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'

At least 2,000 people protested in Tripoli's central Martyrs' Square on Friday&nbsp;against eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's offensive, with some criticising US President Donald<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-spoke-to-commander-haftar-they-shared-vision-for-libyas-transition-white-house-211896"> Trump's phone call to the commander</a>.

Wearing yellow vests, protesters carried signs against the interference of foreign countries, including Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia, in Libyan affairs.

The protest came after the White House said on Friday that Trump spoke by phone to Haftar earlier in the week and discussed "ongoing counterterrorism efforts" by the leader of a military assault in opposition to the country's internationally recognised government.

A White House statement said Trump "recognised Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources, and the two discussed a shared vision for Libya's transition to a stable, democratic political system."

Ahmed Mismari, spokesman for Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), said Trump's call showed the pivotal role of the LNA in fighting terrorism, Sky News Arabia reported.

At least seven people had been killed as of Tuesday, a day after Trump's call to Haftar. The current death toll is not known.

At least 2,000 people protested in Tripoli's central Martyrs' Square on Friday against eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's offensive, with some criticising US President Donald Trump's phone call to the commander.

At least 2,000 people protested in Tripoli's central Martyrs' Square on Friday against eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's offensive, with some criticising US President Donald Trump's phone call to the commander. Wearing yellow vests, protesters carried signs against the interference of foreign countries, including Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia, in Libyan affairs. The protest came after the White House said on Friday that Trump spoke by phone to Haftar earlier in the week and discussed "ongoing counterterrorism efforts" by the leader of a military assault in opposition to the country's internationally recognised government. A White House statement said Trump "recognised Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources, and the two discussed a shared vision for Libya's transition to a stable, democratic political system." Ahmed Mismari, spokesman for Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), said Trump's call showed the pivotal role of the LNA in fighting terrorism, Sky News Arabia reported. At least seven people had been killed as of Tuesday, a day after Trump's call to Haftar. The current death toll is not known.

Tripoli residents denounce Trump's call to Libyan commander Haftar

The White House said that US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will be the first foreign state guests to visit Japan and meet with Crown Prince Naruhito after his elevation to emperor. Watch full video to know more.

Donald Trump to be first foreign leader to meet Japan's new emperor

Did U.S. president Donald Trump get a clean chit in the Muller investigation? We break down the investigation report and Trump's comments about it.

Gravitas: Russia Meddling Probe: Clean chit for Donald Trump?

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday.

Trump's reaction to the appointment of special counsel

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=0ahUKEwiVwv3dp9vhAhUSjuYKHf6LD4IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw38GcVkJUl5IJjshefSm85n">Donald Trump </a>believed the appointment of a special counsel to take over an active federal investigation would spell the end of his presidency, according to Mueller's report.

When then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Trump of Mueller's appointment on May 17, 2017, the report said, Trump slumped back in his chair and said: "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked."

Trump asked Sessions, whom he had berated for months for recusing himself from the investigation of Russian interference in the election: "How could you let this happen, Jeff?" and told Sessions he had let him down.

Trump told Sessions he should resign, and Sessions agreed to do so. When Sessions delivered his resignation letter to Trump the following day, Trump put the letter in his pocket but said he wanted Sessions to stay on the job.

That alarmed chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior advisor Steve Bannon, who worried Trump would use the letter to control the Department of Justice, and they tried to return it to Sessions.

Trump took the letter with him on a trip to the Middle East, where he showed it to several senior advisers and asked them what he should do about it. On May 30, he finally returned the letter to Sessions with a note saying: "Not accepted."

The Presidential interview that wasn't

Mueller tried for more than a year to interview Trump, but in the end, Trump refused. Trump provided written answers on some<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-big-moments-in-mueller-investigation-of-russian-meddling-in-2016-us-election-211303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiVwv3dp9vhAhUSjuYKHf6LD4IQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3mBeukO7iQiInlWalLhsF8"> Russia</a>-related topics but did not agree to answer questions about possible obstruction of justice or events that took place during the presidential transition.

Mueller said he thought he had the legal authority to order Trump to testify before a grand jury, but he decided not to take that course because of the "substantial delay that such an investigative step would likely produce at a late stage in our investigation."

Trump's efforts to fire Mueller

Trump tried to get Mueller fired in June 2017, shortly after he was appointed, according to the 448-page report. Trump called then-White House counsel Don McGahn twice and directed him to order Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller on the grounds that he had conflicts of interest.

McGahn felt "trapped," but did not carry out the order, deciding that he would rather resign, Mueller said.

Other White House advisers later talked McGahn out of resigning, and Trump did not follow up to ask whether McGahn had fulfilled his directive.

Trump pressured McGahn to deny that these events took place when they surfaced in news accounts in January 2018, but McGahn refused, according to Mueller's report, some of which was blacked out to protect some sensitive information.

Trump's efforts to limit the investigation

Trump also enlisted his former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, to try to narrow the investigation's scope. The report said Trump asked Lewandowski in June 2017 to tell Sessions that he should publicly announce that the Russia probe was "very unfair" to the president, said Trump had done nothing wrong, and limit Mueller's probe into interference in future elections, not the one that had put him in the White House.

A month later, Trump asked Lewandowski about the status of his request and Lewandowski assured Trump he would deliver the message soon. Trump then publicly criticized Sessions in a New York Times interview and a series of Twitter messages.

Mueller says Lewandowski did not want to deliver the message to Sessions, so he asked senior White House official Rick Dearborn to speak to him. Dearborn also did not want to carry out the task. Ultimately, the message never reached Sessions.

Manafort's efforts to monetize the campaign

Mueller found that campaign chairman Paul Manafort's efforts to work with his former business partners in Ukraine were greater than previously known, as he tried to use his insider status on the campaign to collect on debts owed for his past work by Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Shortly after he joined the campaign in the spring of 2016, Manafort directed his deputy Rick Gates to share internal polling data and other campaign materials with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former Ukrainian business partner, with the understanding that it would get passed on to Deripaska, the report said.

During an August 2016 meeting in New York, Manafort told Kilimnik about the campaign's efforts to win the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the report said. Trump ended up winning three of those states in the November election.

Manafort worked with his Ukrainian allies until the spring of 2018, after he had been indicted by Mueller, to promote a peace plan that would have split the country in two. These efforts did not constitute coordination between the campaign and Russian efforts to disrupt the election, Mueller found.

Manafort urged Gates not to plead guilty after they were both indicted by Mueller, apparently believing that they would be pardoned by the president if they did not cooperate with investigators. Trump's numerous sympathetic statements before and during Manafort's criminal trial could be interpreted as an effort to sway the outcome, but they also could be interpreted as a sign that he genuinely felt sorry for Manafort, Mueller said.

A plan for US - Russia reconciliation

Relations between Washington and Moscow had deteriorated under two previous administrations and the United States had imposed sanctions on Russia. Following Trump's election victory, Russian financier Kirill Dmitriev worked on a proposal to improve ties with Rick Gerson, a hedge fund manager who is friends with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev runs Russia's sovereign wealth fund and reports directly to Putin.

Gerson gave the plan to Kushner before Trump was sworn in, Mueller's report said, and Kushner gave copies to Bannon and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

After Trump took office in January 2017, Dmitriev told Gerson that his "boss" - an apparent reference to Putin - wanted to know if there was a reaction to the proposal, which called for cooperation on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and economic matters. When Putin and Trump spoke by phone, Dmitriev told Gerson that their plan had "played an important role."

Gerson told Mueller's team that he acted as an intermediary between Trump and Russia on his own initiative, not at the request of Trump's aides.

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday.

There are several aspects of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 US election campaign that was not previously known until the release of his report on Thursday. Trump's reaction to the appointment of special counsel US President Donald Trump believed the appointment of a special counsel to take over an active federal investigation would spell the end of his presidency, according to Mueller's report. When then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Trump of Mueller's appointment on May 17, 2017, the report said, Trump slumped back in his chair and said: "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked." Trump asked Sessions, whom he had berated for months for recusing himself from the investigation of Russian interference in the election: "How could you let this happen, Jeff?" and told Sessions he had let him down. Trump told Sessions he should resign, and Sessions agreed to do so. When Sessions delivered his resignation letter to Trump the following day, Trump put the letter in his pocket but said he wanted Sessions to stay on the job. That alarmed chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior advisor Steve Bannon, who worried Trump would use the letter to control the Department of Justice, and they tried to return it to Sessions. Trump took the letter with him on a trip to the Middle East, where he showed it to several senior advisers and asked them what he should do about it. On May 30, he finally returned the letter to Sessions with a note saying: "Not accepted." The Presidential interview that wasn't Mueller tried for more than a year to interview Trump, but in the end, Trump refused. Trump provided written answers on some Russia-related topics but did not agree to answer questions about possible obstruction of justice or events that took place during the presidential transition. Mueller said he thought he had the legal authority to order Trump to testify before a grand jury, but he decided not to take that course because of the "substantial delay that such an investigative step would likely produce at a late stage in our investigation." Trump's efforts to fire Mueller Trump tried to get Mueller fired in June 2017, shortly after he was appointed, according to the 448-page report. Trump called then-White House counsel Don McGahn twice and directed him to order Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller on the grounds that he had conflicts of interest. McGahn felt "trapped," but did not carry out the order, deciding that he would rather resign, Mueller said. Other White House advisers later talked McGahn out of resigning, and Trump did not follow up to ask whether McGahn had fulfilled his directive. Trump pressured McGahn to deny that these events took place when they surfaced in news accounts in January 2018, but McGahn refused, according to Mueller's report, some of which was blacked out to protect some sensitive information. Trump's efforts to limit the investigation Trump also enlisted his former campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, to try to narrow the investigation's scope. The report said Trump asked Lewandowski in June 2017 to tell Sessions that he should publicly announce that the Russia probe was "very unfair" to the president, said Trump had done nothing wrong, and limit Mueller's probe into interference in future elections, not the one that had put him in the White House. A month later, Trump asked Lewandowski about the status of his request and Lewandowski assured Trump he would deliver the message soon. Trump then publicly criticized Sessions in a New York Times interview and a series of Twitter messages. Mueller says Lewandowski did not want to deliver the message to Sessions, so he asked senior White House official Rick Dearborn to speak to him. Dearborn also did not want to carry out the task. Ultimately, the message never reached Sessions. Manafort's efforts to monetize the campaign Mueller found that campaign chairman Paul Manafort's efforts to work with his former business partners in Ukraine were greater than previously known, as he tried to use his insider status on the campaign to collect on debts owed for his past work by Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Shortly after he joined the campaign in the spring of 2016, Manafort directed his deputy Rick Gates to share internal polling data and other campaign materials with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former Ukrainian business partner, with the understanding that it would get passed on to Deripaska, the report said. During an August 2016 meeting in New York, Manafort told Kilimnik about the campaign's efforts to win the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota, the report said. Trump ended up winning three of those states in the November election. Manafort worked with his Ukrainian allies until the spring of 2018, after he had been indicted by Mueller, to promote a peace plan that would have split the country in two. These efforts did not constitute coordination between the campaign and Russian efforts to disrupt the election, Mueller found. Manafort urged Gates not to plead guilty after they were both indicted by Mueller, apparently believing that they would be pardoned by the president if they did not cooperate with investigators. Trump's numerous sympathetic statements before and during Manafort's criminal trial could be interpreted as an effort to sway the outcome, but they also could be interpreted as a sign that he genuinely felt sorry for Manafort, Mueller said. A plan for US - Russia reconciliation Relations between Washington and Moscow had deteriorated under two previous administrations and the United States had imposed sanctions on Russia. Following Trump's election victory, Russian financier Kirill Dmitriev worked on a proposal to improve ties with Rick Gerson, a hedge fund manager who is friends with Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev runs Russia's sovereign wealth fund and reports directly to Putin. Gerson gave the plan to Kushner before Trump was sworn in, Mueller's report said, and Kushner gave copies to Bannon and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. After Trump took office in January 2017, Dmitriev told Gerson that his "boss" - an apparent reference to Putin - wanted to know if there was a reaction to the proposal, which called for cooperation on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and economic matters. When Putin and Trump spoke by phone, Dmitriev told Gerson that their plan had "played an important role." Gerson told Mueller's team that he acted as an intermediary between Trump and Russia on his own initiative, not at the request of Trump's aides.

