World stocks rose to a one-week high on cautious hopes for a rapprochement on trade between Beijing and Washington on Friday, though a perky dollar capped gains with China's yuan softening again, on track for its weakest month in 2-1/2 decades.

World stocks rose to a one-week high on cautious hopes for a rapprochement on trade between Beijing and Washington on Friday, though a perky dollar capped gains with China's yuan softening again, on track for its weakest month in 2-1/2 decades. For most of August global stocks have reeled and fixed income shone as deepening concerns over global trade and clear signs of a slowdown, possibly even a recession, in the global economy loomed large over financial markets. But the mood lifted after US President Donald Trump said some trade discussions were taking place with China on Thursday, with more talks scheduled. China's commerce ministry also said a September round of meetings was being discussed by the two sides, but added it was important for Washington to cancel a tariff increase. The MSCI All-Country World Index climbed 0.3 per cent but is on track for a near 3 per cent decline in August - only the second month the benchmark has spent in the red this year. It is the weakest of August for the index since 2015. European stocks on Friday extended the previous session's gains, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3 per cent to trade at a fresh one-month high. "The trade war seesaw has certainly moved back in favour of riskier assets for now, with Trump and China supposedly holding a call yesterday," said Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid. Gains were helped by a surge in German real estate firms which saw the country's DAX index add 0.7 per cent. The picture was more mixed in Asia, where Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets dipped in and out of the red. Arrests or detentions of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong added to investor jitters, with the Chinese-ruled territory facing its first recession in a decade. Japan's Nikkei added 1.2 per cent, while South Korea's KOSPI jumped 1.8 per cent. US futures pointed to a firmer start to the day's trade, with E-Minis for the S&P500 up 0.3 per cent after more than 1 per cent gain on Wall Street overnight. Fixed income markets took a breather on Friday, at the end of a stellar month that has seen prices rally and borrowing costs push deeper and deeper into negative territory. US Treasury yields nudged higher overnight, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury climbing to 1.5349 per cent from a three-year low of 1.443 per cent touched earlier this week. It was still below two-year yields at 1.5419 per cent. Such an inversion was last seen in 2007 and correctly foretold the great recession that followed a year later. Eurozone government bond yields were steady near record lows as data showed the bloc's inflation remained low at 1.0 per cent in August, well below the European Central Bank's target and bolstering expectations for European Central Bank stimulus in September. Germany is considering lowering its corporate tax rate, while the US government is thinking about issuing 50- and 100-year bonds in a bid to steepen the yield curve. Recent economic data has also pointed to a global growth slowdown with business investment, manufacturing activity, and exports all going south across major economies. Investors were focused on a string of economic releases due over the weekend including China's official manufacturing survey, which would provide a good gauge of the real impact from the Sino-US trade war. Glum yuan In currency markets, the dollar nudged to a one month high of 98.609 against a basket of six major currencies. Yet the trade optimism failed to inspire China's yuan, which resumed its decline with spot yuan at 7.1462 against the dollar. The currency is on track for its weakest month since Beijing's currency reform in 1994 after it broke through the key 7 to the dollar level earlier in August. "The yuan move back to 7 and beyond has been a distinct possibility for months. It is clearly down due to the tariffs," said Neil Mellor, senior FX strategist at BNY Mellon in London. "It does help them to some extent to absorb the tariff costs - it is one of the few options they have. The fiscal option is limited after years of excess, and the monetary stimulus has already been unprecedented this year." The Australian dollar, often seen as a proxy bet on the Chinese economy, slipped towards a 10-year trough. Elsewhere, the euro plunged to a one-month low against the dollar, as investors looked for aggressive easing by the European Central Bank and ignored doubts by some policymakers about the need for more stimulus. The Japanese yen stood at 106.40 to the dollar, while the euro was 0.2 per cent down at $1.10395. Sterling was steady at $1.2182 against the dollar ahead of a crucial few days for parliament next week which could even result in a no-confidence motion and a new election. In commodities, spot gold came off recent highs to trade at $1,526 an ounce. Silver was at $18.37 an ounce after hitting its highest level in more than two years. US crude slipped 57 cents to $56.14 a barrel while Brent fell 30 cents to $60.78 a barrel.

Global stocks scale one-week high on trade hopes, yuan softens

President Donald Trump declared that an emergency exists in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-residents-told-to-stock-up-on-food-water-as-hurricane-nears-246731">state of Florida, with Hurricane Dorian</a> expected to make landfall as a life-threatening Category 4 storm over the three-day US Labor Day holiday weekend, and authorized US federal agencies to provide appropriate assistance for emergency measures, the White House said in a press release on Friday, news agency Sputnik reported.&nbsp;

"The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures," the release said.

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Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1167030041303310336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-gains-strength-as-florida-braces-for-direct-hit-246598">Dorian</a> is expected make landfall in the US as a category 4 storm in the next 48 hours, with maximum sustained winds of 130–156 miles per hour, according to the NHC.

The latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of 6-to-12 inches of rain in parts of Florida as Dorian passes over the state.

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We pray and prepare as Hurricane Dorian approaches. Sending love to the amazing people Florida. Stay safe!
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1167453972355043329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," the NHC said.

In addition, the NHC has warned of a life threatening storm surge, first in the Bahamas and later in Florida, with water levels as much as 10 to 15 feet above normal tide levels.

Florida residents were bracing for a hurricane on Thursday that was threatening to smack into the center of the state over the Labor Day weekend, and President Donald Trump said it appeared the storm's winds would be "unbelievably high," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Dorian gained power late on Thursday night, jumping from 85 mph (137 kmh) to 105 mph (165 kmh) and with higher wind gusts, making it a Category 2 storm on the 5-step Saffir-Simpson scale for measuring hurricane intensity.

Trump canceled a visit to Poland scheduled for the weekend and Florida's governor expanded a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Dorian, which is forecast to make landfall on the Atlantic coast Monday as a dangerous Category 4 storm.

"Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water was being shipped to Florida.

"It does seem almost certain that it’s hitting dead center and that’s not good. The winds seem to be building at a tremendous rate. It looks like the winds are going to be unbelievably high.”

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period.

"I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event."

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump declared that an emergency exists in the state of Florida, with Hurricane Dorian expected to make landfall as a life-threatening Category 4 storm over the three-day US Labor Day holiday weekend, and authorized US federal agencies to provide appropriate assistance for emergency measures, the White House said in a press release on Friday, news agency Sputnik reported.

President Donald Trump declared that an emergency exists in the state of Florida, with Hurricane Dorian expected to make landfall as a life-threatening Category 4 storm over the three-day US Labor Day holiday weekend, and authorized US federal agencies to provide appropriate assistance for emergency measures, the White House said in a press release on Friday, news agency Sputnik reported. "The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures," the release said. Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019 × Dorian is expected make landfall in the US as a category 4 storm in the next 48 hours, with maximum sustained winds of 130–156 miles per hour, according to the NHC. The latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of 6-to-12 inches of rain in parts of Florida as Dorian passes over the state. We pray and prepare as Hurricane Dorian approaches. Sending love to the amazing people Florida. Stay safe! — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 30, 2019 × "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," the NHC said. In addition, the NHC has warned of a life threatening storm surge, first in the Bahamas and later in Florida, with water levels as much as 10 to 15 feet above normal tide levels. Florida residents were bracing for a hurricane on Thursday that was threatening to smack into the center of the state over the Labor Day weekend, and President Donald Trump said it appeared the storm's winds would be "unbelievably high," news agency Reuters reported. Dorian gained power late on Thursday night, jumping from 85 mph (137 kmh) to 105 mph (165 kmh) and with higher wind gusts, making it a Category 2 storm on the 5-step Saffir-Simpson scale for measuring hurricane intensity. Trump canceled a visit to Poland scheduled for the weekend and Florida's governor expanded a state of emergency to prepare for Hurricane Dorian, which is forecast to make landfall on the Atlantic coast Monday as a dangerous Category 4 storm. "Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water was being shipped to Florida. "It does seem almost certain that it’s hitting dead center and that’s not good. The winds seem to be building at a tremendous rate. It looks like the winds are going to be unbelievably high.” Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week, news agency AFP reported. The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period. "I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event."

Trump declares emergency in Florida as hurricane Dorian approaches: White House

President Donald Trump announced Thursday the official establishment of the US military's Space Command.

Trump launches United States space command

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week.

The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period.

"I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event."

Florida is under a declaration of emergency, and DeSantis has activated 2,500 National Guard troops, with another 1,500 on standby. No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many were expected as the storm's path becomes clearer.

Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties of neighbouring Georgia to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery.

Dorian began on Friday over the Atlantic as a Category 2 hurricane but was expected to be classified a Category 3 later in the day. It had maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour (175 km per hour), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT).

Forecasters predicted the storm would grow more ferocious as it gained fuel from the warm waters off Florida and be near the state's peninsula late on Monday.

The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas.

If, as expected, the storm reaches Category 4 over the weekend, its winds will blow at more than 130 mph (210 kph). There was a concern it could slow from its current 12-mph (9-kph) march across the map, giving it more time to intensify.

Recent NHC weather models show Dorian smacking into the centre of Florida.

The storm could roll inland toward Orlando on Tuesday or early Wednesday. Other NHC weather models show it tracking south toward Miami before hitting the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast.

Along with the dangerous winds, the storm was expected to drop 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain on the coastal United States. "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," NHC forecasters said.

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled a planned weekend trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure resources are properly directed for the storm.

"Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water were being shipped to Florida.

Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin.

Fuel, nursing homes

Some gas stations in Florida have run dry and others have long lines of cars, DeSantis said, adding that the state had eased regulations to allow higher-capacity trucks to transport fuel and to make it easier to bring in fuel from other states.

Gasoline prices at the pump are not expected to spike because of the storm, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com.

"This is not going to be a pricing event," DeHaan said. "There are no refiners in Florida, there’s only a pipeline, and I can’t imagine that would be affected significantly. Fuel is flowing, and that’s the most important factor.”

Colonial Pipeline, which delivers fuels such as gasoline and diesel from the Gulf Coast to markets across the southern and eastern United States, said it was operating normally. It had no plans to shut down ahead of Dorian's projected landfall.

Florida officials also were making sure all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators, and were checking with 107 facilities where information about generators was uncertain.

Earlier this week, police in Hollywood, Florida, charged four nursing home caregivers with causing the deaths of 12 patients who died in the sweltering heat of a post-hurricane power outage left by Hurricane Irma two years ago.

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week.

