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 - July 25th, 2019

Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller emphasized that he had not exonerated Donald Trump of obstruction of justice, as the president has claimed. Watch this video to know more.

Robert Mueller: Didn't exonerate Donald Trump on Russia investigation

A federal judge in California on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico.

US District Judge Jon Tigar handed down his decision, which takes effect immediately, following a hearing on the controversial policy that the government argued was necessary to stem the flow of migrants into the US.

The policy would have effectively prevented most asylum seekers from Central America from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border as the majority come through Mexico.

Tigar's decision came as another federal judge in Washington heard a separate challenge on Wednesday and allowed the new rule to be implemented.

However, Tigar's ruling means that the new policy cannot be implemented until the legal challenges are resolved.

"This new rule is likely invalid because it is inconsistent with the existing asylum laws," Tigar wrote in his order, denouncing the government's decision to promulgate the new law as "arbitrary and capricious."

The American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Center for Constitutional Rights had challenged the policy in court last week. Two other advocacy groups had filed a separate challenge in Washington.

"Today's ruling is an important victory for incredibly vulnerable individuals and families from besieged Central American countries seeking refuge in our country," Melissa Crow, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center's Immigrant Justice Project, said in a statement following Tigar's ruling.

"We will continue to fight this draconian policy as well as the myriad of others through which the Trump administration continues to wage war on asylum-seekers and our nation's asylum system."

The lawsuit filed in California argues that the new rule was in violation of immigration laws that clearly state that asylum could not be denied based on a person's route to the United States.

The White House measure targets the stream of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and other countries who have tried to cross into the United States from Mexico and request asylum over the past few months.

These requests -- increasingly made by families saying they have fled endemic violence and poverty in their countries -- allow the applicants to remain in the United States and to move around freely while their cases are adjudicated, which can take two years.

The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 percent from a year earlier.

Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

A federal judge in California on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico.

A federal judge in California on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico. US District Judge Jon Tigar handed down his decision, which takes effect immediately, following a hearing on the controversial policy that the government argued was necessary to stem the flow of migrants into the US. The policy would have effectively prevented most asylum seekers from Central America from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border as the majority come through Mexico. Tigar's decision came as another federal judge in Washington heard a separate challenge on Wednesday and allowed the new rule to be implemented. However, Tigar's ruling means that the new policy cannot be implemented until the legal challenges are resolved. "This new rule is likely invalid because it is inconsistent with the existing asylum laws," Tigar wrote in his order, denouncing the government's decision to promulgate the new law as "arbitrary and capricious." The American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Center for Constitutional Rights had challenged the policy in court last week. Two other advocacy groups had filed a separate challenge in Washington. "Today's ruling is an important victory for incredibly vulnerable individuals and families from besieged Central American countries seeking refuge in our country," Melissa Crow, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center's Immigrant Justice Project, said in a statement following Tigar's ruling. "We will continue to fight this draconian policy as well as the myriad of others through which the Trump administration continues to wage war on asylum-seekers and our nation's asylum system." The lawsuit filed in California argues that the new rule was in violation of immigration laws that clearly state that asylum could not be denied based on a person's route to the United States. The White House measure targets the stream of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and other countries who have tried to cross into the United States from Mexico and request asylum over the past few months. These requests -- increasingly made by families saying they have fled endemic violence and poverty in their countries -- allow the applicants to remain in the United States and to move around freely while their cases are adjudicated, which can take two years. The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 percent from a year earlier. Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

US judge blocks Trump administration's new asylum rule

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed three congressional resolutions barring billions of dollars in weapons sales to countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are engaged in a devastating war in Yemen.

The resolutions "would weaken America's global competitiveness and damage the important relationships we share with our allies and partners," Trump said in letters to the Senate justifying blocking them.

It is the third time the president has employed his veto power since taking office.

The measures cleared Congress this month in a strong rebuke to Trump, whose administration took the extraordinary step of bypassing legislators to approve the sales in May.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the administration was responding to an emergency caused by Saudi Arabia's arch-foe Iran.

But lawmakers including some Senate Republicans said there were no legitimate grounds to circumvent Congress, which has the right to disapprove arms sales.

Senator Lindsey Graham delivered a stinging rebuke to Riyadh last month, saying he hoped his vote against the sales would "send a signal to Saudi Arabia that if you act the way you're acting, there is no space for a strategic relationship."

The senator was referring to last year's brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey at the hands of Saudi agents, an incident that outraged lawmakers and triggered a full-blown crisis in Riyadh's relations with the West.

Critics also say the arms sales would aggravate the war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is leading a US-backed coalition that also includes the UAE in a battle against the Iranian-supported Huthi rebels.

World's worst humanitarian crisis&nbsp;

The UN says the conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

But Trump argued Wednesday that barring the sale of US weapons "would likely prolong the conflict in Yemen and deepen the suffering it causes," and that "without precision-guided munitions, more&nbsp;-- not fewer&nbsp;-- civilians are likely to become casualties."

The US president also pointed to Iran in justifying blocking the resolutions. 
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are "a bulwark against the malign activities of Iran&nbsp;and its proxies in the region," and the arms sale licenses Congress sought to block enhance their "ability to deter and defend against these threats," he argued.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions.

The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters.

Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off airstrikes on Iran at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high.

Trump has said that the choice between war and diplomacy with Iran "could go either way," and that he is "okay either way it goes."

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed three congressional resolutions barring billions of dollars in weapons sales to countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are engaged in a devastating war in Yemen.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed three congressional resolutions barring billions of dollars in weapons sales to countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are engaged in a devastating war in Yemen. The resolutions "would weaken America's global competitiveness and damage the important relationships we share with our allies and partners," Trump said in letters to the Senate justifying blocking them. It is the third time the president has employed his veto power since taking office. The measures cleared Congress this month in a strong rebuke to Trump, whose administration took the extraordinary step of bypassing legislators to approve the sales in May. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said the administration was responding to an emergency caused by Saudi Arabia's arch-foe Iran. But lawmakers including some Senate Republicans said there were no legitimate grounds to circumvent Congress, which has the right to disapprove arms sales. Senator Lindsey Graham delivered a stinging rebuke to Riyadh last month, saying he hoped his vote against the sales would "send a signal to Saudi Arabia that if you act the way you're acting, there is no space for a strategic relationship." The senator was referring to last year's brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey at the hands of Saudi agents, an incident that outraged lawmakers and triggered a full-blown crisis in Riyadh's relations with the West. Critics also say the arms sales would aggravate the war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is leading a US-backed coalition that also includes the UAE in a battle against the Iranian-supported Huthi rebels. World's worst humanitarian crisis The UN says the conflict has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis. But Trump argued Wednesday that barring the sale of US weapons "would likely prolong the conflict in Yemen and deepen the suffering it causes," and that "without precision-guided munitions, more -- not fewer -- civilians are likely to become casualties." The US president also pointed to Iran in justifying blocking the resolutions. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are "a bulwark against the malign activities of Iran and its proxies in the region," and the arms sale licenses Congress sought to block enhance their "ability to deter and defend against these threats," he argued. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions. The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters. Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off airstrikes on Iran at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high. Trump has said that the choice between war and diplomacy with Iran "could go either way," and that he is "okay either way it goes."

Trump vetoes measures blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE

US officials are scrambling to defuse a diplomatic crisis after President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan War in just 10 days by wiping out the country.

The talks that US special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, held with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Tuesday were tense, said a US media report. Khalilzad is set to resume talks with the Taliban in a bid to clinch a deal by September - a priority for the Trump presidency going into an election year.

President Ghani's government has already asked Washington to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-seeks-clarification-of-donald-trumps-remarks-on-wiping-out-afghanistan-237909">clarify Trump's remarks</a>. A line from the statement released by the president's house in Kabul read, "The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate."

Incidentally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-cant-wipe-roof-of-the-world-hamid-karzai-slams-trumps-statement-on-afghanistan-238078">Trump's remarks</a> drew a strong reaction from the Taliban too which continues to oppose direct talks with President Ghani's government. "Trump's policy that he does not want to play the role of a police officer in Afghanistan and that this war against an entire nation cannot be won so long as they are alive is something positive. However, his claim that he can wipe out Afghanistan, kill 10 million Afghans and win this war through such a method is irresponsible and we condemn it in the strongest terms," a Taliban spokesperson said.

