Anti-Semitism Has Risen In The U.S. Despite Trump's Pro-Israel Stance. Why Is It So? Trump was the first U.S. President to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, he even moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls him a God-send to save Israel from Iran. Despite all these, anti-semitism is on the rise in the U.S. under Trump. Why is it so? Palki decodes

Pompeo: Trump was sent by God to save Israel from Iran

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs</a> on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions more soon.

The decision on whether talks will be cancelled depends on whether Vice Premier Liu He goes to Washington as planned, the journal reported, citing a source, who added that cancelling talks would conform to China's strategy of not negotiating under threat.

Trump had previously delayed the tariff increases earlier in the year, citing productive talks with China.

Sunday's announcement casts into doubt previous expectations that China and the United States were closing in on a deal to end a months-long trade war that has slowed global growth and disrupted markets.

US-China trade talks are due to resume this week. The meeting follows talks in April in Beijing that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called "productive."

As recently as Friday, Trump said talks with China was going well.

Last week, industry sources said they believed the talks were in the endgame, and Mnuchin had said he hoped that the US&nbsp;negotiating team would soon be able to recommend a deal to Trump or tell him that one could not be reached.

The administration has been insisting on a mechanism to ensure that China follows through on any promises to purchase more American goods.&nbsp;

Administration officials have said both sides are expected to launch new enforcement staffs to police the agreement.

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source.

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source. Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions more soon. The decision on whether talks will be cancelled depends on whether Vice Premier Liu He goes to Washington as planned, the journal reported, citing a source, who added that cancelling talks would conform to China's strategy of not negotiating under threat. Trump had previously delayed the tariff increases earlier in the year, citing productive talks with China. Sunday's announcement casts into doubt previous expectations that China and the United States were closing in on a deal to end a months-long trade war that has slowed global growth and disrupted markets. US-China trade talks are due to resume this week. The meeting follows talks in April in Beijing that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called "productive." As recently as Friday, Trump said talks with China was going well. Last week, industry sources said they believed the talks were in the endgame, and Mnuchin had said he hoped that the US negotiating team would soon be able to recommend a deal to Trump or tell him that one could not be reached. The administration has been insisting on a mechanism to ensure that China follows through on any promises to purchase more American goods. Administration officials have said both sides are expected to launch new enforcement staffs to police the agreement.

China considers cancelling trade talks with US after Trump vows new tariff hike: Report

The rupee depreciated by 24 paise to 69.46 against the US dollar in early trade Monday on increased demand for the US currency from importers and weak opening in domestic equities.

Forex traders said, the US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and this, in turn, impacted investor sentiment in the currency market.

The rupee opened weak at 69.38 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to 69.46, down 24 paise over its last close. The local currency however pared the initial loss and was trading at 69.41 at 0926 hrs.

The rupee had strengthened by 15 paise to close at 69.22 against the US dollar Friday.

Besides, strength in dollar against major rival currencies, foreign fund outflows and heavy selling in domestic equities also kept the pressure on the Indian rupee, dealers said.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pulled out Rs 400.68 crore on a net basis Friday, provisional data showed.

Domestic bourses opened on a negative note Monday with benchmark indices Sensex trading 362.11 points down at 38,601.15 and Nifty down 112.75 points at 11,599.50.

However, easing crude prices helped in restricting the slide in the Indian unit to some extent, they added.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 2.22 per cent to $69.28 per barrel.

The rupee depreciated by 24 paise to 69.46 against the US dollar in early trade Monday on increased demand for the US currency from importers and weak opening in domestic equities.

The rupee depreciated by 24 paise to 69.46 against the US dollar in early trade Monday on increased demand for the US currency from importers and weak opening in domestic equities. Forex traders said, the US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and this, in turn, impacted investor sentiment in the currency market. The rupee opened weak at 69.38 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to 69.46, down 24 paise over its last close. The local currency however pared the initial loss and was trading at 69.41 at 0926 hrs. The rupee had strengthened by 15 paise to close at 69.22 against the US dollar Friday. Besides, strength in dollar against major rival currencies, foreign fund outflows and heavy selling in domestic equities also kept the pressure on the Indian rupee, dealers said. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) pulled out Rs 400.68 crore on a net basis Friday, provisional data showed. Domestic bourses opened on a negative note Monday with benchmark indices Sensex trading 362.11 points down at 38,601.15 and Nifty down 112.75 points at 11,599.50. However, easing crude prices helped in restricting the slide in the Indian unit to some extent, they added. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 2.22 per cent to $69.28 per barrel.

Rupee slips 24 paise to 69.46 against US dollar

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods</a> this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $60.44 per barrel at 0032 GMT on Monday, down $1.50 per barrel, or 2.4 per cent, from their last settlement.

Brent crude oil futures were at $69.34 per barrel, down $1.51 per barrel, or 2.1 per cent, from their last close.

Trump on Sunday said on Twitter he would drastically hike US tariffs on Chinese goods this week, pulling down global financial markets, including crude oil futures.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is considering cancelling all trade talks with Washington.

"Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning ... by threatening to slap a 25 per cent tariff on a mind-boggling $525 billion of Chinese goods by this Friday," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore.

Within the oil industry, there are signs of a further rise in output from the United States, where crude production has already surged by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) since early 2018, to a record 12.3 million bpd. That has made the United States the world's biggest producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The number of rigs drilling for gas in the United States fell by 3 to 183 in the week to May 3, while oil-directed drilling rigs rose by 2 to 807, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday.

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies.

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $60.44 per barrel at 0032 GMT on Monday, down $1.50 per barrel, or 2.4 per cent, from their last settlement. Brent crude oil futures were at $69.34 per barrel, down $1.51 per barrel, or 2.1 per cent, from their last close. Trump on Sunday said on Twitter he would drastically hike US tariffs on Chinese goods this week, pulling down global financial markets, including crude oil futures. The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is considering cancelling all trade talks with Washington. "Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning ... by threatening to slap a 25 per cent tariff on a mind-boggling $525 billion of Chinese goods by this Friday," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore. Within the oil industry, there are signs of a further rise in output from the United States, where crude production has already surged by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) since early 2018, to a record 12.3 million bpd. That has made the United States the world's biggest producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia. The number of rigs drilling for gas in the United States fell by 3 to 183 in the week to May 3, while oil-directed drilling rigs rose by 2 to 807, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday.

Oil prices tumble by more than 2% after Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods

Rockets and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-12-in-israeli-retaliatory-strike-in-gaza-strip-216171">missiles from Gaza</a> killed four civilians in Israel, while Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, in surging cross-border fighting on Sunday, according to Gazan officials and the Israeli military.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the military to continue "massive strikes" against Gaza's ruling Hamas group and Islamic Jihad in the most serious border clashes since a spate of fighting in November.

Israel's military said that more than 600 rockets and other projectiles - over 150 of them intercepted by its Iron Dome anti-missile system - had been fired at southern Israeli cities and villages since Friday.

It said it attacked more than 260 targets belonging to Gaza militant groups. Gaza officials said Israeli air strikes and artillery fire killed 27 people, including 14 civilians, since Friday.

A rocket that hit a house in Ashkelon on Sunday killed a 58-year-old man, police said. He was the first such Israeli civilian fatality since the seven-week Gaza war in 2014.

Another rocket strike killed a factory worker, a hospital official said. The military said a civilian was killed near the border by an anti-tank missile fired at his car from Gaza and a fourth died when a rocket struck the city of Ashdod.

In Gaza, militant groups identified eight fighters killed in Israeli strikes, while medical officials said that nine civilians also died, including a couple and their baby daughter.

In what it said was a separate, targeted attack, Israel's military killed Hamed Ahmed Al-Khodary, a Hamas commander. The military said he was responsible for transferring funds from Iran to armed factions in Gaza. Hamas confirmed Khodary had been killed.

The attack on his car was the first such killing by Israel of a top militant since the war five years ago. Israel had suspended what Palestinians call an assassination policy in an attempt to lower tensions.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh issued a statement late on Sunday saying his group was not seeking a broader conflict and held out the possibility of a ceasefire, although sirens warning of rocket fire continued to sound in Israeli cities into the night.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-israel-100-in-its-defence-of-its-citizens-says-donald-trump-on-gaza-escalation-216211">Donald Trump expressed full US support for Israel </a>and called for an end to the rocket attacks, saying Gazans would only face more hardship and that it was time to seek peace.

"Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defence of its citizens... To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!," Trump said in a message on Twitter.

&nbsp;

Sirens and explosions

The sounds of sirens and explosions reverberated on both sides of the frontier on Sunday, fraying nerves and keeping schools closed.

Israel halted supplies from its main natural gas field. The Tamar field's offshore production platform is in range of Palestinian rockets. Israel also stopped fuel imports into Gaza through the main Kerem Shalom crossing.

The latest round of violence began two days ago when an Islamic Jihad sniper fired at Israeli troops, wounding two soldiers, according to the Israeli military.

Islamic Jihad accused Israel of delaying implementation of previous understandings brokered by Egypt in an effort to end violence and ease blockaded Gaza's economic hardship.

This time, Israeli strategic affairs analysts said, both Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants appeared to believe they had some leverage to press for concessions from Israel, where independence day celebrations begin on Wednesday.

In two weeks, Israel is also hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, the target of a Gaza rocket attack in March. That attack caused no damage. On Sunday, sirens sounded in the city of Rehovot, 17 km (11 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu, who doubles as defence minister, convened his security Cabinet, which issued a statement saying it had ordered the military "to continue its strikes and to prepare for the next stages".

Ramadan approaching

For residents in Gaza, the escalation comes a day before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in the territory on Monday. It is traditionally a time for prayer, family feasts to break daylight fast and shopping.

Among the 14 Gazan civilians killed since Friday was a 14-month-old child and the child's aunt, according to the health ministry. Israel's military said the intelligence information showed they were killed by a misfired Palestinian rocket.

