The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-12-dead-in-taliban-attack-on-afghan-police-headquarters-236974">Kandahar terror attack</a> was plotted from Chaman in Pakistan. Chaman is the second-largest city of Pakistan's northwest Balochistan province and borders Afghanistan's Kandahar province.

NDS said it will be releasing entire gamut of details regarding the attack tomorrow.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack on the police headquarters on Thursday that killed 12.

This is not for the first time Afghanistan has said that an attack in the south Asian country had links across the border in Pakistan.&nbsp;According to NDS, The 2017 Kabul terror attack near the German embassy that killed 150 people, the worst in Afghanistan, was planned in Pakistan.

The development comes ahead of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Washington visit to meet US President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the visit, 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed was arrested on terror financing charges after "pressure" from Washington.

The increased terror attacks come even has the Afghan peace process gathers pace. India on Thursday said, "any process should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" and "should not lead to any ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can relocate."

Both New Delhi and Kabul have blamed Islamabad for destabilizing the region and providing sanctuaries to a terrorist on its territory, something which&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has denied despite being provided evidence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan accusations. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr Md Faisal said, "Pakistan rejects baseless accusations concerning recent terrorist incidents in Afghanistan."

Adding further Dr FAisal said," The public blame-game is contrary to the spirit of the understanding between the leadership of the two countries to address issues through close coordination amongst relevant agencies."

"Condemning all acts of terrorism in Afghanistan" Faisal hoped that "both sides would continue working constructively for durable peace in Afghanistan and the region."

The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) said that the Kandahar terror attack was plotted from Chaman in Pakistan. Chaman is the second-largest city of Pakistan's northwest Balochistan province and borders Afghanistan's Kandahar province.

The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) said that the Kandahar terror attack was plotted from Chaman in Pakistan. Chaman is the second-largest city of Pakistan's northwest Balochistan province and borders Afghanistan's Kandahar province. NDS said it will be releasing entire gamut of details regarding the attack tomorrow. Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack on the police headquarters on Thursday that killed 12. This is not for the first time Afghanistan has said that an attack in the south Asian country had links across the border in Pakistan. According to NDS, The 2017 Kabul terror attack near the German embassy that killed 150 people, the worst in Afghanistan, was planned in Pakistan. The development comes ahead of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Washington visit to meet US President Donald Trump. Ahead of the visit, 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed was arrested on terror financing charges after "pressure" from Washington. The increased terror attacks come even has the Afghan peace process gathers pace. India on Thursday said, "any process should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" and "should not lead to any ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can relocate." Both New Delhi and Kabul have blamed Islamabad for destabilizing the region and providing sanctuaries to a terrorist on its territory, something which Pakistan has denied despite being provided evidence. Meanwhile, Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan accusations. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr Md Faisal said, "Pakistan rejects baseless accusations concerning recent terrorist incidents in Afghanistan." Adding further Dr FAisal said," The public blame-game is contrary to the spirit of the understanding between the leadership of the two countries to address issues through close coordination amongst relevant agencies." "Condemning all acts of terrorism in Afghanistan" Faisal hoped that "both sides would continue working constructively for durable peace in Afghanistan and the region."

Afghanistan blames Pakistan for Kandahar attack ahead of Imran-Trump meet

Pakistan PM Imran Khan plans to attempt Modi-style rally to impress Trump in Washington DC. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan plans to attempt Modi-style rally to impress Trump

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday as US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">Donald Trump</a> said an American naval vessel shot down an Iranian drone that threatened the ship as it was entering the Strait of Hormuz.

It was the first US military engagement with Iran following a series of increasingly serious incidents.

Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew."

The drone was "immediately destroyed&nbsp;after it approached within 1,000 yards (914 meters) of the Boxer", Trump said.

"This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran, against vessels operating in international waters," he said.

"The United States reserves the right to defend our personnel, our facilities and interests and calls upon all nations to condemn Iran's attempts to disrupt freedom of navigation and global commerce."

Tehran's top diplomat, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-warns-us-says-its-playing-with-fire-236255">Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>, told reporters he had "no information about losing a drone today," as he arrived at the United Nations headquarters for a meeting with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The apparent confrontation came as Iran defended its detention Sunday of a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">foreign tanker</a>" believed to be the Panamanian-flagged vessel Riah and its 12 crew for allegedly smuggling fuel.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blames-united-states-over-gulf-tanker-incident-234979">Russia blames United States over Gulf tanker incident</a>

"The vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships in farther regions when it was intercepted," Revolutionary Guards' Sepahnews website said.

Watch: Iranian forces seize foreign oil tanker in Gulf

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First US military action

The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen.

In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces."

Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high.

On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions.

Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate.

That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait.

US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters.

Broader conflict feared

The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal.

Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program.

On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism."&nbsp;

The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said.

Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program. &nbsp;

Door open for negotiations?

Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions.&nbsp;

Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations.

He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations.

"You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said.

"All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday as US President Donald Trump said an American naval vessel shot down an Iranian drone that threatened the ship as it was entering the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday as US President Donald Trump said an American naval vessel shot down an Iranian drone that threatened the ship as it was entering the Strait of Hormuz. It was the first US military engagement with Iran following a series of increasingly serious incidents. Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew." The drone was "immediately destroyed after it approached within 1,000 yards (914 meters) of the Boxer", Trump said. "This is the latest of many provocative and hostile actions by Iran, against vessels operating in international waters," he said. "The United States reserves the right to defend our personnel, our facilities and interests and calls upon all nations to condemn Iran's attempts to disrupt freedom of navigation and global commerce." Tehran's top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, told reporters he had "no information about losing a drone today," as he arrived at the United Nations headquarters for a meeting with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The apparent confrontation came as Iran defended its detention Sunday of a "foreign tanker" believed to be the Panamanian-flagged vessel Riah and its 12 crew for allegedly smuggling fuel. Also read: Russia blames United States over Gulf tanker incident "The vessel was en route to deliver contraband fuel received from Iranian boats to foreign ships in farther regions when it was intercepted," Revolutionary Guards' Sepahnews website said. Watch: Iranian forces seize foreign oil tanker in Gulf × First US military action The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen. In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces." Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high. On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions. Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate. That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait. US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters. Broader conflict feared The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal. Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program. On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism." The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said. Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program. Door open for negotiations? Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions. Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations. He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations. "You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said. "All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

US Navy destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz, says Donald Trump

Documents released by a judge's order on Thursday detailed a flurry of communications involving Donald Trump, his campaign team, personal lawyer Michael Cohen and others to engineer hush-money payments shortly before the 2016 election to an adult-film actress who said she had a sexual encounter with the president. Watch this video to know more.

Documents detail Trump team's efforts to arrange payment to adult star

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/for-turkey-xinjiang-visit-amounts-to-a-risky-gamble-234168">Turkey</a> on Thursday slammed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a>` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations.

"Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added.

The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US.

"The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read.

However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries.

"As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying.

Turkey on Thursday slammed the United States` decision to remove it from the F-35 program, highlighting that the move would "irreparably" damage relations. "Turkey calls on the US to correct the mistake to remove the country from F-35 program which will irreparably damage relations," Anadolu Agency quoted the Turkish Foreign Ministry as saying. Both the USA and Turkey are NATO allies. Turkey currently makes numerous components of the fighter jet for the US, which are sold internationally."US unilateral move to remove Turkey from F-35 program neither complies with alliance spirit nor based on legitimate grounds," the ministry added. The United States booted Turkey out of its F-35 programme on Wednesday, days after Ankara received the first parts of the S-400 air defence system from Russia a move which was strongly rejected by the US. "The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence-collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities," a statement released by the White House read. However, the United States added it still values the strategic relationship shared between the two countries. "As NATO Allies, our relationship is multi-layered, and not solely focused on the F-35. Our military-to-military relationship is strong, and we will continue to cooperate with Turkey extensively, mindful of constraints due to the presence of the S-400 system in Turkey," the statement continued.

Turkey slams USA's decision to remove it from F-35 program

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-saudi-weapons-sales-trump-to-veto-236775">US House of Representatives</a> on Wednesday voted to block emergency arms sales to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-adds-saudi-arabia-cuba-in-human-trafficking-blacklist-china-myanmar-remain-on-list-229035">Saudi Arabia</a>, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

The three resolutions which were approved by the US House were already passed by the Senate. This means that the measures will now go to US President Donald Trump, where he is expected to veto them.

The chamber approved two of the resolutions with 238-190. The third one was approved with 237-190 votes, according to The Hill.

While the US Congress cannot override Trump`s veto, it reflects the differing takes on Saudi Arabia which are held by the legislature and the executive in the United States.

The US legislature has previously been critical of Riyadh, especially after journalist Jamal Khashoggi`s killing and the mounting death toll in Yemen.

Trump had in May bypassed the Congress to fast-track the sale of weapons worth USD eight billion to Saudi Arabia and the other two Gulf countries, citing escalating tensions with Iran in the region.&nbsp;

The weapons sale bypassed laws which give the US Congress the power to review major arms sale, according to Al Jazeera.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to block emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The three resolutions which were approved by the US House were already passed by the Senate.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to block emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan. The three resolutions which were approved by the US House were already passed by the Senate. This means that the measures will now go to US President Donald Trump, where he is expected to veto them. The chamber approved two of the resolutions with 238-190. The third one was approved with 237-190 votes, according to The Hill. While the US Congress cannot override Trump`s veto, it reflects the differing takes on Saudi Arabia which are held by the legislature and the executive in the United States. The US legislature has previously been critical of Riyadh, especially after journalist Jamal Khashoggi`s killing and the mounting death toll in Yemen. Trump had in May bypassed the Congress to fast-track the sale of weapons worth USD eight billion to Saudi Arabia and the other two Gulf countries, citing escalating tensions with Iran in the region. The weapons sale bypassed laws which give the US Congress the power to review major arms sale, according to Al Jazeera.

US House votes to block 'emergency' arms sale to Saudi Arabia

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-arrests-2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-236587">Hafiz Saeed</a>, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump welcomed the arrest. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Trump wrote, "After a 10-year search, the so-called `mastermind` of the Mumbai terror attacks has been arrested in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-slaps-terror-financing-charges-against-hafiz-saeed-india-says-have-seen-this-before-232870">Pakistan</a>.

Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!"The US State Department also welcomed the arrest saying, "The arrest of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed is a positive step. A full and expeditious prosecution for his involvement in numerous acts of terror, such as the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans is necessary. The victims of the terrorist attacks deserve justice."

Contrary to Trump`s characterisation of a prolonged `search`, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistani authorities</a> have been aware of Saeed`s whereabouts for years, critics have argued.

Analysts in Washington see the detention as major cosmetic move ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s maiden official visit to the United States and said, "clearly, much is being done to put a happy face on Imran Khan`s visit to Washington DC."

"I think the arrest of Hafiz Saeed is purely cosmetic because there is no historical basis to conclude otherwise. Washington probably believes as I do, but places other issues like Pakistan`s potential positive role in the Afghan peace process as a higher priority, an assumption that, in my opinion, is mistaken," said Lawrence Sellin, a retired US Army Reserve colonel, Iraq, and an Afghanistan veteran.

Trump`s South Asia policy was seen as radical two years ago for its tough stance on Pakistan, but with Imran Khan`s visit to Washington from July 21 to 23, the policy seems to have made a sudden U-turn on some key aspects.

The changed South Asia policy of the Trump administration now has a welcoming bouquet of positives for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Some of the positives that moved within weeks before the big Trump-Khan meet - Hafiz Saeed`s arrest, a four-party joint statement on Afghan peace process being released, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) being suddenly designated a terrorist organisation and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan for USD 6 billion being approved.

"I think this arrest should be seen in the same context as a number of other recent notable developments: Pakistan calling for India to resume dialogue, Pakistan arresting dozens of militants, and even Pakistan announcing it would be gifting a portrait of Donald Trump to the US President," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson`s Center.

Pakistan is leading a charm offensive in advance of Khan`s visit to the US, in the hope that US officials will be receptive to a number of Pakistani pitches and asks," he said.

Pakistan faces the threat of international financial sanctions over lax controls on financial close that could go to terrorists. Islamabad needs to show action in the next few weeks to prevent itself from being blacklisted that would restrict its access to the international banking system.

