<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-donald-trumps-gross-interference-in-hong-kong-232352">President Donald Trump's government</a> on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents.

The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling that the case for adding the citizenship question was not convincing.

Trump's initial reaction to the ruling had been to call for a delay in the imminent printing of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-blocks-trumps-census-citizenship-question-for-now-230965">2020 census</a> forms, holding up the census in order to allow time for a new appeal.

That bid has now been dropped, ending any chance of changing the format of the massive, once-every-decade survey.

"We're glad the #2020Census will begin printing without a citizenship question," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states challenging the administration on the issue.

Just this Monday, Trump had been defiant, telling reporters he wanted the census to find out who was a citizen "as opposed to an illegal."

"It is a big difference to me between being a citizen of the United States and being illegal," he said.

Opponents argued that the question which has not been included since 1950 would drive many immigrants to avoid answering out of fear of being caught up in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration.

This would render them invisible, skewing the population count and resulting in fewer government resources for the areas they live in while distorting the lines of congressional districts, which are based on numbers of residents.

This was the intention all along, said Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the contest to become the Democratic opponent to Trump in 2020 presidential elections.

"Make no mistake, the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the Census to deliberately cut out the voices of immigrants and communities of colour. It's wrong and goes against our core values as a nation," Biden tweeted.

The Census Bureau's experts said that 1.6 to 6.5 million immigrants, notably Hispanics, would avoid the census or lie to census takers if faced with the citizenship question. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's government on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents.

President Donald Trump's government on Tuesday gave up a controversial attempt to put a question about citizenship on next year's census, handing a victory to those who argued the new item would lead to discrimination against minority residents. The decision followed a Supreme Court ruling that the case for adding the citizenship question was not convincing. Trump's initial reaction to the ruling had been to call for a delay in the imminent printing of the 2020 census forms, holding up the census in order to allow time for a new appeal. That bid has now been dropped, ending any chance of changing the format of the massive, once-every-decade survey. "We're glad the #2020Census will begin printing without a citizenship question," said New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who led a group of states challenging the administration on the issue. Just this Monday, Trump had been defiant, telling reporters he wanted the census to find out who was a citizen "as opposed to an illegal." "It is a big difference to me between being a citizen of the United States and being illegal," he said. Opponents argued that the question which has not been included since 1950 would drive many immigrants to avoid answering out of fear of being caught up in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. This would render them invisible, skewing the population count and resulting in fewer government resources for the areas they live in while distorting the lines of congressional districts, which are based on numbers of residents. This was the intention all along, said Joe Biden, the frontrunner in the contest to become the Democratic opponent to Trump in 2020 presidential elections. "Make no mistake, the Trump Administration added a citizenship question to the Census to deliberately cut out the voices of immigrants and communities of colour. It's wrong and goes against our core values as a nation," Biden tweeted. The Census Bureau's experts said that 1.6 to 6.5 million immigrants, notably Hispanics, would avoid the census or lie to census takers if faced with the citizenship question.

Donald Trump abandons controversial census change

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4th-july-celebrations-battle-tanks-arrive-in-washington-trump-promises-incredible-flyovers-biggest-ever-fireworks-232578">Fourth of July celebrations</a> at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions.

Many government authorities and bodies are finding it difficult to calm the concerns raised after Trump's tweet.

"Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon &amp; our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this &amp; showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers &amp; biggest ever Fireworks!" the US President said on Twitter.

But the District of Columbia's City Council says "Tanks, but no tanks" and complains that Trump is politicising what traditionally has been a non-partisan celebration.

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We have said it before, and we’ll say it again: Tanks, but no tanks. (PS: The <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> agrees, see highlighted area below) <a href="https://t.co/ock2EORKNz">pic.twitter.com/ock2EORKNz</a>
— Council of DC (@councilofdc) <a href="https://twitter.com/councilofdc/status/1145674887845036032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The District of Columbia government previously had complained about damage that tanks would do to city streets and reissued its complaint on Monday after The Washington Post reported on Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city.

The Post, in its report said the Pentagon is still grappling with how to move 60-ton tanks to the National Mall, the area where Lincoln Memorial is situated. THe leading US daily quoted Pentagon spokesman Major Christian Mitchell as saying that the movement of the tanks will be carried out in a way to protect the streets in the district, but the exact location to place them is still under consideration.

Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in Washington after he watched a military parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017. That plan eventually was scuttled, partly because of cost, though Trump apparently held on to the idea. Local officials objected at that time, too.

Thursday's events are also expected to include military flyovers by the US Navy's Blue Angels, F-22 fighter jets and possibly other military aircraft.

The annual fireworks display will be held near the Lincoln Memorial instead of its usual location by the Washington Monument.

A ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family, friends and members of the military, the White House said.

The Republican National Committee is distributing a "small number" of tickets to the event, which it says is standard practice and follows what the Democratic National Committee did under Democratic presidents.

Members of Congress, local officials and others have voiced concerns that Trump could alter the tone of what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of America's independence from the British by delivering a political speech.

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's Fourth of July celebrations at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions.

US President Donald Trump's promise of hosting military tanks, along with an incredible flyovers and the "biggest ever Fireworks," for this year's Fourth of July celebrations at the National Mall in Washington has evoked strong reactions. Many government authorities and bodies are finding it difficult to calm the concerns raised after Trump's tweet. "Big 4th of July in D.C. “Salute to America.” The Pentagon & our great Military Leaders are thrilled to be doing this & showing to the American people, among other things, the strongest and most advanced Military anywhere in the World. Incredible Flyovers & biggest ever Fireworks!" the US President said on Twitter. But the District of Columbia's City Council says "Tanks, but no tanks" and complains that Trump is politicising what traditionally has been a non-partisan celebration. We have said it before, and we’ll say it again: Tanks, but no tanks. (PS: The @DeptofDefense agrees, see highlighted area below) pic.twitter.com/ock2EORKNz — Council of DC (@councilofdc) July 1, 2019 × The District of Columbia government previously had complained about damage that tanks would do to city streets and reissued its complaint on Monday after The Washington Post reported on Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city. The Post, in its report said the Pentagon is still grappling with how to move 60-ton tanks to the National Mall, the area where Lincoln Memorial is situated. THe leading US daily quoted Pentagon spokesman Major Christian Mitchell as saying that the movement of the tanks will be carried out in a way to protect the streets in the district, but the exact location to place them is still under consideration. Trump had wanted a military parade of tanks and other equipment in Washington after he watched a military parade on Bastille Day in Paris in 2017. That plan eventually was scuttled, partly because of cost, though Trump apparently held on to the idea. Local officials objected at that time, too. Thursday's events are also expected to include military flyovers by the US Navy's Blue Angels, F-22 fighter jets and possibly other military aircraft. The annual fireworks display will be held near the Lincoln Memorial instead of its usual location by the Washington Monument. A ticket-only area in front of the memorial is being set aside for VIPs, including members of Trump's family, friends and members of the military, the White House said. The Republican National Committee is distributing a "small number" of tickets to the event, which it says is standard practice and follows what the Democratic National Committee did under Democratic presidents. Members of Congress, local officials and others have voiced concerns that Trump could alter the tone of what traditionally is a nonpartisan celebration of America's independence from the British by delivering a political speech.

'Tanks, but no tanks': Angry DC City Council on Trump's July 4 celebration plan

Top aides in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">President Donald Trump's</a> White House, including his daughter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-daughter-ivanka-and-pompeo-beautiful-couple-beauty-and-the-beast-231774">Ivanka Trump </a>and son-in-law, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-plan-necessary-pre-condition-for-middle-east-peace-kushner-230435">Jared Kushner</a>, will come under increased scrutiny for their use of personal emails and other unofficial messaging to conduct government affairs, a congressional oversight chairman said on Monday.

US Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said the panel would begin its own review of emails and other communications by the White House that he said violated federal records law.

"The purpose of this investigation is to determine why White House officials used non-official email accounts, texting services and encrypted applications for official business," Cummings wrote to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone.

Lawmakers will look at why records sent or received by non-official accounts were not forwarded to official accounts within 20 days as legally required, as well as whether there was a topic White House officials wanted to conceal, he said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump pilloried his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 presidential campaign for her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. He continues to refer to her emails in speeches and on Twitter.

The Republican leaders of the oversight panel had also sought information on the use of non-official messaging by White House staff in 2017 and 2018. Democrats took over the panel after winning the House of Representatives in 2018 elections.

Cummings said the White House had not produced any documents in response to those requests or his own previous requests, saying it was conducting an internal investigation.

In March, Cummings wrote to the White House counsel with "more troubling information" about apparent violations by Kushner, Ivanka Trump and former advisers Steve Bannon and K.T. McFarland.

Cummings said Kushner's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, had told lawmakers that Kushner used WhatsApp for official duties and that his wife, Ivanka, continued to use a personal email account for her White House business.

Lowell, in a reply to Cummings, denied telling lawmakers that Kushner had communicated through any app with foreign "leaders" or "officials" but said Kushner had used such apps for communicating with "some people," who were not specified.