In Gaza, two Palestinian human rights groups described the cause of their deaths as an explosion with an as yet undetermined source.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the firing of rockets into Israel and urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint". A U.N. envoy said it was working with Egypt to try to end the fighting.

Israeli bombings in Gaza destroyed four multi-storey structures. Witnesses said the Israeli military had warned people inside to evacuate the buildings, which it alleged housed Hamas security facilities before they were hit.

Saeed Al-Nakhala, an owner of a clothing store in one of the buildings, said he had no time to save his merchandise.

"I was together with my son in the shop, there was a big noise and then another and people started to run. We left everything behind and escaped," said Nakhala.

Some 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, the economy of which has suffered years of Israeli and Egyptian blockades as well as recent foreign aid cuts and sanctions by the Palestinian Authority, Hamas' West Bank-based rival.

Israel says its blockade is necessary to stop weapons reaching Hamas, with which it has fought three wars since the group seized control of Gaza in 2007, two years after Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from the area.

Rockets and missiles from Gaza killed four civilians in Israel, while Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, in surging cross-border fighting on Sunday, according to Gazan officials and the Israeli military.

Rockets and missiles from Gaza killed four civilians in Israel, while Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians, more than half of them civilians, in surging cross-border fighting on Sunday, according to Gazan officials and the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the military to continue "massive strikes" against Gaza's ruling Hamas group and Islamic Jihad in the most serious border clashes since a spate of fighting in November. Israel's military said that more than 600 rockets and other projectiles - over 150 of them intercepted by its Iron Dome anti-missile system - had been fired at southern Israeli cities and villages since Friday. It said it attacked more than 260 targets belonging to Gaza militant groups. Gaza officials said Israeli air strikes and artillery fire killed 27 people, including 14 civilians, since Friday. A rocket that hit a house in Ashkelon on Sunday killed a 58-year-old man, police said. He was the first such Israeli civilian fatality since the seven-week Gaza war in 2014. Another rocket strike killed a factory worker, a hospital official said. The military said a civilian was killed near the border by an anti-tank missile fired at his car from Gaza and a fourth died when a rocket struck the city of Ashdod. In Gaza, militant groups identified eight fighters killed in Israeli strikes, while medical officials said that nine civilians also died, including a couple and their baby daughter. In what it said was a separate, targeted attack, Israel's military killed Hamed Ahmed Al-Khodary, a Hamas commander. The military said he was responsible for transferring funds from Iran to armed factions in Gaza. Hamas confirmed Khodary had been killed. The attack on his car was the first such killing by Israel of a top militant since the war five years ago. Israel had suspended what Palestinians call an assassination policy in an attempt to lower tensions. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh issued a statement late on Sunday saying his group was not seeking a broader conflict and held out the possibility of a ceasefire, although sirens warning of rocket fire continued to sound in Israeli cities into the night. President Donald Trump expressed full US support for Israel and called for an end to the rocket attacks, saying Gazans would only face more hardship and that it was time to seek peace. "Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defence of its citizens... To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!," Trump said in a message on Twitter. Sirens and explosions The sounds of sirens and explosions reverberated on both sides of the frontier on Sunday, fraying nerves and keeping schools closed. Israel halted supplies from its main natural gas field. The Tamar field's offshore production platform is in range of Palestinian rockets. Israel also stopped fuel imports into Gaza through the main Kerem Shalom crossing. The latest round of violence began two days ago when an Islamic Jihad sniper fired at Israeli troops, wounding two soldiers, according to the Israeli military. Islamic Jihad accused Israel of delaying implementation of previous understandings brokered by Egypt in an effort to end violence and ease blockaded Gaza's economic hardship. This time, Israeli strategic affairs analysts said, both Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants appeared to believe they had some leverage to press for concessions from Israel, where independence day celebrations begin on Wednesday. In two weeks, Israel is also hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, the target of a Gaza rocket attack in March. That attack caused no damage. On Sunday, sirens sounded in the city of Rehovot, 17 km (11 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv. Netanyahu, who doubles as defence minister, convened his security Cabinet, which issued a statement saying it had ordered the military "to continue its strikes and to prepare for the next stages". Ramadan approaching For residents in Gaza, the escalation comes a day before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in the territory on Monday. It is traditionally a time for prayer, family feasts to break daylight fast and shopping. Among the 14 Gazan civilians killed since Friday was a 14-month-old child and the child's aunt, according to the health ministry. Israel's military said the intelligence information showed they were killed by a misfired Palestinian rocket. In Gaza, two Palestinian human rights groups described the cause of their deaths as an explosion with an as yet undetermined source. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the firing of rockets into Israel and urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint". A U.N. envoy said it was working with Egypt to try to end the fighting. Israeli bombings in Gaza destroyed four multi-storey structures. Witnesses said the Israeli military had warned people inside to evacuate the buildings, which it alleged housed Hamas security facilities before they were hit. Saeed Al-Nakhala, an owner of a clothing store in one of the buildings, said he had no time to save his merchandise. "I was together with my son in the shop, there was a big noise and then another and people started to run. We left everything behind and escaped," said Nakhala. Some 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza, the economy of which has suffered years of Israeli and Egyptian blockades as well as recent foreign aid cuts and sanctions by the Palestinian Authority, Hamas' West Bank-based rival. Israel says its blockade is necessary to stop weapons reaching Hamas, with which it has fought three wars since the group seized control of Gaza in 2007, two years after Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from the area.

Death toll rises in surging Israel-Gaza fighting; 27 dead, including 14 civilians

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/78-people-were-onboard-russian-aeroflot-sukhoi-superjet-aircraft-37-survived-investigators-216230">78 people were onboard Russian Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet aircraft; 37 survived: Investigators</a>

Russian investigators said today that 78 people were onboard the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">Live Lok Sabha elections: Rajnath Singh, Mayawati, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore cast vote in fifth phase</a>

Polling booths opened at 7am today as voting got underway for the fifth phase in the Lok Sabha elections. There are 51 constituencies going to the polls today across seven states which include Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), Rajasthan (12 seats) Madhya Pradesh (7 seats), West Bengal (7 seats) Bihar (5 seats) Jharkhand (4 seats) and Pulwama, Ladakh and Shopian district in Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-israel-100-in-its-defence-of-its-citizens-says-donald-trump-on-gaza-escalation-216211">We support Israel 100% in defence of its citizens, says Donald Trump on Gaza escalation</a>

President Donald Trump assured Israel on Sunday that it has Washington's full support after the Jewish state led waves of retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian rockets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/engineers-had-identified-fault-with-pilot-warning-system-on-its-737-max-aircraft-in-2017-boeing-216225">Engineers had identified fault with pilot warning system on its 737 MAX aircraft in 2017: Boeing</a>

Boeing engineers identified a fault with a pilot warning system on its 737 MAX aircraft in 2017, a year before the deadly Lion Air crash, the company said Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-should-not-testify-before-us-congress-trump-216223">Robert Mueller 'should not testify' before US Congress: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller "should not testify" before Congress on his Russia election meddling inquiry, setting up a confrontation with Democrats already irate over what they view as increasingly brazen administration stone-walling.

78 people were onboard Russian Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet aircraft; 37 survived: Investigators Russian investigators said today that 78 people were onboard the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday.

78 people were onboard Russian Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet aircraft; 37 survived: Investigators Russian investigators said today that 78 people were onboard the Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft when it caught fire during emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday. Live Lok Sabha elections: Rajnath Singh, Mayawati, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore cast vote in fifth phase Polling booths opened at 7am today as voting got underway for the fifth phase in the Lok Sabha elections. There are 51 constituencies going to the polls today across seven states which include Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), Rajasthan (12 seats) Madhya Pradesh (7 seats), West Bengal (7 seats) Bihar (5 seats) Jharkhand (4 seats) and Pulwama, Ladakh and Shopian district in Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. We support Israel 100% in defence of its citizens, says Donald Trump on Gaza escalation President Donald Trump assured Israel on Sunday that it has Washington's full support after the Jewish state led waves of retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian rockets. Engineers had identified fault with pilot warning system on its 737 MAX aircraft in 2017: Boeing Boeing engineers identified a fault with a pilot warning system on its 737 MAX aircraft in 2017, a year before the deadly Lion Air crash, the company said Sunday. Robert Mueller 'should not testify' before US Congress: Trump US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller "should not testify" before Congress on his Russia election meddling inquiry, setting up a confrontation with Democrats already irate over what they view as increasingly brazen administration stone-walling.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186"> threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods</a> at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers.

Shanghai and Hong Kong equities led big losses across the region, with the Chinese yuan also taking a battering after the president threw a spanner into the high-level negotiations, which many observers were expecting to wrap up imminently.

"For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods," Trump tweeted Sunday night. "The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday."

The warning will throw a shadow over the next round of talks, with a delegation from Beijing due in Washington this week, with Bloomberg News reporting the Chinese side are considering their position.

The two sides have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year. But Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in December, helping fan a surge across world stock markets for the past four months.

"Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning and the only two words likely to be on the minds of traders and investors this week are 'trade talks'," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

In morning trade Hong Kong tumbled 3.6 per cent and Shanghai was off more than five per cent as investors there returned for the first time since Tuesday.

Singapore was off three per cent and Taipei shed 1.8 per cent, while Sydney and Wellington were each one per cent down.

Manila and Jakarta were also sharply lower. Tokyo and Seoul were closed for holidays.

Yuan tumbles

"It’s making the outcomes more binary, with everybody focused on the Friday deadline," said Joyce Chang, chair of global research at JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.

"There doesn’t seem to be much leeway now to much go past that. It's going to mean that investors will be very focused on the trade issues even beyond China," she told Bloomberg TV.

The yuan also took hiding, shedding more than 1.3 per cent at one point against the dollar, its heaviest fall in more than three years. The currency had been sitting around 10-month highs on the back of optimism the two sides would sign off on a trade pact.

