US&nbsp;congressman Seth Moulton, one of 20 Democrats running for president, criticised rivals Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on Friday, saying they were so liberal they risked handing President Donald Trump a second White House term.

Moulton is a long-shot candidate at this stage. But his comments reflect a growing conflict between the Democratic Party's moderate and progressive wings that will likely be laid bare during the battle to decide who will take on Republican Trump in next year`s presidential election.

A representative from Massachusetts and Iraq war veteran, Moulton said Trump is a much more difficult candidate to defeat in 2020 than many Democrats realize because of his appeal to voters in the heartland who are frustrated with Washington.

"We can`t go too far left or we will lose middle America," Moulton said in an interview in Los Angeles, part of a tour to California and other early voting states since he announced his candidacy on Monday.

He said the message of candidates such as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was going to make it difficult to win Congress and "take back the White House."&nbsp;

While he agreed the wealthy ought to pay their share of taxes, Sanders and Warren wanted to "punish the rich," Moulton said, which he called un-American.

Moulton, 40, built his political career on challenging the Democratic Party establishment, entering Congress in 2015 after winning a primary challenge against John Tierney, who had held the seat for 18 years.

After Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in 2018, Moulton helped organize opposition to Representative Nancy Pelosi’s bid to become Speaker for a second time.

In Friday`s interview, Moulton sounded particular alarm over Sanders, a self-described "democratic socialist" elected to the Senate as an independent. Sanders has emerged as an early Democratic front-runner along with former US&nbsp;Vice President Joe Biden, who entered the 2020 field on Thursday.

In some of the harshest words yet uttered by a Democratic presidential candidate against a rival, he said: "Bernie wants to change us into a socialist country, and we`re not a socialist country."

He added: "That`s not what America is all about. I don`t think that a socialist nominee is going to win the presidency. I'm a Democrat, I`m not a socialist … He’s a socialist, not a Democrat."

Sanders spokeswoman Sarah Ford responded to the charge by saying the candidate was doing well in the polls because he is a "champion for working people."

"Senator Sanders has a long and well-known record leading the effort to create a government that works for all Americans," she told Reuters in an email.

Warren proposes raising taxes on America`s 75,000 richest families to pay for programs such as universal childcare and universal free public college.&nbsp;

"The problem with some of the candidates in our party is that they`re divisive in the same way that Trump has been so divisive," Moulton said. "They are pitting different parts of America against each other."

He said most Americans aspire to be rich.

"That`s the sprit of America, that`s the American dream," he said.

Warren`s campaign did not respond to an email for comment.

Moulton said his candidacy would gain traction by focusing on foreign policy, a subject he said many Democratic rivals were afraid to address, and by running as a "change agent" against the old guard in Washington. 
&nbsp;

US congressman Seth Moulton, one of 20 Democrats running for president, criticised rivals Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on Friday, saying they were so liberal they risked handing President Donald Trump a second White House term.

US congressman Seth Moulton, one of 20 Democrats running for president, criticised rivals Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren on Friday, saying they were so liberal they risked handing President Donald Trump a second White House term. Moulton is a long-shot candidate at this stage. But his comments reflect a growing conflict between the Democratic Party's moderate and progressive wings that will likely be laid bare during the battle to decide who will take on Republican Trump in next year`s presidential election. A representative from Massachusetts and Iraq war veteran, Moulton said Trump is a much more difficult candidate to defeat in 2020 than many Democrats realize because of his appeal to voters in the heartland who are frustrated with Washington. "We can`t go too far left or we will lose middle America," Moulton said in an interview in Los Angeles, part of a tour to California and other early voting states since he announced his candidacy on Monday. He said the message of candidates such as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren was going to make it difficult to win Congress and "take back the White House." While he agreed the wealthy ought to pay their share of taxes, Sanders and Warren wanted to "punish the rich," Moulton said, which he called un-American. Moulton, 40, built his political career on challenging the Democratic Party establishment, entering Congress in 2015 after winning a primary challenge against John Tierney, who had held the seat for 18 years. After Democrats took control of the House of Representatives in 2018, Moulton helped organize opposition to Representative Nancy Pelosi’s bid to become Speaker for a second time. In Friday`s interview, Moulton sounded particular alarm over Sanders, a self-described "democratic socialist" elected to the Senate as an independent. Sanders has emerged as an early Democratic front-runner along with former US Vice President Joe Biden, who entered the 2020 field on Thursday. In some of the harshest words yet uttered by a Democratic presidential candidate against a rival, he said: "Bernie wants to change us into a socialist country, and we`re not a socialist country." He added: "That`s not what America is all about. I don`t think that a socialist nominee is going to win the presidency. I'm a Democrat, I`m not a socialist … He’s a socialist, not a Democrat." Sanders spokeswoman Sarah Ford responded to the charge by saying the candidate was doing well in the polls because he is a "champion for working people." "Senator Sanders has a long and well-known record leading the effort to create a government that works for all Americans," she told Reuters in an email. Warren proposes raising taxes on America`s 75,000 richest families to pay for programs such as universal childcare and universal free public college. "The problem with some of the candidates in our party is that they`re divisive in the same way that Trump has been so divisive," Moulton said. "They are pitting different parts of America against each other." He said most Americans aspire to be rich. "That`s the sprit of America, that`s the American dream," he said. Warren`s campaign did not respond to an email for comment. Moulton said his candidacy would gain traction by focusing on foreign policy, a subject he said many Democratic rivals were afraid to address, and by running as a "change agent" against the old guard in Washington.

Democratic 2020 candidate Moulton says Sanders, Warren too liberal to beat Trump

Maria Butina, the only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-delays-sentencing-of-russian-agent-butina-199942">Russian arrested and convicted</a> in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts.

"I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down.

Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States.

"I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations.

"If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday.

Maria Butina, the only Russian arrested and convicted in the three-year investigation of Moscow's interference in US politics, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday. The leader of a small Russian gun rights group, Butina used her ties to the NRA firearms lobby to build a network of powerful Republican contacts. "I humbly request forgiveness. I'm not this evil person depicted in the media," she told the court in Washington before she was sent down. Butina was given the full term requested by prosecutors, however, after previously admitting one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without registering. The 30-year-old faces another nine months in custody, having already served half her term. Prosecutors said that although she worked openly and was not tied to any Russian intelligence agency, she was nevertheless a threat to the United States. "I wanted a future here in international policy," she said, voice breaking. She added that she only wanted to work towards better US-Russian relations. "If I had known to register as a foreign agent I would have done so," she told the court.

Russian agent Maria Butina sentenced to 18 months in prison

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report</a>, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House.

Some Democrats say trying to remove Trump from office would be a waste of time because his fellow Republicans still have majority control of the Senate. Other Democrats argue they have a moral obligation at least to try to impeach, even though Mueller did not charge Trump with conspiring with Russia in the 2016 US&nbsp;election or with obstruction of justice.

Whether or not the Democrats decide to go down this risky path, here is how the impeachment process works.&nbsp;

WHAT ARE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT?

The US&nbsp;Constitution says the president can be removed from office by Congress for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Exactly what that means is unclear.

Before he became president in 1974, replacing Republican Richard Nixon who resigned over the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford said: “An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history.”

Frank Bowman, a University of Missouri law professor and author of a forthcoming book on the history of impeachment, said Congress could look beyond criminal laws in defining "high crimes and misdemeanors."

Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings.

HOW DOES IMPEACHMENT PLAY OUT?

The term impeachment is often interpreted as simply removing a president from office, but that is not strictly accurate.&nbsp;

Impeachment technically refers to the 435-member House of Representatives approving formal charges against a president.&nbsp;

The House effectively acts as accuser - voting on whether to bring specific charges. An impeachment resolution, known as "articles of impeachment," is like an indictment in a criminal case. A simple majority vote is needed in the House to impeach.&nbsp;

The Senate then conducts a trial. House members act as the prosecutors, with senators as the jurors. The chief justice of the US&nbsp;Supreme Court presides over the trial. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president from office.

No president has ever been removed from office as a direct result of an impeachment and conviction by Congress. 
Nixon quit in 1974 rather than face impeachment. Presidents Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were impeached by the House, but both stayed in office after the Senate acquitted them.

Obstruction of justice was one charge against Clinton, who faced allegations of lying under oath about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Obstruction was also included in the articles of impeachment against Nixon.

CAN THE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN?&nbsp;

No.

Trump said on Twitter on Wednesday that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But America`s founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary, Bowman said.

"They quite plainly decided this is a political process and it is ultimately a political judgment," Bowman said.

"So when Trump suggests there is any judicial remedy for impeachment, he is just wrong."

PROOF OF WRONGDOING?

In a typical criminal court case, jurors are told to convict only if there is "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," a fairly stringent standard.

Impeachment proceedings are different. The House and Senate "can decide on whatever burden of proof they want," Bowman said. "There is no agreement on what the burden should be."

PARTY BREAKDOWN IN CONGRESS?

Right now, there are 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans and three vacancies in the House. As a result, the Democratic majority could vote to impeach Trump without any Republican votes.

In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat.

The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats.

Conviction and removal of a president would requires 67 votes. So that means for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him.

WHO BECOMES PRESIDENT IF TRUMP IS REMOVED?

A Senate conviction removing Trump from office would elevate Vice President Mike Pence to the presidency to fill out Trump’s term, which ends on Jan. 20, 2021.

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House.

The "i word" - impeachment - is swirling around the US Congress since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s redacted Russia report, which painted a picture of lies, threats and confusion in Donald Trump`s White House. Some Democrats say trying to remove Trump from office would be a waste of time because his fellow Republicans still have majority control of the Senate. Other Democrats argue they have a moral obligation at least to try to impeach, even though Mueller did not charge Trump with conspiring with Russia in the 2016 US election or with obstruction of justice. Whether or not the Democrats decide to go down this risky path, here is how the impeachment process works. WHAT ARE GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT? The US Constitution says the president can be removed from office by Congress for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Exactly what that means is unclear. Before he became president in 1974, replacing Republican Richard Nixon who resigned over the Watergate scandal, Gerald Ford said: “An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the House of Representatives considers it to be at a given moment in history.” Frank Bowman, a University of Missouri law professor and author of a forthcoming book on the history of impeachment, said Congress could look beyond criminal laws in defining "high crimes and misdemeanors." Historically, it can encompass corruption and other abuses, including trying to obstruct judicial proceedings. HOW DOES IMPEACHMENT PLAY OUT? The term impeachment is often interpreted as simply removing a president from office, but that is not strictly accurate. Impeachment technically refers to the 435-member House of Representatives approving formal charges against a president. The House effectively acts as accuser - voting on whether to bring specific charges. An impeachment resolution, known as "articles of impeachment," is like an indictment in a criminal case. A simple majority vote is needed in the House to impeach. The Senate then conducts a trial. House members act as the prosecutors, with senators as the jurors. The chief justice of the US Supreme Court presides over the trial. A two-thirds majority vote is required in the 100-member Senate to convict and remove a president from office. No president has ever been removed from office as a direct result of an impeachment and conviction by Congress. Nixon quit in 1974 rather than face impeachment. Presidents Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998 were impeached by the House, but both stayed in office after the Senate acquitted them. Obstruction of justice was one charge against Clinton, who faced allegations of lying under oath about his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Obstruction was also included in the articles of impeachment against Nixon. CAN THE SUPREME COURT OVERTURN? No. Trump said on Twitter on Wednesday that he would ask the Supreme Court to intervene if Democrats tried to impeach him. But America`s founders explicitly rejected making a Senate conviction appealable to the federal judiciary, Bowman said. "They quite plainly decided this is a political process and it is ultimately a political judgment," Bowman said. "So when Trump suggests there is any judicial remedy for impeachment, he is just wrong." PROOF OF WRONGDOING? In a typical criminal court case, jurors are told to convict only if there is "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," a fairly stringent standard. Impeachment proceedings are different. The House and Senate "can decide on whatever burden of proof they want," Bowman said. "There is no agreement on what the burden should be." PARTY BREAKDOWN IN CONGRESS? Right now, there are 235 Democrats, 197 Republicans and three vacancies in the House. As a result, the Democratic majority could vote to impeach Trump without any Republican votes. In 1998, when Republicans had a House majority, the chamber voted largely along party lines to impeach Clinton, a Democrat. The Senate now has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats. Conviction and removal of a president would requires 67 votes. So that means for Trump to be impeached, at least 20 Republicans and all the Democrats and independents would have to vote against him. WHO BECOMES PRESIDENT IF TRUMP IS REMOVED? A Senate conviction removing Trump from office would elevate Vice President Mike Pence to the presidency to fill out Trump’s term, which ends on Jan. 20, 2021.

