India is one of the world's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-king-india-wants-trade-talks-us-immediately-says-trump-168847">highest-taxing nations</a>", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/india-hits-back-at-donald-trumps-tariffs-raises-import-duties-on-agriculture-steel-products-146136">tariffs on American products</a>, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Such a high tariff is not fair, Trump said Tuesday while addressing the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Spring Dinner here.

Early this year, at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump had said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. "Even this is not enough, this is okay," he said at that time.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

"I got a call from Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi of India. They're one of the highest taxing nations in the world. They taxed us 100 per cent," Trump said reiterating his often-heard remarks on the Indian tariff structure.

"They charge us 100 per cent tariffs on goods. So they send a motorcycle--and they make a lot of them--Indian cycles. They send them to our country, we charge them nothing. We send a Harley Davidson to India and they charge us 100 per cent. Not fair, okay. Not reciprocal. It's not fair," Trump said.

During his address to the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Spring Dinner, Trump explained how his trade policies are successfully addressing the balance of trade issue with other countries.

Trade talks with China are going on very well, he said.

The world's two largest economies are locked in a trade war since Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items from China in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. In response, China, the world's second largest economy after the US, imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods.

Top trade officials from America and China are holding talks to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal.

"I think we're doing very well. They need the deal more than we do. They need the deal. And they get hurt badly with they're paying 25 per cent on USD 50 billion worth of technology stuff and they were going to pay 25 per cent on another USD 200 billion," he said.

Trump said his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers.

"We are standing up to China's chronic trading abuses and theft of intellectual properties and so many other things that they've done to us," he said.

"I don't know how you people allowed this to happen for so many years. You've been here longer than me. But they really have, they've taken advantage of our country. And you know what? I respect them for it. I say it. We should have been doing that to them, he said.&nbsp;

India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

India is one of the world's "highest-taxing nations", US President Donald Trump has alleged as he again criticised the country for imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products, including the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Such a high tariff is not fair, Trump said Tuesday while addressing the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Spring Dinner here. Early this year, at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump had said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. "Even this is not enough, this is okay," he said at that time. Trump has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products. "I got a call from Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi of India. They're one of the highest taxing nations in the world. They taxed us 100 per cent," Trump said reiterating his often-heard remarks on the Indian tariff structure. "They charge us 100 per cent tariffs on goods. So they send a motorcycle--and they make a lot of them--Indian cycles. They send them to our country, we charge them nothing. We send a Harley Davidson to India and they charge us 100 per cent. Not fair, okay. Not reciprocal. It's not fair," Trump said. During his address to the National Republican Congressional Committee Annual Spring Dinner, Trump explained how his trade policies are successfully addressing the balance of trade issue with other countries. Trade talks with China are going on very well, he said. The world's two largest economies are locked in a trade war since Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items from China in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. Trump imposed tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on USD 250 billion of Chinese goods. In response, China, the world's second largest economy after the US, imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on USD 110 billion of American goods. Top trade officials from America and China are holding talks to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal. "I think we're doing very well. They need the deal more than we do. They need the deal. And they get hurt badly with they're paying 25 per cent on USD 50 billion worth of technology stuff and they were going to pay 25 per cent on another USD 200 billion," he said. Trump said his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers. "We are standing up to China's chronic trading abuses and theft of intellectual properties and so many other things that they've done to us," he said. "I don't know how you people allowed this to happen for so many years. You've been here longer than me. But they really have, they've taken advantage of our country. And you know what? I respect them for it. I say it. We should have been doing that to them, he said.

India one of the world's 'highest-taxing nations': US President Donald Trump

As Donald Trump cuts off aid to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala and as Pope Francis, during a visit to Morocco states that physical barriers won’t solve the migration issue, it is perhaps time to probe into the nature of migration, especially into the West, its causes and tease out a potential solution to it.&nbsp;

The reasons behind migration are multiple. The salient of these are economic, political and security ones. Often times, those who migrate seek a better life for themselves and their families. Some flee their respective domiciles or countries of origin to escape persecution, harassment and, at times, there are security reasons for the phenomenon.

The general trend and direction of migration has been toward the West. While economists &nbsp;and their analyses thereof have suggested that, on balance, migration benefits host societies, there has been a reaction in the societies of the West against it. The reasons are, in the main cultural and, to some extent, social. Till the advent of the wave of globalisation that roughly began in the fourth quarter of the 20th century, Western societies were, by and large, homogenous.

Yes, there were waves of migration in the Western world but these were usually intra-western. But, as globalisation gained impetus and momentum, with the concomitant impact on the nation-state, wherein borders became somewhat porous, migration into the West gathered steam. The somewhat homogenous character of Western societies frazzled and the idea and practice of multiculturalism came into being.

This development was complemented by a structural economic shift within the West that, among other things, upended various paradigms, causing a massive churn in labor markets and even capital. One egregious effect was the migration of manufacturing jobs to low wage labor countries like China. In the absence of robust welfare mechanisms say, in a country like the United States, the hollowing out of manufacturing, causes deep angst and issues there. In Europe, because there was a robust welfare state in operation, it was welfare dependency of migrants, among other things, that led to a jaundiced view of migration.

The increase in the quantum of migration also caused a degree of cultural angst in Western societies. The dominant superstructure of these societies felt threatened by the “onslaught” of immigrants who they felt were “ different”. The attendant anxiety begat what is called “ identity politics” and presaged populism in the West. &nbsp;This, in turn, led to the “Othering” of migrants and its corollaries, like Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to build a wall that would keep migrants and refugees away, tightening of borders and immigration policies and the rise of far-right political parties.

 
All said and done though, these stringent measures are neither in the nature of a palliative nor would these deter migration, a phenomenon that is as hoary as history itself. Migrants in and within the West are there to stay and migrant flows, which might gyrate to an ebb and flow will never cease. &nbsp;What then is the solution to the issue?

While there can be no definitive answers to the “ problem” posed by migration, some tentative ones can be posited. Consider the economic aspect first. By and large, most people would like to remain rooted to their locales and places of origin, but economic conditions, sometimes, compel them to move. If, however, these conditions, are significantly and substantially improved and ameliorated, then an incentive to remain “rooted” would be generated. Perhaps the only way that economic growth and development thereof can be generated is through freer trade and its various mechanisms. While it is no panacea to migration but a significant pull to remain and not migrate can ensue.

But, there remains the factor of insecurity and political volatility in places blighted by these which propel migration. To obviate this, global governance institutions like the United Nations and countries of import like the United States need to stay engaged and develop robust conflict resolution paradigms to deal with and resolve conflicts. These policy measures need to be complementary.

Last but not least, the onus also lies on the host societies of the West to actually take a more sanguine view of migrants and migration. People are people: they are the same everywhere. It is cultural configurations that make them “different” and there is nothing organic about identity. Migration, in this sense, causes psychic and other changes in people which makes them, over time, acceptable of the mores and values of host societies.&nbsp;

This is not to suggest that migrants must become clones (or mimic men, in V S Naipaul’s formulation) &nbsp;of the members of their host societies but is a reference to a synthesis of their “original” cultures and identities and that of their host societies. The synthesis in contention would create the much-required template and platform for dialogue between migrants and host societies. It is this dialogue along with allied policy grids that can undercut the “Othering” of migrants, and identity politics thereby leading to societies that are at peace within and without.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As Donald Trump cuts off aid to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala and as Pope Francis, during a visit to Morocco states that physical barriers won’t solve the migration issue, it is perhaps time to probe into the nature of migration, especially into the West, its causes and tease out a potential solution to it.

As Donald Trump cuts off aid to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala and as Pope Francis, during a visit to Morocco states that physical barriers won’t solve the migration issue, it is perhaps time to probe into the nature of migration, especially into the West, its causes and tease out a potential solution to it. The reasons behind migration are multiple. The salient of these are economic, political and security ones. Often times, those who migrate seek a better life for themselves and their families. Some flee their respective domiciles or countries of origin to escape persecution, harassment and, at times, there are security reasons for the phenomenon. The general trend and direction of migration has been toward the West. While economists and their analyses thereof have suggested that, on balance, migration benefits host societies, there has been a reaction in the societies of the West against it. The reasons are, in the main cultural and, to some extent, social. Till the advent of the wave of globalisation that roughly began in the fourth quarter of the 20th century, Western societies were, by and large, homogenous. Yes, there were waves of migration in the Western world but these were usually intra-western. But, as globalisation gained impetus and momentum, with the concomitant impact on the nation-state, wherein borders became somewhat porous, migration into the West gathered steam. The somewhat homogenous character of Western societies frazzled and the idea and practice of multiculturalism came into being. This development was complemented by a structural economic shift within the West that, among other things, upended various paradigms, causing a massive churn in labor markets and even capital. One egregious effect was the migration of manufacturing jobs to low wage labor countries like China. In the absence of robust welfare mechanisms say, in a country like the United States, the hollowing out of manufacturing, causes deep angst and issues there. In Europe, because there was a robust welfare state in operation, it was welfare dependency of migrants, among other things, that led to a jaundiced view of migration. The increase in the quantum of migration also caused a degree of cultural angst in Western societies. The dominant superstructure of these societies felt threatened by the “onslaught” of immigrants who they felt were “ different”. The attendant anxiety begat what is called “ identity politics” and presaged populism in the West. This, in turn, led to the “Othering” of migrants and its corollaries, like Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to build a wall that would keep migrants and refugees away, tightening of borders and immigration policies and the rise of far-right political parties. All said and done though, these stringent measures are neither in the nature of a palliative nor would these deter migration, a phenomenon that is as hoary as history itself. Migrants in and within the West are there to stay and migrant flows, which might gyrate to an ebb and flow will never cease. What then is the solution to the issue? While there can be no definitive answers to the “ problem” posed by migration, some tentative ones can be posited. Consider the economic aspect first. By and large, most people would like to remain rooted to their locales and places of origin, but economic conditions, sometimes, compel them to move. If, however, these conditions, are significantly and substantially improved and ameliorated, then an incentive to remain “rooted” would be generated. Perhaps the only way that economic growth and development thereof can be generated is through freer trade and its various mechanisms. While it is no panacea to migration but a significant pull to remain and not migrate can ensue. But, there remains the factor of insecurity and political volatility in places blighted by these which propel migration. To obviate this, global governance institutions like the United Nations and countries of import like the United States need to stay engaged and develop robust conflict resolution paradigms to deal with and resolve conflicts. These policy measures need to be complementary. Last but not least, the onus also lies on the host societies of the West to actually take a more sanguine view of migrants and migration. People are people: they are the same everywhere. It is cultural configurations that make them “different” and there is nothing organic about identity. Migration, in this sense, causes psychic and other changes in people which makes them, over time, acceptable of the mores and values of host societies. This is not to suggest that migrants must become clones (or mimic men, in V S Naipaul’s formulation) of the members of their host societies but is a reference to a synthesis of their “original” cultures and identities and that of their host societies. The synthesis in contention would create the much-required template and platform for dialogue between migrants and host societies. It is this dialogue along with allied policy grids that can undercut the “Othering” of migrants, and identity politics thereby leading to societies that are at peace within and without. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Integrated policies and dialogue needed to tackle migration crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-100-ready-to-shut-down-mexico-border-207612">US President Donald Trump</a> took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women.

