Calling US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Donald Trump</a> remarks on Kashmir issue 'shocking', Former Special Secretary Tilak Devasher on Monday said Kashmir is not up for a deal and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-statement-on-kashmir-amateurish-embarrassing-congressman-brad-sherman-237812">Donald Trump</a> needs to understand this.

Tilak called Trump's remark immature and childlike and said that this is a childish remark from the leader of the most powerful country in the world. Kashmir is not up for a deal Donald Trump needs to understand this.

"The United States will have to do a lot of damage control after Trump's statement over Kashmir. Let's hope it will not damage the India-US relationship," he added.

Former diplomat and an expert of India-US relations Arun K Singh termed Trump's Kashmir remark 'damaging'.

He said that Donald Trump makes an irresponsible statement to attract attention.

Singh also said that with his claim on Kashmir mediation Trump has created a dent to India-US relations. Those who have been doubting the United States as a reliable partner of India, their belief has been strengthened.

On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Calling US President Donald Trump remarks on Kashmir issue 'shocking', Former Special Secretary Tilak Devasher on Monday said Kashmir is not up for a deal and Donald Trump needs to understand this.

Calling US President Donald Trump remarks on Kashmir issue 'shocking', Former Special Secretary Tilak Devasher on Monday said Kashmir is not up for a deal and Donald Trump needs to understand this. Tilak called Trump's remark immature and childlike and said that this is a childish remark from the leader of the most powerful country in the world. Kashmir is not up for a deal Donald Trump needs to understand this. "The United States will have to do a lot of damage control after Trump's statement over Kashmir. Let's hope it will not damage the India-US relationship," he added. Former diplomat and an expert of India-US relations Arun K Singh termed Trump's Kashmir remark 'damaging'. He said that Donald Trump makes an irresponsible statement to attract attention. Singh also said that with his claim on Kashmir mediation Trump has created a dent to India-US relations. Those who have been doubting the United States as a reliable partner of India, their belief has been strengthened. On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Kashmir is not up for a deal, Trump needs to understand this, say experts

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist".

"While Kashmir is a bilateral issue for both parties to discuss, the Trump administration welcomes Pakistan and India sitting down and the United States stands ready to assist. We believe the foundation for any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists on its territory," US state department spokesperson told ANI.

"These actions are in line with Prime Minister Khan`s stated commitments, and Pakistan`s international obligations. We will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions and create an environment conducive for dialogue. This first and foremost means tackling the menace of terrorism. As the President indicated, we stand ready to assist," it added.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House.

"It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added.

However, the US state department in its statement did not comment on T<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">rump's claim on Modi asking for his assistance to play the role of mediator</a> to resolve Kashmir issue.

After Trump made remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President.

"We have seen @POTUS'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 @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement &amp; the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India &amp; Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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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>
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&nbsp;

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist".

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist". "While Kashmir is a bilateral issue for both parties to discuss, the Trump administration welcomes Pakistan and India sitting down and the United States stands ready to assist. We believe the foundation for any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists on its territory," US state department spokesperson told ANI. "These actions are in line with Prime Minister Khan`s stated commitments, and Pakistan`s international obligations. We will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions and create an environment conducive for dialogue. This first and foremost means tackling the menace of terrorism. As the President indicated, we stand ready to assist," it added. Earlier in the day, Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue. "So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House. "It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added. However, the US state department in its statement did not comment on Trump's claim on Modi asking for his assistance to play the role of mediator to resolve Kashmir issue. After Trump made remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President. "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," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet. 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 ×

Kashmir is bilateral issue, US ready to assist: State Department

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.

MEA: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral

U.S representative to India: Trump's statement is amateurish

Calling US President Donald Trump remarks on Kashmir issue "amateurish" and "delusional", Congressman Brad Sherman on Monday said Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Narendra Modi would never ask Trump to act as a mediator</a>.

"Everyone who knows anything about foreign policy in South Asia knows that #India consistently opposes third-party mediation in #Kashmir. Everyone knows PM Modi would never suggest such a thing. Trump's statement is amateurish and delusional. And embarrassing," tweeted Sherman.

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Everyone who knows anything about foreign policy in South Asia knows that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> consistently opposes third-party mediation re <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a>. Everyone knows PM Modi would never suggest such a thing. Trump’s statement is amateurish and delusional. And embarrassing. 1/2
— Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradSherman/status/1153401420881768448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sherman remarks came hours after Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House</a>.

"It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added.

Meanwhile, India also clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President.

"We have seen @POTUS'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 @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement &amp; the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India &amp; Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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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>
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&nbsp;

Calling US President Donald Trump remarks on Kashmir issue "amateurish" and "delusional", Congressman Brad Sherman on Monday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never ask Trump to act as a mediator.

Calling US President Donald Trump remarks on Kashmir issue "amateurish" and "delusional", Congressman Brad Sherman on Monday said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never ask Trump to act as a mediator. "Everyone who knows anything about foreign policy in South Asia knows that #India consistently opposes third-party mediation in #Kashmir. Everyone knows PM Modi would never suggest such a thing. Trump's statement is amateurish and delusional. And embarrassing," tweeted Sherman. Everyone who knows anything about foreign policy in South Asia knows that #India consistently opposes third-party mediation re #Kashmir. Everyone knows PM Modi would never suggest such a thing. Trump’s statement is amateurish and delusional. And embarrassing. 1/2 — Rep. Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) July 22, 2019 × Sherman remarks came hours after Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue. "So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House. "It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added. Meanwhile, India also clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President. "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," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet. 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 ×

Trump's statement on Kashmir 'amateurish', 'embarrassing': US Congressman Brad Sherman

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Beijing's handling of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a day after suspected triad gangsters attacked demonstrators in a bloody escalation.

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches, which drew millions, and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The demonstrations have evolved into a call for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms which China had promised to respect in the semi-autonomous territory after its handover from Britain in 1997.

"I know that's a very important situation for President Xi" Jinping of China, Trump said during a White House meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.

When a reporter suggested that the Hong Kong and Chinese governments were ignoring violence against the protesters, Trump replied that "I think it's been relatively nonviolent."

Hospital authorities said 45 people were wounded in the attack late Sunday which led to the arrest of six men, some of whom police alleged had triad gangster backgrounds.

"China could stop them if they wanted", Trump said of the protests.&nbsp;

"I'm not involved in it very much but I think President Xi of China has acted responsibly, very responsibly," said Trump, who last year began a trade war with China that has led to tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in mutual trade, a dispute still unsettled.

After Sunday's violence critics accused Hong Kong police of responding too slowly.

"They've been out there protesting for a long time. I've never seen protests like it where you have that many people. It looks like two million people," Trump said.

"Those are big protests... I hope that President Xi will do the right thing, but it has been going on a long time, there's no question."