Florida's governor on Friday urged residents in the state to stock up on at least a week's worth of food, water and medicine and to prepare to lose power and cellphone service for days after Hurricane Dorian makes landfall early next week. The slow march and rising intensity of the storm, which is moving in a northwestern direction to the Bahamas, has alarmed forecasters who worry parts of Florida will be walloped by strong winds, a storm surge and heavy rain for an extended period. "I think there’s a pretty high degree of certainty that this is going to be a major hurricane," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a news conference from the state emergency operations centre in Tallahassee. He said residents should prepare for a "multiday event." Florida is under a declaration of emergency, and DeSantis has activated 2,500 National Guard troops, with another 1,500 on standby. No evacuations were ordered as of early Friday, but many were expected as the storm's path becomes clearer. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in 12 counties of neighbouring Georgia to assist with storm readiness, response and recovery. Dorian began on Friday over the Atlantic as a Category 2 hurricane but was expected to be classified a Category 3 later in the day. It had maximum sustained winds near 110 miles per hour (175 km per hour), the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT). Forecasters predicted the storm would grow more ferocious as it gained fuel from the warm waters off Florida and be near the state's peninsula late on Monday. The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for the northwestern Bahamas. If, as expected, the storm reaches Category 4 over the weekend, its winds will blow at more than 130 mph (210 kph). There was a concern it could slow from its current 12-mph (9-kph) march across the map, giving it more time to intensify. Recent NHC weather models show Dorian smacking into the centre of Florida. The storm could roll inland toward Orlando on Tuesday or early Wednesday. Other NHC weather models show it tracking south toward Miami before hitting the peninsula, or heading north to the Georgia coast. Along with the dangerous winds, the storm was expected to drop 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of rain on the coastal United States. "This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash floods," NHC forecasters said. President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled a planned weekend trip to Poland, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place, so he can make sure resources are properly directed for the storm. "Now it's looking like it could be an absolute monster," Trump said in a video posted on Twitter, adding that food and water were being shipped to Florida. Dorian could churn across dozens of launchpads owned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Air Force and companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Fuel, nursing homes Some gas stations in Florida have run dry and others have long lines of cars, DeSantis said, adding that the state had eased regulations to allow higher-capacity trucks to transport fuel and to make it easier to bring in fuel from other states. Gasoline prices at the pump are not expected to spike because of the storm, said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com. "This is not going to be a pricing event," DeHaan said. "There are no refiners in Florida, there’s only a pipeline, and I can’t imagine that would be affected significantly. Fuel is flowing, and that’s the most important factor.” Colonial Pipeline, which delivers fuels such as gasoline and diesel from the Gulf Coast to markets across the southern and eastern United States, said it was operating normally. It had no plans to shut down ahead of Dorian's projected landfall. Florida officials also were making sure all nursing homes and assisted living facilities had generators, and were checking with 107 facilities where information about generators was uncertain. Earlier this week, police in Hollywood, Florida, charged four nursing home caregivers with causing the deaths of 12 patients who died in the sweltering heat of a post-hurricane power outage left by Hurricane Irma two years ago.

Florida residents told to stock up on food, water as hurricane Dorian nears

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 30th, 2019

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States plans to reduce the number of American troops in Afghanistan from 14,000 to 8,600 and then will determine further drawdowns.

'US Troops Would Remain in Afghanistan' says Donald Trump

Lawyers for the US government and for Michael Flynn said on Friday they disagree whether Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, is ready to be sentenced for lying about his discussions with a Russian ambassador.

Flynn's lawyers, who were hired earlier this year, said that they have not had enough time to review the case and that the government has refused to hand over information they need for his defence, including transcripts and recordings of phone calls supposedly underlying the charges against their client.

Government lawyers, in contrast, said Flynn is ready for sentencing and proposed that he be sentenced between October 21 and 23 or between November 1 and 15.

Both sides agreed that Flynn's cooperation with various government probes is finished. They made their assessments in a status report filed with the federal court in Washington, DC.

Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his conversations the prior December with Sergey Kislyak, who was Russia's ambassador to the United States, about US&nbsp;sanctions imposed on Moscow by President Barack Obama.

That plea came in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's since-completed probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Lawyers for Flynn asked for 90 days before the next status report.

Lawyers for the US government and for Michael Flynn said on Friday they disagree whether Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, is ready to be sentenced for lying about his discussions with a Russian ambassador.

Lawyers for the US government and for Michael Flynn said on Friday they disagree whether Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, is ready to be sentenced for lying about his discussions with a Russian ambassador. Flynn's lawyers, who were hired earlier this year, said that they have not had enough time to review the case and that the government has refused to hand over information they need for his defence, including transcripts and recordings of phone calls supposedly underlying the charges against their client. Government lawyers, in contrast, said Flynn is ready for sentencing and proposed that he be sentenced between October 21 and 23 or between November 1 and 15. Both sides agreed that Flynn's cooperation with various government probes is finished. They made their assessments in a status report filed with the federal court in Washington, DC. Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about his conversations the prior December with Sergey Kislyak, who was Russia's ambassador to the United States, about US sanctions imposed on Moscow by President Barack Obama. That plea came in connection with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's since-completed probe into Russian interference in the 2016 US election. Lawyers for Flynn asked for 90 days before the next status report.

Ex-Trump adviser Flynn and US dispute his readiness for sentencing

Donald Trump's personal assistant Madeleine Westerhout resigned on Thursday after she shared information about the president's family with journalists, US media reported.

Westerhout's unexpected departure came after Trump learned that she had talked about his family and White House matters with reporters at an off-the-record session during the president's recent working vacation in New Jersey, The New York Times reported citing unnamed sources.

Later, other outlets -- including CNN and Politico -- also reported her departure citing unnamed sources.

CNN said Westerhout had failed to make clear during the interaction with journalists that her comments were off the record, and one reporter disclosed the conversation to the White House.

Westerhout's office was in front of the Oval Office and she had been described as Trump's "gatekeeper" in US media. She had been his personal assistant from the beginning of his presidency.

The Trump administration has been particularly sensitive about staff leaking information to the media, with the president railing against both officials and journalists over reports about the state of affairs in the White House.

The New York Times said Westerhout was now a "separated employee" and would not be allowed into the White House.

A former administration official described Trump and Westerhout's relationship as "close", CNN said, but added that talking about his family was "a red line".

Westerhout was not a high-profile staffer, but her exit adds to a long list of administration officials who have quit since Donald Trump was elected president in 2016.

Donald Trump's personal assistant Madeleine Westerhout resigned on Thursday after she shared information about the president's family with journalists, US media reported.

Donald Trump's personal assistant Madeleine Westerhout resigned on Thursday after she shared information about the president's family with journalists, US media reported. Westerhout's unexpected departure came after Trump learned that she had talked about his family and White House matters with reporters at an off-the-record session during the president's recent working vacation in New Jersey, The New York Times reported citing unnamed sources. Later, other outlets -- including CNN and Politico -- also reported her departure citing unnamed sources. CNN said Westerhout had failed to make clear during the interaction with journalists that her comments were off the record, and one reporter disclosed the conversation to the White House. Westerhout's office was in front of the Oval Office and she had been described as Trump's "gatekeeper" in US media. She had been his personal assistant from the beginning of his presidency. The Trump administration has been particularly sensitive about staff leaking information to the media, with the president railing against both officials and journalists over reports about the state of affairs in the White House. The New York Times said Westerhout was now a "separated employee" and would not be allowed into the White House. A former administration official described Trump and Westerhout's relationship as "close", CNN said, but added that talking about his family was "a red line". Westerhout was not a high-profile staffer, but her exit adds to a long list of administration officials who have quit since Donald Trump was elected president in 2016.

Donald Trump's personal assistant steps down over info breach: Reports

President Donald Trump said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-woo-foreign-firms-like-apple-to-capitalise-on-us-china-trade-war-246456">US and Chinese trade officials</a> were due to hold discussions on Thursday, days before Washington is due to raise tariffs on billions in Chinese goods.

"There's a talk scheduled for today at a different level," Trump told Fox News Radio, without elaborating.

He rebutted prior news reports sceptical of his claims that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hopes-us-will-create-conditions-necessary-for-september-trade-talks-246427">Beijing and Washington</a> held talks by telephone last week.

"Yes, they've been talking," he said.

The US Trade Representative's office, which is leading the US negotiations with China, did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

Earlier on Thursday, China's Commerce Ministry helped cheer stock markets by signalling that Beijing may not respond in kind to Trump's latest tariff increases and was still willing to negotiate.

Earlier this week, Chinese officials appeared to dispute Trump's claims that the sides had held telephone calls, saying they were not aware of any communications.

After a sharp deterioration this month in the year-long trade war, Washington on Sunday is due to begin the first of a new wave of tariff increases on Chinese goods, drawing warnings from various industries about falling profits and recession from trade groups.

Trump earlier this month called for 10 per cent tariffs on $300 billion in goods that would hit September 1 and December 15. But after Beijing retaliated by targeting $75 billion in US exports, Trump raised the new tariffs to 15 per cent.

In addition, existing 25 per cent duties on $250 billion in Chinese products will rise to 30 per cent starting October 1.

President Donald Trump said US and Chinese trade officials were due to hold discussions on Thursday, days before Washington is due to raise tariffs on billions in Chinese goods.

President Donald Trump said US and Chinese trade officials were due to hold discussions on Thursday, days before Washington is due to raise tariffs on billions in Chinese goods. "There's a talk scheduled for today at a different level," Trump told Fox News Radio, without elaborating. He rebutted prior news reports sceptical of his claims that Beijing and Washington held talks by telephone last week. "Yes, they've been talking," he said. The US Trade Representative's office, which is leading the US negotiations with China, did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Earlier on Thursday, China's Commerce Ministry helped cheer stock markets by signalling that Beijing may not respond in kind to Trump's latest tariff increases and was still willing to negotiate. Earlier this week, Chinese officials appeared to dispute Trump's claims that the sides had held telephone calls, saying they were not aware of any communications. After a sharp deterioration this month in the year-long trade war, Washington on Sunday is due to begin the first of a new wave of tariff increases on Chinese goods, drawing warnings from various industries about falling profits and recession from trade groups. Trump earlier this month called for 10 per cent tariffs on $300 billion in goods that would hit September 1 and December 15. But after Beijing retaliated by targeting $75 billion in US exports, Trump raised the new tariffs to 15 per cent. In addition, existing 25 per cent duties on $250 billion in Chinese products will rise to 30 per cent starting October 1.

US, China to talk trade on Thursday: President Donald Trump

In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command

European countries will step up diplomatic efforts to save the beleaguered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honour-nuclear-deal-and-stop-economic-terrorism-if-you-want-talks-iran-tells-us-246335">Iran nuclear deal</a>, Germany's foreign minister said Friday after talks with Britain and France.&nbsp;

Tensions have spiked recently in the Gulf, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tanker-switches-course-again-heads-to-turkey-ship-tracking-data-246610">Iran has seized Western tankers</a> as Tehran and Washington have locked horns over the 2015 deal.

US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally pulled out of the accord that handed Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its atomic programme.

The move alarmed European powers, which see the deal as the best way to stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, and infuriated the Islamic republic.