"Investors will remain bearish on the yuan, as they reprice in trade war risks because the new developments are a reversal of previous positive progress," Ken Cheung, senior foreign-exchange strategist at Mizuho Bank. "The news was unexpected."

The flight to safety saw the dollar surge against higher-yielding, higher-risk units, with South Africa's rand off one per cent, the Mexican peso 0.9 per cent lower and the Australian dollar 0.6 per cent lower.

On oil markets, both main contracts were hammered more than two per cent by worries that a trade war between the world's top two economies could hit demand for the commodity.

Adding to weakness in the sector is the US drive to increase output, which comes as it reports rising stockpiles, which are offsetting unrest in Libya, tensions with Iran and production caps by OPEC and Russia.

However, while trading floors are awash with red, Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management remained positive.

"We do know the president tends to retreat from more aggressive displays, so I am viewing this thinly veiled threat as political posturing or a tactical decision to apply more pressure on China to put through a trade deal that aligns with the best USA economic interest at heart.

"Despite US-China trade talks hitting an apparent impasse based on (the) tweet, I think a deal will be signed shortly."

Trump's outburst overshadowed another blockbuster US jobs report Friday that reinforced the view that the economy is in rude health, while measured wage inflation eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers.

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers. Shanghai and Hong Kong equities led big losses across the region, with the Chinese yuan also taking a battering after the president threw a spanner into the high-level negotiations, which many observers were expecting to wrap up imminently. "For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods," Trump tweeted Sunday night. "The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday." The warning will throw a shadow over the next round of talks, with a delegation from Beijing due in Washington this week, with Bloomberg News reporting the Chinese side are considering their position. The two sides have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year. But Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in December, helping fan a surge across world stock markets for the past four months. "Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning and the only two words likely to be on the minds of traders and investors this week are 'trade talks'," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. In morning trade Hong Kong tumbled 3.6 per cent and Shanghai was off more than five per cent as investors there returned for the first time since Tuesday. Singapore was off three per cent and Taipei shed 1.8 per cent, while Sydney and Wellington were each one per cent down. Manila and Jakarta were also sharply lower. Tokyo and Seoul were closed for holidays. Yuan tumbles "It’s making the outcomes more binary, with everybody focused on the Friday deadline," said Joyce Chang, chair of global research at JPMorgan Chase & Co. "There doesn’t seem to be much leeway now to much go past that. It's going to mean that investors will be very focused on the trade issues even beyond China," she told Bloomberg TV. The yuan also took hiding, shedding more than 1.3 per cent at one point against the dollar, its heaviest fall in more than three years. The currency had been sitting around 10-month highs on the back of optimism the two sides would sign off on a trade pact. "Investors will remain bearish on the yuan, as they reprice in trade war risks because the new developments are a reversal of previous positive progress," Ken Cheung, senior foreign-exchange strategist at Mizuho Bank. "The news was unexpected." The flight to safety saw the dollar surge against higher-yielding, higher-risk units, with South Africa's rand off one per cent, the Mexican peso 0.9 per cent lower and the Australian dollar 0.6 per cent lower. On oil markets, both main contracts were hammered more than two per cent by worries that a trade war between the world's top two economies could hit demand for the commodity. Adding to weakness in the sector is the US drive to increase output, which comes as it reports rising stockpiles, which are offsetting unrest in Libya, tensions with Iran and production caps by OPEC and Russia. However, while trading floors are awash with red, Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management remained positive. "We do know the president tends to retreat from more aggressive displays, so I am viewing this thinly veiled threat as political posturing or a tactical decision to apply more pressure on China to put through a trade deal that aligns with the best USA economic interest at heart. "Despite US-China trade talks hitting an apparent impasse based on (the) tweet, I think a deal will be signed shortly." Trump's outburst overshadowed another blockbuster US jobs report Friday that reinforced the view that the economy is in rude health, while measured wage inflation eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.

Asian markets plunge as Trump threatens to hike China tariffs

President Donald Trump assured Israel on Sunday that it has Washington's full support after the Jewish state led waves of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-12-in-israeli-retaliatory-strike-in-gaza-strip-216171">retaliatory strikes in the Gaza</a> Strip in response to Palestinian rockets.

"Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defence of its citizens," Trump tweeted.

"To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!"

Four people were killed in Israel and 19 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, both countries' authorities said, during the most serious escalation since a 2014 war.

Israel carried out a series of strikes in response to rocket barrages fired from the Hamas-run territory.

In total, 19 Palestinians were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday, the enclave's health ministry said.

The ministry said among those killed on Sunday were a pregnant woman and a four-month-old baby. The Israeli military declined to comment on the claim.

At least nine of those killed were confirmed to be militants affiliated with the Palestinian territory's leaders Hamas or the allied Islamic Jihad group.

On the Israeli side four civilians were killed as Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired barrages of rockets and at least one anti-tank missile from the enclave, Israeli authorities said.

Three of the dead were identified by authorities as Israeli citizens, with the nationality of the fourth not announced.

Israeli targets included internal security headquarters in the Palestinian enclave, an interior ministry statement said.

The building in Gaza City was destroyed, the statement said.

Rocket fire and Israeli strikes continued Sunday evening.

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President Donald Trump assured Israel on Sunday that it has Washington's full support after the Jewish state led waves of retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian rockets.

President Donald Trump assured Israel on Sunday that it has Washington's full support after the Jewish state led waves of retaliatory strikes in the Gaza Strip in response to Palestinian rockets. "Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defence of its citizens," Trump tweeted. "To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!" Four people were killed in Israel and 19 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, both countries' authorities said, during the most serious escalation since a 2014 war. Israel carried out a series of strikes in response to rocket barrages fired from the Hamas-run territory. In total, 19 Palestinians were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday, the enclave's health ministry said. The ministry said among those killed on Sunday were a pregnant woman and a four-month-old baby. The Israeli military declined to comment on the claim. At least nine of those killed were confirmed to be militants affiliated with the Palestinian territory's leaders Hamas or the allied Islamic Jihad group. On the Israeli side four civilians were killed as Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired barrages of rockets and at least one anti-tank missile from the enclave, Israeli authorities said. Three of the dead were identified by authorities as Israeli citizens, with the nationality of the fourth not announced. Israeli targets included internal security headquarters in the Palestinian enclave, an interior ministry statement said. The building in Gaza City was destroyed, the statement said. Rocket fire and Israeli strikes continued Sunday evening. ×

We support Israel 100% in defence of its citizens, says Donald Trump on Gaza escalation

US President Donald Trump says the United States will raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, complaining of a lack of progress in trade talks. "The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate.

US President Trump to hike tariffs on $200 bn of China goods

A man robbed a number of stores in a shopping centre near Brisbane, wearing what appeared to be a Donald Trump mask.

Trump masked thief robs jewellery store

The US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he discussed "the Russia Hoax" with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not raise with his concerns about Russian meddling in US elections.

Trump and Putin spoke by phone for the first time since US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign was released. Mueller's report found that the Russian government had interfered in the election "in a sweeping and systematic fashion."

Trump, talking to reporters as he met Slovak Republic Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, indicated that he and Putin only discussed Mueller's conclusion that Trump did not collude with Russia in 2016.

Trump said Putin seemed amused. "He said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and it ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever," said Trump.

Pressed on whether he urged Putin not to meddle in the upcoming 2020 election when Trump will be seeking re-election, the president said the issue was not discussed.

"We didn't discuss that. Really, we didn't discuss it. We discussed five or six things," he said.

In a tweet, Trump said he and Putin talked about "the Russia Hoax," among other topics including nuclear arms, North Korea and Venezuela.

Trump has raised election meddling with Putin in past conversations but has tended to play down the impact of what happened in 2016 out of concern that his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton might seem illegitimate.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, asked by reporters on the White House driveway why Trump did not press Putin on the issue, said: "The president's been clear that no one needs to meddle in our election. He doesn't need to do that every two seconds."

The US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he discussed "the Russia Hoax" with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not raise with his concerns about Russian meddling in US elections.

The US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he discussed "the Russia Hoax" with Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not raise with his concerns about Russian meddling in US elections. Trump and Putin spoke by phone for the first time since US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report about Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign was released. Mueller's report found that the Russian government had interfered in the election "in a sweeping and systematic fashion." Trump, talking to reporters as he met Slovak Republic Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, indicated that he and Putin only discussed Mueller's conclusion that Trump did not collude with Russia in 2016. Trump said Putin seemed amused. "He said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain and it ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever," said Trump. Pressed on whether he urged Putin not to meddle in the upcoming 2020 election when Trump will be seeking re-election, the president said the issue was not discussed. "We didn't discuss that. Really, we didn't discuss it. We discussed five or six things," he said. In a tweet, Trump said he and Putin talked about "the Russia Hoax," among other topics including nuclear arms, North Korea and Venezuela. Trump has raised election meddling with Putin in past conversations but has tended to play down the impact of what happened in 2016 out of concern that his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton might seem illegitimate. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, asked by reporters on the White House driveway why Trump did not press Putin on the issue, said: "The president's been clear that no one needs to meddle in our election. He doesn't need to do that every two seconds."

Trump says did not raise election meddling with Putin in phone call

The US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted the result of the Kentucky Derby horse race, saying the controversial disqualification of first-finisher Maximum Security could only happen in "these days of political correctness."

"The Kentuky (sic) Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!"

In a stunning reversal, second-finisher and long-shot Country House was declared the winner of Saturday's 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville after Maximum Security became the first horse in the history of the race to be disqualified for an on-track infraction after crossing the line first.

Country House's team had objected to Maximum Security's win, saying the 9-2 favourite's wide turn heading into the soggy home stretch impeded other horses. After a 20-minute video review, officials found Maximum Security guilty of a contact foul and handed the win to Country House.

The 1-1/4 mile race called the "fastest two minutes in sports," and the first jewel in thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, featured the largest guaranteed purse of $3 million and played out before more than 150,000 fans that packed Churchill Downs despite the wet weather.

Coming into Saturday's race, Country House had only notched one win in six starts.