Factbox: New revelations from the Mueller report

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed Washington`s "continued support for the United Arab Emirates` national defense, strengthening alliances in the region, and the impact of the Administration’s crippling sanctions on Iran," the statement said.

"They also spoke about UAE’s contributions to the global energy markets as a reliable supplier of oil," it said.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the White House said in a statement. The two leaders discussed Washington`s "continued support for the United Arab Emirates` national defense, strengthening alliances in the region, and the impact of the Administration’s crippling sanctions on Iran," the statement said. "They also spoke about UAE’s contributions to the global energy markets as a reliable supplier of oil," it said.

Trump spoke with Abu Dhabi crown prince on Thursday: White House

US President Donald Trump reacted to the Mueller report pinning the blame on Barack Obama,saying Anything that Russian did concerning the 2016 elections was done while Obama was President. Watch full video to know more.

Trump: Obama did nothing about the Russian collusion

In this segment of WION, we brings to you key takeaways from the Special counsel Mueller’s report that has been released to the public. Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: Trump campaign did not collude with Russia

The new tactical guided weapon that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-demands-pompeos-removal-from-us-nuclear-talks-211470&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1xYHh99vhAhU87HMBHYs0BFQQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GUMAvAam9AfcUwmmyRvyM">North Korea</a> claimed it had tested earlier this week is a ground combat missile system, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday that North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, had overseen a trial of a new tactical short-range weapon designed to be used in combat scenarios.

The move appeared to be a message to both the North Korean public and Washington after a summit with United States President Donald Trump in Hanoi ended without a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear disarmament.&nbsp;

The South Korean armed forces have determined that it is a "ground combat propulsed projectile system," the spokesperson told EFE.

The acting secretary of US Defence, Patrick Shanahan, had said on Thursday that the new weapon was not a "ballistic missile".

Analysts believe that the projectile flew over a short distance at low altitude, likely meaning it is a short-range guided missile similar to the Israeli Spike, which has a range of around 20 kilometres.

The use of such short-range missiles does not violate UN resolutions which have been placed on North Korea following repeated tests in 2017 of nuclear weapons, including intermediate-range or intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Wednesday’s test was the first time Kim had publicly supervised an arms trial since Nov. 2018, when state media reported that he attended evaluations of another tactical weapon (presumed to be an artillery system), for which no further details were provided.

The summit in Hanoi, which was the second meeting between the two leaders following the first one in Singapore in June 2018, failed to kickstart the talks after Trump and Kim could not reach a consensus on Pyongyang's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-to-north-korea-to-visit-moscow-discuss-denuclearisation-211296&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1xYHh99vhAhU87HMBHYs0BFQQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hRM7TDti79BheE2YGxcsz">denuclearisation</a>.

The US president said he chose to "walk away" from a deal with Kim because the North Koreans "wanted sanctions lifted in their entirety," which Trump refused.

North Korea has said it wants guarantees of its security from Washington before committing to fully dismantling its nuclear program.

Since Hanoi, Pyongyang has mulled re-starting its missile and nuclear tests, although last week Kim suggested in a speech to parliament that he was willing to meet with Trump again.

The new tactical guided weapon that North Korea claimed it had tested earlier this week is a ground combat missile system, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The new tactical guided weapon that North Korea claimed it had tested earlier this week is a ground combat missile system, a spokesperson for the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Friday. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday that North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, had overseen a trial of a new tactical short-range weapon designed to be used in combat scenarios. The move appeared to be a message to both the North Korean public and Washington after a summit with United States President Donald Trump in Hanoi ended without a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear disarmament. The South Korean armed forces have determined that it is a "ground combat propulsed projectile system," the spokesperson told EFE. The acting secretary of US Defence, Patrick Shanahan, had said on Thursday that the new weapon was not a "ballistic missile". Analysts believe that the projectile flew over a short distance at low altitude, likely meaning it is a short-range guided missile similar to the Israeli Spike, which has a range of around 20 kilometres. The use of such short-range missiles does not violate UN resolutions which have been placed on North Korea following repeated tests in 2017 of nuclear weapons, including intermediate-range or intercontinental ballistic missiles. Wednesday’s test was the first time Kim had publicly supervised an arms trial since Nov. 2018, when state media reported that he attended evaluations of another tactical weapon (presumed to be an artillery system), for which no further details were provided. The summit in Hanoi, which was the second meeting between the two leaders following the first one in Singapore in June 2018, failed to kickstart the talks after Trump and Kim could not reach a consensus on Pyongyang's denuclearisation. The US president said he chose to "walk away" from a deal with Kim because the North Koreans "wanted sanctions lifted in their entirety," which Trump refused. North Korea has said it wants guarantees of its security from Washington before committing to fully dismantling its nuclear program. Since Hanoi, Pyongyang has mulled re-starting its missile and nuclear tests, although last week Kim suggested in a speech to parliament that he was willing to meet with Trump again.

New weapon tested by North Korea is for ground combat: South Korea

Grappling with a ballooning number of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-migrants-form-caravan-in-honduras-to-head-for-the-us-209346&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwihrqzl2NvhAhVP7HMBHQjuCJMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw22mt-osXCI2yOFh3q0ja7P">migrants at the US</a> southern border, President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-floats-idea-white-house-studying-plan-to-send-migrants-to-sanctuary-cities-210417&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwihrqzl2NvhAhVP7HMBHQjuCJMQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Zei5TQcCQw_fRP0j8i5eT"> Donald Trump</a> has suggested increasingly bold steps to fulfil his signature campaign pledge to stem illegal immigration.&nbsp;

Yet many of his administration`s ideas have been hindered by legal, practical and political obstacles.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the flow of migrants seeking asylum or a better life in the United States continues to swell.

By March, the number of illegal entrants into the country had surged to the highest level in more than a decade.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the acting director of the US Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan visited the Texas border to underscore the administration`s concerns about a growing crisis.&nbsp;

The US Customs and Border Protection confirmed Thursday that the agency would set up two temporary tent facilities in Texas to process migrants, each with a capacity to hold up to 500 people.

Such camps have been criticized by Congress members for holding migrants too long and not providing adequate places to sleep or shower.&nbsp;

The president, whose statements and tweets suggest a rising level of frustration, recently cleaned house at the Department of Homeland Security, firing Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and several other high-ranking staff. He has vowed to move in a "tougher direction."&nbsp;

But a look at several significant Trump Administration ideas or policies shows the difficulty the president faces in trying to reverse the tide of migration, which today is largely driven by poverty, corruption, crime and other factors in Central America.

Some examples of administration proposals or policies that have run, or may run, into trouble:

Detain asylum seekers indefinitely

US Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday issued a ruling that allows asylum seekers who cross the border illegally to be held without bond as they challenge their deportation – a decision affecting perhaps tens of thousands of migrants. It was the latest move by top justice officials seeking to reshape legal precedent in the country`s US immigration courts.

Rights groups have already threatened to sue over the measure - which goes into effect in 90 days - and as a practical matter, additional detention space would be needed, requiring funding from Congress. Until that happens, many migrants are likely to continue to be released with an order to appear in court.&nbsp;

Send immigrants to sanctuary cities

Earlier this month, Trump proposed sending "an unlimited supply" of immigrants who are fighting deportation to so-called sanctuaries - the hundreds of cities, counties and states where law enforcement limits its cooperation with Trump`s crackdown on immigrants living in the country illegally.

Immigration experts said it would be costly to transport migrants from the border and would require shifting funds from Border Patrol and other operations.

In addition, the migrants would be free to move elsewhere once released.&nbsp;

Close the border with Mexico

The administration recently backed off a threat to shut the southern border, one of the busiest in the world, amid opposition from Democrats as well as often Republican-friendly business groups. The US Chamber of Commerce called the idea an "economic calamity."&nbsp;

Make asylum seekers wait in Mexico

One of the boldest proposals by the Trump administration has been to tap a little-used clause in immigration law to send hundreds of migrants who ask for asylum in the United States back to border towns in Mexico to wait months - or potentially years - for their cases to be resolved in US courts.

Local Mexican officials say their towns are already overwhelmed with migrants who have nowhere to live and few job prospects, while immigration advocates say those who are stuck in Mexico often have trouble finding lawyers and receiving proper notice for their US hearings.

A federal judge ordered a halt to the policy but an appeals court said it could continue while the administration appeals.

Detain migrant children

The current wave of migrants includes many more families, as opposed to the single men who flocked north in the past.

That has caused the administration to take another look at a 1997 agreement, known as the Flores settlement, that strictly limits the detention of children.

The administration has said repeatedly that t wants to scrap the legal deal and propose new regulations.

It is unclear where - and with what funding - the government would detain the youngsters. Legal challenges to this proposal have been in the works from the moment it was announced.&nbsp;

Grappling with a ballooning number of migrants at the US southern border, President Donald Trump has suggested increasingly bold steps to fulfil his signature campaign pledge to stem illegal immigration.

Grappling with a ballooning number of migrants at the US southern border, President Donald Trump has suggested increasingly bold steps to fulfil his signature campaign pledge to stem illegal immigration. Yet many of his administration`s ideas have been hindered by legal, practical and political obstacles. Meanwhile, the flow of migrants seeking asylum or a better life in the United States continues to swell. By March, the number of illegal entrants into the country had surged to the highest level in more than a decade. On Wednesday, the acting director of the US Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan visited the Texas border to underscore the administration`s concerns about a growing crisis. The US Customs and Border Protection confirmed Thursday that the agency would set up two temporary tent facilities in Texas to process migrants, each with a capacity to hold up to 500 people. Such camps have been criticized by Congress members for holding migrants too long and not providing adequate places to sleep or shower. The president, whose statements and tweets suggest a rising level of frustration, recently cleaned house at the Department of Homeland Security, firing Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and several other high-ranking staff. He has vowed to move in a "tougher direction." But a look at several significant Trump Administration ideas or policies shows the difficulty the president faces in trying to reverse the tide of migration, which today is largely driven by poverty, corruption, crime and other factors in Central America. Some examples of administration proposals or policies that have run, or may run, into trouble: Detain asylum seekers indefinitely US Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday issued a ruling that allows asylum seekers who cross the border illegally to be held without bond as they challenge their deportation – a decision affecting perhaps tens of thousands of migrants. It was the latest move by top justice officials seeking to reshape legal precedent in the country`s US immigration courts. Rights groups have already threatened to sue over the measure - which goes into effect in 90 days - and as a practical matter, additional detention space would be needed, requiring funding from Congress. Until that happens, many migrants are likely to continue to be released with an order to appear in court. Send immigrants to sanctuary cities Earlier this month, Trump proposed sending "an unlimited supply" of immigrants who are fighting deportation to so-called sanctuaries - the hundreds of cities, counties and states where law enforcement limits its cooperation with Trump`s crackdown on immigrants living in the country illegally. Immigration experts said it would be costly to transport migrants from the border and would require shifting funds from Border Patrol and other operations. In addition, the migrants would be free to move elsewhere once released. Close the border with Mexico The administration recently backed off a threat to shut the southern border, one of the busiest in the world, amid opposition from Democrats as well as often Republican-friendly business groups. The US Chamber of Commerce called the idea an "economic calamity." Make asylum seekers wait in Mexico One of the boldest proposals by the Trump administration has been to tap a little-used clause in immigration law to send hundreds of migrants who ask for asylum in the United States back to border towns in Mexico to wait months - or potentially years - for their cases to be resolved in US courts. Local Mexican officials say their towns are already overwhelmed with migrants who have nowhere to live and few job prospects, while immigration advocates say those who are stuck in Mexico often have trouble finding lawyers and receiving proper notice for their US hearings. A federal judge ordered a halt to the policy but an appeals court said it could continue while the administration appeals. Detain migrant children The current wave of migrants includes many more families, as opposed to the single men who flocked north in the past. That has caused the administration to take another look at a 1997 agreement, known as the Flores settlement, that strictly limits the detention of children. The administration has said repeatedly that t wants to scrap the legal deal and propose new regulations. It is unclear where - and with what funding - the government would detain the youngsters. Legal challenges to this proposal have been in the works from the moment it was announced.

Explainer: Five ways Trump's moves to stem border surge have hit hurdles

Mueller report reveals that there was no collusion between Russi-US. Watch full video to know more.