The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany -- the three European parties to the deal -- were joined by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini for talks on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Helsinki.

Germany's Heiko Maas said the trio wanted to build on the momentum from last weekend's G7 summit, where Trump indicated a willingness to talk to Iran.

"Our priority is to open the dialogue window between the US and Iran," Maas told reporters.

"Especially after the G7 summit in Biarritz we are all of the opinions that the momentum that perhaps exists, the readiness for dialogue on both sides... must now be used."

Mogherini said Thursday the EU would support such a move -- provided the current deal was preserved.&nbsp;

The Europeans have repeatedly said they are committed to saving the deal, but efforts to shield Iran's economy from the reimposition of US sanctions have so far borne little fruit.

"We will be discussing further diplomatic efforts together with the French and the British -- including in the region with all the countries bordering the Gulf," Maas said.

'Build on momentum'

Ahead of the meeting, British foreign minister Dominic Raab also said he wanted to "build on the momentum of the positive G7 talks on Iran".

As well as mooting the summit with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, Trump also appeared open to a French suggestion that Iran be given a line of credit to help stabilise its economy.

"The nuclear deal is the only deal on the table that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and we will continue working together to encourage Iran to uphold the agreement in full," Raab said.

"We also need the broadest international support possible to tackle the threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."

Britain, along with Australia and Bahrain, has joined Washington's Operation Sentinel mission to protect commercial shipping on the crucial oil trade routes through the Gulf, in particular, the Strait of Hormuz.

Other European countries have been cool on the idea, fearing greater naval presence in the region could risk escalating an already febrile situation.

The idea has been floated of a European observation mission in the Strait, a strategic chokepoint at the mouth of the Gulf, but a number of EU countries have voiced reservations.

Maas said there were still "different views" and stressed nothing should be done that might imperil diplomatic efforts.

Mogherini on Thursday gave a cautious welcome to the idea of US-Iran talks but stressed "first and foremost what is existing needs to be preserved" -- including the 2015 deal.

In response to the US pulling out of the deal and reimposing sanctions, Tehran has breached certain limits on its nuclear production imposed by the accord, but the EU insists it has so far not taken any irreversible steps.

European countries will step up diplomatic efforts to save the beleaguered Iran nuclear deal, Germany's foreign minister said Friday after talks with Britain and France.

European countries will step up diplomatic efforts to save the beleaguered Iran nuclear deal, Germany's foreign minister said Friday after talks with Britain and France. Tensions have spiked recently in the Gulf, where Iran has seized Western tankers as Tehran and Washington have locked horns over the 2015 deal. US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally pulled out of the accord that handed Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its atomic programme. The move alarmed European powers, which see the deal as the best way to stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, and infuriated the Islamic republic. The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany -- the three European parties to the deal -- were joined by EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini for talks on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Helsinki. Germany's Heiko Maas said the trio wanted to build on the momentum from last weekend's G7 summit, where Trump indicated a willingness to talk to Iran. "Our priority is to open the dialogue window between the US and Iran," Maas told reporters. "Especially after the G7 summit in Biarritz we are all of the opinions that the momentum that perhaps exists, the readiness for dialogue on both sides... must now be used." Mogherini said Thursday the EU would support such a move -- provided the current deal was preserved. The Europeans have repeatedly said they are committed to saving the deal, but efforts to shield Iran's economy from the reimposition of US sanctions have so far borne little fruit. "We will be discussing further diplomatic efforts together with the French and the British -- including in the region with all the countries bordering the Gulf," Maas said. 'Build on momentum' Ahead of the meeting, British foreign minister Dominic Raab also said he wanted to "build on the momentum of the positive G7 talks on Iran". As well as mooting the summit with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, Trump also appeared open to a French suggestion that Iran be given a line of credit to help stabilise its economy. "The nuclear deal is the only deal on the table that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and we will continue working together to encourage Iran to uphold the agreement in full," Raab said. "We also need the broadest international support possible to tackle the threats to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz." Britain, along with Australia and Bahrain, has joined Washington's Operation Sentinel mission to protect commercial shipping on the crucial oil trade routes through the Gulf, in particular, the Strait of Hormuz. Other European countries have been cool on the idea, fearing greater naval presence in the region could risk escalating an already febrile situation. The idea has been floated of a European observation mission in the Strait, a strategic chokepoint at the mouth of the Gulf, but a number of EU countries have voiced reservations. Maas said there were still "different views" and stressed nothing should be done that might imperil diplomatic efforts. Mogherini on Thursday gave a cautious welcome to the idea of US-Iran talks but stressed "first and foremost what is existing needs to be preserved" -- including the 2015 deal. In response to the US pulling out of the deal and reimposing sanctions, Tehran has breached certain limits on its nuclear production imposed by the accord, but the EU insists it has so far not taken any irreversible steps.

Europe to step up diplomatic efforts on Iran crisis: Germany

The United States and China gave signs on Thursday that they will resume trade talks as the two economic superpowers discussed the next round of in-person negotiations in September ahead of a looming deadline for additional US tariffs.

The United States and China gave signs on Thursday that they will resume trade talks as the two economic superpowers discussed the next round of in-person negotiations in September ahead of a looming deadline for additional US tariffs. A new round of US tariffs on some Chinese goods is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, threatening to escalate an already bitter trade war. President Donald Trump said some discussions were taking place on Thursday, with more talks scheduled. China's commerce ministry also said a September round of meetings was being discussed by the two sides but said it was important for Washington to cancel a tariff increase. "There is a talk scheduled for today at a different level," Trump said in an interview with Fox News Radio, without giving details. A spokesman for the United States trade representative could not immediately be reached for comment on the planned call. "China wants to make a deal," Trump said in the interview, adding that China was losing millions of jobs under pressure from US tariffs. "I think they want to make a deal, I sort of think they have to make a deal. We’ll see what happens." The Trump administration on Sunday is scheduled to begin collecting 15 per cent tariffs on more than $125 billion in Chinese imports, including smart speakers, Bluetooth headphones and many types of footwear. Trump last Friday said he was increasing existing and planned tariffs by 5 per cent on about $550 billion worth of Chinese imports after Beijing announced its retaliatory tariffs on US goods. Tariffs of 15 per cent on cellphones, laptop computers, toys, and clothing are to take effect on December 15. The US Trade Representative's Office said on Thursday it will collect public comments through September 20 on a planned tariff increase to 30 per cent on a $250 billion list of goods already hit with a 25 per cent tariff. US stocks rallied more than 1 per cent on Thursday on positive sentiment about the trade talks, although some analysts noted that Trump's comments were light on substance. Cancel the tariffs In Beijing, the Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters that China hopes Washington can cancel the planned tariff increase to avoid an escalation in the trade war. "The most important thing at the moment is to create necessary conditions for both sides to continue negotiations," he said during a weekly briefing, adding that China was lodging "solemn representation" with the United States. Gao said China had "ample" countermeasures to retaliate against the planned US tariffs, but talks in the current circumstances should focus on whether the tariffs could be cancelled. He did not answer directly when asked if his remarks suggested China would not retaliate against the latest US tariff threat. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. China has consistently denied Washington's accusations that it engages in unfair trade practices, vowing to fight back in kind and criticizing US measures as protectionist. A survey of US companies doing business in China found that they are largely still making profits in China, but 81 per cent said escalating US-China trade tensions have affected their business operations. That marks an 8 percentage-point increase from 2018, said the US-China Business Council, which represents more than 220 US companies ranging from Boeing Co to Archer Daniels Midland and Hewlett Packard. The council's president, Craig Allen, a former senior US government official and expert on China, urged the United States and China to return to the negotiating table to end damaging tariffs and avert lasting damage to bilateral business ties. The survey showed US companies are losing sales because their Chinese customers increasingly view US companies as unreliable business partners given the volatility of the bilateral commercial relationship. Nearly 40 per cent of those surveyed said they lost sales because of Chinese partners' concerns about doing business with US companies, a seven-fold increase over 2018. In July 2018, the US-China trade dispute boiled over in tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of each other's goods and threatens to engulf all trade between the countries, putting global growth at risk.

Signs of new US - China trade discussions emerge as increased tariffs loom

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Jeffrey Epstein </a>as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe.

The leased land forms part of Epstein's nearly 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, one of the multiple luxury properties held by Epstein, who was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10.

Attorney General Hector Balderas requested the state retake the 1,244 acres of grassland after an investigation by his office found it appeared to have been improperly leased in the late 1990s.

"This sweetheart deal must be cancelled and reassigned to a New Mexico ranching family," Balderas said in an emailed statement. 
Epstein, a 66-year-old money manager who once counted the US.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump as a friend was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges involving dozens of girls as young as 14.

A New York City medical examiner concluded that he died in custody this month due to suicide by hanging.

A federal judge in New York on Thursday dismissed the criminal sex trafficking case against Epstein because of his death.&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors said the government's investigation into potential co-conspirators was ongoing.

Balderas said in July his office was investigating allegations Epstein's Zorro ranch was at the centre of his alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of girls and women in the state.

Leases signed by Epstein's holding company Cypress Inc in 1997 and 1999 said the state land forming part of the ranch would be used for grazing, according to the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO).&nbsp;

Balderas said in a Thursday letter to state land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard that a review by the attorney general's office found no cattle on the lands.

Balderas said the leases "appear to simply have been taken by him (Epstein) to increase privacy and the landmass surrounding his estate.

Epstein's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday.

Angie Poss, an NMSLO spokeswoman, said Epstein employees had not responded to requests by her agency to inspect the land.

The Zorro Ranch is one of the few Epstein properties yet to be raided by law enforcement officials following his arrest.

"We are in the process of cancelling those leases by Cypress Inc," Poss said.

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to Jeffrey Epstein as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe.

New Mexico's attorney general on Thursday called for the cancellation of state land leases to Jeffrey Epstein as his office investigated allegations the late financier sexually abused girls and women at his ranch south of Santa Fe. The leased land forms part of Epstein's nearly 10,000-acre Zorro Ranch near Stanley, New Mexico, one of the multiple luxury properties held by Epstein, who was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell on August 10. Attorney General Hector Balderas requested the state retake the 1,244 acres of grassland after an investigation by his office found it appeared to have been improperly leased in the late 1990s. "This sweetheart deal must be cancelled and reassigned to a New Mexico ranching family," Balderas said in an emailed statement. Epstein, a 66-year-old money manager who once counted the US. President Donald Trump as a friend was arrested on July 6 and pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges involving dozens of girls as young as 14. A New York City medical examiner concluded that he died in custody this month due to suicide by hanging. A federal judge in New York on Thursday dismissed the criminal sex trafficking case against Epstein because of his death. Federal prosecutors said the government's investigation into potential co-conspirators was ongoing. Balderas said in July his office was investigating allegations Epstein's Zorro ranch was at the centre of his alleged sexual abuse and trafficking of girls and women in the state. Leases signed by Epstein's holding company Cypress Inc in 1997 and 1999 said the state land forming part of the ranch would be used for grazing, according to the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO). Balderas said in a Thursday letter to state land commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard that a review by the attorney general's office found no cattle on the lands. Balderas said the leases "appear to simply have been taken by him (Epstein) to increase privacy and the landmass surrounding his estate. Epstein's lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. Angie Poss, an NMSLO spokeswoman, said Epstein employees had not responded to requests by her agency to inspect the land. The Zorro Ranch is one of the few Epstein properties yet to be raided by law enforcement officials following his arrest. "We are in the process of cancelling those leases by Cypress Inc," Poss said.