Explainer: What does it take to remove a US president from office?

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that no money was paid to North Korea for the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-student-otto-warmbier-dies-week-after-being-released-from-north-korean-jail-17029">US student Otto Warmbier</a>, who was detained by the reclusive state while on a college trip there in 2016.

"No money was paid to North Korea for Otto Warmbier, not two million dollars, not anything else. This is not the Obama administration that paid 1.8 billion dollars for four hostages or gave five terrorist hostages plus, who soon went back to the battle, for traitor Sgt. Bergdahl!" Trump tweeted.

Quoting a 'Chief Hostage Negotiator, USA,'&nbsp;Trump added,"President Donald J. Trump is the greatest hostage negotiator that I know of in the history of the United States. 20 hostages, many in impossible circumstances, have been released in the last two years. No money was paid."

This comes after reports of North Korea slapping a US dollar&nbsp;two million medical bill on the United States for Warmbier emerged in American news outlets on Thursday.

The Washington Post alleged that the US had signed a pledge to pay the bill before releasing the US student in 2017, after holding him captive for almost a year.

Warmbier, who was in a vegetative state, died just six days after returning home to the US.

After the second summit with the North Korean leader in Vietnam in February, Trump said that he does not hold Kim responsible for Warmbier`s death.

The American student suffered severe brain damage during his captivity.

The Trump administration placed intense pressure on Pyongyang to release Warmbier when they learned of his condition.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that no money was paid to North Korea for the release of US student Otto Warmbier, who was detained by the reclusive state while on a college trip there in 2016.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that no money was paid to North Korea for the release of US student Otto Warmbier, who was detained by the reclusive state while on a college trip there in 2016. "No money was paid to North Korea for Otto Warmbier, not two million dollars, not anything else. This is not the Obama administration that paid 1.8 billion dollars for four hostages or gave five terrorist hostages plus, who soon went back to the battle, for traitor Sgt. Bergdahl!" Trump tweeted. Quoting a 'Chief Hostage Negotiator, USA,' Trump added,"President Donald J. Trump is the greatest hostage negotiator that I know of in the history of the United States. 20 hostages, many in impossible circumstances, have been released in the last two years. No money was paid." This comes after reports of North Korea slapping a US dollar two million medical bill on the United States for Warmbier emerged in American news outlets on Thursday. The Washington Post alleged that the US had signed a pledge to pay the bill before releasing the US student in 2017, after holding him captive for almost a year. Warmbier, who was in a vegetative state, died just six days after returning home to the US. After the second summit with the North Korean leader in Vietnam in February, Trump said that he does not hold Kim responsible for Warmbier`s death. The American student suffered severe brain damage during his captivity. The Trump administration placed intense pressure on Pyongyang to release Warmbier when they learned of his condition.

No money paid to North Korea for US student Otto Warmbier: Trump

Former US Vice-President Joe Biden has officially announced his presidential bid, putting an end to months of speculation. Watch full video to know more.

US election 2020: Joe Biden officially launches presidential bid

The Democratic chairman of the US&nbsp;House Oversight Committee on Wednesday accused President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-inconclusive-on-trumps-obstruction-of-justice-charge-211626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiklZ7wouvhAhXCX3wKHUkGC4UQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2TiiwXeTLHLjV8I2yg40-F">Donald Trump </a>of an "unprecedented, and growing pattern of obstruction" after he ordered federal employees not to comply with congressional investigations.

The Republican president ordered officials not to obey legal requests from the Democratic-led House of Representatives, which is carrying out multiple investigations of his administration, including his tax returns, White House security clearances and the probe of Russian interference in US&nbsp;politics.

"President Trump and Attorney General (William) Barr are now openly ordering federal employees to ignore congressional subpoenas and simply not show up - without any assertion of a valid legal privilege," Representative Elijah Cummings, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement.

"This is a massive, unprecedented, and growing pattern of obstruction," Cummings added, warning federal employees to "think very carefully about their own legal interests" in refusing to comply with the panel`s requests.

The president vowed to resist every subpoena from House Democrats investigating his administration and to fight any effort by them to impeach him.

Trump`s removal from office is most unlikely barring a change of heart by his fellow Republicans, who hold a majority in the US&nbsp;Senate.

Trump filed a lawsuit earlier this week to prevent material from being turned over to lawmakers, and on Wednesday the Justice Department rebuffed a House committee`s request for an interview with an official involved in the administration’s decision to put a citizenship question on the 2020 census.

The department said John Gore, a deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division, would not participate in a deposition scheduled for Thursday if he could not have a Justice Department lawyer at his side. The committee had offered to allow a lawyer to sit in a different room.

Cummings said the committee would gather to hear Gore`s deposition on Thursday and suggested he "should be well aware of his constitutional, legal and ethical obligations to comply with a duly authorized subpoena" from Congress.

A Department of Justice (DOJ) official said the committee had provided "no legitimate or constitutional basis for excluding a DOJ lawyer from assisting at the deposition."

"If a DOJ lawyer may appear to protect privileged subjects, then the Attorney General will allow the deposition to go forward," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

BE "FAIR AND FEARLESS"

"We`re fighting all the subpoenas," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump promised to fight all the way to the Supreme Court against any effort by congressional Democrats to impeach him, even though the US&nbsp;Constitution gives Congress complete authority over the impeachment process.

Under the Constitution, Congress is a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive branch and the judiciary.

But Trump has increasingly accused Democrats of conducting the Russia investigation for purely political purposes ahead of the 2020 election.

He has stepped up those accusations since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s report on his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Democrats remain divided on whether to proceed with the impeachment of Trump after the Russia inquiry. Trump defiantly proclaimed on Twitter that the investigation "didn`t lay a glove on me."

"If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the US&nbsp;Supreme Court," the Republican president, who is seeking re-election next year, said on Twitter without offering details about what legal action he envisioned.

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, Hillary Clinton, the Democrat whom Trump defeated in 2016, urged members of both parties to follow the facts, whether they lead to "the eventual filing of articles of impeachment, or not."

"Either way, the nation`s interests will be best served by putting party and political considerations aside and being deliberate, fair and fearless," Clinton wrote.

Mueller`s findings, released in a redacted report last week, detailed how Trump often tried to impede the inquiry but it stopped short of concluding he had committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

The report said Congress could address whether the president violated the law.

Mueller separately found insufficient evidence to conclude that Trump`s campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia in the 2016 presidential race.&nbsp;

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have remained cautious over launching impeachment proceedings against Trump ahead of the 2020 election, although they have left the door open to such action.

Others in the party`s more liberal wing have demanded impeachment proceedings.

But Democrats have vowed to move ahead full steam with their investigations of Trump, which could produce more evidence that could be used in an impeachment proceeding.

The Constitution empowers Congress to remove a president from office for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanours."

The House is given the power to impeach a president - bring formal charges - and the Senate then convenes a trial, with the senators as jurors.

A two-thirds vote is needed to convict a president and remove him from office.&nbsp;

The Constitution gives no role to the Supreme Court in impeachment, though it does assign the chief justice the task of presiding over the Senate trial. Conservative John Roberts currently serves as chief justice.

That would not preclude Trump from proceeding with litigation to tie up the issue in the courts, despite Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional impeachment power.

In 1993, the nation`s top court ruled 9-0 in a case involving an impeached U.S. judge that the judiciary has no role in the impeachment process.

Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard who has been critical of Trump, said the U.S. founding fathers had considered but ultimately scrapped the idea of allowing the Supreme Court to have any role in the impeachment process.

"Not even a SCOTUS filled with Trump appointees would get in the way of the House or Senate," Tribe said in a series of tweets on Wednesday. 
&nbsp;

The Democratic chairman of the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of an "unprecedented, and growing pattern of obstruction" after he ordered federal employees not to comply with congressional investigations.

The Democratic chairman of the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of an "unprecedented, and growing pattern of obstruction" after he ordered federal employees not to comply with congressional investigations. The Republican president ordered officials not to obey legal requests from the Democratic-led House of Representatives, which is carrying out multiple investigations of his administration, including his tax returns, White House security clearances and the probe of Russian interference in US politics. "President Trump and Attorney General (William) Barr are now openly ordering federal employees to ignore congressional subpoenas and simply not show up - without any assertion of a valid legal privilege," Representative Elijah Cummings, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement. "This is a massive, unprecedented, and growing pattern of obstruction," Cummings added, warning federal employees to "think very carefully about their own legal interests" in refusing to comply with the panel`s requests. The president vowed to resist every subpoena from House Democrats investigating his administration and to fight any effort by them to impeach him. Trump`s removal from office is most unlikely barring a change of heart by his fellow Republicans, who hold a majority in the US Senate. Trump filed a lawsuit earlier this week to prevent material from being turned over to lawmakers, and on Wednesday the Justice Department rebuffed a House committee`s request for an interview with an official involved in the administration’s decision to put a citizenship question on the 2020 census. The department said John Gore, a deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights Division, would not participate in a deposition scheduled for Thursday if he could not have a Justice Department lawyer at his side. The committee had offered to allow a lawyer to sit in a different room. Cummings said the committee would gather to hear Gore`s deposition on Thursday and suggested he "should be well aware of his constitutional, legal and ethical obligations to comply with a duly authorized subpoena" from Congress. A Department of Justice (DOJ) official said the committee had provided "no legitimate or constitutional basis for excluding a DOJ lawyer from assisting at the deposition." "If a DOJ lawyer may appear to protect privileged subjects, then the Attorney General will allow the deposition to go forward," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. BE "FAIR AND FEARLESS" "We`re fighting all the subpoenas," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump promised to fight all the way to the Supreme Court against any effort by congressional Democrats to impeach him, even though the US Constitution gives Congress complete authority over the impeachment process. Under the Constitution, Congress is a co-equal branch of government alongside the executive branch and the judiciary. But Trump has increasingly accused Democrats of conducting the Russia investigation for purely political purposes ahead of the 2020 election. He has stepped up those accusations since the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s report on his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Democrats remain divided on whether to proceed with the impeachment of Trump after the Russia inquiry. Trump defiantly proclaimed on Twitter that the investigation "didn`t lay a glove on me." "If the partisan Dems ever tried to Impeach, I would first head to the US Supreme Court," the Republican president, who is seeking re-election next year, said on Twitter without offering details about what legal action he envisioned. In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, Hillary Clinton, the Democrat whom Trump defeated in 2016, urged members of both parties to follow the facts, whether they lead to "the eventual filing of articles of impeachment, or not." "Either way, the nation`s interests will be best served by putting party and political considerations aside and being deliberate, fair and fearless," Clinton wrote. Mueller`s findings, released in a redacted report last week, detailed how Trump often tried to impede the inquiry but it stopped short of concluding he had committed the crime of obstruction of justice. The report said Congress could address whether the president violated the law. Mueller separately found insufficient evidence to conclude that Trump`s campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia in the 2016 presidential race. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have remained cautious over launching impeachment proceedings against Trump ahead of the 2020 election, although they have left the door open to such action. Others in the party`s more liberal wing have demanded impeachment proceedings. But Democrats have vowed to move ahead full steam with their investigations of Trump, which could produce more evidence that could be used in an impeachment proceeding. The Constitution empowers Congress to remove a president from office for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanours." The House is given the power to impeach a president - bring formal charges - and the Senate then convenes a trial, with the senators as jurors. A two-thirds vote is needed to convict a president and remove him from office. The Constitution gives no role to the Supreme Court in impeachment, though it does assign the chief justice the task of presiding over the Senate trial. Conservative John Roberts currently serves as chief justice. That would not preclude Trump from proceeding with litigation to tie up the issue in the courts, despite Supreme Court precedent upholding congressional impeachment power. In 1993, the nation`s top court ruled 9-0 in a case involving an impeached U.S. judge that the judiciary has no role in the impeachment process. Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard who has been critical of Trump, said the U.S. founding fathers had considered but ultimately scrapped the idea of allowing the Supreme Court to have any role in the impeachment process. "Not even a SCOTUS filled with Trump appointees would get in the way of the House or Senate," Tribe said in a series of tweets on Wednesday.

House panel chair accuses Trump of 'massive' obstruction; Trump vows to fight

A merit-based immigration proposal being put together by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner could lead to an increase in US visas for highly skilled workers, sources familiar with the effort said on Wednesday.