Mueller Report: No collusion between Russia-US

Special counsel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-tried-to-interfere-with-us-presidential-polls-trump-did-not-cooperate-says-attorney-general-william-barr-while-releasing-full-report-211580">Robert Mueller's report</a> on his inquiry into Russia's role in the 2016 US election detailed a series of actions by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-having-a-good-day-says-trump-after-mueller-report-release-211602">President Donald Trump</a> to impede the probe, raising questions about whether he committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

The release on Thursday of the 448-page report that disclosed the findings of a 22-month investigation represented a watershed moment in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-my-presidency-trump-reacts-to-special-counsel-appointment-211620">Trump's tumultuous presidency</a>.

Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either.

The report provided fresh details of how the Republican president tried to force Mueller's ouster, directed members of his administration to publicly vouch for his innocence and dangled a pardon to a former aide to try to prevent him from cooperating with the special counsel.

It also concluded, as Barr announced last month, that Trump and his campaign had not engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia during the election.

Barr in March had concluded that Trump had not broken the law, but told a news conference on Thursday that Mueller had detailed "10 episodes involving the president and discusses potential legal theories for connecting these actions to elements of an obstruction offense."

Trump appeared to be in a celebratory mood, saying at a White House event with wounded US&nbsp;troops that he was "having a good day" following the report's release, adding, "It's called no collusion, no obstruction."

The report's disclosure, with portions blacked out by Barr to protect some sensitive information, is certain to launch a new political fight in Congress and on the 2020 presidential campaign trail, as Trump seeks re-election in a deeply divided country.

Trump has long described Mueller's inquiry as a "witch hunt."

The report stated that when Jeff Sessions, Barr's predecessor as attorney general, told Trump in May 2017 that a special counsel was being appointed by the Justice Department to look into allegations that the Republican's campaign colluded with Russia, Trump slumped back in his chair and said, "Oh my god. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked."

Some Democrats in the House of Representatives have spoken of launching impeachment proceedings against Trump in Congress but top Democrats have been notably cautious. Any such effort would be unlikely to be successful because Trump fellow Republicans control the Senate, which would decide the president's fate.

The inquiry laid bare what the special counsel and US intelligence agencies have described as a Russian campaign of hacking and propaganda to sow discord in the United States, denigrate 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and boost Trump, the Kremlin's preferred candidate. Russia has denied election interference.

In analyzing whether Trump obstructed justice, Mueller looked at a series of actions by Trump, including his attempts to remove Mueller and limit the scope of his probe and efforts to prevent the public from knowing about a June, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York between senior campaign officials and Russians.

In June 2017, Trump directed White House counsel Don McGahn to tell the then-acting attorney general that Mueller had conflicts of interest and must be removed, the report said.

It also said there was "substantial evidence" that Trump fired James Comey as FBI director in 2017 due to his "unwillingness to publicly state that the president was not personally under investigation."

Mueller cited "some evidence" suggesting Trump knew about former national security adviser Michael Flynn's controversial calls with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Trump took office, but evidence was "inconclusive" and could not be used to establish intent to obstruct.

The report said Trump directed former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski to ask former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to say the Russia investigation was "very unfair."

Before the report's release, Barr gave a news conference at the Justice Department as he sought to shape the narrative on the document's findings.

One of a handful of people to have seen the report before its release, Barr emphasized, as he had said last month, that Mueller did not conclude there was collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow.

"President Trump faced an unprecedented situation. As he entered into office and sought to perform his responsibilities as president, federal agents and prosecutors were scrutinizing his conduct before and after taking office and the conduct of some of his associates," Barr said.

Barr seemed to offer cover for Trump's actions by saying the report acknowledges that "there is substantial evidence to show that the president was frustrated and angered by a sincere belief that the investigation was undermining his presidency, propelled by his political opponents, and fueled by illegal leaks."

Mueller's team did not issue a subpoena to force Trump to give an interview to the special counsel because it would have created a "substantial delay" at a late stage in the investigation, the report said.

It said Mueller accepted the longstanding Justice Department view that a sitting president cannot be indicted on criminal charges, while still recognizing that a president can be criminally investigated.

The report also cited Mueller's repeated efforts to convince Sessions to resume oversight of the probe after he had recused himself because of his own prior contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

Mueller said evidence he collected indicates that Trump intended to encourage his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, not to cooperate with the investigation and that the evidence supports the idea that Trump wanted Manafort to believe that he could receive a presidential pardon.

The report said the special counsel's team determined there was a "reasonable argument" that the president's son, Donald Trump Jr., violated campaign finance laws, but did not believe they could obtain a conviction.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's report on his inquiry into Russia's role in the 2016 US election detailed a series of actions by President Donald Trump to impede the probe, raising questions about whether he committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's report on his inquiry into Russia's role in the 2016 US election detailed a series of actions by President Donald Trump to impede the probe, raising questions about whether he committed the crime of obstruction of justice. The release on Thursday of the 448-page report that disclosed the findings of a 22-month investigation represented a watershed moment in Trump's tumultuous presidency. Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either. The report provided fresh details of how the Republican president tried to force Mueller's ouster, directed members of his administration to publicly vouch for his innocence and dangled a pardon to a former aide to try to prevent him from cooperating with the special counsel. It also concluded, as Barr announced last month, that Trump and his campaign had not engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia during the election. Barr in March had concluded that Trump had not broken the law, but told a news conference on Thursday that Mueller had detailed "10 episodes involving the president and discusses potential legal theories for connecting these actions to elements of an obstruction offense." Trump appeared to be in a celebratory mood, saying at a White House event with wounded US troops that he was "having a good day" following the report's release, adding, "It's called no collusion, no obstruction." The report's disclosure, with portions blacked out by Barr to protect some sensitive information, is certain to launch a new political fight in Congress and on the 2020 presidential campaign trail, as Trump seeks re-election in a deeply divided country. Trump has long described Mueller's inquiry as a "witch hunt." The report stated that when Jeff Sessions, Barr's predecessor as attorney general, told Trump in May 2017 that a special counsel was being appointed by the Justice Department to look into allegations that the Republican's campaign colluded with Russia, Trump slumped back in his chair and said, "Oh my god. This is terrible. This is the end of my presidency. I'm fucked." Some Democrats in the House of Representatives have spoken of launching impeachment proceedings against Trump in Congress but top Democrats have been notably cautious. Any such effort would be unlikely to be successful because Trump fellow Republicans control the Senate, which would decide the president's fate. The inquiry laid bare what the special counsel and US intelligence agencies have described as a Russian campaign of hacking and propaganda to sow discord in the United States, denigrate 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and boost Trump, the Kremlin's preferred candidate. Russia has denied election interference. In analyzing whether Trump obstructed justice, Mueller looked at a series of actions by Trump, including his attempts to remove Mueller and limit the scope of his probe and efforts to prevent the public from knowing about a June, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York between senior campaign officials and Russians. In June 2017, Trump directed White House counsel Don McGahn to tell the then-acting attorney general that Mueller had conflicts of interest and must be removed, the report said. It also said there was "substantial evidence" that Trump fired James Comey as FBI director in 2017 due to his "unwillingness to publicly state that the president was not personally under investigation." Mueller cited "some evidence" suggesting Trump knew about former national security adviser Michael Flynn's controversial calls with the Russian ambassador to the United States before Trump took office, but evidence was "inconclusive" and could not be used to establish intent to obstruct. The report said Trump directed former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski to ask former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to say the Russia investigation was "very unfair." Before the report's release, Barr gave a news conference at the Justice Department as he sought to shape the narrative on the document's findings. One of a handful of people to have seen the report before its release, Barr emphasized, as he had said last month, that Mueller did not conclude there was collusion between Trump's campaign and Moscow. "President Trump faced an unprecedented situation. As he entered into office and sought to perform his responsibilities as president, federal agents and prosecutors were scrutinizing his conduct before and after taking office and the conduct of some of his associates," Barr said. Barr seemed to offer cover for Trump's actions by saying the report acknowledges that "there is substantial evidence to show that the president was frustrated and angered by a sincere belief that the investigation was undermining his presidency, propelled by his political opponents, and fueled by illegal leaks." Mueller's team did not issue a subpoena to force Trump to give an interview to the special counsel because it would have created a "substantial delay" at a late stage in the investigation, the report said. It said Mueller accepted the longstanding Justice Department view that a sitting president cannot be indicted on criminal charges, while still recognizing that a president can be criminally investigated. The report also cited Mueller's repeated efforts to convince Sessions to resume oversight of the probe after he had recused himself because of his own prior contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States. Mueller said evidence he collected indicates that Trump intended to encourage his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, not to cooperate with the investigation and that the evidence supports the idea that Trump wanted Manafort to believe that he could receive a presidential pardon. The report said the special counsel's team determined there was a "reasonable argument" that the president's son, Donald Trump Jr., violated campaign finance laws, but did not believe they could obtain a conviction.

Mueller report inconclusive on Trump's obstruction of justice charge

North Korea on Thursday demanded the removal of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from talks over its banned nuclear programme, hours after the isolated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-oversees-new-guided-weapon-test-state-media-211283">state claimed to have tested a new kind of weapon</a>.

Describing Pompeo as "reckless" and immature, the foreign ministry said it wanted him replaced by another interlocutor, a demand that significantly ups the ante in a sensitive diplomatic standoff.

Pyongyang and Washington have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump earlier this year.

"I am afraid that, if Pompeo engages in the talks again, the table will be lousy once again and the talks will become entangled," Kwon Jong Gun, director general of the ministry's Department of American Affairs said, according to the official KCNA news agency.

"Therefore, even in the case of possible resumption of the dialogue with the US, I wish our dialogue counterpart would be not Pompeo but... (another) person who is more careful and mature in communicating with us."

It is not the first time North Korea has singled out Pompeo for special criticism.

When the secretary of state met with North Korean officials in Pyongyang in July last year, he was condemned for his "gangster-like" insistence that the North move towards unilateral disarmament.

Kwon, whom KCNA said was responding to a question from one of its journalists, said leader Kim had made clear that the US attitude has to change.

He said Pompeo was standing in the way of a resumption of talks.

"We cannot be aware of Pompeo's ulterior motive behind his self-indulgence in reckless remarks; whether he is indeed unable to understand words properly or just pretending on purpose.

"The US cannot move us one iota by its current way of thinking. In his previous visits to Pyongyang, Pompeo was granted audiences with our Chairman of the State Affairs Commission for several times and pleaded for the denuclearization.&nbsp;

"However, after sitting the other way round, he spouted reckless remarks hurting the dignity of our supreme leadership at Congress hearings last week to unveil his mean character by himself, thus stunning the reasonable people."

In testimony to a Senate subcommittee last week, Pompeo, who flew to Pyongyang four times last year, was asked if he would agree with the characterisation of Kim as a "tyrant".

"Sure. I'm sure I've said that," Pompeo replied.

North Korea takes an exceedingly dim view of anything it sees as a personal attack on Kim, who enjoys a personality cult among a people who are fed a steady diet of propaganda about the founding family.

Since the beginning of the thaw in relations between the US and North Korea, Pyongyang has been far happier to deal directly with Trump, who critics fear is too soft on the regime and is not sufficiently versed in diplomacy.

The US president has made much of his personal relationship with Kim, musing on several occasions about their "love" for each other.

'Powerful warhead'

Thursday's extraordinary attack on Pompeo came hours after KCNA announced Kim had supervised the test-firing of a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead".

It also comes after satellite imagery suggested heightened activity at a nuclear test site.

Wednesday's test was "conducted in various modes of firing at different targets" KCNA reported, adding that Kim described its development as one "of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People's Army".

The report gave no details of the weapon.

South Korea had not detected anything on radar so it was unlikely to have been a missile, a military official told AFP.

"The description makes whatever was tested sound like a missile, but that could be everything from a small anti-tank guided missile to a surface-to-air missile to a rocket artillery system," said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda.

Earlier in the week, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US monitor, said activity had been detected at Yongbyon, the North's main nuclear testing facility.&nbsp;

The think tank said evidence suggested Pyongyang may be reprocessing radioactive material into bomb fuel.

Kim's Hanoi summit with Trump, the second between the two men, ended abruptly, with North Korea later protesting that the US was being unreasonable.

Since then, North Korea has said it is mulling options for its diplomacy with the US, and Kim said last week he was open to talks with Trump only if Washington came with the "proper attitude".

"Kim is trying to make a statement to the Trump administration that his military potential is growing by the day," said Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the Center for the National Interest.

"His regime is becoming frustrated with Washington's lack of flexibility in recent negotiations."

