Here's A Factcheck On The Myth Of A Great U.S. In 2016, Trump's slogan was to 'Make America Great Again'. Now as the U.S. gets ready for another elections, the slogan is going to be to 'Keep America Great'. But slogans apart, is the U.S. a great superpower? In which parameter do they lead the world? Palki takes a look at the question in #WionEdit

Gravitas: WION Edit: Is the US. a world leader?

Washington D.C. Witnesses Grand Military Parade Donald Trump's dream is finally coming true. U.S. witnesses a military parade . It's a grand spectacle. But no one really knows how much money was spent on this, and more importantly who foots the bill? Palki gets the story

Gravitas: US showcases military might on Independence day

Is The U.S. Military Parade A Celebration Of America's Freedom Or Is It An Attempt By Trump To Garner Political Mileage Forget the cost of the event, the U.S. military parade is viewed as an attempt by Donald Trump to garner political mileage in an election year. Is this a photo-op at the taxpayers' expense? Palki with an analysis

Gravitas: US military parade: Why the criticism?

The Strong Currency Has Often Been The Catalyst In The Rise Of The United States How did the dollar become the currency of choice? What is the future of the dollar? Here's a report tracing the rise of the most easily tradeable currency in the world, the U.S. dollar

Gravitas: Dollar's rise to the top: The story of the US Dollar

How The U.S. Weaponises Its Dollar U.S. President Trump has got what he wanted, a grand parade. But is the U.S. losing its edge on its most potent weapon, the $? Palki summarises the story of the U.S. dollar.

Gravitas: America's most potent weapon, $ is losing its edge!

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 -8th July 2019

Britain’s ambassador to the United States described the Trump administration as “diplomatically clumsy and inept” according to a leaked diplomatic cable. Watch full video to know more.

WION Fineprint: Leaked memos from Britain's US ambassador call Trump 'clumsy' & 'inept'

Iran to lift Uranium enrichment limit, Uranium limit to surpass 3.6%.

Iran to lift Uranium enrichment limit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">UN human rights</a> chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.&nbsp;

"As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rule-of-law-in-venezuela-eroded-un-rights-chief-233251">Michelle Bachelet</a>, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America.

On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells.

President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres.&nbsp;

Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks.

Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development.

"Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile.

Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities.

On Twitter, he wrote,&nbsp;"If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!"

'This should never happen, anywhere'&nbsp;

Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger."

"When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere."

She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America.&nbsp;

"But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells.

The UN human rights chief said Monday that she was "deeply shocked" by conditions under which migrants and refugees are held at US detention centres, following reports of severe overcrowding and disease-ridden cells. "As a paediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions," the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said in a statement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report released last week warned of "dangerous overcrowding" in multiple detention facilities holding thousands of migrants seeking to remain in the United States. Most of them are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. On Saturday, the New York Times and The El Paso Times published an article describing a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas as filled with hundreds of children wearing filthy clothing and packed into disease-ridden cells. President Donald Trump called the story a "hoax" and said he would take the media to visit the centres. Democratic lawmakers who recently visited detention facilities reported massive crowding in cells with no running water, where children and adults lacked access to medicines and were deprived of showers for up to two weeks. Responding to the DHS report, Bachelet said that even detaining children "for short periods under good conditions can have a serious impact on their health and development. "Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue," added Bachelet, the former president of Chile. Trump has previously expressed little sympathy for migrants in the facilities. On Twitter, he wrote, "If Illegal Immigrants are unhappy with the conditions in the quickly built or refitted detentions centres, just tell them not to come. All problems solved!" 'This should never happen, anywhere' Bachelet called for compassion, stressing that those who find themselves in these facilities "have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger." "When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere." She noted that states have the right to determine the circumstances surrounding the entry of foreign nationals and acknowledged the complex challenges surrounding migration management, including in Central America. "But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants," she added.

United Nation rights chief 'shocked' by conditions at US migrant detention centres

Ukraine's recently elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

"Now I want to address the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address.

The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders.

He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists.

Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority.

'Will be considered'&nbsp;

So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience.

"Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone.&nbsp;

Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea.&nbsp;

Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary.

A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved.

Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev.

"I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month.

"We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added.&nbsp;

Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format".

"First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

"This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate.

Ukraine's recently elected President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday offered to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for their first talks, calling for Western leaders to mediate. "Now I want to address the Russian President Vladimir Putin. Do we need to talk? We do. Let's do it," Zelensky said in a video address. The former comic actor who was elected with a landslide in April's presidential polls called for a meeting with the Russian strongman that would involve US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders. He proposed discussing Russian-annexed Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian forces are battling Russian-backed separatists. Zelensky said on his inauguration in May that ending the war in the east and returning the annexed territory to Ukraine was his priority. 'Will be considered' So far Zelensky has not met Putin and the Russian leader has commented that Zelensky's acting talent does not make up for lack of political experience. "Let's discuss who Crimea belongs to and who isn't in the Donbass region," Zelensky said, referring to the eastern conflict zone. Some 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that erupted in 2014 after a popular uprising ousted pro-Kremlin president Viktor Yanukovych and Russia responded by annexing Crimea. Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border to fan the flames of the conflict. Moscow has denied any military involvement despite evidence to the contrary. A peace process involving Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine has stalled. In June, French President Emmanuel Macron said new talks could be possible with the same countries involved. Zelensky suggested in comments addressed to Putin that fresh talks also include the United States and Britain, which are strong backers of Kiev. "I suggest the following lineup for talks: me, you, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel (and) French President Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky said. May is to step down later this month. "We are not changing or dropping any diplomatic formats," Zelensky added. Moscow said it was not ready to immediately comment on the possibility of such talks, calling Zelensky's proposal an "absolutely new format". "First there's a need to understand whether such a meeting has any prospects," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday. "This is a new initiative. Of course, it will be considered, but so far I can't express any reaction," he added.