Watch: Trump caught lying again

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-pm-modi-asked-me-to-meditate-on-kashmir-issue-trump-caught-lying-again-238097/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump's other remark on Kashmir, made during the same meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, also caused a diplomatic flutter and miffed New Delhi. While offering to mediate in the Kashmir issue, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a similar appeal when he met him.

India was quick to dismiss that claim. India's Ministry of External Affairs said no such request was ever made by PM Modi and that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue.

New Delhi believes that Trump is in a hurry to pull out US troops from Afghanistan and call an end to the Afghan War. And he wants to keep Pakistan in good humour so that it can make the Taliban to agree to a peace deal.

Washington knows only too well the linkages that exist between the Pakistani state and the Taliban.

The only time a US government official came close to answering a question about Trump's remarks about PM Modi and Kashmir was during a media interaction with the US President's chief economic advisor Larry Kudlow. A journalist asked Kudlow whether the president made up his remarks.

"The President does not make anything up. That's a very rude question in my opinion. I am going to stay out of that. It's outside of my lane. It's for Mr (US National Security Adviser John) Bolton, Mr (US Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo and the President, so I am not going to comment on that. President does not make things up," said Kudlow.

But a former US diplomat Nicholas Burns, who played a key role in the India-US civil nuclear deal during the George Bush government, said that it is embarrassing for a US President to "make things up".

US officials are scrambling to defuse a diplomatic crisis after President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan War in just 10 days by wiping out the country.

US officials are scrambling to defuse a diplomatic crisis after President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan War in just 10 days by wiping out the country. The talks that US special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, held with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Tuesday were tense, said a US media report. Khalilzad is set to resume talks with the Taliban in a bid to clinch a deal by September - a priority for the Trump presidency going into an election year. President Ghani's government has already asked Washington to clarify Trump's remarks. A line from the statement released by the president's house in Kabul read, "The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate." Incidentally, Trump's remarks drew a strong reaction from the Taliban too which continues to oppose direct talks with President Ghani's government. "Trump's policy that he does not want to play the role of a police officer in Afghanistan and that this war against an entire nation cannot be won so long as they are alive is something positive. However, his claim that he can wipe out Afghanistan, kill 10 million Afghans and win this war through such a method is irresponsible and we condemn it in the strongest terms," a Taliban spokesperson said. Watch: Trump caught lying again Trump's other remark on Kashmir, made during the same meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, also caused a diplomatic flutter and miffed New Delhi. While offering to mediate in the Kashmir issue, Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a similar appeal when he met him. India was quick to dismiss that claim. India's Ministry of External Affairs said no such request was ever made by PM Modi and that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue. New Delhi believes that Trump is in a hurry to pull out US troops from Afghanistan and call an end to the Afghan War. And he wants to keep Pakistan in good humour so that it can make the Taliban to agree to a peace deal. Washington knows only too well the linkages that exist between the Pakistani state and the Taliban. The only time a US government official came close to answering a question about Trump's remarks about PM Modi and Kashmir was during a media interaction with the US President's chief economic advisor Larry Kudlow. A journalist asked Kudlow whether the president made up his remarks. "The President does not make anything up. That's a very rude question in my opinion. I am going to stay out of that. It's outside of my lane. It's for Mr (US National Security Adviser John) Bolton, Mr (US Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo and the President, so I am not going to comment on that. President does not make things up," said Kudlow. But a former US diplomat Nicholas Burns, who played a key role in the India-US civil nuclear deal during the George Bush government, said that it is embarrassing for a US President to "make things up".

As US fights fire over Donald Trump's comments, experts say embarrassing for a US President to 'make things up'

Former US Special Counsel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-attacks-robert-mueller-ahead-of-testimony-on-russia-probe-237817">Robert Mueller testifies to Congress </a>on Wednesday at a pair of televised hearings that carry high stakes for President Donald Trump and Democrats who are split between impeaching him or moving on to the 2020 election.

Mueller, whose inquiry detailed extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia at a time when Moscow was interfering in the 2016 election with hacking and propaganda, is set to appear beginning at 8:30 a.m. (1230 GMT) in separate hearings before the House of Representatives Judiciary and Intelligence committees.

Democrats, who control the House, hope his testimony will rally public support behind their own ongoing investigations of the Republican president and his administration, even as they struggle with whether to launch the impeachment process set out in the US Constitution for removing a president from office for "high crimes and misdemeanours."

Mueller is not expected to deliver any new bombshells, according to Democratic aides, but rather stick to the contents of his 448-page investigation report about the 22-month-long probe of Russian election meddling. Mueller plans to deliver an opening statement before taking questions.

Democrats hope the 74-year-old former FBI director will give the American public a compelling account of Russia's sweeping interference, the Trump campaign's readiness to accept help from Moscow and Trump's efforts to impede the Russia probe that Mueller investigated as potential obstruction of justice.

Trump, running for re-election in 2020, is hoping to move past the entire Russia issue.

"Seeing is believing in America. That report was voluminous. But most Americans didn't read it. So they'll see Mueller lay out the case," said Representative Eric Swalwell, who sits on both the Judiciary and Intelligence panels.

Mueller's appearance could also be a turning point for Democrats on the question of impeachment.

Many liberal Democrats are pushing for an impeachment inquiry against Trump, whose recent incendiary rhetoric about four congresswomen from racial minorities also has ignited a political firestorm. Eighty-nine House Democrats, about 38 per cent of them, now want an impeachment inquiry against Trump, according to a Reuters survey.

That is well short of the 218 votes needed to adopt articles of impeachment in the House, which would trigger a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump. But the number backing impeachment could swell if Mueller's testimony proves to be compelling.

"We hope Mueller's testimony will be a watershed," said Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Judiciary panel member.

The impeachment question has divided Democrats, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposing such a move as politically risky for moderate Democrats on whose future the House Democratic majority depends. Some Democrats prefer to remove Trump from office the ordinary way: defeating him in next year's election.

Mueller, who had expressed reluctance to testify, agreed only after being subpoenaed. Mueller, a former federal prosecutor and US Marine Corps officer, is also known for favouring one-word answers at hearings and could prove too taciturn to satisfy Democrats' hopes of a forceful narrative.

"Let us listen, let us see where the facts will take us," Pelosi said of the hearings. "We'll see what happens after that."

'Going to be disappointed'

Republicans in Congress are predicting chagrin for the Democrats.

"I think they're going to be disappointed, just as they were when the Mueller report came out," said Republican Representative Tom Cole.

Mueller's report said the investigation found insufficient evidence to prove that Trump and his campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia. The report also did not reach a conclusion on whether Trump committed the crime of obstruction of justice but pointedly did not exonerate him. Attorney General William Barr, a Trump appointee, subsequently cleared the president of an obstruction of justice.

"It is so important for him to say that the investigation did not exonerate the president," said Representative Val Demings, another Democrat who sits on both panels.

Republicans are expected to raise questions with Mueller about the integrity of the origins of the Russia probe in the FBI during Democrat Barack Obama's administration and the political leanings of the special counsel's staff members. Trump has sought to portray the probe as an attempted coup.

The Justice Department on Monday sent a letter telling Mueller to limit his testimony to merely discussing the public report, a directive that the Judiciary Committee chairman rejected as out of line.

But even if Mueller's testimony proves disappointing enough to deflate impeachment chances, Democrats expect their continuing investigations to produce revelations that could damage Trump's re-election prospects.

The heart of the Democratic strategy is to focus Mueller's testimony on several examples of potential obstruction by Trump, including his repeated efforts to get former White House Counsel Don McGahn to remove Mueller and then deny that he had been directed to do so.

Lawmakers will also emphasize attempts by Trump to his fired former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Russia probe away from his 2016 campaign, and possible witness tampering in public statements seen to discourage his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen from cooperating with federal investigations.

Democrats have said the report includes shocking evidence of misconduct that would result in criminal charges against any other American. The Justice Department has a longstanding policy against bringing criminal charges against a sitting president.

Former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies to Congress on Wednesday at a pair of televised hearings that carry high stakes for President Donald Trump and Democrats who are split between impeaching him or moving on to the 2020 election.