Pulitzer Prize-winner journalist and former New York Times reporter Pir Zubair Shah told ANI about Pakistan facing its worst economic crisis."The news of Hafiz Saeed`s arrest is clearly an effort by Pakistan to show to the US that it is now serious in combating terrorism and is willing to listen to the US and on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) demands," Shah said.

Meanwhile, Taj Ayubi, an international affairs advisor to former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and someone who played an active role in the Afghan resistance against the Soviets, also told ANI, "Pakistan is financially stapled and is almost on the verge of an economic collapse. It is desperately hoping it can get US assistance, maybe the World Bank or other financial institution. For the Khan government, this trip here to the US will give the crippled economy a push where Saudi Arabia and China would help Pakistan."

Islamabad has announced a raft of arrests, seizures of assets and other actions over the past few months against militants, saying it was taking a "proactive approach and that our territory cannot be used against anyone."

Imran Khan`s White House meeting is expected by the experts to be dominated by Afghanistan, where Pakistan is playing a key role in supporting talks between the US and the Taliban, another jihadist group that Islamabad is accused of supporting.

But Pakistan`s relation with India is also expected to be discussed during the meet, with the two countries coming close to war earlier this year.

A source within the Indian government sounded a note of scepticism about Saeed`s arrest.`This is not the first time that Hafiz Saeed has been arrested or detained. This drama has taken place at least eight times since 2001.&nbsp;

The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," the official told ANI speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The official said that Pakistan`s sincerity to take action against terrorism will be judged based on their ability to demonstrate verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their soil."We hope that this time Hafiz Saeed will genuinely be brought to justice," the official said.

The Trump-Khan meeting will likely to be relatively short and experts do not anticipate many splashy announcements or new deals.&nbsp;

Experts say that this visit could be mere optics with nothing of substance on the table or maybe even a pie in the sky.

It is a major diplomatic victory for Imran Khan - just being invited to Washington DC to meet Trump. Nothing else needs to happen!

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital.

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital. In Washington, US President Donald Trump welcomed the arrest. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Trump wrote, "After a 10-year search, the so-called `mastermind` of the Mumbai terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!"The US State Department also welcomed the arrest saying, "The arrest of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed is a positive step. A full and expeditious prosecution for his involvement in numerous acts of terror, such as the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans is necessary. The victims of the terrorist attacks deserve justice." Contrary to Trump`s characterisation of a prolonged `search`, Pakistani authorities have been aware of Saeed`s whereabouts for years, critics have argued. Analysts in Washington see the detention as major cosmetic move ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s maiden official visit to the United States and said, "clearly, much is being done to put a happy face on Imran Khan`s visit to Washington DC." "I think the arrest of Hafiz Saeed is purely cosmetic because there is no historical basis to conclude otherwise. Washington probably believes as I do, but places other issues like Pakistan`s potential positive role in the Afghan peace process as a higher priority, an assumption that, in my opinion, is mistaken," said Lawrence Sellin, a retired US Army Reserve colonel, Iraq, and an Afghanistan veteran. Trump`s South Asia policy was seen as radical two years ago for its tough stance on Pakistan, but with Imran Khan`s visit to Washington from July 21 to 23, the policy seems to have made a sudden U-turn on some key aspects. The changed South Asia policy of the Trump administration now has a welcoming bouquet of positives for Pakistan. Some of the positives that moved within weeks before the big Trump-Khan meet - Hafiz Saeed`s arrest, a four-party joint statement on Afghan peace process being released, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) being suddenly designated a terrorist organisation and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan for USD 6 billion being approved. "I think this arrest should be seen in the same context as a number of other recent notable developments: Pakistan calling for India to resume dialogue, Pakistan arresting dozens of militants, and even Pakistan announcing it would be gifting a portrait of Donald Trump to the US President," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson`s Center. Pakistan is leading a charm offensive in advance of Khan`s visit to the US, in the hope that US officials will be receptive to a number of Pakistani pitches and asks," he said. Pakistan faces the threat of international financial sanctions over lax controls on financial close that could go to terrorists. Islamabad needs to show action in the next few weeks to prevent itself from being blacklisted that would restrict its access to the international banking system. Pulitzer Prize-winner journalist and former New York Times reporter Pir Zubair Shah told ANI about Pakistan facing its worst economic crisis."The news of Hafiz Saeed`s arrest is clearly an effort by Pakistan to show to the US that it is now serious in combating terrorism and is willing to listen to the US and on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) demands," Shah said. Meanwhile, Taj Ayubi, an international affairs advisor to former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and someone who played an active role in the Afghan resistance against the Soviets, also told ANI, "Pakistan is financially stapled and is almost on the verge of an economic collapse. It is desperately hoping it can get US assistance, maybe the World Bank or other financial institution. For the Khan government, this trip here to the US will give the crippled economy a push where Saudi Arabia and China would help Pakistan." Islamabad has announced a raft of arrests, seizures of assets and other actions over the past few months against militants, saying it was taking a "proactive approach and that our territory cannot be used against anyone." Imran Khan`s White House meeting is expected by the experts to be dominated by Afghanistan, where Pakistan is playing a key role in supporting talks between the US and the Taliban, another jihadist group that Islamabad is accused of supporting. But Pakistan`s relation with India is also expected to be discussed during the meet, with the two countries coming close to war earlier this year. A source within the Indian government sounded a note of scepticism about Saeed`s arrest.`This is not the first time that Hafiz Saeed has been arrested or detained. This drama has taken place at least eight times since 2001. The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," the official told ANI speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official said that Pakistan`s sincerity to take action against terrorism will be judged based on their ability to demonstrate verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their soil."We hope that this time Hafiz Saeed will genuinely be brought to justice," the official said. The Trump-Khan meeting will likely to be relatively short and experts do not anticipate many splashy announcements or new deals. Experts say that this visit could be mere optics with nothing of substance on the table or maybe even a pie in the sky. It is a major diplomatic victory for Imran Khan - just being invited to Washington DC to meet Trump. Nothing else needs to happen!

Hafiz Saeed's arrest mere cosmetic, it's Pakistan's happy face for Donald Trump- Imran Khan meet

U.S. President Kicks Up A Storm With His Racist Remarks

Gravitas: Trump Criticised for 'Racist Rant'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-votes-to-set-aside-impeachment-resolution-against-trump-236765">US House votes to set aside impeachment resolution against Trump</a>

The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to sideline an impeachment resolution against President Donald Trump, effectively killing the measure for now but not burying the issue that has divided Democrats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-crisis-karnataka-chief-minister-kumaraswamy-to-face-trust-vote-today-236772">Karnataka crisis: Chief Minister Kumaraswamy to face trust vote today</a>

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress JD(S) government will face the trust vote in the state Assembly on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbowed-trump-intensifies-attacks-on-four-democratic-congresswomen-236766">Unbowed, Trump intensifies attacks on four Democratic congresswomen</a>

President Donald Trump intensified his vilification of four liberal lawmakers as un-American at a raucous rally on Wednesday, underscoring that the attacks will be a key part of his strategy for winning re-election in 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-declares-ebola-outbreak-is-international-health-emergency-but-not-global-threat-236767">WHO declares Ebola outbreak is an international health emergency, but not global threat</a>

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a "public health emergency of international concern", saying the recent risk of its spread in the city of Goma and into Uganda had increased the threat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-saudi-weapons-sales-trump-to-veto-236775">US House rejects Saudi weapons sales; Trump to veto</a>

Nearly a month after the Senate supported 22 resolutions disapproving of Trump's plan for billions of dollars in weapons sales despite Congress' objections, the House passed three of the 22, two on a vote of 238-190 and the third by a 237-190 margin, largely along party lines. 
&nbsp;

US House votes to set aside impeachment resolution against Trump The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to sideline an impeachment resolution against President Donald Trump, effectively killing the measure for now but not burying the issue that has divided Democrats.

US House votes to set aside impeachment resolution against Trump The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to sideline an impeachment resolution against President Donald Trump, effectively killing the measure for now but not burying the issue that has divided Democrats. Karnataka crisis: Chief Minister Kumaraswamy to face trust vote today Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress JD(S) government will face the trust vote in the state Assembly on Thursday. Unbowed, Trump intensifies attacks on four Democratic congresswomen President Donald Trump intensified his vilification of four liberal lawmakers as un-American at a raucous rally on Wednesday, underscoring that the attacks will be a key part of his strategy for winning re-election in 2020. WHO declares Ebola outbreak is an international health emergency, but not global threat The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a "public health emergency of international concern", saying the recent risk of its spread in the city of Goma and into Uganda had increased the threat. US House rejects Saudi weapons sales; Trump to veto Nearly a month after the Senate supported 22 resolutions disapproving of Trump's plan for billions of dollars in weapons sales despite Congress' objections, the House passed three of the 22, two on a vote of 238-190 and the third by a 237-190 margin, largely along party lines.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US House of Representatives backed resolutions on Wednesday to block the sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sending them to the White House, where President Donald Trump has promised a veto.

Nearly a month after the Senate supported 22 resolutions disapproving of Trump's plan for billions of dollars in weapons sales despite Congress' objections, the House passed three of the 22, two on a vote of 238-190 and the third by a 237-190 margin, largely along party lines.

The three resolutions would block the sale of Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions and related equipment to the two countries. The House's Democratic leaders opted to take up those three before the others because the PGMs could be delivered quickly, aides said. Some lawmakers also suspect that the PGMs have been used against civilians in Yemen's civil war

Many members of Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, have been frustrated by what they see as Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia.

The Senate's backing of the resolutions of disapproval was one of the few times the Republican-led chamber has opposed his foreign policy.

Lawmakers want Washington to push the kingdom to improve its human rights record and do more to avoid civilian casualties in the four-year-long war in Yemen, where the Saudis and UAE are leading an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Frustration grew after the murder at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident.

"This is a strong message, I think, that our values must guide our foreign policy," said Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urging support for the resolutions before the vote.

Trump wants to retain close ties to Riyadh, which he considers an important partner in the Middle East and counterweight to the influence of Iran.

Trump also views foreign military sales as a way to generate U.S. jobs. Officials from his administration had been unhappy with Democrats in Congress who blocked the planned sales, in some cases for more than a year, over civilian casualties in Yemen.

Trump announced in May that he would sidestep congressional review of the military deals, worth more than $8 billion, by declaring that the threat from Iran constituted an emergency.

Tensions with Iran have decreased since then, and administration officials have acknowledged that the military equipment has not been delivered.

Several Republicans joined Democrats in condemning that decision and voting for the resolutions. However, they would have to attract far more support in both the Republican-led Senate and House to garner the two-thirds majorities needed to override Trump's vetoes.

But lawmakers from both parties are not dropping the matter. Several pieces of legislation making their way through Congress include Saudi-related provisions.

And the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is due to vote on two Saudi-related bills on Tuesday. One, sponsored by seven Republican and Democratic senators, includes sanctions to support a peaceful resolution of the Yemen war, address the humanitarian crisis and hold perpetrators responsible for murdering Khashoggi.

The other would mandate an in-depth review of U.S.-Saudi policy and bar travel to the United States by many members of the Saudi royal family. [L2N24B0JQ]

The US House of Representatives backed resolutions on Wednesday to block the sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sending them to the White House, where President Donald Trump has promised a veto.