Hardcore protesters have stormed Hong Kong's legislature, and on Sunday some demonstrators targeted with eggs and graffiti China's representative office in the financial hub, which China's foreign ministry called "absolutely intolerable."

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Beijing's handling of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a day after suspected triad gangsters attacked demonstrators in a bloody escalation.

US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Beijing's handling of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, a day after suspected triad gangsters attacked demonstrators in a bloody escalation. Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches, which drew millions, and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The demonstrations have evolved into a call for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms which China had promised to respect in the semi-autonomous territory after its handover from Britain in 1997. "I know that's a very important situation for President Xi" Jinping of China, Trump said during a White House meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. When a reporter suggested that the Hong Kong and Chinese governments were ignoring violence against the protesters, Trump replied that "I think it's been relatively nonviolent." Hospital authorities said 45 people were wounded in the attack late Sunday which led to the arrest of six men, some of whom police alleged had triad gangster backgrounds. "China could stop them if they wanted", Trump said of the protests. "I'm not involved in it very much but I think President Xi of China has acted responsibly, very responsibly," said Trump, who last year began a trade war with China that has led to tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in mutual trade, a dispute still unsettled. After Sunday's violence critics accused Hong Kong police of responding too slowly. "They've been out there protesting for a long time. I've never seen protests like it where you have that many people. It looks like two million people," Trump said. "Those are big protests... I hope that President Xi will do the right thing, but it has been going on a long time, there's no question." Hardcore protesters have stormed Hong Kong's legislature, and on Sunday some demonstrators targeted with eggs and graffiti China's representative office in the financial hub, which China's foreign ministry called "absolutely intolerable."

Donald Trump praises China response to Hong Kong protests

President Donald Trump attacked Robert Mueller on Monday, even as he insisted he would not watch the special counsel's potentially damaging Congressional testimony this week about the two-year Russia investigation.

Two days before Mueller testifies -- answering questions for the first time about his high-stakes probe into Russian election meddling and Trump's alleged obstruction -- the president repeated his longstanding claim it was a biased "witch hunt."

The US leader also repeated his false claim that Mueller's final report, released in April, found no collusion with Russia by the 2016 Trump campaign team and no obstruction of justice by the president himself.

"Highly conflicted Robert Mueller should not be given another bite at the apple. In the end, it will be bad for him and the phoney Democrats in Congress who have done nothing but waste time on this ridiculous Witch Hunt," Trump tweeted.

"Result of the Mueller Report, NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION!"

Trump -- who is known to have closely followed previous testimony related to the Russia probe -- later told reporters he would not be watching Mueller's much-awaited, nationally broadcast appearance on Wednesday.

"We have no collusion, no obstruction, a total no collusion finding," Trump said again. "They are wasting their time."

Potentially damaging testimony&nbsp;

Whether Trump watches or not, White House officials and the president's lawyers will be closely monitoring what Mueller tells members of the Democratic-led House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees.

Mueller's 448-page report documents extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude, neither of which is a specific crime.

But Mueller ruled in the end that there was not enough evidence to recommend charges of criminal conspiracy, the main legal charge he could make use of.

The veteran prosecutor and former FBI director also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation.

But he said he was prevented from recommending charges against Trump because Justice Department rules prohibited him from lodging criminal charges against a sitting president.

That left it to Congress to determine whether Trump committed a crime, and a minority of Democrats are pressing for the House to impeach the president.

Sphinx-like Mueller

How Mueller describes the obstruction allegations could make his live testimony explosive, potentially impacting the pressure to impeach Trump, and the president's own campaign for re-election next year.

"We want the American people to hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller on what his investigation found," Representative Jerry Nadler, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said on Sunday.

"The report presents very substantial evidence that the president is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanours," he said, using the legal phrase that serves as the basis for impeachment.

Members of both parties were reportedly rehearsing their tactics to blunt each other's efforts.&nbsp;

Democrat and Republican committee members will likely alternate for five minutes of questions each, a format which will challenge Democrats to deliver to the television audience a coherent narrative of collusion and obstruction, while Republicans try to disrupt it and change the subject.

Democrats need to figure out how to get the cagey and disciplined Mueller to say in clear terms that Trump likely broke obstruction laws, while Republicans are expected to try and undermine his credibility.

Mueller, much-trusted in Washington circles but with a sphinx-like image, has already signalled he will be a tough nut to crack.

"Any testimony from this office would not go beyond our report," he said on May 29, as he announced the closure of the special counsel investigation.

"The work speaks for itself. And the report is my testimony."

The Justice Department appeared to endorse Mueller's approach, releasing a letter on Monday advising him that his testimony should not get into aspects of the report or the investigation not made public.

"Please note that there should be no testimony concerning the redacted portions of the public version of your report," the letter read.

President Donald Trump attacked Robert Mueller on Monday, even as he insisted he would not watch the special counsel's potentially damaging Congressional testimony this week about the two-year Russia investigation.

President Donald Trump attacked Robert Mueller on Monday, even as he insisted he would not watch the special counsel's potentially damaging Congressional testimony this week about the two-year Russia investigation. Two days before Mueller testifies -- answering questions for the first time about his high-stakes probe into Russian election meddling and Trump's alleged obstruction -- the president repeated his longstanding claim it was a biased "witch hunt." The US leader also repeated his false claim that Mueller's final report, released in April, found no collusion with Russia by the 2016 Trump campaign team and no obstruction of justice by the president himself. "Highly conflicted Robert Mueller should not be given another bite at the apple. In the end, it will be bad for him and the phoney Democrats in Congress who have done nothing but waste time on this ridiculous Witch Hunt," Trump tweeted. "Result of the Mueller Report, NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION!" Trump -- who is known to have closely followed previous testimony related to the Russia probe -- later told reporters he would not be watching Mueller's much-awaited, nationally broadcast appearance on Wednesday. "We have no collusion, no obstruction, a total no collusion finding," Trump said again. "They are wasting their time." Potentially damaging testimony Whether Trump watches or not, White House officials and the president's lawyers will be closely monitoring what Mueller tells members of the Democratic-led House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. Mueller's 448-page report documents extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude, neither of which is a specific crime. But Mueller ruled in the end that there was not enough evidence to recommend charges of criminal conspiracy, the main legal charge he could make use of. The veteran prosecutor and former FBI director also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation. But he said he was prevented from recommending charges against Trump because Justice Department rules prohibited him from lodging criminal charges against a sitting president. That left it to Congress to determine whether Trump committed a crime, and a minority of Democrats are pressing for the House to impeach the president. Sphinx-like Mueller How Mueller describes the obstruction allegations could make his live testimony explosive, potentially impacting the pressure to impeach Trump, and the president's own campaign for re-election next year. "We want the American people to hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller on what his investigation found," Representative Jerry Nadler, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said on Sunday. "The report presents very substantial evidence that the president is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanours," he said, using the legal phrase that serves as the basis for impeachment. Members of both parties were reportedly rehearsing their tactics to blunt each other's efforts. Democrat and Republican committee members will likely alternate for five minutes of questions each, a format which will challenge Democrats to deliver to the television audience a coherent narrative of collusion and obstruction, while Republicans try to disrupt it and change the subject. Democrats need to figure out how to get the cagey and disciplined Mueller to say in clear terms that Trump likely broke obstruction laws, while Republicans are expected to try and undermine his credibility. Mueller, much-trusted in Washington circles but with a sphinx-like image, has already signalled he will be a tough nut to crack. "Any testimony from this office would not go beyond our report," he said on May 29, as he announced the closure of the special counsel investigation. "The work speaks for itself. And the report is my testimony." The Justice Department appeared to endorse Mueller's approach, releasing a letter on Monday advising him that his testimony should not get into aspects of the report or the investigation not made public. "Please note that there should be no testimony concerning the redacted portions of the public version of your report," the letter read.