Former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies to Congress on Wednesday at a pair of televised hearings that carry high stakes for President Donald Trump and Democrats who are split between impeaching him or moving on to the 2020 election. Mueller, whose inquiry detailed extensive contacts between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia at a time when Moscow was interfering in the 2016 election with hacking and propaganda, is set to appear beginning at 8:30 a.m. (1230 GMT) in separate hearings before the House of Representatives Judiciary and Intelligence committees. Democrats, who control the House, hope his testimony will rally public support behind their own ongoing investigations of the Republican president and his administration, even as they struggle with whether to launch the impeachment process set out in the US Constitution for removing a president from office for "high crimes and misdemeanours." Mueller is not expected to deliver any new bombshells, according to Democratic aides, but rather stick to the contents of his 448-page investigation report about the 22-month-long probe of Russian election meddling. Mueller plans to deliver an opening statement before taking questions. Democrats hope the 74-year-old former FBI director will give the American public a compelling account of Russia's sweeping interference, the Trump campaign's readiness to accept help from Moscow and Trump's efforts to impede the Russia probe that Mueller investigated as potential obstruction of justice. Trump, running for re-election in 2020, is hoping to move past the entire Russia issue. "Seeing is believing in America. That report was voluminous. But most Americans didn't read it. So they'll see Mueller lay out the case," said Representative Eric Swalwell, who sits on both the Judiciary and Intelligence panels. Mueller's appearance could also be a turning point for Democrats on the question of impeachment. Many liberal Democrats are pushing for an impeachment inquiry against Trump, whose recent incendiary rhetoric about four congresswomen from racial minorities also has ignited a political firestorm. Eighty-nine House Democrats, about 38 per cent of them, now want an impeachment inquiry against Trump, according to a Reuters survey. That is well short of the 218 votes needed to adopt articles of impeachment in the House, which would trigger a trial in the Senate on whether to remove Trump. But the number backing impeachment could swell if Mueller's testimony proves to be compelling. "We hope Mueller's testimony will be a watershed," said Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Judiciary panel member. The impeachment question has divided Democrats, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi opposing such a move as politically risky for moderate Democrats on whose future the House Democratic majority depends. Some Democrats prefer to remove Trump from office the ordinary way: defeating him in next year's election. Mueller, who had expressed reluctance to testify, agreed only after being subpoenaed. Mueller, a former federal prosecutor and US Marine Corps officer, is also known for favouring one-word answers at hearings and could prove too taciturn to satisfy Democrats' hopes of a forceful narrative. "Let us listen, let us see where the facts will take us," Pelosi said of the hearings. "We'll see what happens after that." 'Going to be disappointed' Republicans in Congress are predicting chagrin for the Democrats. "I think they're going to be disappointed, just as they were when the Mueller report came out," said Republican Representative Tom Cole. Mueller's report said the investigation found insufficient evidence to prove that Trump and his campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia. The report also did not reach a conclusion on whether Trump committed the crime of obstruction of justice but pointedly did not exonerate him. Attorney General William Barr, a Trump appointee, subsequently cleared the president of an obstruction of justice. "It is so important for him to say that the investigation did not exonerate the president," said Representative Val Demings, another Democrat who sits on both panels. Republicans are expected to raise questions with Mueller about the integrity of the origins of the Russia probe in the FBI during Democrat Barack Obama's administration and the political leanings of the special counsel's staff members. Trump has sought to portray the probe as an attempted coup. The Justice Department on Monday sent a letter telling Mueller to limit his testimony to merely discussing the public report, a directive that the Judiciary Committee chairman rejected as out of line. But even if Mueller's testimony proves disappointing enough to deflate impeachment chances, Democrats expect their continuing investigations to produce revelations that could damage Trump's re-election prospects. The heart of the Democratic strategy is to focus Mueller's testimony on several examples of potential obstruction by Trump, including his repeated efforts to get former White House Counsel Don McGahn to remove Mueller and then deny that he had been directed to do so. Lawmakers will also emphasize attempts by Trump to his fired former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Russia probe away from his 2016 campaign, and possible witness tampering in public statements seen to discourage his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen from cooperating with federal investigations. Democrats have said the report includes shocking evidence of misconduct that would result in criminal charges against any other American. The Justice Department has a longstanding policy against bringing criminal charges against a sitting president.

Tight-lipped Robert Mueller to testify at hearings with high stakes for Trump, Democrats 

U.S. President Trump Offers To Mediate In Kashmir Conflict. India Rejects The Offer There is no reason why Trump and Kashmir should be in the same sentence. But it is, thanks to Trump's offer. Trump said that Indian PM Modi asked for his intervention. India rejects Trump's claims. Here's Palki summing up the Trump's remarks and the strong reaction that they have drawn from Indian government

Gravitas: Trump's Kashmir lie

A businessman who was a partner of President Donald Trump's convicted former national security advisor Michael Flynn was found guilty Tuesday of illegal lobbying for Turkey.

Bijan Kian was charged with illegally acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government in a case spun off from the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Kian, who also uses the name Bijan Rafiekian, was a partner in Flynn's Flynn Intel Group, which had a more than $500,000 contract to lobby on behalf of Ankara during the final months of the election campaign when Flynn was also a top foreign policy advisor for Trump.

One of their responsibilities, according to the charges, was to pressure the US government to extradite dissident cleric Fethullah Gulen, who leads a group outlawed in Turkey.

Kian, a US citizen, and Turkish-Dutch national Kamil Ekim Alptekin, "conspired covertly and unlawfully to influence US politicians and public opinion concerning a Turkish citizen living in the United States."

Alptekin, according to the charges, was a middleman between the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Flynn's company.

The case was marked by the government's decision not to present Flynn as a witness for their case.

Flynn, who pleaded guilty in the Russian meddling investigation to one count of lying to investigators but was not charged with illegal lobbying, appears to have stopped cooperating with prosecutors, despite agreeing to in his plea deal.

Kian's lawyer argued there was no evidence that the money came from the Turkish government, but a jury in the federal court in Alexandria, Virginia didn't agree.

Last week, the judge in the case signalled he had his doubts due to the lack of proof about the source of the money, and left open the door that he could reverse the verdict in the coming weeks.

Kian faces up to 15 years in prison for two counts related to illegal lobbying.

A businessman who was a partner of President Donald Trump's convicted former national security advisor Michael Flynn was found guilty Tuesday of illegal lobbying for Turkey.

A businessman who was a partner of President Donald Trump's convicted former national security advisor Michael Flynn was found guilty Tuesday of illegal lobbying for Turkey. Bijan Kian was charged with illegally acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government in a case spun off from the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Kian, who also uses the name Bijan Rafiekian, was a partner in Flynn's Flynn Intel Group, which had a more than $500,000 contract to lobby on behalf of Ankara during the final months of the election campaign when Flynn was also a top foreign policy advisor for Trump. One of their responsibilities, according to the charges, was to pressure the US government to extradite dissident cleric Fethullah Gulen, who leads a group outlawed in Turkey. Kian, a US citizen, and Turkish-Dutch national Kamil Ekim Alptekin, "conspired covertly and unlawfully to influence US politicians and public opinion concerning a Turkish citizen living in the United States." Alptekin, according to the charges, was a middleman between the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Flynn's company. The case was marked by the government's decision not to present Flynn as a witness for their case. Flynn, who pleaded guilty in the Russian meddling investigation to one count of lying to investigators but was not charged with illegal lobbying, appears to have stopped cooperating with prosecutors, despite agreeing to in his plea deal. Kian's lawyer argued there was no evidence that the money came from the Turkish government, but a jury in the federal court in Alexandria, Virginia didn't agree. Last week, the judge in the case signalled he had his doubts due to the lack of proof about the source of the money, and left open the door that he could reverse the verdict in the coming weeks. Kian faces up to 15 years in prison for two counts related to illegal lobbying.

Partner of ex-Trump aide Flynn guilty of illegal lobbying for Turkey

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has slammed US President Donald Trump for his comments in which he said he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by wiping out the country, but did not want "to kill 10 million people."

"President @realDonaldTrump, We are the Pamirs! You can't wipe out "The Roof of the World"," Karai tweeted on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>, We are the Pamirs! You can't wipe out “The Roof of the World”.
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarzaiH/status/1153696084394270720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The remarks drew a stiff response from Afghanistan's presidential palace, which has been excluded from talks between the United States and the Taliban and which accuses Pakistan of supporting the insurgency.

"The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate," the presidential palace said.

The Ashraf Ghani government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-seeks-clarification-of-donald-trumps-remarks-on-wiping-out-afghanistan-237909">called for clarification</a> of Trump's statement.

Trump's remarks followed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House on Monday at which Trump voiced optimism that Pakistan could help broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old war in Afghanistan.

In his comments in Washington, Trump said Pakistan was helping the United States "extricate" itself from Afghanistan, where the United States was acting as a "policeman" rather than fighting a war.