Kushner is expected to present the comprehensive plan next week to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-inconclusive-on-trumps-obstruction-of-justice-charge-211626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmj9SPq-vhAhUv6XMBHXd2A2wQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1S0qF8jZvYevvRyNi0-ttv">President Donald Trump</a>, who will decide whether to adopt it as his official position or send it back for changes, the sources said.

The plan does not propose ways to address young people who came to the United States illegally as children who were protected by President Barack Obama in the 2014 programme known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or those people who have Temporary Protected Status, the sources said.

Democrats, whose support the White House would need to advance any kind of immigration legislation through Congress, have insisted that the DACA recipients be protected.

Kushner has held about 50 listening sessions with conservative groups on immigration, a senior administration official said.

He has been working with White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett and policy adviser Stephen Miller on the plan and the sources said there has been some intense behind-the-scenes jockeying about the plan.

At a Time magazine forum in New York on Tuesday, Kushner said he was working well with Miller, an immigration hawk, on the topic.

The two men are both long-time Trump advisers.

"Stephen and I haven`t had any fights," he said with a smile.

That drew scepticism from immigration advocate Marshall Fitz of the Emerson Collective, who gave Kushner credit for advancing criminal justice reform but said immigration was a dramatically different issue that Miller was dominating at the White House.

"It`s impossible to see how Kushner could navigate an issue this freighted with history and central to the president`s re-election strategy in a way that would actually move the ball forward," Fitz said.

As a White House candidate in 2016 and throughout his presidency, Trump has advocated a hard-line policy on immigration, pushing for a wall to be built on the US-Mexico border and using bruising rhetoric to describe people who have fled Central American countries to enter the United States.

Republicans have largely supported his immigration proposals, but the latest White House plan aims to bring them together on a broader basis.

Some in the US&nbsp;business community has asked that the number of highly skilled visas be raised to attract more employees from abroad for specialised jobs amid a booming US&nbsp;economy.

Trump himself has talked of the need to bring in more skilled workers.

The immigration plan would either leave the number of highly skilled visas each year at the same level or raise it slightly, the sources said.

The overall goal is to reshape the visa programme into a more merit-based system, a key Trump goal. Officials working on the plan have been reviewing the systems used by Canada and Australia as possible models for the Trump effort.

The group has been working on a guest-worker programme as part of the proposal to address the US&nbsp;agriculture community`s need for seasonal labour while not hurting American workers, but nothing has been finalised, the sources said.

Trump has sought to court farmers in key battleground states to boost his chances of re-election in 2020.

The proposal will include recommendations for modernizing ports of entry along the US&nbsp;border to ensure safe trade while preventing illegal activity.

It will also address asylum laws to take account of Trump`s desire to reduce the number of people who overstay their visas, the sources said.

Kushner, who is Trump`s son-in-law, is also the main architect of a Middle East peace proposal that the president is expected to unveil this summer.

His objective on the immigration plan at the very least is to have a document that represents the president`s immigration policy and provide something that Republicans can rally around. 
&nbsp;

A merit-based immigration proposal being put together by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner could lead to an increase in US visas for highly skilled workers, sources familiar with the effort said on Wednesday.

A merit-based immigration proposal being put together by White House senior adviser Jared Kushner could lead to an increase in US visas for highly skilled workers, sources familiar with the effort said on Wednesday. Kushner is expected to present the comprehensive plan next week to President Donald Trump, who will decide whether to adopt it as his official position or send it back for changes, the sources said. The plan does not propose ways to address young people who came to the United States illegally as children who were protected by President Barack Obama in the 2014 programme known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or those people who have Temporary Protected Status, the sources said. Democrats, whose support the White House would need to advance any kind of immigration legislation through Congress, have insisted that the DACA recipients be protected. Kushner has held about 50 listening sessions with conservative groups on immigration, a senior administration official said. He has been working with White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett and policy adviser Stephen Miller on the plan and the sources said there has been some intense behind-the-scenes jockeying about the plan. At a Time magazine forum in New York on Tuesday, Kushner said he was working well with Miller, an immigration hawk, on the topic. The two men are both long-time Trump advisers. "Stephen and I haven`t had any fights," he said with a smile. That drew scepticism from immigration advocate Marshall Fitz of the Emerson Collective, who gave Kushner credit for advancing criminal justice reform but said immigration was a dramatically different issue that Miller was dominating at the White House. "It`s impossible to see how Kushner could navigate an issue this freighted with history and central to the president`s re-election strategy in a way that would actually move the ball forward," Fitz said. As a White House candidate in 2016 and throughout his presidency, Trump has advocated a hard-line policy on immigration, pushing for a wall to be built on the US-Mexico border and using bruising rhetoric to describe people who have fled Central American countries to enter the United States. Republicans have largely supported his immigration proposals, but the latest White House plan aims to bring them together on a broader basis. Some in the US business community has asked that the number of highly skilled visas be raised to attract more employees from abroad for specialised jobs amid a booming US economy. Trump himself has talked of the need to bring in more skilled workers. The immigration plan would either leave the number of highly skilled visas each year at the same level or raise it slightly, the sources said. The overall goal is to reshape the visa programme into a more merit-based system, a key Trump goal. Officials working on the plan have been reviewing the systems used by Canada and Australia as possible models for the Trump effort. The group has been working on a guest-worker programme as part of the proposal to address the US agriculture community`s need for seasonal labour while not hurting American workers, but nothing has been finalised, the sources said. Trump has sought to court farmers in key battleground states to boost his chances of re-election in 2020. The proposal will include recommendations for modernizing ports of entry along the US border to ensure safe trade while preventing illegal activity. It will also address asylum laws to take account of Trump`s desire to reduce the number of people who overstay their visas, the sources said. Kushner, who is Trump`s son-in-law, is also the main architect of a Middle East peace proposal that the president is expected to unveil this summer. His objective on the immigration plan at the very least is to have a document that represents the president`s immigration policy and provide something that Republicans can rally around.

New Trump immigration plan may increase visas for highly-skilled workers

President Donald Trump may count Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among his international allies, but New Delhi is smarting over unexpected US decisions it sees as ignoring the interests of an increasingly close partner.

The Trump administration this week said it would start to sanction countries that do not comply with its orders to stop buying oil from Iran, demanding that eight governments -- including India and China -- end all imports when six-month waivers run out next week.

The move, which triggered a hike in global oil prices that could disproportionately hit poorer Indians, came just as Modi was campaigning for a new mandate in ongoing, multi-phase elections.

The Iran diktat followed Trump's announcement in March that India, along with Turkey, would no longer enjoy a preferential trading status for a wide range of manufactured goods.

Trump, who has rocky relations with the leaders of numerous Western allies, has publicly highlighted his bond with Modi.

India's main opposition Congress party quickly seized on the Iran sanctions to attack Modi.

Trump, while popular among much of the Hindu right, has also drawn resentment in India over viral reports that he mimics Modi's accent in private -- a far cry from the reverential treatment US presidents since Bill Clinton have shown Indian leaders.

An Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described New Delhi as "surprised and disappointed" by the decision on Iran, saying the Trump administration had sent a message in March that India's cuts in imports were sufficient to be granted a fresh waiver.

"We thought that, as a major defence and strategic partner, the United States would take into consideration our concerns," the official said.

Trump is seeking to eliminate Iran's top source of revenue in a bid to curb the clerical regime's regional clout, including its backing of Shiite militants.

India is the world's third-largest oil importer.

The official said the South Asian nation has cut Iranian oil from 17 to five per cent of its total crude imports and had also ended oil purchases from Venezuela, succumbing to US pressure as Trump tries to oust leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

"We did this not because we agree with the US, but because we are strategic partners," he said.

Similarly, the official said the Trump administration ignored a detailed proposal from New Delhi when it announced it would scrap its designation in the Generalized System of Preferences, which grants favourable access to goods from developing countries.

India is proposing a 90-day delay in implementation as the government cannot make a counter-proposal under laws that forbid policy decisions during elections, the official said.

Another rift could come up as India -- a Cold War partner of the Soviet Union turned major buyer of US defence equipment -- finalizes its purchase of Russia's advanced S-400 missile system.

Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently told AFP that India has been "heard and understood" by the United States, which imposed sanctions on China and has warned NATO ally Turkey over buying the S-400.

Few expect India and the United States to drift apart significantly, let alone return to their Cold War estrangement, with the major parties in both democracies broadly supporting a strong relationship.

And Trump pleased Modi in February by backing India's air incursions into rival Pakistan, home to virulently anti-Indian militants, in response to an attack on Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tanvi Madan, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of its India Project, said that this week's sanctions decision for the United States "is about Iran, not about its approach to India."

"But I think that India will feel once again that it will be collateral damage," she said.

"It reinforces the sense in India that the US isn't factoring in Indian interests when it comes to these decisions, yet they affect India."

Madan added that New Delhi was less concerned about oil than with preserving a relationship with Tehran, even while developing close ties with Iran's rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia.

India is hoping to keep working with Iran on its Chabahar port, through which New Delhi hopes to send supplies to war-torn Afghanistan, cracking the landlocked country's reliance on Pakistan.

Madan said there was one wild card that could shake up US-India ties -- if China seized on the rift and offered reconciliation with India by making concessions on the Asian giants' myriad disputes.

"Will, that happen? I find it hard to believe the Chinese will get around to doing it," she said.

"But the possibility exists."

President Donald Trump may count Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among his international allies, but New Delhi is smarting over unexpected US decisions it sees as ignoring the interests of an increasingly close partner.

President Donald Trump may count Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among his international allies, but New Delhi is smarting over unexpected US decisions it sees as ignoring the interests of an increasingly close partner. The Trump administration this week said it would start to sanction countries that do not comply with its orders to stop buying oil from Iran, demanding that eight governments -- including India and China -- end all imports when six-month waivers run out next week. The move, which triggered a hike in global oil prices that could disproportionately hit poorer Indians, came just as Modi was campaigning for a new mandate in ongoing, multi-phase elections. The Iran diktat followed Trump's announcement in March that India, along with Turkey, would no longer enjoy a preferential trading status for a wide range of manufactured goods. Trump, who has rocky relations with the leaders of numerous Western allies, has publicly highlighted his bond with Modi. India's main opposition Congress party quickly seized on the Iran sanctions to attack Modi. Trump, while popular among much of the Hindu right, has also drawn resentment in India over viral reports that he mimics Modi's accent in private -- a far cry from the reverential treatment US presidents since Bill Clinton have shown Indian leaders. An Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described New Delhi as "surprised and disappointed" by the decision on Iran, saying the Trump administration had sent a message in March that India's cuts in imports were sufficient to be granted a fresh waiver. "We thought that, as a major defence and strategic partner, the United States would take into consideration our concerns," the official said. Trump is seeking to eliminate Iran's top source of revenue in a bid to curb the clerical regime's regional clout, including its backing of Shiite militants. India is the world's third-largest oil importer. The official said the South Asian nation has cut Iranian oil from 17 to five per cent of its total crude imports and had also ended oil purchases from Venezuela, succumbing to US pressure as Trump tries to oust leftist President Nicolas Maduro. "We did this not because we agree with the US, but because we are strategic partners," he said. Similarly, the official said the Trump administration ignored a detailed proposal from New Delhi when it announced it would scrap its designation in the Generalized System of Preferences, which grants favourable access to goods from developing countries. India is proposing a 90-day delay in implementation as the government cannot make a counter-proposal under laws that forbid policy decisions during elections, the official said. Another rift could come up as India -- a Cold War partner of the Soviet Union turned major buyer of US defence equipment -- finalizes its purchase of Russia's advanced S-400 missile system. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently told AFP that India has been "heard and understood" by the United States, which imposed sanctions on China and has warned NATO ally Turkey over buying the S-400. Few expect India and the United States to drift apart significantly, let alone return to their Cold War estrangement, with the major parties in both democracies broadly supporting a strong relationship. And Trump pleased Modi in February by backing India's air incursions into rival Pakistan, home to virulently anti-Indian militants, in response to an attack on Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Tanvi Madan, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of its India Project, said that this week's sanctions decision for the United States "is about Iran, not about its approach to India." "But I think that India will feel once again that it will be collateral damage," she said. "It reinforces the sense in India that the US isn't factoring in Indian interests when it comes to these decisions, yet they affect India." Madan added that New Delhi was less concerned about oil than with preserving a relationship with Tehran, even while developing close ties with Iran's rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia. India is hoping to keep working with Iran on its Chabahar port, through which New Delhi hopes to send supplies to war-torn Afghanistan, cracking the landlocked country's reliance on Pakistan. Madan said there was one wild card that could shake up US-India ties -- if China seized on the rift and offered reconciliation with India by making concessions on the Asian giants' myriad disputes. "Will, that happen? I find it hard to believe the Chinese will get around to doing it," she said. "But the possibility exists."