North Korea on Thursday demanded the removal of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from talks over its banned nuclear programme, hours after the isolated state claimed to have tested a new kind of weapon.

North Korea on Thursday demanded the removal of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from talks over its banned nuclear programme, hours after the isolated state claimed to have tested a new kind of weapon. Describing Pompeo as "reckless" and immature, the foreign ministry said it wanted him replaced by another interlocutor, a demand that significantly ups the ante in a sensitive diplomatic standoff. Pyongyang and Washington have been at loggerheads since the collapse of a summit between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump earlier this year. "I am afraid that, if Pompeo engages in the talks again, the table will be lousy once again and the talks will become entangled," Kwon Jong Gun, director general of the ministry's Department of American Affairs said, according to the official KCNA news agency. "Therefore, even in the case of possible resumption of the dialogue with the US, I wish our dialogue counterpart would be not Pompeo but... (another) person who is more careful and mature in communicating with us." It is not the first time North Korea has singled out Pompeo for special criticism. When the secretary of state met with North Korean officials in Pyongyang in July last year, he was condemned for his "gangster-like" insistence that the North move towards unilateral disarmament. Kwon, whom KCNA said was responding to a question from one of its journalists, said leader Kim had made clear that the US attitude has to change. He said Pompeo was standing in the way of a resumption of talks. "We cannot be aware of Pompeo's ulterior motive behind his self-indulgence in reckless remarks; whether he is indeed unable to understand words properly or just pretending on purpose. "The US cannot move us one iota by its current way of thinking. In his previous visits to Pyongyang, Pompeo was granted audiences with our Chairman of the State Affairs Commission for several times and pleaded for the denuclearization. "However, after sitting the other way round, he spouted reckless remarks hurting the dignity of our supreme leadership at Congress hearings last week to unveil his mean character by himself, thus stunning the reasonable people." In testimony to a Senate subcommittee last week, Pompeo, who flew to Pyongyang four times last year, was asked if he would agree with the characterisation of Kim as a "tyrant". "Sure. I'm sure I've said that," Pompeo replied. North Korea takes an exceedingly dim view of anything it sees as a personal attack on Kim, who enjoys a personality cult among a people who are fed a steady diet of propaganda about the founding family. Since the beginning of the thaw in relations between the US and North Korea, Pyongyang has been far happier to deal directly with Trump, who critics fear is too soft on the regime and is not sufficiently versed in diplomacy. The US president has made much of his personal relationship with Kim, musing on several occasions about their "love" for each other. 'Powerful warhead' Thursday's extraordinary attack on Pompeo came hours after KCNA announced Kim had supervised the test-firing of a new tactical weapon with a "powerful warhead". It also comes after satellite imagery suggested heightened activity at a nuclear test site. Wednesday's test was "conducted in various modes of firing at different targets" KCNA reported, adding that Kim described its development as one "of very weighty significance in increasing the combat power of the People's Army". The report gave no details of the weapon. South Korea had not detected anything on radar so it was unlikely to have been a missile, a military official told AFP. "The description makes whatever was tested sound like a missile, but that could be everything from a small anti-tank guided missile to a surface-to-air missile to a rocket artillery system," said North Korea analyst Ankit Panda. Earlier in the week, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US monitor, said activity had been detected at Yongbyon, the North's main nuclear testing facility. The think tank said evidence suggested Pyongyang may be reprocessing radioactive material into bomb fuel. Kim's Hanoi summit with Trump, the second between the two men, ended abruptly, with North Korea later protesting that the US was being unreasonable. Since then, North Korea has said it is mulling options for its diplomacy with the US, and Kim said last week he was open to talks with Trump only if Washington came with the "proper attitude". "Kim is trying to make a statement to the Trump administration that his military potential is growing by the day," said Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the Center for the National Interest. "His regime is becoming frustrated with Washington's lack of flexibility in recent negotiations."

North Korea demands Pompeo's removal from US nuclear talks

Amid pressure from Washington, Mexico is back-pedalling on promises of better treatment for Central American migrants, leaving hundreds stranded in unsanitary camps near its southern border and allegations of irregular detentions.

Migrant camps overflow as Mexico cracks down after Trump threats

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries. &nbsp;

The scheme, introduced in 1974, was intended as a way of helping developing nations as well as giving the US manufacturers access to cheap raw material. &nbsp;

The March announcement should not have come as a surprise to India. In November, the US withdrew GSP benefits to some 50 products from India. &nbsp;

Earlier in 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) had begun an eligibility review of India, based on complaints received from US dairy associations and the medical technology association. &nbsp;

The trigger for these trade bodies to focus on India was because India had made it difficult for them to enter the market. &nbsp;

In the case of dairy, India had asked dairy importers to certify their products as being from livestock that had not been fed animal parts. &nbsp;

The reason for this is that dairy products in India are often used in religious rites, and need to be ritually “pure”. &nbsp;

Medical technology companies, meanwhile, have been hit hard by the Indian government providing heavy subsidies on medical equipment in order to make such equipment easily accessible. This “populist” move has meant that American companies cannot charge a premium on their products.

According to the USTR, beneficiary countries under GSP are expected to provide “equitable and reasonable access to its markets” to US companies. &nbsp;

India, however, has imposed several measures that the US considers protectionist, including the two steps mentioned above. &nbsp;

What does this mean for Indian exports? According to the government, very little. &nbsp;

Official sources have downplayed the impact of GSP removal. The numbers they quote seem convincing -- Indian exports to the US are valued at $5.6 billion; Indian trade authorities say that GSP covers some $190 million worth of exports and so the impact of removing India from GSP will be minimal. But any negative impact could hit the country’s balance of trade, and a big trade deficit will hit the GDP. 
 
Exporters will also take a hit. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the bulk of exporters who benefit under GSP, and having to pay duty on their goods could prove too expensive for them. &nbsp;

Many of these exporters are in labour-intensive industries, so if they go out of business, it could hit the labour market as well. Leather and footwear, chemicals, and bulk drugs will be the sectors most affected.

On the whole, other exports will not feel the pinch. However, the fear is that once the US has used GSP as a stick, it will make other exports from India unviable. &nbsp;

In the case of seafood, the US has already imposed stringent import regulations; given that the bulk of Indian seafood exports is to the US, these norms will hit India hard. &nbsp;

There’s also the possibility of the US imposing or increasing anti-dumping duties on a range of other goods.

The impact on exporters will likely be softened over the medium term as these players look at markets outside the US. While China and the US may both be closed to these exporters, there’s still a large market in the rest of the world. &nbsp;

Judging by the state of internal politics, and with elections coming up soon, the GSP issue may soon be buried or resolved to India’s benefit. &nbsp;

That’s because removing India from the GSP will mean that Indian goods will cost more in the US, which means that the cost of raw material for American industry could go up too.

Meanwhile, there are steps India can take to protect its exporters. For one, it can approach the World Trade Organisation. Under the Enabling Clause of the WTO’s General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (to which both India and the US are signatories), developed countries can offer preferential treatment on a non-reciprocal basis. By removing India from the GSP on the grounds that the country isn’t providing access to its market, the US is violating this GATT clause. &nbsp;

India can take this matter to the WTO and, judging by a past victory against the European Union, win. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-removal-from-gsp-new-delhi-can-move-wto-2740316">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries.

In early March 2019, President Donald Trump, announced that he would withdraw duty benefits on all imports from India. These benefits had been offered under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme that allows duty-free imports of specified goods from beneficiary countries. The scheme, introduced in 1974, was intended as a way of helping developing nations as well as giving the US manufacturers access to cheap raw material. The March announcement should not have come as a surprise to India. In November, the US withdrew GSP benefits to some 50 products from India. Earlier in 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) had begun an eligibility review of India, based on complaints received from US dairy associations and the medical technology association. The trigger for these trade bodies to focus on India was because India had made it difficult for them to enter the market. In the case of dairy, India had asked dairy importers to certify their products as being from livestock that had not been fed animal parts. The reason for this is that dairy products in India are often used in religious rites, and need to be ritually “pure”. Medical technology companies, meanwhile, have been hit hard by the Indian government providing heavy subsidies on medical equipment in order to make such equipment easily accessible. This “populist” move has meant that American companies cannot charge a premium on their products. According to the USTR, beneficiary countries under GSP are expected to provide “equitable and reasonable access to its markets” to US companies. India, however, has imposed several measures that the US considers protectionist, including the two steps mentioned above. What does this mean for Indian exports? According to the government, very little. Official sources have downplayed the impact of GSP removal. The numbers they quote seem convincing -- Indian exports to the US are valued at $5.6 billion; Indian trade authorities say that GSP covers some $190 million worth of exports and so the impact of removing India from GSP will be minimal. But any negative impact could hit the country’s balance of trade, and a big trade deficit will hit the GDP. Exporters will also take a hit. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the bulk of exporters who benefit under GSP, and having to pay duty on their goods could prove too expensive for them. Many of these exporters are in labour-intensive industries, so if they go out of business, it could hit the labour market as well. Leather and footwear, chemicals, and bulk drugs will be the sectors most affected. On the whole, other exports will not feel the pinch. However, the fear is that once the US has used GSP as a stick, it will make other exports from India unviable. In the case of seafood, the US has already imposed stringent import regulations; given that the bulk of Indian seafood exports is to the US, these norms will hit India hard. There’s also the possibility of the US imposing or increasing anti-dumping duties on a range of other goods. The impact on exporters will likely be softened over the medium term as these players look at markets outside the US. While China and the US may both be closed to these exporters, there’s still a large market in the rest of the world. Judging by the state of internal politics, and with elections coming up soon, the GSP issue may soon be buried or resolved to India’s benefit. That’s because removing India from the GSP will mean that Indian goods will cost more in the US, which means that the cost of raw material for American industry could go up too. Meanwhile, there are steps India can take to protect its exporters. For one, it can approach the World Trade Organisation. Under the Enabling Clause of the WTO’s General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (to which both India and the US are signatories), developed countries can offer preferential treatment on a non-reciprocal basis. By removing India from the GSP on the grounds that the country isn’t providing access to its market, the US is violating this GATT clause. India can take this matter to the WTO and, judging by a past victory against the European Union, win. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India-US trade bumps: New Delhi can move WTO on its removal from GSP

President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill Congress passed to end the United State's military assistance in the Saudi Arabia-led war in Yemen.

Donald Trump vetoes bill to end US involvement in Yemen war

President Donald Trump has vetoed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-ends-support-for-yemen-war-trump-likely-to-veto-move-207976">congressional resolution</a> that sought to end US involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/starving-girl-shows-impact-of-yemen-war-economic-collapse-197909">Saudi-led war in Yemen,</a> the White House said on Tuesday.

"This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message.

The resolution passed the House of Representatives in April and the Senate in March, marking the first time both chambers of Congress had supported a War Powers resolution, which limits the president`s ability to send troops into action.

Neither the 247-175 tally in the Democratic-majority House nor the 54-46 vote in the Republican-led Senate would be enough to override the veto, which would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
<img alt="Yemen War" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12878aed-72d7-49c1-b319-d26269e49153" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yemen%20War.JPG" />
A Houthi militant walks through a government compound following Saudi-led air strikes, in the northwestern city of Amran in July 2015. (Reuters Photo) 
 
Backers of the measure said the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen had made the humanitarian crisis worse, harshly criticizing Riyadh for killing civilians.

They also argued that US involvement in Yemen violated the constitutional requirement that Congress, not the president, should determine when the country goes to war.

The four-year-long civil war in Yemen, which pits the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels backed by Iran, has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned what the United Nations calls the world's most dire humanitarian crisis, with the country on the brink of famine.

President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday. "This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message.

President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday. "This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message. The resolution passed the House of Representatives in April and the Senate in March, marking the first time both chambers of Congress had supported a War Powers resolution, which limits the president`s ability to send troops into action. Neither the 247-175 tally in the Democratic-majority House nor the 54-46 vote in the Republican-led Senate would be enough to override the veto, which would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers. A Houthi militant walks through a government compound following Saudi-led air strikes, in the northwestern city of Amran in July 2015. (Reuters Photo) Backers of the measure said the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen had made the humanitarian crisis worse, harshly criticizing Riyadh for killing civilians. They also argued that US involvement in Yemen violated the constitutional requirement that Congress, not the president, should determine when the country goes to war. The four-year-long civil war in Yemen, which pits the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels backed by Iran, has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned what the United Nations calls the world's most dire humanitarian crisis, with the country on the brink of famine.