"If we wanted to fight a war in Afghanistan and win it, I could win that war in a week. I just don't want to kill 10 million people," Trump told reporters at the White House where he was hosting Khan.

Senior Afghan politicians largely refrained from commenting, but the reaction on social media was swift.

"Your insulting message to (Afghanistan) is either accept the (Pakistani) proposal for peace or eventually you may have to use nukes," former intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil wrote on Twitter.

"The statement was embarrassing and an insult to all Afghans," said Shakib Noori, a Kabul-based entrepreneur.

Khaled Hosseini, the Afghan-American author of the best-selling novel, "The Kite Runner," which introduced Afghanistan to many foreign readers, called Trump's remarks "reckless, appalling."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has slammed US President Donald Trump for his comments in which he said he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by wiping out the country, but did not want "to kill 10 million people.

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has slammed US President Donald Trump for his comments in which he said he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by wiping out the country, but did not want "to kill 10 million people." "President @realDonaldTrump, We are the Pamirs! You can't wipe out "The Roof of the World"," Karai tweeted on Tuesday. President @realDonaldTrump, We are the Pamirs! You can't wipe out “The Roof of the World”. — Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) July 23, 2019 × The remarks drew a stiff response from Afghanistan's presidential palace, which has been excluded from talks between the United States and the Taliban and which accuses Pakistan of supporting the insurgency. "The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate," the presidential palace said. The Ashraf Ghani government called for clarification of Trump's statement. Trump's remarks followed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House on Monday at which Trump voiced optimism that Pakistan could help broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old war in Afghanistan. In his comments in Washington, Trump said Pakistan was helping the United States "extricate" itself from Afghanistan, where the United States was acting as a "policeman" rather than fighting a war. "If we wanted to fight a war in Afghanistan and win it, I could win that war in a week. I just don't want to kill 10 million people," Trump told reporters at the White House where he was hosting Khan. Senior Afghan politicians largely refrained from commenting, but the reaction on social media was swift. "Your insulting message to (Afghanistan) is either accept the (Pakistani) proposal for peace or eventually you may have to use nukes," former intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil wrote on Twitter. "The statement was embarrassing and an insult to all Afghans," said Shakib Noori, a Kabul-based entrepreneur. Khaled Hosseini, the Afghan-American author of the best-selling novel, "The Kite Runner," which introduced Afghanistan to many foreign readers, called Trump's remarks "reckless, appalling." (With inputs from agencies)

You can't wipe 'Roof of the World': Hamid Karzai slams Trump's statement on Afghanistan

After Trump's Kashmir Comment, Interactions Between The U.S. & Indian Diplomats Could Be Awkward Can Trump afford to anger India? How will his 'Kashmir' comments impact the U.S.' ties with India as well as Pakistan. Here's Palki looking at the road ahead for the U.S., India and Pakistan after Trump's bizarre claims

Gravitas: Can Trump afford to anger India?

Trump Projects Himself As A Deal Maker. He Has Even Written A Book On The Topic. But Is He Any Good? Is Trump any good as a deal maker? The POTUS often boasts of his abilities to stitch deals. But his tendency to flirt from one blunder to another could hurt the U.S. foreign policy. This report explores Trump's ability as a deal maker.

Gravitas: Is Trump any good as a deal maker?

Trump's Faux Pas Getting Out Of Hand? U.S. President Trump's trackrecord on facts doesn't make for pleasant reading. He has said things like Moon is part of Mars, the Continental Army took over airports (!) during American War of Independence and other 'fantastic' things. His comments on Kashmir are just the latest in the list of bloopers and bizarre claims. Palki explains

Gravitas: Trump's many blunders: A summary

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 24th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-in-africa-can-it-offer-an-alternative-to-the-us-and-china-223760">US and Chinese officials</a> will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

It will be the first face-to-face meeting since talks collapsed in May after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-attacks-robert-mueller-ahead-of-testimony-on-russia-probe-237817">President Donald Trump</a> accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments.

Mnuchin said he and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead the US delegation.

Mnuchin said on CNBC he hopes to make progress but added there are "a lot of issues" pending so he expects another round of talks would follow in Washington.

Senior officials have spoken by phone twice in the last two weeks in the bid to jump-start the negotiations.

At a meeting in Japan last month, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to cease further hostilities in the year-long trade war while the two sides worked to revive negotiations.

The countries have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and Trump has threatened even more punishing duties on Chinese goods.

Mnuchin implied that the national security concerns that have led Washington to impose tough sanctions on Chinese telecom giant Huawei are on a separate track from the trade talks.

But he downplayed concerns about links between Google and Beijing.

"We're not aware of Google working with the Chinese government in a way that raises concerns," Mnuchin said.

"They assured us that there is very, very limited work. The only work they're doing is some minimal open source work."

Trump last week said he wants his administration to "take a look" into whether Google has been working with the Chinese government an allegation swiftly denied by the US internet giant.

US and Chinese officials will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

US and Chinese officials will hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week to try to make progress on their year-long trade dispute, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday. It will be the first face-to-face meeting since talks collapsed in May after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments. Mnuchin said he and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead the US delegation. Mnuchin said on CNBC he hopes to make progress but added there are "a lot of issues" pending so he expects another round of talks would follow in Washington. Senior officials have spoken by phone twice in the last two weeks in the bid to jump-start the negotiations. At a meeting in Japan last month, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to cease further hostilities in the year-long trade war while the two sides worked to revive negotiations. The countries have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and Trump has threatened even more punishing duties on Chinese goods. Mnuchin implied that the national security concerns that have led Washington to impose tough sanctions on Chinese telecom giant Huawei are on a separate track from the trade talks. But he downplayed concerns about links between Google and Beijing. "We're not aware of Google working with the Chinese government in a way that raises concerns," Mnuchin said. "They assured us that there is very, very limited work. The only work they're doing is some minimal open source work." Trump last week said he wants his administration to "take a look" into whether Google has been working with the Chinese government an allegation swiftly denied by the US internet giant.

US, China to hold two days of talks in Shanghai next week: Steven Mnuchin

Donald Trump praises Britain's incoming prime minister on Tuesday, saying that he is a 'good man' who 'will get [Brexit] done'. Watch full video to know more.

'They call him Britain Trump', says US president on Boris Johnson

The US Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to extend funding for first responders and others injured during the September 11 attacks, compensating through 2092 those who helped rescue people and remove debris in hazardous conditions.

The measure, which provides for billions of dollars in funding, including about $10 billion over the next decade, passed 97 to 2. It has already cleared the House and now heads to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-attacks-robert-mueller-ahead-of-testimony-on-russia-probe-237817">President Donald Trump</a>, who is expected to sign it.

Permanent reauthorization of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-approves-permanent-september-11-victims-compensation-226702">9/11 Victim Compensation Fund</a> ends a painful chapter during which ailing first responders, and the relatives of those who had already died, came to Congress pleading with lawmakers to extend the funding.

Several 9/11 responders were in the Senate gallery for the vote, and they defied Senate rules to cheer and applaud shortly before the final votes were cast.

Their cause has been championed by comedian and former talk show host Jon Stewart, who castigated lawmakers during emotional testimony in June.

Stewart sat alongside 9/11 responders such as Luis Alvarez who urged Congress to replenish the depleted fund during the high-profile hearing.

Alvarez died two weeks after his testimony, following a battle with cancer that doctors believe was linked to the time he spent at Ground Zero when the World Trade Center towers collapsed.

"Congress can never repay these men, women and families for their sacrifices," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

"But we can do our small part to try and make our heroes whole."

Stewart was back in Congress on Tuesday to mark the bill's passage, and after the Senate vote, he hugged John Feal, who helped lead the push for a permanent extension of the 9/11 fund.

"They lifted this 9/11 community on their shoulders and they carried them home, and I will always be so proud to have been associated with" Feal and other first responders who gathered with him at a press event, Stewart said.

Excuses 'end today'&nbsp;

The original fund from 2001 to 2004 paid out some $7 billion to compensate relatives of 2,880 people who died on 9/11, plus an additional 2,680 injured individuals.

Congress replenished the fund in 2011 and 2015 to help thousands of more people, and it was due to stop accepting new claims in late 2020.

But last February the fund's head, Rupa Bhattacharyya, said there was "insufficient funding" to continue to compensate all pending and projected claims.