With Iran and trade rifts, India feels brushed aside by Donald Trump

Concerns Over Losing Followers On Twitter & Allegations Of Pro Liberal-Bias In The Platform Dominate Trump's Meeting With Twitter's CEO Jack Dorsey

Gravitas: When The Potus Wants To Know Why He Is Losing Followers On Twitter

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into Russia Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks closer ties with its traditional ally amid a nuclear deadlock with the United States.

The meeting on Thursday in the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok will be Kim's first face-to-face talks with another head of state since returning from talks with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi that collapsed in February.

Earlier the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported his departure by train, naming among his entourage foreign minister Ri Yong Ho -- who told journalists after the summit in Vietnam that the country's stance would "never change".

Kim's private armoured train crossed the Tumen river Wednesday and arrived in the Russian border town of Khasan, Russian media reports said, where women in folk costumes welcomed him with bread and salt in a traditional greeting.

Kim's predecessors as leader, his father and grandfather, also stopped there on their trips, and at the station a small wooden building known as the House of Kim Il Sung commemorates Russian-Korean friendship.

Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place at a university campus.&nbsp;

The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on his diplomatic overtures last year.

Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president.

Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington.

At the same time, Western diplomats say that with Moscow's global role a shadow of what it once was, Russian foreign policy is driven by the "search for relevance".

In Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from the sanctions imposed on it over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, but the talks broke down in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return.

Cold War ties

North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test.

Moscow has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday: "The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

"Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said, but added that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned.

KCNA did not mention whether Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju or his sister and close aide Kim Yo Jong were accompanying him.

Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as leader.

But their relations have often shifted between hot and cold and during the Cold War, Kim Il Sung was adept at exploiting the Communist rivalry between Beijing and Moscow to extract concessions from both.

The Soviet Union reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991.

Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times, the first of those meetings in Pyongyang in 2000, when he became the first Russian leader to visit the North.

China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence.

"It's part of the North's Juche -- self-reliance -- ideology not to rely on a single ally," said Jeong Young-tae, an analyst at the Institute of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

"Pyongyang has a group of experts on diplomacy who have been in their post for decades. They'll know how to play the game if it ever becomes necessary for Pyongyang to play off its allies against each other."

While ties between Russia and the North have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing.

His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and the launch of missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into Russia Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks closer ties with its traditional ally amid a nuclear deadlock with the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un crossed the border into Russia Wednesday for the first summit with Vladimir Putin, as Pyongyang seeks closer ties with its traditional ally amid a nuclear deadlock with the United States. The meeting on Thursday in the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok will be Kim's first face-to-face talks with another head of state since returning from talks with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi that collapsed in February. Earlier the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported his departure by train, naming among his entourage foreign minister Ri Yong Ho -- who told journalists after the summit in Vietnam that the country's stance would "never change". Kim's private armoured train crossed the Tumen river Wednesday and arrived in the Russian border town of Khasan, Russian media reports said, where women in folk costumes welcomed him with bread and salt in a traditional greeting. Kim's predecessors as leader, his father and grandfather, also stopped there on their trips, and at the station a small wooden building known as the House of Kim Il Sung commemorates Russian-Korean friendship. Russian and North Korean flags were already flying on lamp posts Tuesday on Vladivostok's Russky island, where the summit is expected to take place at a university campus. The talks follow repeated invitations from Putin since Kim embarked on his diplomatic overtures last year. Since March 2018, the formerly reclusive North Korean leader has held four meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, three with the South's Moon Jae-in, two with Trump and one with Vietnam's president. Analysts say he is now looking for wider international support in his standoff with Washington. At the same time, Western diplomats say that with Moscow's global role a shadow of what it once was, Russian foreign policy is driven by the "search for relevance". In Hanoi, the cash-strapped North demanded immediate relief from the sanctions imposed on it over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, but the talks broke down in disagreement over what Pyongyang was prepared to give up in return. Cold War ties North Korea last week launched a blistering attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, insisting he be removed from the negotiations just hours after announcing it had carried out a new weapons test. Moscow has already called for the sanctions to be eased, while the US has accused it of trying to help Pyongyang evade some of the measures -- accusations Russia denies. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told a briefing on Tuesday: "The focus will be on a political and diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula." "Russia intends to help consolidate positive trends in every way," he said, but added that no joint statement or signing of agreements was planned. KCNA did not mention whether Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju or his sister and close aide Kim Yo Jong were accompanying him. Moscow was a crucial backer of Pyongyang for decades and their ties go back to the founding of North Korea, when the Soviet Union installed Kim's grandfather Kim Il Sung as leader. But their relations have often shifted between hot and cold and during the Cold War, Kim Il Sung was adept at exploiting the Communist rivalry between Beijing and Moscow to extract concessions from both. The Soviet Union reduced funding to the North as it began to seek reconciliation with Seoul in the 1980s, but Pyongyang was hit hard by its demise in 1991. Soon after his first election as Russian president, Putin sought to normalise relations and met Kim Jong Il -- the current leader's father and predecessor -- three times, the first of those meetings in Pyongyang in 2000, when he became the first Russian leader to visit the North. China has since cemented its role as the isolated North's most important ally, its largest trading partner and crucial fuel supplier, and analysts say Kim could be looking to balance Beijing's influence. "It's part of the North's Juche -- self-reliance -- ideology not to rely on a single ally," said Jeong Young-tae, an analyst at the Institute of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "Pyongyang has a group of experts on diplomacy who have been in their post for decades. They'll know how to play the game if it ever becomes necessary for Pyongyang to play off its allies against each other." While ties between Russia and the North have remained cordial, the last meeting between their leaders came in 2011, when Kim Jong Il told then-president Dmitry Medvedev that he was prepared to renounce nuclear testing. His son has since overseen by far the country's most powerful blast to date, and the launch of missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland.

North Korea's Kim arrives in Russia for summit with Putin

Big Democratic field taking shape for 2020 US presidential race

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said Tuesday he would present his long-awaited Middle East peace proposal around June and that it would include a "robust business plan" for the Palestinians.

Kushner, speaking at a forum of Time magazine, said he had hoped to offer the proposal late last year but that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then called elections and still needs time to form a coalition.

"Once that's done we'll probably be in the middle of Ramadan, so we'll wait until after Ramadan and then we'll put our plan out," said Kushner, a senior advisor to Trump, referring to the Muslim fasting month which ends in early June.

Kushner's impending plan has already been met with deep scepticism from the Palestinians, who say Trump cannot be an honest broker after he took the landmark step of recognising bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

But Kushner, whose own role has been questioned due to his longstanding family ties with Netanyahu, said he remained hopeful that his "unconventional approach" would bear fruit.

He declined to answer if the plan would include longstanding US support for a Palestinian state, after hints by the administration that it would not, but said it would include investment to boost the Palestinian economy.

"Our focus is really on the bottom up, which is how do you make the lives of the Palestinian people better, what can you resolve to allow these areas to become more investable?" he said.

"We deal with all the core status issues because you have to do it, but we've also built a robust business plan for the whole region," he said.

Kushner also said the plan would address Israel's concerns over security.

"I think that what we do is something that allows for Israel to maintain security, but there will be tough compromises for both," he said.

Netanyahu in his election campaign had vowed to annex parts of the West Bank where Israeli settlers live, a prospect that would doom longstanding Palestinian hopes of a state.

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said Tuesday he would present his long-awaited Middle East peace proposal around June and that it would include a "robust business plan" for the Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said Tuesday he would present his long-awaited Middle East peace proposal around June and that it would include a "robust business plan" for the Palestinians. Kushner, speaking at a forum of Time magazine, said he had hoped to offer the proposal late last year but that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then called elections and still needs time to form a coalition. "Once that's done we'll probably be in the middle of Ramadan, so we'll wait until after Ramadan and then we'll put our plan out," said Kushner, a senior advisor to Trump, referring to the Muslim fasting month which ends in early June. Kushner's impending plan has already been met with deep scepticism from the Palestinians, who say Trump cannot be an honest broker after he took the landmark step of recognising bitterly disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital. But Kushner, whose own role has been questioned due to his longstanding family ties with Netanyahu, said he remained hopeful that his "unconventional approach" would bear fruit. He declined to answer if the plan would include longstanding US support for a Palestinian state, after hints by the administration that it would not, but said it would include investment to boost the Palestinian economy. "Our focus is really on the bottom up, which is how do you make the lives of the Palestinian people better, what can you resolve to allow these areas to become more investable?" he said. "We deal with all the core status issues because you have to do it, but we've also built a robust business plan for the whole region," he said. Kushner also said the plan would address Israel's concerns over security. "I think that what we do is something that allows for Israel to maintain security, but there will be tough compromises for both," he said. Netanyahu in his election campaign had vowed to annex parts of the West Bank where Israeli settlers live, a prospect that would doom longstanding Palestinian hopes of a state.

Mideast plan to come after Ramadan, seek Palestinian investment: Jared Kushner

How China is replacing America as Asia's military titan

Twitter said Tuesday profits soared in the past quarter, and President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-takes-down-trump-campaign-clip-with-dark-knight-rises-score-after-warner-bros-complaint-209261">Donald Trump</a> immediately claimed credit for the success of the short messaging platform even as he renewed his allegations of bias.

Profits in the first quarter hit $191 million, compared with $61 million a year earlier, while revenues increased 18 per cent to $787 million.

Twitter's global user base appeared to show modest growth even as the company transitions to a different way of measuring it.

The longstanding metric of monthly active users was 330 million in the January-March period, an increase of nine million from the past quarter but down slightly from a year ago.

But Twitter no longer will use that measure, switching instead to "monetizable" daily active users -- 134 million in the past quarter, up from 120 million last year.

Chief executive Jack Dorsey said Twitter is benefiting from its moves to root out abusive and inauthentic content that had hurt Twitter's reputation.

"We are taking a more proactive approach to reduce abuse and its effects on Twitter," said Dorsey.

"We are reducing the burden on victims and, where possible, taking action before abuse is reported."

Twitter has also faced intense pressure from governments around the world to remove "hate speech" and incitements to violence.

Dorsey said much of the effort to deal with inappropriate content is based on machine learning and other technical tools, enabling Twitter to "proactively" remove tweets that violate its terms of service.

"Our number one priority as the company continues to be healthy," Dorsey told a conference call.

He added that Twitter aims to become "more conversational" and has launched a prototype for a new app called "twttr," with the goal of "making conversation on Twitter feel faster, more fluid and more fun."

Dorsey said the experimental app enables users "to see the entire conversation on one surface" without needed to click through various tweets.

Trump takes credit

Twitter shares rallied some six per cent in pre-market trade on the stronger-than-expected results.

The messaging platform has become an important tool for celebrities, politicians and journalists, but has failed to grow as quickly as Facebook and other social media among mainstream internet users.

Its troubles had sparked speculation that it might need to sell itself to survive.

Trump, who uses the platform for policy and political commentary, appeared to take credit for Twitter's turnaround, even as he renewed his claims of bias.

"The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump," the president tweeted after the quarterly update, taking a quote from a television journalist.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
“The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump.” <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaBartiromo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaBartiromo</a> So true, but they don’t treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off list. Big complaints from many people. Different names-over 100 M.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1120650189537202176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.....But should be much higher than that if Twitter wasn’t playing their political games. No wonder Congress wants to get involved - and they should. Must be more, and fairer, companies to get out the WORD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1120651611410436098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"So true, but they don't treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off the list. Big complaints from many people."

Trump has maintained that Twitter and other Silicon Valley platforms have discriminated against conservatives, a claim roundly rejected by tech firms.

The quarterly results appear to show Twitter on a positive track, according to Jasmine Enberg of the research firm eMarketer.

Enberg said the move to use monetizable daily active users -- those seeing ads on the platform -- leads to a "value proposition to advertisers" to reach "a committed though not very large user base when compared with other social platforms."

She said Twitter's revenue beat expectations, with most of the growth coming from the US, even though most new users were international.

"That proves once again that Twitter is able to grow its revenue without significantly growing its user base," Enberg said.

Twitter said Tuesday profits soared in the past quarter, and President Donald Trump immediately claimed credit for the success of the short messaging platform even as he renewed his allegations of bias.