The US House of Representatives backed resolutions on Wednesday to block the sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, sending them to the White House, where President Donald Trump has promised a veto. Nearly a month after the Senate supported 22 resolutions disapproving of Trump's plan for billions of dollars in weapons sales despite Congress' objections, the House passed three of the 22, two on a vote of 238-190 and the third by a 237-190 margin, largely along party lines. The three resolutions would block the sale of Raytheon Co precision-guided munitions and related equipment to the two countries. The House's Democratic leaders opted to take up those three before the others because the PGMs could be delivered quickly, aides said. Some lawmakers also suspect that the PGMs have been used against civilians in Yemen's civil war Many members of Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, have been frustrated by what they see as Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia. The Senate's backing of the resolutions of disapproval was one of the few times the Republican-led chamber has opposed his foreign policy. Lawmakers want Washington to push the kingdom to improve its human rights record and do more to avoid civilian casualties in the four-year-long war in Yemen, where the Saudis and UAE are leading an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Frustration grew after the murder at a Saudi consulate in Turkey last year of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident. "This is a strong message, I think, that our values must guide our foreign policy," said Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urging support for the resolutions before the vote. Trump wants to retain close ties to Riyadh, which he considers an important partner in the Middle East and counterweight to the influence of Iran. Trump also views foreign military sales as a way to generate U.S. jobs. Officials from his administration had been unhappy with Democrats in Congress who blocked the planned sales, in some cases for more than a year, over civilian casualties in Yemen. Trump announced in May that he would sidestep congressional review of the military deals, worth more than $8 billion, by declaring that the threat from Iran constituted an emergency. Tensions with Iran have decreased since then, and administration officials have acknowledged that the military equipment has not been delivered. Several Republicans joined Democrats in condemning that decision and voting for the resolutions. However, they would have to attract far more support in both the Republican-led Senate and House to garner the two-thirds majorities needed to override Trump's vetoes. But lawmakers from both parties are not dropping the matter. Several pieces of legislation making their way through Congress include Saudi-related provisions. And the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is due to vote on two Saudi-related bills on Tuesday. One, sponsored by seven Republican and Democratic senators, includes sanctions to support a peaceful resolution of the Yemen war, address the humanitarian crisis and hold perpetrators responsible for murdering Khashoggi. The other would mandate an in-depth review of U.S.-Saudi policy and bar travel to the United States by many members of the Saudi royal family. [L2N24B0JQ]

US House rejects Saudi weapons sales; Trump to veto

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 18th, 2019

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defiant-as-lawmakers-blast-his-racist-attacks-on-four-congresswomen-236257">Donald Trump</a> intensified his vilification of four liberal lawmakers as un-American at a raucous rally on Wednesday, underscoring that the attacks will be a key part of his strategy for winning re-election in 2020.&nbsp;

Despite criticism from Democrats that his comments about the four minority congresswomen are racist, Trump went on a 20-minute diatribe about them, saying they were welcome to leave the country if they do not like his policies on issues such as immigration and defending Israel.

“So these congresswomen, their comments are helping to fuel the rise of a dangerous, militant hard left,” Trump said to roars from the crowd in North Carolina, a state seen as key to his re-election.

Trump tweeted on the weekend that the four progressive representatives, known as “the squad” - Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Ohio - should “go back” where they came from, even though all are U.S. citizens and three are U.S.-born.

The aim, one source close to Trump said, was to make Democrats look as far left as possible to moderate voters as he girds for a tough re-election battle in November 2020.

“He is trying to make them the face of the Democratic Party as we move closer into the 2020 cycle and he’s trying to highlight them as a fringe crowd as much as possible so it turns off your middle-of-the-road voters,” the source said.

As Trump recounted past comments made by Omar - who was born in Somalia and emigrated to the United States as a child - the crowd began chanting: “Send her back!”

“Tonight I have a suggestion for the hate-filled extremists who are constantly trying to tear our country down. They never have anything good to say. That’s why I say: ‘Hey, if they don’t like it, let them leave. Let them leave,’” Trump said.&nbsp;

Winning tactic?

The Twitter attacks over the weekend initially caused some heartburn for Trump advisers who felt he had gone too far. But two advisers said Trump’s subsequent tweets had since offered a contrasting view, that the political views of the four lawmakers - known as the “squad” - were socialist, out of the mainstream and hateful to their home country, compared with that of the president and his flag-waving rhetoric.

“If the American people have to choose between the squad and the president, then that’s an easy decision for voters to make,” said one adviser.

Trump, who during his 2016 campaign voiced harsh assessments of the state of the country, tweeted a video ahead of the rally that featured patriotic scenes of the president meeting Americans, with frequent images of the American flag. It ended with the slogan: “America - One Squad Under God.”&nbsp;

The tactic follows a well-worn path for Trump, who called for a ban on Muslims entering the United States during his 2016 campaign. His proposal drew widespread criticism at the time, but Republicans overwhelmingly supported it, and it was a factor in his victory that year.

Over the weekend, Trump inserted himself into what had been an internecine Democratic Party fight that pitted Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Pressley against House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who publicly doubted their level of influence among fellow House Democrats.

Traditionally, politicians feel they gain most when they remain silent as their opponents fight among themselves. But Trump, never one to resist stirring up a firestorm, weighed in like a charging bull.

He first defended Pelosi, then attacked the four. That prompted Pelosi to switch tactics and defend her flock, prompting Trump and other Republicans to argue the squad’s attempts to push the Democratic Party to the left were working.

The Democratic-controlled House voted on Tuesday largely along party lines to formally condemn Trump’s remarks as “racist.”

His attacks had a spur-of-the-moment quality to them that the Republican Party later built a strategy around.&nbsp;

Barry Bennett, who advised Trump’s 2016 campaign, said the tactic had worked. “The Democratic Party last week was trying to distance itself from the squad, and this week they’re hugging them, and that is a massive win for Trump,” he said.&nbsp;

But not all Republicans were comfortable with the approach.

“I’m disappointed in the tweets,” said Steve Duprey, a member of the Republican National Committee from New Hampshire.

“I know the president is subject to lots of attacks, but he should always try to turn the other cheek and take the high road in my view,” Duprey said.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump intensified his vilification of four liberal lawmakers as un-American at a raucous rally on Wednesday, underscoring that the attacks will be a key part of his strategy for winning re-election in 2020.

President Donald Trump intensified his vilification of four liberal lawmakers as un-American at a raucous rally on Wednesday, underscoring that the attacks will be a key part of his strategy for winning re-election in 2020. Despite criticism from Democrats that his comments about the four minority congresswomen are racist, Trump went on a 20-minute diatribe about them, saying they were welcome to leave the country if they do not like his policies on issues such as immigration and defending Israel. “So these congresswomen, their comments are helping to fuel the rise of a dangerous, militant hard left,” Trump said to roars from the crowd in North Carolina, a state seen as key to his re-election. Trump tweeted on the weekend that the four progressive representatives, known as “the squad” - Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Ohio - should “go back” where they came from, even though all are U.S. citizens and three are U.S.-born. The aim, one source close to Trump said, was to make Democrats look as far left as possible to moderate voters as he girds for a tough re-election battle in November 2020. “He is trying to make them the face of the Democratic Party as we move closer into the 2020 cycle and he’s trying to highlight them as a fringe crowd as much as possible so it turns off your middle-of-the-road voters,” the source said. As Trump recounted past comments made by Omar - who was born in Somalia and emigrated to the United States as a child - the crowd began chanting: “Send her back!” “Tonight I have a suggestion for the hate-filled extremists who are constantly trying to tear our country down. They never have anything good to say. That’s why I say: ‘Hey, if they don’t like it, let them leave. Let them leave,’” Trump said. Winning tactic? The Twitter attacks over the weekend initially caused some heartburn for Trump advisers who felt he had gone too far. But two advisers said Trump’s subsequent tweets had since offered a contrasting view, that the political views of the four lawmakers - known as the “squad” - were socialist, out of the mainstream and hateful to their home country, compared with that of the president and his flag-waving rhetoric. “If the American people have to choose between the squad and the president, then that’s an easy decision for voters to make,” said one adviser. Trump, who during his 2016 campaign voiced harsh assessments of the state of the country, tweeted a video ahead of the rally that featured patriotic scenes of the president meeting Americans, with frequent images of the American flag. It ended with the slogan: “America - One Squad Under God.” The tactic follows a well-worn path for Trump, who called for a ban on Muslims entering the United States during his 2016 campaign. His proposal drew widespread criticism at the time, but Republicans overwhelmingly supported it, and it was a factor in his victory that year. Over the weekend, Trump inserted himself into what had been an internecine Democratic Party fight that pitted Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Pressley against House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who publicly doubted their level of influence among fellow House Democrats. Traditionally, politicians feel they gain most when they remain silent as their opponents fight among themselves. But Trump, never one to resist stirring up a firestorm, weighed in like a charging bull. He first defended Pelosi, then attacked the four. That prompted Pelosi to switch tactics and defend her flock, prompting Trump and other Republicans to argue the squad’s attempts to push the Democratic Party to the left were working. The Democratic-controlled House voted on Tuesday largely along party lines to formally condemn Trump’s remarks as “racist.” His attacks had a spur-of-the-moment quality to them that the Republican Party later built a strategy around. Barry Bennett, who advised Trump’s 2016 campaign, said the tactic had worked. “The Democratic Party last week was trying to distance itself from the squad, and this week they’re hugging them, and that is a massive win for Trump,” he said. But not all Republicans were comfortable with the approach. “I’m disappointed in the tweets,” said Steve Duprey, a member of the Republican National Committee from New Hampshire. “I know the president is subject to lots of attacks, but he should always try to turn the other cheek and take the high road in my view,” Duprey said.

Unbowed, Trump intensifies attacks on four Democratic congresswomen

Iran's foreign minister has renewed accusations that the United States was waging "economic terrorism," on a visit to the United Nations. Watch full video to know more.

Iran FM at UN accuses U.S of ‘economic terrorism’

Global shares slipped on Thursday on growing signs that a trade dispute between the United States and China was taking a toll on corporate earnings, with nerves spreading from Wall Street through Asia to European markets.

MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, fell 0.2% to its lowest in nine days, while the Euro STOXX 600 slipped 0.5% to its lowest in almost three weeks.

The earnings season, kicking off this week brought bad signs as rail freight giant CSX Corp, cut its revenue forecast as it warned of the impact of the US-China trade war, pushing down Wall Street indexes on Wednesday.

In Europe, too, earnings were top of the agenda. Tech stocks led the slide as software firm SAP, Europe's most valuable tech stock by market cap, reported poor results, also flagging the impact of the US-China trade war.

With nerves already on edge over when face-to-face talks between the United States and China will resume, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday maintained pressure on Beijing with a threat to put tariffs on another $325 billion of Chinese goods.

Investors also cited a report that progress toward a US-China trade deal has stalled as the Trump administration works out how to address Beijing's demands that it ease restrictions on Huawei Technologies.

"It's still about the US and China dispute," Christophe Barraud, chief economist and strategist at Market Securities. "The trade war is creating uncertainty, weighed on capEx, and clearly on trade flows."

"There are also problems with guidance, especially in the transportation sector. The fact is that one of the key stories of this year is global trade flows contraction," he said.

Adding to the concerns over corporate health, Netflix shed US subscribers for the first time in 8 years, sending shares falling over 10% after the close of the market.

Compounding the trade concerns were concerning signs for the economy emerging from Japan to the United States.

Japan's exports slumped yet again, falling 6.7% in June, while manufacturers' confidence fell to a three-year low in July on the back of the trade tensions and slowing China's growth.

US housebuilding fell in June for a second consecutive month, with building permits also falling, in a possible sign of more trouble ahead for the housing market.

The earnings anxiety and macro data boosted demand for safe-haven assets, with yields on benchmark 10-year and 30-year US Treasuries climbing overnight.

Eurozone government bond yields slipped back towards record lows on Thursday as economic indicators and corporate earnings deepened gloom on the global economy and increased bets on interest-rate cuts by major central banks.

Amid the gloomy outlook, bets for further monetary policy easing from major central banks have grown, with speculation on whether the US Federal Reserve will be cut by 25 basis points or 50 basis points in July.

While markets take comfort from central banks' willingness to support growth, said Sunil Krishnan, head of multi-asset funds at Aviva Investors, there were concerns for equity markets that have rallied on the back of stimulus expectations.

The weak start to the Q2 earnings season may spill over into the outlook for the remainder of the year, threatening equity markets' stellar rally this year.

"We are probably in the middle of analysts downgrading Q3 company earnings expectations," he said.

Earlier in the day, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.3%, with Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei tumbling 2.0%, its biggest one-day fall in four months.

POUND TO PARITY?

In currencies, the dollar edged lower against its rivals on the softer US&nbsp;Treasury yields, with investors focusing their attention on the Fed's meeting next week.

Against a basket of its rivals, the dollar edged 0.1% lower to 97.195.

Sterling was a shade higher at $1.244, off its lowest since April 2017 touched on Wednesday amid growing risks of Britain leaving the European Union in a no-deal Brexit.

Major British banks, such as HSBC, are already talking of the possibility of the pound breaching post-Brexit referendum lows of $1.149, with some asking whether the pound is headed for parity against both the dollar and the euro.

Oil prices were mixed, with US&nbsp;crude extending losses after data showed U.S. stockpiles of gasoline and other products rising sharply last week, suggesting weak demand.

Brent crude futures were up 6 cents, or 0.1%, at $63.71 a barrel by 0755 GMT. They fell by 1.1% on Wednesday.

Global shares slipped on Thursday on growing signs that a trade dispute between the United States and China was taking a toll on corporate earnings, with nerves spreading from Wall Street through Asia to European markets.