In a speech to a fundraising dinner for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump twice alluded to the allegations from two women that are hanging over Biden as he weighs whether to enter the contest to become the Democratic candidate in November 2020 presidential elections.

A former Nevada state legislator last week accused Biden of kissing her on the back of the head at a 2014 event, and a Connecticut woman said Biden rubbed noses with her at a 2009 event. Biden has said he did not believe he ever acted inappropriately, and his defenders have said he is known for hugging and being physically affectionate.

In wide-ranging remarks that meandered for more than 80 minutes but often circled back to the 2020 race, Biden was the only potential rival Trump mentioned by name - a sign that he would view Biden as a strong challenger, was he to enter and win the Democratic race.

Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama and had a long career in the Senate before that. He had been expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary race this month and has led the large field of Democratic hopefuls in opinion polls.

Trump told the dinner, which raised $23 million for Republicans running for the House of Representatives, a story about wanting to kiss a general he met in Iraq who had promised an expedient end to a campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria.

"I said, 'General: come here and give me a kiss.' I felt like Joe Biden," Trump said, drawing laughter and applause.

Earlier, he told the crowd - which was dotted with members of the House - that they would be "going into the war with some socialists" in the next election.

"It looks like the only non-, sort of, heavy socialist is being taken care of pretty well by the socialists," Trump said.

One of Biden's accusers has been a supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has already entered the Democratic primary race, and whose views are to the left of Biden.

"I was going to call him - I don't know him well - I was going to say, 'Welcome to the world, Joe. You have a good time, Joe? You have a good time?" Trump said.

Trump struggled during his 2016 run for office with multiple accusations of unwanted sexual contact from women, particularly after videotaped remarks emerged of Trump bragging about groping women.

Biden, while campaigning for Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, had said he would like to take Trump "behind the gym" to beat him up for the comments.

US President Donald Trump took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women.

US President Donald Trump took a shot on Tuesday at former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible Democratic rival in the 2020 race for the White House, mocking him over allegations of unwanted physical contact with women. In a speech to a fundraising dinner for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Trump twice alluded to the allegations from two women that are hanging over Biden as he weighs whether to enter the contest to become the Democratic candidate in November 2020 presidential elections. A former Nevada state legislator last week accused Biden of kissing her on the back of the head at a 2014 event, and a Connecticut woman said Biden rubbed noses with her at a 2009 event. Biden has said he did not believe he ever acted inappropriately, and his defenders have said he is known for hugging and being physically affectionate. In wide-ranging remarks that meandered for more than 80 minutes but often circled back to the 2020 race, Biden was the only potential rival Trump mentioned by name - a sign that he would view Biden as a strong challenger, was he to enter and win the Democratic race. Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama and had a long career in the Senate before that. He had been expected to announce his bid for the Democratic primary race this month and has led the large field of Democratic hopefuls in opinion polls. Trump told the dinner, which raised $23 million for Republicans running for the House of Representatives, a story about wanting to kiss a general he met in Iraq who had promised an expedient end to a campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria. "I said, 'General: come here and give me a kiss.' I felt like Joe Biden," Trump said, drawing laughter and applause. Earlier, he told the crowd - which was dotted with members of the House - that they would be "going into the war with some socialists" in the next election. "It looks like the only non-, sort of, heavy socialist is being taken care of pretty well by the socialists," Trump said. One of Biden's accusers has been a supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has already entered the Democratic primary race, and whose views are to the left of Biden. "I was going to call him - I don't know him well - I was going to say, 'Welcome to the world, Joe. You have a good time, Joe? You have a good time?" Trump said. Trump struggled during his 2016 run for office with multiple accusations of unwanted sexual contact from women, particularly after videotaped remarks emerged of Trump bragging about groping women. Biden, while campaigning for Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, had said he would like to take Trump "behind the gym" to beat him up for the comments.

Trump takes shot at former vice president Joe Biden over kiss complaint

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-vote-on-healthcare-can-wait-until-after-2020-election-207350">President Donald Trump</a> said Tuesday he is "100 per cent" prepared to close down the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-closure-of-us-mexico-border-next-week-to-stem-asylum-surge-206626">US-Mexico border</a>, warning Congress and Central American governments to take action to stem the flow of migrants into the country.

Delays were already rising at several key border crossings as Trump ratcheted up pressure on Democrats in Congress to toughen US laws against illegal immigrants, threatening to hurt the US economy in the name of border security.

"It is a national emergency on the border," Trump said.

If Mexico does not stop migrants from transiting across its territory, and if Congress does not act, he said, "the border's going to be closed, 100 per cent."

"Sure it's going to have a negative impact on the economy," he said. "Security is more important to me than trade."

Trump said Democrats were blocking reforms for political reasons but could fix the problem "in 45 minutes."

He was not specific, but Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has asked Congress to give border officials the power to forcibly repatriate Central American illegal immigrants, including children who arrived alone, back to their countries.

The threat to close the border, which handled some $612 billion worth of trade in 2018, sent shivers through the economy, and drew warnings from allies of the president.

"Closing down the border would have potentially catastrophic economic impact on our country, and I would hope we would not be doing that sort of thing," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

His call was backed by the Chamber of Commerce, which said in a statement that while it backed immigration reform, closing the border "would inflict severe economic harm on American families, workers, farmers and manufacturers across the United States."

100,000 migrants a month&nbsp;

Homeland Security officials said they were preparing for the possibility of a shutdown of at least some border entry points as they divert staff to deal with the flood of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, expected to hit nearly 100,000 a month.

Nielsen cut short an official trip to Europe to return for meetings early Tuesday on the border crisis, and on Monday Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he would be meeting Nielsen and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the crisis.

Officials said facilities for handling the migrants -- who for the moment cannot be sent back after they cross the border and request asylum -- are overtaxed and understaffed, creating hazardous conditions.

"We are in a full-blown emergency. The bottom line is all options are on the table right now," a senior Homeland Security official, who declined to be named, told journalists Tuesday.

"The volume of vulnerable populations that are arriving is unsustainable... The humanitarian situation cannot be ignored and the security situation cannot be ignored."

Trump said Mexican officials had reacted to his threat to close the border last week by clamping down on the caravans of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in the three Central American countries.

Mexico "made a big step over the past two days," he said, adding that they would have to continue if they don't want the border closed.

He also defended his decision to cut off "hundreds of millions of dollars" in US aid to the three countries, accusing them of arranging the caravans of migrants.

The three "don't do anything for us," he said.&nbsp;

Long lines at border ports

On Monday, Nielsen ordered an "emergency surge" of personnel to deal with the situation, including moving 750 staff to areas of the border where the migrants arrive.

Many were being diverted from official ports, leading to slowdowns in processing arriving visitors and commercial vehicles.

Delays for incoming traffic were three hours at Brownsville, Texas, for the second straight day, and more than two hours in other areas.

On the Mexican side, Andres Morales Arreola, head of operations for border crossings in Chihuahua state, said the border between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso had "collapsed" because so many US border officials have been reassigned to deal with the migrant influx.

Long lines have formed at the border since Thursday, with wait times of up to eight hours for those trying to cross.

Ciudad Juarez Mayor Armando Cabada Alvidrez called on the city's bustling manufacturing sector to temporarily cut back shipments to the US in order to reduce the backup.

However, White House chief economist Larry Kudlow said they were working to minimise the economic impact from a closure of the border -- including keeping truck lanes open.

"The question is, can we deal with that and not have any economic damage?" he told CNBC television.

"I think the answer is we can and people are looking at different options, particularly if you can keep those freight lanes, those truck lanes open."