Let's do it: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky offers to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin for first talks

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-donald-tusk-asks-european-parliament-to-approve-von-der-leyen-233027"> European Union</a> said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course.

Iran said Sunday it would breach the cap "in a few hours" and on Monday announced it had passed 4.5 percent enrichment well above the 3.7 percent limit.

It first announced its intention to reduce compliance with the deal in May, a year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> unilaterally withdrew from the pact and reimposed crippling sanctions.

"We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities that are inconsistent with the commitments made under the JCPOA," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.&nbsp;

The JCPOA or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action gave Iran relief from punishing sanctions in return for setting strict limits on its nuclear activities.

The remaining signatories &nbsp;Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and orld say the deal is the best way to stop Iran developing atomic weapons.

"We are extremely concerned by the announcement made over the weekend by Iran regarding the start of the uranium enrichment above the limit of 3.7 percent," Kocijancic said.

The EU will await a report from the UN's atomic energy authority and consult other signatories to the deal before deciding on future steps, Kocijancic said.

Britain, France, and Germany have sought to save the deal by creating a special mechanism called INSTEX to sidestep US sanctions so Iran can keep trading.

But the mechanism is still not operational six months after its launch and Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated at Europe's failure to act effectively.

Brussels officials see the latest announcements from Iran as a bid to pressure the West into doing more to help.

"The situation is extremely difficult for them domestically they are running out of humanitarian supplies," an EU source told AFP.

"They want to preserve the agreement, but they want the benefits they were promised."

The steps Iran has taken so far increasing enrichment and breaching a limit on uranium reserves can be reversed, the source said.

However, if Iran went above five percent of enrichment, the situation would be more serious, officials warn.

The European Union said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course.

The European Union said Monday it was "extremely concerned" by Iranian plans to breach the uranium enrichment cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on Tehran to reverse course. Iran said Sunday it would breach the cap "in a few hours" and on Monday announced it had passed 4.5 percent enrichment well above the 3.7 percent limit. It first announced its intention to reduce compliance with the deal in May, a year after US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact and reimposed crippling sanctions. "We strongly urge Iran to stop and reverse all activities that are inconsistent with the commitments made under the JCPOA," EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters. The JCPOA or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action gave Iran relief from punishing sanctions in return for setting strict limits on its nuclear activities. The remaining signatories Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and orld say the deal is the best way to stop Iran developing atomic weapons. "We are extremely concerned by the announcement made over the weekend by Iran regarding the start of the uranium enrichment above the limit of 3.7 percent," Kocijancic said. The EU will await a report from the UN's atomic energy authority and consult other signatories to the deal before deciding on future steps, Kocijancic said. Britain, France, and Germany have sought to save the deal by creating a special mechanism called INSTEX to sidestep US sanctions so Iran can keep trading. But the mechanism is still not operational six months after its launch and Tehran has grown increasingly frustrated at Europe's failure to act effectively. Brussels officials see the latest announcements from Iran as a bid to pressure the West into doing more to help. "The situation is extremely difficult for them domestically they are running out of humanitarian supplies," an EU source told AFP. "They want to preserve the agreement, but they want the benefits they were promised." The steps Iran has taken so far increasing enrichment and breaching a limit on uranium reserves can be reversed, the source said. However, if Iran went above five percent of enrichment, the situation would be more serious, officials warn.

European Union 'strongly urges' Iran to stop nuclear enrichment

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said leaked memos about US President Donald Trump and his administration reflected the "personal view" of the UK's ambassador and not that of the government.

Trump memos: UK ambassador's opinion 'personal', says Jeremy Hunt

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">UK ambassador</a> called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> "inept".

The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure".

Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family.

They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dysfunctional-inept-britains-trade-minister-liam-fox-to-apologise-to-ivanka-over-leaked-memo-233969">Washington</a> that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington.

"The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday.

"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

Very serious consequences

UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House.

"We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday.

"I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party.

British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year.

But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does".

Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept". The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure". Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family. They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with Washington that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington. "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." Very serious consequences UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House. "We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday. "I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party. British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year. But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does". Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain hunts for leaker of cables calling Donald Trump 'inept'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-polls-opposition-leader-kyriakos-mitsotakis-wins-vows-to-make-country-proud-233849">Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis</a>, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis.

The challenge facing the US-educated conservative is a hefty one as he takes over from defeated left-wing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-conservatives-take-strong-lead-in-exit-poll-233844">Alexis Tsipras</a>, who imposed austerity measures required under a bailout to keep Greece in the eurozone.

The country's public debt last year stood at 335 billion euros ($376 billion), or 180 per cent of GDP.&nbsp;

The debt load is forecast to fall to 168 per cent of GDP this year, but only under belt-tightening brought in under Tsipras's Syriza party something that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-things-to-know-about-greeces-july-7-vote-233712">Mitsotakis's New Democracy party</a> says is stifling growth.