Donald Trump attacks Robert Mueller ahead of testimony on Russia probe

A Report On The History Of U.S.-Pakistan Relations Why the U.S. and Pakistan need each other? Here's a report on the history of the U.S.-Pakistan ties from the cold war era to the current day.

Gravitas: A brief history of US-Pakistan ties

Here's How The Visit To The U.S. Has Panned Out For Pakistan PM Imran Khan Thus Far Imran Khan's U.S. visit has been about prioritising army and ISI, settling domestic political scores, getting embarrassed on the track record on human rights and terrorism. Here's Palki summarising the story of Imran Khan's U.S. visit even as he meets U.S. President Trump to revive bilateral ties.

Gravitas: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a new submarine, paying special attention to its combat weapons systems, a week after the nuclear-armed state warned looming military drills in the South could <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hopes-northkorea-talks-go-ahead-despite-pyongyang-threat-236534">derail nuclear talks with Washington</a>.&nbsp;

The submarine will be deployed to the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the North's official KCNA news agency said Tuesday, without disclosing its specifications or the location of the inspection.

"The Supreme Leader learned in detail about its operational and tactical data and combat weapon systems," KCNA said.

The inspection comes a week after Pyongyang warned next month's US-South Korea military drills "will affect" proposed working-level nuclear talks with Washington that Kim and President Trump agreed to pursue during an impromptu meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas on June 30.&nbsp;

But no meetings between the two sides have taken place since then.

There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual drills with tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers have always infuriated the North -- with Pyongyang slamming the manoeuvres as rehearsals for invasion.&nbsp;

The North in the past week condemned the upcoming military exercise as "blatant pressure" on Pyongyang and a "violation of the spirit" of the joint statement Trump and Kim signed at their historic meet in Singapore last year.

The criticisms came despite the drills being scaled down to facilitate dialogue with the North.

Trump meanwhile said Monday there was "very positive correspondence with North Korea".&nbsp;

"Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing," he said.&nbsp;

Washington has previously insisted on North Korea's complete denuclearisation as a condition for lifting punishing US sanctions.

Failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit, which was held in February in Hanoi.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a new submarine, paying special attention to its combat weapons systems, a week after the nuclear-armed state warned looming military drills in the South could derail nuclear talks with Washington.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a new submarine, paying special attention to its combat weapons systems, a week after the nuclear-armed state warned looming military drills in the South could derail nuclear talks with Washington. The submarine will be deployed to the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the North's official KCNA news agency said Tuesday, without disclosing its specifications or the location of the inspection. "The Supreme Leader learned in detail about its operational and tactical data and combat weapon systems," KCNA said. The inspection comes a week after Pyongyang warned next month's US-South Korea military drills "will affect" proposed working-level nuclear talks with Washington that Kim and President Trump agreed to pursue during an impromptu meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas on June 30. But no meetings between the two sides have taken place since then. There are close to 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and their annual drills with tens of thousands of South Korean soldiers have always infuriated the North -- with Pyongyang slamming the manoeuvres as rehearsals for invasion. The North in the past week condemned the upcoming military exercise as "blatant pressure" on Pyongyang and a "violation of the spirit" of the joint statement Trump and Kim signed at their historic meet in Singapore last year. The criticisms came despite the drills being scaled down to facilitate dialogue with the North. Trump meanwhile said Monday there was "very positive correspondence with North Korea". "Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing," he said. Washington has previously insisted on North Korea's complete denuclearisation as a condition for lifting punishing US sanctions. Failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit, which was held in February in Hanoi.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un inspects new submarine as talks with US stall

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 23rd, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">India rubbishes Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi asked him to mediate in resolving Kashmir issue</a>

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.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">Could win Afghanistan war in 'a week or ten days' but chose not to do so, says Donald Trump in meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-trust-vote-in-vidhana-soudha-expected-to-take-place-before-6pm-today-237799">Karnataka crisis: Trust vote in Vidhana Soudha expected to take place before 6pm today</a>

The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tech-ceos-support-trump-on-huawei-restrictions-white-house-237802">US tech CEOs support Trump on Huawei restrictions: White House</a>

Chief executives from several US tech companies met with President Donald Trump on Monday and expressed "strong support" for policies restricting the use of products from Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-intelligence-led-cia-to-osama-bin-laden-imran-khan-237807">Pakistani intelligence led CIA to Osama Bin Laden: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.

&nbsp;

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

India rubbishes Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi asked him to mediate in resolving 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. Could win Afghanistan war in 'a week or ten days' but chose not to do so, says Donald Trump in meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth. Karnataka crisis: Trust vote in Vidhana Soudha expected to take place before 6pm today The political drama in Karnataka entered its fourth week on Monday with the Congress-JD(S) coalition government employing all tactics to delay the trust vote. US tech CEOs support Trump on Huawei restrictions: White House Chief executives from several US tech companies met with President Donald Trump on Monday and expressed "strong support" for policies restricting the use of products from Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Pakistani intelligence led CIA to Osama Bin Laden: Imran Khan Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

MEA rejects Trump's claim on mediation. Trump claimed that PM Modi sought intervention on Kashmir. Ministry of External Affairs 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.

Trump offers to mediate on Kashmir

Chief executives from several US tech companies met with President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-to-host-meeting-with-tech-executives-on-huawei-ban-sources-237207">Donald Trump</a> on Monday and expressed "strong support" for policies restricting the use of products from Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Washington accuses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-plans-extensive-layoffs-at-its-us-operations-report-235708">Huawei</a> of working directly with the Chinese government and its intelligence services, which it says could pose security risks -- claims the company denies.

In May, Trump hit Huawei with an executive order that effectively banned it from trading with any US companies, although a temporary license was issued shortly after.