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is "100 per cent" prepared to close down the US-Mexico border, warning Congress and Central American governments to take action to stem the flow of migrants into the country.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is "100 per cent" prepared to close down the US-Mexico border, warning Congress and Central American governments to take action to stem the flow of migrants into the country. Delays were already rising at several key border crossings as Trump ratcheted up pressure on Democrats in Congress to toughen US laws against illegal immigrants, threatening to hurt the US economy in the name of border security. "It is a national emergency on the border," Trump said. If Mexico does not stop migrants from transiting across its territory, and if Congress does not act, he said, "the border's going to be closed, 100 per cent." "Sure it's going to have a negative impact on the economy," he said. "Security is more important to me than trade." Trump said Democrats were blocking reforms for political reasons but could fix the problem "in 45 minutes." He was not specific, but Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has asked Congress to give border officials the power to forcibly repatriate Central American illegal immigrants, including children who arrived alone, back to their countries. The threat to close the border, which handled some $612 billion worth of trade in 2018, sent shivers through the economy, and drew warnings from allies of the president. "Closing down the border would have potentially catastrophic economic impact on our country, and I would hope we would not be doing that sort of thing," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. His call was backed by the Chamber of Commerce, which said in a statement that while it backed immigration reform, closing the border "would inflict severe economic harm on American families, workers, farmers and manufacturers across the United States." 100,000 migrants a month Homeland Security officials said they were preparing for the possibility of a shutdown of at least some border entry points as they divert staff to deal with the flood of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, expected to hit nearly 100,000 a month. Nielsen cut short an official trip to Europe to return for meetings early Tuesday on the border crisis, and on Monday Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he would be meeting Nielsen and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the crisis. Officials said facilities for handling the migrants -- who for the moment cannot be sent back after they cross the border and request asylum -- are overtaxed and understaffed, creating hazardous conditions. "We are in a full-blown emergency. The bottom line is all options are on the table right now," a senior Homeland Security official, who declined to be named, told journalists Tuesday. "The volume of vulnerable populations that are arriving is unsustainable... The humanitarian situation cannot be ignored and the security situation cannot be ignored." Trump said Mexican officials had reacted to his threat to close the border last week by clamping down on the caravans of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in the three Central American countries. Mexico "made a big step over the past two days," he said, adding that they would have to continue if they don't want the border closed. He also defended his decision to cut off "hundreds of millions of dollars" in US aid to the three countries, accusing them of arranging the caravans of migrants. The three "don't do anything for us," he said. Long lines at border ports On Monday, Nielsen ordered an "emergency surge" of personnel to deal with the situation, including moving 750 staff to areas of the border where the migrants arrive. Many were being diverted from official ports, leading to slowdowns in processing arriving visitors and commercial vehicles. Delays for incoming traffic were three hours at Brownsville, Texas, for the second straight day, and more than two hours in other areas. On the Mexican side, Andres Morales Arreola, head of operations for border crossings in Chihuahua state, said the border between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso had "collapsed" because so many US border officials have been reassigned to deal with the migrant influx. Long lines have formed at the border since Thursday, with wait times of up to eight hours for those trying to cross. Ciudad Juarez Mayor Armando Cabada Alvidrez called on the city's bustling manufacturing sector to temporarily cut back shipments to the US in order to reduce the backup. However, White House chief economist Larry Kudlow said they were working to minimise the economic impact from a closure of the border -- including keeping truck lanes open. "The question is, can we deal with that and not have any economic damage?" he told CNBC television. "I think the answer is we can and people are looking at different options, particularly if you can keep those freight lanes, those truck lanes open."

Trump says '100%' ready to shut down Mexico border

The White House on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cuts-aid-for-some-central-american-countries-over-migrants-206859">decision to cut off aid to three small Central American countries</a>, insisting they weren't doing enough to stop the flow of migrants to the United States.

Trump announced the aid cut-off to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala last week and threatened once again to close the US border with Mexico in response to the migrant surge.

"If we're going to give these countries hundreds of millions of dollars, we would like them to do more," White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said on CNN's "State of the Union."

The aid has gone to fund programs to combat gangs and foster development in the three countries, with the aim of addressing the root causes of the mass migration.

"If it's working so well, why are the people still coming? &nbsp;Why are these historic numbers -- again, 100,000 people will cross the border this month alone," Mulvaney said.

"It's not working well enough to help us solve our border crisis. &nbsp;And that's what the president's focused on," he said.

Critics warned, however, that US funding cuts are likely to worsen conditions, possibly adding to the migrant flow. And they said Trump's threat to close the border with Mexico if carried out, would hurt the US economy.

Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, dismissed the threat to close the border as "a totally unrealistic boast" by Trump.

"We need to focus on what's happening in Central America where three countries are disassembling before our eyes and people are desperately coming to the United States. The president cutting off aid to these countries will not solve this problem," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," insisted Trump's threat to close the border "certainly isn't a bluff."

On Saturday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that, at the president's direction, the State Department was ending its foreign assistance programs for the three Central American countries for 2017 and 2018.

The State Department did not say how much unspent money was involved in the step, which could be largely symbolic.

In comments to reporters Friday, Trump suggested as much as $500 million is at stake.

"We were giving them $500 million. We were paying them tremendous amounts of money, and we're not paying them anymore because they haven't done a thing."

In response to the aid cuts, Honduras proposed Sunday that it, Guatemala and El Salvador consider undertaking joint initiatives "to ensure the sovereignty and dignity of each nation" in light of "the contradictory policies of the United States."

The White House on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's decision to cut off aid to three small Central American countries, insisting they weren't doing enough to stop the flow of migrants to the United States.

The White House on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's decision to cut off aid to three small Central American countries, insisting they weren't doing enough to stop the flow of migrants to the United States. Trump announced the aid cut-off to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala last week and threatened once again to close the US border with Mexico in response to the migrant surge. "If we're going to give these countries hundreds of millions of dollars, we would like them to do more," White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said on CNN's "State of the Union." The aid has gone to fund programs to combat gangs and foster development in the three countries, with the aim of addressing the root causes of the mass migration. "If it's working so well, why are the people still coming? Why are these historic numbers -- again, 100,000 people will cross the border this month alone," Mulvaney said. "It's not working well enough to help us solve our border crisis. And that's what the president's focused on," he said. Critics warned, however, that US funding cuts are likely to worsen conditions, possibly adding to the migrant flow. And they said Trump's threat to close the border with Mexico if carried out, would hurt the US economy. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, dismissed the threat to close the border as "a totally unrealistic boast" by Trump. "We need to focus on what's happening in Central America where three countries are disassembling before our eyes and people are desperately coming to the United States. The president cutting off aid to these countries will not solve this problem," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press." White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway, speaking on "Fox News Sunday," insisted Trump's threat to close the border "certainly isn't a bluff." On Saturday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that, at the president's direction, the State Department was ending its foreign assistance programs for the three Central American countries for 2017 and 2018. The State Department did not say how much unspent money was involved in the step, which could be largely symbolic. In comments to reporters Friday, Trump suggested as much as $500 million is at stake. "We were giving them $500 million. We were paying them tremendous amounts of money, and we're not paying them anymore because they haven't done a thing." In response to the aid cuts, Honduras proposed Sunday that it, Guatemala and El Salvador consider undertaking joint initiatives "to ensure the sovereignty and dignity of each nation" in light of "the contradictory policies of the United States."

White House defends aid cuts to Central America

China announced Monday it will launch a crackdown on all fentanyl-like substances from May 1 following US pleas for Beijing to control a drug fuelling a deadly opioid crisis.

China is suspected of being the main source of a powerful painkiller 50 times stronger than heroin that has caused record overdose deaths in the United States.

The issue has figured in trade talks between the United States and China, with Beijing promising to list any type of fentanyl when presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a tariff truce in December.

"The US is concerned about all variants (of fentanyl), and it has all been resolved," Liu Yuejin, deputy director of the National Narcotics Control Commission, said at a press conference.

Designating all fentanyl analogues as controlled substances from May 1 aims to prevent smugglers from skirting the law by changing formulas to make drugs similar to the painkiller.

Liu outlined further work China would undertake, including inspections of key bio-medical and chemical industrial parks, cleaning up drug-related information online and cutting off criminals' online communication channels.

Chinese authorities will also urge courier companies to implement real-name registration for parcels, stepping up customs checks for high-risk international packages and enhancing enforcement co-operation. Sellers often ship fentanyl via express package services.

These are big steps which would have a significant impact, said Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

China produces 85 per cent of the world's synthetic opioids, he said.

"Without China's co-operation the United States would not be able to put a dent in the current opioid epidemic that has taken so many lives," Vigil told AFP.&nbsp;

American officials attending the press conference declined to comment.

Wang Hesheng, deputy director of China's National Health Commission, indicated some analogues of fentanyl with legitimate medicinal, industrial and scientific purposes would not be included in the listing.

'Horror drug'

In December, Trump said the move against the "horror drug" could be a "game changer" because China has the death penalty for major narcotics offences.

The action comes as China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, prepares to return to Washington this week for more talks following discussions in Beijing last week.

"The Chinese government will step up co-operation with other countries including the US to join hands to tackle the global challenge fentanyl presents," Liu Yuejin said.

Still Liu repeated China's denial of responsibility for the US's deadly opioid crisis, saying US allegations of large scale trafficking from China "lack evidence and are contrary to the facts".

Admitting the existence of some cases of Chinese and American criminals working together, Liu said the "amount was extremely limited," and China "cannot possibly be the major source to the US".

Instead, Liu blamed American's abuse of prescription opioids, pharmaceutical industry influence, US pharmacies and doctors "excessive prescription", lax enforcement and American culture conflating drugs with "freedom, individuality and liberation".

"If the US really wants to resolve the fentanyl substance problem, they have more work to do domestically," he said.

'Extremely important' step

Vigil agreed that "corporate greed in the pharmaceutical industry" and overprescription of opioids had driven a lot of the epidemic in the US. &nbsp;

"If China stems the movement of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids to the United States it would have a huge impact, but it would not stop the epidemic," he said, adding American politicians need to take action.

The US Justice Department has indicted several Chinese individuals on allegations of manufacturing and distributing illegal drugs.&nbsp;

Asked about the cases, Liu said China was working with US law enforcement but had not found evidence that the individuals had broken Chinese law.

Diplomats invited to attend the briefing said Beijing's action marked an important step for combatting the drug trade.

"What China did today was extremely important," said Stefan Thorsell, a police and customs liaison officer for the Swedish embassy in Beijing.

"Even though Sweden is a small country we have problems, not as big as the United States, but we have problems with fentanyl as well," he said.

China announced Monday it will launch a crackdown on all fentanyl-like substances from May 1 following US pleas for Beijing to control a drug fuelling a deadly opioid crisis.