New Mexico official orders cancellation of Jeffrey Epstein land leases

A US judge refused on Thursday to fast-track a congressional lawsuit seeking to force disclosure of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-clears-way-for-release-of-donald-trumps-state-tax-returns-234267">President Donald Trump's federal tax returns</a>, saying it was a complicated and important matter that should not be rushed.

US District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington said in a written order that under US law, there was "only a narrow set of cases that must skip to the front of the line," and that the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee had not shown its lawsuit was one of them.

McFadden said that while he was not prejudging the case, Trump's defences "seem unlikely to be so trivial as to justify a rush to the merits of the case."

In an August 20 filing, the Democratic-led House Ways and Means panel said that "time is of the essence" in resolving the case it brought last month seeking to compel the Treasury Department to hand over years of the Republican president’s individual and business federal tax returns.

In the filing, lawyers for the committee said the current Congress would end on January 3, 2021, and that a prompt resolution of issues in the case was needed to give the committee enough time to investigate Trump's tax returns and pass any legislation in response.

Justice Department attorneys, in coordination with Trump's lawyers, had proposed a staged approach to hearing arguments in the case that drew objections from the House panel's legal team.

The committee filed the lawsuit after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin defied congressional subpoenas seeking the returns, despite a federal law that says the department “shall furnish” such records on request.

The lawsuit began what is widely expected to be a lengthy legal battle likely to end in the US Supreme Court.

The Justice Department said in an advisory legal opinion in June that the committee lacked a "legitimate legislative purpose" in seeking Trump's tax returns, and that Mnuchin, therefore, did not violate the law by refusing to provide them.

One of Trump's lawyers, Jay Sekulow, called the committee's efforts "presidential harassment" last month.

Before Trump, modern US presidential candidates customarily disclosed their tax returns during their campaigns.

Ways and Means are one of half a dozen House committees conducting investigations involving Trump and his administration.

The White House is refusing to cooperate with most of them, setting up several legal battles unfolding in the courts.

A US judge refused on Thursday to fast-track a congressional lawsuit seeking to force disclosure of President Donald Trump's federal tax returns, saying it was a complicated and important matter that should not be rushed.

A US judge refused on Thursday to fast-track a congressional lawsuit seeking to force disclosure of President Donald Trump's federal tax returns, saying it was a complicated and important matter that should not be rushed. US District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington said in a written order that under US law, there was "only a narrow set of cases that must skip to the front of the line," and that the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee had not shown its lawsuit was one of them. McFadden said that while he was not prejudging the case, Trump's defences "seem unlikely to be so trivial as to justify a rush to the merits of the case." In an August 20 filing, the Democratic-led House Ways and Means panel said that "time is of the essence" in resolving the case it brought last month seeking to compel the Treasury Department to hand over years of the Republican president’s individual and business federal tax returns. In the filing, lawyers for the committee said the current Congress would end on January 3, 2021, and that a prompt resolution of issues in the case was needed to give the committee enough time to investigate Trump's tax returns and pass any legislation in response. Justice Department attorneys, in coordination with Trump's lawyers, had proposed a staged approach to hearing arguments in the case that drew objections from the House panel's legal team. The committee filed the lawsuit after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin defied congressional subpoenas seeking the returns, despite a federal law that says the department “shall furnish” such records on request. The lawsuit began what is widely expected to be a lengthy legal battle likely to end in the US Supreme Court. The Justice Department said in an advisory legal opinion in June that the committee lacked a "legitimate legislative purpose" in seeking Trump's tax returns, and that Mnuchin, therefore, did not violate the law by refusing to provide them. One of Trump's lawyers, Jay Sekulow, called the committee's efforts "presidential harassment" last month. Before Trump, modern US presidential candidates customarily disclosed their tax returns during their campaigns. Ways and Means are one of half a dozen House committees conducting investigations involving Trump and his administration. The White House is refusing to cooperate with most of them, setting up several legal battles unfolding in the courts.

US House Democrats lose bid to fast-track Trump tax return lawsuit

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move.

It is the latest in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-report-that-he-wanted-to-use-nuclear-weapons-to-break-up-hurricanes-245753"> President Donald Trump</a>'s long battle against environmental protection rules, coming weeks after his administration made fundamental changes to a widely popular wildlife protection law and re-authorized the use of "cyanide bombs" to kill animals that prey on livestock.

"EPA's proposal delivers on President Trump's executive order and removes unnecessary and duplicative regulatory burdens from the oil and gas industry," said the agency's head, Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist.

"The Trump Administration recognizes that methane is valuable, and the industry has an incentive to minimize leaks and maximize its use," he added.

The rules would likely go into effect next year after a non-binding public comment period.

The EPA said the proposed amendments would save the oil and natural gas industry $17-$19 million a year, for a total of $97-$123 million from 2019 through 2025.

But oil giants, including BP, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell, called for the current rules, introduced by Trump's predecessor, former president Barack Obama, to be maintained.

Shell has pledged to reduce its methane leaks to less than 0.2 per cent by 2025, its US president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement shared with media on Thursday.

"Despite the administration's proposal to no longer regulate methane, Shell's US assets will continue to contribute to that global target," she said.

Asked about this opposition from the very sector the regulation was supposed to be benefiting, EPA official Anne Idsal said: "They're not the only ones within that particular space. You've got small and midsize companies as well.

"We don't preclude anybody from going above and beyond," she said.

Like carbon dioxide, methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change.

But its potency in trapping heat is about 84–87 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year-period, falling to 28–36 times greater over 100 years, according to United Nations figures.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday plans to roll back regulations that limit leaks of potent greenhouse gas methane from pipelines and wells, even as some industry players opposed the move. It is the latest in President Donald Trump's long battle against environmental protection rules, coming weeks after his administration made fundamental changes to a widely popular wildlife protection law and re-authorized the use of "cyanide bombs" to kill animals that prey on livestock. "EPA's proposal delivers on President Trump's executive order and removes unnecessary and duplicative regulatory burdens from the oil and gas industry," said the agency's head, Andrew Wheeler, a former fossil fuel lobbyist. "The Trump Administration recognizes that methane is valuable, and the industry has an incentive to minimize leaks and maximize its use," he added. The rules would likely go into effect next year after a non-binding public comment period. The EPA said the proposed amendments would save the oil and natural gas industry $17-$19 million a year, for a total of $97-$123 million from 2019 through 2025. But oil giants, including BP, ExxonMobil, and Royal Dutch Shell, called for the current rules, introduced by Trump's predecessor, former president Barack Obama, to be maintained. Shell has pledged to reduce its methane leaks to less than 0.2 per cent by 2025, its US president, Gretchen Watkins, said in a statement shared with media on Thursday. "Despite the administration's proposal to no longer regulate methane, Shell's US assets will continue to contribute to that global target," she said. Asked about this opposition from the very sector the regulation was supposed to be benefiting, EPA official Anne Idsal said: "They're not the only ones within that particular space. You've got small and midsize companies as well. "We don't preclude anybody from going above and beyond," she said. Like carbon dioxide, methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change. But its potency in trapping heat is about 84–87 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year-period, falling to 28–36 times greater over 100 years, according to United Nations figures.

The US rolls back regulations on industrial methane leaks

Former FBI director James Comey violated agency policies when he leaked memos documenting conversations with President Donald Trump, the Justice Department's watchdog said on Thursday.

Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 after allegedly resisting the president's entreaties to drop an investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn, penned the memos after meeting the president during his early days at the White House.

One memo said Trump asked Comey to shut down an investigation into Flynn, who eventually admitted lying to the FBI about conversations with Russia's ambassador.

The admission led to one of the earliest indictments to come from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into contacts between Russia and the Trump 2016 election campaign.&nbsp;

The Justice Department's Office of Inspector General berated Comey for asking an acquaintance teaching at Columbia University to share the contents of the memo with The New York Times.

Comey set a "dangerous example" for FBI employees in an attempt to "achieve a personally desired outcome," the report states.&nbsp;

But it found "no evidence that Comey or his attorneys released any of the classified information contained in any of the memos to members of the media" and said prosecutors had declined to bring a case.

Comey, who was among 17 people interviewed by the IG's office for the investigation, immediately responded on Twitter, saying a "quick message with a 'sorry we lied about you' would be nice."

Comey singled out the president, who has repeatedly upbraided the former intelligence official as a "leaker" since details of the memos emerged.

"And to all those who've spent two years talking about me 'going to jail' or being a 'liar and a leaker' -- ask yourselves why you still trust people who gave you bad info for so long, including the president," Comey said.

The IG focused on Comey's handling of seven memos detailing interactions with Trump in the first three months of 2017. Comey kept signed originals of four memos at home after being fired, without telling the FBI.

He also gave copies of several memos to personal attorneys and to Mueller's team, the report said.

"Department policy states that employees may not, without agency permission, remove records from the Department -- either during or after employment," the report said.&nbsp;

"The FBI policies are no different."&nbsp;

Former FBI director James Comey violated agency policies when he leaked memos documenting conversations with President Donald Trump, the Justice Department's watchdog said on Thursday.

Former FBI director James Comey violated agency policies when he leaked memos documenting conversations with President Donald Trump, the Justice Department's watchdog said on Thursday. Comey, who was fired by Trump in 2017 after allegedly resisting the president's entreaties to drop an investigation into former national security advisor Michael Flynn, penned the memos after meeting the president during his early days at the White House. One memo said Trump asked Comey to shut down an investigation into Flynn, who eventually admitted lying to the FBI about conversations with Russia's ambassador. The admission led to one of the earliest indictments to come from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into contacts between Russia and the Trump 2016 election campaign. The Justice Department's Office of Inspector General berated Comey for asking an acquaintance teaching at Columbia University to share the contents of the memo with The New York Times. Comey set a "dangerous example" for FBI employees in an attempt to "achieve a personally desired outcome," the report states. But it found "no evidence that Comey or his attorneys released any of the classified information contained in any of the memos to members of the media" and said prosecutors had declined to bring a case. Comey, who was among 17 people interviewed by the IG's office for the investigation, immediately responded on Twitter, saying a "quick message with a 'sorry we lied about you' would be nice." Comey singled out the president, who has repeatedly upbraided the former intelligence official as a "leaker" since details of the memos emerged. "And to all those who've spent two years talking about me 'going to jail' or being a 'liar and a leaker' -- ask yourselves why you still trust people who gave you bad info for so long, including the president," Comey said. The IG focused on Comey's handling of seven memos detailing interactions with Trump in the first three months of 2017. Comey kept signed originals of four memos at home after being fired, without telling the FBI. He also gave copies of several memos to personal attorneys and to Mueller's team, the report said. "Department policy states that employees may not, without agency permission, remove records from the Department -- either during or after employment," the report said. "The FBI policies are no different."