At the meeting were Sundar Pichai of Google, Chuck Robbins, of Cisco, Robert Swan of Intel, Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron, Stephen Milligan of Western Digital Corporation, Steven Mollenkopf of Qualcomm, and Hock Tan of Broadcom.

"The CEOs expressed strong support of the president's policies, including national security restrictions on United States telecom equipment purchases and sales to Huawei," the White House said.

"They requested timely licensing decisions from the Department of Commerce, and the president agreed. The group was also optimistic about United States 5G innovation and deployments," the statement read.

Huawei -- a leader in next-generation 5G wireless technology -- is barred from developing such networks in the United States.

Trump has put Huawei on its so-called entity list, which meant US companies needed a license to supply US technology to the Chinese firm.

Washington has been pressuring its allies to avoid using Huawei for deployment of 5G wireless.

The news comes as The Washington Post reported that Huawei secretly helped North Korea build and maintain the country's commercial wireless network.

The Post, citing internal documents it obtained and people familiar with the arrangement, said Huawei has partnered with a Chinese state-owned firm Panda International Information Technology on projects in North Korea over at least eight years.

By doing so Huawei, which has used US technology in its components, may have violated US controls on exports to the isolated North Korea regime.

Chief executives from several US tech companies met with President Donald Trump on Monday and expressed "strong support" for policies restricting the use of products from Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Chief executives from several US tech companies met with President Donald Trump on Monday and expressed "strong support" for policies restricting the use of products from Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Washington accuses Huawei of working directly with the Chinese government and its intelligence services, which it says could pose security risks -- claims the company denies. In May, Trump hit Huawei with an executive order that effectively banned it from trading with any US companies, although a temporary license was issued shortly after. At the meeting were Sundar Pichai of Google, Chuck Robbins, of Cisco, Robert Swan of Intel, Sanjay Mehrotra of Micron, Stephen Milligan of Western Digital Corporation, Steven Mollenkopf of Qualcomm, and Hock Tan of Broadcom. "The CEOs expressed strong support of the president's policies, including national security restrictions on United States telecom equipment purchases and sales to Huawei," the White House said. "They requested timely licensing decisions from the Department of Commerce, and the president agreed. The group was also optimistic about United States 5G innovation and deployments," the statement read. Huawei -- a leader in next-generation 5G wireless technology -- is barred from developing such networks in the United States. Trump has put Huawei on its so-called entity list, which meant US companies needed a license to supply US technology to the Chinese firm. Washington has been pressuring its allies to avoid using Huawei for deployment of 5G wireless. The news comes as The Washington Post reported that Huawei secretly helped North Korea build and maintain the country's commercial wireless network. The Post, citing internal documents it obtained and people familiar with the arrangement, said Huawei has partnered with a Chinese state-owned firm Panda International Information Technology on projects in North Korea over at least eight years. By doing so Huawei, which has used US technology in its components, may have violated US controls on exports to the isolated North Korea regime.

US tech CEOs support Trump on Huawei restrictions: White House

India rejects Trump's claim on mediation, no such requests made by PM Modi

US President Donald Trump’s bombshell that he would like to mediate the vexed Kashmir conflict has set the stage for a high profile diplomatic tug-of-war between India and Pakistan involving the world’s sole superpower.

US government in damage control mode

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-stance-on-iran-trump-huawei-and-the-economy-237951">Boris Johnson</a>, the Brexiteer who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by the end of October, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party on Tuesday.

His convincing victory catapults the United Kingdom towards a showdown with the EU and towards a constitutional crisis at home, as British lawmakers have vowed to bring down any government that tries to leave the bloc without a divorce deal.

Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit referendum, won the votes of 92,153 members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Conservative party</a>, almost twice the 46,656 won by his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson before he enters Downing Street.

"We are going to get Brexit done on Oct. 31, and we are going to take advantage of all the opportunities it will bring in a new spirit of 'can do'," Johnson, 55, said after the result was announced.

"Like some slumbering giant, we are going to rise and ping off the guy-ropes of self-doubt and negativity."

Johnson said the mantra of his leadership campaign had been to "deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat (opposition Labour leader) Jeremy Corbyn and that is what we are going to do".

Within half an hour of his victory, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congratulations-to-boris-johnson-on-becoming-the-new-pm-of-uk-he-will-be-great-donald-trump-237983">US President Donald Trum</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">p</a> had tweeted his congratulations, adding: "He will be great!".

The men have recently been complimentary about each other yet Trump is one of the many world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, about whom Johnson has previously made derogatory remarks. In 2015, he accused Trump, then a candidate for office, of "stupefying ignorance" that made him unfit to be president.

The victory for one of Britain's most flamboyant politicians places an avowed Brexit supporter in charge of the government for the first time since the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in the shock 2016 referendum.

But Johnson is known for his ambition, untidy blond hair, flowery oratory and cursory command of policy detail takes office at one of the most tumultuous junctures in post-World War Two British history.

The pound has fallen sharply in recent weeks on fears of a no-deal Brexit, and stands near $1.24, around its lowest level for two years. With Johnson's win already priced in, it was little changed on Tuesday.

Divided Kingdom

The 2016 Brexit referendum showed the United Kingdom divided about much more than the European Union, and has fuelled soul-searching about everything from regional secession and immigration to capitalism, the legacy of empire, and modern Britishness.

Brexit, which has already toppled two Conservative prime ministers, will dominate.

Johnson has pledged to negotiate a new Brexit divorce deal with the EU to secure a smooth transition out of the EU before Oct. 31. But if the bloc refuses, as it insists it will, he has promised to leave anyway, "do or die", on the current agreed date of Oct. 31, Halloween.

It is a step that many investors and economists say would send shock waves through world markets and tip the world's fifth-largest economy into recession or even chaos.

The EU said a no-deal Brexit would be a tragedy for both parties but again said the withdrawal deal was not up for negotiation.

"We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," tweeted the bloc's negotiator, Michel Barnier.

A Brexit without a divorce deal would also weaken London’s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre while jolting the northern European economy.

Johnson's Conservatives have no majority in parliament and need the support of 10 lawmakers from Northern Ireland's Brexit-backing Democratic Unionist Party to govern.

Even then, the majority is wafer-thin - and some lawmakers have threatened to bring down the government, a step that would probably deepen Britain's political crisis and lead to an election.

'PM Boris'

The rise of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, often referred to as simply "Boris", to the top of British politics is the grandest twist so far in a career that has taken him from journalism via TV-show fame, comedy and scandal into the political brinkmanship of Britain’s Brexit crisis.

Born in New York, Johnson was educated at Eton, Britain’s most exclusive school, and at Balliol College, Oxford. He began his career at a management consultancy in the City of London but dropped out after a week.

He then turned to journalism but was sacked from the Times newspaper for making up quotes.

Hired by the Daily Telegraph, Johnson infuriated European officials and delighted then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher by lampooning the European Economic Community with a host of sometimes misleading reports from Brussels.