China announced Monday it will launch a crackdown on all fentanyl-like substances from May 1 following US pleas for Beijing to control a drug fuelling a deadly opioid crisis. China is suspected of being the main source of a powerful painkiller 50 times stronger than heroin that has caused record overdose deaths in the United States. The issue has figured in trade talks between the United States and China, with Beijing promising to list any type of fentanyl when presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a tariff truce in December. "The US is concerned about all variants (of fentanyl), and it has all been resolved," Liu Yuejin, deputy director of the National Narcotics Control Commission, said at a press conference. Designating all fentanyl analogues as controlled substances from May 1 aims to prevent smugglers from skirting the law by changing formulas to make drugs similar to the painkiller. Liu outlined further work China would undertake, including inspections of key bio-medical and chemical industrial parks, cleaning up drug-related information online and cutting off criminals' online communication channels. Chinese authorities will also urge courier companies to implement real-name registration for parcels, stepping up customs checks for high-risk international packages and enhancing enforcement co-operation. Sellers often ship fentanyl via express package services. These are big steps which would have a significant impact, said Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration. China produces 85 per cent of the world's synthetic opioids, he said. "Without China's co-operation the United States would not be able to put a dent in the current opioid epidemic that has taken so many lives," Vigil told AFP. American officials attending the press conference declined to comment. Wang Hesheng, deputy director of China's National Health Commission, indicated some analogues of fentanyl with legitimate medicinal, industrial and scientific purposes would not be included in the listing. 'Horror drug' In December, Trump said the move against the "horror drug" could be a "game changer" because China has the death penalty for major narcotics offences. The action comes as China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, prepares to return to Washington this week for more talks following discussions in Beijing last week. "The Chinese government will step up co-operation with other countries including the US to join hands to tackle the global challenge fentanyl presents," Liu Yuejin said. Still Liu repeated China's denial of responsibility for the US's deadly opioid crisis, saying US allegations of large scale trafficking from China "lack evidence and are contrary to the facts". Admitting the existence of some cases of Chinese and American criminals working together, Liu said the "amount was extremely limited," and China "cannot possibly be the major source to the US". Instead, Liu blamed American's abuse of prescription opioids, pharmaceutical industry influence, US pharmacies and doctors "excessive prescription", lax enforcement and American culture conflating drugs with "freedom, individuality and liberation". "If the US really wants to resolve the fentanyl substance problem, they have more work to do domestically," he said. 'Extremely important' step Vigil agreed that "corporate greed in the pharmaceutical industry" and overprescription of opioids had driven a lot of the epidemic in the US. "If China stems the movement of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids to the United States it would have a huge impact, but it would not stop the epidemic," he said, adding American politicians need to take action. The US Justice Department has indicted several Chinese individuals on allegations of manufacturing and distributing illegal drugs. Asked about the cases, Liu said China was working with US law enforcement but had not found evidence that the individuals had broken Chinese law. Diplomats invited to attend the briefing said Beijing's action marked an important step for combatting the drug trade. "What China did today was extremely important," said Stefan Thorsell, a police and customs liaison officer for the Swedish embassy in Beijing. "Even though Sweden is a small country we have problems, not as big as the United States, but we have problems with fentanyl as well," he said.

China lists fentanyl as controlled substance in US gesture

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-air-strike-never-thought-about-my-political-future-says-pm-modi-206991">Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">Major Leetul Gogoi's </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">court martial</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> complete, he may face </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">reduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> of seniority: Officials</a>

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-14-lakh-suspicious-transactions-generated-after-demonetisation-says-fiu-report-206964">Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit</a>

The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found.

The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18.

This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wound-of-migration-cannot-be-solved-by-physical-barriers-pope-francis-206960">'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis</a>

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-open-kidambi-srikanth-loses-to-viktor-axelsen-in-finals-206968">India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen</a>

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title.

After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. &nbsp;

Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

 
&nbsp;

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces.

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event. Major Leetul Gogoi's court martial complete, he may face reduction of seniority: Officials Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said. Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found. The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18. This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago. 'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title. After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-on-trip-to-panama-says-fear-of-migrants-makes-people-crazy-192375">a wound that cries out to heaven</a>" and could never be healed by physical barriers.

Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name.

In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has promised to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States.

"The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony.

"We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said.

Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups.

Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants were forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval.

From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing up in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman.

In the afternoon, the pope spoke again of migration during a visit to a Church-run shelter. He called migration "a great and deep wound that continues to afflict our world at the beginning of this 21st century. A wound that cries out to heaven."

He said migrants and refugees had rights and dignity "independent of their legal status" and that host communities should reject "all forms of discrimination and xenophobia".

Francis and the king visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam.

Morocco, which is almost entirely Muslim, has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam.

Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name.

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. Francis, starting a two-day visit to Morocco, also backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI's efforts to spread a form of Islam that promotes inter-religious dialogue and rejects violence in God's name. In recent months, migration has again risen to the fore of national political debates in a number of North African and European countries and the United States. US President Donald Trump has promised to fulfil his campaign pledge to build a wall along the border with Mexico and on Friday threatened to close the border next week if Mexico did not stop immigrants reaching the United States. "The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers, fomenting fear of others or denying assistance to those who legitimately aspire to a better life for themselves and their families," Francis said at the welcoming ceremony. "We know too that the consolidation of true peace comes through the pursuit of social justice, which is indispensable for correcting the economic imbalances and political unrest that have always had a major role in generating conflicts and threatening the whole of humanity," he said. Morocco has become a key departure point for African migrants trying to reach Europe after crackdowns that closed or limited routes elsewhere. Italy's anti-immigrant interior minister has closed ports to rescue ships run by charity groups. Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a key part of his preaching, said he was concerned about their "frequently grim fate" and receiving countries must acknowledge that migrants were forced to leave their homes because of poverty and political upheaval. From the airport to the city centre, Francis, 82, was driven in a white popemobile on a drizzly day as the 55-year-old king rode beside him standing up in a separate vehicle, a vintage black 1969 open-top Mercedes 600 Pullman. In the afternoon, the pope spoke again of migration during a visit to a Church-run shelter. He called migration "a great and deep wound that continues to afflict our world at the beginning of this 21st century. A wound that cries out to heaven." He said migrants and refugees had rights and dignity "independent of their legal status" and that host communities should reject "all forms of discrimination and xenophobia". Francis and the king visited an institute the monarch founded to train imams and male and female preachers of Islam. Morocco, which is almost entirely Muslim, has promoted itself as an oasis of religious tolerance in a region torn by militancy. It has offered training to Muslim preachers from Africa and Europe on what it describes as moderate Islam. Francis, making the first papal visit to Morocco in 34 years, praised the monarch for providing "sound training to combat all forms of extremism, which so often lead to violence and terrorism, and which, in any event, constitute an offence against religion and against God himself".

'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2.

A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products.

India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme.

Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops.

The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues.

Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials.

India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors.

On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products.

As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.&nbsp;

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year.

The government has again extended its deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, till May 2. A notification of the finance ministry said that implementation of increased customs duty on specified imports originating in the US has been postponed from April 1, 2019 to May 2, this year. The government has extended this deadline over half a dozen times since June 2018, when it decided to impose these duties in retaliation to a move by the US to impose high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products. India is pushing the dates as both sides are negotiating a trade package to boost bilateral commerce. But earlier this month, the US decided to withdraw export incentives being provided by them to Indian exporters for certain goods under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme. Extension of these benefits was part of the negotiations between India and the US among other issues. These incentives are expected to be withdrawn from May 2. Domestic exporters are jittery over US' decision to withdraw these incentives as they export goods worth $5.6 billion under GSP programme. About 1,900 items including from chemicals and engineering sectors avail these sops. The government is considering to send a delegation to the US earlier next month to hold discussions on ways to resolve all trade-related issues. Both sides were holding two-track discussions to increase trade in the short and medium term and identify long-term trade potentials. India is pressing for exemption from the high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their GSP programme, greater market access for its products from agriculture, automobile, automobile components and engineering sectors. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access through cut in import duties for its agriculture goods, dairy products, medical devices, IT and communication items. India has stated that it would be difficult for them to cut duties on IT products. As part of the imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut has been hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent currently, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and Masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India again extends deadline to impose high import duties on 29 US products till May 2

Gravitas: World calls out China on mass detention of uighur muslims

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asat-test-russia-welcomes-new-delhis-efforts-to-prevent-arms-race-in-outer-space-206424">India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test</a> by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile.

"No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI.

Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test".

This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test.

"I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report.

"This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged.

"Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed.

McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test.

The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation.

"It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said.

"Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said.

Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming.

"First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing.

"First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development.

The Pentagon has strongly denied the reports that the US spied on India's anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test by sending a reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to monitor the development. It, however, said the United States was aware of India's first test-fire of an anti-satellite missile. "No US assets were spying on India. In fact, the US continues to expand its enduring partnership with India, resulting in enhanced interoperability and stronger economic ties," US Defense Department spokesperson Lt Col David W Eastburn told PTI. Aircraft Spots, which monitors military air movements, had said that a US Air Force's reconnaissance aircraft from its base in Diego Garcia went "for a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India's anti-satellite missile test". This was interpreted by many that the US spied on Indian ASAT test. "I don't think that it implies coordination between India and the US," astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the prestigious Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics told PTI on the Aircraft Spots report. "This implies that the US intelligence community were aware of the test in advance because to some extent they're spying on India," he alleged. "Everybody spies on their friends as well as their enemies. That's the way the world works these days. It would be surprising if the US were not detecting or observing the launch site and aware of activities preparing for the test. So one assumes that they knew it was coming," he claimed. McDowell, who is a staff member at the Chandra X-ray Center and author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail-distributed newsletter documenting satellite launches, said he has not looked into the issue of the aircraft, but it is certainly not surprising that the US would fly a sensor aircraft to try and observe the test. The Pentagon, however, strongly denied the spying allegation. "It's a relationship so strong that no topic is off limits," Eastburn said. "Both nations enjoy shared principles regarding our respect of sovereignty, free and fair trade, adherence to international norms, and peaceful resolution of disputes," he said. Air Force Space Command Commander Lt Gen David D Thompson told lawmakers Thursday that the US was aware that India's ASAT test was coming. "First of all, we knew it was coming because of flight bans that India had announced and information they published previously. The launch occurred at 1.39 AM EST," he told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces during a Congressional hearing. "First of all, it was detected, characterised and reported by Air Force Missile Warning systems and Airmen at Buckley AFB. Immediately after the test (it struck the target vehicle), the Joint Space Ops Center and USAF 18 Space control Squadron began collecting information about the breakup of the vehicle," Thompson said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

US didn't spy on India's ASAT test: Pentagon

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country.