Maximum Security's trainer and the owner told Sports Illustrated they planned to pursue any available appeals against the disqualification.

The US President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted the result of the Kentucky Derby horse race, saying the controversial disqualification of first-finisher Maximum Security could only happen in "these days of political correctness.

The US President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted the result of the Kentucky Derby horse race, saying the controversial disqualification of first-finisher Maximum Security could only happen in "these days of political correctness." "The Kentuky (sic) Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough and tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!" In a stunning reversal, second-finisher and long-shot Country House was declared the winner of Saturday's 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville after Maximum Security became the first horse in the history of the race to be disqualified for an on-track infraction after crossing the line first. Country House's team had objected to Maximum Security's win, saying the 9-2 favourite's wide turn heading into the soggy home stretch impeded other horses. After a 20-minute video review, officials found Maximum Security guilty of a contact foul and handed the win to Country House. The 1-1/4 mile race called the "fastest two minutes in sports," and the first jewel in thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, featured the largest guaranteed purse of $3 million and played out before more than 150,000 fans that packed Churchill Downs despite the wet weather. Coming into Saturday's race, Country House had only notched one win in six starts. Maximum Security's trainer and the owner told Sports Illustrated they planned to pursue any available appeals against the disqualification.

Donald Trump slams Kentucky Derby result as 'political correctness' after disqualification

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain?

With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is hanging over the talks.

Beijing may make eye-popping offers to buy American energy and agriculture exports as a means of cutting the soaring US-China trade deficit ($378.7 billion in 2018, including services trade), but all eyes will be on whether the agreement has any teeth.

US Vice President Mike Pence said Friday the enforcement mechanism would be key to the decision on whether to remove the punishing US tariffs which now cover more than $250 billion in Chinese imports.

"The reason enforcement has become central to this negotiation is the long history of China not living up to the spirit of the commitments it has made in the WTO and in bilateral negotiations with the US and other countries," Edward Alden, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused China of stealing from the United States by buying less from America than it sells.

But Trump also has demanded structural changes to the Chinese economy, including an end to the forced transfer of American technology, theft of intellectual property and the massive role the Chinese government plays in markets and industry.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is leading the US delegation along with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has insisted Washington will not accept empty promises and will demand verification Beijing is keeping its word.

Reaching trade agreements with China can be especially challenging, given that its regulations are not transparent, Alden said.

"China can change its laws in ways that please the United States, but then use regulatory tools to thwart implementation."

'That's the core'

To ensure strict compliance, US negotiators have proposed monthly, quarterly and semi-annual meetings, with the twice-yearly meetings to involving the most senior officials.

And should American businesses report violations of the agreement, Washington could begin a series of consultations with their Chinese counterparts, and then unilaterally impose new tariffs if no resolution is achieved, according to US media reports.

But China also would have recourse to the same tariff tool in case of a US violation.

"The enforcement mechanism is crucial to the agreement," Doug Barry, spokesman for the US-China Business Council, told AFP.

"Without a credible, time specific, verifiable means to hold parties accountable, we will miss an opportunity to put the trade relationship on a new and better footing."

Alden says the tool under discussion appears novel because bilateral free trade agreements typically resolve disputes through arbitration panels which oversee retaliatory tariffs, similar to the World Trade Organization dispute settlement process.

Businesses on both sides of the Pacific want the talks to wrap up as soon as possible to reduce uncertainty in international commerce at a time when the trade war has weighed on manufacturing sectors in both countries.

Among the top 15 US states exporting to China, many have been hit hard by China's retaliatory tariffs on soy, pork or in the aviation sector, including Alabama, Illinois and Washington State, according to the US-China Business Council.

Companies are calling for the tariffs imposed last year -- which cover more than $360 billion in two-way trade -- to be lifted.

But Washington hopes to retain the ability to resort to tariffs as a cudgel.

"We have to maintain the right to be able to -- whatever happens to the current tariffs -- to raise tariffs in situations where there are violations of the agreement," Lighthizer said in Senate testimony in March.

"That's the core. If we don't do that, then none of it makes any difference."

But, according to Alden, that could create "ongoing uncertainty" for businesses unaware of when either side could seek to impose unilateral tariffs.

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain?

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain? With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is hanging over the talks. Beijing may make eye-popping offers to buy American energy and agriculture exports as a means of cutting the soaring US-China trade deficit ($378.7 billion in 2018, including services trade), but all eyes will be on whether the agreement has any teeth. US Vice President Mike Pence said Friday the enforcement mechanism would be key to the decision on whether to remove the punishing US tariffs which now cover more than $250 billion in Chinese imports. "The reason enforcement has become central to this negotiation is the long history of China not living up to the spirit of the commitments it has made in the WTO and in bilateral negotiations with the US and other countries," Edward Alden, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused China of stealing from the United States by buying less from America than it sells. But Trump also has demanded structural changes to the Chinese economy, including an end to the forced transfer of American technology, theft of intellectual property and the massive role the Chinese government plays in markets and industry. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is leading the US delegation along with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has insisted Washington will not accept empty promises and will demand verification Beijing is keeping its word. Reaching trade agreements with China can be especially challenging, given that its regulations are not transparent, Alden said. "China can change its laws in ways that please the United States, but then use regulatory tools to thwart implementation." 'That's the core' To ensure strict compliance, US negotiators have proposed monthly, quarterly and semi-annual meetings, with the twice-yearly meetings to involving the most senior officials. And should American businesses report violations of the agreement, Washington could begin a series of consultations with their Chinese counterparts, and then unilaterally impose new tariffs if no resolution is achieved, according to US media reports. But China also would have recourse to the same tariff tool in case of a US violation. "The enforcement mechanism is crucial to the agreement," Doug Barry, spokesman for the US-China Business Council, told AFP. "Without a credible, time specific, verifiable means to hold parties accountable, we will miss an opportunity to put the trade relationship on a new and better footing." Alden says the tool under discussion appears novel because bilateral free trade agreements typically resolve disputes through arbitration panels which oversee retaliatory tariffs, similar to the World Trade Organization dispute settlement process. Businesses on both sides of the Pacific want the talks to wrap up as soon as possible to reduce uncertainty in international commerce at a time when the trade war has weighed on manufacturing sectors in both countries. Among the top 15 US states exporting to China, many have been hit hard by China's retaliatory tariffs on soy, pork or in the aviation sector, including Alabama, Illinois and Washington State, according to the US-China Business Council. Companies are calling for the tariffs imposed last year -- which cover more than $360 billion in two-way trade -- to be lifted. But Washington hopes to retain the ability to resort to tariffs as a cudgel. "We have to maintain the right to be able to -- whatever happens to the current tariffs -- to raise tariffs in situations where there are violations of the agreement," Lighthizer said in Senate testimony in March. "That's the core. If we don't do that, then none of it makes any difference." But, according to Alden, that could create "ongoing uncertainty" for businesses unaware of when either side could seek to impose unilateral tariffs.

US-China trade dilemma: How to hold Beijing's feet to the fire

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-give-migrants-dna-tests-to-prove-family-ties-215190">migrants seeking refuge in the United States</a> to pass an initial screening.

The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said.

Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US&nbsp;Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis.

The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said.

The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US&nbsp;border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-did-not-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-phone-call-216036">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent.

The first step in the long US&nbsp;asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country.

If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum.

Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient.

'Big fat con job'

The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration.

The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States.

Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted.

Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said.

USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions."

Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses.

The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents.

US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment.

An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol.

Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases.

The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country.

At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job."

"You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world."

Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US&nbsp;courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits.

Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials.

By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening. The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said. Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis. The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said. The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade. US President Donald Trump has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent. The first step in the long US asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country. If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum. Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient. 'Big fat con job' The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration. The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States. Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted. Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said. USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions." Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses. The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents. US Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment. An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol. Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases. The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country. At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job." "You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world." Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits. Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials. By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

Trump administration's new training guidelines for asylum screenings reflect tougher US stance on migrants

President Donald Trump on Friday evening took to Twitter and slammed social media censorship in reaction to Facebook's recent crackdown of conspiracy theorists. Watch full video to know more.

US President Donald Trump slams censorship on social media

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-signals-shift-in-nuclear-diplomacy-kims-right-hand-man-sidelined-213629">United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads</a> since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal.

North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today", the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added.

In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile.

The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017.

The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief.

That issue was also at the centre of the February talks in Hanoi, where North Korea demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return.

Earlier this week, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an "unwanted outcome" if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions.

North Korea did not carry out any missile or nuclear tests last year, as Kim held his first historic summits with the leaders of the United States and South Korea.

Saturday's launch "does not violate Kim Jong-un's self-imposed missile-testing moratorium", which "only applied to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles", said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda.

"North Korea historically did not generally test anything while talks were on with the US. Talks are not on."

The White House said it was "aware of North Korea's actions tonight".

"We will continue to monitor as necessary," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Japan, meanwhile, said there was "no confirmation of ballistic missiles" entering its territory.

"At this point, there is no confirmation of any situation that may impact our national security," the Japanese defence ministry said in a statement.

Hodo peninsula

Hodo Peninsula, where Saturday's firing took place, has been used as a training area for "live-fire testing, training exercises for artillery and coastal defence cruise missiles" since the 1960s, according to the respected 38 North website.

It wasn't until the mid-1990s that a "formal training area" was established in the region, and Hodo has been "increasingly used for ballistic missile and long-range artillery rocket testing" during the last 10 years, it added.

Since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump in February, South Korean president Moon Jae-in -- who brokered the first meeting between the mercurial leaders -- has tried to salvage diplomacy, but Pyongyang has remained largely unresponsive.

Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature last month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator'" between the US and Pyongyang.

Last week, on the anniversary of the Panmunjom summit, Pyongyang's state media KCNA said Washington and Seoul "keep pushing the situation of the Korean peninsula and the region to an undesirable phase", criticising their joint military exercises.