President Trump vetoes resolution calling to end US support in Yemen war

A US federal judge on Monday said that a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort seemed to be "up to something nefarious," denying her bail as she awaits trial.

On March 30, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-assistance-to-woman-arrested-at-trump-resort-ministry-207949&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjLjZTM89PhAhVOk3AKHemQDCYQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3NUJ_mM-clWHPSMX5aSGbO">Zhang Yujing </a>was arrested at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-trump-resort-arrest-shows-chinas-threat-208259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjLjZTM89PhAhVOk3AKHemQDCYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pb_d3B2LUGisF3H6S8_VR">Mar-a-Lago</a>, where Trump was on one of his frequent visits, after attempting to enter while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, according to court documents.

"It does appear to the court that Ms Zhang was up to something nefarious," Judge William Matthewman said during her hearing, the Miami Herald reported.

He determined that the woman, aged 33, "must be detained as a serious risk of flight or nonappearance," court documents said.

Zhang is not accused of espionage but is charged with making false statements to federal officers after first claiming to be a member who wanted to use the pool, and then saying she was attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event.

She is also charged with knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence. She has pleaded not guilty.

"(The) defendant's charges are very serious and appear to have a direct nexus to unlawfully accessing a location where the president, his family, and his staff were located or were thought to be located," Matthewman said in the court documents.

If convicted, Zhang faces up to a five-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.

A US federal judge on Monday said that a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort seemed to be "up to something nefarious," denying her bail as she awaits trial.

A US federal judge on Monday said that a Chinese woman who allegedly brought malicious software to President Donald Trump's Florida resort seemed to be "up to something nefarious," denying her bail as she awaits trial. On March 30, Zhang Yujing was arrested at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was on one of his frequent visits, after attempting to enter while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, according to court documents. "It does appear to the court that Ms Zhang was up to something nefarious," Judge William Matthewman said during her hearing, the Miami Herald reported. He determined that the woman, aged 33, "must be detained as a serious risk of flight or nonappearance," court documents said. Zhang is not accused of espionage but is charged with making false statements to federal officers after first claiming to be a member who wanted to use the pool, and then saying she was attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event. She is also charged with knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence. She has pleaded not guilty. "(The) defendant's charges are very serious and appear to have a direct nexus to unlawfully accessing a location where the president, his family, and his staff were located or were thought to be located," Matthewman said in the court documents. If convicted, Zhang faces up to a five-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Woman arrested at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort seemed up to 'something nefarious': Judge

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-210725"> colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash</a> to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage.

Macron expressed relief that "the worst had been avoided" in a fire that risked bringing the entire edifice down and left France in shock over the damage to a building described as the soul of the nation.

But the blaze destroyed the roof of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark, whose spectacular Gothic spire collapsed before the eyes of horrified onlookers on a previously pristine early spring evening.

The fire, which came as Catholics prepare to celebrate Easter, sent orange flames and clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned Parisians and tourists watched on in horror.

As darkness fell, some 400 firefighters then battled to control the blaze and save at least its iconic front towers. They finally gained the upper hand as midnight approached.

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75cb4cef-637b-48d8-9b4f-f152ae33a87c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20dame%20fire1_0.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d6f6d10-3b0b-4cb9-ad64-43089ada3bdc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20dame%20fire3.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

<img alt="Notre Dame fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="936905eb-5920-4920-b7f6-f202c187ff67" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Notre%20Dame%20fire4.jpg" />

(Picture courtesy: Reuters)

Paris fire brigade chief Jean-Claude Gallet said "we can consider that the main structure of Notre-Dame has been saved and preserved" as well as the two towers.

Deputy Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, also present at the scene, said that for the first time "the fire had decreased in intensity" while still urging "extreme caution".

'France is Notre Dame'

"Notre-Dame survived all the wars, all the bombardments. We never thought it could burn. I feel incredibly sad and empty," Stephane Seigneurie, a consultant who joined other shocked onlookers in a solemn rendition of "Ave Maria" as they watched the fire from a nearby bridge.

Gasps and cries of "Oh my god" erupted around an hour after the fire first broke out when the top portion of the church's spire came crashing down.

"We have been dealt a knockout blow," a stricken-looking Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit told reporters.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately confirmed. The cathedral had been undergoing intense restoration work which the fire service said could be linked to the blaze.

French prosecutors said it was being treated as an "involuntary" fire, indicating that foul play was ruled out for now.

Historians expressed incredulity at the collapse of a building that has been a symbol of France for almost a millennium and withstood war and revolution.

"If Paris is the Eiffel Tower then France is Notre Dame. It's the entire culture, entire history of France incarnated in this monument," Bernard Lecomte, a writer and specialist in religious history told BFM TV.

Deputy Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told the channel that workers were scrambling "to save all the artworks that can be saved." Officials later said teams had managed to salvage an unknown quantity of the cultural treasures.

'Emotion of a nation'

Macron had earlier cancelled a major televised policy speech he was due to give on Monday evening to respond to months of protests and instead headed to the scene in person.

Visibly emotional, he said while the "worst had been avoided" and the facade and two towers saved "the next hours will be difficult".

"And we will rebuild Notre-Dame because it is what the French expect," he said, describing Notre Dame as "the epicentre of our life" and the cathedral of "all the French", whether religious or not.&nbsp;

France's billionaire Pinault dynasty immediately pledged 100 million euros for the effort.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Notre-Dame cathedral a "symbol of European culture" as the blaze raged.

The Vatican on Monday expressed its "incredulity" and "sadness", expressing "our closeness with French Catholics and with the Parisian population."

'Water bombers not used'

There was no immediate indication of any casualties in the blaze.

US President Donald Trump in a tweet said it was "horrible" to watch the fire but caused controversy by offering advice on how to put it out.

"Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" he said.

But France's civil security service, which oversees crisis management in the country, tweeted back at Trump that the use of water-bombing aircraft was not being considered.

"If used, (this) could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral," it said.

'Will never be the same'

The cathedral was located at the centre of the French capital in the Middle Ages and its construction was completed in the mid-12th century after some 200 years of work.

During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the cathedral was vandalised in widespread anti-Catholic violence: its spire was dismantled, its treasures plundered and its large statues at the grand entrance doors destroyed.

It would go on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo novel published in 1831, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and shortly afterwards a restoration project lasting two decades got underway, led by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

It would survive the devastation of two world conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II.

"Paris is disfigured. The city will never be like it was before," said Philippe, a communications worker in his mid-30s, who had biked over to the scene after being alerted of the fire by a friend.

Jacky Lafortune, a 72-year-old artist and self-described atheist stood forlornly on the banks of the River Seine starting at the cathedral.

Comparing the mood in the French capital to the aftermath of a terror attack he said: "But this stirs much deeper emotions because Notre-Dame is linked to the very foundations of our culture."

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris after a colossal fire caused the spire of the historic edifice to crash to the ground and wiped out centuries of heritage. Macron expressed relief that "the worst had been avoided" in a fire that risked bringing the entire edifice down and left France in shock over the damage to a building described as the soul of the nation. But the blaze destroyed the roof of the 850-year-old UNESCO world heritage landmark, whose spectacular Gothic spire collapsed before the eyes of horrified onlookers on a previously pristine early spring evening. The fire, which came as Catholics prepare to celebrate Easter, sent orange flames and clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned Parisians and tourists watched on in horror. As darkness fell, some 400 firefighters then battled to control the blaze and save at least its iconic front towers. They finally gained the upper hand as midnight approached. (Picture courtesy: Reuters) (Picture courtesy: Reuters) (Picture courtesy: Reuters) Paris fire brigade chief Jean-Claude Gallet said "we can consider that the main structure of Notre-Dame has been saved and preserved" as well as the two towers. Deputy Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, also present at the scene, said that for the first time "the fire had decreased in intensity" while still urging "extreme caution". 'France is Notre Dame' "Notre-Dame survived all the wars, all the bombardments. We never thought it could burn. I feel incredibly sad and empty," Stephane Seigneurie, a consultant who joined other shocked onlookers in a solemn rendition of "Ave Maria" as they watched the fire from a nearby bridge. Gasps and cries of "Oh my god" erupted around an hour after the fire first broke out when the top portion of the church's spire came crashing down. "We have been dealt a knockout blow," a stricken-looking Paris Archbishop Michel Aupetit told reporters. The cause of the blaze was not immediately confirmed. The cathedral had been undergoing intense restoration work which the fire service said could be linked to the blaze. French prosecutors said it was being treated as an "involuntary" fire, indicating that foul play was ruled out for now. Historians expressed incredulity at the collapse of a building that has been a symbol of France for almost a millennium and withstood war and revolution. "If Paris is the Eiffel Tower then France is Notre Dame. It's the entire culture, entire history of France incarnated in this monument," Bernard Lecomte, a writer and specialist in religious history told BFM TV. Deputy Paris mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told the channel that workers were scrambling "to save all the artworks that can be saved." Officials later said teams had managed to salvage an unknown quantity of the cultural treasures. 'Emotion of a nation' Macron had earlier cancelled a major televised policy speech he was due to give on Monday evening to respond to months of protests and instead headed to the scene in person. Visibly emotional, he said while the "worst had been avoided" and the facade and two towers saved "the next hours will be difficult". "And we will rebuild Notre-Dame because it is what the French expect," he said, describing Notre Dame as "the epicentre of our life" and the cathedral of "all the French", whether religious or not. France's billionaire Pinault dynasty immediately pledged 100 million euros for the effort. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Notre-Dame cathedral a "symbol of European culture" as the blaze raged. The Vatican on Monday expressed its "incredulity" and "sadness", expressing "our closeness with French Catholics and with the Parisian population." 'Water bombers not used' There was no immediate indication of any casualties in the blaze. US President Donald Trump in a tweet said it was "horrible" to watch the fire but caused controversy by offering advice on how to put it out. "Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" he said. But France's civil security service, which oversees crisis management in the country, tweeted back at Trump that the use of water-bombing aircraft was not being considered. "If used, (this) could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral," it said. 'Will never be the same' The cathedral was located at the centre of the French capital in the Middle Ages and its construction was completed in the mid-12th century after some 200 years of work. During the French Revolution in the 18th century, the cathedral was vandalised in widespread anti-Catholic violence: its spire was dismantled, its treasures plundered and its large statues at the grand entrance doors destroyed. It would go on to feature as a central character in a Victor Hugo novel published in 1831, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" and shortly afterwards a restoration project lasting two decades got underway, led by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. It would survive the devastation of two world conflicts in the 20th century and famously rang its bells on August 24, 1944, the day of the Liberation of Paris from German occupation at the end of the World War II. "Paris is disfigured. The city will never be like it was before," said Philippe, a communications worker in his mid-30s, who had biked over to the scene after being alerted of the fire by a friend. Jacky Lafortune, a 72-year-old artist and self-described atheist stood forlornly on the banks of the River Seine starting at the cathedral. Comparing the mood in the French capital to the aftermath of a terror attack he said: "But this stirs much deeper emotions because Notre-Dame is linked to the very foundations of our culture."

Notre Dame fire: Main structure saved; President Emmanuel Macron says will rebuild Paris' historic cathedral

Reuters won two <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/jailed-reuters-reporters-us-border-photographers-win-pulitzer-prizes-210825&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWppj5rdThAhUB4o8KHQ5vACoQFggNMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw25qGBBTBqeMKztQEEjapXS">Pulitzer Prizes </a>on Monday, one for revealing the massacre of 10 Muslim Rohingya men by Buddhist villagers and Myanmar security forces, and another for photographs of Central American migrants seeking refuge in the United States.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nroXtw7ZVlI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The awards marked the second year in a row that Reuters has won two Pulitzers, the most prestigious prize in American journalism. Reuters has won seven since 2008.

Two of this year's honorees have been jailed for 490 days in Myanmar for their role in uncovering the killings.

"While it's gratifying to be recognized for the work, public attention should be focused more on the people about whom we report than on us: in this case, the Rohingya and the Central American migrants," Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said.

&nbsp;

In other categories, coverage of mass shootings in the United States and investigations into US President Donald Trump featured prominently. The New York Times and the Washington Post also took two Pulitzers each.

Reuters and the Associated Press were both awarded prizes for international reporting, with the AP winning for its coverage of war atrocities in Yemen.