Ex-FBI chief James Comey violated policies with Donald Trump memos: Watchdog

Oil prices fell on Thursday for the first time in three days after San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly sounded a note of concern about the strength of US economy.

Brent crude was down 30 cents, or 0.5%, at $60.19 a barrel by 0202 GMT while US crude was down 15 cents, or 0.3%, at $55.63 a barrel. Oil prices rose around 1.5 per cent in the previous session.

Concerns about a slowdown in economic growth due to the trade war raging between the United States and China, along with the potential hit to oil demand, are keeping prices in check.

Daly said on Thursday she believes the US economy has "strong" momentum, but uncertainty and a global growth slowdown are having an impact.

Daly was speaking to reporters after a speech in Wellington, New Zealand and said she was in "watch and see" mode in assessing the need for another US interest-rate cut.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he believed China was sincere about wanting to reach a trade deal, but concerns arose on Tuesday after China's foreign ministry declined to confirm a telephone call between the two countries on trade.

"Trade tensions (are) hanging like a dark cloud threatening to rain over oil prices," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

The market shrugged of a big drop in US inventories, which fell last week by 10 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 2.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said.

US gasoline stocks fell by 2.1 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 388,000-barrel drop.

Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 2.1 million barrels, versus expectations for a 918,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed.

The crude drawdown confirms "that OPEC supply cuts are effectively working by depleting US reserves," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Valour Markets.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other producers have been restraining supply for most of the period since January 1, 2017. The alliance, known as "OPEC+", in July renewed the pact until March 2020.

US weekly crude production also rose 200,000 barrels per day to a new record at 12.5 million bpd in the week to August 23.

Oil prices fell on Thursday for the first time in three days after San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly sounded a note of concern about the strength of US economy.

Oil prices fell on Thursday for the first time in three days after San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly sounded a note of concern about the strength of US economy. Brent crude was down 30 cents, or 0.5%, at $60.19 a barrel by 0202 GMT while US crude was down 15 cents, or 0.3%, at $55.63 a barrel. Oil prices rose around 1.5 per cent in the previous session. Concerns about a slowdown in economic growth due to the trade war raging between the United States and China, along with the potential hit to oil demand, are keeping prices in check. Daly said on Thursday she believes the US economy has "strong" momentum, but uncertainty and a global growth slowdown are having an impact. Daly was speaking to reporters after a speech in Wellington, New Zealand and said she was in "watch and see" mode in assessing the need for another US interest-rate cut. US President Donald Trump said on Monday he believed China was sincere about wanting to reach a trade deal, but concerns arose on Tuesday after China's foreign ministry declined to confirm a telephone call between the two countries on trade. "Trade tensions (are) hanging like a dark cloud threatening to rain over oil prices," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA. The market shrugged of a big drop in US inventories, which fell last week by 10 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 2.1 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration said. US gasoline stocks fell by 2.1 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 388,000-barrel drop. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 2.1 million barrels, versus expectations for a 918,000-barrel increase, the EIA data showed. The crude drawdown confirms "that OPEC supply cuts are effectively working by depleting US reserves," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Valour Markets. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other producers have been restraining supply for most of the period since January 1, 2017. The alliance, known as "OPEC+", in July renewed the pact until March 2020. US weekly crude production also rose 200,000 barrels per day to a new record at 12.5 million bpd in the week to August 23.

Oil prices pegged back by mounting concern over US economy

Tapping factories in Brazil and India has not lessened<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apple-debuts-credit-card-as-it-readies-tv-launch-244559"> Apple</a> Inc's dependence on China, the company's supply chain data shows, raising the stakes for the iPhone maker as US President Donald Trump wages a trade war and promises more tariffs.

Apple faces levies of 15% imposed by Trump's administration on major products made in China such as smartwatches and wireless headphones on Sept. 1, with a tariff on its biggest seller, the iPhone, to take effect on December&nbsp;15.

Few American firms are as tightly bound to Asia's largest economy as Apple. Contract factories owned by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd's Foxconn, Pegatron Corp, Wistron Corp and others employ hundreds of thousands of workers to assemble Apple devices.

In recent years, Apple's contract manufacturers have expanded into other countries. India, for example, had no Apple contract manufacturer locations in 2015 but expanded to three assembly facilities by 2019, including a factory owned by Foxconn, which plans to make models from the iPhone X family of devices, Reuters reported last year.

Apple taps the India operations to avoid steep import duties on iPhones in one of the last fast-growing mobile phone markets on the planet, similar to Apple and Foxconn's move to open a production facility in Brazil in 2011.

But the factories outside China are smaller and, in the case of India and Brazil, Apple only uses them to meet domestic demand. Apple's contract factories inside China, meanwhile, have added far more locations than outside, with Foxconn alone expanding from 19 locations in 2015 to 29 in 2019 and Pegatron going from eight to 12, according to Apple's data. The new locations come as Apple has added watches, smart speakers and wireless headphones to its product lineup.

And beyond the contract factories, the rest of Apple's suppliers - the companies that sell it chips, glass, aluminium casings, cables, circuit boards and much more - became more concentrated in China. Among all supplier locations, 44.9% were in China in 2015, a proportion that rose to 47.6% by 2019, the data showed.

Reuters analysed five years' worth of supply chain data published by Apple. The data includes more than 750 locations each year between 2015 and 2019 for the California company's top 200 suppliers based on Apple's spending. Apple does not disclose how much it spends with each, and the companies on the list can change as different suppliers make the top-200 cutoff among Apple's thousands of suppliers.

Reuters sorted the data and calculated the overall portion of Apple's supply chain in China. In a few cases each year, Apple did not provide a specific address and Reuters excluded that location.

Apple declined to comment on Reuters' analysis. In July, Chief Executive Tim Cook told investors on the company's quarterly earnings call that he "wouldn't put a lot of stock into" speculation about how the company would shift production because of US tariffs.

"The vast majority of our products are kind of made everywhere," Cook said on the call. "There is a significant level of content in the United States, and a lot from Japan to Korea to China, and the European Union also contributes a fair amount. ... I think that will carry the day in the future as well."

No place like China

Apple faces hurdles in diversifying beyond China, where the clustering of multiple suppliers allows it to make hundreds of millions of devices per year while holding only a few days' worth of inventory, which is critical to the free cash flow Apple investors prize.

Other phone makers ship far fewer units and have more flexibility. Alphabet Inc’s Google is shifting its Pixel smartphone production to Vietnam from China starting this year as it builds a cheap supply chain in Southeast Asia, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday.

But Apple's scale works against it because few other nations have workforces as large as China. Factories require highly skilled engineers to design and troubleshoot custom tools and processes. Vietnam, where Apple has manufactured accessories for years, has a population less than one-tenth the size of China.

Even if Apple can make devices in India or Vietnam, the volumes would be small compared with Apple's overall needs.

Outside of China, "there few places in the world that have the infrastructure to produce 600,000 phones a day," said Dave Evans, chief executive of San Francisco supply chain firm Fictiv.

Apple has so far been spared tariffs on major products, winning a reprieve last year on many wireless devices. And Cook has cultivated a close relationship with Trump over dinners and private meetings at the White House.

Apple has told trade officials that it generally believes tariffs will result in higher prices for US&nbsp;consumers but has not said whether it plans to pass tariffs onto customers by raising prices.

For electronics products, where the circuit board is made can sometimes determine the product's country of origin, said George R. Tuttle III, a customs attorney who has worked with electronics firms.

That leaves open the possibility that device makers could make circuit boards or other key components outside China while still assembling devices there to avoid tariffs.

Apple has disclosed no such plans. But the India unit of Foxconn, which also performs work for HMD Global's Nokia-branded phones and Xiaomi Corp in addition to Apple, has developed the ability to make circuit boards in India, two industry sources told Reuters last year.

Tapping factories in Brazil and India has not lessened Apple Inc's dependence on China, the company's supply chain data shows, raising the stakes for the iPhone maker as US President Donald Trump wages a trade war and promises more tariffs.

Tapping factories in Brazil and India has not lessened Apple Inc's dependence on China, the company's supply chain data shows, raising the stakes for the iPhone maker as US President Donald Trump wages a trade war and promises more tariffs. Apple faces levies of 15% imposed by Trump's administration on major products made in China such as smartwatches and wireless headphones on Sept. 1, with a tariff on its biggest seller, the iPhone, to take effect on December 15. Few American firms are as tightly bound to Asia's largest economy as Apple. Contract factories owned by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd's Foxconn, Pegatron Corp, Wistron Corp and others employ hundreds of thousands of workers to assemble Apple devices. In recent years, Apple's contract manufacturers have expanded into other countries. India, for example, had no Apple contract manufacturer locations in 2015 but expanded to three assembly facilities by 2019, including a factory owned by Foxconn, which plans to make models from the iPhone X family of devices, Reuters reported last year. Apple taps the India operations to avoid steep import duties on iPhones in one of the last fast-growing mobile phone markets on the planet, similar to Apple and Foxconn's move to open a production facility in Brazil in 2011. But the factories outside China are smaller and, in the case of India and Brazil, Apple only uses them to meet domestic demand. Apple's contract factories inside China, meanwhile, have added far more locations than outside, with Foxconn alone expanding from 19 locations in 2015 to 29 in 2019 and Pegatron going from eight to 12, according to Apple's data. The new locations come as Apple has added watches, smart speakers and wireless headphones to its product lineup. And beyond the contract factories, the rest of Apple's suppliers - the companies that sell it chips, glass, aluminium casings, cables, circuit boards and much more - became more concentrated in China. Among all supplier locations, 44.9% were in China in 2015, a proportion that rose to 47.6% by 2019, the data showed. Reuters analysed five years' worth of supply chain data published by Apple. The data includes more than 750 locations each year between 2015 and 2019 for the California company's top 200 suppliers based on Apple's spending. Apple does not disclose how much it spends with each, and the companies on the list can change as different suppliers make the top-200 cutoff among Apple's thousands of suppliers. Reuters sorted the data and calculated the overall portion of Apple's supply chain in China. In a few cases each year, Apple did not provide a specific address and Reuters excluded that location. Apple declined to comment on Reuters' analysis. In July, Chief Executive Tim Cook told investors on the company's quarterly earnings call that he "wouldn't put a lot of stock into" speculation about how the company would shift production because of US tariffs. "The vast majority of our products are kind of made everywhere," Cook said on the call. "There is a significant level of content in the United States, and a lot from Japan to Korea to China, and the European Union also contributes a fair amount. ... I think that will carry the day in the future as well." No place like China Apple faces hurdles in diversifying beyond China, where the clustering of multiple suppliers allows it to make hundreds of millions of devices per year while holding only a few days' worth of inventory, which is critical to the free cash flow Apple investors prize. Other phone makers ship far fewer units and have more flexibility. Alphabet Inc’s Google is shifting its Pixel smartphone production to Vietnam from China starting this year as it builds a cheap supply chain in Southeast Asia, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday. But Apple's scale works against it because few other nations have workforces as large as China. Factories require highly skilled engineers to design and troubleshoot custom tools and processes. Vietnam, where Apple has manufactured accessories for years, has a population less than one-tenth the size of China. Even if Apple can make devices in India or Vietnam, the volumes would be small compared with Apple's overall needs. Outside of China, "there few places in the world that have the infrastructure to produce 600,000 phones a day," said Dave Evans, chief executive of San Francisco supply chain firm Fictiv. Apple has so far been spared tariffs on major products, winning a reprieve last year on many wireless devices. And Cook has cultivated a close relationship with Trump over dinners and private meetings at the White House. Apple has told trade officials that it generally believes tariffs will result in higher prices for US consumers but has not said whether it plans to pass tariffs onto customers by raising prices. For electronics products, where the circuit board is made can sometimes determine the product's country of origin, said George R. Tuttle III, a customs attorney who has worked with electronics firms. That leaves open the possibility that device makers could make circuit boards or other key components outside China while still assembling devices there to avoid tariffs. Apple has disclosed no such plans. But the India unit of Foxconn, which also performs work for HMD Global's Nokia-branded phones and Xiaomi Corp in addition to Apple, has developed the ability to make circuit boards in India, two industry sources told Reuters last year.