The tricky job of keeping Greece's international creditors onside while easing the hardship on Greeks by lowering taxes and renegotiating fiscal targets could result in a short honeymoon phase for Mitsotakis.

'Message for change'&nbsp;

The 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant have pledged to create jobs and get rid of obstacles to business.

Those pledges wooed Greek voters, who handed him 40 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election, well ahead of the 31.5 per cent given to Tsipras.

"It's a strong message for a change in Greece," Mitsotakis told the channel CNBC.

Last week he told AFP that he saw it as his mission "to make sure we restart the economy" with "ambitious growth driven by private investments, exports, and innovation".

He predicted that he could persuade Greece's creditors to accept the easing of tight fiscal targets if "a comprehensive reforms package" was presented.

Tsipras, for his part, warned that Mitsotakis would do away with the social spending he brought in to help Greece's vulnerable groups.

He portrayed the Mitsotakis family -- one of Greece's leading political dynasties -- as part of a failed system that bankrupted the country in 2010, which he blamed for the humiliating bailout.

Son of a PM&nbsp;

Mitsotakis is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians. His sister Dora Bakoyannis is a former minister and Athens's first female mayor.&nbsp;

He took charge of the New Democrats three years ago. Following the election, his party will have a majority of 158 seats in the 300-member parliament.

New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists.

Syriza's parliamentary presence will shrink from 144 seats to 86. Tsipras has promised to remain an "active" voice in opposition.

Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months.

In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections. After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election.

"A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address immediately following his electoral victory, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch. 
&nbsp;

Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis.

Greece's new prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, formally takes up the reins Monday, a day after an election victory that puts him in charge of the EU's most indebted member with promises to end a decade of economic crisis. The challenge facing the US-educated conservative is a hefty one as he takes over from defeated left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras, who imposed austerity measures required under a bailout to keep Greece in the eurozone. The country's public debt last year stood at 335 billion euros ($376 billion), or 180 per cent of GDP. The debt load is forecast to fall to 168 per cent of GDP this year, but only under belt-tightening brought in under Tsipras's Syriza party something that Mitsotakis's New Democracy party says is stifling growth. The tricky job of keeping Greece's international creditors onside while easing the hardship on Greeks by lowering taxes and renegotiating fiscal targets could result in a short honeymoon phase for Mitsotakis. 'Message for change' The 51-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant have pledged to create jobs and get rid of obstacles to business. Those pledges wooed Greek voters, who handed him 40 per cent of the votes in Sunday's election, well ahead of the 31.5 per cent given to Tsipras. "It's a strong message for a change in Greece," Mitsotakis told the channel CNBC. Last week he told AFP that he saw it as his mission "to make sure we restart the economy" with "ambitious growth driven by private investments, exports, and innovation". He predicted that he could persuade Greece's creditors to accept the easing of tight fiscal targets if "a comprehensive reforms package" was presented. Tsipras, for his part, warned that Mitsotakis would do away with the social spending he brought in to help Greece's vulnerable groups. He portrayed the Mitsotakis family -- one of Greece's leading political dynasties -- as part of a failed system that bankrupted the country in 2010, which he blamed for the humiliating bailout. Son of a PM Mitsotakis is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country's longest-serving parliamentarians. His sister Dora Bakoyannis is a former minister and Athens's first female mayor. He took charge of the New Democrats three years ago. Following the election, his party will have a majority of 158 seats in the 300-member parliament. New Democracy was last in power in 2014, in coalition with the Greek socialists. Syriza's parliamentary presence will shrink from 144 seats to 86. Tsipras has promised to remain an "active" voice in opposition. Sunday's election was Greece's third in as many months. In May, New Democracy beat Syriza by nearly 9.5 points in European parliament elections. A week later, it completed a near-sweep of Greek regions in local elections. After that, Tsipras was forced to call an early general election. "A painful cycle has closed," Mitsotakis said in a televised address immediately following his electoral victory, adding that Greece would "proudly raise its head again" on his watch.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis becomes Greece's new Prime Minister on vow to end economic crisis

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rainbows-fill-new-yorks-streets-as-gay-pride-parade-celebrates-50-year-anniversary-of-stonewall-riots-231855">New York area</a>, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported.

A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion.

A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R&nbsp;Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami.

Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail.

The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months.

The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton.

It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported.

A hedge fund billionaire has been arrested on sex trafficking charges in the New York area, after having long been followed by accusations of molesting young girls, US media reported. Jeffrey Epstein, who is expected to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday, was arrested Saturday at a New Jersey airport after arriving from Paris in his private jet, CBS Miami reported. A source familiar with the case told the television station Epstein was charged with one count of sex trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Epstein had long been the subject of accusations of paying young girls for sexual massages at his Palm Beach, Florida mansion. A police investigation found that he had engaged in sex with underage girls, some as young as 13, according to reporting by the Miami Herald. But Epstein avoided federal prosecution in those cases with a 2007 plea deal negotiated by R Alexander Acosta, now the US labour secretary and at the time the top federal prosecutor in Miami. Under the deal, he pleaded guilty to a state charge of soliciting prostitution from a minor and was sentenced to 18 months in the county jail. The Miami Herald investigation found that Epstein was granted work release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, and that he was released after 13 months. The revelations threw a spotlight on Epstein, a well-connected financier whose friends included US President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton. It also drew attention to Acosta's role in negotiating the plea deal.