CNN reported last year that Kushner communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via the Facebook Inc-owned WhatsApp messaging application. 
&nbsp;

Top aides in President Donald Trump's White House, including his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will come under increased scrutiny for their use of personal emails and other unofficial messaging to conduct government affairs, a congressional oversight chairman said on Monday.

Top aides in President Donald Trump's White House, including his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will come under increased scrutiny for their use of personal emails and other unofficial messaging to conduct government affairs, a congressional oversight chairman said on Monday. US Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said the panel would begin its own review of emails and other communications by the White House that he said violated federal records law. "The purpose of this investigation is to determine why White House officials used non-official email accounts, texting services and encrypted applications for official business," Cummings wrote to White House Counsel Pat Cipollone. Lawmakers will look at why records sent or received by non-official accounts were not forwarded to official accounts within 20 days as legally required, as well as whether there was a topic White House officials wanted to conceal, he said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump pilloried his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, in the 2016 presidential campaign for her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state. He continues to refer to her emails in speeches and on Twitter. The Republican leaders of the oversight panel had also sought information on the use of non-official messaging by White House staff in 2017 and 2018. Democrats took over the panel after winning the House of Representatives in 2018 elections. Cummings said the White House had not produced any documents in response to those requests or his own previous requests, saying it was conducting an internal investigation. In March, Cummings wrote to the White House counsel with "more troubling information" about apparent violations by Kushner, Ivanka Trump and former advisers Steve Bannon and K.T. McFarland. Cummings said Kushner's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, had told lawmakers that Kushner used WhatsApp for official duties and that his wife, Ivanka, continued to use a personal email account for her White House business. Lowell, in a reply to Cummings, denied telling lawmakers that Kushner had communicated through any app with foreign "leaders" or "officials" but said Kushner had used such apps for communicating with "some people," who were not specified. CNN reported last year that Kushner communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via the Facebook Inc-owned WhatsApp messaging application.

United States Congress expands probe of White House personal email use

Federal investigators retrieved on Monday the cockpit voice recorder from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twin-engine-passenger-plane-crashes-in-texas-10-dead-officials-231860">wreckage of a downed turboprop plane at a Texas</a> airport as they looked into why it crashed soon after takeoff, killing 10 people, including a family of four.

Local media reported that Alice and Dylan Maritato, their mother Ornella Ellard and stepfather Brian Ellard, all died in the crash on Sunday at the municipal airport in Addison, Texas, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Dallas.

Four other passengers and two crew members have not been publicly identified while next of kin are being notified, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Federal investigators, who have been at the scene since late Sunday, retrieved the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and were downloading its contents in Washington. The device records conversations between crew members and air traffic controllers, NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said at an afternoon news briefing.

"We don't know exactly what is on the recorder," Landsberg said. "There may be some background noise that was picked up by the CVR, which will give us a better idea what's going on with the aeroplane itself."

Air traffic control radar and communications with the plane seem to have been normal, he said.

"The pilots were cleared for takeoff, they acknowledged takeoff and at this point, we are not aware of any further communication," said Landsberg, adding that investigators were also looking at the plane's maintenance and crew records.

Shortly after the Beechcraft 350i Super King Air took off from Addison Airport on Sunday afternoon on its way to St. Petersburg, Florida, it began to roll before slamming into a hangar and bursting into flames, Landsberg said.

The tail number of the plane, owned by EE Operations LLC, was in the process of being changed, Landsberg said.

Investigators have been able to determine that the plane's landing gear was down when it crashed, but it is unlikely they will be able to analyze other systems due to the extensive destruction and fire, Jennifer Rodi, an NTSB safety investigator said.

The crash ripped a large gash in the roof of the hangar, and damaged a helicopter as well as another plane inside, the NTSB said.

The NTSB said it may release a preliminary report on the crash within two weeks.

Federal investigators retrieved on Monday the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of a downed turboprop plane at a Texas airport as they looked into why it crashed soon after takeoff, killing 10 people, including a family of four.

Federal investigators retrieved on Monday the cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage of a downed turboprop plane at a Texas airport as they looked into why it crashed soon after takeoff, killing 10 people, including a family of four. Local media reported that Alice and Dylan Maritato, their mother Ornella Ellard and stepfather Brian Ellard, all died in the crash on Sunday at the municipal airport in Addison, Texas, about 15 miles (24 km) north of Dallas. Four other passengers and two crew members have not been publicly identified while next of kin are being notified, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Federal investigators, who have been at the scene since late Sunday, retrieved the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and were downloading its contents in Washington. The device records conversations between crew members and air traffic controllers, NTSB Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg said at an afternoon news briefing. "We don't know exactly what is on the recorder," Landsberg said. "There may be some background noise that was picked up by the CVR, which will give us a better idea what's going on with the aeroplane itself." Air traffic control radar and communications with the plane seem to have been normal, he said. "The pilots were cleared for takeoff, they acknowledged takeoff and at this point, we are not aware of any further communication," said Landsberg, adding that investigators were also looking at the plane's maintenance and crew records. Shortly after the Beechcraft 350i Super King Air took off from Addison Airport on Sunday afternoon on its way to St. Petersburg, Florida, it began to roll before slamming into a hangar and bursting into flames, Landsberg said. The tail number of the plane, owned by EE Operations LLC, was in the process of being changed, Landsberg said. Investigators have been able to determine that the plane's landing gear was down when it crashed, but it is unlikely they will be able to analyze other systems due to the extensive destruction and fire, Jennifer Rodi, an NTSB safety investigator said. The crash ripped a large gash in the roof of the hangar, and damaged a helicopter as well as another plane inside, the NTSB said. The NTSB said it may release a preliminary report on the crash within two weeks.

United States investigators retrieve cockpit voice recorder of Texas plane crash

A former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-university-president-resigns-as-abuse-scandal-widens-139852">University of Southern California gynaecologist</a> accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care.

George Tyndall, 72, was also ordered to remain in custody in lieu of nearly $2.1 million bonds, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa Sullivan said she would review a defence request to slash his bail at another hearing set for Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Andrew Flier, citing his client's age and "serious health concerns," including diabetes and a heart condition, denied in court that Tyndall was a flight risk or threat to the public. His medical license has been suspended.

Tyndall was charged last week with 29 felony counts of sexual penetration and sexual battery by fraud in a scandal that has already resulted in a $215 million civil settlement in federal court.

The 16 patients he is criminally charged with assaulting were students who ranged in age from 17 to 29 and were allegedly violated by Tyndall at the downtown Los Angeles university's campus health centre between 2009 and 2016.

Flier entered a not guilty plea on Tyndall's behalf during a 20-minute court hearing. If convicted on all charges, Tyndall faces a prison term of up to 53 years.

Allegations against Tyndall and USC's handling of the matter - he was not reported to the state medical board for eight months generated a furore on campus that led the university's then-president, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign last year.

Not Suicidal

The grey-haired doctor entered the courtroom with his hands shackled to his waist and stood silently behind a glass partition during the proceedings, wearing a padded blue garment commonly called a "suicide suit."

Flier told reporters afterwards that his client was "not suicidal whatsoever" but was required by jail officials to wear the outfit "for his own protection."

Upon his arrest last Wednesday, Tyndall complained of chest pains and was briefly hospitalized, police said. The flier said his client was returned to custody on Friday after examinations and a battery of tests medically cleared him.

The .38-caliber handgun Tyndall was carrying when arrested was meant for self-defence, his attorney said, adding that Tyndall "has had a lot of threats."

Authorities say more than 350 women reported being subjected to molestation, lewd comments and another sexually inappropriate behaviour by Tyndall during medical exams by him at USC, long one of America's most prestigious private universities.

Many accusers said they recalled sensing something unprofessional or "creepy" about Tyndall at the time, only to fully comprehend in retrospect - after reading media accounts of other complaints - that they had been victimized.

Tyndall insists he is innocent and that he conducted his exams "by the book," always with a "chaperone" in the room and always wearing gloves, Flier told reporters.

"As soon as someone makes an inappropriate comment, that does not connote" criminal behaviour, the attorney said. "The character assassination is overwhelming in this case."

The flier said he was seeking to lower Tyndall's bail to $500,000, a bond sum he said the doctor could afford.

A federal court earlier this month granted preliminary approval to a $215 million settlement in a class-action civil suit filed on behalf of Tyndall's former patients. Tyndall's lawyers said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs.

The USC case follows a similar scandal that roiled USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor who also was on that university's staff, was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two trials last year after more than 350 women testified about abuse at his hands.

A former University of Southern California gynaecologist accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care.