The Reuters award was for an investigative report that revealed the massacre of 10 Rohingya at the village of Inn Din, in the heart of the conflict zone of Rakhine state in Myanmar.

Two young Reuters reporters, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, both Myanmar citizens, found a mass grave filled with bones sticking out of the ground. They went on to gather testimony from perpetrators, witnesses and families of victims.

They obtained three devastating photographs from villagers: two showed the 10 Rohingya men bound and kneeling; the third showed the mutilated and bullet-ridden bodies of the same 10 men in the same shallow grave.

In December 2017, before Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo could complete their story, they were arrested in what international observers have criticized as an effort by authorities to block the report.

The report, "Massacre in Myanmar," was completed by colleagues Simon Lewis and Antoni Slodkowski and published in February of last year.

In September, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years imprisonment for violating the country's Official Secrets Act.

"I'm thrilled that Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues have been recognized for their extraordinary, courageous coverage, and our photojournalists for their moving pictures that show humanity defying huge obstacles," Adler said. "I remain deeply distressed, however, that our brave reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are still behind bars."

Border Images

In the breaking news photography category, 11 Reuters photographers contributed pictures to "On the Migrant Trail to America," a package of images showing asylum-seekers and other migrants from Central America at the US border.

One photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon showed migrants fleeing tear gas launched by US authorities into Mexico at the San Diego-Tijuana border. In the image, a mother grabs her twin daughters by the arm, one in diapers and wearing rubber sandals, the other barefoot, as a teargas canister emits its fumes.

In another image, an aerial photo, Mike Blake was the first to photograph the detention facility in Tornillo, Texas, where children walked in single files, like prisoners.

Goran Tomasevic captured an image in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, a city with one of the highest murder rates in the world, of a rooster, scratching in the dirt next to the slain body of a Barrio 18 gang member. Tomasevic was a previous finalist for his pictures of the war in Syria.

Mass shooting coverage Honored

The New York Times won a prize for explanatory reporting of Trump's finances and tax avoidance and another for editorial writing by Brent Staples.

The Washington Post's Lorenzo Tugnoli won the feature photography prize for images of the famine in Yemen and the newspaper's Carlos Lozada also won for criticism.

The Wall Street Journal won the national reporting prize for uncovering Trump's secret payoffs to two women during his campaign who claimed to have had affairs with him.

Coverage of mass shootings in the United States was also recognized four times.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel won the public service award for "exposing failings by school and law enforcement officials before and after the deadly shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," the Pulitzer board said. Seventeen people died in the massacre at the Parkland, Florida, high school on Feb. 14, 2018.

The staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette won the breaking news prize for its coverage of "immersive, compassionate" coverage of the massacre at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue that killed 11 people on Oct. 27, 2018.

Pulitzer administrator Dana Canedy, upon announcing the winners, also offered admiration for a non-winner: the staff of the Eagle Eye student newspaper at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for its coverage of the killings.

The Pulitzer board also awarded a special citation to the Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Maryland, for "their courageous response to the largest killing of journalists in US history in their newsroom." A gunman shot and killed five people there on June 28, 2018.

Reuters won two Pulitzer Prizes on Monday, one for revealing the massacre of 10 Muslim Rohingya men by Buddhist villagers and Myanmar security forces, and another for photographs of Central American migrants seeking refuge in the United States.

Reuters won two Pulitzer Prizes on Monday, one for revealing the massacre of 10 Muslim Rohingya men by Buddhist villagers and Myanmar security forces, and another for photographs of Central American migrants seeking refuge in the United States. The awards marked the second year in a row that Reuters has won two Pulitzers, the most prestigious prize in American journalism. Reuters has won seven since 2008. Two of this year's honorees have been jailed for 490 days in Myanmar for their role in uncovering the killings. "While it's gratifying to be recognized for the work, public attention should be focused more on the people about whom we report than on us: in this case, the Rohingya and the Central American migrants," Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said. In other categories, coverage of mass shootings in the United States and investigations into US President Donald Trump featured prominently. The New York Times and the Washington Post also took two Pulitzers each. Reuters and the Associated Press were both awarded prizes for international reporting, with the AP winning for its coverage of war atrocities in Yemen. The Reuters award was for an investigative report that revealed the massacre of 10 Rohingya at the village of Inn Din, in the heart of the conflict zone of Rakhine state in Myanmar. Two young Reuters reporters, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, both Myanmar citizens, found a mass grave filled with bones sticking out of the ground. They went on to gather testimony from perpetrators, witnesses and families of victims. They obtained three devastating photographs from villagers: two showed the 10 Rohingya men bound and kneeling; the third showed the mutilated and bullet-ridden bodies of the same 10 men in the same shallow grave. In December 2017, before Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo could complete their story, they were arrested in what international observers have criticized as an effort by authorities to block the report. The report, "Massacre in Myanmar," was completed by colleagues Simon Lewis and Antoni Slodkowski and published in February of last year. In September, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were sentenced to seven years imprisonment for violating the country's Official Secrets Act. "I'm thrilled that Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and their colleagues have been recognized for their extraordinary, courageous coverage, and our photojournalists for their moving pictures that show humanity defying huge obstacles," Adler said. "I remain deeply distressed, however, that our brave reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are still behind bars." Border Images In the breaking news photography category, 11 Reuters photographers contributed pictures to "On the Migrant Trail to America," a package of images showing asylum-seekers and other migrants from Central America at the US border. One photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon showed migrants fleeing tear gas launched by US authorities into Mexico at the San Diego-Tijuana border. In the image, a mother grabs her twin daughters by the arm, one in diapers and wearing rubber sandals, the other barefoot, as a teargas canister emits its fumes. In another image, an aerial photo, Mike Blake was the first to photograph the detention facility in Tornillo, Texas, where children walked in single files, like prisoners. Goran Tomasevic captured an image in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, a city with one of the highest murder rates in the world, of a rooster, scratching in the dirt next to the slain body of a Barrio 18 gang member. Tomasevic was a previous finalist for his pictures of the war in Syria. Mass shooting coverage Honored The New York Times won a prize for explanatory reporting of Trump's finances and tax avoidance and another for editorial writing by Brent Staples. The Washington Post's Lorenzo Tugnoli won the feature photography prize for images of the famine in Yemen and the newspaper's Carlos Lozada also won for criticism. The Wall Street Journal won the national reporting prize for uncovering Trump's secret payoffs to two women during his campaign who claimed to have had affairs with him. Coverage of mass shootings in the United States was also recognized four times. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel won the public service award for "exposing failings by school and law enforcement officials before and after the deadly shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," the Pulitzer board said. Seventeen people died in the massacre at the Parkland, Florida, high school on Feb. 14, 2018. The staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette won the breaking news prize for its coverage of "immersive, compassionate" coverage of the massacre at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue that killed 11 people on Oct. 27, 2018. Pulitzer administrator Dana Canedy, upon announcing the winners, also offered admiration for a non-winner: the staff of the Eagle Eye student newspaper at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for its coverage of the killings. The Pulitzer board also awarded a special citation to the Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Maryland, for "their courageous response to the largest killing of journalists in US history in their newsroom." A gunman shot and killed five people there on June 28, 2018.

Jailed Reuters reporters, US border photographers win Pulitzer Prizes

President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-gives-us-china-trade-talks-another-four-weeks-208038&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwia2JrWhNThAhXEjOYKHZkFBMgQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kYQ7I11waEJeU6QwHYfuc">Donald Trump</a> said on Monday he believed the United States would emerge from its<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-conflict-lack-of-trust-hobbling-the-ability-to-reach-a-deal-198533&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwia2JrWhNThAhXEjOYKHZkFBMgQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3coeH4O-T-B7dg0K5QbEbn"> trade dispute</a> with China as a winner, no matter what happened.

"We're going to win either way. We either win by getting a deal or we win by not getting a deal," Trump said during a visit to a business roundtable in Burnsville, Minnesota.

The world's two biggest economies are nine months into a trade war that has cost billions of dollars, roiled financial markets and upended supply chains.

Trump's administration has slapped tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports of Chinese goods to press demands for an end to policies that Washington says hurt US companies competing with Chinese firms. China responded with its own tit-for-tat tariffs on U.S. goods.

Trump's Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said earlier on Monday that trade negotiators are making a lot of progress. He told Fox Business Network there is more work to do, however, including enforcement.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he believed the United States would emerge from its trade dispute with China as a winner, no matter what happened. "We're going to win either way.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he believed the United States would emerge from its trade dispute with China as a winner, no matter what happened. "We're going to win either way. We either win by getting a deal or we win by not getting a deal," Trump said during a visit to a business roundtable in Burnsville, Minnesota. The world's two biggest economies are nine months into a trade war that has cost billions of dollars, roiled financial markets and upended supply chains. Trump's administration has slapped tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports of Chinese goods to press demands for an end to policies that Washington says hurt US companies competing with Chinese firms. China responded with its own tit-for-tat tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump's Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said earlier on Monday that trade negotiators are making a lot of progress. He told Fox Business Network there is more work to do, however, including enforcement.

Trump on China trade spat: 'We're going to win either way'

President Donald Trump on Monday publicly recommended Boeing "re-brand" its troubled 737 Max planes after two fatal crashes led to the grounding of the model and widespread criticism against the company.

Donald Trump founds a new solution for Boeing crisis, suggests by a tweet

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer&nbsp;Tiger Woods with&nbsp;country's highest civilian honour.&nbsp;

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States.

In the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards.&nbsp;

Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a victory at the Masters. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438">15th major title</a> -- but the first since 2008.&nbsp;

Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump himself is a lifelong golfer and owner of golf resorts, wrote on his Twitter handle, "Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters."

"Because of his incredible Success &amp; Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" Trump said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMasters</a>, &amp; to inform him that because of his incredible Success &amp; Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1117843954437767168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump is an especially close watcher of the game, being the owner of Trump-brand golf courses and something of a student of the game himself -- although there have been multiple reports, including from established golfers, that he cheats when competing.

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer Tiger Woods with country's highest civilian honour. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States.

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer Tiger Woods with country's highest civilian honour. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States. In the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards. Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a victory at the Masters. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his 15th major title -- but the first since 2008. Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005. Trump himself is a lifelong golfer and owner of golf resorts, wrote on his Twitter handle, "Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters." "Because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" Trump said. Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019 × Trump is an especially close watcher of the game, being the owner of Trump-brand golf courses and something of a student of the game himself -- although there have been multiple reports, including from established golfers, that he cheats when competing.

Donald Trump to give 'incredible' Tiger Woods Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Donald Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, met with members of the Ethiopian Women's Coffee Association in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

Ivanka Trump brings message of women empowerment to Ethiopia

US president Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at China's government-linked telecommunications giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-no-evidence-of-backdoor-spying-in-5g-technology-huawei-chairman-199966">Huawei Technologies</a> for hiring a former Obama administration cybersecurity official as a lobbyist.

Huawei Technologies has hired Samir Jain, former senior director for cybersecurity policy at the White House National Security Council, he has now registered as a lobbyist for Shenzhen-based Huawei.&nbsp;

'Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei hires former Obama Cyber Security Official as a lobbyist. This is not good, or acceptable!' Trump wrote in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei hires former Obama Cyber Security Official as a lobbyist. This is not good, or acceptable! <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveHiltonx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteveHiltonx</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1117604192175230976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Jain worked at the White House from 2016 to 2017 and before that was an associate deputy attorney general from 2014 to 2015, where he worked on national security and computer fraud issues.

At the White House, Jain led a team responsible for cyber incident response and was chairman of an interagency group that reviewed proposed cyber operations by the US government. He also worked on international issues, such as a campaign to win support for U.S.-proposed international cyber norms.

While at the Justice Department, Jain also took part in international negotiations "such as China's agreement not to engage in cyber-enabled intellectual property theft for commercial gain," his bio states.

US president Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at China's government-linked telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies for hiring a former Obama administration cybersecurity official as a lobbyist.