United States billionaire Jeffrey Epstein arrested on sex trafficking charges: Reports

North Korea remembers Kim II-Sung on 25th death anniversary

Iran has said it increased Uranium enrichment. Japan concerned over Iran Nuclear Move and said to return immediately to commitment.

Return Immediately to commitment; Japan on Iran Nuclear move

China on Monday said "unilateral bullying" by the United States was the cause behind the escalating Iran nuclear crisis, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-oil-tanker-seizure-will-not-go-without-a-response-iran-defence-minister-233959">Tehran</a> announced it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-will-enrich-uranium-at-any-level-challenging-us-233760">set to breach its uranium enrichment</a> cap.

"The facts show that unilateral bullying has already become a worsening tumour," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-better-be-careful-warns-trump-on-breaching-uranium-enrichment-cap-233859">maximum pressure exerted by the US</a> on Iran is the root cause of the Iranian nuclear crisis," he said.

Iran threatened on Sunday to abandon more commitments to an endangered 2015 nuclear deal unless a solution is found with the remaining parties after the US pulled out.&nbsp;

The 2015 deal was reached between Iran and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-britain-germany-strongly-urges-iran-to-halt-uranium-enrichment-233803">six world powers</a> -- Britain, China, France, Germany, the United States and Russia -- and saw Tehran agree to drastically scale down its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Washington began reimposing sanctions on Iran in August 2018 and has targeted crucial sectors including oil exports and the banking system, fuelling a deep recession.

Watch: Iran Shifts From Patience to Confrontation

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdogs-board-to-meet-on-iran-at-request-of-us-233425">Tehran's move to start enriching uranium</a> above the maximum purification level has already drawn opposition from countries backing the nuclear deal, with Germany urging it to "stop and reverse all activities inconsistent with its commitments."

Geng said China has expressed "regret" for Tehran's decision to reduce its fulfilment of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;

China on Monday said "unilateral bullying" by the United States was the cause behind the escalating Iran nuclear crisis, after Tehran announced it was set to breach its uranium enrichment cap.

China on Monday said "unilateral bullying" by the United States was the cause behind the escalating Iran nuclear crisis, after Tehran announced it was set to breach its uranium enrichment cap. "The facts show that unilateral bullying has already become a worsening tumour," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing in Beijing. "The maximum pressure exerted by the US on Iran is the root cause of the Iranian nuclear crisis," he said. Iran threatened on Sunday to abandon more commitments to an endangered 2015 nuclear deal unless a solution is found with the remaining parties after the US pulled out. The 2015 deal was reached between Iran and six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, the United States and Russia -- and saw Tehran agree to drastically scale down its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington began reimposing sanctions on Iran in August 2018 and has targeted crucial sectors including oil exports and the banking system, fuelling a deep recession. Watch: Iran Shifts From Patience to Confrontation × Tehran's move to start enriching uranium above the maximum purification level has already drawn opposition from countries backing the nuclear deal, with Germany urging it to "stop and reverse all activities inconsistent with its commitments." Geng said China has expressed "regret" for Tehran's decision to reduce its fulfilment of the Iran nuclear deal.

'Bullying' by United States is cause behind escalating Iran nuclear crisis: China

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent? To know more watch the video

No end to Iran-U.S. Tensions; Is a conflict imminent?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-prices-subdued-on-firmer-dollar-fed-meeting-in-focus-227905">Gold prices</a> rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks.

Spot gold was up 0.5% at $1,406.79 per ounce, as of 0721 GMT. US &nbsp;gold futures climbed 0.6% to $1,408.90 an ounce.

Also helping gold, the dollar eased from multi-week highs and global stock markets were in red, helping the metal reverse course following a more than 1% fall on Friday after strong US jobs data lowered the likelihood of an aggressive rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

"Despite the strong (US jobs) numbers, the market is expecting a rate cut, just not as aggressive it would have been. We are still in a rate easing cycle right now," said Howie Lee, an economist at OCBC Bank.

"Additionally, $1,400 is a pretty strong support level for gold. Also, growth remains weak globally and we have geopolitical tension between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-tensions-and-why-india-needs-to-step-up-its-game-230035">US and Iran</a>. Overall factors are still supportive of higher gold prices," he added.

US non-farm payrolls rebounded in June to 224,000, the most in five months, data showed on Friday, beating economists' consensus estimate of 160,000.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to provide further cues on the near-term outlook for monetary policy this week at his semi-annual testimony to the US Congress on the economy.

However, persistent moderate wage gains and mounting evidence the economy was losing momentum could still encourage the Fed to cut interest rates this month.

A rate cut by the Fed could also prompt China's central bank to cut its benchmark policy rate for the first time in four years to support the slowing economy, analysts say.

Lower interest rates would support gold because they reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

Also on investors' radar is US-Iran tensions, with Tehran saying on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.18% to 796.97 tonnes on Friday from 798.44 tonnes on Wednesday.

On the technical front, spot gold may retest a resistance at $1,439 per ounce and as long as the metal stays above the support at $1,387, it may resume its uptrend towards $1,497, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao.

Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.6% to $15.06 per ounce, while palladium dipped 0.3% to $1,562.41.

Platinum rose 0.7% to $809.26, edging away from a more than one-week low touched in the previous session.

Gold prices rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks.