A former University of Southern California gynaecologist accused by hundreds of patients of molestation and other misconduct over the past three decades pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of sexually assaulting 16 students who were under his care. George Tyndall, 72, was also ordered to remain in custody in lieu of nearly $2.1 million bonds, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Theresa Sullivan said she would review a defence request to slash his bail at another hearing set for Wednesday. Defence lawyer Andrew Flier, citing his client's age and "serious health concerns," including diabetes and a heart condition, denied in court that Tyndall was a flight risk or threat to the public. His medical license has been suspended. Tyndall was charged last week with 29 felony counts of sexual penetration and sexual battery by fraud in a scandal that has already resulted in a $215 million civil settlement in federal court. The 16 patients he is criminally charged with assaulting were students who ranged in age from 17 to 29 and were allegedly violated by Tyndall at the downtown Los Angeles university's campus health centre between 2009 and 2016. Flier entered a not guilty plea on Tyndall's behalf during a 20-minute court hearing. If convicted on all charges, Tyndall faces a prison term of up to 53 years. Allegations against Tyndall and USC's handling of the matter - he was not reported to the state medical board for eight months generated a furore on campus that led the university's then-president, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign last year. Not Suicidal The grey-haired doctor entered the courtroom with his hands shackled to his waist and stood silently behind a glass partition during the proceedings, wearing a padded blue garment commonly called a "suicide suit." Flier told reporters afterwards that his client was "not suicidal whatsoever" but was required by jail officials to wear the outfit "for his own protection." Upon his arrest last Wednesday, Tyndall complained of chest pains and was briefly hospitalized, police said. The flier said his client was returned to custody on Friday after examinations and a battery of tests medically cleared him. The .38-caliber handgun Tyndall was carrying when arrested was meant for self-defence, his attorney said, adding that Tyndall "has had a lot of threats." Authorities say more than 350 women reported being subjected to molestation, lewd comments and another sexually inappropriate behaviour by Tyndall during medical exams by him at USC, long one of America's most prestigious private universities. Many accusers said they recalled sensing something unprofessional or "creepy" about Tyndall at the time, only to fully comprehend in retrospect - after reading media accounts of other complaints - that they had been victimized. Tyndall insists he is innocent and that he conducted his exams "by the book," always with a "chaperone" in the room and always wearing gloves, Flier told reporters. "As soon as someone makes an inappropriate comment, that does not connote" criminal behaviour, the attorney said. "The character assassination is overwhelming in this case." The flier said he was seeking to lower Tyndall's bail to $500,000, a bond sum he said the doctor could afford. A federal court earlier this month granted preliminary approval to a $215 million settlement in a class-action civil suit filed on behalf of Tyndall's former patients. Tyndall's lawyers said he agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation costs. The USC case follows a similar scandal that roiled USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor who also was on that university's staff, was sentenced to up to 300 years in prison in two trials last year after more than 350 women testified about abuse at his hands.

Former University of Southern California gynecologist pleads not guilty to sexual assault

President Trump Makes History, Becomes The First U.S. President To Enter North Korea

Gravitas: Trump: Statesman or Stuntman?

The United States President Donald Trump on Monday said he will leave a strong intelligence presence in Afghanistan even after US troops depart from the country. He also termed the country "Harvard of terrorists" while he was speaking in a video interview.

"We will be leaving very strong intelligence, far more than you would normally think," Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

"It just seems to be a lab for terrorists... I call it the Harvard of terrorists," he said.

"I've wanted to pull them out," Trump said of US troops who have been fighting in the country since 2001.

But he said he hesitates due what he described as advice from the military that it is preferable to fight terrorists there than at home -- echoing an argument advanced by George W&nbsp;Bush's administration.

Trump's comments come with rival Afghans set to start meeting in Qatar on Sunday in a fresh attempt to make political headway as the United States seeks a peace deal with the Taliban within three months.

After Syria, Donald Trump in December last year announced to withdraw troops from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Following Trump's announcement, Pentagon had also announced the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-significant-number-of-troops-from-afghanistan-official-185569"> withdrawal of around 7,000 troops from Afghanistan</a> which amounts to the removal of half of the total US forces deployed in the country at present. So far no timeline has been fixed&nbsp;

About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations.

Watch: Why is Afghanistan a fertile ground for ISIS?

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At least 3,804 civilians were killed in the war last year, according to the United Nations. Thousands of Afghan soldiers, police and Taliban were also killed.

(With inputs from news agencies)

The United States President Donald Trump on Monday said he will leave a strong intelligence presence in Afghanistan even after US troops depart from the country.

The United States President Donald Trump on Monday said he will leave a strong intelligence presence in Afghanistan even after US troops depart from the country. He also termed the country "Harvard of terrorists" while he was speaking in a video interview. "We will be leaving very strong intelligence, far more than you would normally think," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. "It just seems to be a lab for terrorists... I call it the Harvard of terrorists," he said. "I've wanted to pull them out," Trump said of US troops who have been fighting in the country since 2001. But he said he hesitates due what he described as advice from the military that it is preferable to fight terrorists there than at home -- echoing an argument advanced by George W Bush's administration. Trump's comments come with rival Afghans set to start meeting in Qatar on Sunday in a fresh attempt to make political headway as the United States seeks a peace deal with the Taliban within three months. After Syria, Donald Trump in December last year announced to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Following Trump's announcement, Pentagon had also announced the withdrawal of around 7,000 troops from Afghanistan which amounts to the removal of half of the total US forces deployed in the country at present. So far no timeline has been fixed About 20,000 foreign troops, most of them American, are in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces carry out counter-terrorism operations. Watch: Why is Afghanistan a fertile ground for ISIS? × At least 3,804 civilians were killed in the war last year, according to the United Nations. Thousands of Afghan soldiers, police and Taliban were also killed. (With inputs from news agencies)

US will keep strong intel presence in Afghanistan even after troops withdrawal: Trump

China on Tuesday rebuked<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-vietnam-worse-than-china-on-trade-230655"> Donald Trump</a> for "gross interference" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-retake-parliament-from-anti-government-protesters-232153">Hong Kong's affairs</a> after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub.

Trump weighed in on the protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-uk-to-stop-interfering-in-hong-kong-affairs-230624">Hong Kong</a> on Monday, saying the demonstrators are "looking for democracy" but that "some governments don't want democracy".

"We deplore and strongly oppose the relevant country's gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

China, he added, warns "the relevant country to speak and act cautiously and stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form".

He also said the United States should "not in any form support those engaged in violence and breaking the law".

The semi-autonomous financial hub has been thrown into crisis by weeks of demonstrations over a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, with the issue becoming a lightning rod for resentment towards Beijing.

On Monday, the 22nd anniversary of the city's handover to China -- anger spilt over as groups of mostly young, hardline protesters, breached the legislative council.

Blatant challenge

Beijing called for a criminal probe into what it dubbed a "blatant challenge" to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that has allowed Hong Kong to have its own laws, granting it special rights including freedom of speech.

The US had said that Trump would discuss Hong Kong when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Japan on Saturday, during which the two leaders agreed to a trade-war ceasefire.

Asked whether the two leaders discussed Hong Kong, Geng referred to previous statements about the meeting which did not mention the topic.

"China's position on Hong Kong is consistent and clear and firm and I believe the US knows this very well," he said.

Geng also lashed out at "gross interference" from British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who wrote on Twitter that London's support for "Hong Kong and its freedoms is Unwavering" on the anniversary of the handover.

"We are unswerving in our determination to oppose foreign interference. We demand the UK reflect upon the consequences of its mistaken words and deeds and stop interfering in Hong Kong's and China's internal affairs in any form," he said.

China on Tuesday rebuked Donald Trump for "gross interference" in Hong Kong's affairs after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub.

China on Tuesday rebuked Donald Trump for "gross interference" in Hong Kong's affairs after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub. Trump weighed in on the protests in Hong Kong on Monday, saying the demonstrators are "looking for democracy" but that "some governments don't want democracy". "We deplore and strongly oppose the relevant country's gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. China, he added, warns "the relevant country to speak and act cautiously and stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form". He also said the United States should "not in any form support those engaged in violence and breaking the law". The semi-autonomous financial hub has been thrown into crisis by weeks of demonstrations over a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, with the issue becoming a lightning rod for resentment towards Beijing. On Monday, the 22nd anniversary of the city's handover to China -- anger spilt over as groups of mostly young, hardline protesters, breached the legislative council. Blatant challenge Beijing called for a criminal probe into what it dubbed a "blatant challenge" to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that has allowed Hong Kong to have its own laws, granting it special rights including freedom of speech. The US had said that Trump would discuss Hong Kong when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Japan on Saturday, during which the two leaders agreed to a trade-war ceasefire. Asked whether the two leaders discussed Hong Kong, Geng referred to previous statements about the meeting which did not mention the topic. "China's position on Hong Kong is consistent and clear and firm and I believe the US knows this very well," he said. Geng also lashed out at "gross interference" from British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who wrote on Twitter that London's support for "Hong Kong and its freedoms is Unwavering" on the anniversary of the handover. "We are unswerving in our determination to oppose foreign interference. We demand the UK reflect upon the consequences of its mistaken words and deeds and stop interfering in Hong Kong's and China's internal affairs in any form," he said.