After entering politics, he was sacked from the Conservative Party’s policy team while in opposition for lying about an extramarital affair. He and his wife announced last year they were to divorce and he is currently in a relationship with the party's former communications chief, Carrie Symonds.

But his sometimes shambolic personal appearance and disarmingly self-deprecating persona have allowed him to survive both gaffes and scandal. He served two terms as London mayor, from 2008 to 2016.

His embrace of a court jester role has won over many Britons, fed up of what many see as an out-of-touch political establishment too centred on a London elite. But critics say he lacks the gravitas the job requires.

"He has shown time and time again that he isn’t fit to be the prime minister of our country," Jo Swinson, leader of the pro-EU Liberal Democrat party.

In 2016, Johnson became one of the most recognisable faces of the Brexit campaign, which won the referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, but faced accusations of making misleading claims to win support, most notably by stating that Britain would be 350 million pounds ($440 million) a week better off outside the EU.

"I know that there will be people around the place who will question the wisdom of your decision, and there may be some people here who still wonder what they have done," Johnson told party members after his victory was announced.

"I will just point out to you that no one party, no party has a monopoly of wisdom."

Boris Johnson, the Brexiteer who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by the end of October, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party on Tuesday.

Boris Johnson, the Brexiteer who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by the end of October, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party on Tuesday. His convincing victory catapults the United Kingdom towards a showdown with the EU and towards a constitutional crisis at home, as British lawmakers have vowed to bring down any government that tries to leave the bloc without a divorce deal. Johnson, the face of the 2016 Brexit referendum, won the votes of 92,153 members of the Conservative party, almost twice the 46,656 won by his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. May will leave office on Wednesday after going to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson before he enters Downing Street. "We are going to get Brexit done on Oct. 31, and we are going to take advantage of all the opportunities it will bring in a new spirit of 'can do'," Johnson, 55, said after the result was announced. "Like some slumbering giant, we are going to rise and ping off the guy-ropes of self-doubt and negativity." Johnson said the mantra of his leadership campaign had been to "deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat (opposition Labour leader) Jeremy Corbyn and that is what we are going to do". Within half an hour of his victory, US President Donald Trump had tweeted his congratulations, adding: "He will be great!". The men have recently been complimentary about each other yet Trump is one of the many world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, about whom Johnson has previously made derogatory remarks. In 2015, he accused Trump, then a candidate for office, of "stupefying ignorance" that made him unfit to be president. The victory for one of Britain's most flamboyant politicians places an avowed Brexit supporter in charge of the government for the first time since the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU in the shock 2016 referendum. But Johnson is known for his ambition, untidy blond hair, flowery oratory and cursory command of policy detail takes office at one of the most tumultuous junctures in post-World War Two British history. The pound has fallen sharply in recent weeks on fears of a no-deal Brexit, and stands near $1.24, around its lowest level for two years. With Johnson's win already priced in, it was little changed on Tuesday. Divided Kingdom The 2016 Brexit referendum showed the United Kingdom divided about much more than the European Union, and has fuelled soul-searching about everything from regional secession and immigration to capitalism, the legacy of empire, and modern Britishness. Brexit, which has already toppled two Conservative prime ministers, will dominate. Johnson has pledged to negotiate a new Brexit divorce deal with the EU to secure a smooth transition out of the EU before Oct. 31. But if the bloc refuses, as it insists it will, he has promised to leave anyway, "do or die", on the current agreed date of Oct. 31, Halloween. It is a step that many investors and economists say would send shock waves through world markets and tip the world's fifth-largest economy into recession or even chaos. The EU said a no-deal Brexit would be a tragedy for both parties but again said the withdrawal deal was not up for negotiation. "We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," tweeted the bloc's negotiator, Michel Barnier. A Brexit without a divorce deal would also weaken London’s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre while jolting the northern European economy. Johnson's Conservatives have no majority in parliament and need the support of 10 lawmakers from Northern Ireland's Brexit-backing Democratic Unionist Party to govern. Even then, the majority is wafer-thin - and some lawmakers have threatened to bring down the government, a step that would probably deepen Britain's political crisis and lead to an election. 'PM Boris' The rise of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, often referred to as simply "Boris", to the top of British politics is the grandest twist so far in a career that has taken him from journalism via TV-show fame, comedy and scandal into the political brinkmanship of Britain’s Brexit crisis. Born in New York, Johnson was educated at Eton, Britain’s most exclusive school, and at Balliol College, Oxford. He began his career at a management consultancy in the City of London but dropped out after a week. He then turned to journalism but was sacked from the Times newspaper for making up quotes. Hired by the Daily Telegraph, Johnson infuriated European officials and delighted then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher by lampooning the European Economic Community with a host of sometimes misleading reports from Brussels. After entering politics, he was sacked from the Conservative Party’s policy team while in opposition for lying about an extramarital affair. He and his wife announced last year they were to divorce and he is currently in a relationship with the party's former communications chief, Carrie Symonds. But his sometimes shambolic personal appearance and disarmingly self-deprecating persona have allowed him to survive both gaffes and scandal. He served two terms as London mayor, from 2008 to 2016. His embrace of a court jester role has won over many Britons, fed up of what many see as an out-of-touch political establishment too centred on a London elite. But critics say he lacks the gravitas the job requires. "He has shown time and time again that he isn’t fit to be the prime minister of our country," Jo Swinson, leader of the pro-EU Liberal Democrat party. In 2016, Johnson became one of the most recognisable faces of the Brexit campaign, which won the referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent, but faced accusations of making misleading claims to win support, most notably by stating that Britain would be 350 million pounds ($440 million) a week better off outside the EU. "I know that there will be people around the place who will question the wisdom of your decision, and there may be some people here who still wonder what they have done," Johnson told party members after his victory was announced. "I will just point out to you that no one party, no party has a monopoly of wisdom."

'I say all the doubters, we are going to energize the country and get the Brexit done': Boris Johnson

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson</a> as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">United Kingdom's next prime minister</a>, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies.

"Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!" Trump said in a post on Twitter shortly after Johnson's election.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153628242529722369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Trump has had tense relations with outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May despite being hosted for a state visit. Ties were further strained this month following leaked messages by the British ambassador to Washington that referred to Trump; the official later quit.

The US president has repeatedly praised Johnson, the flamboyant former London mayor and pro-Brexit champion who has been compared to the Republican US president, a former reality television host and real estate developer known for his unconventional, combative approach to politics.

On the other hand, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday the bloc was ready to work with incoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-stance-on-iran-trump-huawei-and-the-economy-237951">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> for an orderly Brexit.

"We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter.