Global shares slipped on Thursday on growing signs that a trade dispute between the United States and China was taking a toll on corporate earnings, with nerves spreading from Wall Street through Asia to European markets. MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, fell 0.2% to its lowest in nine days, while the Euro STOXX 600 slipped 0.5% to its lowest in almost three weeks. The earnings season, kicking off this week brought bad signs as rail freight giant CSX Corp, cut its revenue forecast as it warned of the impact of the US-China trade war, pushing down Wall Street indexes on Wednesday. In Europe, too, earnings were top of the agenda. Tech stocks led the slide as software firm SAP, Europe's most valuable tech stock by market cap, reported poor results, also flagging the impact of the US-China trade war. With nerves already on edge over when face-to-face talks between the United States and China will resume, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday maintained pressure on Beijing with a threat to put tariffs on another $325 billion of Chinese goods. Investors also cited a report that progress toward a US-China trade deal has stalled as the Trump administration works out how to address Beijing's demands that it ease restrictions on Huawei Technologies. "It's still about the US and China dispute," Christophe Barraud, chief economist and strategist at Market Securities. "The trade war is creating uncertainty, weighed on capEx, and clearly on trade flows." "There are also problems with guidance, especially in the transportation sector. The fact is that one of the key stories of this year is global trade flows contraction," he said. Adding to the concerns over corporate health, Netflix shed US subscribers for the first time in 8 years, sending shares falling over 10% after the close of the market. Compounding the trade concerns were concerning signs for the economy emerging from Japan to the United States. Japan's exports slumped yet again, falling 6.7% in June, while manufacturers' confidence fell to a three-year low in July on the back of the trade tensions and slowing China's growth. US housebuilding fell in June for a second consecutive month, with building permits also falling, in a possible sign of more trouble ahead for the housing market. The earnings anxiety and macro data boosted demand for safe-haven assets, with yields on benchmark 10-year and 30-year US Treasuries climbing overnight. Eurozone government bond yields slipped back towards record lows on Thursday as economic indicators and corporate earnings deepened gloom on the global economy and increased bets on interest-rate cuts by major central banks. Amid the gloomy outlook, bets for further monetary policy easing from major central banks have grown, with speculation on whether the US Federal Reserve will be cut by 25 basis points or 50 basis points in July. While markets take comfort from central banks' willingness to support growth, said Sunil Krishnan, head of multi-asset funds at Aviva Investors, there were concerns for equity markets that have rallied on the back of stimulus expectations. The weak start to the Q2 earnings season may spill over into the outlook for the remainder of the year, threatening equity markets' stellar rally this year. "We are probably in the middle of analysts downgrading Q3 company earnings expectations," he said. Earlier in the day, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan lost 0.3%, with Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei tumbling 2.0%, its biggest one-day fall in four months. POUND TO PARITY? In currencies, the dollar edged lower against its rivals on the softer US Treasury yields, with investors focusing their attention on the Fed's meeting next week. Against a basket of its rivals, the dollar edged 0.1% lower to 97.195. Sterling was a shade higher at $1.244, off its lowest since April 2017 touched on Wednesday amid growing risks of Britain leaving the European Union in a no-deal Brexit. Major British banks, such as HSBC, are already talking of the possibility of the pound breaching post-Brexit referendum lows of $1.149, with some asking whether the pound is headed for parity against both the dollar and the euro. Oil prices were mixed, with US crude extending losses after data showed U.S. stockpiles of gasoline and other products rising sharply last week, suggesting weak demand. Brent crude futures were up 6 cents, or 0.1%, at $63.71 a barrel by 0755 GMT. They fell by 1.1% on Wednesday.

Global Markets: Stocks slide as US-China trade war takes toll on earnings

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared unfamiliar with the work and cause of Nobel laureate Nadia Murad as she pleaded with him to help the Yazidis of Iraq.

Murad, one of the thousands of women and girls from the ancient faith abducted by ISIS as they overran swathes of Iraq in 2014, joined a group of survivors of religious persecution who met Trump in the Oval Office on the sidelines of a major meeting at the State Department.

After Murad explained how her mother and six brothers were killed and that 3,000 Yazidis remained missing, Trump said, "And you had the Nobel Prize? That's incredible. They gave it to you for what reason?"

Watch: Nobel Prize winner Nadia Murad makes an emotional appeal to President Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nobel-prize-winner-nadia-murad-makes-emotional-appeal-to-president-trump-236837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With little pause, Murad, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, repeated her story.

"After all this happened to me, I didn't give up. I make it clear to everyone that ISIS raped thousands of Yazidi women," she said.

"Please do something. It's not about one family," she said.

Trump, who has boasted of crushing the self-styled caliphate of ISIS that once stretched across Iraq and Syria, also appeared at a loss when Murad asked him to press the Iraqi and Kurdish governments to create safe conditions for the Yazidis to return.

"But ISIS is gone and now it's Kurdish and who?" Trump asked, before later telling her, "I know the area very well."

Murad also explained how Yazidis took dangerous routes to find safety in Germany, whose welcome to refugees has been vocally criticized by Trump.

The US leader also appeared unfamiliar when he met a representative from the Rohingya, a Muslim minority targeted in a brutal campaign two years ago in Myanmar.

One day earlier, his administration banned travel to the United States by Myanmar's army chief and three other senior officers, calling the violence "ethnic cleansing."

The Trump administration frequently speaks of promoting religious freedom, a key issue for much of his evangelical Christian base.

Government ministers and representatives of persecuted groups are spending three days at the State Department for a meeting on religious freedom, which Vice President Mike Pence will address on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared unfamiliar with the work and cause of Nobel laureate Nadia Murad as she pleaded with him to help the Yazidis of Iraq.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared unfamiliar with the work and cause of Nobel laureate Nadia Murad as she pleaded with him to help the Yazidis of Iraq. Murad, one of the thousands of women and girls from the ancient faith abducted by ISIS as they overran swathes of Iraq in 2014, joined a group of survivors of religious persecution who met Trump in the Oval Office on the sidelines of a major meeting at the State Department. After Murad explained how her mother and six brothers were killed and that 3,000 Yazidis remained missing, Trump said, "And you had the Nobel Prize? That's incredible. They gave it to you for what reason?" Watch: Nobel Prize winner Nadia Murad makes an emotional appeal to President Trump With little pause, Murad, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, repeated her story. "After all this happened to me, I didn't give up. I make it clear to everyone that ISIS raped thousands of Yazidi women," she said. "Please do something. It's not about one family," she said. Trump, who has boasted of crushing the self-styled caliphate of ISIS that once stretched across Iraq and Syria, also appeared at a loss when Murad asked him to press the Iraqi and Kurdish governments to create safe conditions for the Yazidis to return. "But ISIS is gone and now it's Kurdish and who?" Trump asked, before later telling her, "I know the area very well." Murad also explained how Yazidis took dangerous routes to find safety in Germany, whose welcome to refugees has been vocally criticized by Trump. The US leader also appeared unfamiliar when he met a representative from the Rohingya, a Muslim minority targeted in a brutal campaign two years ago in Myanmar. One day earlier, his administration banned travel to the United States by Myanmar's army chief and three other senior officers, calling the violence "ethnic cleansing." The Trump administration frequently speaks of promoting religious freedom, a key issue for much of his evangelical Christian base. Government ministers and representatives of persecuted groups are spending three days at the State Department for a meeting on religious freedom, which Vice President Mike Pence will address on Thursday.

'They gave you Nobel Peace Prize for what'? Trump asks Yazidi activist Nadia Murad

US President Donald Trump met with survivors of religious persecution on Wednesday. A survivor of the mosque attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, thanked Donald Trump for the U.S. President's "leadership" in the wake of the March 15 attack.

U.S. President meets with survivors of religious persecution

The United States said Tuesday it hoped to hold denuclearisation talks with North Korea, despite a warning from Pyongyang that US-South Korean military exercises could affect their planned resumption.&nbsp;

The North had earlier Tuesday hinted that it could even reconsider its moratorium on nuclear testing over next month's drills, which have been held for years but were scaled down to facilitate dialogue with Pyongyang.

It was the first statement from the North on the talks since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to a resumption of dialogue at an impromptu&nbsp;meeting in the Demilitarized Zone in June, following months of deadlock.

Responding to the North's statement, the State Department said it remained upbeat over commitments made by Kim and Trump at a February summit in Vietnam and then during Trump's dramatic walk into North Korea on June 30.

"From our perspective, we would hope that no one would try to block, in their government or our government, the ability for President Trump and Chairman Kim to make progress on the commitments they made to each other in Vietnam," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters.

"We look forward, of course, to resuming those negotiations and we hope to talk, always, so we can advance progress on these commitments," Ortagus said.

The joint drills were reduced in scope after Trump's historic first summit with Kim in Singapore last year.

But an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson described the drills as "clearly a breach" of a joint statement signed by the leaders in Singapore and hinted that Pyongyang may resume weapons tests in response.

"If the military exercise really goes ahead, it would affect the DPRK-US working-level talks," the official said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA, using the official acronym for North Korea.

Pyongyang's moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests was a commitment aimed at improving bilateral relations and "not a legal document inscribed on a paper," the official said.

"With the US unilaterally reneging on its commitments, we are gradually losing our justifications to follow through on the commitments we made with the US as well."

Trump and Kim's unexpected June meeting took place as negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington were at a deadlock, following a rocky negotiation process brokered by Seoul after a thaw in tensions in early 2018.

During the encounter, Trump became the first US president to set foot on the country's soil and the pair agreed to resume working-level talks to lay the groundwork for a future deal.

'Very provocative' drills&nbsp;

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 condemning the manoeuvres as rehearsals for invasion.

But following the Singapore summit, Trump announced the suspension of what he called Washington's "very provocative" joint military exercises with South Korea.

A smaller-scale version of the exercises was last held in March, with more scheduled for August.

Washington has previously insisted on North Korea's complete denuclearisation as a condition for lifting punishing US sanctions.

At the Singapore summit, the two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations".

But the 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 in February in Hanoi.

Tensions were raised in May, during the standstill in negotiations between Trump and Kim, when North Korea fired short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017.

The United States said Tuesday it hoped to hold denuclearisation talks with North Korea, despite a warning from Pyongyang that US-South Korean military exercises could affect their planned resumption.

The United States said Tuesday it hoped to hold denuclearisation talks with North Korea, despite a warning from Pyongyang that US-South Korean military exercises could affect their planned resumption. The North had earlier Tuesday hinted that it could even reconsider its moratorium on nuclear testing over next month's drills, which have been held for years but were scaled down to facilitate dialogue with Pyongyang. It was the first statement from the North on the talks since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to a resumption of dialogue at an impromptu meeting in the Demilitarized Zone in June, following months of deadlock. Responding to the North's statement, the State Department said it remained upbeat over commitments made by Kim and Trump at a February summit in Vietnam and then during Trump's dramatic walk into North Korea on June 30. "From our perspective, we would hope that no one would try to block, in their government or our government, the ability for President Trump and Chairman Kim to make progress on the commitments they made to each other in Vietnam," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters. "We look forward, of course, to resuming those negotiations and we hope to talk, always, so we can advance progress on these commitments," Ortagus said. The joint drills were reduced in scope after Trump's historic first summit with Kim in Singapore last year. But an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson described the drills as "clearly a breach" of a joint statement signed by the leaders in Singapore and hinted that Pyongyang may resume weapons tests in response. "If the military exercise really goes ahead, it would affect the DPRK-US working-level talks," the official said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA, using the official acronym for North Korea. Pyongyang's moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests was a commitment aimed at improving bilateral relations and "not a legal document inscribed on a paper," the official said. "With the US unilaterally reneging on its commitments, we are gradually losing our justifications to follow through on the commitments we made with the US as well." Trump and Kim's unexpected June meeting took place as negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington were at a deadlock, following a rocky negotiation process brokered by Seoul after a thaw in tensions in early 2018. During the encounter, Trump became the first US president to set foot on the country's soil and the pair agreed to resume working-level talks to lay the groundwork for a future deal. 'Very provocative' drills 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 condemning the manoeuvres as rehearsals for invasion. But following the Singapore summit, Trump announced the suspension of what he called Washington's "very provocative" joint military exercises with South Korea. A smaller-scale version of the exercises was last held in March, with more scheduled for August. Washington has previously insisted on North Korea's complete denuclearisation as a condition for lifting punishing US sanctions. At the Singapore summit, the two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations". But the 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 in February in Hanoi. Tensions were raised in May, during the standstill in negotiations between Trump and Kim, when North Korea fired short-range missiles for the first time since November 2017.