"I would say that we have had contacts with Indian companies and with the government of India and that we have found there to be a very considerable amount of cooperation, which we are very happy to see," US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters at a news conference.

The Trump administration has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as oil-rich country's interim leader against President Nicolas Maduro.

As part of its effort to squeeze the Maduro regime, the US had asked countries, including India, across the world to stop importing oil from Venezuela or face American sanctions.

Several Indian companies have stopped importing oil from the country.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has appreciated Indian cooperation in this regard.&nbsp;

Early this month, the Venezuelan Oil Ministry had said that it has suspended the export of oil to India.

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country.

There has been a considerable amount of cooperation from India on the US efforts to restrict the export of Venezuelan oil, a top American diplomat said Friday as the Trump administration tightened its noose over the authoritarian regime of the Latin American country. "I would say that we have had contacts with Indian companies and with the government of India and that we have found there to be a very considerable amount of cooperation, which we are very happy to see," US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told reporters at a news conference. The Trump administration has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as oil-rich country's interim leader against President Nicolas Maduro. As part of its effort to squeeze the Maduro regime, the US had asked countries, including India, across the world to stop importing oil from Venezuela or face American sanctions. Several Indian companies have stopped importing oil from the country. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has appreciated Indian cooperation in this regard. Early this month, the Venezuelan Oil Ministry had said that it has suspended the export of oil to India.

Considerable amount of cooperation from India on US efforts to restrict Venezuela oil export: US

The US attorney general said Friday that he will release a redacted version by mid-April of the report on the two-year Russia election meddling probe, which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency.

Attorney General Bill Barr, in a letter to the chairmen of the House and Senate judiciary committees, said he was currently redacting sensitive material from the eagerly awaited report, which Trump has hailed as completely clearing him of allegations of collusion with Russia and obstruction of justice.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who headed the probe, was assisting with the task, he said.

"Our progress is such that I anticipate that we will be in a position to release the report by mid-April, if not sooner," Barr said.

The attorney general said the report was nearly 400 pages long excluding tables and appendices and "sets forth the Special Counsel's findings, his analysis and the reasons for his conclusions."

Barr, who released the "principal conclusions" of the report last week, has been under heavy pressure from Democrats to release the full report.

"I share your desire to ensure that Congress and the public have the opportunity to read the Special Counsel's report," the attorney general told the Senate and House judiciary committee, chairmen.

"Everyone will soon be able to read it on their own," Barr said. "I do not believe it would be in the public's interest for me to attempt to summarize the full report or to release it in a serial or piecemeal fashion."

Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat who heads the House Judiciary Committee, responded to Barr's letter by saying he wanted the "full and complete Mueller report, without redactions" by April 2.

Redactions

Barr said the redactions underway included material "the intelligence community identifies as potentially compromising sensitive sources and methods."

Redactions also concern matters that the special counsel has referred to other Justice Department offices for investigation and information that would compromise the privacy of "peripheral third parties."

Barr said the report would not be submitted to the White House for review and Trump had deferred to him to deal with any parts over which he could invoke executive privilege.

Barr, citing the "principal conclusions" of the report last week, said the special counsel did not find that the Trump presidential campaign had conspired with the Russian government to win the 2016 election.

The "investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities," Barr quoted the report as saying.

Mueller also left the decision on whether Trump obstructed justice up to the attorney general, who determined that he had not "committed an obstruction-of-justice offence."

Regarding obstruction, Mueller stated that "while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him."

Trump has welcomed the Mueller report as a "total exoneration" and blamed the media for pushing what he called the "Russian Collusion Delusion."

In his letter, Barr said he would be prepared to testify before the Senate and House judiciary committees on May 1 and May 2 respectively.

The US attorney general said Friday that he will release a redacted version by mid-April of the report on the two-year Russia election meddling probe, which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency.

The US attorney general said Friday that he will release a redacted version by mid-April of the report on the two-year Russia election meddling probe, which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency. Attorney General Bill Barr, in a letter to the chairmen of the House and Senate judiciary committees, said he was currently redacting sensitive material from the eagerly awaited report, which Trump has hailed as completely clearing him of allegations of collusion with Russia and obstruction of justice. Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who headed the probe, was assisting with the task, he said. "Our progress is such that I anticipate that we will be in a position to release the report by mid-April, if not sooner," Barr said. The attorney general said the report was nearly 400 pages long excluding tables and appendices and "sets forth the Special Counsel's findings, his analysis and the reasons for his conclusions." Barr, who released the "principal conclusions" of the report last week, has been under heavy pressure from Democrats to release the full report. "I share your desire to ensure that Congress and the public have the opportunity to read the Special Counsel's report," the attorney general told the Senate and House judiciary committee, chairmen. "Everyone will soon be able to read it on their own," Barr said. "I do not believe it would be in the public's interest for me to attempt to summarize the full report or to release it in a serial or piecemeal fashion." Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat who heads the House Judiciary Committee, responded to Barr's letter by saying he wanted the "full and complete Mueller report, without redactions" by April 2. Redactions Barr said the redactions underway included material "the intelligence community identifies as potentially compromising sensitive sources and methods." Redactions also concern matters that the special counsel has referred to other Justice Department offices for investigation and information that would compromise the privacy of "peripheral third parties." Barr said the report would not be submitted to the White House for review and Trump had deferred to him to deal with any parts over which he could invoke executive privilege. Barr, citing the "principal conclusions" of the report last week, said the special counsel did not find that the Trump presidential campaign had conspired with the Russian government to win the 2016 election. The "investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities," Barr quoted the report as saying. Mueller also left the decision on whether Trump obstructed justice up to the attorney general, who determined that he had not "committed an obstruction-of-justice offence." Regarding obstruction, Mueller stated that "while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him." Trump has welcomed the Mueller report as a "total exoneration" and blamed the media for pushing what he called the "Russian Collusion Delusion." In his letter, Barr said he would be prepared to testify before the Senate and House judiciary committees on May 1 and May 2 respectively.

Robert Mueller report to be released by mid-April: Attorney general

On the day that their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hanois-metropole-hosting-kim-trump-summit-has-a-storied-past-200186">talks in Hanoi</a> collapsed last month, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump handed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a piece of paper that included a blunt call for the transfer of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and bomb fuel to the United States, according to the document seen by Reuters.

Trump gave Kim both Korean and English-language versions of the US&nbsp;position at Hanoi's Metropole hotel on February 28, according to a source familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity. It was the first time that Trump himself had explicitly defined what he meant by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-ready-to-meet-kim-jong-un-again-for-denuclearisation-talks-white-house-202451">denuclearisation</a> directly to Kim, the source said.

A lunch between the two leaders was cancelled the same day. While neither side has presented a complete account of why the summit collapsed, the document may help explain it.

The document's existence was first mentioned by White House national security adviser John Bolton in television interviews he gave after the two-day summit. Bolton did not disclose in those interviews the pivotal US&nbsp;expectation contained in the document that North Korea should transfer its nuclear weapons and fissile material to the United States.

The document appeared to represent Bolton's long-held and hardline "Libya model" of denuclearisation that North Korea has rejected repeatedly. It probably would have been seen by Kim as insulting and provocative, analysts said.

Trump had previously distanced himself in public comments from Bolton's approach and said a "Libya model" would be employed only if a deal could not be reached.

The idea of North Korea handing over its weapons was first proposed by Bolton in 2004. He revived the proposal last year when Trump named him as national security adviser.

The document was meant to provide the North Koreans with a clear and concise definition of what the United States meant by "final, fully verifiable, denuclearisation," the source familiar with discussions said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department declined to comment on what would be a classified document.

After the summit, a North Korean official accused Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of "gangster-like" demands, saying Pyongyang was considering suspending talks with the United States and may rethink its self-imposed ban on missile and nuclear tests.

The English version of the document, seen by Reuters, called for "fully dismantling North Korea's nuclear infrastructure, chemical and biological warfare programme and related dual-use capabilities; and ballistic missiles, launchers, and associated facilities."

Aside from the call for the transfer of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and bomb fuel, the document had four other key points.

It called on North Korea to provide a comprehensive declaration of its nuclear programme and full access to US&nbsp;and international inspectors; to halt all related activities and construction of any new facilities; to eliminate all nuclear infrastructure; and to transition all nuclear programme scientists and technicians to commercial activities.

The summit in Vietnam's capital was cut short after Trump and Kim failed to reach a deal on the extent of economic sanctions relief for North Korea in exchange for its steps to give up its nuclear programme.

The first summit between Trump and Kim, which took place in Singapore in June 2018, was almost called off after the North Koreans rejected Bolton's repeated demands for it to follow a denuclearisation model under which components of Libya's nuclear programme were shipped to the United States in 2004.

Seven years after a denuclearisation agreement was reached between the United States and Libya's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, the United States took part in a NATO-led military operation against his government and he was overthrown by rebels and killed.

'Miserable fate'

Last year, North Korea officials called Bolton's plan "absurd" and noted the "miserable fate" that befell Gaddafi.

After North Korea threatened to cancel the Singapore summit, Trump said in May 2018 he was not pursuing a "Libya model" and that he was looking for an agreement that would protect Kim.

"He would be there, he would be running his country, his country would be very rich," Trump said at the time.

"The Libya model was a much different model. We decimated that country," Trump added.

The Hanoi document was presented in what US&nbsp;officials have said was an attempt by Trump to secure a "big deal" under which all sanctions would be lifted if North Korea gave up all of its weapons.

US-North Korean engagement has appeared to be in limbo since the Hanoi meeting. Pompeo said on March 4 he was hopeful he could send a team to North Korea "in the next couple of weeks," but there has been no sign of that.

Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, said the content of the US&nbsp;document was not surprising.

"This is what Bolton wanted from the beginning and it clearly wasn't going to work," Town said. "If the US&nbsp;was really serious about negotiations they would have learned already that this wasn't an approach they could take."