"We are ready also to rework the agreed declaration on a new partnership," he said, referring to the political declaration that accompanies the withdrawal agreement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We look forward to working constructively w/ PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and achieve an orderly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brexit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brexit</a>. We are ready also to rework the agreed Declaration on a new partnership in line with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUCO</a> guidelines.
— Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelBarnier/status/1153623849357008902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Theresa May also extended her regards, the tweet read&nbsp;"Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the backbenches."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Many congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> on being elected leader of <a href="https://twitter.com/Conservatives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Conservatives</a> - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) <a href="https://twitter.com/theresa_may/status/1153622066157015041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of Boris Johnson as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the United Kingdom's next prime minister, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heralded the selection of Boris Johnson as the new leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party and the United Kingdom's next prime minister, in a possible sign of warmer relations between the two allies. "Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great!" Trump said in a post on Twitter shortly after Johnson's election. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He will be great! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2019 × Trump has had tense relations with outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May despite being hosted for a state visit. Ties were further strained this month following leaked messages by the British ambassador to Washington that referred to Trump; the official later quit. The US president has repeatedly praised Johnson, the flamboyant former London mayor and pro-Brexit champion who has been compared to the Republican US president, a former reality television host and real estate developer known for his unconventional, combative approach to politics. On the other hand, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday the bloc was ready to work with incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for an orderly Brexit. "We look forward to working constructively with PM Johnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement and achieve an orderly Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter. "We are ready also to rework the agreed declaration on a new partnership," he said, referring to the political declaration that accompanies the withdrawal agreement. We look forward to working constructively w/ PM @BorisJohnson when he takes office, to facilitate the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and achieve an orderly #Brexit. We are ready also to rework the agreed Declaration on a new partnership in line with #EUCO guidelines. — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) July 23, 2019 × PM Theresa May also extended her regards, the tweet read "Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the backbenches." Many congratulations to @BorisJohnson on being elected leader of @Conservatives - we now need to work together to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole UK and to keep Jeremy Corbyn out of government. You will have my full support from the back benches. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) July 23, 2019 ×

Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming new UK PM, he will be great: Trump

India and the United States have no record of Kashmir being discussed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on the margins of the G-20 summit in Osaka last month, informed sources told ET.

No record of Modi-Trump talks on J&K?

President Donald Trump brought the leader of Pakistan to the White House on Monday to discuss a peace deal in neighboring Afghanistan, breezily declaring he could end the longest U.S. war in a week but doesn’t want to wipe the country “off the face of the earth.”

Trump called out for 'Fake News'

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday discussed ways to resolve the Afghanistan conflict and the challenge terrorism poses to regional stability, the White House said.

Trump-Khan discuss Afghanistan, terrorism in first meeting

By Tony Walker&nbsp;

In a world run ragged by multiple crises and an unravelling of American global leadership, military confrontation in the Gulf poses risks that extend well beyond the region itself.

One of the greater risks is to a global economy dependent on the continued flow of oil from Middle East producers in the Persian Gulf.

A Gulf crisis is the last thing the world needs when confidence between Washington and its European allies has been undermined by an unpredictable Donald Trump administration.

Tensions between the US and China over multiple trade and other issues are not helping.

These are high octane moments in the Gulf as America and its allies confront difficult choices in how to deal with an Iran that has clearly decided to test the limits of western tolerance.

Iran’s seizure in international sea-lanes of a British-owned tanker in the Gulf of Oman at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf itself is highly provocative.

Britain, with Boris Johnson likely to be installed as its new prime minister this week, is facing a test of its resolve. Its ability to navigate its way through this crisis carries with it real risks of wider conflict.

Detention of the Stena Impero in retaliation for Britain’s seizure earlier this month off Gibraltar of the Iranian oil carrier, the Grace 1, represents a significant escalation of what had been a war of words between Tehran and London.

Iran’s wider purpose is to raise the costs to the west of maintaining security in the Persian Gulf in response to American-imposed sanctions that are strangling the Iranian economy.

Attacks on oil tankers and facilities in the Gulf over the past month are widely attributed to Iran or its proxies. These attacks have reminded the international community that one-third of the world’s seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day.

Iran has the ability, if only temporarily, to shut down a choke point that is critical to the well-being of the global economy. Interference with oil shipments from the Gulf would prompt a spike in prices and prove a drag on slowing economic activity globally.

Tehran’s regime is playing a high stakes game born of its worsening economy. American-imposed sanctions are doing real harm to livelihoods and well-being of Iranians.

Reports of sporadic civil unrest over rising prices and shortages attest to the challenges facing the regime.

Sanctions are crippling Iran’s ability to export its oil, overwhelmingly its main source of foreign exchange. The US says that since oil sanctions were tightened last November, Iran has lost something like US$10 billion in revenue foregone.

The International Monetary Fund reports that Iran’s economy shrank by 3.9% last year. It is expected to shrink by a further 6% this year. Unemployment has risen sharply.

At the same time, the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar has collapsed by 60% in the past year, adding to cost of imports and fueling inflation.

There are reported shortages of imported medicines.

It is against this background that Tehran has clearly embarked on a campaign to remind the West of its ability to increase the costs of maintaining regional security.

Tehran’s message is this is not a zero game.

For Washington and its allies, the question becomes: how does the international community respond to Iranian provocations?

Does it allow the US, egged on by the Sunni Gulf state like Saudi Arabia, to lead it into a military confrontation with Iran, or does it seek to deescalate potential conflict?

This is a question the federal government needs to ponder since it is likely Australia would be asked to make a contribution in the event of a continued deterioration of the security environment.

Given the stakes involved, the wisest course would seem to be reopening discussions with Tehran about Gulf security and an American-imposed sanctions regime.

However, this will be easier said than done.

Washington would need to unscramble an ill-advised decision to abrogate a 2015 agreement to freeze Iran’s nuclear program. The US reimposed sanctions that had been eased under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated painstakingly over some months by the Barack Obama administration.

Trump’s decision to abandon the JCPOA and reimpose sanctions is what has brought the Gulf to the brink. If conflict results, this will be a heavy price for capricious American policymaking.

Iran was complying with its obligations under the JCPOA. But it has now indicated it will resume enriching uranium above agreed levels.

Faced with the possibility of renewed conflict in the Gulf, Trump himself has offered to talk to Iranian leaders “without preconditions”. Tehran has said it will not negotiate without an easing of sanctions.

Overcoming this impasse will require concessions Washington has not yet indicated it is prepared to make. In the meantime, the risk of wider conflict grows.

This is just the scenario Middle East experts have been warning about.

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/iran-and-us-refusing-to-budge-as-tit-for-tat-ship-seizures-in-middle-east-raise-the-temperature-120732">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Tony Walker In a world run ragged by multiple crises and an unravelling of American global leadership, military confrontation in the Gulf poses risks that extend well beyond the region itself.