US hopes North Korea talks go ahead despite Pyongyang threat

The US House of Representatives formally condemned Donald Trump on Tuesday for xenophobic attacks on four minority Democratic lawmakers and hostile language targeting immigrants, as the president pushed back at accusations of racism.

Top Republican leaders rallied around Trump, but four members of the president's party voted with the 235 Democrats to condemn him for "racist comments that have legitimized and increased fear and hatred of new Americans and people of colour."

One independent lawmaker also supported the measure, which takes aim at Trump's weekend tweets telling a group of progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour to "go back" to other countries.

The resolution also takes the president to task for "referring to immigrants and asylum seekers as 'invaders.'"&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;has a long history of political pandering to white suspicions about other ethnic groups, and the resolution criticizes him for "saying that Members of Congress who are immigrants (or those of our colleagues who are wrongly assumed to be immigrants) do not belong in Congress or in the United States of America."

Democrats hold a majority in the 435-member House but are outnumbered by Republicans in the Senate, where the resolution is unlikely to be considered.

The four congresswomen -- all but one of whom were born in the US -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent.

Trump stuck by the provocative comments Monday and again Tuesday.&nbsp; 
"Our Country is Free, Beautiful and Very Successful. If you hate our Country, or if you are not happy here, you can leave!" the president tweeted.

Democratic leaders denounced Trump's remarks and rallied round the lawmakers -- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley.

Omar is the only one born outside the United States.

Slamming the "so-called vote" as a "Democrat con game," Trump urged his fellow Republicans not to "show 'weakness' and fall into their trap." 
"Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don't have a Racist bone in my body!" Trump said.

"This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country," the president wrote.

"Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party," Trump added, in a jab at the House speaker who has had a tenuous relationship with the four left-leaning first-term congresswomen.

Speaking on the House floor prior to the vote, Pelosi said: "Every single member of this institution, Democratic and Republican, should join us in condemning the president's racist tweets.

"To do anything less would be a shocking rejection of our values and a shameful abdication of our oath of office to protect the American people." 
- 'All about politics' -

Trump's repeated attacks appear to be aimed at galvanizing his mostly white electoral base ahead of the 2020 presidential vote -- while also stoking divisions among his political opponents.

"See you in 2020!" said Trump, who before becoming president pushed the racist "birther" conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States.

Ocasio-Cortez responded on Twitter to Trump's denial that he is a racist. 
"You're right, Mr. President -- you don't have a racist bone in your body," she said. "You have a racist mind in your head, and a racist heart in your chest."

While some Republican members of Congress have condemned Trump's remarks, House Republican leaders closed ranks behind the president. 
"This is all about politics," said House Republican minority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California.

Senator Mitch McConnell, the leader of the Republican majority in the Senate, said: "the president is not a racist."&nbsp;

"From the president to the speaker, to the freshmen members of the House, all of us have a responsibility to elevate the public discourse," McConnell said. "Our words do matter."

Immediately after the House vote a Democratic congressman, Al Green of Texas, filed articles of impeachment against Trump.

Dozens of other Democratic members of the House have reportedly called for an impeachment inquiry to be opened against the president but Pelosi, the House speaker, has said she does not favour such a move at the moment.

The US House of Representatives formally condemned Donald Trump on Tuesday for xenophobic attacks on four minority Democratic lawmakers and hostile language targeting immigrants, as the president pushed back at accusations of racism.

The US House of Representatives formally condemned Donald Trump on Tuesday for xenophobic attacks on four minority Democratic lawmakers and hostile language targeting immigrants, as the president pushed back at accusations of racism. Top Republican leaders rallied around Trump, but four members of the president's party voted with the 235 Democrats to condemn him for "racist comments that have legitimized and increased fear and hatred of new Americans and people of colour." One independent lawmaker also supported the measure, which takes aim at Trump's weekend tweets telling a group of progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour to "go back" to other countries. The resolution also takes the president to task for "referring to immigrants and asylum seekers as 'invaders.'" Trump has a long history of political pandering to white suspicions about other ethnic groups, and the resolution criticizes him for "saying that Members of Congress who are immigrants (or those of our colleagues who are wrongly assumed to be immigrants) do not belong in Congress or in the United States of America." Democrats hold a majority in the 435-member House but are outnumbered by Republicans in the Senate, where the resolution is unlikely to be considered. The four congresswomen -- all but one of whom were born in the US -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent. Trump stuck by the provocative comments Monday and again Tuesday. "Our Country is Free, Beautiful and Very Successful. If you hate our Country, or if you are not happy here, you can leave!" the president tweeted. Democratic leaders denounced Trump's remarks and rallied round the lawmakers -- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. Omar is the only one born outside the United States. Slamming the "so-called vote" as a "Democrat con game," Trump urged his fellow Republicans not to "show 'weakness' and fall into their trap." "Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don't have a Racist bone in my body!" Trump said. "This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country," the president wrote. "Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party," Trump added, in a jab at the House speaker who has had a tenuous relationship with the four left-leaning first-term congresswomen. Speaking on the House floor prior to the vote, Pelosi said: "Every single member of this institution, Democratic and Republican, should join us in condemning the president's racist tweets. "To do anything less would be a shocking rejection of our values and a shameful abdication of our oath of office to protect the American people." - 'All about politics' - Trump's repeated attacks appear to be aimed at galvanizing his mostly white electoral base ahead of the 2020 presidential vote -- while also stoking divisions among his political opponents. "See you in 2020!" said Trump, who before becoming president pushed the racist "birther" conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States. Ocasio-Cortez responded on Twitter to Trump's denial that he is a racist. "You're right, Mr. President -- you don't have a racist bone in your body," she said. "You have a racist mind in your head, and a racist heart in your chest." While some Republican members of Congress have condemned Trump's remarks, House Republican leaders closed ranks behind the president. "This is all about politics," said House Republican minority leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California. Senator Mitch McConnell, the leader of the Republican majority in the Senate, said: "the president is not a racist." "From the president to the speaker, to the freshmen members of the House, all of us have a responsibility to elevate the public discourse," McConnell said. "Our words do matter." Immediately after the House vote a Democratic congressman, Al Green of Texas, filed articles of impeachment against Trump. Dozens of other Democratic members of the House have reportedly called for an impeachment inquiry to be opened against the president but Pelosi, the House speaker, has said she does not favour such a move at the moment.

US House votes to condemn Trump's 'racist comments'

Members of the US&nbsp;Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills on Tuesday to keep tight restrictions on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-incorrect-action-on-huawei-to-avoid-additional-harm-to-china-us-economic-and-trade-relations-china-219157&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwia7ZKK2rvjAhUvH7cAHX_sBzEQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw04FHCJpiLwhfiKBr2OP77D">Huawei Technologies Co Ltd</a>, amid concern about President Donald Trump's easing of curbs on the Chinese firm.

The legislation would among other things bar the removal of the massive telecommunications equipment firm from a Commerce Department trade blacklist without House and Senate approval, and let Congress disallow waivers granted to US&nbsp;companies doing business with the company.

The United States has accused Huawei of stealing American intellectual property and violating Iran sanctions. The Republicans and Democrats backing the measures said they viewed the company as a security threat.

"American companies shouldn't be in the business of selling our enemies the tools they'll use to spy on Americans," Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the sponsors, said in a statement.

The United States placed Huawei on the Commerce Department's so-called Entity List in May over national security concerns. The US&nbsp;parts and components generally cannot be sold to those on the list without special licenses.

However, Trump, who is seeking to revive trade talks with China, announced late last month that US&nbsp;companies would be allowed to sell products to Huawei.

The "Defending America's 5G Future Act" was introduced in the Senate by Republicans Cotton, Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney and Democrats Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, and Richard Blumenthal.

A companion bill was introduced in the House by Democratic Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Ruben Gallego and Republicans Mark Gallagher and Liz Cheney.

Washington also has launched a lobbying effort to persuade US&nbsp;allies to keep Huawei out of next-generation 5G telecommunications infrastructure, citing concerns the company could spy on customers. Huawei has denied the allegations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that the United States should immediately cease its "suppression" of Huawei.

Geng said that relevant U.S. legislators were "clinging to a Cold War mentality" in trying to contain China's development and that such actions "seriously damaged the United States' national image".

Members of the US Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills on Tuesday to keep tight restrictions on Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, amid concern about President Donald Trump's easing of curbs on the Chinese firm.

Members of the US Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills on Tuesday to keep tight restrictions on Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, amid concern about President Donald Trump's easing of curbs on the Chinese firm. The legislation would among other things bar the removal of the massive telecommunications equipment firm from a Commerce Department trade blacklist without House and Senate approval, and let Congress disallow waivers granted to US companies doing business with the company. The United States has accused Huawei of stealing American intellectual property and violating Iran sanctions. The Republicans and Democrats backing the measures said they viewed the company as a security threat. "American companies shouldn't be in the business of selling our enemies the tools they'll use to spy on Americans," Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the sponsors, said in a statement. The United States placed Huawei on the Commerce Department's so-called Entity List in May over national security concerns. The US parts and components generally cannot be sold to those on the list without special licenses. However, Trump, who is seeking to revive trade talks with China, announced late last month that US companies would be allowed to sell products to Huawei. The "Defending America's 5G Future Act" was introduced in the Senate by Republicans Cotton, Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney and Democrats Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, and Richard Blumenthal. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Democratic Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Ruben Gallego and Republicans Mark Gallagher and Liz Cheney. Washington also has launched a lobbying effort to persuade US allies to keep Huawei out of next-generation 5G telecommunications infrastructure, citing concerns the company could spy on customers. Huawei has denied the allegations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that the United States should immediately cease its "suppression" of Huawei. Geng said that relevant U.S. legislators were "clinging to a Cold War mentality" in trying to contain China's development and that such actions "seriously damaged the United States' national image".

Bills targeting China's Huawei introduced in US Congress

After initial hesitation, a growing number of Republicans in the US Congress including almost half the Ohio delegation in the House have openly criticised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-has-discussed-iran-nuclear-standoff-with-macron-white-house-234187">President Donald Trump</a> over his racially charged attacks on four Democratic lawmakers.

Three Republicans from Texas, a solidly pro-Trump state, also voiced some level of concern about his comments targeting the four minority women, joining the critics from Ohio, a key battleground state for Trump as he seeks re-election in 2020.

Fear of retribution from the president, who readily inveighs on Twitter against almost anyone he perceives as an opponent, has kept most Republicans quiet in the House of Representatives and the Senate almost since Trump took power in January 2017.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-criticised-for-racist-rant-236528/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

But as of late Tuesday, about three dozen of the 250 in Congress, or 14 per cent, had called him out on his statements.

Texas Representative Will Hurd, for instance, called Trump's tweets from the weekend "racist and xenophobic" and "unbecoming of the leader of the free world."

Fellow Texan Pete Olson also distanced himself, saying he is proud to represent "the most diverse Congressional district in America," and urged the president to disavow his comments.&nbsp;

Ohio Representative Mike Turner called Trump`s words "racist." Another four Ohio Republicans joined Turner in condemning the tweets.

Trump tweeted during the weekend that the four congresswomen should “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came.” All four are US citizens and three were born in the United States.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, while refraining from directly criticizing Trump, said on Tuesday that public debate should be about ideas, not personal attacks.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy dismissed the debate and an effort by House Democrats to pass a resolution condemning the president`s remarks as "all politics."

Republicans who criticise Trump risk his enduring ire, said Alex Conant, a Republican political strategist who worked for Florida Senator Marco Rubio in the 2016 presidential primaries.

“Trump never forgets a Republican who is disloyal to him,” Conant said, adding that “Republicans are very wary of criticising Trump because they don’t want to face his retribution in the primaries.”

In 2020, Trump will ask US voters to re-elect him. All 435 House seats are also up for grabs and a third of the 100 Senate seats. Of the nearly one dozen Republican senators who criticized Trump`s remarks, only three face serious re-election challenges.&nbsp;

But Senate Republicans in swing states may find that "a little bit of independence from Trump" helps, Conant noted.

"Every member has their own calculus and certainly some of them are taking a principled position, regardless of the politics," Conant said.

"But for the vast majority of Republican members, the lesson of the last two years is don`t comment on Trump`s tweets because they have a short shelf life, but the damage you can do to yourself can be permanent."