Apple's data shows a deepening dependence on China as Trump's tariffs loom

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-zarif-looks-forward-to-discussions-with-his-japanese-counterpart-245991">Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a> said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-tells-us-to-take-first-step-by-lifting-all-sanctions-245908">take the first step</a>" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers.

"You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said.

"The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb.

"This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added.

"We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani.

"So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked."

Meeting 'unimaginable'

In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy.

Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic.

The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour.

"I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added.

News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets.

"Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes.

The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates.

But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal.

"On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif.

"Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added.

No photo opportunity

Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives.

In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction".

But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal.

"Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani.

But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities.

"We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said.

People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump.

"I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks.

"People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless."

The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the prospects for such a meeting were "unimaginable" even if the United States rejoins a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday told the United States to "take the first step" by lifting all sanctions against Iran, dampening down the likelihood of meeting US counterpart Donald Trump. Trump had said less than 24 hours earlier he was ready to meet with Rouhani within weeks, in a potential breakthrough reached during a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz. Iran's economy has been battered by US sanctions imposed since Trump in May last year unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and world powers. "You must retreat from all illegal, unjust and wrong sanctions against the nation of Iran," Rouhani said. "The key for positive change is in the hands of Washington," he said, because Iran had already ruled out ever doing what worries the US the most -- building an atomic bomb. "This concern has already been removed" through a fatwa issued in 2003 by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added. "We don't (intend to) make an atomic bomb... our military doctrine is based on conventional arms," said Rouhani. "So take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked." Meeting 'unimaginable' In Biarritz, French President Emmanuel Macron had said the "conditions for a meeting" between Trump and Rouhani "in the next few weeks" had been created through intensive diplomacy. Trump said he "would certainly agree to that" and that the timeline proposed by Macron was realistic. The US leader was equally confident that Rouhani would be in favour. "I think he's going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out," he added. News of the potential meeting was welcomed by financial markets. "Expectations are ... rising that tensions in the Gulf can be de-escalated following President Macron's overtures to broker a meeting between Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart," noted AxiTrader analyst James Hughes. The rial was higher at about 112,000 to the dollar, up from 117,500 a week ago under the unofficial rate in Iran's capital, according to the Bonbast website that monitors exchange rates. But Zarif said Tuesday he had made it known at the G7 summit that a meeting between Rouhani and Trump would be highly improbable even if the Americans returned to the nuclear deal. "On my trip to Biarritz I said that a meeting between Iran's president and Trump is not imaginable" until America rejoins the nuclear pact, said Zarif. "Even at that time, we will not have a bilateral negotiation," he added. No photo opportunity Rouhani has indicated he is open to holding talks with the Americans, but it is an approach that has faced criticism from ultra-conservatives. In his speech Tuesday, he said his government's policy of "constructive interaction" with the world was in line with Khamenei's approach of "extensive interaction". But he stressed the US had to "retreat from their mistakes" and return to its commitments under the nuclear deal. "Our path is clear if they come back to their commitments, we too will fully act on our commitments. If they do not come back to their commitments, we will continue our path," said Rouhani. But the Iranian president said he was not just looking for photo opportunities. "We seek to resolve issues and problems in a rational way but we are not after photos. For anyone wanting to take a picture with Hassan Rouhani, this is not possible," he said. People on Tehran's streets expressed doubts over the possible benefits of any meeting between Rouhani and Trump. "I believe there's no point in negotiating with America," said Valiollah Tavakoli, a self-employed man from the capital, adding there was little to show from the nuclear talks. "People's situation got worse and worse every day. So as the supreme leader said, negotiation with America is useless." The possible meeting between Rouhani and Trump was blasted as a photo opportunity Tuesday on the front page of the Javan newspaper close to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Both Rouhani and Trump are scheduled to be in New York for the UN General Assembly at the end of September which could provide a stage for talks.

'Unimaginable!' says Javad Zarif as Iran dampens down prospect of Trump-Rouhani meeting

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-states-district-of-columbia-sue-trump-administration-over-migrant-detention-245876">Trump administration</a> is shifting $271 million earmarked for disaster aid and cyber security to pay for immigration-related facilities, the US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security and a leading congressional Democrat said on Tuesday.

The money, which was also set aside for the US&nbsp;Coast Guard, will be used to pay for detention facilities and courts for migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border. DHS officials say they have been overwhelmed by a surge of asylum-seeking migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

The Trump administration is seeking to circumvent Congress to move money originally designated for other programs. This will allow the administration to continue to house immigrants arriving at the border, part of President Donald Trump's promise not to allow them to await hearings outside of custody.

The administration plans to take $115 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster-relief fund just as hurricane season is heating up in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a letter from US&nbsp;Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, who chairs the congressional panel that oversees Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending.

Money will be taken for planned upgrades to the National Cybersecurity Protection System and new equipment for the US&nbsp;Coast Guard, the letter said.

DHS said Congress did not provide enough money for US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain single adults as they wait for their cases to be heard by an immigration judge.

Congress appropriated $2.8 billion to pay for 52,000 beds this year, but ICE is currently detaining more than 55,000 immigrants, a record high, according to agency statistics.

Roybal-Allard said DHS was exceeding its authority to move money around to respond to emergencies.

"Once again, DHS has ignored the negotiated agreement with Congress by vastly exceeding the amount appropriated for immigration enforcement and removal operations," she said in a statement.

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, urged the Trump administration to reconsider the shift in funds.

"Stealing from appropriated funds is always unacceptable, but to pick the pockets of disaster relief funding in order to fund an appalling, inhumane family incarceration plan is staggering - and to do so on the eve of hurricane season is stunningly reckless," Pelosi said in a statement.

FEMA spokeswoman Lizzie Litzow said the funding reduction will not impact readiness efforts or other functions for which the money was earmarked.

Trump has made cracking down on legal and illegal immigration a hallmark of his presidency after campaigning in 2016 on a promise, so far unfulfilled, that Mexico would pay for a border wall to keep migrants from entering the United States.

A record-setting 42,000 families were apprehended along the US&nbsp;southern border in July, more than twice as many as in May.

Last week, DHS unveiled a new rule that would allow officials to detain migrant families indefinitely - abolishing a previous 20-day limit - while judges consider whether to grant them asylum in the United States.

The Trump administration is shifting $271 million earmarked for disaster aid and cyber security to pay for immigration-related facilities, the US Department of Homeland Security and a leading congressional Democrat said on Tuesday.

The Trump administration is shifting $271 million earmarked for disaster aid and cyber security to pay for immigration-related facilities, the US Department of Homeland Security and a leading congressional Democrat said on Tuesday. The money, which was also set aside for the US Coast Guard, will be used to pay for detention facilities and courts for migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border. DHS officials say they have been overwhelmed by a surge of asylum-seeking migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. The Trump administration is seeking to circumvent Congress to move money originally designated for other programs. This will allow the administration to continue to house immigrants arriving at the border, part of President Donald Trump's promise not to allow them to await hearings outside of custody. The administration plans to take $115 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster-relief fund just as hurricane season is heating up in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a letter from US Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, who chairs the congressional panel that oversees Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending. Money will be taken for planned upgrades to the National Cybersecurity Protection System and new equipment for the US Coast Guard, the letter said. DHS said Congress did not provide enough money for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain single adults as they wait for their cases to be heard by an immigration judge. Congress appropriated $2.8 billion to pay for 52,000 beds this year, but ICE is currently detaining more than 55,000 immigrants, a record high, according to agency statistics. Roybal-Allard said DHS was exceeding its authority to move money around to respond to emergencies. "Once again, DHS has ignored the negotiated agreement with Congress by vastly exceeding the amount appropriated for immigration enforcement and removal operations," she said in a statement. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, urged the Trump administration to reconsider the shift in funds. "Stealing from appropriated funds is always unacceptable, but to pick the pockets of disaster relief funding in order to fund an appalling, inhumane family incarceration plan is staggering - and to do so on the eve of hurricane season is stunningly reckless," Pelosi said in a statement. FEMA spokeswoman Lizzie Litzow said the funding reduction will not impact readiness efforts or other functions for which the money was earmarked. Trump has made cracking down on legal and illegal immigration a hallmark of his presidency after campaigning in 2016 on a promise, so far unfulfilled, that Mexico would pay for a border wall to keep migrants from entering the United States. A record-setting 42,000 families were apprehended along the US southern border in July, more than twice as many as in May. Last week, DHS unveiled a new rule that would allow officials to detain migrant families indefinitely - abolishing a previous 20-day limit - while judges consider whether to grant them asylum in the United States.

Trump administration taps disaster, cyber funds to cover immigration

President Hassan Rouhani called on Iranians on Wednesday to unite to overcome an "economic war" waged by the United States, while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted President Donald Trump.