"Chairman Kim has decided to remind the world -- and specifically the United States -- that his weapons capabilities are growing by the day," said Harry J. Kazianis, Director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest.

"My fear is that we are at the beginning stages of a slide back to the days of nuclear war threats and personal insults, a dangerous cycle of spiking tensions that must be avoided at all costs."

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked.

North Korea launched unidentified projectiles into the sea Saturday, the South Korean military said, in what could be Pyongyang's first short-range missile launch for more than a year as it seeks to up pressure on Washington with nuclear talks deadlocked. The United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal. North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today", the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added. In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile. The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017. The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief. That issue was also at the centre of the February talks in Hanoi, where North Korea demanded immediate sanctions relief, but the two sides disagreed on what Pyongyang should give up in return. Earlier this week, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui warned Washington of an "unwanted outcome" if it did not adjust its stance on economic sanctions. North Korea did not carry out any missile or nuclear tests last year, as Kim held his first historic summits with the leaders of the United States and South Korea. Saturday's launch "does not violate Kim Jong-un's self-imposed missile-testing moratorium", which "only applied to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles", said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda. "North Korea historically did not generally test anything while talks were on with the US. Talks are not on." The White House said it was "aware of North Korea's actions tonight". "We will continue to monitor as necessary," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. Japan, meanwhile, said there was "no confirmation of ballistic missiles" entering its territory. "At this point, there is no confirmation of any situation that may impact our national security," the Japanese defence ministry said in a statement. Hodo peninsula Hodo Peninsula, where Saturday's firing took place, has been used as a training area for "live-fire testing, training exercises for artillery and coastal defence cruise missiles" since the 1960s, according to the respected 38 North website. It wasn't until the mid-1990s that a "formal training area" was established in the region, and Hodo has been "increasingly used for ballistic missile and long-range artillery rocket testing" during the last 10 years, it added. Since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump in February, South Korean president Moon Jae-in -- who brokered the first meeting between the mercurial leaders -- has tried to salvage diplomacy, but Pyongyang has remained largely unresponsive. Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature last month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator'" between the US and Pyongyang. Last week, on the anniversary of the Panmunjom summit, Pyongyang's state media KCNA said Washington and Seoul "keep pushing the situation of the Korean peninsula and the region to an undesirable phase", criticising their joint military exercises. "Chairman Kim has decided to remind the world -- and specifically the United States -- that his weapons capabilities are growing by the day," said Harry J. Kazianis, Director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest. "My fear is that we are at the beginning stages of a slide back to the days of nuclear war threats and personal insults, a dangerous cycle of spiking tensions that must be avoided at all costs."

North Korea fires short-range 'projectiles' into sea, first missile launch after 2017

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772">'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump</a>

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-targets-iran-uranium-but-lets-nuclear-deal-stay-alive-215771">US targets Iran uranium but lets nuclear deal stay alive</a>

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-preparing-to-move-f-35-manufacturing-work-out-of-turkey-215777">Pentagon preparing to move F-35 manufacturing work out of Turkey</a>

US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned Friday that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 in Turkey if Ankara buys a Russian missile defence system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-makes-landfall-in-west-bengal-215767">After wreaking havoc in Odisha, cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal</a>

Cyclonic storm Fani, which wreaked havoc in Odisha, has made landfall in West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

The cyclonic story crossed Kharagpur and is likely to continue further in North-East direction with a wind speed of 90 km/hour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-king-maha-vajiralongkorn-set-for-coronation-filled-with-ritual-today-215773">Thai King Vajiralongkorn set for coronation filled with rituals today</a>

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned Saturday in an elaborate show of pageantry, marbled by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, two years after ascending the throne following his father's death.

'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president. US targets Iran uranium but lets nuclear deal stay alive The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive. Pentagon preparing to move F-35 manufacturing work out of Turkey US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned Friday that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 in Turkey if Ankara buys a Russian missile defence system. After wreaking havoc in Odisha, cyclone Fani makes landfall in West Bengal Cyclonic storm Fani, which wreaked havoc in Odisha, has made landfall in West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The cyclonic story crossed Kharagpur and is likely to continue further in North-East direction with a wind speed of 90 km/hour. Thai King Vajiralongkorn set for coronation filled with rituals today Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned Saturday in an elaborate show of pageantry, marbled by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, two years after ascending the throne following his father's death.

Twenty-four US&nbsp;members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut.

"In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs.

A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US&nbsp;trade deficit and repeatedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-vietnam-charged-us-big-tariffs-trump-at-wisconsin-rally-214388">called out India for high tariffs</a>.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war.

The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US&nbsp;farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs.

But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added.

India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan.

India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said.

"They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said.

The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added.

Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US&nbsp;companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it. Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut. "In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs. A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US trade deficit and repeatedly called out India for high tariffs. India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war. The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs. But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added. India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan. India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said. "They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said. The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added. Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

US lawmakers urge Trump administration to not end India's trade privileges

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stated that he was confident over Kim Jong-un's promise and hoped that the North Korean leader would not "break his promise".

In a tweet on Saturday, Trump said, "Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong Un fully realises the great economic potential of North Korea, and&nbsp;will do nothing to interfere or end it. He also knows that I am with him &amp; does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen!".

Trump's reaction comes amid reports of North Korea&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-projectiles-into-sea-seoul-215790">launching unidentified projectiles into the sea</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement on Saturday&nbsp;that North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today".

The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added.

In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile.

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Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong Un fully realizes the great economic potential of North Korea, &amp; will do nothing to interfere or end it. He also knows that I am with him &amp; does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1124670603179565056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-signals-shift-in-nuclear-diplomacy-kims-right-hand-man-sidelined-213629">United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads</a>&nbsp;since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal.

The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017.

The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stated that he was confident over Kim Jong-un's promise and hoped that the North Korean leader would not "break his promise".

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stated that he was confident over Kim Jong-un's promise and hoped that the North Korean leader would not "break his promise". In a tweet on Saturday, Trump said, "Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong Un fully realises the great economic potential of North Korea, and will do nothing to interfere or end it. He also knows that I am with him & does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen!". Trump's reaction comes amid reports of North Korea launching unidentified projectiles into the sea on Saturday. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement on Saturday that North Korea "fired a number of short-range projectiles from its Hodo peninsula near the east coast town of Wonsan to the northeastern direction from 9:06 am (0006 GMT) to 09:27 am today". The projectiles travelled from 70 to 200 kilometres (45 to 125 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, the JCS added. In an earlier statement, it had said Pyongyang had launched an unidentified short-range missile. Anything in this very interesting world is possible, but I believe that Kim Jong Un fully realizes the great economic potential of North Korea, & will do nothing to interfere or end it. He also knows that I am with him & does not want to break his promise to me. Deal will happen! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 4, 2019 × The United States and North Korea have been at loggerheads since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in February, where the two sides clashed over sanctions and the extent of Pyongyang's concessions on its atomic arsenal. The last North Korean missile launch was in November 2017. The latest firing comes just a day after South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Pyongyang should show "visible, concrete and substantial" denuclearisation action if it wants sanctions relief. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says North Korean leader Kim Jong-un won't 'break promise' after projectiles launch

The United States had another giant month of job creation in April, confirming the strength of the world's largest economy as President Donald Trump prepares to fend off challengers in next year's election.

Government data showed continued vigour in the vast services sector, with unemployment falling to a level not seen since 1969, helping allay fears of a slowdown -- although the labour force shrank.

As the second quarter began, employers scooped up workers in construction, health care, computer systems design, administrative support and other service industries, adding a total of 263,000 net new positions for the month, the data showed.

That was well above the result economists expected, and worker pay continued to climb, although at a slower pace, according to the closely-watched report from the Labor Department.

The unemployment rate fell two tenths to 3.6 per cent but the decline was in part because the pool of workers shrank and fewer people were looking for jobs, pulling them out of the labour force.

The jobless rate for Hispanics fell to the lowest level on record, as did a broader measure of unemployment that includes discouraged workers.

"This economy is roaring," Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC shortly after the data was released, attributing the performance squarely to Trump's economic agenda of tax cuts and slashed regulation.

Average hourly pay also rose by 3.2 per cent over April of last year, the ninth consecutive month with annual growth above three per cent, again outstripping inflation.

Compared to March, however, the increase in pay was only 0.2 per cent, shy of forecasts, but economists said this may have been due to distortions from the Easter holiday.

Manufacturing lags

Government hiring also was the strongest in eight months, with 27,000 jobs created -- likely due in part to hiring for the 2020 US census. Financial services also continued to add employees.

But hiring in the manufacturing sector was a weak spot for the third straight month, ending last year's long growth streak. Durable goods employment was flat and the auto sector continuing to shed jobs.

In the 12 months prior to February, the manufacturing sector had added an average of 22,000 jobs a month, according to the report.

The retail sector also suffered yet more job losses, with 12,000 positions cut.

Hiring in mining, which includes oil and gas, as well as utilities was little changed, the data showed.

There were other signs of weakness as well.

"If one is scouring the report for negatives, one would be the contraction in the workweek and drop in hours worked," RDQ Economics said in a client note.

"With labour force participation dropping further in April, participation is now flat on a year-over-year basis."

The three-month average for job creation has also fallen for four straight months and now sits at about 169,000 -- below the averages recorded in the same period of 2018 and 2017.

The number of people working part-time for "economic reasons" -- those who want full-time work but cannot get it -- also rose for the second month in a row in May, and at 4.7 million remains above the level from before the Great Recession.

Nevertheless, the brisk hiring should further dim hopes among investors that the Federal Reserve will feel pressure to cut interest rates in the near term.

As unemployment falls to half-century lows and workers become scarce, the continued strength of hiring has confounded predictions that companies would soon run out of people to hire, even as firms nationwide complain they are struggling to fill open positions.

And inflation has for several years defied the usual logic that low unemployment should cause wages and prices to rise.