After initial hesitation, a growing number of Republicans in the US Congress including almost half the Ohio delegation in the House have openly criticised President Donald Trump over his racially charged attacks on four Democratic lawmakers.

After initial hesitation, a growing number of Republicans in the US Congress including almost half the Ohio delegation in the House have openly criticised President Donald Trump over his racially charged attacks on four Democratic lawmakers. Three Republicans from Texas, a solidly pro-Trump state, also voiced some level of concern about his comments targeting the four minority women, joining the critics from Ohio, a key battleground state for Trump as he seeks re-election in 2020. Fear of retribution from the president, who readily inveighs on Twitter against almost anyone he perceives as an opponent, has kept most Republicans quiet in the House of Representatives and the Senate almost since Trump took power in January 2017. But as of late Tuesday, about three dozen of the 250 in Congress, or 14 per cent, had called him out on his statements. Texas Representative Will Hurd, for instance, called Trump's tweets from the weekend "racist and xenophobic" and "unbecoming of the leader of the free world." Fellow Texan Pete Olson also distanced himself, saying he is proud to represent "the most diverse Congressional district in America," and urged the president to disavow his comments. Ohio Representative Mike Turner called Trump`s words "racist." Another four Ohio Republicans joined Turner in condemning the tweets. Trump tweeted during the weekend that the four congresswomen should “go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came.” All four are US citizens and three were born in the United States. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, while refraining from directly criticizing Trump, said on Tuesday that public debate should be about ideas, not personal attacks. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy dismissed the debate and an effort by House Democrats to pass a resolution condemning the president`s remarks as "all politics." Republicans who criticise Trump risk his enduring ire, said Alex Conant, a Republican political strategist who worked for Florida Senator Marco Rubio in the 2016 presidential primaries. “Trump never forgets a Republican who is disloyal to him,” Conant said, adding that “Republicans are very wary of criticising Trump because they don’t want to face his retribution in the primaries.” In 2020, Trump will ask US voters to re-elect him. All 435 House seats are also up for grabs and a third of the 100 Senate seats. Of the nearly one dozen Republican senators who criticized Trump`s remarks, only three face serious re-election challenges. But Senate Republicans in swing states may find that "a little bit of independence from Trump" helps, Conant noted. "Every member has their own calculus and certainly some of them are taking a principled position, regardless of the politics," Conant said. "But for the vast majority of Republican members, the lesson of the last two years is don`t comment on Trump`s tweets because they have a short shelf life, but the damage you can do to yourself can be permanent."

In 'GOP base' Texas & key battleground state Ohio, Republicans criticise Trump over 'racist' tweets

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-three-month-low-235066">United States</a> will "do what it can do" to help defuse a worsening political and economic dispute between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South Korea</a> and Japan, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday, as South Korea warned that the row would have global repercussions.

The United States has been hesitant to publicly wade into the feud between its allies, but the dispute, which threatens global supplies of memory chips and smartphones, has overshadowed the visit by David Stilwell, the top US diplomat for East Asia policy.

Stilwell told reporters in the South Korean capital, Seoul, that he took the situation seriously but did not elaborate on what steps Washington might be willing to take and said fundamentally it was up to South Korea and Japan to resolve their differences.

"We hope that resolution will happen soon," he said.

"The United States, as a close friend and ally to both, will do what it can do to support their efforts to resolve it."

Last week, Stilwell had told Japan's NHK broadcaster the United States would not intervene in the dispute, and instead encouraged dialogue between Washington's two biggest allies in Asia to settle it.

Simmering tension, particularly over a case for compensation of South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, took a sharp turn for the worse this month, when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea.

Japan has denied that the dispute over compensation for labourers is behind the export curbs, even though one of its ministers cited broken trust with South Korea over the labour dispute in announcing the restrictions.

Instead, Japan has cited "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to South Korea, with Japanese media reporting some items ended up in North Korea.

South Korea has denied that.

The export curbs could hurt global technology companies, including the operations of South Korean tech giant Samsung in the Texas state capital of Austin, a South Korean government source told reporters.

"It will adversely affect companies ranging from Apple, Amazon, Dell, Sony and billions of consumers all over the world," the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive diplomatic issues.

If Japan went so far as to drop South Korea from its "white list" of countries with minimum trade restrictions, it would cause a "tremendous amount of problems" and strain ties between Japan, South Korea, and the United States, the source added.

When asked whether the South Korean government was considering retaliatory measures, the source said South Korea preferred to resolve the dispute diplomatically.

South Korean Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki repeated his call for Japan to lift the curbs, while adding that South Korea would soon unveil plans to make its supply chain more independent.

"The government is working on comprehensive plans to reduce the country's dependence on Japan's materials, components and equipment industries," he said at the start of a regular meeting of ministers responsible for various aspects of the economy.

Forced Labour Dispute

Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary, urged South Korea to take "appropriate steps" to resolve the labour issue, which was reignited by a South Korean court ruling late last year that ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation.

"There is no change to our stance that we strongly urge South Korea to take appropriate and timely steps to comply with international law, and accept an arbitrator in accordance with the treaty," he said.

Japan believes the issue of compensation for its wartime actions was settled under a 1965 treaty.

When asked about media reports that Japan was considering seeking damages from South Korea if Japanese corporate assets were sold off to compensate labourers, Nishimura said the government would respond firmly and was considering options to "protect Japanese companies’ legitimate economic activities".

The dispute is also bleeding into North Korea policy, a key agenda item for Stilwell, who arrived on Tuesday.

The Japanese government has distanced itself from Japanese media reports that South Korea violated international sanctions by exporting banned goods to North Korea, saying it had said no such thing.

Nevertheless, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called the reported accusation a "grave challenge".

On Tuesday, a South Korean intelligence official fired back, telling lawmakers that Japan had been "lukewarm and passive" in enforcing U.N. sanctions.

Relations between the neighbours have long been plagued by memories of Japan’s 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula.

The United States will "do what it can do" to help defuse a worsening political and economic dispute between South Korea and Japan, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday, as South Korea warned that the row would have global repercussions.

The United States will "do what it can do" to help defuse a worsening political and economic dispute between South Korea and Japan, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday, as South Korea warned that the row would have global repercussions. The United States has been hesitant to publicly wade into the feud between its allies, but the dispute, which threatens global supplies of memory chips and smartphones, has overshadowed the visit by David Stilwell, the top US diplomat for East Asia policy. Stilwell told reporters in the South Korean capital, Seoul, that he took the situation seriously but did not elaborate on what steps Washington might be willing to take and said fundamentally it was up to South Korea and Japan to resolve their differences. "We hope that resolution will happen soon," he said. "The United States, as a close friend and ally to both, will do what it can do to support their efforts to resolve it." Last week, Stilwell had told Japan's NHK broadcaster the United States would not intervene in the dispute, and instead encouraged dialogue between Washington's two biggest allies in Asia to settle it. Simmering tension, particularly over a case for compensation of South Koreans forced to work for Japanese occupiers during World War Two, took a sharp turn for the worse this month, when Japan restricted exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. Japan has denied that the dispute over compensation for labourers is behind the export curbs, even though one of its ministers cited broken trust with South Korea over the labour dispute in announcing the restrictions. Instead, Japan has cited "inadequate management" of sensitive items exported to South Korea, with Japanese media reporting some items ended up in North Korea. South Korea has denied that. The export curbs could hurt global technology companies, including the operations of South Korean tech giant Samsung in the Texas state capital of Austin, a South Korean government source told reporters. "It will adversely affect companies ranging from Apple, Amazon, Dell, Sony and billions of consumers all over the world," the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive diplomatic issues. If Japan went so far as to drop South Korea from its "white list" of countries with minimum trade restrictions, it would cause a "tremendous amount of problems" and strain ties between Japan, South Korea, and the United States, the source added. When asked whether the South Korean government was considering retaliatory measures, the source said South Korea preferred to resolve the dispute diplomatically. South Korean Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki repeated his call for Japan to lift the curbs, while adding that South Korea would soon unveil plans to make its supply chain more independent. "The government is working on comprehensive plans to reduce the country's dependence on Japan's materials, components and equipment industries," he said at the start of a regular meeting of ministers responsible for various aspects of the economy. Forced Labour Dispute Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary, urged South Korea to take "appropriate steps" to resolve the labour issue, which was reignited by a South Korean court ruling late last year that ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation. "There is no change to our stance that we strongly urge South Korea to take appropriate and timely steps to comply with international law, and accept an arbitrator in accordance with the treaty," he said. Japan believes the issue of compensation for its wartime actions was settled under a 1965 treaty. When asked about media reports that Japan was considering seeking damages from South Korea if Japanese corporate assets were sold off to compensate labourers, Nishimura said the government would respond firmly and was considering options to "protect Japanese companies’ legitimate economic activities". The dispute is also bleeding into North Korea policy, a key agenda item for Stilwell, who arrived on Tuesday. The Japanese government has distanced itself from Japanese media reports that South Korea violated international sanctions by exporting banned goods to North Korea, saying it had said no such thing. Nevertheless, South Korean President Moon Jae-in called the reported accusation a "grave challenge". On Tuesday, a South Korean intelligence official fired back, telling lawmakers that Japan had been "lukewarm and passive" in enforcing U.N. sanctions. Relations between the neighbours have long been plagued by memories of Japan’s 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula.

US diplomat vows to help South Korea, Japan resolve worsening dispute

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-democratic-congresswomen-to-go-back-to-fix-countries-they-came-from-235979">Donald Trump</a> doubled down on his attacks against four minority US congresswomen on Monday and dismissed concerns that his comments were racist, prompting outrage from Democrats, who moved to condemn him in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-moves-to-block-asylum-for-migrants-entering-us-from-mexico-236236">White House, Trump</a> said people he described as critical of the United States should leave the country.

Those remarks followed his Twitter messages on Sunday that said the four left-wing lawmakers, known in Congress as "the squad," should go back to "the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came."

All four of the first-term House members are US&nbsp;citizens and all but one were born in the United States.

"If you're not happy in the US, if you're complaining all the time, very simply: You can leave," he said, drawing scattered applause from a crowd of businesspeople.

Asked if he was concerned that some viewed his remarks as racist and that white supremacists found common cause with him, Trump said he was not. "It doesn`t concern me because many people agree with me," Trump said.

<img alt="Washington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bf240dd-2a3c-4ae3-a211-f21d0bb5ba98" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_17.jpg" />

US Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) hold a news conference after Democrats in the US Congress moved to formally condemn President Donald Trump's attacks on the four minority congresswomen on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, July 15, 2019. &nbsp;(Reuters Photo)

The president`s remarks were widely derided and some, though not many, of his fellow Republicans spoke out against them.

Trump did not identify the lawmakers by name in his Sunday tweets, but he appeared to refer to representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

All four have been critical of Trump, as well as of the current Democratic leaders of the House, straining party unity in that chamber.

At a press conference on Capitol Hill, the four lawmakers said Trump was trying to sow division and distract attention from what they characterized as failed policies on immigration, healthcare and taxation.

"Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," Ocasio-Cortez said.

Tlaib and Omar repeated their calls for Trump to be impeached.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has been criticized by members of "the squad," said her party would introduce a resolution condemning Trump`s "xenophobic tweets."

A draft of the resolution, seen by Reuters late on Monday, said the House "strongly condemns President Donald Trump`s racist comments that have legitimised and increased fear and hatred of new Americans and people of colour ..."

Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, told reporters the resolution could be on the House floor for debate as soon as Tuesday.

Such a resolution could put Trump`s fellow Republicans in Congress in an awkward position, forcing them either to vote against their party`s leader, who has strong support among conservatives, or effectively to defend his statements.

Trump's attacks elevated the profiles of the four progressive Democrats, who have helped push the party`s agenda to the left, causing concern among Democratic moderates who are eager to hold onto their seats in the 2020 election.

A few Republicans speak out

Trump has a history of what critics consider race-baiting. He led a movement that falsely claimed former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States, and he said after a deadly, white supremacist-led rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that "both sides" were to blame for violence there.

"This is the agenda of white nationalists, whether it is happening in chat rooms, or it's happening on national TV, and now it`s reached the White House garden," Omar said.

Although most Republicans stayed silent on Trump`s divisive rhetoric, several began expressing concern late on Monday.

Texas Representative Will Hurd, the only African-American Republican in the House, called the attacks "racist" on CNN.