Town added, "It's already been rejected more than once, and to keep bringing it up ... would be rather insulting. It's a non-starter and reflects absolutely no learning curve in the process."

North Korea has repeatedly rejected unilateral disarmament and argues that its weapons programme is needed for defence, a belief reinforced by Gaddafi and others.

In an interview with ABC's "This Week" programme after the Hanoi summit, Bolton said the North Koreans had committed to denuclearisation in a variety of forms several times "that they have happily violated."

"We define denuclearisation as meaning the elimination of their nuclear weapons programme, their uranium enrichment capability, their plutonium reprocessing capability," Bolton said.

Asked who authored the document, Bolton said it had been "written at staff level and cleared around as usual."

On the day that their talks in Hanoi collapsed last month, US President Donald Trump handed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a piece of paper that included a blunt call for the transfer of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and bomb fuel to the United States, according to the document seen by Reuters.

On the day that their talks in Hanoi collapsed last month, US President Donald Trump handed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a piece of paper that included a blunt call for the transfer of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and bomb fuel to the United States, according to the document seen by Reuters. Trump gave Kim both Korean and English-language versions of the US position at Hanoi's Metropole hotel on February 28, according to a source familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity. It was the first time that Trump himself had explicitly defined what he meant by denuclearisation directly to Kim, the source said. A lunch between the two leaders was cancelled the same day. While neither side has presented a complete account of why the summit collapsed, the document may help explain it. The document's existence was first mentioned by White House national security adviser John Bolton in television interviews he gave after the two-day summit. Bolton did not disclose in those interviews the pivotal US expectation contained in the document that North Korea should transfer its nuclear weapons and fissile material to the United States. The document appeared to represent Bolton's long-held and hardline "Libya model" of denuclearisation that North Korea has rejected repeatedly. It probably would have been seen by Kim as insulting and provocative, analysts said. Trump had previously distanced himself in public comments from Bolton's approach and said a "Libya model" would be employed only if a deal could not be reached. The idea of North Korea handing over its weapons was first proposed by Bolton in 2004. He revived the proposal last year when Trump named him as national security adviser. The document was meant to provide the North Koreans with a clear and concise definition of what the United States meant by "final, fully verifiable, denuclearisation," the source familiar with discussions said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department declined to comment on what would be a classified document. After the summit, a North Korean official accused Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of "gangster-like" demands, saying Pyongyang was considering suspending talks with the United States and may rethink its self-imposed ban on missile and nuclear tests. The English version of the document, seen by Reuters, called for "fully dismantling North Korea's nuclear infrastructure, chemical and biological warfare programme and related dual-use capabilities; and ballistic missiles, launchers, and associated facilities." Aside from the call for the transfer of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and bomb fuel, the document had four other key points. It called on North Korea to provide a comprehensive declaration of its nuclear programme and full access to US and international inspectors; to halt all related activities and construction of any new facilities; to eliminate all nuclear infrastructure; and to transition all nuclear programme scientists and technicians to commercial activities. The summit in Vietnam's capital was cut short after Trump and Kim failed to reach a deal on the extent of economic sanctions relief for North Korea in exchange for its steps to give up its nuclear programme. The first summit between Trump and Kim, which took place in Singapore in June 2018, was almost called off after the North Koreans rejected Bolton's repeated demands for it to follow a denuclearisation model under which components of Libya's nuclear programme were shipped to the United States in 2004. Seven years after a denuclearisation agreement was reached between the United States and Libya's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, the United States took part in a NATO-led military operation against his government and he was overthrown by rebels and killed. 'Miserable fate' Last year, North Korea officials called Bolton's plan "absurd" and noted the "miserable fate" that befell Gaddafi. After North Korea threatened to cancel the Singapore summit, Trump said in May 2018 he was not pursuing a "Libya model" and that he was looking for an agreement that would protect Kim. "He would be there, he would be running his country, his country would be very rich," Trump said at the time. "The Libya model was a much different model. We decimated that country," Trump added. The Hanoi document was presented in what US officials have said was an attempt by Trump to secure a "big deal" under which all sanctions would be lifted if North Korea gave up all of its weapons. US-North Korean engagement has appeared to be in limbo since the Hanoi meeting. Pompeo said on March 4 he was hopeful he could send a team to North Korea "in the next couple of weeks," but there has been no sign of that. Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, said the content of the US document was not surprising. "This is what Bolton wanted from the beginning and it clearly wasn't going to work," Town said. "If the US was really serious about negotiations they would have learned already that this wasn't an approach they could take." Town added, "It's already been rejected more than once, and to keep bringing it up ... would be rather insulting. It's a non-starter and reflects absolutely no learning curve in the process." North Korea has repeatedly rejected unilateral disarmament and argues that its weapons programme is needed for defence, a belief reinforced by Gaddafi and others. In an interview with ABC's "This Week" programme after the Hanoi summit, Bolton said the North Koreans had committed to denuclearisation in a variety of forms several times "that they have happily violated." "We define denuclearisation as meaning the elimination of their nuclear weapons programme, their uranium enrichment capability, their plutonium reprocessing capability," Bolton said. Asked who authored the document, Bolton said it had been "written at staff level and cleared around as usual."

With a piece of paper, Trump called on Kim to hand over nuclear weapons: Report

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance.

Moon will meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump for a summit in Washington on April 11 to discuss North Korea and other alliance issues, the White House said on Friday.

"The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region," the White House said in a statement.

Trump's failure to seal a deal at his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February was a blow to Moon, who has been vocal in his conviction that Kim is willing to abandon his nuclear arsenal.

Washington and Seoul have also tussled over the cost of U.S. troops in South Korea, with Trump demanding that Seoul pay more toward maintaining some 28,500 of them.

Ahead of the Trump-Moon summit, South Korea said it was dispatching its foreign and defence ministers, among other senior officials, for meetings in Washington.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss ways to move forward after the failed Trump-Kim summit.

Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo will meet the U.S. acting secretary of defence, Patrick Shanahan, on Monday, the ministry said.

The lack of progress with North Korea has become a domestic problem for Moon, who has staked much of his political capital on improving relations with Pyongyang.

A Gallup poll released on Friday showed Moon's approval ratings hit a record low of 43 per cent as respondents complained about the lack of progress with North Korea while the economy suffers.

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance.

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance. Moon will meet US President Donald Trump for a summit in Washington on April 11 to discuss North Korea and other alliance issues, the White House said on Friday. "The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region," the White House said in a statement. Trump's failure to seal a deal at his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February was a blow to Moon, who has been vocal in his conviction that Kim is willing to abandon his nuclear arsenal. Washington and Seoul have also tussled over the cost of U.S. troops in South Korea, with Trump demanding that Seoul pay more toward maintaining some 28,500 of them. Ahead of the Trump-Moon summit, South Korea said it was dispatching its foreign and defence ministers, among other senior officials, for meetings in Washington. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss ways to move forward after the failed Trump-Kim summit. Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo will meet the U.S. acting secretary of defence, Patrick Shanahan, on Monday, the ministry said. The lack of progress with North Korea has become a domestic problem for Moon, who has staked much of his political capital on improving relations with Pyongyang. A Gallup poll released on Friday showed Moon's approval ratings hit a record low of 43 per cent as respondents complained about the lack of progress with North Korea while the economy suffers.

South Korea's Moon to meet Trump over stalled North Korea talks

President Donald Trump on Thursday extended an immigration designation granting protected status to Liberians in the United States for an additional year, just three days before it was to expire, a rare move from a president who has taken a hardline stance on immigration.

Trump last year ordered an end to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status for Liberians, which was first granted to them during the presidency of his fellow Republican George W. Bush and enabled the immigrants to work and protected them from deportation. Advocates estimate that roughly 4,000 Liberians in the United States are protected by DED.

Trump had declared a one-year "wind-down" period, which set the final expiration date of the status as March 31. But on Thursday, Trump said he had changed his mind, winning unusual praise from some immigration advocates who have fought his policies in courts during the two years of his presidency.

"Upon further reflection and review, I have decided that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to extend the wind-down period for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020," Trump said in a memorandum to his secretaries of state and homeland security that was released by the White House.

"The reintegration of DED beneficiaries into Liberian civil and political life will be a complex task, and an unsuccessful transition could strain United States-Liberian relations and undermine Liberia's post-civil war strides toward democracy and political stability," he said.

Trump's administration has sought to eliminate similar programs for other nationalities, such as El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan. In such instances, the administration has argued that the domestic crises that resulted in those immigrants coming to the United States had long ago been resolved, and that it was therefore time for them to return home.

"The Trump administration's decision to extend DED protections for Liberians is the right thing to do," said Avideh Moussavian, legislative director of the National Immigration Law Centre.

Trump noted efforts in Congress to grant Liberians permanent legal status, and said his reprieve "will preserve the status quo while the Congress considers remedial legislation."

A spokesman for Liberia's embassy in the United States, Gabriel Williams, praised the announcement.

"We can say without hesitation that we welcome the news very much," Williams said. "It's a manifestation of the very cordial relationship between the United States and Liberia."

For several months, Liberians and their advocates have been lobbying members of Congress and the White House for a reprieve.

They argued that allowing the status to expire would force people who had lived in the United States for decades and had U.S. citizen children to lose their livelihoods and face the prospect of deportation to a country they left decades ago and which is struggling with a fragile economy and health care system.

A coalition of Liberians with DED status and immigration advocacy groups sued the Trump administration this month in federal court to stop the termination. Amaha Kassa, executive director of African Communities Together, which joined the lawsuit, said they will continue their court action in an effort to learn why the White House terminated the program in the first place.

"We're mindful that this is only a one-year extension of the termination - not a reversal," Kassa said.

Nonetheless, Trump's decision eliminates the "emergency" the Liberians were living under, said Erasmus Williams, a Liberian community leader in Minnesota, which has a large population of Liberians.

"We have ample time now to work through Congress to have legislation passed that will create a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on DED," he said.