Twitter said Tuesday profits soared in the past quarter, and President Donald Trump immediately claimed credit for the success of the short messaging platform even as he renewed his allegations of bias. Profits in the first quarter hit $191 million, compared with $61 million a year earlier, while revenues increased 18 per cent to $787 million. Twitter's global user base appeared to show modest growth even as the company transitions to a different way of measuring it. The longstanding metric of monthly active users was 330 million in the January-March period, an increase of nine million from the past quarter but down slightly from a year ago. But Twitter no longer will use that measure, switching instead to "monetizable" daily active users -- 134 million in the past quarter, up from 120 million last year. Chief executive Jack Dorsey said Twitter is benefiting from its moves to root out abusive and inauthentic content that had hurt Twitter's reputation. "We are taking a more proactive approach to reduce abuse and its effects on Twitter," said Dorsey. "We are reducing the burden on victims and, where possible, taking action before abuse is reported." Twitter has also faced intense pressure from governments around the world to remove "hate speech" and incitements to violence. Dorsey said much of the effort to deal with inappropriate content is based on machine learning and other technical tools, enabling Twitter to "proactively" remove tweets that violate its terms of service. "Our number one priority as the company continues to be healthy," Dorsey told a conference call. He added that Twitter aims to become "more conversational" and has launched a prototype for a new app called "twttr," with the goal of "making conversation on Twitter feel faster, more fluid and more fun." Dorsey said the experimental app enables users "to see the entire conversation on one surface" without needed to click through various tweets. Trump takes credit Twitter shares rallied some six per cent in pre-market trade on the stronger-than-expected results. The messaging platform has become an important tool for celebrities, politicians and journalists, but has failed to grow as quickly as Facebook and other social media among mainstream internet users. Its troubles had sparked speculation that it might need to sell itself to survive. Trump, who uses the platform for policy and political commentary, appeared to take credit for Twitter's turnaround, even as he renewed his claims of bias. "The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump," the president tweeted after the quarterly update, taking a quote from a television journalist. “The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump.” @MariaBartiromo So true, but they don’t treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off list. Big complaints from many people. Different names-over 100 M..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2019 × .....But should be much higher than that if Twitter wasn’t playing their political games. No wonder Congress wants to get involved - and they should. Must be more, and fairer, companies to get out the WORD! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2019 × "So true, but they don't treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off the list. Big complaints from many people." Trump has maintained that Twitter and other Silicon Valley platforms have discriminated against conservatives, a claim roundly rejected by tech firms. The quarterly results appear to show Twitter on a positive track, according to Jasmine Enberg of the research firm eMarketer. Enberg said the move to use monetizable daily active users -- those seeing ads on the platform -- leads to a "value proposition to advertisers" to reach "a committed though not very large user base when compared with other social platforms." She said Twitter's revenue beat expectations, with most of the growth coming from the US, even though most new users were international. "That proves once again that Twitter is able to grow its revenue without significantly growing its user base," Enberg said.

Best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Trump, says US president after site's profit soars

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mays-brexit-strategy-on-uk-visit-151227">Donald Trump</a> will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip.

"We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit.

She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead."

The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament.

May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties.

An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed.

On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels".

Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said.

British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president.

When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.

Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted".

Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added,&nbsp;"All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him. Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip. "We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit. She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead." The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament. May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties. An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed. On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels". Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said. British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president. When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets. Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted". Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added, "All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

Donald Trump to make state visit to UK June 3-5: Palace

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-were-no-crimes-by-me-congress-cant-impeach-me-donald-trump-212655">President Donald Trump dismissed</a> questions from reporters on Monday about his staff's reluctance to carry out his orders and the chances of impeachment proceedings in the US Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">days after the Mueller report highlighted</a> both issues.

The 448-page report from US Special Counsel Robert Mueller on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election revealed staff and associates sometimes ignored requests from Trump to deliver messages, including one to fire Mueller.

"Nobody disobeys me," Republican Trump said when asked if he was worried about his orders not being followed. He made the remark at the White House during an annual Easter celebration.

Mueller's report said that the 22-month investigation did not establish that the Trump campaign coordinated with Russians during the 2016 election campaign, but Mueller did find "multiple acts by the president that were capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations."

According to the report, White House Counsel Don McGahn had been on the brink of resigning when Trump told him to ask Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller. Trump then denied using the word "fire," according to McGahn's retelling to Mueller.

Trump lashed out at the report on Twitter later on Monday.

"Isn’t it amazing that the people who were closest to me, by far, and knew the Campaign better than anyone, were never even called to testify before Mueller," Trump wrote.

Mueller's report drew upon interviews, notes and communications with Trump advisers. Trump's personal lawyer during the campaign, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to crimes as did campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Trump's first national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Mueller's report drew upon dozens of interviews, notes and communications with White House advisers.

Asked on Monday whether he was concerned about the threat of impeachment on allegations of obstruction of justice as some Democrats have called for, Trump said, "Not even a little bit."

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, on Friday said Congress should begin the process of removing Trump from office. Other Democratic leaders have played down talk of impeachment, just 18 months before the 2020 election.

Republicans have stood by Trump and while an impeachment effort might succeed in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, it was unlikely to do so in the Republican-led Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday House Democrats' views vary on how to proceed.

Trump, speaking from the White House balcony on Monday, returned to favourite topics of his by touting the strong United States economy and saying his administration was rebuilding the military "to a level never seen before."

"Our country is doing fantastically well, probably the best it has ever done economically," he said.

President Donald Trump dismissed questions from reporters on Monday about his staff's reluctance to carry out his orders and the chances of impeachment proceedings in the US Congress, days after the Mueller report highlighted both issues.

President Donald Trump dismissed questions from reporters on Monday about his staff's reluctance to carry out his orders and the chances of impeachment proceedings in the US Congress, days after the Mueller report highlighted both issues. The 448-page report from US Special Counsel Robert Mueller on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election revealed staff and associates sometimes ignored requests from Trump to deliver messages, including one to fire Mueller. "Nobody disobeys me," Republican Trump said when asked if he was worried about his orders not being followed. He made the remark at the White House during an annual Easter celebration. Mueller's report said that the 22-month investigation did not establish that the Trump campaign coordinated with Russians during the 2016 election campaign, but Mueller did find "multiple acts by the president that were capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations." According to the report, White House Counsel Don McGahn had been on the brink of resigning when Trump told him to ask Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller. Trump then denied using the word "fire," according to McGahn's retelling to Mueller. Trump lashed out at the report on Twitter later on Monday. "Isn’t it amazing that the people who were closest to me, by far, and knew the Campaign better than anyone, were never even called to testify before Mueller," Trump wrote. Mueller's report drew upon interviews, notes and communications with Trump advisers. Trump's personal lawyer during the campaign, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to crimes as did campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Trump's first national security adviser Michael Flynn. Mueller's report drew upon dozens of interviews, notes and communications with White House advisers. Asked on Monday whether he was concerned about the threat of impeachment on allegations of obstruction of justice as some Democrats have called for, Trump said, "Not even a little bit." US Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, on Friday said Congress should begin the process of removing Trump from office. Other Democratic leaders have played down talk of impeachment, just 18 months before the 2020 election. Republicans have stood by Trump and while an impeachment effort might succeed in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, it was unlikely to do so in the Republican-led Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday House Democrats' views vary on how to proceed. Trump, speaking from the White House balcony on Monday, returned to favourite topics of his by touting the strong United States economy and saying his administration was rebuilding the military "to a level never seen before." "Our country is doing fantastically well, probably the best it has ever done economically," he said.

Nobody disobeys me, says Trump on staff following orders

Oil prices jumped to near six-month highs on Tuesday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-principally-illegal-do-not-attach-any-value-to-it-iran-212672">United States tightened sanctions on Iran</a>, sending shares of energy companies higher but largely failing to help the currencies of the main crude-oil producers.

News that the US had told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions pushed Brent towards $75 a barrel and made for a lively return from the four-day Easter break for Europe's markets.

Oil and gas shares jumped more than 1.7 per cent for their best start in six weeks, though almost every other sector suffered. So did bonds, as higher energy costs hung over profits and nudged up inflation expectations.

Foreign-exchange market volatility was still largely absent. The dollar held near a three-week high, but the usual beneficiaries of higher oil prices, the Canadian dollar and Norwegian crown, dipped to $1.33 and $8.52 respectively.

"Oil is interesting, but the interesting thing for FX is that we are not getting the usual feed-through in the petro currencies," said Saxo bank's head of FX strategy, John Hardy, adding that might be caused by questions about Chinese stimulus.

Both the Canadian dollar and the crown had gained on Monday, and the Russian rouble, another petro currency, hit its highest against the euro in more than a year its highest against the dollar in a month.

Overnight, MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares ended 0.1 per cent higher and Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.2 per cent. Oil and gas gains were offset by losses for airlines and other transport shares facing higher fuel costs.

The White House said after its Iran move it was working with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure oil markets were "adequately supplied," but traders had already been worried about tight supplies.

Oil prices are up nearly 50 per cent since late December, and before the re-imposition of sanctions last year Iran was the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, at around 3 million barrels per day.

Oil prices are "not so high that it crushes manufacturing by putting energy-price inputs up, but it is producing a nice boost to oil-producing nations," said Robert Carnell, Singapore-based chief economist and head of research for the Asia Pacific at ING.

Carnell sees Brent crude's sweet spot at between $65 and $75 per barrel, "Above this, you may see some negative impact."

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's stock market and government bonds both fell as trading resumed after bombings had killed more than 300 people on Sunday. Tourism is likely to collapse, which would deal a serious blow to the island's economy and financial markets.

The International Monetary Fund last month extended a $1.5 billion loan to Sri Lanka into 2020, a key step in keeping foreign investors involved in what so far this year has been a top-performing frontier debt market.

In China, major benchmarks dipped in and out of negative territory amid concern that Beijing will slow the pace of policy easing after unexpectedly strong first-quarter economic data last week.

China's blue-chip stocks have surged over 30 per cent so far this year on expectations of more stimulus and hope Beijing and Washington will reach an agreement to end their nine-month trade dispute.

"We've had a fantastic run in Chinese equities year-to-date. Some profit taking is completely normal. I don't think China is changing its policy that quickly," said Stefan Hofer, chief investment strategist at LGT Bank Asia in Hong Kong.

Oil prices jumped to near six-month highs on Tuesday as the United States tightened sanctions on Iran, sending shares of energy companies higher but largely failing to help the currencies of the main crude-oil producers.

Oil prices jumped to near six-month highs on Tuesday as the United States tightened sanctions on Iran, sending shares of energy companies higher but largely failing to help the currencies of the main crude-oil producers. News that the US had told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions pushed Brent towards $75 a barrel and made for a lively return from the four-day Easter break for Europe's markets. Oil and gas shares jumped more than 1.7 per cent for their best start in six weeks, though almost every other sector suffered. So did bonds, as higher energy costs hung over profits and nudged up inflation expectations. Foreign-exchange market volatility was still largely absent. The dollar held near a three-week high, but the usual beneficiaries of higher oil prices, the Canadian dollar and Norwegian crown, dipped to $1.33 and $8.52 respectively. "Oil is interesting, but the interesting thing for FX is that we are not getting the usual feed-through in the petro currencies," said Saxo bank's head of FX strategy, John Hardy, adding that might be caused by questions about Chinese stimulus. Both the Canadian dollar and the crown had gained on Monday, and the Russian rouble, another petro currency, hit its highest against the euro in more than a year its highest against the dollar in a month. Overnight, MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares ended 0.1 per cent higher and Japan's Nikkei closed up 0.2 per cent. Oil and gas gains were offset by losses for airlines and other transport shares facing higher fuel costs. The White House said after its Iran move it was working with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure oil markets were "adequately supplied," but traders had already been worried about tight supplies. Oil prices are up nearly 50 per cent since late December, and before the re-imposition of sanctions last year Iran was the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, at around 3 million barrels per day. Oil prices are "not so high that it crushes manufacturing by putting energy-price inputs up, but it is producing a nice boost to oil-producing nations," said Robert Carnell, Singapore-based chief economist and head of research for the Asia Pacific at ING. Carnell sees Brent crude's sweet spot at between $65 and $75 per barrel, "Above this, you may see some negative impact." Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's stock market and government bonds both fell as trading resumed after bombings had killed more than 300 people on Sunday. Tourism is likely to collapse, which would deal a serious blow to the island's economy and financial markets. The International Monetary Fund last month extended a $1.5 billion loan to Sri Lanka into 2020, a key step in keeping foreign investors involved in what so far this year has been a top-performing frontier debt market. In China, major benchmarks dipped in and out of negative territory amid concern that Beijing will slow the pace of policy easing after unexpectedly strong first-quarter economic data last week. China's blue-chip stocks have surged over 30 per cent so far this year on expectations of more stimulus and hope Beijing and Washington will reach an agreement to end their nine-month trade dispute. "We've had a fantastic run in Chinese equities year-to-date. Some profit taking is completely normal. I don't think China is changing its policy that quickly," said Stefan Hofer, chief investment strategist at LGT Bank Asia in Hong Kong.