China slams Donald Trump's 'gross interference' in Hong Kong

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-elections-set-to-offer-relief-for-harried-mexican-president-223673">Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador </a>on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-national-guard-deployment-to-southern-border-starts-on-wednesday-226694">formally inaugurated the National Guard</a>, a militarized police force aimed at cracking down on the country's growing crime rate and securing its borders.

Lopez Obrador said that the initial 70,000 members would be deployed to 150 regions across Mexico, and eventually, 150,000 personnel will cover most of the country.

The leftist president, who took office in December 2018, had long criticized the use of soldiers in the crackdown on violent cartels.

The National Guard, however, is made up mainly of former soldiers and has a military leadership. Critics say its personnel is not properly trained to handle civilian tasks.

Although the force was formally inaugurated on Sunday, National Guard members have been deployed since May to hot spots across the country.

In late June, under US pressure, more than 21,000 National Guard personnel were sent to Mexico's northern and southern borders to halt Central American migrants seeking to illegally enter the United States.

Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval said that National Guard members have been trained in police procedures, will respect human rights, and will use force in a "reasoned and proportional" manner.

Maintaining peace and security is Lopez Obrador's biggest challenge: there was a record of 33,341 homicides in Mexico in 2018, the highest number of deaths since the government began tracking murders in 1997.

More than 250,000 people have been murdered since 2006, the year Mexico's military was deployed to combat the cartels. More than 40,000 people have vanished during that same period.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday formally inaugurated the National Guard, a militarized police force aimed at cracking down on the country's growing crime rate and securing its borders.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday formally inaugurated the National Guard, a militarized police force aimed at cracking down on the country's growing crime rate and securing its borders. Lopez Obrador said that the initial 70,000 members would be deployed to 150 regions across Mexico, and eventually, 150,000 personnel will cover most of the country. The leftist president, who took office in December 2018, had long criticized the use of soldiers in the crackdown on violent cartels. The National Guard, however, is made up mainly of former soldiers and has a military leadership. Critics say its personnel is not properly trained to handle civilian tasks. Although the force was formally inaugurated on Sunday, National Guard members have been deployed since May to hot spots across the country. In late June, under US pressure, more than 21,000 National Guard personnel were sent to Mexico's northern and southern borders to halt Central American migrants seeking to illegally enter the United States. Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval said that National Guard members have been trained in police procedures, will respect human rights, and will use force in a "reasoned and proportional" manner. Maintaining peace and security is Lopez Obrador's biggest challenge: there was a record of 33,341 homicides in Mexico in 2018, the highest number of deaths since the government began tracking murders in 1997. More than 250,000 people have been murdered since 2006, the year Mexico's military was deployed to combat the cartels. More than 40,000 people have vanished during that same period.

Mexico inaugurates its new National Guard force

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps.

Trump's historic visit to North Korea, where he met leader Kim Jong Un, soothed geopolitical concerns and added to the upbeat mood on trading floors.

After a highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit Saturday, the US president said negotiations to resolve the standoff between the world's two biggest economies were "back on track" and threatened new levies on Chinese goods would be held off.

Trump also signalled a softer position on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a major bone of contention in the row, by saying US companies could sell equipment "where there's no great national security problem", White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday.

While there had been a quiet sense of optimism the talks would end with an agreement to return to the negotiating table, the apparent concession on Huawei took some by surprise and provided some extra buying support.&nbsp;

The news was much-needed after Trump sparked volatility in early May with his shock decision to hit China with new tariffs and halt talks that had seemed to be nearing a positive end.

'Sigh of relief'

"After spending the better part of two months in trade war purgatory and with G20 done and dusted, risk markets have responded to Saturday's events in a reveller tone," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

"Indeed, investors heaved a massive, but exhausted, sigh of relief that both the US and China opted to push the reset button and restart trade negotiations amidst other pleasantries -- now we'll have to see whether it all sticks."

Shanghai jumped 2.1 per cent in the morning while the Chinese yuan climbed to its strongest level in almost two months. Soft factory activity data indicated continued weakness in the world's number two economy, though analysts said the readings could press the central People's Bank of China to unveil fresh stimulus measures.

Tokyo ended the morning 1.8 per cent higher, Singapore rallied 1.2 per cent and Taipei was 1.5 per cent higher, with Sydney, Seoul, Wellington and Manila also higher. Hong Kong was closed for a public holiday.

Oil prices were also on a roll, with both main contracts jumping more than two per cent as the Trump-Xi agreement came with news that Russia and OPEC cartel kingpin Saudi Arabia had agreed at the G20 to extend a deal to limit output.

Innes added that "even with some long-term uncertainty on US-China trade leaking into the equation, I think medium-term risks to oil prices remained skewed to the upside, as Middle East tension continues to percolate, and we anticipate more easing from the PBoC. Both positives for oil prices".

The optimistic tone hit demand for safe-haven gold, which sank below $1,400.

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps.

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps. Trump's historic visit to North Korea, where he met leader Kim Jong Un, soothed geopolitical concerns and added to the upbeat mood on trading floors. After a highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit Saturday, the US president said negotiations to resolve the standoff between the world's two biggest economies were "back on track" and threatened new levies on Chinese goods would be held off. Trump also signalled a softer position on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a major bone of contention in the row, by saying US companies could sell equipment "where there's no great national security problem", White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday. While there had been a quiet sense of optimism the talks would end with an agreement to return to the negotiating table, the apparent concession on Huawei took some by surprise and provided some extra buying support. The news was much-needed after Trump sparked volatility in early May with his shock decision to hit China with new tariffs and halt talks that had seemed to be nearing a positive end. 'Sigh of relief' "After spending the better part of two months in trade war purgatory and with G20 done and dusted, risk markets have responded to Saturday's events in a reveller tone," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets. "Indeed, investors heaved a massive, but exhausted, sigh of relief that both the US and China opted to push the reset button and restart trade negotiations amidst other pleasantries -- now we'll have to see whether it all sticks." Shanghai jumped 2.1 per cent in the morning while the Chinese yuan climbed to its strongest level in almost two months. Soft factory activity data indicated continued weakness in the world's number two economy, though analysts said the readings could press the central People's Bank of China to unveil fresh stimulus measures. Tokyo ended the morning 1.8 per cent higher, Singapore rallied 1.2 per cent and Taipei was 1.5 per cent higher, with Sydney, Seoul, Wellington and Manila also higher. Hong Kong was closed for a public holiday. Oil prices were also on a roll, with both main contracts jumping more than two per cent as the Trump-Xi agreement came with news that Russia and OPEC cartel kingpin Saudi Arabia had agreed at the G20 to extend a deal to limit output. Innes added that "even with some long-term uncertainty on US-China trade leaking into the equation, I think medium-term risks to oil prices remained skewed to the upside, as Middle East tension continues to percolate, and we anticipate more easing from the PBoC. Both positives for oil prices". The optimistic tone hit demand for safe-haven gold, which sank below $1,400.

Asian markets surge on Trump-Xi breakthrough, oil rallies

Nepal's Chaudhary Group (CG) has signed a deal worth about $100 million with China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-willing-to-sign-no-spy-agreement-with-us-government-chairman-224403">Huawei Technologies</a> to bring 4G phone services to the country, CG's chief executive said, shrugging off US security concerns about Huawei's products.

Aiming to shake up Nepal's mobile phone market as Reliance Industries Ltd's Jio has done in India, CG planned an initial $250 million investment in the new 4G network, Chairman Binod Chaudhary said in an interview.

It will include free voice services but focus on data, online payment, and other services, he said.

After starting out selling noodles in India and later across Asia, his family-owned conglomerate now includes a bank, a telecommunications business- providing rural telephony - and dozens of resorts, including two in the Maldives in partnership with India's Taj Group.

Chaudhary, Nepal's only billionaire with a net worth of $1.7 billion, according to Forbes magazine, has overseas noodle manufacturing factories in India, Serbia, and Bangladesh, a hedge against the uncertainties of his landlocked country.

Huawei would supply equipment worth about $100 million for the launch of 4G services, which could later be upgraded to 5G, said Chaudhary, 64, who is also a lawmaker.

"Huawei has been working with the state-owned telecom company, and now they will be working with us," he said adding Nepal would ensure that business considerations were paramount when deals were made with companies from neighbouring countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unreasonable-restrictions-infringe-on-its-rights-huawei-responds-to-us-ban-219064">Huawei Technologies </a>is a major competitor for 5G equipment deals around the world, but the United States has asked allies to reject Huawei technology, arguing that it could be vulnerable to Chinese eavesdropping.

Huawei denies its equipment is a security risk.

Chaudhary said CG Group has entered into a deal with LifeCell, a subsidiary of Turkey's Turkcell, for technical and design services, with Huawei providing the infrastructure.

"I don't see any problem in collaboration with Chinese companies," he said, adding he was also planning to set up a venture in the cement sector with a Chinese manufacturer.

CG is already running limited telecommunications services in rural areas in Nepal.