President Donald Trump on Thursday extended an immigration designation granting protected status to Liberians in the United States for an additional year, just three days before it was to expire, a rare move from a president who has taken a hardline stance on immigration.

President Donald Trump on Thursday extended an immigration designation granting protected status to Liberians in the United States for an additional year, just three days before it was to expire, a rare move from a president who has taken a hardline stance on immigration. Trump last year ordered an end to Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status for Liberians, which was first granted to them during the presidency of his fellow Republican George W. Bush and enabled the immigrants to work and protected them from deportation. Advocates estimate that roughly 4,000 Liberians in the United States are protected by DED. Trump had declared a one-year "wind-down" period, which set the final expiration date of the status as March 31. But on Thursday, Trump said he had changed his mind, winning unusual praise from some immigration advocates who have fought his policies in courts during the two years of his presidency. "Upon further reflection and review, I have decided that it is in the foreign policy interest of the United States to extend the wind-down period for an additional 12 months, through March 30, 2020," Trump said in a memorandum to his secretaries of state and homeland security that was released by the White House. "The reintegration of DED beneficiaries into Liberian civil and political life will be a complex task, and an unsuccessful transition could strain United States-Liberian relations and undermine Liberia's post-civil war strides toward democracy and political stability," he said. Trump's administration has sought to eliminate similar programs for other nationalities, such as El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan. In such instances, the administration has argued that the domestic crises that resulted in those immigrants coming to the United States had long ago been resolved, and that it was therefore time for them to return home. "The Trump administration's decision to extend DED protections for Liberians is the right thing to do," said Avideh Moussavian, legislative director of the National Immigration Law Centre. Trump noted efforts in Congress to grant Liberians permanent legal status, and said his reprieve "will preserve the status quo while the Congress considers remedial legislation." A spokesman for Liberia's embassy in the United States, Gabriel Williams, praised the announcement. "We can say without hesitation that we welcome the news very much," Williams said. "It's a manifestation of the very cordial relationship between the United States and Liberia." For several months, Liberians and their advocates have been lobbying members of Congress and the White House for a reprieve. They argued that allowing the status to expire would force people who had lived in the United States for decades and had U.S. citizen children to lose their livelihoods and face the prospect of deportation to a country they left decades ago and which is struggling with a fragile economy and health care system. A coalition of Liberians with DED status and immigration advocacy groups sued the Trump administration this month in federal court to stop the termination. Amaha Kassa, executive director of African Communities Together, which joined the lawsuit, said they will continue their court action in an effort to learn why the White House terminated the program in the first place. "We're mindful that this is only a one-year extension of the termination - not a reversal," Kassa said. Nonetheless, Trump's decision eliminates the "emergency" the Liberians were living under, said Erasmus Williams, a Liberian community leader in Minnesota, which has a large population of Liberians. "We have ample time now to work through Congress to have legislation passed that will create a pathway to citizenship for Liberians on DED," he said.

Trump changes mind, extends Liberians' immigration protections in US

President Donald Trump should delay his decision to terminate the preferential trade status granted to India till the general elections in the country are over, several influential US lawmakers, including Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard, said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Trump this month informed the US Congress about his intent to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary developing country under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that facilitates duty-free import of certain products from underdeveloped countries to help grow their economies.

Under the United States GSP programme, nearly 2,000 products including auto components and textile materials can enter the US duty-free if the beneficiary developing countries meet the eligibility criteria established by the Congress. India was the largest beneficiary of the programme in 2017 with USD 5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status, according to a Congressional Research Service report in January.

"My hope is that we can delay, the termination of these GSP preferences until after the elections in India so that we can have a non-political conversation that is very focused on how we collectively can move forward together," Gabbard, the first Hindu US lawmaker, said at a conference on "The US-India Partnership: Economic, Immigration &amp; Strategic Issues." Speaking at the conference organised by the US-India Friendship Council, Gabbard acknowledged that the bilateral relationship was facing a challenge in the field of trade.

"We have some trade challenges that we need to resolve as well as trade opportunities. I think that we have to make sure that cooler heads prevail as we deal with some of the differences that exist," she said.&nbsp;

"Obviously each country (is) advocating for what is in their interest, but recognising that we have great potential and opportunity in many different areas, the announcement to terminate the GSP preferences for India, I think to speak to some of those differences," Gabbard said.&nbsp;

Republican Congressman George Holding, who is Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, agreed with Gabbard, saying that India has been in the generalized system of preferences for three decades and it's just not the right time to address that.&nbsp;

India, he said, is no longer that underdeveloped country when GSP was first granted. There has been a lot of changes in the country since then.&nbsp;

"We do probably need to revisit that. But we don't need to revisit it right before a general election," he said. Swadesh Chatterjee, chair of US-India Friendship Council, said that Trump's decision to terminate GSP for India would impact the country's export of about USD 5.6 billion.&nbsp;

This is more than 10 per cent of the total goods and services between the US and India and this suspension of GSP will definitely create some issues between the two countries. Senator Thom Tellis from North Carolina praised the contribution of Indian Americans in the economy and development of the United States.&nbsp;

"I developed a greater appreciation for their culture, their dedication to education and their dedication to excellence," he said. Referring to the growing defence ties between India and the United States, Indian-American Congressmen Ami Bera underscored the need of the two countries to work in areas like artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

"We'd like to authorize the Department of Defence (DoD) to assist India in reducing purchases from countries that we may mutually view as adversaries and certainly that we may view as adversaries," Bera said.&nbsp;

He said that Indo-US partnership in the area of defence is critical and the two countries have been conducting major defence and naval exercises together. "We would like to require the DoD to conduct regular military engagements and dialogue with India, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean region. We recognize that India strategically has a vital role in protecting the Indian Ocean region and in keeping those lanes of commerce open," he said.

&nbsp;"We'd like to require the State Department to advance India's membership into the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum or APEC because we think this is an important vehicle by which India can continue to seek it's free and open trade across Asia," Bera said.

President Donald Trump should delay his decision to terminate the preferential trade status granted to India till the general elections in the country are over, several influential US lawmakers, including Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard, said on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump should delay his decision to terminate the preferential trade status granted to India till the general elections in the country are over, several influential US lawmakers, including Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard, said on Wednesday. Trump this month informed the US Congress about his intent to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary developing country under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that facilitates duty-free import of certain products from underdeveloped countries to help grow their economies. Under the United States GSP programme, nearly 2,000 products including auto components and textile materials can enter the US duty-free if the beneficiary developing countries meet the eligibility criteria established by the Congress. India was the largest beneficiary of the programme in 2017 with USD 5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status, according to a Congressional Research Service report in January. "My hope is that we can delay, the termination of these GSP preferences until after the elections in India so that we can have a non-political conversation that is very focused on how we collectively can move forward together," Gabbard, the first Hindu US lawmaker, said at a conference on "The US-India Partnership: Economic, Immigration & Strategic Issues." Speaking at the conference organised by the US-India Friendship Council, Gabbard acknowledged that the bilateral relationship was facing a challenge in the field of trade. "We have some trade challenges that we need to resolve as well as trade opportunities. I think that we have to make sure that cooler heads prevail as we deal with some of the differences that exist," she said. "Obviously each country (is) advocating for what is in their interest, but recognising that we have great potential and opportunity in many different areas, the announcement to terminate the GSP preferences for India, I think to speak to some of those differences," Gabbard said. Republican Congressman George Holding, who is Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, agreed with Gabbard, saying that India has been in the generalized system of preferences for three decades and it's just not the right time to address that. India, he said, is no longer that underdeveloped country when GSP was first granted. There has been a lot of changes in the country since then. "We do probably need to revisit that. But we don't need to revisit it right before a general election," he said. Swadesh Chatterjee, chair of US-India Friendship Council, said that Trump's decision to terminate GSP for India would impact the country's export of about USD 5.6 billion. This is more than 10 per cent of the total goods and services between the US and India and this suspension of GSP will definitely create some issues between the two countries. Senator Thom Tellis from North Carolina praised the contribution of Indian Americans in the economy and development of the United States. "I developed a greater appreciation for their culture, their dedication to education and their dedication to excellence," he said. Referring to the growing defence ties between India and the United States, Indian-American Congressmen Ami Bera underscored the need of the two countries to work in areas like artificial intelligence. "We'd like to authorize the Department of Defence (DoD) to assist India in reducing purchases from countries that we may mutually view as adversaries and certainly that we may view as adversaries," Bera said. He said that Indo-US partnership in the area of defence is critical and the two countries have been conducting major defence and naval exercises together. "We would like to require the DoD to conduct regular military engagements and dialogue with India, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean region. We recognize that India strategically has a vital role in protecting the Indian Ocean region and in keeping those lanes of commerce open," he said. "We'd like to require the State Department to advance India's membership into the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum or APEC because we think this is an important vehicle by which India can continue to seek it's free and open trade across Asia," Bera said.

Trump urged to delay decision on ending preferential trade deal with India

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-says-maduro-paid-russia-with-gold-for-military-presence-206531">military presence in Venezuela</a>, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace.

"We strongly caution actors external to the Western Hemisphere against deploying military assets to Venezuela, or elsewhere in the Hemisphere, with the intent of establishing or expanding military operations," White House national security adviser John Bolton said in a statement.

"We will consider such provocative actions as a direct threat to international peace and security in the region," Bolton added.

Russia said on Thursday it had sent "specialists" to Venezuela under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-in-venezuela-not-linked-to-any-military-operations-foreign-ministry-206267">military cooperation </a>deal but insisted they posed no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call by Trump for Moscow to remove all military personnel from the country.

Trump said on Wednesday that "all options" were open to make Russia pull troops out of Venezuela after two Russian air force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops, according to media reports.

The United States recognized the country`s opposition leader, Juan Guaido, the leader of the national assembly, as interim president earlier this year following disputed elections.

Washington has declared President Nicolas Maduro`s government illegitimate and has launched a campaign to have Guaido recognized as the interim leader. Russia has emerged as a key backer of Maduro`s government.&nbsp;

Bolton`s statement condemned Maduro`s "use of foreign military personnel in his attempt to remain in power, including the introduction of Russian military personnel and equipment into Venezuela."