World stocks splutter as oil races to near six-month high

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-were-no-crimes-by-me-congress-cant-impeach-me-donald-trump-212655">Donald Trump</a> said on Monday that businessman and former presidential candidate Herman Cain withdrew from consideration for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board.

Four Republican US senators voiced opposition to Trump's expected nomination of Cain in recent weeks, likely enough to deny Cain the support he needed to secure Senate confirmation for the post.

Economists and critics have expressed concerns about loyalists of Trump serving on the traditionally nonpartisan central bank.

Cain has been a public advocate of many of Trump's policies, as has Stephen Moore, a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, who Trump has also said he wants to nominate for one of two vacant seats on the seven-member Fed Board of Governors in Washington.

But Cain had vowed to fight on in several interviews and had said he was under attack as a nominee because he is a conservative. Cain's bid for president in 2012 was derailed by accusations of sexual harassment that he has repeatedly denied.

"My friend Herman Cain, a truly wonderful man, has asked me not to nominate him for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board. I will respect his wishes. Herman is a great American who truly loves our Country!" Trump said in a Twitter post.

Cain did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

Central bank independence from short-term politics is seen as important to prevent influence that could lead to runaway debt, hyperinflation and financial instability.

Trump elevated Jerome Powell to Fed chairman a year ago but has frequently criticized him for the US central bank's interest rate increases.

The central bank's other top policymakers head the Fed's 12 regional banks and are chosen by local boards of directors, not the US president.

Cain, the former head of the Godfather's Pizza restaurant chain, had served as chairman of the Kansas City Fed's board in the mid-1990s in a role that also provides the regional bank with input on the local economy.

The Fed in March brought a three-year rate-hike cycle to an abrupt end as it abandoned projections for any further rate increases this year.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that businessman and former presidential candidate Herman Cain withdrew from consideration for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that businessman and former presidential candidate Herman Cain withdrew from consideration for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board. Four Republican US senators voiced opposition to Trump's expected nomination of Cain in recent weeks, likely enough to deny Cain the support he needed to secure Senate confirmation for the post. Economists and critics have expressed concerns about loyalists of Trump serving on the traditionally nonpartisan central bank. Cain has been a public advocate of many of Trump's policies, as has Stephen Moore, a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, who Trump has also said he wants to nominate for one of two vacant seats on the seven-member Fed Board of Governors in Washington. But Cain had vowed to fight on in several interviews and had said he was under attack as a nominee because he is a conservative. Cain's bid for president in 2012 was derailed by accusations of sexual harassment that he has repeatedly denied. "My friend Herman Cain, a truly wonderful man, has asked me not to nominate him for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board. I will respect his wishes. Herman is a great American who truly loves our Country!" Trump said in a Twitter post. Cain did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. Central bank independence from short-term politics is seen as important to prevent influence that could lead to runaway debt, hyperinflation and financial instability. Trump elevated Jerome Powell to Fed chairman a year ago but has frequently criticized him for the US central bank's interest rate increases. The central bank's other top policymakers head the Fed's 12 regional banks and are chosen by local boards of directors, not the US president. Cain, the former head of the Godfather's Pizza restaurant chain, had served as chairman of the Kansas City Fed's board in the mid-1990s in a role that also provides the regional bank with input on the local economy. The Fed in March brought a three-year rate-hike cycle to an abrupt end as it abandoned projections for any further rate increases this year.

Herman Cain withdraws from consideration for Federal Reserve Board seat: Donald Trump

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mueller-report-is-it-a-clean-chit-for-donald-trump-211973">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> but said they would first need to complete <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lawyers-reviewed-mueller-report-for-10-hours-before-it-was-made-public-211967">their own investigations </a>into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe.

Party leaders have cautioned against impeachment just 18 months before the November 2020 presidential election, although prominent liberals have demanded the start of proceedings to remove Trump from office since the release of a redacted version of Mueller`s report on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-agreed-to-testify-on-mueller-report-says-trump-211835">I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump</a>

US&nbsp;House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, whose panel would spearhead any impeachment proceedings, said Democrats would press ahead with investigations of Trump in Congress and "see where the facts lead us."

"Obstruction of justice, if proven, would be impeachable," Nadler said on NBC`s "Meet the Press."

The redacted version of Mueller`s long-awaited report on Russian interference in the 2016 election, the product of a 22-month investigation, outlined multiple instances where Trump tried to thwart the probe. While it stopped short of concluding Trump had committed a crime, it did not exonerate him.

Mueller also noted that Congress has the power to address whether Trump violated the law, and Democrats said it would be a matter of discussion in the coming weeks. 
"That`s going to be a very consequential decision and one I`m going to reserve judgment on until we have a chance to fully deliberate on it," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on "Fox News Sunday."

Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, planned a conference call for Monday afternoon to discuss their next steps in response to the Mueller report. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote lawmakers last week to notify them of the call "to discuss this grave matter."

Nadler on Friday issued a subpoena to the Justice Department to hand over the full, unredacted Mueller report and underlying evidence by May 1. The Justice Department called the request "premature and unnecessary."&nbsp;

Before drawing any conclusions, Nadler said Democrats want to hear from Mueller and Attorney General William Barr, who is scheduled to testify in early May. Nadler also said he would call former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify.

Republicans have stood by Trump and an impeachment effort was unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led Senate.

Trump, who denounces the investigation as a witch hunt, claimed vindication from Mueller`s report. He has called for an investigation of how the FBI began the probe, and has tried to blame Democrats.&nbsp;

"How do you impeach a Republican President for a crime that was committed by the Democrats?" he wrote on Twitter.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren became the first major contender for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination to call for the start of impeachment proceedings, saying on Friday that "the severity of this misconduct" demanded it.&nbsp;

Julian Castro, former housing secretary under President Barack Obama and another 2020 contender, joined Warren.

Democratic House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, however, said, "I`m not there yet."

He told CBS` "Face the Nation" that Congress needed to look at Trump`s finances and gauge Mueller`s intentions with his report. Even if Senate Republicans blocked any eventual Democratic impeachment effort, Cummings said, "I think history would smile upon us for standing up for the Constitution."

Representative Tim Ryan, another Democratic presidential contender, said the party should wait until multiple ongoing investigations of Trump in Congress have had a chance to uncover more evidence.

"Let the process play itself out," he said on CNN`s "State of the Union."

While Trump`s team had indicated it would release a rebuttal to Mueller`s report, Rudy Giuliani, said that was not imminent.

"We planned to do it if we needed to. So far, we don`t think we need to," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of US President Donald Trump but said they would first need to complete their own investigations into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe.

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of US President Donald Trump but said they would first need to complete their own investigations into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe. Party leaders have cautioned against impeachment just 18 months before the November 2020 presidential election, although prominent liberals have demanded the start of proceedings to remove Trump from office since the release of a redacted version of Mueller`s report on Thursday. Also read: I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump US House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, whose panel would spearhead any impeachment proceedings, said Democrats would press ahead with investigations of Trump in Congress and "see where the facts lead us." "Obstruction of justice, if proven, would be impeachable," Nadler said on NBC`s "Meet the Press." The redacted version of Mueller`s long-awaited report on Russian interference in the 2016 election, the product of a 22-month investigation, outlined multiple instances where Trump tried to thwart the probe. While it stopped short of concluding Trump had committed a crime, it did not exonerate him. Mueller also noted that Congress has the power to address whether Trump violated the law, and Democrats said it would be a matter of discussion in the coming weeks. "That`s going to be a very consequential decision and one I`m going to reserve judgment on until we have a chance to fully deliberate on it," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on "Fox News Sunday." Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, planned a conference call for Monday afternoon to discuss their next steps in response to the Mueller report. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote lawmakers last week to notify them of the call "to discuss this grave matter." Nadler on Friday issued a subpoena to the Justice Department to hand over the full, unredacted Mueller report and underlying evidence by May 1. The Justice Department called the request "premature and unnecessary." Before drawing any conclusions, Nadler said Democrats want to hear from Mueller and Attorney General William Barr, who is scheduled to testify in early May. Nadler also said he would call former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify. Republicans have stood by Trump and an impeachment effort was unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led Senate. Trump, who denounces the investigation as a witch hunt, claimed vindication from Mueller`s report. He has called for an investigation of how the FBI began the probe, and has tried to blame Democrats. "How do you impeach a Republican President for a crime that was committed by the Democrats?" he wrote on Twitter. US Senator Elizabeth Warren became the first major contender for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination to call for the start of impeachment proceedings, saying on Friday that "the severity of this misconduct" demanded it. Julian Castro, former housing secretary under President Barack Obama and another 2020 contender, joined Warren. Democratic House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, however, said, "I`m not there yet." He told CBS` "Face the Nation" that Congress needed to look at Trump`s finances and gauge Mueller`s intentions with his report. Even if Senate Republicans blocked any eventual Democratic impeachment effort, Cummings said, "I think history would smile upon us for standing up for the Constitution." Representative Tim Ryan, another Democratic presidential contender, said the party should wait until multiple ongoing investigations of Trump in Congress have had a chance to uncover more evidence. "Let the process play itself out," he said on CNN`s "State of the Union." While Trump`s team had indicated it would release a rebuttal to Mueller`s report, Rudy Giuliani, said that was not imminent. "We planned to do it if we needed to. So far, we don`t think we need to," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

Top Democrats leave open option of Trump impeachment after Mueller report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-13-under-arrest-ninth-bomb-defused-near-colombo-airport-212476">Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport</a>

Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-foreigners-among-207-killed-in-sri-lanka-mayhem-report-212463">5 Indians among 25 foreigners killed in Sri Lanka mayhem: Report</a>

At least five Indians were killed in the serial bomb blasts that ravaged Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in the island country's bloodiest day since the civil war ended a decade ago.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Sri Lanka: Memo circulated a day before had warned of attack</a>

A memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka, reports CNN.The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka`s deputy inspector general of police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protest-leaders-halt-talks-with-military-212459">Sudan protest leaders halt talks with military</a>

Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-s8-episode-2-leaks-online-hours-before-hbo-airing-212461">'Game of Thrones' S8 episode 2 leaks online hours before HBO airing</a>

According to The Wrap, fans of the epic fantasy series alerted on social media about the leak, claiming that the to-be-aired episode was released early via Amazon Prime Video in Germany.

Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday.

Sri Lanka blasts: 13 under arrest, ninth bomb defused near Colombo airport Thirteen people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of eight devastating bomb blasts in the country on churches and hotels that killed more than 207 people and injured 500, officials said Monday. 5 Indians among 25 foreigners killed in Sri Lanka mayhem: Report At least five Indians were killed in the serial bomb blasts that ravaged Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in the island country's bloodiest day since the civil war ended a decade ago. Sri Lanka: Memo circulated a day before had warned of attack A memo that warned of a potential attack was circulated a day before the deadly explosions in Sri Lanka, reports CNN.The memo dated April 11 was signed by Sri Lanka`s deputy inspector general of police. Sudan protest leaders halt talks with military Sudanese protest leaders Sunday suspended talks with military rulers, after the army failed to meet their demand for an immediate transfer to civilian rule. 'Game of Thrones' S8 episode 2 leaks online hours before HBO airing According to The Wrap, fans of the epic fantasy series alerted on social media about the leak, claiming that the to-be-aired episode was released early via Amazon Prime Video in Germany.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump said Monday that Congress "can't impeach" him over the findings of the Mueller report into Russian election meddling and his attempts to hamper the investigation.

"Only high crimes and misdemeanours can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach," Trump stated on Twitter.

"It was the Democrats that committed the crimes, not your Republican President! Tables are finally turning on the Witch Hunt!"

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Only high crimes and misdemeanors can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach. It was the Democrats that committed the crimes, not your Republican President! Tables are finally turning on the Witch Hunt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1120323291443539969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's approximately 450-page report was published last week after two years of intense investigations.

It confirmed that Russian operatives had attempted to interfere in the 2016 election to help Trump beat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, including by hacking into email accounts.