The opinion is now divided among economists as to whether inflation later this year will at last spring to life and pressure the central bank to bump up lending rates -- the opposite of Trump's very loud recent demands for a drastic interest rate cut.

After several days in the red, Wall Street was cheered by the news, with all three major indices closing higher and the Nasdaq setting a new record high.

The United States had another giant month of job creation in April, confirming the strength of the world's largest economy as President Donald Trump prepares to fend off challengers in next year's election.

The United States had another giant month of job creation in April, confirming the strength of the world's largest economy as President Donald Trump prepares to fend off challengers in next year's election. Government data showed continued vigour in the vast services sector, with unemployment falling to a level not seen since 1969, helping allay fears of a slowdown -- although the labour force shrank. As the second quarter began, employers scooped up workers in construction, health care, computer systems design, administrative support and other service industries, adding a total of 263,000 net new positions for the month, the data showed. That was well above the result economists expected, and worker pay continued to climb, although at a slower pace, according to the closely-watched report from the Labor Department. The unemployment rate fell two tenths to 3.6 per cent but the decline was in part because the pool of workers shrank and fewer people were looking for jobs, pulling them out of the labour force. The jobless rate for Hispanics fell to the lowest level on record, as did a broader measure of unemployment that includes discouraged workers. "This economy is roaring," Vice President Mike Pence told CNBC shortly after the data was released, attributing the performance squarely to Trump's economic agenda of tax cuts and slashed regulation. Average hourly pay also rose by 3.2 per cent over April of last year, the ninth consecutive month with annual growth above three per cent, again outstripping inflation. Compared to March, however, the increase in pay was only 0.2 per cent, shy of forecasts, but economists said this may have been due to distortions from the Easter holiday. Manufacturing lags Government hiring also was the strongest in eight months, with 27,000 jobs created -- likely due in part to hiring for the 2020 US census. Financial services also continued to add employees. But hiring in the manufacturing sector was a weak spot for the third straight month, ending last year's long growth streak. Durable goods employment was flat and the auto sector continuing to shed jobs. In the 12 months prior to February, the manufacturing sector had added an average of 22,000 jobs a month, according to the report. The retail sector also suffered yet more job losses, with 12,000 positions cut. Hiring in mining, which includes oil and gas, as well as utilities was little changed, the data showed. There were other signs of weakness as well. "If one is scouring the report for negatives, one would be the contraction in the workweek and drop in hours worked," RDQ Economics said in a client note. "With labour force participation dropping further in April, participation is now flat on a year-over-year basis." The three-month average for job creation has also fallen for four straight months and now sits at about 169,000 -- below the averages recorded in the same period of 2018 and 2017. The number of people working part-time for "economic reasons" -- those who want full-time work but cannot get it -- also rose for the second month in a row in May, and at 4.7 million remains above the level from before the Great Recession. Nevertheless, the brisk hiring should further dim hopes among investors that the Federal Reserve will feel pressure to cut interest rates in the near term. As unemployment falls to half-century lows and workers become scarce, the continued strength of hiring has confounded predictions that companies would soon run out of people to hire, even as firms nationwide complain they are struggling to fill open positions. And inflation has for several years defied the usual logic that low unemployment should cause wages and prices to rise. The opinion is now divided among economists as to whether inflation later this year will at last spring to life and pressure the central bank to bump up lending rates -- the opposite of Trump's very loud recent demands for a drastic interest rate cut. After several days in the red, Wall Street was cheered by the news, with all three major indices closing higher and the Nasdaq setting a new record high.

US job creation surges in April as unemployment hits 49-year low

The tech-rich Nasdaq powered to a fresh record Friday as Wall Street cheered a much better than expected US jobs report for April.

European bourses also advanced following the US report, which set <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-job-creation-surges-in-april-as-unemployment-hits-49-year-low-215776">unemployment at a 49-year low</a>.

"No signs of a slowdown here," said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING.

The US economy added 263,000 net new positions in April, well above the 200,000 forecasts by analysts.

Unemployment fell two tenths to 3.6 per cent but the decline was in part because the pool of workers shrank and fewer people were looking for jobs, pulling them out of the labour force, the Labor Department reported.

Even with the positive attributes to the April jobs data, the report showed wage inflation was measured, putting little pressure on the US Federal Reserve to boost interest rates, analysts said.

"Neither too hot nor too cold," said Stephen Innes, head of trading at SPI, calling the US data "another Goldilocks" payroll report.

"The US economy remains in the sweet spot with extremely robust labour markets driving strong consumption growth but apparently without stoking the inflationary fires," he said.

The tech-rich Nasdaq climbed 1.6 per cent to 8,164.00, about two points above a record earlier in the week.

Bourses in London, Paris and Frankfurt advanced modestly.

Despite the strong jobs data, FTN Financial's Chris Low pointed to a report from the Institute for Supply Management that showed slowing services sector activity.&nbsp;

"I don't think everything is quite as rosy as the jobs numbers suggest but for now traders are happy," FTN Financial's Chris Low told AFP.&nbsp;

Low said investors were also cheered by news that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had invested in Amazon, which jumped 3.2 per cent.

"It's him (Buffett) signing off the on the US stock market rally," Low said. "It's not like him to make a high-profile buy at a market top."

The billionaire all-star investor disclosed the move in an interview with CNBC. Buffett previously has lamented not getting into Amazon at an earlier stage, blaming "stupidity" for missing the opportunity in a 2017 interview.

In commodities trading on Friday, oil prices rebounded after falling hard on Thursday in the wake of a surprisingly large build in US oil inventories. Some analysts viewed the increase as a reflection of the improved demand outlook for the US following the strong jobs data.

The tech-rich Nasdaq powered to a fresh record Friday as Wall Street cheered a much better than expected US jobs report for April. European bourses also advanced following the US report, which set unemployment at a 49-year low.

The tech-rich Nasdaq powered to a fresh record Friday as Wall Street cheered a much better than expected US jobs report for April. European bourses also advanced following the US report, which set unemployment at a 49-year low. "No signs of a slowdown here," said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING. The US economy added 263,000 net new positions in April, well above the 200,000 forecasts by analysts. Unemployment fell two tenths to 3.6 per cent but the decline was in part because the pool of workers shrank and fewer people were looking for jobs, pulling them out of the labour force, the Labor Department reported. Even with the positive attributes to the April jobs data, the report showed wage inflation was measured, putting little pressure on the US Federal Reserve to boost interest rates, analysts said. "Neither too hot nor too cold," said Stephen Innes, head of trading at SPI, calling the US data "another Goldilocks" payroll report. "The US economy remains in the sweet spot with extremely robust labour markets driving strong consumption growth but apparently without stoking the inflationary fires," he said. The tech-rich Nasdaq climbed 1.6 per cent to 8,164.00, about two points above a record earlier in the week. Bourses in London, Paris and Frankfurt advanced modestly. Despite the strong jobs data, FTN Financial's Chris Low pointed to a report from the Institute for Supply Management that showed slowing services sector activity. "I don't think everything is quite as rosy as the jobs numbers suggest but for now traders are happy," FTN Financial's Chris Low told AFP. Low said investors were also cheered by news that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had invested in Amazon, which jumped 3.2 per cent. "It's him (Buffett) signing off the on the US stock market rally," Low said. "It's not like him to make a high-profile buy at a market top." The billionaire all-star investor disclosed the move in an interview with CNBC. Buffett previously has lamented not getting into Amazon at an earlier stage, blaming "stupidity" for missing the opportunity in a 2017 interview. In commodities trading on Friday, oil prices rebounded after falling hard on Thursday in the wake of a surprisingly large build in US oil inventories. Some analysts viewed the increase as a reflection of the improved demand outlook for the US following the strong jobs data.

Nasdaq ends at record as global stocks cheers strong US jobs growth

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson.

The latest announcement is part of United States` "unprecedented maximum pressure campaign" on Iran, as per an official press release.

Washington also targetted Iran`s enriched uranium exports through its statement on May 3.

"Starting May 4, assistance to expand Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant beyond the existing reactor unit could be sanctionable. In addition, activities to transfer enriched uranium out of Iran in exchange for natural uranium could be sanctionable," Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in the statement.

"Iran must stop all proliferation-sensitive activities, including uranium enrichment, and we will not accept actions that support the continuation of such enrichment. We will also no longer permit the storage for Iran of heavy water it has produced in excess of current limits; any such heavy water must no longer be available to Iran in any fashion," the statement added.

"The US will continue to apply maximum pressure until #Iran`s leaders change their destructive behaviour, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating table," the US State Department tweeted.

The relations between Iran and the United States have worsened after the latter pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump came into power.

Washington re-imposed sanctions on nuclear cooperation with Iran, including by re-designating Atomic Energy Organization of Iran entities, and by placing new limits on foreign assistance that could expand Iran`s nuclear program in November 2018.

Furthermore, in March 2019, the US designated an additional 31 Iranian individuals and entities "linked to Iran`s WMD proliferation-sensitive activities," as per the US Department of State.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson.

The United States on Friday warned that assisting Iran in expanding its Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could invite sanctions, according to the US State Department Spokesperson. The latest announcement is part of United States` "unprecedented maximum pressure campaign" on Iran, as per an official press release. Washington also targetted Iran`s enriched uranium exports through its statement on May 3. "Starting May 4, assistance to expand Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant beyond the existing reactor unit could be sanctionable. In addition, activities to transfer enriched uranium out of Iran in exchange for natural uranium could be sanctionable," Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in the statement. "Iran must stop all proliferation-sensitive activities, including uranium enrichment, and we will not accept actions that support the continuation of such enrichment. We will also no longer permit the storage for Iran of heavy water it has produced in excess of current limits; any such heavy water must no longer be available to Iran in any fashion," the statement added. "The US will continue to apply maximum pressure until #Iran`s leaders change their destructive behaviour, respect the rights of their people, and return to the negotiating table," the US State Department tweeted. The relations between Iran and the United States have worsened after the latter pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump came into power. Washington re-imposed sanctions on nuclear cooperation with Iran, including by re-designating Atomic Energy Organization of Iran entities, and by placing new limits on foreign assistance that could expand Iran`s nuclear program in November 2018. Furthermore, in March 2019, the US designated an additional 31 Iranian individuals and entities "linked to Iran`s WMD proliferation-sensitive activities," as per the US Department of State.