Min Prasad Aryal, a spokesman for Nepal's telecom regulator, said CG group has applied for a license for a much wider network including cities.

"If they meet the standard specified by us we have no objection," he said when asked whether CG would get permission even if it used Huawei equipment.

With a population of about 30 million, the land-locked country has near 100 per cent&nbsp;mobile penetration and about 50 per cent&nbsp;for data services.

Nepal Telecom is the market leader with a 51 per cent market share by subscribers, followed by Ncell and Smart Cell, according to industry estimates.

"We are confident to achieve one third market share in three-to-four years as we will have the advantage to bring in the latest technology," Chaudhary said.

&nbsp;

Nepal's Chaudhary Group (CG) has signed a deal worth about $100 million with China's Huawei Technologies to bring 4G phone services to the country, CG's chief executive said, shrugging off US security concerns about Huawei's products.

Nepal's Chaudhary Group (CG) has signed a deal worth about $100 million with China's Huawei Technologies to bring 4G phone services to the country, CG's chief executive said, shrugging off US security concerns about Huawei's products. Aiming to shake up Nepal's mobile phone market as Reliance Industries Ltd's Jio has done in India, CG planned an initial $250 million investment in the new 4G network, Chairman Binod Chaudhary said in an interview. It will include free voice services but focus on data, online payment, and other services, he said. After starting out selling noodles in India and later across Asia, his family-owned conglomerate now includes a bank, a telecommunications business- providing rural telephony - and dozens of resorts, including two in the Maldives in partnership with India's Taj Group. Chaudhary, Nepal's only billionaire with a net worth of $1.7 billion, according to Forbes magazine, has overseas noodle manufacturing factories in India, Serbia, and Bangladesh, a hedge against the uncertainties of his landlocked country. Huawei would supply equipment worth about $100 million for the launch of 4G services, which could later be upgraded to 5G, said Chaudhary, 64, who is also a lawmaker. "Huawei has been working with the state-owned telecom company, and now they will be working with us," he said adding Nepal would ensure that business considerations were paramount when deals were made with companies from neighbouring countries. Huawei Technologies is a major competitor for 5G equipment deals around the world, but the United States has asked allies to reject Huawei technology, arguing that it could be vulnerable to Chinese eavesdropping. Huawei denies its equipment is a security risk. Chaudhary said CG Group has entered into a deal with LifeCell, a subsidiary of Turkey's Turkcell, for technical and design services, with Huawei providing the infrastructure. "I don't see any problem in collaboration with Chinese companies," he said, adding he was also planning to set up a venture in the cement sector with a Chinese manufacturer. CG is already running limited telecommunications services in rural areas in Nepal. Min Prasad Aryal, a spokesman for Nepal's telecom regulator, said CG group has applied for a license for a much wider network including cities. "If they meet the standard specified by us we have no objection," he said when asked whether CG would get permission even if it used Huawei equipment. With a population of about 30 million, the land-locked country has near 100 per cent mobile penetration and about 50 per cent for data services. Nepal Telecom is the market leader with a 51 per cent market share by subscribers, followed by Ncell and Smart Cell, according to industry estimates. "We are confident to achieve one third market share in three-to-four years as we will have the advantage to bring in the latest technology," Chaudhary said.

Nepal's Chaudhary Group ties up with Huawei to launch 4G services

The meeting, initiated by a spur-of-the-moment tweet by Trump that Kim said took him by surprise, once again displayed the rapport between the two. But they are no closer to narrowing the gap between their positions since they walked away from their summit in February in Vietnam.

After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, US and North Korea to reopen talks

Anti-government protesters laid siege to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-chinas-army-to-be-handed-prime-harbour-in-hong-kong-231230">Hong Kong's parliament </a>on Monday as the territory marked its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-on-china-handover-anniversary-231871">China handover anniversary</a>, smashing windows, battling police armed with pepper spray and plunging the city further into crisis.

The angry scenes ramped up tensions in the financial hub which has been rocked by three weeks of historic demonstrations against a hugely unpopular bill that would allow<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-news-outlets-say-controversial-extradition-bill-may-be-suspended-227232"> extraditions</a> to the Chinese mainland.

Watch: Anniversary Protests begin in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anniversary-protests-begin-in-hong-kong-232053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tens of thousands of democracy activists staged another large, peaceful march through the city on Monday afternoon, calling for the city's pro-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-marks-19th-anniversary-of-handover-while-tensions-with-beijing-run-high-1560">Beijing</a> leader to step down and reverse what they see as years of sliding freedoms.

But that rally was overshadowed by small groups of mainly young, masked protesters who seized roads and tried to break into the legislature, sparking renewed clashes with police after two weeks of relative calm.

Under blazing summer skies, the young demonstrators made multiple attempts to smash into the building, using a metal cart as a battering ram and wielding steel poles to prize open gaps in the reinforced windows.&nbsp;

Riot police inside the building wore gas masks as they squirted pepper spray at protesters, who unfurled umbrellas to shield themselves.

The anti-government demonstrators eventually managed to prise open a hole in the reinforced glass at the main entrance. But police retreated behind heavy metal shutters that locked down the rest of the building.

"We know that this is breaking the law, but we have no choice," a 24-year-old protester surnamed Cheung told AFP.&nbsp;

Years of fears

The huge rallies over the last three weeks are the latest expression of growing fears that China is stamping down on the city's freedoms and culture with the help of the financial hub's pro-Beijing leaders.

But the increasingly hardline tactics from some protesters have alienated some, with a large counter-rally in support of the police taking place on Sunday.&nbsp;

Although<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-try-to-smash-way-into-hong-kongs-legislative-council-231945"> Hong Kong</a> returned from British to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, it is still administered separately under an arrangement known as "one country, two systems".

The city enjoys rights and liberties unseen on the autocratic mainland, but many residents fear Beijing is already reneging on that deal.

Activists have organized a march every handover anniversary, calling for greater democratic freedoms such as the right to elect the city's leader.

They have mustered large crowds in recent years including a two-month occupation of parts of the city centre in 2014 &nbsp;but have failed to win any concessions from Beijing.

"When I heard that there are clashes outside (parliament), I was very worried," Amy Siu, a 37-year-old accountant taking part in the rally, told AFP. "I'm worried about the youngsters' safety. I hope they can be rational."

"I would not blame the young people, I blame the government," added an 80-year-old protester who gave his surname Yeung.

This year's rally is framed by unprecedented anti-government protests of the past three weeks that have drawn millions, with the public anger over police use of tear gas and rubber bullets.

The spark for the current wave of protests was an attempt by chief executive Carrie Lam to pass the Beijing-backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extradition-bill-fury-likely-to-fuel-numbers-at-hong-kong-annual-rally-231787">extradition law</a>, which she has now postponed following the public backlash.

But she has resisted calls to permanently shelve the law or step down.&nbsp;

As a result, the demonstrations have morphed into a wider movement against her administration and Beijing.&nbsp;

Champagne toasts &amp; flags&nbsp;

Lam, who has kept out of the public eye since her climb down and has record low approval ratings attended a flag-raising ceremony early Monday, marking the moment the city returned to Chinese ownership 22 years ago.&nbsp;

But she and other dignitaries watched from indoors due to "inclement weather" the first time in the ceremony's history.

Her speech stuck to the conciliatory tone she has used in recent weeks.

"What happened in recent months has caused conflicts and disputes between the government and residents," Lam said. "It has made me fully understand that as a politician, I need to be aware and accurately grasp the feelings of the people."

She then raised a champagne toast alongside cabinet officials and two of her predecessors.

Police said 13 officers were also sent to hospital after being doused by an "unknown liquid" from protesters while the government released a statement condemning protesters for using "extreme violence."

But activists have vowed to keep up their civil disobedience campaign.

"Whatever happens we won't lose heart," Jason Chan, a 22-year-old accountant added. "Resistance is not a matter of a day or a week, it is long term."

Anti-government protesters laid siege to Hong Kong's parliament on Monday as the territory marked its China handover anniversary, smashing windows, battling police armed with pepper spray and plunging the city further into crisis.