The report also found that Trump's campaign took advantage of the impact on Clinton, but did not deliberately reach out to collude with the Russians.

During the probe, Trump repeatedly tried to hamper Mueller's work, the report said. Mueller said he could not rule one way or the other on whether Trump had committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, are so far mostly holding off from calling for impeachment proceedings. However, powerful House committees plan to dig further into the scandal and are pushing to be given the whole Mueller report, without parts currently blacked out for security or legal reasons.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Congress "can't impeach" him over the findings of the Mueller report into Russian election meddling and his attempts to hamper the investigation.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Congress "can't impeach" him over the findings of the Mueller report into Russian election meddling and his attempts to hamper the investigation. "Only high crimes and misdemeanours can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach," Trump stated on Twitter. "It was the Democrats that committed the crimes, not your Republican President! Tables are finally turning on the Witch Hunt!" Only high crimes and misdemeanors can lead to impeachment. There were no crimes by me (No Collusion, No Obstruction), so you can’t impeach. It was the Democrats that committed the crimes, not your Republican President! Tables are finally turning on the Witch Hunt! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2019 × A redacted version of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's approximately 450-page report was published last week after two years of intense investigations. It confirmed that Russian operatives had attempted to interfere in the 2016 election to help Trump beat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, including by hacking into email accounts. The report also found that Trump's campaign took advantage of the impact on Clinton, but did not deliberately reach out to collude with the Russians. During the probe, Trump repeatedly tried to hamper Mueller's work, the report said. Mueller said he could not rule one way or the other on whether Trump had committed the crime of obstruction of justice. Democrats, who control the lower house of Congress, are so far mostly holding off from calling for impeachment proceedings. However, powerful House committees plan to dig further into the scandal and are pushing to be given the whole Mueller report, without parts currently blacked out for security or legal reasons.

There were no crimes by me, Congress can't impeach me: Donald Trump

India is not a 'tariff king' and it has all the right to take appropriate measures to protect the interest of specific sectors like agriculture, international trade experts have said.

Rejecting the US allegation that India's import duties are one of the highest in the world, experts said that several developed countries and regions including Japan, South Korea, European Union, and America maintain "extremely high" tariffs primarily on agriculture products.

The US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" import duties on American goods.

Biswajit Dhar, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that the US allegations are completely unfounded.

"In fact, the US import duties on several of their products are quite high such as on tobacco it is about 350 per cent and 164 per cent on peanuts. They too maintain reasonably high duties," Dhar said.

Sharing similar views, Professor at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that the US allegations are not correct and in fact, they should rationalise their duty structure being a developed nation.

Trade Promotion Council of India Chairman Mohit Singla said that the assertion of the US is not factually correct.

He said that the allegation of Trump that India is a tariff king does not hold true and is unjustified.

"Like other nations, India has the right to take appropriate measures to protect its domestic interests in specific sectors as and when it is deemed fit.

Moreover, there are many countries which have much higher tariff as compared to India. Being a signatory and member of WTO, India remains committed to free, fair, and predictable trade," Singla added.

Geneva-based 164-member World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a multilateral body which frames global trade norms.

Singla claimed that countries like Japan levy 736 per cent duty on certain products; while Korea imposes 807 per cent on some goods.

Federation of Indian Exports Organisation (FIEO) said that product-specific high tariffs, like 150 per cent on alcoholic beverages, 100 per cent on coffee, and 60-75 per cent on automobiles have made India a villain in the eyes of the US President.

However, many countries in the world including Japan, South Korea, the EU, the US maintain an extremely high tariff primarily on agriculture products, FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said.

"India's average WTO bound tariff is 48.5 per cent while average applied tariff is 13.4 per cent. The wide gap between the two clearly shows that India is not a tariff king else it would have pushed the applied tariff very close to the bound rates," Sahai said.

While bound tariffs or duties refer to the ceiling, the applied tariff is the duty which is currently in place.

Another expert, who did not wish to be named, said that the US should not level any allegation of discrimination at tariff front vis-a-vis developing countries like India as America has emerged as one of the richest nations in the world with per capita income of about USD 60,000 per annum.

"Repeated mention of India as a tariff king with cherry-picked examples like motorbikes and whiskey is disingenuous, as it conveniently ignores the overall tariff structure of the country, apart from India's developing status," the expert said.

He added that India has complied with all tariff commitments under the WTO and has made sincere efforts to reduce applied duties suo-moto to 13.7 per cent today over a period of time.

Recently, the US decided to withdraw incentives being provided to Indian exporters under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) programme.

However, India has stated that it would not impact domestic exporters as the benefits were only about USD 190 million annually.

Despite the fact that India and the US were working on a trade package, the US decided to go ahead with its decision.

The package was covering all concerns related to bilateral trade with the US on sectors including medical devices, dairy products and agricultural goods.

America also wants a cut on duties on certain ICT products.

According to sources, India was ready to address the US concerns regarding these sectors.

The bilateral trade between India and the US has increased to USD 74.5 billion in 2017-18 from USD 64.5 billion in 2016-17.

Although India has a trade surplus with the US, India is a thriving market for US defence firms, e-commerce and technology companies.&nbsp;

India is not a 'tariff king' and it has all the right to take appropriate measures to protect the interest of specific sectors like agriculture, international trade experts have said.

India is not a 'tariff king' and it has all the right to take appropriate measures to protect the interest of specific sectors like agriculture, international trade experts have said. Rejecting the US allegation that India's import duties are one of the highest in the world, experts said that several developed countries and regions including Japan, South Korea, European Union, and America maintain "extremely high" tariffs primarily on agriculture products. The US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" import duties on American goods. Biswajit Dhar, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that the US allegations are completely unfounded. "In fact, the US import duties on several of their products are quite high such as on tobacco it is about 350 per cent and 164 per cent on peanuts. They too maintain reasonably high duties," Dhar said. Sharing similar views, Professor at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Rakesh Mohan Joshi said that the US allegations are not correct and in fact, they should rationalise their duty structure being a developed nation. Trade Promotion Council of India Chairman Mohit Singla said that the assertion of the US is not factually correct. He said that the allegation of Trump that India is a tariff king does not hold true and is unjustified. "Like other nations, India has the right to take appropriate measures to protect its domestic interests in specific sectors as and when it is deemed fit. Moreover, there are many countries which have much higher tariff as compared to India. Being a signatory and member of WTO, India remains committed to free, fair, and predictable trade," Singla added. Geneva-based 164-member World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a multilateral body which frames global trade norms. Singla claimed that countries like Japan levy 736 per cent duty on certain products; while Korea imposes 807 per cent on some goods. Federation of Indian Exports Organisation (FIEO) said that product-specific high tariffs, like 150 per cent on alcoholic beverages, 100 per cent on coffee, and 60-75 per cent on automobiles have made India a villain in the eyes of the US President. However, many countries in the world including Japan, South Korea, the EU, the US maintain an extremely high tariff primarily on agriculture products, FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said. "India's average WTO bound tariff is 48.5 per cent while average applied tariff is 13.4 per cent. The wide gap between the two clearly shows that India is not a tariff king else it would have pushed the applied tariff very close to the bound rates," Sahai said. While bound tariffs or duties refer to the ceiling, the applied tariff is the duty which is currently in place. Another expert, who did not wish to be named, said that the US should not level any allegation of discrimination at tariff front vis-a-vis developing countries like India as America has emerged as one of the richest nations in the world with per capita income of about USD 60,000 per annum. "Repeated mention of India as a tariff king with cherry-picked examples like motorbikes and whiskey is disingenuous, as it conveniently ignores the overall tariff structure of the country, apart from India's developing status," the expert said. He added that India has complied with all tariff commitments under the WTO and has made sincere efforts to reduce applied duties suo-moto to 13.7 per cent today over a period of time. Recently, the US decided to withdraw incentives being provided to Indian exporters under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) programme. However, India has stated that it would not impact domestic exporters as the benefits were only about USD 190 million annually. Despite the fact that India and the US were working on a trade package, the US decided to go ahead with its decision. The package was covering all concerns related to bilateral trade with the US on sectors including medical devices, dairy products and agricultural goods. America also wants a cut on duties on certain ICT products. According to sources, India was ready to address the US concerns regarding these sectors. The bilateral trade between India and the US has increased to USD 74.5 billion in 2017-18 from USD 64.5 billion in 2016-17. Although India has a trade surplus with the US, India is a thriving market for US defence firms, e-commerce and technology companies.

India is not a tariff king, has the right to protect specific sectors under WTO: Experts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-multiple-blasts-seven-arrested-death-toll-passes-200-212339">Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200</a> 
 
Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trumps-solidarity-message-on-sri-lanka-blasts-goes-wrong-tweets-out-heartfelt-condolences-on-death-of-138-million-people-212299">Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka</a> 
 
US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-contest-from-varanasi-if-rahul-gandhi-asks-me-says-priyanka-gandhi-212313">Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-blasts-are-grim-reminder-of-most-serious-challenge-to-humanity-pm-modi-to-sri-lankan-president-pm-212293">Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-supreme-court-extends-president-ashraf-ghanis-term-until-delayed-elections-212297">Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections</a> 
 
Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday. Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people. Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so. Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today. Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels</a> in the island nation killed more than 160 people.

The US leader erroneously wrote that 138 million people were killed in the attacks.

''Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help!'' Trump tweeted.

<img alt="Trump tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dab6fedb-8e93-4529-8e7b-666a05339485" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_9.jpg" />

However, this&nbsp;tweet was deleted&nbsp;after a few minutes from the account.

Later Trump tweeted again offering condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka, ''138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!''

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138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1119923840161857536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka on Sunday afternoon was rocked by eight blasts targeting luxury hotels and churches in the capital city Colombo.

So far, over 160 are reportedly dead and around 400 people are severely injured.

Several religious leaders and politicians have strongly condemned the Sri Lanka attacks.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts.

Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban after a string of blasts targeting hotels and churches killed nearly 160 people.

The explosions are being billed as the major attacks since the end of the civil war a decade ago.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people. The US leader erroneously wrote that 138 million people were killed in the attacks. ''Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help!'' Trump tweeted. However, this tweet was deleted after a few minutes from the account. Later Trump tweeted again offering condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka, ''138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!'' 138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019 × Sri Lanka on Sunday afternoon was rocked by eight blasts targeting luxury hotels and churches in the capital city Colombo. So far, over 160 are reportedly dead and around 400 people are severely injured. Several religious leaders and politicians have strongly condemned the Sri Lanka attacks. The Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts. Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban after a string of blasts targeting hotels and churches killed nearly 160 people. The explosions are being billed as the major attacks since the end of the civil war a decade ago.

Trump's solidarity message on Sri Lanka blasts goes wrong; tweets out 'heartfelt condolences' on death of '138 million people'

After the Mueller Report was made public, we ask Is it a clean chit or is it politically damaging for Trump? Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: Is it a clean chit for Donald Trump?

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar</a>, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3.

The disclosure of the call and a US&nbsp;statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents.

Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire.

Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city.

On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said.

Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available.

A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline.

On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call.

On Friday, Acting US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region."

On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time.

Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said.

The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya.

The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said.

The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups.

In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220. The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3. The disclosure of the call and a US statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents. Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire. Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city. On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said. Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available. A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline. On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call. On Friday, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region." On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time. Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said. The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya. The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011. While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said. The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups. In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes erupt in southern suburbs of Libyan capital, locals report heavy shelling

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain.

Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, presided at a traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) service at Rome's Colosseum, attended by thousands of people holding candles.

The meditations read out by speakers during the 14 "stations of the cross" which commemorate the last hours of Jesus' life were written by Sister Eugenia Bonetti, an 80-year-old Italian nun who has won multiple awards for her work with trafficked women and children.

At the end of the service, Francis read a prayer in which he spoke of the poor, the hungry, the elderly, abused children and the environment.

In it, he spoke of "the cross of migrants who find doors closed because of fear and hearts that are armoured by political calculation".

Francis has made a defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate and has clashed over the immigration with politicians such as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed Italy's ports to rescue ships operated by charities.

Each year, the Pope entrusts the writing of the meditations to a different person or group. Bonetti's were among the most graphic and emotional ever read at the service.

Francis listened intently as three speakers read Bonetti's meditations about migrants being set on fire, dying in the desert or drowning at sea and ending up in nameless coffins.

One of Bonetti's meditations read:

"Let us think of all those children in various parts of the world who cannot go to school but are instead exploited in mines, fields and fisheries, bought and sold by human traffickers for organ harvesting, used and abused on our streets by many, including Christians ...,"

She wrote of seeing "men in luxury cars lined up to exploit" young woman forced into prostitution shortly after they arrive in Italy, where many African migrants wash up, hoping for a fresh start only to be snared by traffickers and pimps.