Assisting expansion of Iran's nuclear power plant may invite US sanctions

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin</a> on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela."&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving."&nbsp;

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. &nbsp;

Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

Options limited?

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power.

Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered -&nbsp;but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command.

Reiterating Trump's position -&nbsp;that "all options" are on the table -&nbsp;Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention.

"I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans."

"We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that."&nbsp;

'Peacefully, civically'

Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call.

But the movement petered out -&nbsp;with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured.

The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort.

The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting.

"The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said.

"There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president.

President Donald Trump said he held "very positive" talks Friday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the crisis in oil-rich Venezuela, where Washington is pushing to oust the Moscow-backed president. The US leader adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone following a more than an hour-long conversation with Putin, coming days after an abortive military uprising in support of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader seeking to drive Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. "It was a very positive conversation," Trump said. "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela." "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving." Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that the socialist Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. Recognized as an interim leader by more than 50 countries including the United States, Guaido has vowed to keep the pressure up on Maduro, urging his supporters to stage peaceful demonstrations at military bases Saturday in a fresh bid to rally the armed forces behind him. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. Options limited? The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro from power. Washington is insisting Maduro's days are numbered - but experts say US options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan hosted Pompeo at the Pentagon Friday along with National Security Advisor John Bolton and Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command. Reiterating Trump's position - that "all options" are on the table - Shanahan declined to provide any details on possible military intervention. "I'm trying to avoid walking into 'We could do this or we could do that,'" he said. "What people should feel confident about is we have... there's depth to these plans." "We have a comprehensive set of options tailored to certain conditions and I'm just going to leave it at that." 'Peacefully, civically' Guaido plans to have his supporters mass outside military bases on Saturday, and deliver a proclamation to those inside, pleading with them to break with Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. On Tuesday the opposition leader called on the military to rise up against Maduro, and a small group heeded his call. But the movement petered out - with 25 rebel soldiers seeking asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Caracas - sparking two days of protests during which four people were killed and some 200 injured. The influential opposition figure Leopoldo Lopez - who made a dramatic appearance alongside Guaido after being freed from house arrest - has since taken refuge at the Spanish embassy. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. In Lima, ministers from Latin American nations and Canada held an emergency meeting to discuss Tuesday's failed effort. The lack of progress left nations backing Guaido facing "a very confusing situation," a diplomatic source told AFP on the sidelines of the meeting. "The reality is that the military leadership resisted the attack and are united," he said. "There are cracks, but not in the military leadership," said the source. "International pressure via economic sanctions is the way to weaken the Chavist regime."

'Very positive' Venezuela talks with Russian President Putin: Donald Trump

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">nuclear deal </a>rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive.

The move comes amid growing Iranian frustration with the nuclear deal, with which UN inspectors say Tehran is complying but which has not led to a promised economic boom, with the Trump administration instead imposing sweeping sanctions.

Under the 2015 deal, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama and still enjoys strong support among European powers, Iran was limited to keeping 300 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 3.67 per cent -- far below the level needed to build nuclear weapons.

As part of the agreement, Iran was to sell any enriched uranium above that threshold on international markets in return for natural uranium, with Russia a key player.

But in Friday's policy change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would start to impose sanctions on anyone involved in the trade of natural for enriched uranium -- as well as in the storage of Iranian heavy water that was in excess of limits.

"The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region's stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

At the same time, the United States issued new three-month waivers to allow the continuation of the major parts of the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

In particular, the United States said it will not target the transfer of scrap and spent nuclear fuel out of Iran and will not impose sanctions overwork at Bushehr, the country's only civilian nuclear power station, although it said it may punish any activity that expands the site.

The Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear accord a year ago and instead vowed, "maximum pressure" aimed at curbing the regional role of Iran, arch-rival of US allies Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Some observers believe that the Trump team is trying to goad Iran into breaking the terms of the nuclear deal, thereby causing it to collapse and significantly deepening Tehran's international isolation.

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive.

The United States said Friday it would start imposing sanctions over Iranian exports of enriched uranium allowed under a nuclear deal rejected by President Donald Trump, even as it granted waivers to allow the accord to survive. The move comes amid growing Iranian frustration with the nuclear deal, with which UN inspectors say Tehran is complying but which has not led to a promised economic boom, with the Trump administration instead imposing sweeping sanctions. Under the 2015 deal, which was negotiated under former president Barack Obama and still enjoys strong support among European powers, Iran was limited to keeping 300 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 3.67 per cent -- far below the level needed to build nuclear weapons. As part of the agreement, Iran was to sell any enriched uranium above that threshold on international markets in return for natural uranium, with Russia a key player. But in Friday's policy change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would start to impose sanctions on anyone involved in the trade of natural for enriched uranium -- as well as in the storage of Iranian heavy water that was in excess of limits. "The Trump administration continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for activities that threaten the region's stability and harm the Iranian people. This includes denying Iran any pathway to a nuclear weapon," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. At the same time, the United States issued new three-month waivers to allow the continuation of the major parts of the nuclear deal. In particular, the United States said it will not target the transfer of scrap and spent nuclear fuel out of Iran and will not impose sanctions overwork at Bushehr, the country's only civilian nuclear power station, although it said it may punish any activity that expands the site. The Trump administration pulled out of the nuclear accord a year ago and instead vowed, "maximum pressure" aimed at curbing the regional role of Iran, arch-rival of US allies Saudi Arabia and Israel. Some observers believe that the Trump team is trying to goad Iran into breaking the terms of the nuclear deal, thereby causing it to collapse and significantly deepening Tehran's international isolation.

US targets Iran uranium but lets nuclear deal stay alive

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-targets-iran-uranium-but-lets-nuclear-deal-stay-alive-215771&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi598bquIHiAhWMsI8KHdrHCyYQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Or6wcXF_HgJ-neUh0c2Lq">against US pressure</a> in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic.

It is almost a year since President Donald Trump reimposed crippling US sanctions after exiting a landmark nuclear agreement between major powers and Iran.

"America will only let go of this game when it realises it cannot achieve anything. We have no way but to resist and unite," Rouhani said in a televised speech.

Iran's economy has been battered since sanctions returned.

Inflation has shot up, its currency has plummeted and imports are now vastly more expensive.

Upping the ante, the White House announced last week it would end oil purchase waivers granted to Iran's main customers -- including China, India and Turkey -- cutting Iran's access to its main source of foreign currency revenue.

"Our war today is the war on hope. They want to break our hope, and we have to break their hope" of defeating Iran, said Rouhani.

"They want to cut our foreign currency supply ... they seek to sow discord in the country. They want us to be divided, to stand against each other," he added.

Rouhani has vowed that Iran will continue to supply oil to its major customers despite the unilateral measures adopted by the United States. 
&nbsp;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" against US pressure in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for the country to "resist and unite" against US pressure in what he called a "war on hope" waged against the Islamic republic. It is almost a year since President Donald Trump reimposed crippling US sanctions after exiting a landmark nuclear agreement between major powers and Iran. "America will only let go of this game when it realises it cannot achieve anything. We have no way but to resist and unite," Rouhani said in a televised speech. Iran's economy has been battered since sanctions returned. Inflation has shot up, its currency has plummeted and imports are now vastly more expensive. Upping the ante, the White House announced last week it would end oil purchase waivers granted to Iran's main customers -- including China, India and Turkey -- cutting Iran's access to its main source of foreign currency revenue. "Our war today is the war on hope. They want to break our hope, and we have to break their hope" of defeating Iran, said Rouhani. "They want to cut our foreign currency supply ... they seek to sow discord in the country. They want us to be divided, to stand against each other," he added. Rouhani has vowed that Iran will continue to supply oil to its major customers despite the unilateral measures adopted by the United States.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urges unity in face of US 'war on hope'

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-unrest-in-venezuela-continues-215810&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiizICkuoHiAhVS4XMBHfRQBq0QFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o5sjk_3rEjaBUXDTLPS8N">crisis-hit country.</a>

The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

"Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas.

A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured.

Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground.

The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro.

The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out.

But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772">more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin</a> on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive."&nbsp;

'People are starving'

"He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin.&nbsp;

"And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians.

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House.

"Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement.

"Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added.

The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido will make a fresh bid on Saturday to rally Venezuela's armed forces behind him with protests at military bases in the crisis-hit country. The protest call by Guaido -- the head of the National Assembly legislature, who is recognized as interim president by more than 50 countries -- comes just days after he urged the military to rise up against the socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. "Peacefully, civically... we are going to deliver a simple document, a proclamation to the Armed Forces to listen to the Venezuelan call, that a rapid transition is possible to produce free elections," Guaido told a press conference in Caracas. A small group of military personnel heeded Guaido's call to rise up on Tuesday, but the effort petered out, triggering two days of protests against the government in which four people were killed and several hundred injured. Venezuela's military leadership has since reiterated its support for the government, and Maduro is standing his ground. The country's attorney general Tarek William Saab said Friday that 18 arrest warrants had been issued for "civilian and military conspirators" following the failed uprising, with lieutenant colonels among the uniformed personnel being sought. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, the 35-year-old head of the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. The standoff has drawn in major world powers, with the US throwing its support behind Guaido and Russia and China backing Maduro. The United States has imposed tough sanctions and Trump has refused to take the threat of military action off the table, in an intensifying campaign to drive Maduro out. But President Donald Trump adopted a strikingly conciliatory tone after a more than an hour-long conversation with Vladimir Putin on the Venezuela crisis, describing the Friday talks with his Russian counterpart as "very positive." 'People are starving' "He is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela," Trump said of Putin. "And I feel the same way. We want to get some humanitarian aid. Right now people are starving", Trump added. Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. Trump's tone came in stark contrast to that of his top advisors, in particular, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who charged this week that Maduro had been poised to flee to Cuba, but was talked out of it by the Russians. US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, and the Kremlin's assessment of the Trump-Putin call differed substantially from that coming from the White House. "Interference in internal affairs, attempts to change the leadership in Caracas through force, undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the conflict," said a Russian statement. "Vladimir Putin stated that only the Venezuelan people have the right to decide the future of their country," it added. The United States is insisting Maduro's days are numbered, but experts say its options for breaking the stalemate are limited, and that Washington may have overestimated the opposition leader's strength.