US president Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at China's government-linked telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies for hiring a former Obama administration cybersecurity official as a lobbyist. Huawei Technologies has hired Samir Jain, former senior director for cybersecurity policy at the White House National Security Council, he has now registered as a lobbyist for Shenzhen-based Huawei. 'Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei hires former Obama Cyber Security Official as a lobbyist. This is not good, or acceptable!' Trump wrote in a tweet. Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei hires former Obama Cyber Security Official as a lobbyist. This is not good, or acceptable! @FoxNews @SteveHiltonx — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019 × According to reports, Jain worked at the White House from 2016 to 2017 and before that was an associate deputy attorney general from 2014 to 2015, where he worked on national security and computer fraud issues. At the White House, Jain led a team responsible for cyber incident response and was chairman of an interagency group that reviewed proposed cyber operations by the US government. He also worked on international issues, such as a campaign to win support for U.S.-proposed international cyber norms. While at the Justice Department, Jain also took part in international negotiations "such as China's agreement not to engage in cyber-enabled intellectual property theft for commercial gain," his bio states.

Donald Trump slams Huawei for hiring former Obama cyber security official

A Chinese woman charged with bluffing her way into US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's Florida resort last month entered a not guilty plea on Monday in federal court.

Yujing Zhang was formally indicted on Friday with making false statements to a federal officer and entering or remaining in a restricted area, charges that carry a sentence of up to five years in prison.

She entered a not guilty plea during an arraignment in US District Court in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday.

The FBI is examining whether Zhang has any links to intelligence agencies in China or political influence operations, two US government sources have told Reuters.

The indictment does not include espionage charges. Zhang is 32 or 33 years old, according to court documents.

She was arrested on March 30 after giving conflicting reasons for being at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach during one of Trump's weekend visits, an incident that renewed concerns about security at the club.

Trump was not on the premises at the time.

Zhang's lawyer, Robert Adler, has described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and said, "I don't understand how this could be a trespass charge."

Prosecutors have said Zhang was carrying four cellphones, a laptop computer, an external hard drive and a thumbdrive containing what investigators described as "malicious malware" when she was arrested by the US Secret Service.

Investigators found a device to detect hidden cameras, five cell phone SIM cards and over $8,000 in cash in her hotel room, prosecutors said.

Democrats in US Congress first pressed the Trump administration in mid-March for a briefing on Mar-a-Lago security after news reports that Li “Cindy” Yang, founder of a chain of Florida-based massage parlors, was selling access to Trump and his family to clients from China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said earlier this month he had "no understanding of the situation" when asked by reporters about Zhang.

She was briefly allowed onto the property after staff mistakenly thought she might be the daughter of a club member. She aroused suspicions by variously telling Secret Service agents and Mar-a-Lago reception staff that she wanted to use the pool and that she was there for an event that did not appear on the day's schedule, according to prosecutors.

A Chinese woman charged with bluffing her way into US President Donald Trump's Florida resort last month entered a not guilty plea on Monday in federal court. Yujing Zhang was formally indicted on Friday with making false statements to a federal officer and entering or remaining in a restricted area, charges that carry a sentence of up to five years in prison.

A Chinese woman charged with bluffing her way into US President Donald Trump's Florida resort last month entered a not guilty plea on Monday in federal court. Yujing Zhang was formally indicted on Friday with making false statements to a federal officer and entering or remaining in a restricted area, charges that carry a sentence of up to five years in prison. She entered a not guilty plea during an arraignment in US District Court in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday. The FBI is examining whether Zhang has any links to intelligence agencies in China or political influence operations, two US government sources have told Reuters. The indictment does not include espionage charges. Zhang is 32 or 33 years old, according to court documents. She was arrested on March 30 after giving conflicting reasons for being at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach during one of Trump's weekend visits, an incident that renewed concerns about security at the club. Trump was not on the premises at the time. Zhang's lawyer, Robert Adler, has described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and said, "I don't understand how this could be a trespass charge." Prosecutors have said Zhang was carrying four cellphones, a laptop computer, an external hard drive and a thumbdrive containing what investigators described as "malicious malware" when she was arrested by the US Secret Service. Investigators found a device to detect hidden cameras, five cell phone SIM cards and over $8,000 in cash in her hotel room, prosecutors said. Democrats in US Congress first pressed the Trump administration in mid-March for a briefing on Mar-a-Lago security after news reports that Li “Cindy” Yang, founder of a chain of Florida-based massage parlors, was selling access to Trump and his family to clients from China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said earlier this month he had "no understanding of the situation" when asked by reporters about Zhang. She was briefly allowed onto the property after staff mistakenly thought she might be the daughter of a club member. She aroused suspicions by variously telling Secret Service agents and Mar-a-Lago reception staff that she wanted to use the pool and that she was there for an event that did not appear on the day's schedule, according to prosecutors.

Chinese woman arrested at Trump's Florida resort pleads not guilty

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-bernie-sanders-announces-2020-presidential-bid-198358&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZvJDzptHhAhXlheYKHeEqDyUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw04piq_bjx7N7P_ZxrBFKPL">presidential bid </a>Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020.

The 37-year-old Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran is the two-term mayor of his hometown of South Bend -- a left-leaning bubble in America's so-called "Rust Belt" region, where the decline of industries such as steel and automobile manufacturing has hurt local economies.

Voters in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin helped hand Republican US President Donald Trump his victory in the 2016 election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/far-out-from-2020-a-deep-democratic-bench-takes-shape-196543">Buttigieg</a>, who is credited with helping turn South Bend around, has couched himself as a can-do reformer who can speak to voters across the political spectrum. The message has helped catapult him from relative obscurity to becoming one of the leading Democrats in the crowded presidential race.&nbsp;

"My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me 'Mayor Pete.' I'm a proud son of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running for president of the United States!" he told a jubilant crowd of supporters at a former assembly plant turned high-tech hub in South Bend.

"That's why I am here, to tell a different story than 'Make America Great Again'" he added, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. "This time it's not just about winning an election. It's about winning an era."

The official launch -- in which Buttigieg touched upon a number of liberal talking points such as racial justice, voting rights and health care reform, as well as his faith and marriage to Chasten Buttigieg -- is expected to give his surprisingly strong campaign an additional boost.&nbsp;

Campaign staffers said they have been caught by surprise by the speed with which the mayor has generated nationwide political support, and are still staffing up the campaign. Buttigieg had no speechwriter to help him prepare his remarks.&nbsp;

'New generation'

So many people showed up for the launch event that a large crowd was left outside in the rain to watch on a large video screen. Buttigieg braved the elements and thanked the crowd moments before making his official announcement indoors.&nbsp;

"He represents a new generation of Democratic leadership. We love his vision," said Jenn Watts, 35, while her three-year-old daughter sat on her shoulders.&nbsp;

They were in the cavernous event space in the former plant of defunct automaker Studebaker waiting more than two hours to see Buttigieg speak.&nbsp;

"As a young mom with a young daughter, he represents what I want my daughter to see in leadership in this country," Watts added.&nbsp;

In the three months since he declared an exploratory committee to test a presidential run, Buttigieg has raised $7 million, more than most other candidates, and jumped to third place in the latest polls of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire -- the earliest states to vote in next year's primary elections.

The popular mayor who speaks eight languages and plays classical piano has been the focus of countless news stories and profiles.

The fascination has been in no small part due to his background: he would be the youngest, first openly gay, first millennial and first mayor to become president.&nbsp;

But Buttigieg must still overcome the perception that his youth and thin resume as mayor of a town of just 100,000 leaves him lacking the experience necessary for the presidency. &nbsp;

"I recognize the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor," Buttigieg said. "But the moment we live in compels us to act."

Drew Corbin, a 24-year-old college student clutching four campaign T-shirts he had purchased for friends and wearing a campaign cap, said he still had not fully committed to the candidate.&nbsp;

"There's a lot of candidates. I don't want to make up my mind so soon, almost a year before the primaries," Corbin said. "But he's definitely my favorite right now."

'Destined for national politics'&nbsp;

Buttigieg's launch at Studebaker called to mind the plant's closure in 1963 that was still reverberating in the city in 2011 when he was elected mayor.&nbsp;

He set out to tear down decaying, abandoned homes and restore the blighted Studebaker complex to make it suitable for new high-tech companies.

In an unlikely feat, the city has reversed decades of population decline and attracted new businesses and development, with the mayor's popularity growing in the process.

"His appeal, for many people in South Bend, is his ability to look forward and to focus on better days ahead," South Bend-based political science professor Elizabeth Bennion of Indiana University told AFP.

"Once people looked at his resume and heard him speak, many started talking about the fact that he was destined for national politics."

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his presidential bid Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020.

Pete Buttigieg, the gay, liberal mayor of a small American city in the conservative bastion of Indiana, officially launched his presidential bid Sunday, joining a crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination in 2020. The 37-year-old Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran is the two-term mayor of his hometown of South Bend -- a left-leaning bubble in America's so-called "Rust Belt" region, where the decline of industries such as steel and automobile manufacturing has hurt local economies. Voters in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin helped hand Republican US President Donald Trump his victory in the 2016 election. Buttigieg, who is credited with helping turn South Bend around, has couched himself as a can-do reformer who can speak to voters across the political spectrum. The message has helped catapult him from relative obscurity to becoming one of the leading Democrats in the crowded presidential race. "My name is Pete Buttigieg. They call me 'Mayor Pete.' I'm a proud son of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running for president of the United States!" he told a jubilant crowd of supporters at a former assembly plant turned high-tech hub in South Bend. "That's why I am here, to tell a different story than 'Make America Great Again'" he added, referring to Trump's campaign slogan. "This time it's not just about winning an election. It's about winning an era." The official launch -- in which Buttigieg touched upon a number of liberal talking points such as racial justice, voting rights and health care reform, as well as his faith and marriage to Chasten Buttigieg -- is expected to give his surprisingly strong campaign an additional boost. Campaign staffers said they have been caught by surprise by the speed with which the mayor has generated nationwide political support, and are still staffing up the campaign. Buttigieg had no speechwriter to help him prepare his remarks. 'New generation' So many people showed up for the launch event that a large crowd was left outside in the rain to watch on a large video screen. Buttigieg braved the elements and thanked the crowd moments before making his official announcement indoors. "He represents a new generation of Democratic leadership. We love his vision," said Jenn Watts, 35, while her three-year-old daughter sat on her shoulders. They were in the cavernous event space in the former plant of defunct automaker Studebaker waiting more than two hours to see Buttigieg speak. "As a young mom with a young daughter, he represents what I want my daughter to see in leadership in this country," Watts added. In the three months since he declared an exploratory committee to test a presidential run, Buttigieg has raised $7 million, more than most other candidates, and jumped to third place in the latest polls of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire -- the earliest states to vote in next year's primary elections. The popular mayor who speaks eight languages and plays classical piano has been the focus of countless news stories and profiles. The fascination has been in no small part due to his background: he would be the youngest, first openly gay, first millennial and first mayor to become president. But Buttigieg must still overcome the perception that his youth and thin resume as mayor of a town of just 100,000 leaves him lacking the experience necessary for the presidency. "I recognize the audacity of doing this as a Midwestern millennial mayor," Buttigieg said. "But the moment we live in compels us to act." Drew Corbin, a 24-year-old college student clutching four campaign T-shirts he had purchased for friends and wearing a campaign cap, said he still had not fully committed to the candidate. "There's a lot of candidates. I don't want to make up my mind so soon, almost a year before the primaries," Corbin said. "But he's definitely my favorite right now." 'Destined for national politics' Buttigieg's launch at Studebaker called to mind the plant's closure in 1963 that was still reverberating in the city in 2011 when he was elected mayor. He set out to tear down decaying, abandoned homes and restore the blighted Studebaker complex to make it suitable for new high-tech companies. In an unlikely feat, the city has reversed decades of population decline and attracted new businesses and development, with the mayor's popularity growing in the process. "His appeal, for many people in South Bend, is his ability to look forward and to focus on better days ahead," South Bend-based political science professor Elizabeth Bennion of Indiana University told AFP. "Once people looked at his resume and heard him speak, many started talking about the fact that he was destined for national politics."

Gay mayor from 'Rust Belt' America launches presidential bid

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances."

After launching blistering tariffs on allies and rivals alike, Trump's trade team has completed a new North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico &nbsp;-- the USMCA -- and one with South Korea and appears to be approaching the final stages of a deal with China, while preparing for the start of negotiations with Europe.

Trump has focused attention on the countries which have the biggest trade surpluses with the United States and pushed his preference for country-specific rather than multilateral deals.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will lead the two days of talks starting Monday afternoon.

Golf buddies Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in September to launch the talks between the world's first and third-largest economies, which represent about 30 per cent of global output.

In Tokyo last week, Motegi predicted the crunch talks would be "candid," with the first round focused on "making a decision on which areas we will discuss, chiefly in the field of goods."