The current bill extends the compensation for decades, and allows distribution of "such sums as may be necessary."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Tuesday was no celebration but "a day of relief" for responders after spending years asking for funds to be reauthorized.

"Thank God for those excuses, those delays end today for good, and our first responders can go home... to tend to their health (and) the health of their brothers and sisters who are suffering and ailing," Schumer said.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful from New York, noted how 10,000 people have been certified with 9/11-related cancers.

Last week a funeral was held for Richard Driscoll, whom Gillibrand described as the 200th New York firefighter to succumb to a 9/11 illness. 
&nbsp;

The US Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to extend funding for first responders and others injured during the September 11 attacks, compensating through 2092 those who helped rescue people and remove debris in hazardous conditions.

The US Senate on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to extend funding for first responders and others injured during the September 11 attacks, compensating through 2092 those who helped rescue people and remove debris in hazardous conditions. The measure, which provides for billions of dollars in funding, including about $10 billion over the next decade, passed 97 to 2. It has already cleared the House and now heads to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. Permanent reauthorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund ends a painful chapter during which ailing first responders, and the relatives of those who had already died, came to Congress pleading with lawmakers to extend the funding. Several 9/11 responders were in the Senate gallery for the vote, and they defied Senate rules to cheer and applaud shortly before the final votes were cast. Their cause has been championed by comedian and former talk show host Jon Stewart, who castigated lawmakers during emotional testimony in June. Stewart sat alongside 9/11 responders such as Luis Alvarez who urged Congress to replenish the depleted fund during the high-profile hearing. Alvarez died two weeks after his testimony, following a battle with cancer that doctors believe was linked to the time he spent at Ground Zero when the World Trade Center towers collapsed. "Congress can never repay these men, women and families for their sacrifices," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. "But we can do our small part to try and make our heroes whole." Stewart was back in Congress on Tuesday to mark the bill's passage, and after the Senate vote, he hugged John Feal, who helped lead the push for a permanent extension of the 9/11 fund. "They lifted this 9/11 community on their shoulders and they carried them home, and I will always be so proud to have been associated with" Feal and other first responders who gathered with him at a press event, Stewart said. Excuses 'end today' The original fund from 2001 to 2004 paid out some $7 billion to compensate relatives of 2,880 people who died on 9/11, plus an additional 2,680 injured individuals. Congress replenished the fund in 2011 and 2015 to help thousands of more people, and it was due to stop accepting new claims in late 2020. But last February the fund's head, Rupa Bhattacharyya, said there was "insufficient funding" to continue to compensate all pending and projected claims. The current bill extends the compensation for decades, and allows distribution of "such sums as may be necessary." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Tuesday was no celebration but "a day of relief" for responders after spending years asking for funds to be reauthorized. "Thank God for those excuses, those delays end today for good, and our first responders can go home... to tend to their health (and) the health of their brothers and sisters who are suffering and ailing," Schumer said. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful from New York, noted how 10,000 people have been certified with 9/11-related cancers. Last week a funeral was held for Richard Driscoll, whom Gillibrand described as the 200th New York firefighter to succumb to a 9/11 illness.

US Senate passes 9/11 victim fund, sends it to President Donald Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heat-wave-breaks-across-us-northeast-thousands-left-without-power-237885">Severe wind and rain in the northeastern United States</a> left thousands without power on Tuesday, as a record-breaking heatwave ebbed and a flash flood threat moved south with the storm.

Up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain-drenched New York's eastern Long Island suburbs, while the widespread storm dumped as much as 8 inches (20 cm) of wetness on Port Arthur, Texas, said meteorologist David Roth of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

Airlines cancelled more than 300 flights in the United States, with the most affected airports throughout the New York area as well as North Carolina, according to FlightAware.com.

"Today we are expecting the flash flood risk to shift to North Carolina, Virginia, anywhere in the Southeast as the front continues to shift southward," Roth said, noting the storm was likely to dry out by evening.

Late Monday and early Tuesday, flash floods swamped Long Island and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-islamic-state-sniper-charged-in-new-york-justice-department-237202">New York</a> urban areas drenched by the storm, he said.

"It hits the pavement and it runs off. Asphalt is not known for absorbing water," Roth said.

Further north, the National Weather Service confirmed a rare tornado touched down in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.

Utilities were scrambling to restore electricity to hundreds of communities where torrential weather downed tree limbs, knocking out power.

Overnight, more than 600,000 customers were out in Michigan and more than 200,000 lost power in New Jersey. Utility DTE in Michigan said more than 100,000 remained out on Tuesday, but it would restore 90 per cent of all storm-related outages by the end of the day.

New Jersey's hardest hit utility, FirstEnergy, was still assessing the situation and did not have an estimated return to service time for all its customers without power.

New York City experienced its second successive weekend of blackouts after a July 13 outage left more than 73,000 homes and businesses without power for about three hours.

The weekend heatwave that blanketed about a third of the US population brought thunderstorms along with cooling rain when it burst on Monday, the National Weather Service said.

Some winds gusted up to 80 mph (129 kph), said meteorologist Bob Oravec of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.

"The good news is that the heatwave is over," Oravec said. "It's cooled down."

Severe wind and rain in the northeastern United States left thousands without power on Tuesday, as a record-breaking heatwave ebbed and a flash flood threat moved south with the storm.

Severe wind and rain in the northeastern United States left thousands without power on Tuesday, as a record-breaking heatwave ebbed and a flash flood threat moved south with the storm. Up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain-drenched New York's eastern Long Island suburbs, while the widespread storm dumped as much as 8 inches (20 cm) of wetness on Port Arthur, Texas, said meteorologist David Roth of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center. Airlines cancelled more than 300 flights in the United States, with the most affected airports throughout the New York area as well as North Carolina, according to FlightAware.com. "Today we are expecting the flash flood risk to shift to North Carolina, Virginia, anywhere in the Southeast as the front continues to shift southward," Roth said, noting the storm was likely to dry out by evening. Late Monday and early Tuesday, flash floods swamped Long Island and other New York urban areas drenched by the storm, he said. "It hits the pavement and it runs off. Asphalt is not known for absorbing water," Roth said. Further north, the National Weather Service confirmed a rare tornado touched down in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Utilities were scrambling to restore electricity to hundreds of communities where torrential weather downed tree limbs, knocking out power. Overnight, more than 600,000 customers were out in Michigan and more than 200,000 lost power in New Jersey. Utility DTE in Michigan said more than 100,000 remained out on Tuesday, but it would restore 90 per cent of all storm-related outages by the end of the day. New Jersey's hardest hit utility, FirstEnergy, was still assessing the situation and did not have an estimated return to service time for all its customers without power. New York City experienced its second successive weekend of blackouts after a July 13 outage left more than 73,000 homes and businesses without power for about three hours. The weekend heatwave that blanketed about a third of the US population brought thunderstorms along with cooling rain when it burst on Monday, the National Weather Service said. Some winds gusted up to 80 mph (129 kph), said meteorologist Bob Oravec of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in Maryland. "The good news is that the heatwave is over," Oravec said. "It's cooled down."

Pounding rains, flash floods drench northeastern United States

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

"As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump &amp; PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh.

On Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/any-mediation-with-pakistan-will-require-end-to-cross-border-terrorism-s-jaishankar-on-trumps-remarks-on-kashmir-issue-237840">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a>, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. 
 
This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride."

"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said.

"It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump said that PM Modi</a> had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride." "I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians. On Monday, Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." (With inputs from agencies)

No question of mediation in Kashmir issue: Rajnath Singh on Donald Trump's claim

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US&nbsp;secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official.

Esper was sworn in at the White House by US&nbsp;Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican lawmakers. He was confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 90-8 several hours earlier.

"That's a vote that we're not accustomed to, Mark. I have to say that, so congratulations," Trump told Esper, a former professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.

Esper, 55, a former soldier and lobbyist for weapons maker Raytheon Co, received strong bipartisan support despite sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren about his ties to Raytheon and his refusal to extend an ethics commitment he signed in 2017 to avoid decisions involving the company.

Warren, a 2020 presidential hopeful, was the only member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to voice opposition to Esper's confirmation during the hearing.

Raytheon is the third-largest US defence contractor.

There has been no confirmed defence secretary since Jim Mattis resigned in December over policy differences with Trump. Many members of Congress from both parties had urged the Republican president to act urgently to fill the powerful position.