Anti-government protesters laid siege to Hong Kong's parliament on Monday as the territory marked its China handover anniversary, smashing windows, battling police armed with pepper spray and plunging the city further into crisis. The angry scenes ramped up tensions in the financial hub which has been rocked by three weeks of historic demonstrations against a hugely unpopular bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland. Watch: Anniversary Protests begin in Hong Kong Tens of thousands of democracy activists staged another large, peaceful march through the city on Monday afternoon, calling for the city's pro-Beijing leader to step down and reverse what they see as years of sliding freedoms. But that rally was overshadowed by small groups of mainly young, masked protesters who seized roads and tried to break into the legislature, sparking renewed clashes with police after two weeks of relative calm. Under blazing summer skies, the young demonstrators made multiple attempts to smash into the building, using a metal cart as a battering ram and wielding steel poles to prize open gaps in the reinforced windows. Riot police inside the building wore gas masks as they squirted pepper spray at protesters, who unfurled umbrellas to shield themselves. The anti-government demonstrators eventually managed to prise open a hole in the reinforced glass at the main entrance. But police retreated behind heavy metal shutters that locked down the rest of the building. "We know that this is breaking the law, but we have no choice," a 24-year-old protester surnamed Cheung told AFP. Years of fears The huge rallies over the last three weeks are the latest expression of growing fears that China is stamping down on the city's freedoms and culture with the help of the financial hub's pro-Beijing leaders. But the increasingly hardline tactics from some protesters have alienated some, with a large counter-rally in support of the police taking place on Sunday. Although Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, it is still administered separately under an arrangement known as "one country, two systems". The city enjoys rights and liberties unseen on the autocratic mainland, but many residents fear Beijing is already reneging on that deal. Activists have organized a march every handover anniversary, calling for greater democratic freedoms such as the right to elect the city's leader. They have mustered large crowds in recent years including a two-month occupation of parts of the city centre in 2014 but have failed to win any concessions from Beijing. "When I heard that there are clashes outside (parliament), I was very worried," Amy Siu, a 37-year-old accountant taking part in the rally, told AFP. "I'm worried about the youngsters' safety. I hope they can be rational." "I would not blame the young people, I blame the government," added an 80-year-old protester who gave his surname Yeung. This year's rally is framed by unprecedented anti-government protests of the past three weeks that have drawn millions, with the public anger over police use of tear gas and rubber bullets. The spark for the current wave of protests was an attempt by chief executive Carrie Lam to pass the Beijing-backed extradition law, which she has now postponed following the public backlash. But she has resisted calls to permanently shelve the law or step down. As a result, the demonstrations have morphed into a wider movement against her administration and Beijing. Champagne toasts & flags Lam, who has kept out of the public eye since her climb down and has record low approval ratings attended a flag-raising ceremony early Monday, marking the moment the city returned to Chinese ownership 22 years ago. But she and other dignitaries watched from indoors due to "inclement weather" the first time in the ceremony's history. Her speech stuck to the conciliatory tone she has used in recent weeks. "What happened in recent months has caused conflicts and disputes between the government and residents," Lam said. "It has made me fully understand that as a politician, I need to be aware and accurately grasp the feelings of the people." She then raised a champagne toast alongside cabinet officials and two of her predecessors. Police said 13 officers were also sent to hospital after being doused by an "unknown liquid" from protesters while the government released a statement condemning protesters for using "extreme violence." But activists have vowed to keep up their civil disobedience campaign. "Whatever happens we won't lose heart," Jason Chan, a 22-year-old accountant added. "Resistance is not a matter of a day or a week, it is long term."

Violent clashes as Hong Kong marks China handover anniversary

A Canadian editorial cartoonist, Michael de Adder, was reportedly fired from his job after a cartoon on US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-drowned-salvadoran-migrant-and-2-year-old-child-back-in-el-salvador-231939">Donald Trump</a> made by him went viral on social media.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter to explain his side of the story, Adder said,&nbsp;"I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job."

"The Premier of New Brunswick Blaine Higgs (newspaper) is a former Irving Oil executive and any cartoon I drew that was slightly critical of him was systematically axed. You want to know why I was let go? I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job," Michael de Adder stated in a series of tweets.

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The Premier of New Brunswick Blaine Higgs is a former Irving Oil executive and any cartoon I drew that was slightly critical of him was systematically axed. You want to know why I was let go? I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job.
— Michael de Adder (@deAdder) <a href="https://twitter.com/deAdder/status/1145566065524715521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"With this said, I had been giving the NB newspapers what they want for several months. Trump wasn't on my radar. I work for Canadian newspapers so there's no need to cover Trump 24/7, Michael said, adding, "Canadian politics is quite interesting right now."

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With this said, I had been giving the NB newspapers what they want for several months. Trump wasn't on my radar. I work for canadian newspapers so there's no need to cover Trump 24/7. And Canadian politics is quite interesting right now.
— Michael de Adder (@deAdder) <a href="https://twitter.com/deAdder/status/1145570953738575872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Michael de Adder is a Canada-based cartoonist who had been working with New Brunswick Higgs newspaper for a while after he was "let go" last week.&nbsp;

The cartoon was a satire on Donald Trump's hardline immigrant policies depicted by him playing golf while being disturbed by bodies of drowned El Salvadoran migrants Oscar Martinez Ramirez and his daughter. &nbsp;The migrants depicted in the cartoon, Ramirez and his daughter drowned last week while attempting to cross Rio Grande River from Mexico to the United States.

"Do you mind if I play through," the text written in the dialogue box of cartoon read.

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Cartoon for June 26, 2019 on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BorderCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BorderCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BORDER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BORDER</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpCamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpCamps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpConcentrationCamps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpConcentrationCamps</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gui8DHsebl">pic.twitter.com/Gui8DHsebl</a>
— Michael de Adder (@deAdder) <a href="https://twitter.com/deAdder/status/1143931384265883650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A series of haunting photographs showing the father and child lying face-down in the water had also sparked anger in El Salvador and Mexico over the treatment of migrants.

"In the past two weeks, I drew three Trump cartoons. Two went viral and the third went supernova and a day later I was let go. And not only let go, but the cartoons they already had in the also can were not used. Overnight it was like I never worked for the paper. Make your own conclusions," Adder further said in another&nbsp;tweet.

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But in the past 2 weeks I drew 3 Trump cartoons. 2 went viral and the third went supernova and a day later I was let go. And not only let go, the cartoons they already had in the can were not used. Overnight it was like I never worked for the paper. Make your own conclusions.
— Michael de Adder (@deAdder) <a href="https://twitter.com/deAdder/status/1145573147351158784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time a political cartoon has sparked a controversy.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, The New York Times announced&nbsp;that it will no longer include daily political cartoons in its international edition, while apologising for publishing a caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deemed anti-Semitic.

The cartoon, published in April, depicted Netanyahu as a guide dog wearing a Star of David collar and leading a blind Donald Trump -- who was wearing a kippah, or a Jewish skullcap.

It prompted an uproar within the Jewish community, with Israel's ambassador to the UN likening the drawing to the content of Nazi propaganda tabloid Der Sturmer. 
&nbsp;

A Canadian editorial cartoonist, Michael de Adder, was reportedly fired from his job after a cartoon on US President Donald Trump made by him went viral on social media.

A Canadian editorial cartoonist, Michael de Adder, was reportedly fired from his job after a cartoon on US President Donald Trump made by him went viral on social media. Taking to Twitter to explain his side of the story, Adder said, "I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job." "The Premier of New Brunswick Blaine Higgs (newspaper) is a former Irving Oil executive and any cartoon I drew that was slightly critical of him was systematically axed. You want to know why I was let go? I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job," Michael de Adder stated in a series of tweets. The Premier of New Brunswick Blaine Higgs is a former Irving Oil executive and any cartoon I drew that was slightly critical of him was systematically axed. You want to know why I was let go? I wanted to do my job as an editorial cartoonist, and they wanted me to do their job. — Michael de Adder (@deAdder) July 1, 2019 × "With this said, I had been giving the NB newspapers what they want for several months. Trump wasn't on my radar. I work for Canadian newspapers so there's no need to cover Trump 24/7, Michael said, adding, "Canadian politics is quite interesting right now." With this said, I had been giving the NB newspapers what they want for several months. Trump wasn't on my radar. I work for canadian newspapers so there's no need to cover Trump 24/7. And Canadian politics is quite interesting right now. — Michael de Adder (@deAdder) July 1, 2019 × Michael de Adder is a Canada-based cartoonist who had been working with New Brunswick Higgs newspaper for a while after he was "let go" last week. The cartoon was a satire on Donald Trump's hardline immigrant policies depicted by him playing golf while being disturbed by bodies of drowned El Salvadoran migrants Oscar Martinez Ramirez and his daughter. The migrants depicted in the cartoon, Ramirez and his daughter drowned last week while attempting to cross Rio Grande River from Mexico to the United States. "Do you mind if I play through," the text written in the dialogue box of cartoon read. Cartoon for June 26, 2019 on #trump #BorderCrisis #BORDER #TrumpCamps #TrumpConcentrationCamps pic.twitter.com/Gui8DHsebl — Michael de Adder (@deAdder) June 26, 2019 × A series of haunting photographs showing the father and child lying face-down in the water had also sparked anger in El Salvador and Mexico over the treatment of migrants. "In the past two weeks, I drew three Trump cartoons. Two went viral and the third went supernova and a day later I was let go. And not only let go, but the cartoons they already had in the also can were not used. Overnight it was like I never worked for the paper. Make your own conclusions," Adder further said in another tweet. But in the past 2 weeks I drew 3 Trump cartoons. 2 went viral and the third went supernova and a day later I was let go. And not only let go, the cartoons they already had in the can were not used. Overnight it was like I never worked for the paper. Make your own conclusions. — Michael de Adder (@deAdder) July 1, 2019 × This is not the first time a political cartoon has sparked a controversy. Earlier this month, The New York Times announced that it will no longer include daily political cartoons in its international edition, while apologising for publishing a caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deemed anti-Semitic. The cartoon, published in April, depicted Netanyahu as a guide dog wearing a Star of David collar and leading a blind Donald Trump -- who was wearing a kippah, or a Jewish skullcap. It prompted an uproar within the Jewish community, with Israel's ambassador to the UN likening the drawing to the content of Nazi propaganda tabloid Der Sturmer.