"I will do my best to have thorough discussions so as to produce a good result in line with our national interest," he said.

The agreement between Trump and Abe said the negotiations initially would address "goods, as well as other key areas including services, that can produce early achievements," while leaving access for US agriculture to Japan's market for a later day.

In May, Trump ordered his administration to investigate the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 25 per cent on foreign autos and auto parts, a prospect that alarmed the industry and could have serious repercussions for Japan and Europe.

'Very quick agreement'&nbsp;

US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was seeking a "very quick agreement" with Japan on tariff cuts for agricultural goods.

"I hope we can come to a very quick agreement with Japan over maybe some temporary ... provisions and hash out the many other issues that take longer in this area," Perdue told reporters in Washington, Kyodo News and the business daily Nikkei reported.

However, the US side is likely to run into opposition from Japan on this issue, Jiji Press reported, citing unnamed government sources.

"There's no way for us to conclude an agricultural deal first," a senior Japanese official told Jiji.

If Japan does so, it may violate World Trade Organization rules related to free-trade agreements, the officials noted, according to the report.

Tokyo is expected to counter with demands that the United States scrap tariffs on Japanese industrial goods if Washington urges an early opening of Japanese agricultural markets.

Tokyo aims to focus only on tariff matters, describing the talks as "TAG," or trade agreement on goods.&nbsp;

However, Washington trade officials have spelt out 22 specific negotiation areas also including non-tariff barriers in Japan's auto market and currency.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday any agreement will include a requirement to refrain from manipulating currencies to gain an advantage in international trade.

Trump and Abe will have plenty of opportunities to talk trade in the coming months. Abe is visiting the United States later this month and Trump is expected in Japan in May to pay his respects to the country's new emperor who will take the throne on May 1.

Trump is then expected back in Japan the following month as the western city of Osaka hosts the Group of 20 summits of world leaders on June 28-29.

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances.

The United States and Japanese negotiators are set to open the first round of trade talks on Monday, in the latest front in President Donald Trump's aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to address "chronic US trade imbalances." After launching blistering tariffs on allies and rivals alike, Trump's trade team has completed a new North American trade pact with Canada and Mexico -- the USMCA -- and one with South Korea and appears to be approaching the final stages of a deal with China, while preparing for the start of negotiations with Europe. Trump has focused attention on the countries which have the biggest trade surpluses with the United States and pushed his preference for country-specific rather than multilateral deals. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Japan's Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will lead the two days of talks starting Monday afternoon. Golf buddies Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed in September to launch the talks between the world's first and third-largest economies, which represent about 30 per cent of global output. In Tokyo last week, Motegi predicted the crunch talks would be "candid," with the first round focused on "making a decision on which areas we will discuss, chiefly in the field of goods." "I will do my best to have thorough discussions so as to produce a good result in line with our national interest," he said. The agreement between Trump and Abe said the negotiations initially would address "goods, as well as other key areas including services, that can produce early achievements," while leaving access for US agriculture to Japan's market for a later day. In May, Trump ordered his administration to investigate the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 25 per cent on foreign autos and auto parts, a prospect that alarmed the industry and could have serious repercussions for Japan and Europe. 'Very quick agreement' US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was seeking a "very quick agreement" with Japan on tariff cuts for agricultural goods. "I hope we can come to a very quick agreement with Japan over maybe some temporary ... provisions and hash out the many other issues that take longer in this area," Perdue told reporters in Washington, Kyodo News and the business daily Nikkei reported. However, the US side is likely to run into opposition from Japan on this issue, Jiji Press reported, citing unnamed government sources. "There's no way for us to conclude an agricultural deal first," a senior Japanese official told Jiji. If Japan does so, it may violate World Trade Organization rules related to free-trade agreements, the officials noted, according to the report. Tokyo is expected to counter with demands that the United States scrap tariffs on Japanese industrial goods if Washington urges an early opening of Japanese agricultural markets. Tokyo aims to focus only on tariff matters, describing the talks as "TAG," or trade agreement on goods. However, Washington trade officials have spelt out 22 specific negotiation areas also including non-tariff barriers in Japan's auto market and currency. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday any agreement will include a requirement to refrain from manipulating currencies to gain an advantage in international trade. Trump and Abe will have plenty of opportunities to talk trade in the coming months. Abe is visiting the United States later this month and Trump is expected in Japan in May to pay his respects to the country's new emperor who will take the throne on May 1. Trump is then expected back in Japan the following month as the western city of Osaka hosts the Group of 20 summits of world leaders on June 28-29.

US, Japan to open trade talks amid China deal optimism

US President Donald Trump tweeted on the possible happening of the third summit with North Korea. Watch complete video to know more.

Donald Trump is not giving on North Korea, 3rd summit to be held soon

The United States does not want to pursue a "precipitous" withdrawal from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/left-out-of-peace-talks-united-states-allies-reassess-afghan-support-203565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjvh8m2-NHhAhWTiXAKHQHsBwoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sxsb-b8-qZr9s36lX8ROi">Afghanistan</a>, a top Democratic lawmaker said in Kabul on Monday amid an ongoing push to end the war.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who sits on the influential Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjvh8m2-NHhAhWTiXAKHQHsBwoQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3xA_Yv2_qbP0vM-avxEb88"> US </a>military, also stressed that women must have a place at the table as the US tries to negotiate with the Taliban.

President Donald Trump last year told advisors he wanted to slash America's 14,000-strong troop presence in Afghanistan by about half, prompting criticism he was seeking to rush a withdrawal.

"What we've heard here (is) that whatever negotiated settlement ends the conflict, that it be done in a way that's very deliberate, that ensures a transition that all sides can participate in, and that there should not be a precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan," Shaheen told reporters at the US embassy.

Congressional colleagues agreed, she said, adding "that's the position of the administration as well".&nbsp;

"There is a deliberate position that may not always be reflected in the tweets that come from the White House," she said, referring to Trump's penchant of firing off unexpected foreign policy messages.

Shaheen also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is the only woman on the panel.&nbsp;

She said it is vital for women to be included in talks with the Taliban, whose regime shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women for allegations of adultery.

"What we know from the data is that when women are engaged, there is about a 35 per cent more likely chance that those negotiations will ... endure for a longer period of time," Shaheen said.

It's important that "whatever comes out of any peace negotiations, that we support having women at the table."

A fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between Afghan political leaders, including some officials from the Kabul government, and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha.&nbsp;

The Taliban have long refused to speak officially with Kabul, dubbing the government a "puppet" of the West, and the militants have insisted that government officials are attending only in a "personal capacity".

The makeup of the delegation has not yet been announced, but an initial list reportedly only had two female participants.

The United States does not want to pursue a "precipitous" withdrawal from Afghanistan, a top Democratic lawmaker said in Kabul on Monday amid an ongoing push to end the war.

The United States does not want to pursue a "precipitous" withdrawal from Afghanistan, a top Democratic lawmaker said in Kabul on Monday amid an ongoing push to end the war. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who sits on the influential Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees the US military, also stressed that women must have a place at the table as the US tries to negotiate with the Taliban. President Donald Trump last year told advisors he wanted to slash America's 14,000-strong troop presence in Afghanistan by about half, prompting criticism he was seeking to rush a withdrawal. "What we've heard here (is) that whatever negotiated settlement ends the conflict, that it be done in a way that's very deliberate, that ensures a transition that all sides can participate in, and that there should not be a precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan," Shaheen told reporters at the US embassy. Congressional colleagues agreed, she said, adding "that's the position of the administration as well". "There is a deliberate position that may not always be reflected in the tweets that come from the White House," she said, referring to Trump's penchant of firing off unexpected foreign policy messages. Shaheen also sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is the only woman on the panel. She said it is vital for women to be included in talks with the Taliban, whose regime shredded any Western notion of women's rights and executed women for allegations of adultery. "What we know from the data is that when women are engaged, there is about a 35 per cent more likely chance that those negotiations will ... endure for a longer period of time," Shaheen said. It's important that "whatever comes out of any peace negotiations, that we support having women at the table." A fresh round of talks is expected to take place later this month between Afghan political leaders, including some officials from the Kabul government, and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha. The Taliban have long refused to speak officially with Kabul, dubbing the government a "puppet" of the West, and the militants have insisted that government officials are attending only in a "personal capacity". The makeup of the delegation has not yet been announced, but an initial list reportedly only had two female participants.

US does not want 'precipitous' withdrawal from Afghanistan: Senator

The South Korean president on Monday said now is the right time to call another summit with the leader of North Korea in the face of resuming the denuclearization dialogue.

It comes almost two months after the failed summit in Hanoi between the North's leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-kim-jong-un-summits-other-aim-was-to-sell-vietnam-model-to-north-korea-208086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPj5Og9NHhAhVq8XMBHf6dAxsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UfV7sjwDNniPT8r2e9--a">Kim Jong-un</a> and the United States' President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-is-open-to-third-trump-summit-north-korean-state-media-209985&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiPj5Og9NHhAhVq8XMBHf6dAxsQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw17eCbqjzpfM-hDXnjHsPpu">Donald Trump</a>.

“Now that we have affirmed our respective commitments, the stage is set for an inter-Korean summit,” Moon Jae-in said in a meeting with his officials, according to the excerpts of the meeting published by the presidential office.

“As soon as the DPRK becomes ready, I hope the two Koreas will be able to sit down together, regardless of venue and form, and hold detailed and substantive talks on how to achieve further progress that goes beyond the previous two summits between Chairman Kim and President Trump,” he added.

Moon urged his officials to begin preparations for a new summit, which would be the fourth meeting between the two leaders of North and South Korea in the past year.

The three previous meetings between Seoul and Pyongyang and Moon’s role as a mediator have played a fundamental part in the two historic summits between the US and North Korea.

On Monday, Moon also reviewed his meeting last week with Trump, where the US leader was in favour of fresh inter-Korean talks and also open to a trilateral summit in the future.

The failure to reach an agreement at the Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi in February revolved around the number of North Korean nuclear assets to be dismantled against the volume of sanctions that the US would alleviate as a corresponding measure.&nbsp;

Washington wanted the North to dismantle its missiles and chemical and biological weapons (in addition to nuclear weapons) programs before granting concessions, while Pyongyang called for the lifting of much of the sanctions in exchange for dismantling its Yongbyon nuclear facility, which the US considered insufficient.&nbsp;

Since then, Washington and Pyongyang have been firm on their respective positions, although each has expressed their willingness to keep the dialogue open to work out their differences gradually, including a possibility of organizing a new Trump-Kim summit.

The South Korean president on Monday said now is the right time to call another summit with the leader of North Korea in the face of resuming the denuclearization dialogue.

The South Korean president on Monday said now is the right time to call another summit with the leader of North Korea in the face of resuming the denuclearization dialogue. It comes almost two months after the failed summit in Hanoi between the North's leader Kim Jong-un and the United States' President Donald Trump. “Now that we have affirmed our respective commitments, the stage is set for an inter-Korean summit,” Moon Jae-in said in a meeting with his officials, according to the excerpts of the meeting published by the presidential office. “As soon as the DPRK becomes ready, I hope the two Koreas will be able to sit down together, regardless of venue and form, and hold detailed and substantive talks on how to achieve further progress that goes beyond the previous two summits between Chairman Kim and President Trump,” he added. Moon urged his officials to begin preparations for a new summit, which would be the fourth meeting between the two leaders of North and South Korea in the past year. The three previous meetings between Seoul and Pyongyang and Moon’s role as a mediator have played a fundamental part in the two historic summits between the US and North Korea. On Monday, Moon also reviewed his meeting last week with Trump, where the US leader was in favour of fresh inter-Korean talks and also open to a trilateral summit in the future. The failure to reach an agreement at the Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi in February revolved around the number of North Korean nuclear assets to be dismantled against the volume of sanctions that the US would alleviate as a corresponding measure. Washington wanted the North to dismantle its missiles and chemical and biological weapons (in addition to nuclear weapons) programs before granting concessions, while Pyongyang called for the lifting of much of the sanctions in exchange for dismantling its Yongbyon nuclear facility, which the US considered insufficient. Since then, Washington and Pyongyang have been firm on their respective positions, although each has expressed their willingness to keep the dialogue open to work out their differences gradually, including a possibility of organizing a new Trump-Kim summit.

Moon Jae-in ready for another North-South Korea summit with Kim Jong Un

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