"Men, women and children are bought and sold like slaves by the new traders in human lives," she wrote, "How many people are growing rich by devouring the flesh and blood of the poor?"

The 82-year-old leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will lead an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday will read the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message.

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain.

Pope Francis led Good Friday services dedicated to the victims of human trafficking and the plight of migrants, denouncing leaders with "armoured hearts" who exploit their plight for political gain. Francis, marking his seventh Easter season as Roman Catholic leader, presided at a traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) service at Rome's Colosseum, attended by thousands of people holding candles. The meditations read out by speakers during the 14 "stations of the cross" which commemorate the last hours of Jesus' life were written by Sister Eugenia Bonetti, an 80-year-old Italian nun who has won multiple awards for her work with trafficked women and children. At the end of the service, Francis read a prayer in which he spoke of the poor, the hungry, the elderly, abused children and the environment. In it, he spoke of "the cross of migrants who find doors closed because of fear and hearts that are armoured by political calculation". Francis has made a defence of migrants a key feature of his pontificate and has clashed over the immigration with politicians such as US President Donald Trump and Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini who leads the anti-immigrant League party and has closed Italy's ports to rescue ships operated by charities. Each year, the Pope entrusts the writing of the meditations to a different person or group. Bonetti's were among the most graphic and emotional ever read at the service. Francis listened intently as three speakers read Bonetti's meditations about migrants being set on fire, dying in the desert or drowning at sea and ending up in nameless coffins. One of Bonetti's meditations read: "Let us think of all those children in various parts of the world who cannot go to school but are instead exploited in mines, fields and fisheries, bought and sold by human traffickers for organ harvesting, used and abused on our streets by many, including Christians ...," She wrote of seeing "men in luxury cars lined up to exploit" young woman forced into prostitution shortly after they arrive in Italy, where many African migrants wash up, hoping for a fresh start only to be snared by traffickers and pimps. "Men, women and children are bought and sold like slaves by the new traders in human lives," she wrote, "How many people are growing rich by devouring the flesh and blood of the poor?" The 82-year-old leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics will lead an Easter vigil service on Saturday night and on Easter Sunday will read the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To The City and The World) message.

On Good Friday, pope hears harrowing stories of human trafficking

US President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-inconclusive-on-trumps-obstruction-of-justice-charge-211626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZ2IHL8N3hAhUJqI8KHXPnDugQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0IGcs_OTzsxAY9oGz7k1k6"> Donald Trump</a>'s personal lawyers spent at least 10 hours reviewing Special Counsel Robert <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-new-revelations-from-the-mueller-report-211679&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZ2IHL8N3hAhUJqI8KHXPnDugQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw034PLX7-c0cHTNSijkDeI1">Mueller's report </a>on Russian meddling in the 2016 election before it was made public, two of the lawyers told&nbsp;on Friday.

Rudy Giuliani, Jay Sekulow and two other Trump lawyers went to the US Justice Department on Tuesday and Wednesday for an early look at the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unflattering-detail-mueller-report-reveals-trump-actions-to-impede-inquiry-211647&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZ2IHL8N3hAhUJqI8KHXPnDugQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1d2YcFiM4gouiihBIzE5mM"> 448-page report</a> into whether Trump's team colluded with Russia and whether Trump obstructed the investigation, which was released to the public on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/redacted-mueller-report-to-be-issued-by-us-attorney-general-today-211317&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZ2IHL8N3hAhUJqI8KHXPnDugQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lrBRwhd5qlPd2LkHYo216">Attorney General William Barr</a>, who has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers over his handling of the Mueller probe, said on Thursday that both White House counsel and Trump's personal lawyers had been allowed to review the redacted report.

Barr gave no details about how much access they were given but Sekulow and Giuliani said they reviewed copies of the report from about 4 pm until at least 9 pm on Tuesday and from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm on Wednesday, taking notes on legal pads.

The lawyers said they gave up their cellphones and other electronic devices before being led into a Justice Department conference room in a restricted area known as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), designed to ensure secret information stays secure.

"We were doing a lot of reading, not talking," Sekulow told Reuters, referring to himself, Giuliani, and Jane and Marty Raskin.

"I had at least 30 pages of notes," said Giuliani.

Sekulow pushed back against Democrats' complaints that Barr had tried to help Trump by giving his lawyers an early look at the report.

"Our client was the subject of an inquiry," Sekulow said, explaining that the team of lawyers sent a note to the Justice Department last week asking to see the report. "We believed it was an appropriate request to make."

The disclosure followed news reports this week that Justice Department officials discussed Mueller's conclusions with White House lawyers before the release.

Giuliani said the preview reassured them that the report did not contain any bombshells.

"It gave us some confidence the people who hate him will hate him, the people who love him will love him, and the people in between were not going to be persuaded," he said.

After the first session, the lawyers went back to Sekulow's Capitol Hill offices, ordered in Chinese food and created an outline of their own about the most important details in the report, they said.

On Wednesday night, they went out for Mexican food. And on Thursday night, after the report's release, they celebrated at the Trump International Hotel in Washington.

Although Mueller's team described in detail the extensive contact Trump's team had with Russia during the election campaign and how Trump tried to impede the investigation, it stopped short of concluding he had committed a crime or that his aides had conspired with Moscow.

The team of personal lawyers was happy with the result. "No collusion and no obstruction," Sekulow said, using a phrase often repeated by Trump.

US President Donald Trump's personal lawyers spent at least 10 hours reviewing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian meddling in the 2016 election before it was made public, two of the lawyers told on Friday.

US President Donald Trump's personal lawyers spent at least 10 hours reviewing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian meddling in the 2016 election before it was made public, two of the lawyers told on Friday. Rudy Giuliani, Jay Sekulow and two other Trump lawyers went to the US Justice Department on Tuesday and Wednesday for an early look at the 448-page report into whether Trump's team colluded with Russia and whether Trump obstructed the investigation, which was released to the public on Thursday. Attorney General William Barr, who has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers over his handling of the Mueller probe, said on Thursday that both White House counsel and Trump's personal lawyers had been allowed to review the redacted report. Barr gave no details about how much access they were given but Sekulow and Giuliani said they reviewed copies of the report from about 4 pm until at least 9 pm on Tuesday and from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm on Wednesday, taking notes on legal pads. The lawyers said they gave up their cellphones and other electronic devices before being led into a Justice Department conference room in a restricted area known as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), designed to ensure secret information stays secure. "We were doing a lot of reading, not talking," Sekulow told Reuters, referring to himself, Giuliani, and Jane and Marty Raskin. "I had at least 30 pages of notes," said Giuliani. Sekulow pushed back against Democrats' complaints that Barr had tried to help Trump by giving his lawyers an early look at the report. "Our client was the subject of an inquiry," Sekulow said, explaining that the team of lawyers sent a note to the Justice Department last week asking to see the report. "We believed it was an appropriate request to make." The disclosure followed news reports this week that Justice Department officials discussed Mueller's conclusions with White House lawyers before the release. Giuliani said the preview reassured them that the report did not contain any bombshells. "It gave us some confidence the people who hate him will hate him, the people who love him will love him, and the people in between were not going to be persuaded," he said. After the first session, the lawyers went back to Sekulow's Capitol Hill offices, ordered in Chinese food and created an outline of their own about the most important details in the report, they said. On Wednesday night, they went out for Mexican food. And on Thursday night, after the report's release, they celebrated at the Trump International Hotel in Washington. Although Mueller's team described in detail the extensive contact Trump's team had with Russia during the election campaign and how Trump tried to impede the investigation, it stopped short of concluding he had committed a crime or that his aides had conspired with Moscow. The team of personal lawyers was happy with the result. "No collusion and no obstruction," Sekulow said, using a phrase often repeated by Trump.

Trump lawyers reviewed Mueller report for 10 hours before it was made public

The number of Americans who approve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-agreed-to-testify-on-mueller-report-says-trump-211835">President Donald Trump</a> dropped by 3 percentage points to the lowest level of the year following the release of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">a special counsel report detailing Russian interference</a> in the last US&nbsp;presidential election, according to an exclusive Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll.

The poll, conducted Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, is the first national survey to measure the response from the American public after the US&nbsp;Justice Department released Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 448-page report that recounted numerous occasions in which Trump may have interfered with the investigation.

According to the poll, 37 per cent of adults in the United States approved of Trump’s performance in office, down from 40 per cent in a similar poll conducted on April 15 and matching the lowest level of the year.

That is also down from 43 per cent in a poll conducted shortly after US Attorney General William Barr circulated a summary of the report in March.

In his report, Mueller said his investigation did not establish that the Trump campaign had coordinated with Russians. However, investigators did find “multiple acts by the President that was capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations.”

While Mueller ultimately decided not to charge Trump with a crime, he also said that the investigation did not exonerate the president, either.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,005 adults, including 924 who were familiar with the Mueller report. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 4 percentage points.

Sharp split

The poll found that 50 per cent of Americans agreed that “Trump or someone from his campaign worked with Russia to influence the 2016 election,” and 58 per cent agreed that the president “tried to stop investigations into Russian influence on his administration.”

Forty per cent said they thought Trump should be impeached, while 42 per cent said he should not.

The poll responses were sharply split along party lines, with Democrats much more critical of Trump than his fellow Republicans.

The Mueller investigation had previously charged 34 other people and three Russian entities, netting convictions or guilty pleas from several Trump associates including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, White House national security adviser Michael Flynn and longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen.

So far, the report does not appear to have convinced many to change their opinions about the president’s conduct during a bitter presidential campaign, whether his inner circle improperly engaged with Russian agents, or if he tried to interfere with federal investigators afterwards.

Among those respondents who said they were familiar with the Mueller report, 70 per cent said the report had not changed their view of Trump or Russia’s involvement in the US presidential race.&nbsp;

Only 15 per cent said they had learned something that changed their view of Trump or the Russia investigation, and a majority of those respondents said they were now more likely to believe that “Trump or someone close to him broke the law.”

The number of Americans who approve of President Donald Trump dropped by 3 percentage points to the lowest level of the year following the release of a special counsel report detailing Russian interference in the last US presidential election, according to an exclusive Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll.

The number of Americans who approve of President Donald Trump dropped by 3 percentage points to the lowest level of the year following the release of a special counsel report detailing Russian interference in the last US presidential election, according to an exclusive Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll. The poll, conducted Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, is the first national survey to measure the response from the American public after the US Justice Department released Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 448-page report that recounted numerous occasions in which Trump may have interfered with the investigation. According to the poll, 37 per cent of adults in the United States approved of Trump’s performance in office, down from 40 per cent in a similar poll conducted on April 15 and matching the lowest level of the year. That is also down from 43 per cent in a poll conducted shortly after US Attorney General William Barr circulated a summary of the report in March. In his report, Mueller said his investigation did not establish that the Trump campaign had coordinated with Russians. However, investigators did find “multiple acts by the President that was capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations.” While Mueller ultimately decided not to charge Trump with a crime, he also said that the investigation did not exonerate the president, either. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,005 adults, including 924 who were familiar with the Mueller report. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 4 percentage points. Sharp split The poll found that 50 per cent of Americans agreed that “Trump or someone from his campaign worked with Russia to influence the 2016 election,” and 58 per cent agreed that the president “tried to stop investigations into Russian influence on his administration.” Forty per cent said they thought Trump should be impeached, while 42 per cent said he should not. The poll responses were sharply split along party lines, with Democrats much more critical of Trump than his fellow Republicans. The Mueller investigation had previously charged 34 other people and three Russian entities, netting convictions or guilty pleas from several Trump associates including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, White House national security adviser Michael Flynn and longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen. So far, the report does not appear to have convinced many to change their opinions about the president’s conduct during a bitter presidential campaign, whether his inner circle improperly engaged with Russian agents, or if he tried to interfere with federal investigators afterwards. Among those respondents who said they were familiar with the Mueller report, 70 per cent said the report had not changed their view of Trump or Russia’s involvement in the US presidential race. Only 15 per cent said they had learned something that changed their view of Trump or the Russia investigation, and a majority of those respondents said they were now more likely to believe that “Trump or someone close to him broke the law.”

Trump approval drops three points to 2019 low after release of Mueller report

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 20th, 2019

The Kremlin argued on Friday that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report has not offered any credible evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Watch full video to know more.

Kremlin: Mueller report has 'no reasonable proof'

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