Trump's previous pick to be secretary of defence, former Boeing Co executive Patrick Shanahan, withdrew from consideration on June 18 after reports emerged of domestic violence in his family.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on members to support Esper as he opened the Senate on Tuesday morning.

"The nominee is beyond qualified. His record of public service is beyond impressive. His commitment to serving our service members is beyond obvious. And the need for a Senate-confirmed secretary of defence is beyond urgent," McConnell said.

Four of the eight "No" votes came from senators running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination - Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar.

An Army veteran, Esper served as a congressional aide and a Pentagon official under Republican President George W. Bush before working for Raytheon. He had been Army secretary since November 2017.

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official.

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official. Esper was sworn in at the White House by US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican lawmakers. He was confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 90-8 several hours earlier. "That's a vote that we're not accustomed to, Mark. I have to say that, so congratulations," Trump told Esper, a former professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. Esper, 55, a former soldier and lobbyist for weapons maker Raytheon Co, received strong bipartisan support despite sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren about his ties to Raytheon and his refusal to extend an ethics commitment he signed in 2017 to avoid decisions involving the company. Warren, a 2020 presidential hopeful, was the only member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to voice opposition to Esper's confirmation during the hearing. Raytheon is the third-largest US defence contractor. There has been no confirmed defence secretary since Jim Mattis resigned in December over policy differences with Trump. Many members of Congress from both parties had urged the Republican president to act urgently to fill the powerful position. Trump's previous pick to be secretary of defence, former Boeing Co executive Patrick Shanahan, withdrew from consideration on June 18 after reports emerged of domestic violence in his family. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on members to support Esper as he opened the Senate on Tuesday morning. "The nominee is beyond qualified. His record of public service is beyond impressive. His commitment to serving our service members is beyond obvious. And the need for a Senate-confirmed secretary of defence is beyond urgent," McConnell said. Four of the eight "No" votes came from senators running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination - Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar. An Army veteran, Esper served as a congressional aide and a Pentagon official under Republican President George W. Bush before working for Raytheon. He had been Army secretary since November 2017.

Former lobbyist Esper sworn in as US defence secretary, to succeed Mattis

Boris Johnson is set to take over as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Conservative Party has elected him as the new leader. Boris Johnson is referred to as 'Britain's Trump' by many.

They are remarkably similar figures. Some feel that even look alike.

Just like the US President, Johnson's focus has been on controlling immigration and restoring the United Kingdom's standing in global issues.

A big win for Johnson would have been incomplete without Trump's compliment.

The US President Donald Trump congratulated the new prime minister and said that he was going to be a really good prime minister.

Trump also spoke about how people refer to johnson as Britain's Trump. He said that is what Britain needs.

"A really good man is going to be the Prime Minister of the UK now, Boris Johnson. Goodman. He's tough and he's smart. This ain't Britain-Trump.&nbsp;They call him Britain-Trump and people are saying that's a good thing — that they like me over there — that's what they wanted. That's what they need, what they need, he'll get it done. Boris is good. He's gonna do a good job," said Trump.

Boris Johnson is set to take over as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Conservative Party has elected him as the new leader. Boris Johnson is referred to as 'Britain's Trump' by many.

Boris Johnson is set to take over as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Conservative Party has elected him as the new leader. Boris Johnson is referred to as 'Britain's Trump' by many. They are remarkably similar figures. Some feel that even look alike. Just like the US President, Johnson's focus has been on controlling immigration and restoring the United Kingdom's standing in global issues. A big win for Johnson would have been incomplete without Trump's compliment. The US President Donald Trump congratulated the new prime minister and said that he was going to be a really good prime minister. Trump also spoke about how people refer to johnson as Britain's Trump. He said that is what Britain needs. "A really good man is going to be the Prime Minister of the UK now, Boris Johnson. Goodman. He's tough and he's smart. This ain't Britain-Trump. They call him Britain-Trump and people are saying that's a good thing — that they like me over there — that's what they wanted. That's what they need, what they need, he'll get it done. Boris is good. He's gonna do a good job," said Trump.

They call him 'Britain's Trump', says US President on Boris Johnson

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-pleased-to-see-un-designating-jem-chief-masood-azhar-a-global-terrorist-mike-pompeo-230658">US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said in a speech on Monday.

"We've said that we will sanction any sanctionable behaviour, and we mean it," Pompeo said in a speech in Florida in which he announced the move.

It comes amid increased tensions between Iran and the West as well as between the United States and China, which have been engaged in a major trade war.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up its sanctions against Iran after breaking from a nuclear pact brokered between Tehran and other Western nations under the previous administration of President Barack Obama.

In a later statement, Pompeo said Zhuhai Zhenrong "knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase or acquisition of crude oil from Iran" after the expiration of a US sanctions waiver covering China on May 2.

He said the sanctions blocked all property and interests in property of Zhuhai Zhenrong in the United States and barred its chief executive, Youmin Li, from entry into the country.

"Any entity considering evading our sanctions should take notice of this action today," Pompeo said. "It underscores our commitment to enforcement and to holding the Iranian regime accountable."

China's embassy in Washington rejected the US stance.

"China firmly opposes the US imposition of unilateral sanctions and so-called 'long-arm jurisdiction' on China and other countries invoking its domestic law," a spokesperson said by email.

"We urge the US to immediately correct its wrongdoing and earnestly respect other parties' legal rights and interests."Zhuhai Zhenrong, which specializes mainly in buying Iranian oil and is based in Beijing, was previously sanctioned in 2012 by the Obama administration over its dealings with Iran.

The company became a subsidiary of Macau-based, state-controlled conglomerate Nam Kwong Group in a merger mandated by Beijing in late 2015.

In a brief statement on its website on Tuesday, Nam Kwong said Zhuhai Zhenrong had been "officially spun off" since Sept. 30, 2018. Nam Kwong had "no equity ties, or any business or legal relations" with the oil trader, it said.

A Nam Kwong spokesman declined to comment further.

Analysts at ClearView Energy Partners said Zhuhai Zhenrong is largely disconnected from the Chinese financial system, which would limit the "contagion" of the sanctions to other entities and banking systems. But they said Washington's move was another shot across the bow to demonstrate the Trump administration's stance on Iran.

"We see the shot as being aimed just at China, but also at other potential buyers," such as Turkey and possibly Russia, which could serve as a middleman for brokering oil from Iran to other countries, ClearView said.

The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of the 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and six world powers.

Last month, the US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said Washington would sanction any country that continued to import Iranian oil and warned that it would look at reports of Iranian crude going to China.

According to data from government and trade sources, Asia's crude oil imports from Iran fell in May to the lowest in at least five years after China and India wound down purchases amid US sanctions, while Japan and South Korea halted imports.

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech on Monday.

The United States has sanctioned Chinese state-run energy company Zhuhai Zhenrong Co Ltd for allegedly violating restrictions imposed on Iran's oil sector, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech on Monday. "We've said that we will sanction any sanctionable behaviour, and we mean it," Pompeo said in a speech in Florida in which he announced the move. It comes amid increased tensions between Iran and the West as well as between the United States and China, which have been engaged in a major trade war. US President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up its sanctions against Iran after breaking from a nuclear pact brokered between Tehran and other Western nations under the previous administration of President Barack Obama. In a later statement, Pompeo said Zhuhai Zhenrong "knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase or acquisition of crude oil from Iran" after the expiration of a US sanctions waiver covering China on May 2. He said the sanctions blocked all property and interests in property of Zhuhai Zhenrong in the United States and barred its chief executive, Youmin Li, from entry into the country. "Any entity considering evading our sanctions should take notice of this action today," Pompeo said. "It underscores our commitment to enforcement and to holding the Iranian regime accountable." China's embassy in Washington rejected the US stance. "China firmly opposes the US imposition of unilateral sanctions and so-called 'long-arm jurisdiction' on China and other countries invoking its domestic law," a spokesperson said by email. "We urge the US to immediately correct its wrongdoing and earnestly respect other parties' legal rights and interests."Zhuhai Zhenrong, which specializes mainly in buying Iranian oil and is based in Beijing, was previously sanctioned in 2012 by the Obama administration over its dealings with Iran. The company became a subsidiary of Macau-based, state-controlled conglomerate Nam Kwong Group in a merger mandated by Beijing in late 2015. In a brief statement on its website on Tuesday, Nam Kwong said Zhuhai Zhenrong had been "officially spun off" since Sept. 30, 2018. Nam Kwong had "no equity ties, or any business or legal relations" with the oil trader, it said. A Nam Kwong spokesman declined to comment further. Analysts at ClearView Energy Partners said Zhuhai Zhenrong is largely disconnected from the Chinese financial system, which would limit the "contagion" of the sanctions to other entities and banking systems. But they said Washington's move was another shot across the bow to demonstrate the Trump administration's stance on Iran. "We see the shot as being aimed just at China, but also at other potential buyers," such as Turkey and possibly Russia, which could serve as a middleman for brokering oil from Iran to other countries, ClearView said. The United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in November after pulling out of the 2015 nuclear accord between Tehran and six world powers. Last month, the US special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said Washington would sanction any country that continued to import Iranian oil and warned that it would look at reports of Iranian crude going to China. According to data from government and trade sources, Asia's crude oil imports from Iran fell in May to the lowest in at least five years after China and India wound down purchases amid US sanctions, while Japan and South Korea halted imports.