President Hassan Rouhani called on Iranians on Wednesday to unite to overcome an "economic war" waged by the United States, while his government said it would use diplomacy to try to solve the standoff even though it distrusted President Donald Trump. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have heightened since Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions on Iran. "We need to unite to fight against and to win this economic war that America has launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a televised speech. Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabie said on Wednesday: "Taking into account Donald Trump’s personal traits, we don’t trust him; however, Iran has never abandoned diplomacy but we are determined to pursue it as an equal (of the United States)," state TV reported. Iran describes the US sanctions as "economic warfare" and Rouhani said on Tuesday there would be no talks with the United States until all sanctions imposed on Tehran were lifted. Since ditching the deal last year, Trump has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" to try to force Iran into broader talks to restrict its ballistic missile program and end its support for proxy forces around the Middle East. Iran, which has slowly been breaching the nuclear deal in retaliation for U.S. sanctions, has threatened further violations in early September unless it receives sanctions relief.

Iran President Rouhani calls for unity to overcome US 'economic war'

Time For India To Be Given A Larger Role At Global Summits Like G7

WION Edit: India needs to play a larger role at G7

Here's A List Of Major Issues That Were Discussed During The G7 Summit

Gravitas: Key Issues Discussed at the G7 Summit

PM Modi: All Indo-Pak Issues Are Bilateral Issues

Gravitas: PM Modi at the G7 summit: Key Takeaways

Attorneys general for 19 states and the District of Columbia sued <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-report-that-he-wanted-to-use-nuclear-weapons-to-break-up-hurricanes-245753">President Donald Trump</a>'s administration on Monday to block a sweeping new rule to indefinitely detain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-investment-urged-to-stem-flow-of-central-american-migrants-245236">migrant families</a> seeking to settle in the United States.

The lawsuit, filed in US&nbsp;District Court in Los Angeles, was the first in an expected flurry of litigation seeking to stop the rule, officially published on Friday, from taking effect in October.

"This new Trump rule callously puts at risk the safety and well-being of children. It undermines a decades-old agreement reached in court by the federal government to prevent the unlawful detention of immigrant children," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in announcing the lawsuit.

The White House did not immediately comment on Monday evening.

The new rule seeks to scrap a 1997 agreement, known as the Flores settlement, which puts a 20-day limit on how long children can be held in immigration detention.

The settlement was expanded in 2015 to apply not just to unaccompanied children but also to those travelling with their parents.

Trump administration officials say the detention limits have become a "pull" factor for migrants, who hope that if they show up at the US-Mexico border with a child and ask for asylum, they will be allowed in pending a hearing in US&nbsp;immigration court, a practice the president has called "catch-and-release."

The Trump administration's efforts to overturn the Flores settlement are likely to face more than just legal hurdles.

Even if the courts allow the new rule to take effect, there are also practical problems: paying for thousands of additional family detention beds.

US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement has only three family detention facilities - two in Texas and one in Pennsylvania - that have between 2,500 and 3,000 beds, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan said in announcing the rule last week.

More than 42,000 families, mostly from Central America, were arrested along the US&nbsp;southern border just last month. The July arrest numbers are at record highs, even though they have dropped more than half compared with levels seen in May.

Not enough beds

"Even if the number of border crossings doesn't go back up in the fall, all this (new rule) would enable them to do is to detain a relatively small percentage of the arriving families for longer," said Kevin Landy, a former ICE assistant director responsible for the Office of Detention Policy and Planning under the Obama administration.

Without more space, that practice is likely to continue, Landy said.

Shawn Neudauer, a spokesman for ICE, said the agency could not comment on potential increases to the agency's detention capacity.

Congress mandates how much ICE can spend on immigration detention, and the 2019 budget has $2.8 billion earmarked to pay for 49,500 beds for solo adults - but only 2,500 beds for parents and children.

However, ICE is currently detaining more than 55,000 immigrants, a record high, a small percentage of them at family facilities, according to agency statistics.

ICE has also had a hard time finding communities willing to accept the construction of facilities, said Theresa Cardinal Brown, a former policy adviser at US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection now at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center.

It is also not clear how the family detention rule will work with another Trump administration policy pushing Central American families back to Mexico to wait out their US&nbsp;court hearings there, she said.

Attorneys general for 19 states and the District of Columbia sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday to block a sweeping new rule to indefinitely detain migrant families seeking to settle in the United States.

Attorneys general for 19 states and the District of Columbia sued President Donald Trump's administration on Monday to block a sweeping new rule to indefinitely detain migrant families seeking to settle in the United States. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Los Angeles, was the first in an expected flurry of litigation seeking to stop the rule, officially published on Friday, from taking effect in October. "This new Trump rule callously puts at risk the safety and well-being of children. It undermines a decades-old agreement reached in court by the federal government to prevent the unlawful detention of immigrant children," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in announcing the lawsuit. The White House did not immediately comment on Monday evening. The new rule seeks to scrap a 1997 agreement, known as the Flores settlement, which puts a 20-day limit on how long children can be held in immigration detention. The settlement was expanded in 2015 to apply not just to unaccompanied children but also to those travelling with their parents. Trump administration officials say the detention limits have become a "pull" factor for migrants, who hope that if they show up at the US-Mexico border with a child and ask for asylum, they will be allowed in pending a hearing in US immigration court, a practice the president has called "catch-and-release." The Trump administration's efforts to overturn the Flores settlement are likely to face more than just legal hurdles. Even if the courts allow the new rule to take effect, there are also practical problems: paying for thousands of additional family detention beds. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has only three family detention facilities - two in Texas and one in Pennsylvania - that have between 2,500 and 3,000 beds, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan said in announcing the rule last week. More than 42,000 families, mostly from Central America, were arrested along the US southern border just last month. The July arrest numbers are at record highs, even though they have dropped more than half compared with levels seen in May. Not enough beds "Even if the number of border crossings doesn't go back up in the fall, all this (new rule) would enable them to do is to detain a relatively small percentage of the arriving families for longer," said Kevin Landy, a former ICE assistant director responsible for the Office of Detention Policy and Planning under the Obama administration. Without more space, that practice is likely to continue, Landy said. Shawn Neudauer, a spokesman for ICE, said the agency could not comment on potential increases to the agency's detention capacity. Congress mandates how much ICE can spend on immigration detention, and the 2019 budget has $2.8 billion earmarked to pay for 49,500 beds for solo adults - but only 2,500 beds for parents and children. However, ICE is currently detaining more than 55,000 immigrants, a record high, a small percentage of them at family facilities, according to agency statistics. ICE has also had a hard time finding communities willing to accept the construction of facilities, said Theresa Cardinal Brown, a former policy adviser at US Customs and Border Protection now at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center. It is also not clear how the family detention rule will work with another Trump administration policy pushing Central American families back to Mexico to wait out their US court hearings there, she said.

19 states, District of Columbia, sue Trump administration over migrant detention

Iran tensions dominated talks as G7 summit ends. Watch this video to know more.

Iran tensions dominate talks as G7 summit ends

Greenland's leaders want to use global interest in the Arctic island aroused by President Donald Trump's eye-catching offer of a sale to stimulate investment and earn more from US military activity there.

Greenland's leaders want to use global interest in the Arctic island aroused by President Donald Trump's eye-catching offer of a sale to stimulate investment and earn more from US military activity there. Some business leaders and officials are seeking to translate the unexpected publicity into badly-needed ventures in roads, airports, hospitality and mines. "When you stimulate investment in an area like Greenland, magic wonders can happen in mining, tourism, and infrastructure," said Verner Hammeken, chief executive of Greenland's Royal Arctic Line. Trump last week called off a planned visit to Copenhagen, where he was to meet Greenland's leader, after his idea to buy the vast island, home to only 56,000 people, was rebuffed. Greenland is important for the U.S. military and its ballistic missile early warning system, as it balances a Russian and Chinese commercial and military buildup in the Arctic. The United States maintains an air base in Thule in Greenland's northwest but doesn't pay any rent under a 1951 treaty with Denmark. Greenland had long wanted more in return for the base's use. But discontent worsened in 2014 when the U.S. military cancelled a contract with Greenland Contractors, a partly state-owned firm that had serviced the base for more than four decades. And in 2017, the Department of Defense picked a U.S. company instead of Greenland's Royal Arctic Line to ship goods to the base, causing further resentment among politicians and locals. "It is only natural that we should make the most of the U.S. presence in Greenland, as we accommodate the defence cooperation on our land," Greenland's minister for foreign affairs Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters in an interview this week. "Our fair share" The service contract with Greenland Contractors was worth about 600 million Danish crowns ($89 million) a year before it was ended and was an important contributor to the small economy, which mainly relies on fishing and annual grants from Denmark. "To the greatest extent possible, it must be Greenlandic companies as well as Greenlandic workers who service the base. It is only natural that we get our fair share," she said. As a result of the strained relations, formalised annual meetings in the so-called Joint Committee between officials from Nuuk, Copenhagen and Washington have been on standby since 2014. "For five years we've tried to get the Thule contracts back, but at this point I don't have much hope," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, a lawmaker from opposition party Inuit Ataqatigiit told Reuters. "The current America First strategy has not helped the relationship between Greenland and the United States," she said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon said it "will prioritize activities in the Arctic that support homeland defence" and contribute to maintaining "balances of power in the Indo-Pacific and Europe." Last year, the U.S. Department of Defense said it wants to "pursue potential strategic investments vigorously," including airports in Greenland for both military and civilian use. The Danish foreign ministry said it is in contact with the U.S. administration about resuming Joint Committee meetings and that it will work "to ensure maximum benefit to Greenland." Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory, but Denmark deals with the island's security and foreign affairs. Royal Arctic Line, a state-controlled company that lost the shipping contract to Thule, continues to sail to nearby towns. "It seems a bit strange that you use an area in a country without supporting that country's infrastructure," said Royal Arctic's Hammeken, formerly of Danish shipping giant Maersk. He said he regrets losing the contract, and there is "clear value in combining civilian supplies with military activity, especially in rural areas that are difficult to access." He would like more U.S. investment: Greenland has no roads between its 17 towns and one commercial international airport. "We've seen that when the United States catches interest in certain areas around the world, investments from private American companies follow," he added.