Gold prices rose on Monday, shaking off early losses to consolidate above the $1,400 pivot, as focus shifted to global growth concerns and interest rate cuts by major central banks. Spot gold was up 0.5% at $1,406.79 per ounce, as of 0721 GMT. US gold futures climbed 0.6% to $1,408.90 an ounce. Also helping gold, the dollar eased from multi-week highs and global stock markets were in red, helping the metal reverse course following a more than 1% fall on Friday after strong US jobs data lowered the likelihood of an aggressive rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. "Despite the strong (US jobs) numbers, the market is expecting a rate cut, just not as aggressive it would have been. We are still in a rate easing cycle right now," said Howie Lee, an economist at OCBC Bank. "Additionally, $1,400 is a pretty strong support level for gold. Also, growth remains weak globally and we have geopolitical tension between the US and Iran. Overall factors are still supportive of higher gold prices," he added. US non-farm payrolls rebounded in June to 224,000, the most in five months, data showed on Friday, beating economists' consensus estimate of 160,000. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is expected to provide further cues on the near-term outlook for monetary policy this week at his semi-annual testimony to the US Congress on the economy. However, persistent moderate wage gains and mounting evidence the economy was losing momentum could still encourage the Fed to cut interest rates this month. A rate cut by the Fed could also prompt China's central bank to cut its benchmark policy rate for the first time in four years to support the slowing economy, analysts say. Lower interest rates would support gold because they reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Also on investors' radar is US-Iran tensions, with Tehran saying on Sunday it will shortly boost its uranium enrichment above a cap set by a landmark 2015 nuclear deal, prompting a warning 'to be careful' from US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, fell 0.18% to 796.97 tonnes on Friday from 798.44 tonnes on Wednesday. On the technical front, spot gold may retest a resistance at $1,439 per ounce and as long as the metal stays above the support at $1,387, it may resume its uptrend towards $1,497, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. Among other precious metals, silver gained 0.6% to $15.06 per ounce, while palladium dipped 0.3% to $1,562.41. Platinum rose 0.7% to $809.26, edging away from a more than one-week low touched in the previous session.

Gold rises as focus returns to growth concerns, Fed rate cut

Japan concerned over Iran Nuclear Move

Iran to raise Uranium enrichment level from 3.67% to 5%. Iran set to announce further reductions of N deal. Iran President talks to french counterpart on phone. Watch this video to know more.

Iran to increase Uranium enrichment to 5%

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-support-for-brazil-president-bolsonaro-eroding-poll-231076">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a>, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour.

"I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook.

"Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as 'forced labour' or 'child labour,'" he said on Thursday. "But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything."

"Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age," he added.

He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, "I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time.&nbsp;

"And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth."

On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn.

Bolsonaro added the words, "Work ennobles."

Not allowed

His comments provoked strongly critical reactions.

"He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence," said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician.

Meanwhile, Brazil's media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro's brother contradicted the head of state.

"My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study," Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine.&nbsp;

Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil.

"The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society think differently," Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labour for Brazil's labour ministry, told news website UOL.

On Friday, Bolsonaro's minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy.

"Our generation worked from a very young age," she said. "I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labour).

"Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed."&nbsp;

Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son "die in an accident" than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning.&nbsp;

And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not "worth raping; she is very ugly." A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500.&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. "Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as 'forced labour' or 'child labour,'" he said on Thursday. "But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything." "Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age," he added. He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, "I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time. "And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth." On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn. Bolsonaro added the words, "Work ennobles." Not allowed His comments provoked strongly critical reactions. "He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence," said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician. Meanwhile, Brazil's media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro's brother contradicted the head of state. "My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study," Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine. Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil. "The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society think differently," Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labour for Brazil's labour ministry, told news website UOL. On Friday, Bolsonaro's minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy. "Our generation worked from a very young age," she said. "I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labour). "Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed." Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son "die in an accident" than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning. And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not "worth raping; she is very ugly." A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500.

Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry

Iran announces new breach of nuclear deal

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promises-to-reduce-us-drug-prices-to-worlds-lowest-233452">President Donald Trump</a> and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.

Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper.

"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch.

The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent".

A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First".

He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true".

Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC&nbsp;began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency.

The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017.

In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic".

He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up".

"It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.

Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos.

"The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

"Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid".&nbsp;

"Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday. Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch. The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent". A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First". He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true". Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency. The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017. In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic". He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up". "It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election. Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos. "The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said. "Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid". "Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

UK's top envoy in US says Trump executive 'inept': Report

US and Chinese officials are working to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-agree-to-restart-trade-talks-at-xi-trump-meeting-report-231374">schedule a top-level trade talk</a> by telephone next week but a face-to-face encounter has not been scheduled yet, US officials said Friday.

Efforts to pencil in a new round of negotiations come a week after President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in Japan and agreed to restart their stalled negotiations.

But Beijing this week showed no sign of softening its position, with the Commerce Ministry announcing Thursday that any resolution would require Washington to lift the steep tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports last year.

"I know they're working on coming up with a date for so-called face-to-face meetings. That will happen," top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow told Fox Business Network on Friday.

"I don't know if that's this coming week. I think the phone calls are this week. The face-to-face may not be for another week, but I don't want to get ahead of that curve," he said.

An official with the US Trade Representative's office confirmed to AFP that efforts are underway to schedule a call between top negotiators for next week.

Meanwhile, The South China Morning Post also reported Friday that talks were due to resume in Beijing next week.