US sanctions Chinese oil buyer over alleged Iran violations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defiant-as-lawmakers-blast-his-racist-attacks-on-four-congresswomen-236257">US President Donald Trump</a> said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election.

The deal, should it pass Congress as expected, would allow the federal government to borrow more money and avoid a disastrous default in the coming months, while significantly raising budget caps on defence and domestic outlays.

Trump tweeted that the deal was struck between the White House and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbowed-trump-intensifies-attacks-on-four-democratic-congresswomen-236766">top Democratic</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-critic-justin-amash-quits-republican-party-233128">Republican leaders</a> in both chambers of Congress "on a two-year Budget and Debt Ceiling, with no poison pills," which could have otherwise derailed the legislation.

The agreement raises the discretionary spending caps for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, pairing it with a suspension of the statutory debt ceiling until the end of July 2021, nearly nine months after the 2020 election.

"This was a real compromise to give another big victory to our Great Military and Vets!" Trump added.

The agreement has faced resistance from conservative Republicans who oppose adding hundreds of billions of dollars in additional spending to the US debt.

Democratic leaders hailed it as a victory for securing robust funding for critical domestic priorities, describing the deal as the largest-ever increase in base funding above the so-called sequestration levels outlined in a 2011 law.

"With this agreement, we strive to avoid another government shutdown, which is so harmful to meeting the needs of the American people and honouring the work of our public employees," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement.

The deal assures that Washington remains on a borrowing binge, a significant setback for the White House's stated goal of reining in expenditures.

The agreement includes roughly $75 billion in spending increase offsets, substantially less than Trump's administration had sought.

Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, had been negotiating the deal with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and the pair were racing against the clock to wrap it up by Friday when the House of Representatives goes on a six-week recess.

Mnuchin warned last week that, barring an agreement, the government could run out of money in early September before Congress reconvenes.

Don't 'bankrupt' country

The compromise, with its boosted spending and narrow savings, is expected to push the annual budget deficit to more than $1 trillion next year.

Shortly before the deal was announced, David McIntosh, president of the conservative, pro-free-enterprise group Club for Growth, said Mnuchin "would best serve @realDonaldTrump if he insists on a better #spendingdeal that doesn't bankrupt our country."

Some conservatives in Congress also expressed discomfort with the extra red ink, especially given the soaring deficit.

"I encouraged President Trump yesterday to hold the line in the budget negotiations," said Congressman Mike Johnson, who chairs the conservative House Republican Study Committee.

The Democratic-led House goes on summer break July 26, but the Senate, controlled by Trump's Republicans, is in session for an additional week.

Both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on their chambers to pass the deal in the coming days and send it to Trump for his signature.

Officials have issued dire warnings that without an increase in the borrowing limit, the US could default on its debt for the first time and they have been urging the legislature to act.

Because the federal government traditionally runs a budget deficit, it has no choice but to borrow to finance government operations, including salaries, retirement benefits, social spending and other expenses already approved by Congress.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that a "compromise" bipartisan budget agreement has been reached that will boost federal spending by $320 billion and suspend the debt limit beyond the next presidential election. The deal, should it pass Congress as expected, would allow the federal government to borrow more money and avoid a disastrous default in the coming months, while significantly raising budget caps on defence and domestic outlays. Trump tweeted that the deal was struck between the White House and the top Democratic and Republican leaders in both chambers of Congress "on a two-year Budget and Debt Ceiling, with no poison pills," which could have otherwise derailed the legislation. The agreement raises the discretionary spending caps for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, pairing it with a suspension of the statutory debt ceiling until the end of July 2021, nearly nine months after the 2020 election. "This was a real compromise to give another big victory to our Great Military and Vets!" Trump added. The agreement has faced resistance from conservative Republicans who oppose adding hundreds of billions of dollars in additional spending to the US debt. Democratic leaders hailed it as a victory for securing robust funding for critical domestic priorities, describing the deal as the largest-ever increase in base funding above the so-called sequestration levels outlined in a 2011 law. "With this agreement, we strive to avoid another government shutdown, which is so harmful to meeting the needs of the American people and honouring the work of our public employees," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement. The deal assures that Washington remains on a borrowing binge, a significant setback for the White House's stated goal of reining in expenditures. The agreement includes roughly $75 billion in spending increase offsets, substantially less than Trump's administration had sought. Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, had been negotiating the deal with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and the pair were racing against the clock to wrap it up by Friday when the House of Representatives goes on a six-week recess. Mnuchin warned last week that, barring an agreement, the government could run out of money in early September before Congress reconvenes. Don't 'bankrupt' country The compromise, with its boosted spending and narrow savings, is expected to push the annual budget deficit to more than $1 trillion next year. Shortly before the deal was announced, David McIntosh, president of the conservative, pro-free-enterprise group Club for Growth, said Mnuchin "would best serve @realDonaldTrump if he insists on a better #spendingdeal that doesn't bankrupt our country." Some conservatives in Congress also expressed discomfort with the extra red ink, especially given the soaring deficit. "I encouraged President Trump yesterday to hold the line in the budget negotiations," said Congressman Mike Johnson, who chairs the conservative House Republican Study Committee. The Democratic-led House goes on summer break July 26, but the Senate, controlled by Trump's Republicans, is in session for an additional week. Both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on their chambers to pass the deal in the coming days and send it to Trump for his signature. Officials have issued dire warnings that without an increase in the borrowing limit, the US could default on its debt for the first time and they have been urging the legislature to act. Because the federal government traditionally runs a budget deficit, it has no choice but to borrow to finance government operations, including salaries, retirement benefits, social spending and other expenses already approved by Congress.

US President Donald Trump, Democrats reach two-year budget deal that raises debt ceiling

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">mediate on Kashmir</a>. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India.

But this is not the first time that Trump has offered his expert advice on the major global issues. Trump believes that unlike his predecessors, he has what it takes to negotiate a good deal for the US - be it North Korea, Iran, the Israel-Palestinian issue and now Kashmir.

The US President has invested a great deal of time, energy and effort into talking to North Korea. Recently, Trump became the first sitting US President to set foot on North Korean soil when he met Kim Jong-un last month.

Last year, Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement. He thinks it is a lopsided deal and that the world should lean on Tehran to further curb its nuclear ambitions. Today, Washington's European allies are in talks with Iran to prevent the deal from unravelling.

The other issue that has engaged his attention is the Israel-Palestinian issue. Trump has made his son-in-law Jared Kushner the point person for what is known as the 'deal of the century'. It is still a work in progress, but some countries in the region have already begun distancing themselves from it.

Watch: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral, says MEA

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mea-all-issues-with-pakistan-only-bilateral-237822/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And now he has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-statement-on-kashmir-amateurish-embarrassing-congressman-brad-sherman-237812">spoken about Kashmir</a>. Trump said if he can help, he would love to be a mediator - the statement has not gone down well with New Delhi.

India's External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/any-mediation-with-pakistan-will-require-end-to-cross-border-terrorism-s-jaishankar-on-trumps-remarks-on-kashmir-issue-237840">S Jaishankar</a> said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue and that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said.

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India.

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India. But this is not the first time that Trump has offered his expert advice on the major global issues. Trump believes that unlike his predecessors, he has what it takes to negotiate a good deal for the US - be it North Korea, Iran, the Israel-Palestinian issue and now Kashmir. The US President has invested a great deal of time, energy and effort into talking to North Korea. Recently, Trump became the first sitting US President to set foot on North Korean soil when he met Kim Jong-un last month. Last year, Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement. He thinks it is a lopsided deal and that the world should lean on Tehran to further curb its nuclear ambitions. Today, Washington's European allies are in talks with Iran to prevent the deal from unravelling. The other issue that has engaged his attention is the Israel-Palestinian issue. Trump has made his son-in-law Jared Kushner the point person for what is known as the 'deal of the century'. It is still a work in progress, but some countries in the region have already begun distancing themselves from it. Watch: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral, says MEA And now he has spoken about Kashmir. Trump said if he can help, he would love to be a mediator - the statement has not gone down well with New Delhi. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue and that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said.