By Tony Walker In a world run ragged by multiple crises and an unravelling of American global leadership, military confrontation in the Gulf poses risks that extend well beyond the region itself. One of the greater risks is to a global economy dependent on the continued flow of oil from Middle East producers in the Persian Gulf. A Gulf crisis is the last thing the world needs when confidence between Washington and its European allies has been undermined by an unpredictable Donald Trump administration. Tensions between the US and China over multiple trade and other issues are not helping. These are high octane moments in the Gulf as America and its allies confront difficult choices in how to deal with an Iran that has clearly decided to test the limits of western tolerance. Iran’s seizure in international sea-lanes of a British-owned tanker in the Gulf of Oman at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf itself is highly provocative. Britain, with Boris Johnson likely to be installed as its new prime minister this week, is facing a test of its resolve. Its ability to navigate its way through this crisis carries with it real risks of wider conflict. Detention of the Stena Impero in retaliation for Britain’s seizure earlier this month off Gibraltar of the Iranian oil carrier, the Grace 1, represents a significant escalation of what had been a war of words between Tehran and London. Iran’s wider purpose is to raise the costs to the west of maintaining security in the Persian Gulf in response to American-imposed sanctions that are strangling the Iranian economy. Attacks on oil tankers and facilities in the Gulf over the past month are widely attributed to Iran or its proxies. These attacks have reminded the international community that one-third of the world’s seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Iran has the ability, if only temporarily, to shut down a choke point that is critical to the well-being of the global economy. Interference with oil shipments from the Gulf would prompt a spike in prices and prove a drag on slowing economic activity globally. Tehran’s regime is playing a high stakes game born of its worsening economy. American-imposed sanctions are doing real harm to livelihoods and well-being of Iranians. Reports of sporadic civil unrest over rising prices and shortages attest to the challenges facing the regime. Sanctions are crippling Iran’s ability to export its oil, overwhelmingly its main source of foreign exchange. The US says that since oil sanctions were tightened last November, Iran has lost something like US$10 billion in revenue foregone. The International Monetary Fund reports that Iran’s economy shrank by 3.9% last year. It is expected to shrink by a further 6% this year. Unemployment has risen sharply. At the same time, the value of the Iranian rial against the US dollar has collapsed by 60% in the past year, adding to cost of imports and fueling inflation. There are reported shortages of imported medicines. It is against this background that Tehran has clearly embarked on a campaign to remind the West of its ability to increase the costs of maintaining regional security. Tehran’s message is this is not a zero game. For Washington and its allies, the question becomes: how does the international community respond to Iranian provocations? Does it allow the US, egged on by the Sunni Gulf state like Saudi Arabia, to lead it into a military confrontation with Iran, or does it seek to deescalate potential conflict? This is a question the federal government needs to ponder since it is likely Australia would be asked to make a contribution in the event of a continued deterioration of the security environment. Given the stakes involved, the wisest course would seem to be reopening discussions with Tehran about Gulf security and an American-imposed sanctions regime. However, this will be easier said than done. Washington would need to unscramble an ill-advised decision to abrogate a 2015 agreement to freeze Iran’s nuclear program. The US reimposed sanctions that had been eased under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated painstakingly over some months by the Barack Obama administration. Trump’s decision to abandon the JCPOA and reimpose sanctions is what has brought the Gulf to the brink. If conflict results, this will be a heavy price for capricious American policymaking. Iran was complying with its obligations under the JCPOA. But it has now indicated it will resume enriching uranium above agreed levels. Faced with the possibility of renewed conflict in the Gulf, Trump himself has offered to talk to Iranian leaders “without preconditions”. Tehran has said it will not negotiate without an easing of sanctions. Overcoming this impasse will require concessions Washington has not yet indicated it is prepared to make. In the meantime, the risk of wider conflict grows. This is just the scenario Middle East experts have been warning about. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Iran and US refusing to budge as tit-for-tat ship seizures in Middle East raise the temperature

In an exclusive conversation with Brahma Chellaney, Analyst from New Delhi over Trump's remarks on KashmirMinistry 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.

In exclusive conversation over Trump's remark over Kashmir with Brahma Chellaney, Analyst from New Delhi

U.S President Donald Trump prone to gaffles, bloopers. Trump has been accused of peddling fake news. Trump lied in front of Pak PM Imran Khan during the meet that Modi asked him to mediate on Kashmir. Even U.S analyst also slams Trump for his blunder. Watch this video to know more.

U.S President Donald Trump called out for 'Fake News'

Afghanistan's government called on Tuesday for clarification of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">US President Donald Trump's remarks</a> that he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by "wiping out Afghanistan from the face of the earth", the presidential palace in Kabul said.

Trump's remarks followed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House on Monday. He voiced optimism that Pakistan could help broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old war in Afghanistan.

"The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate," Afghanistan's presidential palace said in a statement.

On Monday, Trump said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth.&nbsp;

"We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days -- one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said at the Oval office while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is in a three-day visit to the US. &nbsp;

During the discussion on Afghanistan peace process with Khan, Trump warned that "Afghanistan would be wiped off the face of the Earth."

"Why would we kill millions of people. It wouldn't be fair in terms of humanity, it wouldn't be fair. So we're doing very well and I think that Pakistan is going to be a big help," Trump added.

"There is only one solution, and I feel, and I think that we will discuss this, is the closest we have been to a peace deal. And we hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement -- a political solution," Trump also said.

The United States is pressing for a political agreement with the Taliban before presidential voting in Afghanistan in late September. This would clear the way for most US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan and bring an end to America's longest war. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's government called on Tuesday for clarification of US President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by "wiping out Afghanistan from the face of the earth", the presidential palace in Kabul said.

Afghanistan's government called on Tuesday for clarification of US President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by "wiping out Afghanistan from the face of the earth", the presidential palace in Kabul said. Trump's remarks followed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House on Monday. He voiced optimism that Pakistan could help broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old war in Afghanistan. "The Afghan nation has not and will never allow any foreign power to determine its fate," Afghanistan's presidential palace said in a statement. On Monday, Trump said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth. "We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days -- one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said at the Oval office while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is in a three-day visit to the US. During the discussion on Afghanistan peace process with Khan, Trump warned that "Afghanistan would be wiped off the face of the Earth." "Why would we kill millions of people. It wouldn't be fair in terms of humanity, it wouldn't be fair. So we're doing very well and I think that Pakistan is going to be a big help," Trump added. "There is only one solution, and I feel, and I think that we will discuss this, is the closest we have been to a peace deal. And we hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement -- a political solution," Trump also said. The United States is pressing for a political agreement with the Taliban before presidential voting in Afghanistan in late September. This would clear the way for most US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan and bring an end to America's longest war.

Afghan government seeks clarification of Donald Trump's remarks on 'wiping out Afghanistan'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-bracing-to-become-britains-brexit-prime-minister-237375">Britain's next prime minister</a> will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday.

Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-quits-as-party-leader-starting-succession-race-225177">Theresa May</a>. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU.

Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle:

1) Governing

To <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">deliver Brexit</a>, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis.

But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one.

On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern.

Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit.

Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election.

2) Brexit

Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times.

The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit.

The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland.

EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want.

Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay.

If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31.

Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen.

Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated.

3) Trump and the United States

The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner.

But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept.

How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain.

Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done.

4) Iran and China

The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier.

Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy.

The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties.

That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU.

5) Beyond Brexit

While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies.

Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament.

Britain's next prime minister will face an overflowing inbox when he takes office on July 24: delivering Brexit, building a relationship with Donald Trump, deciding what to do about Iran and governing without a majority in parliament. The winner of the Conservative party leadership contest will be announced on Tuesday and should take office as prime minister on Wednesday. Boris Johnson, leader of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, is the front-runner to succeed Theresa May. His rival is Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who voted "remain" in the Brexit referendum but has repeatedly promised to take Britain out of the EU. Below are the most urgent tasks the winner will have to tackle: 1) Governing To deliver Brexit, one of the most divisive policies in decades, the new premier will have to show he can win votes in parliament and govern after three years of political crisis. But he could face a vote of no confidence in the 650-seat parliament as early as his second day in office if the main opposition Labour Party calls one. On its own, the ruling Conservative Party does not have the majority needed for the new prime minister to survive such a vote, relying under May on the support of 10 allied Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) lawmakers to govern. Even if the DUP backed the new prime minister in a confidence vote, a handful of Conservative lawmakers have threatened to vote against their party if Britain looks set for a no-deal Brexit. Failure to clear this first hurdle would collapse the government and could trigger a general election. 2) Brexit Both Hunt and Johnson want to renegotiate a new deal with the EU, ditching parts of the accord May struck with Brussels last year, which was rejected by parliament three times. The EU has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the legally binding part of that deal, the 'Withdrawal Agreement' which sets out a transition period to smooth Britain's exit. The problem for the next prime minister is that the withdrawal agreement contains the most contentious part of the exit deal an insurance policy to prevent border controls between EU member Ireland and British province Northern Ireland. EU negotiators are ready to explore several options with the new prime minister, but these fall well short of what Johnson and Hunt say they want. Hunt and Johnson want to ditch the so-called backstop; the EU says it has to stay. If Britain cannot negotiate a new deal, or parliament rejects whatever the new leader brings back from Brussels, the country will be headed for an unmanaged exit from the EU a so-called no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31. Johnson and Hunt both say they have to make sure Britain is fully prepared for such an outcome because it is an important negotiating tool and they cannot rule out that it may happen. Britain had conducted substantial work toward preparing for no-deal ahead of the original Brexit deadline of March 29, but as the date approached many expressed concern that those preparations were incomplete and had stagnated. 3) Trump and the United States The new prime minister will need a good relationship with the United States, Britain's closest military ally and a major export market, to help mitigate any impact of stepping away from the EU its biggest trading partner. But relations between Britain and the United States have suffered in recent weeks after the leak of confidential memos from the British ambassador to Washington which reportedly described Donald Trump's administration as inept. How the new leader moves on from the spat which saw Trump respond angrily and the ambassador resigns could set the tone for transatlantic ties during a critical period for Britain. Both sides say they want to agree on a swift and comprehensive free trade agreement after Britain leaves the EU, but political will is likely to determine how quickly that can be done. 4) Iran and China The United States and European allies are pulling in different directions over the best approach to Iran's nuclear programme, leaving Britain with a difficult choice about who to align with. Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, in apparent retaliation for the British capture of an Iranian tanker two weeks earlier. Allies are watching closely to see whether the new British leader will move towards the United States and away from the EU over Iran policy. The new prime minister will also have to decide what role Chinese technology firm Huawei will be given in British communications infrastructure, with Trump warning that the security risks are high and could endanger intelligence ties. That decision could also set the course of relations with China, one of Britain's top targets when it comes to building stronger trading ties outside the EU. 5) Beyond Brexit While the next prime minister's first test will be to deliver Brexit, he will have to craft a viable long-term vision of post-Brexit Britain that can win over voters, investors and international allies. Ultimately, the new leader will have to decide what sort of economy the United Kingdom wants and how it will pitch that to the world while choosing between aligning with either European or American regulations.

Five urgent tasks for Britain's new prime minister

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. U.S Representative said that He apologized to Indian Ambassador on Trump's embarrassing mistake. Watch this video to know more.

Trump & his govt not on the same page, US representative said Trump's statement is embarrassing

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.

Jaishankar clarifies India's stand on Trump’s Kashmir remark as Opposition cries 'PM Jawaab Do'

In exclusive conversation with Ahmer Shaheen, Senior Journalist from Pakistan on Trump's remark on Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived at the White House on Monday to meet US President Trump.&nbsp;

This is the first official meeting between the two leaders as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Pakistan seeks to leverage</a> support from the Trump administration on steps taken on containing terrorism, a point of contention with the US president often tweeting on Pakistan's support to terror elements on its soil.

While meeting PM Imran, Trump said the US was working with Pakistan to find a way out of the war in Afghanistan. Trump held out the possibility of restoring US aid to Pakistan.

PM Imran Khan told Trump that there was only one solution for Afghanistan and that a peace deal with the Taliban was closer than it had ever been in the past.

"I don't think Pakistan respected the United States&nbsp;in the past,"&nbsp;Trump said, adding, "but they are helping us a lot now."

The US president will be hosting PM Imran for a working lunch later in the day.

The Pentagon said Pakistan's army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will meet later on Monday with the&nbsp;chairman of US&nbsp;Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived at the White House on Monday to meet US President Trump. This is the first official meeting between the two leaders as Pakistan seeks to leverage support from the Trump administration on steps taken on containing terrorism, a point of contention with the US president often tweeting on Pakistan's support to terror elements on its soil.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived at the White House on Monday to meet US President Trump. This is the first official meeting between the two leaders as Pakistan seeks to leverage support from the Trump administration on steps taken on containing terrorism, a point of contention with the US president often tweeting on Pakistan's support to terror elements on its soil. While meeting PM Imran, Trump said the US was working with Pakistan to find a way out of the war in Afghanistan. Trump held out the possibility of restoring US aid to Pakistan. PM Imran Khan told Trump that there was only one solution for Afghanistan and that a peace deal with the Taliban was closer than it had ever been in the past. "I don't think Pakistan respected the United States in the past," Trump said, adding, "but they are helping us a lot now." The US president will be hosting PM Imran for a working lunch later in the day. The Pentagon said Pakistan's army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will meet later on Monday with the chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford.

Working with Pakistan to find way out of war in Afghanistan: Trump on meeting with PM Imran Khan at White House

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, on Monday met President Donald Trump for a one-on-one meeting at the White House, sources said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Meets Donald Trump

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