Venezuela's Juan Guaido makes new bid to rally military support

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats.

The ex-Marine general -- who as Homeland Security secretary proposed the controversial policy of separating immigrant children from their parents -- joined Caliburn International four months after leaving the White House.

"General Kelly is a strong strategic addition to our team," said Caliburn International CEO James Van Dusen in a statement cited by various US outlets.

Democrats including 2020 presidential hopefuls accused Kelly of profiting from policies he had supervised during his stint in President Donald Trump's administration.

"John Kelly oversaw many of the Trump Admin's most morally repugnant immigration policies," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Elizabeth Warren.

"Now he could be making big bucks serving on the board of a company that's profiting from the same cruel plans he put in place. This is corruption at its absolute worst", Warren added.

Senator Cory Booker, another Democrat candidate&nbsp;tweeted,&nbsp;"Profiting from your own cruel policies. This is disgusting."

Caliburn is the parent company of Comprehensive Health Services, a private firm that has been given contracts by US Customs and Border Protection.

It runs Homestead, a temporary facility for housing unaccompanied migrant children, in Florida.&nbsp;

Trump's battle to prevent illegal immigration and soaring numbers of asylum seekers have turned into the biggest political fight in the country ahead of next year's presidential election.

During his stint as Trump's Homeland Security secretary, Kelly said would consider separating migrant children from their parents and would "do almost anything to deter the people from Central America" getting into the US via the Mexico border.

He later became White House chief of staff, before his relationship with the president reportedly deteriorated.

In December last year, shortly before leaving the White House, Kelly said he had "nothing but compassion" for undocumented migrants crossing into the US.

"Illegal immigrants, overwhelmingly, are not bad people.... I have nothing but compassion for them, the young kids," Kelly told the LA Times, adding that many had been manipulated by traffickers.

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats.

Former White House chief of staff John Kelly has joined the board of a firm that operates centres for housing unaccompanied migrant children, US media reported Friday, prompting a storm of criticism from Democrats. The ex-Marine general -- who as Homeland Security secretary proposed the controversial policy of separating immigrant children from their parents -- joined Caliburn International four months after leaving the White House. "General Kelly is a strong strategic addition to our team," said Caliburn International CEO James Van Dusen in a statement cited by various US outlets. Democrats including 2020 presidential hopefuls accused Kelly of profiting from policies he had supervised during his stint in President Donald Trump's administration. "John Kelly oversaw many of the Trump Admin's most morally repugnant immigration policies," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Now he could be making big bucks serving on the board of a company that's profiting from the same cruel plans he put in place. This is corruption at its absolute worst", Warren added. Senator Cory Booker, another Democrat candidate tweeted, "Profiting from your own cruel policies. This is disgusting." Caliburn is the parent company of Comprehensive Health Services, a private firm that has been given contracts by US Customs and Border Protection. It runs Homestead, a temporary facility for housing unaccompanied migrant children, in Florida. Trump's battle to prevent illegal immigration and soaring numbers of asylum seekers have turned into the biggest political fight in the country ahead of next year's presidential election. During his stint as Trump's Homeland Security secretary, Kelly said would consider separating migrant children from their parents and would "do almost anything to deter the people from Central America" getting into the US via the Mexico border. He later became White House chief of staff, before his relationship with the president reportedly deteriorated. In December last year, shortly before leaving the White House, Kelly said he had "nothing but compassion" for undocumented migrants crossing into the US. "Illegal immigrants, overwhelmingly, are not bad people.... I have nothing but compassion for them, the young kids," Kelly told the LA Times, adding that many had been manipulated by traffickers.

Former White House chief John Kelly joins firm that detains migrant children

US President Donald Trump has ruled out Russian interference in Venezuela. Watch the full video to know more.

Donald Trump: No Russian meddling in Venezuela

Ugandan pop star turned politician Bobi Wine has been freed on bail after spending three nights in prison. Watch full video to know more.

Ugandan politician Bobi Wine freed on bail

A group of 25 influential American lawmakers has urged the US Trade Representative not to terminate the GSP programme with India after the expiry of the 60-day notice on Friday, saying the country's companies seeking to expand their exports to India could be affected.

The Generalised System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On March 4, President Donald Trump announced that the US intends to terminate India's designations as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP programme.

The 60-day notice period ends on May 3.

On the eve of the end of the notice period, the 25 US lawmakers made a last-ditch effort to convince the Trump administration from going ahead with its decision.

The 25 members of the US House of Representatives in a passionate letter urged US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to continue negotiating a deal that protects and promotes jobs that rely on trade "both imports and exports"&nbsp;with India.

They argued that terminating GSP for India would hurt American companies seeking to expand their exports to India.

"India's termination from GSP follows its failure to provide the United States with assurances that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets in numerous sectors," Trump had said in a letter to Congress, providing a notice of his intent to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary developing country under GSP programme.

In his letter, Trump said that he was determined that New Delhi had "not assured" the US that it would "provide equitable and reasonable access" to the markets of India.

"I will continue to assess whether the Government of India is providing equitable and reasonable access to its markets, in accordance with the GSP eligibility criteria," he wrote.

The USTR through a simple notification in the federal register can formally terminate GSP benefits to India.

Expressing concern over such a move, the lawmakers said that no party "in the United States or India"&nbsp;would benefit from terminating GSP benefits.

"American companies that rely on duty-free treatment for India under the GSP will pay hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes. In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States.

"Terminating the GSP for India similarly would hurt, not help, companies seeking to expand their exports to India. Any progress made toward resolving issues over the last year of GSP negotiations seems unlikely to take effect if India is removed from the programme," the lawmakers said.

"It would be a step back, not forward. Continuing negotiations is the only way to gain new market access for US exports to India," said the letter written by these lawmakers.

Reaching a comprehensive solution that benefits both the US import and export interests is further complicated by the upcoming elections in India, they said.

Noting that the 60-day notice period expires in the middle of Indian elections that run from mid-April to late-May, the Congressmen said that it will be up to India's next government to resolve outstanding issues with the US, but seating that government and restarting negotiations also requires time.

"A decision to terminate GSP in the midst of the elections risks politicising the issues further, with potentially negative consequences for broader relations with an important ally," the Congressmen wrote.

The Congressmen urged Lighthizer not to terminate any GSP benefits until there is an opportunity to negotiate with India's next government.

"The alternative is higher trade barriers all around, which would hurt American companies and workers that depend on strong two-way trade between the US and India," they warned.

A group of 25 influential American lawmakers has urged the US Trade Representative not to terminate the GSP programme with India after the expiry of the 60-day notice on Friday, saying the country's companies seeking to expand their exports to India could be affected.

A group of 25 influential American lawmakers has urged the US Trade Representative not to terminate the GSP programme with India after the expiry of the 60-day notice on Friday, saying the country's companies seeking to expand their exports to India could be affected. The Generalised System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On March 4, President Donald Trump announced that the US intends to terminate India's designations as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP programme. The 60-day notice period ends on May 3. On the eve of the end of the notice period, the 25 US lawmakers made a last-ditch effort to convince the Trump administration from going ahead with its decision. The 25 members of the US House of Representatives in a passionate letter urged US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to continue negotiating a deal that protects and promotes jobs that rely on trade "both imports and exports" with India. They argued that terminating GSP for India would hurt American companies seeking to expand their exports to India. "India's termination from GSP follows its failure to provide the United States with assurances that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets in numerous sectors," Trump had said in a letter to Congress, providing a notice of his intent to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary developing country under GSP programme. In his letter, Trump said that he was determined that New Delhi had "not assured" the US that it would "provide equitable and reasonable access" to the markets of India. "I will continue to assess whether the Government of India is providing equitable and reasonable access to its markets, in accordance with the GSP eligibility criteria," he wrote. The USTR through a simple notification in the federal register can formally terminate GSP benefits to India. Expressing concern over such a move, the lawmakers said that no party "in the United States or India" would benefit from terminating GSP benefits. "American companies that rely on duty-free treatment for India under the GSP will pay hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes. In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States. "Terminating the GSP for India similarly would hurt, not help, companies seeking to expand their exports to India. Any progress made toward resolving issues over the last year of GSP negotiations seems unlikely to take effect if India is removed from the programme," the lawmakers said. "It would be a step back, not forward. Continuing negotiations is the only way to gain new market access for US exports to India," said the letter written by these lawmakers. Reaching a comprehensive solution that benefits both the US import and export interests is further complicated by the upcoming elections in India, they said. Noting that the 60-day notice period expires in the middle of Indian elections that run from mid-April to late-May, the Congressmen said that it will be up to India's next government to resolve outstanding issues with the US, but seating that government and restarting negotiations also requires time. "A decision to terminate GSP in the midst of the elections risks politicising the issues further, with potentially negative consequences for broader relations with an important ally," the Congressmen wrote. The Congressmen urged Lighthizer not to terminate any GSP benefits until there is an opportunity to negotiate with India's next government. "The alternative is higher trade barriers all around, which would hurt American companies and workers that depend on strong two-way trade between the US and India," they warned.

25 US lawmakers urge authorities not to terminate GSP benefits to India

House Democrats passed its first major piece of legislation addressing climate change on Thursday, aiming to prevent the US from leaving the Paris climate agreement. Watch full video to know more.

House Democrats pass major climate change bill

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