the WSJ.

"Pretending to ignore the work of a free press won't make the news go away, or stop reporters from informing the public and holding those in power accountable," he added.

The Times and particularly the Post are not the biggest newspapers by circulation, but they have an outsized influence in national politics and especially in coverage of the White House.

President Donald Trump doesn't like what he reads in two of America's biggest newspapers, The New York Times and Washington Post, so he won't be getting them any longer.

President Donald Trump doesn't like what he reads in two of America's biggest newspapers, The New York Times and Washington Post, so he won't be getting them any longer. "We did not renew our subscription, that is correct. This will be a significant cost savings to taxpayers," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told AFP. Trump on Monday had told Fox News, the television network that he watches daily and relies on for largely friendly coverage, that he didn't want to get the papers because they are "fake." Grisham also told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that the White House plans to require all federal agencies to cancel their subscriptions to the two newspapers. "I have no doubt the hardworking reporters of The New York Times and Washington Post will continue to do quality journalism regardless of whether the president acknowledges he reads them," White House Correspondents' Association president Jonathan Karl told the WSJ. "Pretending to ignore the work of a free press won't make the news go away, or stop reporters from informing the public and holding those in power accountable," he added. The Times and particularly the Post are not the biggest newspapers by circulation, but they have an outsized influence in national politics and especially in coverage of the White House.

Didn't renew our subscription! Trump cancels America's biggest newspapers

'Ceasefire' or a 'pause'? What happened when Washington, Ankara met over Syria offensive

donald-trump-6

Donald Trump, News on Donald Trump, stories on Donald Trump, articles on Donald Trump, Donald Trump stories at Wion, Donald Trump news, Donald Trump latest news

donald trump-6