Trump takes his deal making skills too far with Kashmir comment

Amid the furor over US President Donald Trump's statement that India had asked for his intervention in the Kashmir problem, Rajya Sabha descended into chaos. As the Opposition protested and demanded a clarification from the government, External Affairs Minister S Jaishanakar reiterated India's stand that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar categorically assured the House that no such request has been made by Prime Minister Modi to the US president. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," S Jaishankar said.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarifies India's stand on Trump remark

Two Louisiana policemen were fired Monday over an incendiary Facebook post suggesting a liberal congresswoman should be shot, as President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/send-him-back-what-it-would-take-for-us-congress-to-impeach-trump-237688">Donald Trump's tweets</a> attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers sparked a national uproar.

The officer's Facebook post followed criticism that the president's incendiary rhetoric, which continued Monday with a new tweet about the four "very racist" and "not very smart" Democratic congresswomen, was bordering on incitement to violence.

"This vile idiot needs a round.......and I don't mean the kind she used to serve," Charlie Rispoli, of the Gretna police department, wrote of former bartender Ocasio-Cortez.

He was writing in response to a news article published by a self-styled "satirical" website which falsely claimed the lawmaker had said American soldiers were paid too much.

Following an investigation, Gretna police chief Arthur Lawson fired Rispoli -- as well as fellow officer Angelo Varisco, who "liked" Rispoli's post.

"Both of these officers we consider have violated our policies regarding social media," Lawson said at a press conference posted online.

"This incident, we feel, has been an embarrassment to our department. These officers have certainly acted in a manner which was unprofessional," he said.

"Alluding to a violent act to be conducted against a sitting congressman, a member of our government -- we're not going to tolerate that."

Over the past week, Trump has tweeted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-relished-rally-chant-ocasio-cortez-tells-constituents-in-queens-237380">multiple attacks on Ocasio-Cortez and fellow first-term</a>, ethnic minority lawmakers Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley.

The rhetoric provoked angry outcries from Democrats, and denunciations from some Republicans, as the parties gear up for an intense 2020 presidential race.

Watch: Trump Criticised for 'Racist Rant'

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The four lawmakers -- who have become known collectively as "The Squad" -- appeared to be coming under increasing threat in the wake of Trump's attacks.

The Illinois Republican County Chairmen's Association branded them "The Jihad Squad" in a movie poster-style meme featuring the slogan "political jihad is their game."

Omar and Tlaib are the first two Muslim women in Congress.

The poster, which has since been removed from the group's page, shows Omar appearing to hold a large shotgun, while Pressley brandishes a pistol.

Association president Mark Shaw said he condemned the "unauthorized posting," but then went on to criticize the "socialist" lawmakers for their politics.

The Cook County Democratic Party in Illinois accused the Republican group of perpetuating "lies and racism" and said such bigotry "has dangerous consequences."&nbsp;

But Trump downplayed his broader clash with the squad, telling reporters Monday "there's no racial tension," even as he insisted the lawmakers are "very bad for our country."

A week earlier Trump tweeted that the women -- all US citizens, three of whom were born in America -- they should "go back" to other countries.

Days later, as he singled out Omar for criticism at a campaign rally, his supporters chanted "send her back!"

Two Louisiana policemen were fired Monday over an incendiary Facebook post suggesting a liberal congresswoman should be shot, as President Donald Trump's tweets attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers sparked a national uproar.

Two Louisiana policemen were fired Monday over an incendiary Facebook post suggesting a liberal congresswoman should be shot, as President Donald Trump's tweets attacking Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers sparked a national uproar. The officer's Facebook post followed criticism that the president's incendiary rhetoric, which continued Monday with a new tweet about the four "very racist" and "not very smart" Democratic congresswomen, was bordering on incitement to violence. "This vile idiot needs a round.......and I don't mean the kind she used to serve," Charlie Rispoli, of the Gretna police department, wrote of former bartender Ocasio-Cortez. He was writing in response to a news article published by a self-styled "satirical" website which falsely claimed the lawmaker had said American soldiers were paid too much. Following an investigation, Gretna police chief Arthur Lawson fired Rispoli -- as well as fellow officer Angelo Varisco, who "liked" Rispoli's post. "Both of these officers we consider have violated our policies regarding social media," Lawson said at a press conference posted online. "This incident, we feel, has been an embarrassment to our department. These officers have certainly acted in a manner which was unprofessional," he said. "Alluding to a violent act to be conducted against a sitting congressman, a member of our government -- we're not going to tolerate that." Over the past week, Trump has tweeted multiple attacks on Ocasio-Cortez and fellow first-term, ethnic minority lawmakers Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. The rhetoric provoked angry outcries from Democrats, and denunciations from some Republicans, as the parties gear up for an intense 2020 presidential race. Watch: Trump Criticised for 'Racist Rant' × The four lawmakers -- who have become known collectively as "The Squad" -- appeared to be coming under increasing threat in the wake of Trump's attacks. The Illinois Republican County Chairmen's Association branded them "The Jihad Squad" in a movie poster-style meme featuring the slogan "political jihad is their game." Omar and Tlaib are the first two Muslim women in Congress. The poster, which has since been removed from the group's page, shows Omar appearing to hold a large shotgun, while Pressley brandishes a pistol. Association president Mark Shaw said he condemned the "unauthorized posting," but then went on to criticize the "socialist" lawmakers for their politics. The Cook County Democratic Party in Illinois accused the Republican group of perpetuating "lies and racism" and said such bigotry "has dangerous consequences." But Trump downplayed his broader clash with the squad, telling reporters Monday "there's no racial tension," even as he insisted the lawmakers are "very bad for our country." A week earlier Trump tweeted that the women -- all US citizens, three of whom were born in America -- they should "go back" to other countries. Days later, as he singled out Omar for criticism at a campaign rally, his supporters chanted "send her back!"

US policemen fired for suggesting Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez be shot

Washington post dedicates entire supplement to Pakistan. It highlights minorities oppression in Pakistan. Protest held against Imran Khan in Washington D.C. Campaign against enforced disappearances in Pakistan. It is the demand for the protection of indigenous people. Watch this video to know more.

Washington: Pakistan minority groups protest

US President Donald Trump on Monday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue as he met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House for the first time.

WION Exclusive: Donald Trump offers to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">mediation to resolve Kashmir issue</a>.&nbsp;

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally"

"Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We have seen <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>'s remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1153371327371173895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention.

The latest development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-with-pakistan-to-find-way-out-of-war-in-afghanistan-trump-on-meeting-with-pm-imran-khan-at-white-house-237765">Donald Trump</a> said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-trump-to-hold-bilateral-meeting-working-lunch-today-237715">hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office</a>.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-20-bilaterals-pull-asides-on-day-2-of-g20-summit-231427">sidelines of G20 Summit </a>on June 29.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do."

Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far

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He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do".

This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically.

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process."

A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue.

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue. In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally" "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said. We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 22, 2019 According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention. The latest development comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of G20 Summit on June 29. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far × He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do". This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically. Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process." A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India rubbishes Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi asked him to mediate in resolving Kashmir issue

Trump: The Joke Gets Out Of The Hand On #WionEdit, Palki explains how Trump's bizarre comments are not a laughing matter. The media may caricature the U.S. President. But remarks like the Kashmir one have the potential to hurt relationships between countries.

WION Edit: Trump's Kashmir remark 'not a laughing matter'

Ministry of External Affairs rejects Trump's claim on mediation. Trump claimed that PM Modi sought intervention on Kashmir. MEA said any engagement subject to end to terror. Pakistan needs to end cross border terrorism. Shimla and Lahore declaration base for resolutions. MEA also said that there has been no such request made by PM Modi. Watch this video to know more.

U.S Representative: I apologized to Indian Ambassador on Trump's embarrassing mistake

Donald Trump's 'Mediation' offer sparks controversy, here's what Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says. Watch video to know more.

Donald Trump's 'Mediation offer' sparks controversy, here's what Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says

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