Canadian cartoonist 'fired' after Trump's illustration goes viral

Demilitarised Zone: A look at the world's last Cold War frontier

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;has become the first sitting US president to set foot inside North Korea when he crossed over the demarcation line.&nbsp;

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shook hands in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea.

"It's nice to see you again," Kim reportedly told President Trump. "I never expected to meet you in this place."

About Trump stepping into North Korea, Kim Jong-un told&nbsp;"It's a very courageous and determined act."

Trump thanked Kim, and added that the two of them have "a great friendship".

It was a "great day for the world", Trump said after meeting North Korean leader Kim.

"It's an honour for me to be here," Trump added, as the two men talked with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Seoul's side of the border.

"We met and liked each other from day one," Trump added.

Kim and Trump also had an informal chat amid the media scrum.

Trump said ''We are hearing from Kim directly''.

“You hear that voice, no one hears this voice, he doesn’t do press conferences,” he said.

Trump said he wants to thank Kim for responding to his Twitter invitation to meet.

“If he didn’t show up the press was going to make me look very bad,” said Trump.

“If you look back two-and-a-half years, before I was president, it was a very very bad situation, a very dangerous situation for North Korea, South Korea, for the world. The relationship we have developed has been so much for so many people,” Trump added.

“Thank you for asking me to step over that line, I didn’t know if you were going to ask me to do that, I thought you might, but I was ready to do that if you asked,” he added.

Trump called the meeting “very historic”.

Earlier Trump arrived Sunday in the DMZ accompanied by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

An earnest-looking Trump toured an observation post overlooking North Korean territory, with a US military officer pointing out the sights.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has become the first sitting US president to set foot inside North Korea when he crossed over the demarcation line. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shook hands in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea.

US President Donald Trump has become the first sitting US president to set foot inside North Korea when he crossed over the demarcation line. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shook hands in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. "It's nice to see you again," Kim reportedly told President Trump. "I never expected to meet you in this place." About Trump stepping into North Korea, Kim Jong-un told "It's a very courageous and determined act." Trump thanked Kim, and added that the two of them have "a great friendship". It was a "great day for the world", Trump said after meeting North Korean leader Kim. "It's an honour for me to be here," Trump added, as the two men talked with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Seoul's side of the border. "We met and liked each other from day one," Trump added. Kim and Trump also had an informal chat amid the media scrum. Trump said ''We are hearing from Kim directly''. “You hear that voice, no one hears this voice, he doesn’t do press conferences,” he said. Trump said he wants to thank Kim for responding to his Twitter invitation to meet. “If he didn’t show up the press was going to make me look very bad,” said Trump. “If you look back two-and-a-half years, before I was president, it was a very very bad situation, a very dangerous situation for North Korea, South Korea, for the world. The relationship we have developed has been so much for so many people,” Trump added. “Thank you for asking me to step over that line, I didn’t know if you were going to ask me to do that, I thought you might, but I was ready to do that if you asked,” he added. Trump called the meeting “very historic”. Earlier Trump arrived Sunday in the DMZ accompanied by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. An earnest-looking Trump toured an observation post overlooking North Korean territory, with a US military officer pointing out the sights.

Trump becomes first sitting US president to set foot inside North Korea 

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un will meet President Trump at the Demilitarized Zone, the border between North and South Korea, Mr. Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in told reporters.

Donald Trump holds bilateral with Moon Jae-in

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have just wrapped up a joint press conference, where they confirmed they would be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in hold press conference

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he would be meeting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/he-very-much-wants-to-trump-on-possible-encounter-with-kim-231613">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un </a>at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) shortly.

Trump made the announcement after holding a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday.

Trump said he was looking forward to his meeting Sunday with North Korean leader.

"We're going to the DMZ border and I'll be meeting with Chairman Kim. I look forward to it very much," Trump told reporters in Seoul. "We've developed a very good relationship."

The meeting was first confirmed by&nbsp;South Korean President Moon and later by Trump himself.

Earlier on Saturday Trump proposed a meeting with North Korean leader in the DMZ&nbsp;that divides the Korean peninsula between north and south.

Trump suggested in a tweet that he could meet the North Korean leader while visiting neighbouring South Korea after he leaves the G20 meeting in Osaka, Japan.

“While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-travel-to-demilitarised-zone-for-possible-meeting-with-kim-jong-un-231608">Border/DMZ </a>just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!” the president said in a tweet.

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However, North Korea said that they were yet to receive an official request from Trump regarding his meeting with Kim but described the US president's surprise invitation to meet Kim Jong-un "interesting".&nbsp;

"We see it as a very interesting suggestion, but we have not received an official proposal in this regard," the official KCNA news agency quoted Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui as saying. &nbsp;

This is would be the third meeting between the two leaders in just over a year, and four months since their second summit, in Vietnam. The Vietnam summit collaposed with no progress on US efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he would be meeting the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) shortly. Trump made the announcement after holding a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he would be meeting the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) shortly. Trump made the announcement after holding a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday. Trump said he was looking forward to his meeting Sunday with North Korean leader. "We're going to the DMZ border and I'll be meeting with Chairman Kim. I look forward to it very much," Trump told reporters in Seoul. "We've developed a very good relationship." The meeting was first confirmed by South Korean President Moon and later by Trump himself. Earlier on Saturday Trump proposed a meeting with North Korean leader in the DMZ that divides the Korean peninsula between north and south. Trump suggested in a tweet that he could meet the North Korean leader while visiting neighbouring South Korea after he leaves the G20 meeting in Osaka, Japan. “While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!” the president said in a tweet. × However, North Korea said that they were yet to receive an official request from Trump regarding his meeting with Kim but described the US president's surprise invitation to meet Kim Jong-un "interesting". "We see it as a very interesting suggestion, but we have not received an official proposal in this regard," the official KCNA news agency quoted Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui as saying. This is would be the third meeting between the two leaders in just over a year, and four months since their second summit, in Vietnam. The Vietnam summit collaposed with no progress on US efforts to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

Trump says he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at demilitarised zone

In this segment, Political Analyst, DR. Robert Edwin Kelly speaks to WION on Trump-Kim Jong-un meet.

Dr. Robert Edwin Kelly speaks to WION on Trump-Kim Jong-un meet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-vietnam-worse-than-china-on-trade-230655">US President Donald Trump</a> said on Saturday that while his meeting with China's President Xi Jinping was far better than expected, he was "in no hurry" to cut a trade deal.

Trump also said he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-donald-trump-confirms-wont-impose-new-tariffs-on-china-231445">not increase existing tariffs to China</a>.

"I am in no hurry, but things look very good," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter, referring to ongoing talks between Washington and Beijing.

"The quality of the transaction is far more important to me than speed."

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that while his meeting with China's President Xi Jinping was far better than expected, he was "in no hurry" to cut a trade deal.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that while his meeting with China's President Xi Jinping was far better than expected, he was "in no hurry" to cut a trade deal. Trump also said he would not increase existing tariffs to China. "I am in no hurry, but things look very good," Trump wrote in a post on Twitter, referring to ongoing talks between Washington and Beijing. "The quality of the transaction is far more important to me than speed."

United States President Donald Trump says is 'in no hurry' for a deal with China

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Kim Jong-un "very much wants" to meet him, a day after inviting the North Korean leader for a handshake in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that divides the peninsula, reported news agency AFP.

"We'll see. He very much wants to. We are trying to work it out," Trump reportedly told reporters about a possible third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-travel-to-demilitarised-zone-for-possible-meeting-with-kim-jong-un-231608">face-to-face meeting</a> between the pair after summits in Singapore and Hanoi.

"It will be very short but that's OK. A handshake means a lot," he added, with the encounter expected to last only a matter of minutes if Kim accepts the invitation.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in would accompany him to the DMZ, he told business leaders.

Trump said on Saturday he would like to meet with North Korean leader this weekend at DMZ on the border of North and South Korea. Trump is due at the DMZ.

"While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-invitation-interesting-but-no-official-request-north-korea-231370">Border/DMZ </a>just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!" Trump said on Twitter on Saturday.