Tim Scott, the Senate's only black Republican, called them "racially offensive" on Twitter.

Others did not go that far. Senator Mitt Romney, the party`s 2012 presidential nominee, and Senator Marco Rubio, who ran in 2016, both condemned the remarks but declined to characterize them as racist.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said the four lawmakers belonged in the United States, but did not criticise Trump. "The president is not a racist," he told reporters.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell did not comment on the controversy.

Trump regularly used racially charged language during his campaign and continued in his presidency. His latest remarks came as some of his efforts to deal with immigration - a major issue for his conservative base - have faltered.

Trump promised as a candidate to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and that Mexico would pay for it. As president, very little has happened on wall construction and Mexico has resolutely refused to pay for a wall.

'Racism, division'

In his Sunday tweets, Trump said of the four congresswomen, "Why don`t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came ... Then come back and show us how ... it is done."

Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley and Tlaib were born in the United States while Omar, a Somali refugee, arrived in 1992.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a sometime Trump golf partner and adviser, called the four congresswomen "communist" and "anti-Semitic" on Fox News on Monday, but he also called on Trump to stop making such personal attacks.

"Aim higher ... Take on their policies. The bottom line here is this is a diverse country," he said, adding that he had spoken to Trump.

President Donald Trump doubled down on his attacks against four minority US congresswomen on Monday and dismissed concerns that his comments were racist, prompting outrage from Democrats, who moved to condemn him in the House of Representatives.

President Donald Trump doubled down on his attacks against four minority US congresswomen on Monday and dismissed concerns that his comments were racist, prompting outrage from Democrats, who moved to condemn him in the House of Representatives. Speaking at the White House, Trump said people he described as critical of the United States should leave the country. Those remarks followed his Twitter messages on Sunday that said the four left-wing lawmakers, known in Congress as "the squad," should go back to "the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came." All four of the first-term House members are US citizens and all but one were born in the United States. "If you're not happy in the US, if you're complaining all the time, very simply: You can leave," he said, drawing scattered applause from a crowd of businesspeople. Asked if he was concerned that some viewed his remarks as racist and that white supremacists found common cause with him, Trump said he was not. "It doesn`t concern me because many people agree with me," Trump said. US Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) hold a news conference after Democrats in the US Congress moved to formally condemn President Donald Trump's attacks on the four minority congresswomen on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, July 15, 2019. (Reuters Photo) The president`s remarks were widely derided and some, though not many, of his fellow Republicans spoke out against them. Trump did not identify the lawmakers by name in his Sunday tweets, but he appeared to refer to representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. All four have been critical of Trump, as well as of the current Democratic leaders of the House, straining party unity in that chamber. At a press conference on Capitol Hill, the four lawmakers said Trump was trying to sow division and distract attention from what they characterized as failed policies on immigration, healthcare and taxation. "Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," Ocasio-Cortez said. Tlaib and Omar repeated their calls for Trump to be impeached. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has been criticized by members of "the squad," said her party would introduce a resolution condemning Trump`s "xenophobic tweets." A draft of the resolution, seen by Reuters late on Monday, said the House "strongly condemns President Donald Trump`s racist comments that have legitimised and increased fear and hatred of new Americans and people of colour ..." Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, told reporters the resolution could be on the House floor for debate as soon as Tuesday. Such a resolution could put Trump`s fellow Republicans in Congress in an awkward position, forcing them either to vote against their party`s leader, who has strong support among conservatives, or effectively to defend his statements. Trump's attacks elevated the profiles of the four progressive Democrats, who have helped push the party`s agenda to the left, causing concern among Democratic moderates who are eager to hold onto their seats in the 2020 election. A few Republicans speak out Trump has a history of what critics consider race-baiting. He led a movement that falsely claimed former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States, and he said after a deadly, white supremacist-led rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that "both sides" were to blame for violence there. "This is the agenda of white nationalists, whether it is happening in chat rooms, or it's happening on national TV, and now it`s reached the White House garden," Omar said. Although most Republicans stayed silent on Trump`s divisive rhetoric, several began expressing concern late on Monday. Texas Representative Will Hurd, the only African-American Republican in the House, called the attacks "racist" on CNN. Tim Scott, the Senate's only black Republican, called them "racially offensive" on Twitter. Others did not go that far. Senator Mitt Romney, the party`s 2012 presidential nominee, and Senator Marco Rubio, who ran in 2016, both condemned the remarks but declined to characterize them as racist. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy said the four lawmakers belonged in the United States, but did not criticise Trump. "The president is not a racist," he told reporters. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell did not comment on the controversy. Trump regularly used racially charged language during his campaign and continued in his presidency. His latest remarks came as some of his efforts to deal with immigration - a major issue for his conservative base - have faltered. Trump promised as a candidate to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and that Mexico would pay for it. As president, very little has happened on wall construction and Mexico has resolutely refused to pay for a wall. 'Racism, division' In his Sunday tweets, Trump said of the four congresswomen, "Why don`t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came ... Then come back and show us how ... it is done." Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley and Tlaib were born in the United States while Omar, a Somali refugee, arrived in 1992. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a sometime Trump golf partner and adviser, called the four congresswomen "communist" and "anti-Semitic" on Fox News on Monday, but he also called on Trump to stop making such personal attacks. "Aim higher ... Take on their policies. The bottom line here is this is a diverse country," he said, adding that he had spoken to Trump.

Donald Trump defiant as lawmakers blast his 'racist' attacks on four congresswomen

A look at Trump's history of inflammatory and 'racist' statements

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-ditched-iran-deal-to-spite-obama-new-memo-leak-claims-235625">US President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

But front-runner Boris Johnson and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-jeremy-hunt-says-donald-trump-comments-disrespectful-and-wrong-234518">Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a> refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May.

May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable".

On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour&nbsp;to "go back" to the countries they came from.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago".

"I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson.

"But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said.

"It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister."

Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU.

Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said."

Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens.

"If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that."

Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat.

"Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said.

"I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added.

"But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing."

Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader.

The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable".

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both condemned on Monday US President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets about progressive Democrat congresswomen as "totally offensive" and "totally unacceptable". But front-runner Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt refused to call the tweets racist when pressed to do so during their last debate before next week's announcement of who will succeed Prime Minister Theresa May. May's spokesman had earlier said that the outgoing leader's view was that Trump's comments were "completely unacceptable". On Monday Trump doubled down on a series of his tweets from the day before urging the four congresswomen of colour to "go back" to the countries they came from. "If you're not happy here, you can leave," Trump told reporters at the White House. Johnson said the original tweets expressed sentiments "that went out decades and decades ago". "I think the relations between the UK and US are incredibly important," said Johnson. "But if you are the leader of a great multiracial, multicultural society, you simply cannot use that kind of language about sending people back where they came from," Johnson said. "It's unacceptable and I agree with the prime minister." Trump has developed good relations with Johnson and backs both his leadership bid and determination to take Britain out of the EU. Pressed by the moderator to call Trump's tweets racist, Johnson said: "I've said what I said." Hunt recalled that he had three half-ethnically Chinese children who are British citizens. "If anyone said to them, go back to China, I would be utterly appalled," Hunt said. "It is un-British to say that." Pressed to call the comments racist, Hunt signaled that he would have been he, not Britain's chief diplomat. "Look, I am foreign secretary, this is the president of a country which happens to be our closest ally and so it is not gonna help the situation to use that kind of language about the president of the United States," Hunt said. "I can understand how many people of this country would want me to use those words, and would feel that sentiment," he added. "But I hope I have made clear how offensive it is to me that people are still saying that kind of thing." Some 160,000 paying members of the ruling Conservative Party are currently picking the country's new leader. The winner of the mail-in ballot will be announced on July 23. The new prime minister formally assumes office the following day.

UK Prime Minister hopeful slam Donald Trump tweets, but refuse to call them racist

U.S. President Trump Targets Congresswomen Of Colour, Asks Them To Leave The U.S. U.S. President Trump lands himself in hot water yet again. His racially charged tweets aimed at women lawmakers of colour leads to strong criticism. Here's a report

Gravitas: All the President's tweets: Trump accused of racism

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned Monday that the United States is "playing with fire," echoing remarks by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-declines-to-set-united-states-uranium-production-quotas-235511">Donald Trump</a> as the two sides are locked in a standoff over Tehran's nuclear program.

The United States quit an international deal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program last year, hitting Tehran with crippling sanctions.

Tensions have since soared, with the US calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed an American drone, and Washington blaming the Islamic republic for a series of attacks on tanker ships.

"I think the United States is playing with fire," Zarif told NBC News.

Iran announced last week that it had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-uranium-enrichment-passes-45-exceeding-deal-cap-234015">enriched uranium past the 3.67 per cent limit </a>set by the nuclear deal, and has also surpassed the 300-kilogram cap on enriched uranium reserves.

But "it can be reversed within hours," Zarif told the channel, adding,&nbsp;"We are not about to develop nuclear weapons. Had we wanted to develop nuclear weapons, we would have been able to do it (a) a long time ago."

Zarif's comments came as the United States imposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-visa-to-irans-javad-zarif-for-united-nation-meeting-this-week-sources-236046">unusually harsh restrictions on his movements</a> during a visit to the United Nations.

Weeks after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-defend-itself-against-any-aggression-says-foreign-minister-221768">United States threatened sanctions against Zarif</a>, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Washington issued him a visa but forbade him from moving beyond six blocks of Iran's UN mission in Midtown Manhattan.

"US diplomats don't roam around Tehran, so we don't see any reason for Iranian diplomats to roam freely around New York City, either," Pompeo told The Washington Post.

UN 'concerns'&nbsp;

No US diplomats are based in Iran as the two countries broke off relations in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the Western-backed shah.

"Foreign Minister Zarif, he uses the freedoms of the United States to come here and spread malign propaganda," the top US diplomat said.

UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that the UN Secretariat was in contact with the US and Iranian missions about Zarif's travel restrictions and "has conveyed its concerns to the host country."

The United States, as host of the United Nations, has an agreement to issue visas promptly to foreign diplomats on UN business and only rarely declines.

Washington generally bars diplomats of hostile nations from travelling outside a 40-kilometre (25-mile) radius of New York's Columbus Circle.

Zarif is scheduled to speak Wednesday at the UN Economic and Social Council, which is holding a high-level meeting on sustainable development.

Despite the restrictions, the decision to admit Zarif is the latest sign that Trump's administration appears to be retreating from its vow to place sanctions on him as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on June 24 that sanctions against Zarif would come later that week.

Critics questioned the legal rationale for targeting Zarif and noted that sanctions would all but end the possibility of dialogue -- which Trump has said is his goal.

Zarif said in an interview with The New York Times he would not be affected by sanctions as he owns no assets outside of Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned Monday that the United States is "playing with fire," echoing remarks by President Donald Trump as the two sides are locked in a standoff over Tehran's nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned Monday that the United States is "playing with fire," echoing remarks by President Donald Trump as the two sides are locked in a standoff over Tehran's nuclear program. The United States quit an international deal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program last year, hitting Tehran with crippling sanctions. Tensions have since soared, with the US calling off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute after Tehran downed an American drone, and Washington blaming the Islamic republic for a series of attacks on tanker ships. "I think the United States is playing with fire," Zarif told NBC News. Iran announced last week that it had enriched uranium past the 3.67 per cent limit set by the nuclear deal, and has also surpassed the 300-kilogram cap on enriched uranium reserves. But "it can be reversed within hours," Zarif told the channel, adding, "We are not about to develop nuclear weapons. Had we wanted to develop nuclear weapons, we would have been able to do it (a) a long time ago." Zarif's comments came as the United States imposed unusually harsh restrictions on his movements during a visit to the United Nations. Weeks after the United States threatened sanctions against Zarif, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Washington issued him a visa but forbade him from moving beyond six blocks of Iran's UN mission in Midtown Manhattan. "US diplomats don't roam around Tehran, so we don't see any reason for Iranian diplomats to roam freely around New York City, either," Pompeo told The Washington Post. UN 'concerns' No US diplomats are based in Iran as the two countries broke off relations in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the Western-backed shah. "Foreign Minister Zarif, he uses the freedoms of the United States to come here and spread malign propaganda," the top US diplomat said. UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that the UN Secretariat was in contact with the US and Iranian missions about Zarif's travel restrictions and "has conveyed its concerns to the host country." The United States, as host of the United Nations, has an agreement to issue visas promptly to foreign diplomats on UN business and only rarely declines. Washington generally bars diplomats of hostile nations from travelling outside a 40-kilometre (25-mile) radius of New York's Columbus Circle. Zarif is scheduled to speak Wednesday at the UN Economic and Social Council, which is holding a high-level meeting on sustainable development. Despite the restrictions, the decision to admit Zarif is the latest sign that Trump's administration appears to be retreating from its vow to place sanctions on him as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on June 24 that sanctions against Zarif would come later that week. Critics questioned the legal rationale for targeting Zarif and noted that sanctions would all but end the possibility of dialogue -- which Trump has said is his goal. Zarif said in an interview with The New York Times he would not be affected by sanctions as he owns no assets outside of Iran.

Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif warns US, says it's 'playing with fire'

U.S. President Donald Trump asked lawmakers to ''go back to their countries'' If they have complains with tweets.

WION Playlist: Trump's racist Tweets

Democratic congresswomen targeted in a xenophobic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defiant-as-lawmakers-blast-his-racist-attacks-on-four-congresswomen-236257">tirade by President Donald Trump</a> hit back Monday, saying he was trying to distract attention away from his policies with his "blatantly racist attack."

The president first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-youre-not-happy-here-you-can-leave-trump-to-democratic-congresswomen-236251">attacked the four lawmakers</a> -- all but one of whom were born in America -- with a series of tweets on Sunday, saying they should "go back" to their countries of origin.

The four -- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts -- struck back at a news conference Monday and urged people not to "take the bait."

Trump was simply trying to distract with his "blatantly racist attack" on the four women of color, Omar said.

"This is the agenda of white nationalists," she said.

Pressley also urged the American people "to not take the bait."

"This is simply a disruption and a distraction from the callous chaotic and corrupt culture of this administration, all the way down," Pressley said.

The four lawmakers -- who have been nicknamed "The Squad" by some media -- said attention should instead be focused on healthcare and immigration and, in particular, the treatment of asylum seekers on the southern border.

"Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," said Ocasio-Cortez.

Trump "does not know how to defend his policies, so what he does is attack us personally, and that is what this is all about," she said.

Tlaib said Trump's tweets and remarks were "a continuation of his racist and xenophobic playbook."

"We cannot allow these hateful actions by the president to distract us from the critical work to hold this administration accountable to the inhumane conditions at the border that is separating children from their loved ones and caging them up in illegal, horrific conditions," she said.

Omar and Tlaib repeated calls for Trump to be impeached.

Watch: Congresswomen call Trump's attack an attempt to distract from his policies

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Trump doubles down

The president also came under fire from some members of his Republican party but remained unrepentant.

"All they do is complain," Trump told reporters at a White House event featuring products made in America.

"These are people that hate our country," he said of the four lawmakers.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave."

Trump also accused the four first-term congresswomen -- who are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African American origin -- of having "love" for US "enemies like Al-Qaeda."

Asked by a reporter whether he was concerned that many people saw his comments as racist, Trump said: "It doesn't concern me because many people agree with me."

'Destructive'

Trump's extraordinary attacks on the lawmakers prompted critical reactions from foreign leaders and outrage from Democrats.

Republicans were initially silent, but on Monday several of his party faithful began to speak up.

"My view is that what was said and what was tweeted was destructive, was demeaning, was disunifying, and frankly it was very wrong," said Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah.

"There is no excuse for the president's spiteful comments -- they were absolutely unacceptable and this needs to stop," said Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska. "We must demand a higher standard of decorum and decency."

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she disagreed with the policies espoused by the "far-left" Democratic lawmakers, but that Trump was "way over the line."

Texan Will Hurd, the only black Republican in the House of Representatives, told CNN that Trump's behavior was "unbecoming of the leader of the free world."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became the latest international leader to condemn Trump's tweets.

"I completely and utterly disagree with him," she told Radio New Zealand, noting that her country welcomed diversity in the corridors of power.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Britain's Theresa May also expressed disapproval.

'Cold, hard strategy'

Trump's comments appear to be aimed at galvanizing his mostly white electoral base ahead of the 2020 presidential vote -- while also stoking racial tensions and divisions among his political opponents.

"With his deliberate, racist outburst, @realDonaldTrump wants to raise the profile of his targets, drive Dems to defend them and make them emblematic of the entire party," said David Axelrod, who served as chief strategist for Barack Obama's two White House campaigns.

In his initial Twitter attack on Sunday, Trump -- who before becoming president pushed the racist "birther" conspiracy theory that Obama was not born on US soil -- said the congresswomen came from corrupt, poorly managed countries to which they should return.

Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Pressley were all born in the United States while Omar arrived as a refugee from war-torn Somalia, which she fled as a child.

Former vice president Joe Biden, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, denounced Trump as the most "openly racist and divisive" president in US history.

"Go home to your country? It's sickening, it's embarrassing," Biden said.

Democratic congresswomen targeted in a xenophobic tirade by President Donald Trump hit back Monday, saying he was trying to distract attention away from his policies with his "blatantly racist attack.

Democratic congresswomen targeted in a xenophobic tirade by President Donald Trump hit back Monday, saying he was trying to distract attention away from his policies with his "blatantly racist attack." The president first attacked the four lawmakers -- all but one of whom were born in America -- with a series of tweets on Sunday, saying they should "go back" to their countries of origin. The four -- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts -- struck back at a news conference Monday and urged people not to "take the bait." Trump was simply trying to distract with his "blatantly racist attack" on the four women of color, Omar said. "This is the agenda of white nationalists," she said. Pressley also urged the American people "to not take the bait." "This is simply a disruption and a distraction from the callous chaotic and corrupt culture of this administration, all the way down," Pressley said. The four lawmakers -- who have been nicknamed "The Squad" by some media -- said attention should instead be focused on healthcare and immigration and, in particular, the treatment of asylum seekers on the southern border. "Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," said Ocasio-Cortez. Trump "does not know how to defend his policies, so what he does is attack us personally, and that is what this is all about," she said. Tlaib said Trump's tweets and remarks were "a continuation of his racist and xenophobic playbook." "We cannot allow these hateful actions by the president to distract us from the critical work to hold this administration accountable to the inhumane conditions at the border that is separating children from their loved ones and caging them up in illegal, horrific conditions," she said. Omar and Tlaib repeated calls for Trump to be impeached. Watch: Congresswomen call Trump's attack an attempt to distract from his policies × Trump doubles down The president also came under fire from some members of his Republican party but remained unrepentant. "All they do is complain," Trump told reporters at a White House event featuring products made in America. "These are people that hate our country," he said of the four lawmakers. "If you're not happy here, you can leave." Trump also accused the four first-term congresswomen -- who are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African American origin -- of having "love" for US "enemies like Al-Qaeda." Asked by a reporter whether he was concerned that many people saw his comments as racist, Trump said: "It doesn't concern me because many people agree with me." 'Destructive' Trump's extraordinary attacks on the lawmakers prompted critical reactions from foreign leaders and outrage from Democrats. Republicans were initially silent, but on Monday several of his party faithful began to speak up. "My view is that what was said and what was tweeted was destructive, was demeaning, was disunifying, and frankly it was very wrong," said Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah. "There is no excuse for the president's spiteful comments -- they were absolutely unacceptable and this needs to stop," said Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska. "We must demand a higher standard of decorum and decency." Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she disagreed with the policies espoused by the "far-left" Democratic lawmakers, but that Trump was "way over the line." Texan Will Hurd, the only black Republican in the House of Representatives, told CNN that Trump's behavior was "unbecoming of the leader of the free world." New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became the latest international leader to condemn Trump's tweets. "I completely and utterly disagree with him," she told Radio New Zealand, noting that her country welcomed diversity in the corridors of power. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Britain's Theresa May also expressed disapproval. 'Cold, hard strategy' Trump's comments appear to be aimed at galvanizing his mostly white electoral base ahead of the 2020 presidential vote -- while also stoking racial tensions and divisions among his political opponents. "With his deliberate, racist outburst, @realDonaldTrump wants to raise the profile of his targets, drive Dems to defend them and make them emblematic of the entire party," said David Axelrod, who served as chief strategist for Barack Obama's two White House campaigns. In his initial Twitter attack on Sunday, Trump -- who before becoming president pushed the racist "birther" conspiracy theory that Obama was not born on US soil -- said the congresswomen came from corrupt, poorly managed countries to which they should return. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Pressley were all born in the United States while Omar arrived as a refugee from war-torn Somalia, which she fled as a child. Former vice president Joe Biden, who is seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, denounced Trump as the most "openly racist and divisive" president in US history. "Go home to your country? It's sickening, it's embarrassing," Biden said.

Democratic congresswomen hit back after Trump's 'racist' tirade

Pedestrians walking through the New York congressional district represented by one of Donald Trump's most recent targets Monday (July 15) were not amused by his nativist rhetoric.

Trump's 'go back' rhetoric is hypocrisy to AOC district

Migrants are waiting nervously at a migration office at the U.S.-Mexico border where a Mexican official calls out numbers from a long list of hopefuls waiting to cross to the United States. Migrants have been praying their numbers are called out before a new U.S. policy announced on Monday (July 15) enters into force that bars almost all immigrants from applying for asylum at the country's southern border.

New asylum curb adds more worry for those waiting at U.S.-Mexico border

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldman-sachs-ditches-single-use-plastic-products-193983">Goldman Sachs Group Inc</a> reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-notches-all-time-highs-as-rate-cut-hopes-lift-investor-spirits-235406">Wall Street investment bank</a> benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies.

The bank, like its rivals, is facing several challenges in growing its revenue in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about the impact of future interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

Goldman is also shifting its business model away from a focus on trading to a more stable, consumer-focused revenue stream.

Revenue fell at three of its four major businesses, with the biggest declines in trading and investment management.

Institutional client revenue, which includes trading, slipped 3 per cent, while investment banking revenue was down 9 per cent. However, revenue from the bank's investing and lending business rose 16 per cent.

"Given the strength of our client franchise, we are well-positioned to benefit from a growing global economy," Chief Executive Officer David Solomon said in a statement.

While revenue slipped in the quarter, lower compensation expenses provided some relief. Total operating expenses were nearly flat at $6.12 billion.

The bank is aiming to generate $5 billion in new revenue by 2020, and is currently undergoing a front-to-back review of all its businesses started last October when Solomon took control as CEO.

While the final strategy is not expected until early next year, the bank has already made moves to expand its consumer division, by growing online bank Marcus and launching a credit card with Apple Inc. It also announced plans in May to acquire United Capital, a boutique wealth management firm.

The bank's net earnings applicable to common shareholders fell 6 per cent to $2.20 billion in the quarter ended June 30. Earnings per share fell to $5.81 from $5.98 a year earlier.

Total net revenue fell 2 per cent to $9.46 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of $4.89 per share and revenue of $8.83 billion, according to IBES estimate from Refinitiv.

Goldman's main rival Morgan Stanley is expected to report quarterly results later in the week.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the Wall Street investment bank benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the Wall Street investment bank benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies. The bank, like its rivals, is facing several challenges in growing its revenue in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about the impact of future interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Goldman is also shifting its business model away from a focus on trading to a more stable, consumer-focused revenue stream. Revenue fell at three of its four major businesses, with the biggest declines in trading and investment management. Institutional client revenue, which includes trading, slipped 3 per cent, while investment banking revenue was down 9 per cent. However, revenue from the bank's investing and lending business rose 16 per cent. "Given the strength of our client franchise, we are well-positioned to benefit from a growing global economy," Chief Executive Officer David Solomon said in a statement. While revenue slipped in the quarter, lower compensation expenses provided some relief. Total operating expenses were nearly flat at $6.12 billion. The bank is aiming to generate $5 billion in new revenue by 2020, and is currently undergoing a front-to-back review of all its businesses started last October when Solomon took control as CEO. While the final strategy is not expected until early next year, the bank has already made moves to expand its consumer division, by growing online bank Marcus and launching a credit card with Apple Inc. It also announced plans in May to acquire United Capital, a boutique wealth management firm. The bank's net earnings applicable to common shareholders fell 6 per cent to $2.20 billion in the quarter ended June 30. Earnings per share fell to $5.81 from $5.98 a year earlier. Total net revenue fell 2 per cent to $9.46 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of $4.89 per share and revenue of $8.83 billion, according to IBES estimate from Refinitiv. Goldman's main rival Morgan Stanley is expected to report quarterly results later in the week.

Goldman Sachs profit beats expectations on equity trading, lending

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