US stocks appeared to react positively to word talks will resume, erasing some of the losses from earlier in the day when a strong jobs report called into doubt a hoped-for cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Trade talks with Beijing have been stalled since May, when Trump accused Chinese negotiators of reneging on core commitments made over prior months of negotiating.

But at their meeting last week on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Japan, Trump agreed to soften the hardline stance on Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, a company US officials claim poses a national security threat.

The decision triggered a backlash among lawmakers on Capitol Hill but White House officials said the changes should not create any additional risk to US national security.

The White House also said this week it had no intention of easing a ban on Huawei's participation in the development of 5G wireless networks in the United States.

Beijing and Washington have hit each other with tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year, rattling markets and weighing on the manufacturing sector while fueling concerns about a weakening global economy.

US and Chinese officials are working to schedule a top-level trade talk by telephone next week but a face-to-face encounter has not been scheduled yet, US officials said Friday.

US and Chinese officials are working to schedule a top-level trade talk by telephone next week but a face-to-face encounter has not been scheduled yet, US officials said Friday. Efforts to pencil in a new round of negotiations come a week after President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met in Japan and agreed to restart their stalled negotiations. But Beijing this week showed no sign of softening its position, with the Commerce Ministry announcing Thursday that any resolution would require Washington to lift the steep tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports last year. "I know they're working on coming up with a date for so-called face-to-face meetings. That will happen," top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow told Fox Business Network on Friday. "I don't know if that's this coming week. I think the phone calls are this week. The face-to-face may not be for another week, but I don't want to get ahead of that curve," he said. An official with the US Trade Representative's office confirmed to AFP that efforts are underway to schedule a call between top negotiators for next week. Meanwhile, The South China Morning Post also reported Friday that talks were due to resume in Beijing next week. US stocks appeared to react positively to word talks will resume, erasing some of the losses from earlier in the day when a strong jobs report called into doubt a hoped-for cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve. Trade talks with Beijing have been stalled since May, when Trump accused Chinese negotiators of reneging on core commitments made over prior months of negotiating. But at their meeting last week on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Japan, Trump agreed to soften the hardline stance on Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, a company US officials claim poses a national security threat. The decision triggered a backlash among lawmakers on Capitol Hill but White House officials said the changes should not create any additional risk to US national security. The White House also said this week it had no intention of easing a ban on Huawei's participation in the development of 5G wireless networks in the United States. Beijing and Washington have hit each other with tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year, rattling markets and weighing on the manufacturing sector while fueling concerns about a weakening global economy.

US-China trade officials aim to talk next week by telephone

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starting-fairly-soon-says-trump-on-immigration-raids-233453">Starting 'fairly soon', says Trump on immigration raids</a>

President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump seeks to override Supreme Court ruling on census</a>

President Donald Trump said Friday he was weighing an executive order to overcome a Supreme Court ruling blocking his administration from adding a question about citizenship to the 2020 US census, which opponents say is politically motivated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-go-up-in-delhi-petrol-up-by-rs-245-at-rs-7296-233462">Fuel prices go up in Delhi, petrol costlier by Rs 2.45 at Rs 72.96</a>

Petrol price in Delhi went up on Saturday by Rs 2.45, it will now cost Rs 72.96 per litre in the capital city. Diesel price has gone up by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre in Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-divorce-final-with-38-billion-settlement-report-233449">Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' divorce final with $38 billion settlement: Report</a>

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Bezos, was finalised by a Seattle-area judge on Friday, paving the way for her to receive $38.3 billion worth of Amazon stock, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-heat-wave-shatters-citys-record-disrupts-jobs-and-lives-233451">Alaska heat wave shatters city's record, disrupts jobs and lives</a>

Fourth of July fireworks were cancelled due to risk of wildfires caused by 'extreme dry weather conditions,' as temperatures matching those in Miami highlighted rapid warming in a region considered particularly vulnerable to climate change.&nbsp;

Starting 'fairly soon', says Trump on immigration raids President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

Starting 'fairly soon', says Trump on immigration raids President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come. US President Donald Trump seeks to override Supreme Court ruling on census President Donald Trump said Friday he was weighing an executive order to overcome a Supreme Court ruling blocking his administration from adding a question about citizenship to the 2020 US census, which opponents say is politically motivated. Fuel prices go up in Delhi, petrol costlier by Rs 2.45 at Rs 72.96 Petrol price in Delhi went up on Saturday by Rs 2.45, it will now cost Rs 72.96 per litre in the capital city. Diesel price has gone up by Rs 2.36, now at 66.69 per litre in Delhi. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' divorce final with $38 billion settlement: Report Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie Bezos, was finalised by a Seattle-area judge on Friday, paving the way for her to receive $38.3 billion worth of Amazon stock, Bloomberg reported. Alaska heat wave shatters city's record, disrupts jobs and lives Fourth of July fireworks were cancelled due to risk of wildfires caused by 'extreme dry weather conditions,' as temperatures matching those in Miami highlighted rapid warming in a region considered particularly vulnerable to climate change.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on July 9 to exchange views on the latest regional and international developments, news agency Reuters reported quoting Qatar's state news agency said on Saturday.

The White House said in June the visit would deal with economic and security ties as well as counterrorism issues.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in 2017, in one of the worst diplomatic disputes in the region in years.&nbsp;

They accused Doha of support for Islamist militants and Iran, charges it denies.

Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on July 9 to exchange views on the latest regional and international developments, news agency Reuters reported quoting Qatar's state news agency said on Saturday.

Qatar's ruling emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on July 9 to exchange views on the latest regional and international developments, news agency Reuters reported quoting Qatar's state news agency said on Saturday. The White House said in June the visit would deal with economic and security ties as well as counterrorism issues. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in 2017, in one of the worst diplomatic disputes in the region in years. They accused Doha of support for Islamist militants and Iran, charges it denies.

Qatar's emir to meet with Trump on July 9: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US&nbsp;migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

Trump, who has made a hardline immigration stance a key issue of his presidency and his 2020 re-election bid, postponed the operation last month after the planned date was leaked to the press, but on Monday he said the roundups would take place after the July 4 holiday.

"They'll be starting fairly soon, but I don't call them raids, we're removing people, all of these people who have come in over the years illegally," he told reporters at the White House on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-planned-immigration-sweep-delayed-for-two-weeks-229648">US&nbsp;Immigration</a> and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month said raids would target undocumented migrants who had recently arrived in the United States so as to discourage a surge of Central American families at the southwest border.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement.

ICE operations are expected to involve "collateral arrests" in which undocumented migrants not directly targeted by officers are picked up in raids.

Government documents published this week by migrant rights groups showed some past ICE raids had more collateral arrests than apprehensions of targeted migrants. Migrant rights groups say this general, looming threat to undocumented migrants is harmful to communities and the US&nbsp;economy, as it forces adults to miss work and children to skip school out of fear they may be picked up and separated.

"We have to be ready, not just when Trump announces it, because there are arrests every day and they have been increasing," said Elsa Lopez, an organizer for New Mexico immigrant and workers' rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido.

Migrant apprehensions on the southwest border hit a 13-year high in May but eased in June as Mexico increased immigration enforcement.

An increasing number of migrants are coming from countries outside Central America, including India, Cuba and Africa. The Del Rio, Texas, Border Patrol sector on Friday reported the arrest of over 1,000 Haitians since June 10.

Democratic lawmakers visited an El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol station on Monday and said migrants were being held in atrocious conditions, with women told to drink out of a toilet.

To "dispel" what he called "the misinformation," Chief Border Patrol Agent Roy Villareal put out a video showing fresh water available from a cooler and a faucet in a cell at a Tucson, Arizona, sector migrant processing centre.

"We're not forcing aliens to drink out of the toilet," said Villareal, head of an area that in May apprehended nearly six times fewer people than the El Paso sector, a stretch of border that has borne the brunt of the migrant surge.

President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come.

President Donald Trump said on Friday mass deportation roundups would begin "fairly soon" as US migrant advocates vowed their communities would be "ready" when immigration officers come. Trump, who has made a hardline immigration stance a key issue of his presidency and his 2020 re-election bid, postponed the operation last month after the planned date was leaked to the press, but on Monday he said the roundups would take place after the July 4 holiday. "They'll be starting fairly soon, but I don't call them raids, we're removing people, all of these people who have come in over the years illegally," he told reporters at the White House on Friday. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month said raids would target undocumented migrants who had recently arrived in the United States so as to discourage a surge of Central American families at the southwest border. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's statement. ICE operations are expected to involve "collateral arrests" in which undocumented migrants not directly targeted by officers are picked up in raids. Government documents published this week by migrant rights groups showed some past ICE raids had more collateral arrests than apprehensions of targeted migrants. Migrant rights groups say this general, looming threat to undocumented migrants is harmful to communities and the US economy, as it forces adults to miss work and children to skip school out of fear they may be picked up and separated. "We have to be ready, not just when Trump announces it, because there are arrests every day and they have been increasing," said Elsa Lopez, an organizer for New Mexico immigrant and workers' rights group Somos Un Pueblo Unido. Migrant apprehensions on the southwest border hit a 13-year high in May but eased in June as Mexico increased immigration enforcement. An increasing number of migrants are coming from countries outside Central America, including India, Cuba and Africa. The Del Rio, Texas, Border Patrol sector on Friday reported the arrest of over 1,000 Haitians since June 10. Democratic lawmakers visited an El Paso, Texas, Border Patrol station on Monday and said migrants were being held in atrocious conditions, with women told to drink out of a toilet. To "dispel" what he called "the misinformation," Chief Border Patrol Agent Roy Villareal put out a video showing fresh water available from a cooler and a faucet in a cell at a Tucson, Arizona, sector migrant processing centre. "We're not forcing aliens to drink out of the toilet," said Villareal, head of an area that in May apprehended nearly six times fewer people than the El Paso sector, a stretch of border that has borne the brunt of the migrant surge.

Starting 'fairly soon', says Trump on immigration raids

President Donald Trump said Friday he was weighing an executive order to overcome a Supreme Court ruling blocking his administration from adding a question about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-abandons-controversial-census-change-232627">citizenship to the 2020 US census</a>, which opponents say is politically motivated.

A week after the high court blocked the question and the administration announced it would accept the decision, the Justice Department also indicated Friday that it was seeking a new legal justification to add the citizenship question to the decennial national survey.

Trump appeared determined to find a way around the court's June 27 ruling, in which Chief Justice John Roberts said the administration had "contrived" a bogus reason to add the question, claiming it would help enforce minority rights.

Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the government however provided documents to the court showing that the proposal by Commerce Department Secretary Wilbur Ross originally arose from Republican efforts to dilute voter support for Democrats in immigrant-heavy districts.

Trump himself appeared to confirm that Friday, saying the question is important "for districting," the process of outlining congressional districts.

Asked if he would resort to an executive order to override the Supreme Court's narrow 5-4 decision, Trump replied: "We're thinking about doing that. We have four or five ways we can do it."

Printing of census forms underway

On Tuesday, Ross accepted the high court ruling and announced that the US Census Bureau would immediately begin printing census questionnaires without a question on whether respondent households had any non-citizens in them.

But on Wednesday Trump stunned his own Commerce and Justice Departments, announcing via Twitter that he would continue fighting to add the question.

"The News Reports about the Department of Commerce dropping its quest to put the Citizenship Question on the Census is incorrect or, to state it differently, FAKE!" he said.

Watch:&nbsp;US is 'stronger than it ever was before', says Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-us-is-stronger-than-it-ever-was-before-233358/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are absolutely moving forward, as we must, because of the importance of the answer to this question."

Hours later Justice Department lawyers told a lower court judge that they were blindsided by Trump's tweet.

On Friday, they indicated in a fresh court filing that they were looking for new legal rationales for adding the citizenship question that might be accepted by the Supreme Court.

They gave no date as to when that could happen.

But it was virtually certain that any new justification, or any Trump order on the issue, would be challenged immediately in lawsuits, forcing the case back to the high court.

That could risk delaying the crucial census, already on a tight timeline due to the delay from earlier litigation.

The Justice Department declined to answer questions on what rationale they could use to justify adding the question or whether an executive order -- which could spark a constitutional crisis -- is forthcoming.

Democrats said the rational remains clear -- to weaken their electoral districts.

"This is a partisan attempt to rig the census and electoral districts for years to come," said Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney.

President Donald Trump said Friday he was weighing an executive order to overcome a Supreme Court ruling blocking his administration from adding a question about citizenship to the 2020 US census, which opponents say is politically motivated.

President Donald Trump said Friday he was weighing an executive order to overcome a Supreme Court ruling blocking his administration from adding a question about citizenship to the 2020 US census, which opponents say is politically motivated. A week after the high court blocked the question and the administration announced it would accept the decision, the Justice Department also indicated Friday that it was seeking a new legal justification to add the citizenship question to the decennial national survey. Trump appeared determined to find a way around the court's June 27 ruling, in which Chief Justice John Roberts said the administration had "contrived" a bogus reason to add the question, claiming it would help enforce minority rights. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the government however provided documents to the court showing that the proposal by Commerce Department Secretary Wilbur Ross originally arose from Republican efforts to dilute voter support for Democrats in immigrant-heavy districts. Trump himself appeared to confirm that Friday, saying the question is important "for districting," the process of outlining congressional districts. Asked if he would resort to an executive order to override the Supreme Court's narrow 5-4 decision, Trump replied: "We're thinking about doing that. We have four or five ways we can do it." Printing of census forms underway On Tuesday, Ross accepted the high court ruling and announced that the US Census Bureau would immediately begin printing census questionnaires without a question on whether respondent households had any non-citizens in them. But on Wednesday Trump stunned his own Commerce and Justice Departments, announcing via Twitter that he would continue fighting to add the question. "The News Reports about the Department of Commerce dropping its quest to put the Citizenship Question on the Census is incorrect or, to state it differently, FAKE!" he said. Watch: US is 'stronger than it ever was before', says Trump "We are absolutely moving forward, as we must, because of the importance of the answer to this question." Hours later Justice Department lawyers told a lower court judge that they were blindsided by Trump's tweet. On Friday, they indicated in a fresh court filing that they were looking for new legal rationales for adding the citizenship question that might be accepted by the Supreme Court. They gave no date as to when that could happen. But it was virtually certain that any new justification, or any Trump order on the issue, would be challenged immediately in lawsuits, forcing the case back to the high court. That could risk delaying the crucial census, already on a tight timeline due to the delay from earlier litigation. The Justice Department declined to answer questions on what rationale they could use to justify adding the question or whether an executive order -- which could spark a constitutional crisis -- is forthcoming. Democrats said the rational remains clear -- to weaken their electoral districts. "This is a partisan attempt to rig the census and electoral districts for years to come," said Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney.

US President Donald Trump seeks to override Supreme Court ruling on census

By Benjamin Habib

Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ.

Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process.

A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”?

And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War?

Symbolism vs Substance

Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking.

These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed.

The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement.

Define ‘Denuclearisation’

We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests.

The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power.

We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim.

The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US.

With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal.

This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse.

As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US.

One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process.

The race to develop the North 
 
The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently.

The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space.

Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects.

Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ.

A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors.

Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style 
 
Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance.

Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North.

While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment.

This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi.

More Work to be Done 
 
Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward.

The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal.

Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained.

 
(Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-and-kim-are-talking-again-but-the-leaders-have-yet-to-find-real-common-ground-119737">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy. Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ. Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process. A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”? And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War? Symbolism vs Substance Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking. These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed. The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement. Define ‘Denuclearisation’ We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests. The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002. North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power. We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim. The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US. With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal. This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse. As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US. One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process. The race to develop the North The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently. The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space. Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects. Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ. A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors. Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance. Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North. While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment. This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi. More Work to be Done Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward. The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal. Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained. (Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have to find real common ground

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