Negotiations between US and North Korea have stalled since a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed as the two sides failed to narrow differences between US calls for denuclearization and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Kim Jong-un "very much wants" to meet him, a day after inviting the North Korean leader for a handshake in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that divides the peninsula, reported news agency AFP.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Kim Jong-un "very much wants" to meet him, a day after inviting the North Korean leader for a handshake in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) that divides the peninsula, reported news agency AFP. "We'll see. He very much wants to. We are trying to work it out," Trump reportedly told reporters about a possible third face-to-face meeting between the pair after summits in Singapore and Hanoi. "It will be very short but that's OK. A handshake means a lot," he added, with the encounter expected to last only a matter of minutes if Kim accepts the invitation. South Korean President Moon Jae-in would accompany him to the DMZ, he told business leaders. Trump said on Saturday he would like to meet with North Korean leader this weekend at DMZ on the border of North and South Korea. Trump is due at the DMZ. "While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!" Trump said on Twitter on Saturday. Negotiations between US and North Korea have stalled since a second summit in Vietnam in February collapsed as the two sides failed to narrow differences between US calls for denuclearization and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. (With inputs from AFP)

'He very much wants to': Trump on possible encounter with Kim

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday proposed a weekend meeting with Kim Jong Un at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, an encounter North Korea said would be meaningful if it goes ahead.

Trump offers North Korea's Kim weekend meeting in demilitarized zone

Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-un, becomes first sitting United States president to set foot in North Korea

Mr Trump became the first sitting US president to cross into North Korea after meeting Mr Kim at the demilitarised zone (DMZ). Critics have dismissed it as pure political theatre, but others say it could set the scene for future talks.

Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un makes history at Korean Border

US President Donald Trump arrived at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Sunday ahead of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The expected encounter, only suggested a day earlier by Trump on Twitter, comes with negotiations over the North's nuclear programme in stalemate since the leaders' last summit in Vietnam in February.

Accompanied by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, an earnest-looking Trump visited a guard post in the northernmost part of the South Korean side of the DMZ, looking into the North, where he will speak with US and South Korean servicemen.

Trump and Kim are expected to meet at the Joint Security Area patrolled by soldiers from both Koreas near the inter-Korean border.

Trump is expected to hold a brief encounter with Kim in the DMZ, which would be their third face-to-face meeting after a historic initial summit in Singapore and a second in Hanoi that collapsed without an agreement.

The two would "just shake hands quickly and say hello because we haven't seen each other since Vietnam", Trump said earlier.

US President Donald Trump arrived at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Sunday ahead of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The expected encounter, only suggested a day earlier by Trump on Twitter, comes with negotiations over the North's nuclear programme in stalemate since the leaders' last summit in Vietnam in February.

US President Donald Trump arrived at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Sunday ahead of his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The expected encounter, only suggested a day earlier by Trump on Twitter, comes with negotiations over the North's nuclear programme in stalemate since the leaders' last summit in Vietnam in February. Accompanied by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, an earnest-looking Trump visited a guard post in the northernmost part of the South Korean side of the DMZ, looking into the North, where he will speak with US and South Korean servicemen. Trump and Kim are expected to meet at the Joint Security Area patrolled by soldiers from both Koreas near the inter-Korean border. Trump is expected to hold a brief encounter with Kim in the DMZ, which would be their third face-to-face meeting after a historic initial summit in Singapore and a second in Hanoi that collapsed without an agreement. The two would "just shake hands quickly and say hello because we haven't seen each other since Vietnam", Trump said earlier.

Trump lands at demilitarised zone ahead of meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong-un

US President Donald Trump Sunday voiced a willingness to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Washington, as the two men held historic discussions in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas.

"I would invite him right now, to the White House," Trump said as the pair met for the third time after summits in Singapore last year and a second meeting Hanoi in February that collapsed without an agreement.

Trump met Kim on the southern side of the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader said that his "wonderful" relationship with US President Donald Trump would enable the two longtime enemies to get over obstructions, with their nuclear talks at a stalemate.

"I am convinced our relationship will enable us to overcome barriers standing in the way," said Kim, adding as the two leaders held talks in the Demilitarized Zone that their close ties enabled a meeting to happen "just overnight," Kim said.

Trump added he was "proud" to walk across the border dividing North Korean territory from the South as the two men met.

"I was proud to step over that line," he said as they sat down for discussions after shaking hands in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, in a hastily arranged but historic encounter.

US President Donald Trump Sunday voiced a willingness to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Washington, as the two men held historic discussions in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas.

US President Donald Trump Sunday voiced a willingness to welcome North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Washington, as the two men held historic discussions in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas. "I would invite him right now, to the White House," Trump said as the pair met for the third time after summits in Singapore last year and a second meeting Hanoi in February that collapsed without an agreement. Trump met Kim on the southern side of the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas. Meanwhile, North Korean leader said that his "wonderful" relationship with US President Donald Trump would enable the two longtime enemies to get over obstructions, with their nuclear talks at a stalemate. "I am convinced our relationship will enable us to overcome barriers standing in the way," said Kim, adding as the two leaders held talks in the Demilitarized Zone that their close ties enabled a meeting to happen "just overnight," Kim said. Trump added he was "proud" to walk across the border dividing North Korean territory from the South as the two men met. "I was proud to step over that line," he said as they sat down for discussions after shaking hands in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, in a hastily arranged but historic encounter.

Trump says he 'would invite' North Korean leader Kim to White House

In an unprecedented historic development, US President Donald Trump crossed into North Korea and met its leader Kim Jong-un. With this Donald Trump has become the first sitting US President to be in North Korea.

Kim, standing alongside with US president said, "President trump has just walked across the demarcation line. He is the first US president to visit our country."

Explaining, "This is an expression of his willingness to eliminate all the unfortunate past and open a new future"

After this, both sides held talks for almost an hour at the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which divides the Korean peninsula.

Calling the day's event as "legendary" and "great for the world" US president said, "We went and met at the line, meeting at the line, I said, would you like me to come across, he said, I would be so honoured and that is the way it worked out".

The US has announced that the stalled talks with North Korea will resume. But American sanctions on North Korea remains but at some point during the negotiations, "things can happen", Trump said.

United States Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun under the aegis of US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo will be leading the American team of negotiators while North Korea will be setting a new team.

Asked if negotiators of the previous North Korean team is alive, Trump said, "well, I think they are. I can tell you the main person is. I know that we know that, and we hope rest are too".

US President's daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law and Jared Kushner, South Korean president Moon Jae-in were also present at the DMZ.

US President arrived in South Korea on Saturday and had on Twitter called for a meet with the North Korean leader. In Osaka, Japan where he was for 14th G20 Summit, Trump had tweeted, "I will be leaving Japan for South Korea (with President Moon). While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!"

This is the third meeting between US President with North Korean leader after Singapore, Hanoi meet.&nbsp;

In an unprecedented historic development, US President Donald Trump crossed into North Korea and met its leader Kim Jong-un. With this Donald Trump has become the first sitting US President to be in North Korea.

In an unprecedented historic development, US President Donald Trump crossed into North Korea and met its leader Kim Jong-un. With this Donald Trump has become the first sitting US President to be in North Korea. Kim, standing alongside with US president said, "President trump has just walked across the demarcation line. He is the first US president to visit our country." Explaining, "This is an expression of his willingness to eliminate all the unfortunate past and open a new future" After this, both sides held talks for almost an hour at the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which divides the Korean peninsula. Calling the day's event as "legendary" and "great for the world" US president said, "We went and met at the line, meeting at the line, I said, would you like me to come across, he said, I would be so honoured and that is the way it worked out". The US has announced that the stalled talks with North Korea will resume. But American sanctions on North Korea remains but at some point during the negotiations, "things can happen", Trump said. United States Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun under the aegis of US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo will be leading the American team of negotiators while North Korea will be setting a new team. Asked if negotiators of the previous North Korean team is alive, Trump said, "well, I think they are. I can tell you the main person is. I know that we know that, and we hope rest are too". US President's daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law and Jared Kushner, South Korean president Moon Jae-in were also present at the DMZ. US President arrived in South Korea on Saturday and had on Twitter called for a meet with the North Korean leader. In Osaka, Japan where he was for 14th G20 Summit, Trump had tweeted, "I will be leaving Japan for South Korea (with President Moon). While there, if Chairman Kim of North Korea sees this, I would meet him at the Border/DMZ just to shake his hand and say Hello(?)!" This is the third meeting between US President with North Korean leader after Singapore, Hanoi meet.

US President Trump sets foot in North Korea, agrees with Kim to resume stalled talks

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to visit the US from July 20 during which he would have his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, a media report said on Saturday. The

Pak PM to undertake maiden trip to US

Thousands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-chinese-protest-against-bbva-in-madrid-saying-bank-blocked-their-accounts-197687">protested in Madrid</a> on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May.

Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010.

"Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke".

"We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress.

She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks.

People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution.

Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows.

The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs".

"As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano.

The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe. The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May. Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010. "Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke". "We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress. She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks. People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution. Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade. Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows. The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs". "As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano. The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Protest in Madrid as conservatives suspend ban on most polluting cars

Only four short months after President Donald Trump and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un parted on civil terms following a no-deal summit in Hanoi, Trump tweeted an invitation to Kim to shake hands at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing North and South Korea during Trump’s visit to South Korea.

Big diplomatic moment for US and North Korea

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