In spotlight after Trump offer, Greenland sees chance for an economic win

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would do everything necessary to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union without a divorce deal as he prepared to meet senior lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss tactics.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would do everything necessary to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union without a divorce deal as he prepared to meet senior lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss tactics. The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis at home and a showdown with the EU as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to leave the bloc in 66 days without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the Brexit divorce. Corbyn said an EU exit without an agreement would leave Britain at the mercy of President Donald Trump and US corporations. "The battle to stop no-deal Brexit isn't a struggle between those who want to leave the EU and those who want continued membership," Corbyn wrote in the Independent newspaper. "It's a battle of the many against the few who are hijacking the referendum result to shift even more power and wealth towards those at the top. That's why the Labour Party will do everything necessary to stop a no-deal bankers' Brexit." Britain is on course for a no-deal exit on October 31 unless parliament can stop it or a new agreement is reached with the EU. The British parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal deal agreed between Johnson's predecessor Theresa May and the EU, deepening a three-year crisis that threatens Britain's status as one of the world's pre-eminent financial centres and a stable destination for foreign investors. Johnson held talks last week with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Donald Tusk about his demand that the Brexit deal on offer is changed to remove the so-called backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland. He said on Monday he was prepared to take Brexit talks with the EU down to the last minute. A UK official said Johnson's Brexit adviser David Frost would travel to Brussels on Wednesday for informal discussions. One EU diplomat said Johnson had not made any big mistakes at the G7 summit in France at the weekend, his first outing on the international stage since taking office last month. "The devil is in the detail. If we could get something similar and if this thing would not be called a backstop - we could have success. All this may mean that, in the end, Johnson will have proven himself to be a refined strategist rather than suicidal," the diplomat said. Division over tactics Lawmakers return from their summer break on September 3, reconvening for a fight that will determine the fortunes of the world’s fifth-largest economy. Votes in parliament have shown there is majority support for measures to block or hinder a no-deal exit. But any majority would be unstable, made up of lawmakers from different parties that are ideologically opposed, except when it comes to stopping a disorderly Brexit. Keir Starmer, the Labour Party's Brexit spokesman, said the purpose of Tuesday's meeting with other opposition parties was to agree on a plan for when parliament returns. He said options included passing a law to force the government to seek a delay to Britain’s EU departure or trying to force the government's collapse in a no-confidence vote. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrat Party, the Scottish National Party, the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru and a group of independent lawmakers are due to attend the discussion. But there are continuing splits about tactics. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson has said Corbyn should drop the idea of trying to become a caretaker prime minister if parliament forces the government's collapse. "I think we are less likely to win that vote of no confidence if there is the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister," she told Sky News. Parliament usually sits for only two weeks at the start of September before breaking while the parties hold their annual conferences. Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly said the meeting of opposition parties "isn’t about stopping a no-deal Brexit. It’s about stopping Brexit". "People can see that, and it adds to the cynical view that millions of voters have towards politics and politicians."

Britain's Corbyn 'will do everything necessary' to stop no-deal Brexit

Iran's foreign minister made a flying visit for talks with host France at the G7 summit on Sunday, as Paris ramped up efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington, a dramatic diplomatic move that the White House said had surprised them.

Iran's foreign minister made a flying visit for talks with host France at the G7 summit on Sunday, as Paris ramped up efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington, a dramatic diplomatic move that the White House said had surprised them. European leaders have struggled to tamp down the brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled Washington out of Iran's internationally-brokered 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on the Iranian economy. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is under US sanctions, flew to the southwest French town of Biarritz where the Group of Seven leaders are meeting. He held more than three hours of talks, including with Macron, before heading back to Tehran. "Road ahead is difficult. But worth trying," Zarif tweeted, adding that in addition to meeting French leaders he had given a joint briefing to officials from Germany and Britain. French officials sought to bill the meeting as important to "refine Iranian propositions" to help defuse the crisis after G7 leaders had discussed Iran over dinner on Saturday. "The discussions that were held between the president and Zarif were positive and will continue," a French official said after the meeting, declining to take detailed questions. The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers aimed to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Since pulling Washington out of the deal last year, Trump has pushed a maximum pressure policy to try to force Iran into a new negotiation that would include its ballistic missile programme and regional activities. While Trump's European allies also want new talks with Iran, they believe the nuclear deal must be upheld. Macron, who has taken the lead in Europe in trying to salvage the agreement and avert a deeper crisis in the Middle East, had already met Zarif in Paris on Friday. They discussed proposals to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran, including easing some US sanctions or providing Iran with an economic compensation mechanism to make up for oil revenues lost under US sanctions. No progression oil sanctions But despite Macron spending two hours with Trump over lunch on Saturday and all seven leaders discussing Iran at length in the evening, it did not appear that the US leader had budged on easing oil sanctions as Macron had sought from Trump. A European diplomat familiar with the discussions said the leaders had failed at the dinner to persuade Trump. Earlier on Sunday Trump appeared to brush aside French efforts to mediate with Iran, saying that while he was happy for Macron to reach out to Tehran to defuse tensions, the United States would carry on with its own initiatives. Trump and Macron are scheduled to hold a joint news conference at 3:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) on Monday at the conclusion of the summit, the White House said. Macron's invitation to Zarif had caught Trump by surprise, a White House official said, and no US officials met with Zarif during the visit. Other delegations also said they had been informed at the last minute. The Elysee said delegations had been informed, but everything had happened very quickly. US authorities earlier this month placed Zarif under US sanctions. "Zarif will convey the Iranian leadership's response to French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal aimed at saving Iran's 2015 nuclear deal," a senior Iranian official had told Reuters. In response to the tougher US sanctions and what it says is the failure of European powers party to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - to compensate it for lost revenues, Tehran has responded with a series of moves, including retreating from some of its commitments to limit its nuclear activity.

Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif leaves G7 talks, unclear if progress made to ease tensions

China is willing to resolve its trade dispute with the United States through "calm" negotiations and resolutely opposes the escalation of the conflict, Vice Premier Liu He, who has been leading the talks with Washington, said on Monday.

China is willing to resolve its trade dispute with the United States through "calm" negotiations and resolutely opposes the escalation of the conflict, Vice Premier Liu He, who has been leading the talks with Washington, said on Monday. The increasingly bitter trade war between the world's two largest economies sharply escalated on Friday, with both sides levelling more tariffs on each other's exports. US President Donald Trump announced an additional duty on some $550 billion of targeted Chinese goods on Friday, hours after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs on $75 billion worth of US goods. However, Trump appeared on Sunday to back off on his threat to order US companies out of China. Liu, speaking at a tech conference in southwest China's Chongqing, said nobody benefited from a trade war. "We are willing to resolve the issue through consultations and cooperation in a calm attitude and resolutely oppose the escalation of the trade war," Liu, who is President Xi Jinping's top economic adviser, said, according to a government transcript. "We believe that the escalation of the trade war is not beneficial for China, the United States, nor to the interests of the people of the world," he added. US companies are especially welcome in China, and will be treated well, Liu said. "We welcome enterprises from all over the world, including the United States, to invest and operate in China," he added. "We will continue to create a good investment environment, protect intellectual property rights, promote the development of smart intelligent industries with our market open, resolutely oppose technological blockades and protectionism, and strive to protect the completeness of the supply chain." It was not clear exactly how Trump could get US companies to leave China. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Trump could order companies out of China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act if he declared a national emergency. The trade war has damaged global growth, upset allies, and raised market fears that the world economy will tip into a recession. Global stock markets reeled on Monday after the latest measures, while China's yuan currency fell to a fresh 11-year low. Investors streamed into the safe harbours of sovereign bonds and gold. Chinese state media on Monday blasted the United States. The official China Daily said in an editorial that Washington would "never be allowed to control China's fate". "It has become unquestionably clear that his administration's tariff war against China is politically motivated. What Washington wants from its largest trade partner is for it to be content to play second fiddle and meekly do as it demands," the English-language paper wrote in an editorial. "Washington has again taken the initiative to escalate the fight in the hope that Beijing will throw in the sponge as early as possible. But Beijing regards the trade war as an unavoidable trial by fire, from which the country will emerge stronger." The Global Times, a widely-read tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, said leaving the Chinese market would be "suicide" for US companies, especially for auto firms. "US companies are welcome to invest and operate in the Chinese market, but if some US companies want to obey Trump's order and join Washington's trade war, the result is bleak. A decision to give up the Chinese market is just suicide," the paper said in its editorial.

China says wants 'calm' resolution to US trade war

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in&nbsp;Biarritz, France.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be meeting the Senegal President Macky Sall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chile&nbsp;President Sebastian Piñera and US President Donald Trump. Besides Modi will be taking part in two sessions on Climate, Biodiversity, Oceans and Digital Transformation.

PM Modi will meet the US president between 3.45pm and 4.30pm. This will be the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-british-counterpart-boris-johnson-on-sidelines-of-g7-in-france-245587">second meeting</a> between the two leaders this year and comes two months after&nbsp;they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan.

The ongoing India-Pakistan tension in the aftermath of India rescinding the special status to the erstwhile state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-modi-trump-meeting-to-take-place-on-monday-in-france-245571">Jammu and Kashmir</a> is likely to prominently feature&nbsp;in the discussion between the duo.

"India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications. And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move",&nbsp;a senior Trump administration official said.&nbsp;

Trump thrice offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, something that irked New Delhi which has made it clear that ties between the two South Asian neighbours&nbsp;follow Shimla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable.&nbsp;

Trade, defence ties and&nbsp;the Afghan peace process are also likely to be discussed when Modi meets Trump.

All in all, PM Modi has six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Modi met British PM Boris Johnson United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday evening. With British PM, the focus was trade &amp; investment, defence &amp; security.

This is the first meet between the two leaders since Boris Johnson took charge as the British&nbsp;prime minister earlier this month. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes.

Both leaders had a conversation last week in which PM Modi congratulated him assuming charge as British PM in July, 2019.

During Modi-Johnson bilateral, the Indian prime minister raised the issue of violent protests outside the Indian mission by Pakistan and Khalistan groups on Independence Day on August 15.

India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality".

It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7summit.

In 2005, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit. 
&nbsp;

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in Biarritz, France.

It's going to be a packed day for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he meets four world leaders and takes part in two sessions of G7 summit in Biarritz, France. The prime minister will be meeting the Senegal President Macky Sall, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chile President Sebastian Piñera and US President Donald Trump. Besides Modi will be taking part in two sessions on Climate, Biodiversity, Oceans and Digital Transformation. PM Modi will meet the US president between 3.45pm and 4.30pm. This will be the second meeting between the two leaders this year and comes two months after they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. The ongoing India-Pakistan tension in the aftermath of India rescinding the special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to prominently feature in the discussion between the duo. "India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications. And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move", a senior Trump administration official said. Trump thrice offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, something that irked New Delhi which has made it clear that ties between the two South Asian neighbours follow Shimla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable. Trade, defence ties and the Afghan peace process are also likely to be discussed when Modi meets Trump. All in all, PM Modi has six bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Modi met British PM Boris Johnson United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday evening. With British PM, the focus was trade & investment, defence & security. This is the first meet between the two leaders since Boris Johnson took charge as the British prime minister earlier this month. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes. Both leaders had a conversation last week in which PM Modi congratulated him assuming charge as British PM in July, 2019. During Modi-Johnson bilateral, the Indian prime minister raised the issue of violent protests outside the Indian mission by Pakistan and Khalistan groups on Independence Day on August 15. India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality". It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7summit. In 2005, then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

G7: Prime Minister Modi to hold four bilateral, attend two sessions today

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