"Maduro will only use this military support to further repress the people of Venezuela; perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy; and endanger regional stability," he said.

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its military presence in Venezuela, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace.

President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned Russia on Friday about its military presence in Venezuela, saying any move to establish or expand operations there would be considered a "direct threat" to international peace. "We strongly caution actors external to the Western Hemisphere against deploying military assets to Venezuela, or elsewhere in the Hemisphere, with the intent of establishing or expanding military operations," White House national security adviser John Bolton said in a statement. "We will consider such provocative actions as a direct threat to international peace and security in the region," Bolton added. Russia said on Thursday it had sent "specialists" to Venezuela under a military cooperation deal but insisted they posed no threat to regional stability, brushing aside a call by Trump for Moscow to remove all military personnel from the country. Trump said on Wednesday that "all options" were open to make Russia pull troops out of Venezuela after two Russian air force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops, according to media reports. The United States recognized the country`s opposition leader, Juan Guaido, the leader of the national assembly, as interim president earlier this year following disputed elections. Washington has declared President Nicolas Maduro`s government illegitimate and has launched a campaign to have Guaido recognized as the interim leader. Russia has emerged as a key backer of Maduro`s government. Bolton`s statement condemned Maduro`s "use of foreign military personnel in his attempt to remain in power, including the introduction of Russian military personnel and equipment into Venezuela." "Maduro will only use this military support to further repress the people of Venezuela; perpetuate the economic crisis that has destroyed Venezuela’s economy; and endanger regional stability," he said.

Trump adviser warns Russia on military presence in Venezuela

At his first political rally since the end of the Russia collusion probe, President Donald Trump on Thursday accused backers of the investigation of trying to overturn the 2016 election and attempting "illegally" to claim power.

Declaring the country "hurt" by the probe, Trump called his opponents "losers" and celebrated the fact the investigation had come to a close.

"After three years of lies and smears and slander, the Russia hoax is finally dead. The collusion delusion is over," he told a crowd of thousands at a Grand Rapids arena.

“The Russia witch hunt was a plan by those who lost the election to try and illegally regain power by framing innocent Americans – many of them, they suffered – with an elaborate hoax,” he said.

On Sunday, US Attorney General William Barr released a summary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's more than 300-page report about his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 election. The investigation did not establish that members of Trump’s campaign conspired with Russia during the election.

The findings delighted the president and his inner circle, who spent the first two years of his administration confronting a cloud of suspicion over how the New York businessman and political novice won the White House.

With that cloud largely lifted, Trump has let loose, calling out those who supported the investigation and referring to evil acts of treason by his opponents.

Trump revisited that theme at the rally, knocking the media and Democrats and calling for accountability.

“These are sick people and there has to be accountability because it’s all lies and they know it’s lies,” Trump said.

For the president, the rally capped off a week of rejoicing in the results of the investigation he had repeatedly called a "witch hunt," and stewing over its origins.

Advisers to Trump, who is not known to let go of grudges easily, have debated the merits of going after the president's opponents and those he blames for sparking the investigation versus claiming a win, moving on and using the momentum of good news to bolster his bid for re-election.

In the packed, noisy arena in Michigan, a political swing state that Trump wants to win again in 2020, the view of the crowd was clear.

Thousands of supporters, many of them wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats, cheered as the president railed at his opponents.

But they seemed as eager to cheer him over policy issues, applauding loudly when he assured them he was building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and promised to secure the border.

The industrial state along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, helped propel Trump, a Republican, to his improbable victory in 2016.

The crowd's enthusiasm underscored the risks to Trump of going too far expounding on his chagrin over the Mueller probe. Some advisers feel his best bet is to focus on the strong economy and success in enacting administration priorities like the tax overhaul.

Investigations continue

Mueller left unresolved in his report the question of whether Trump committed obstruction of justice by impeding the Russia investigation. In his letter to Congress, Barr said he and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, determined there was insufficient evidence to establish that the president committed obstruction of justice.

Democrats were not satisfied with Barr's determination and have demanded to see the report in full. Some Republicans, including Trump himself, have also voiced support for releasing it.

Trump faces other investigations into his personal and business affairs from Democratic lawmakers, who now control the U.S. House of Representatives.

But Democrats also risk alienating voters weary of the Russian probe. Trump told the rally his opponents now had to decide whether to keep up their "partisan investigations" or apologise to Americans and focus on issues like infrastructure and healthcare.

At his first political rally since the end of the Russia collusion probe, President Donald Trump on Thursday accused backers of the investigation of trying to overturn the 2016 election and attempting "illegally" to claim power.

At his first political rally since the end of the Russia collusion probe, President Donald Trump on Thursday accused backers of the investigation of trying to overturn the 2016 election and attempting "illegally" to claim power. Declaring the country "hurt" by the probe, Trump called his opponents "losers" and celebrated the fact the investigation had come to a close. "After three years of lies and smears and slander, the Russia hoax is finally dead. The collusion delusion is over," he told a crowd of thousands at a Grand Rapids arena. “The Russia witch hunt was a plan by those who lost the election to try and illegally regain power by framing innocent Americans – many of them, they suffered – with an elaborate hoax,” he said. On Sunday, US Attorney General William Barr released a summary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's more than 300-page report about his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 election. The investigation did not establish that members of Trump’s campaign conspired with Russia during the election. The findings delighted the president and his inner circle, who spent the first two years of his administration confronting a cloud of suspicion over how the New York businessman and political novice won the White House. With that cloud largely lifted, Trump has let loose, calling out those who supported the investigation and referring to evil acts of treason by his opponents. Trump revisited that theme at the rally, knocking the media and Democrats and calling for accountability. “These are sick people and there has to be accountability because it’s all lies and they know it’s lies,” Trump said. For the president, the rally capped off a week of rejoicing in the results of the investigation he had repeatedly called a "witch hunt," and stewing over its origins. Advisers to Trump, who is not known to let go of grudges easily, have debated the merits of going after the president's opponents and those he blames for sparking the investigation versus claiming a win, moving on and using the momentum of good news to bolster his bid for re-election. In the packed, noisy arena in Michigan, a political swing state that Trump wants to win again in 2020, the view of the crowd was clear. Thousands of supporters, many of them wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats, cheered as the president railed at his opponents. But they seemed as eager to cheer him over policy issues, applauding loudly when he assured them he was building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and promised to secure the border. The industrial state along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, helped propel Trump, a Republican, to his improbable victory in 2016. The crowd's enthusiasm underscored the risks to Trump of going too far expounding on his chagrin over the Mueller probe. Some advisers feel his best bet is to focus on the strong economy and success in enacting administration priorities like the tax overhaul. Investigations continue Mueller left unresolved in his report the question of whether Trump committed obstruction of justice by impeding the Russia investigation. In his letter to Congress, Barr said he and his deputy, Rod Rosenstein, determined there was insufficient evidence to establish that the president committed obstruction of justice. Democrats were not satisfied with Barr's determination and have demanded to see the report in full. Some Republicans, including Trump himself, have also voiced support for releasing it. Trump faces other investigations into his personal and business affairs from Democratic lawmakers, who now control the U.S. House of Representatives. But Democrats also risk alienating voters weary of the Russian probe. Trump told the rally his opponents now had to decide whether to keep up their "partisan investigations" or apologise to Americans and focus on issues like infrastructure and healthcare.

US President Trump says Russia probe backers tried to steal power illegally

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">President Donald Trump</a> on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason."

Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment.

"We can never allow this treasonous — these treasonous acts to happen to another president. This was an attempted takeover of our government, of our country, an illegal takeover," he told long-favoured Fox interviewer Sean Hannity.

Although Trump didn't say how he intended to make sure that a probe was not carried out in similar circumstances again, he stressed that if Republicans had investigated a Democratic president in the same way, heavy penalties would follow.

"You'd have 100 people in jail right now and it would be treason. It would be considered treason and they would be in jail for the rest of their lives," he said.

"It would be virtually the maximum sentence that you can find, no matter where you look in whatever legal book," he said later.

"We are getting to the bottom of it," he said. "Hopefully they won't get away with it."

Trump insists that the probe led by former FBI director Robert Mueller was concocted for political reasons by Democrats upset at his surprise 2016 election defeat of the favourite, Hillary Clinton.

Mueller was tasked with investigating the scope of Russian meddling in the election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow. In addition, Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice through his often highly public opposition to the probe.

After two years, Mueller wrapped up last week and on Sunday Trump's attorney general, William Barr, issued a brief summary of the probe's findings. They included the determination that Russians did try to interfere in the election but that Trump's campaign did not collude.

On obstruction of justice, Mueller said he could neither accuse nor clear Trump, leaving Barr to make the determination. Barr said that no crime had been committed.

Although the culmination of the Mueller probe is widely seen as a big victory for Trump, the episode still shed a deeply unflattering light on his entourage, as well as revealing previously undeclared links with Russians -- in particular his attempts late into 2016 to secure a huge real estate deal in Moscow.

On Fox, Trump said he was the victim.

"I know one thing: I was the most innocent human being," he said.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason." Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the dramatic probe into links between his election campaign and Russia amounted to "treason." Speaking on Fox News, Trump said the probe, which culminated in clearing him of allegations that he colluded with Moscow, a "very dark period" and he appeared to threaten those he blames for the report with punishment. "We can never allow this treasonous — these treasonous acts to happen to another president. This was an attempted takeover of our government, of our country, an illegal takeover," he told long-favoured Fox interviewer Sean Hannity. Although Trump didn't say how he intended to make sure that a probe was not carried out in similar circumstances again, he stressed that if Republicans had investigated a Democratic president in the same way, heavy penalties would follow. "You'd have 100 people in jail right now and it would be treason. It would be considered treason and they would be in jail for the rest of their lives," he said. "It would be virtually the maximum sentence that you can find, no matter where you look in whatever legal book," he said later. "We are getting to the bottom of it," he said. "Hopefully they won't get away with it." Trump insists that the probe led by former FBI director Robert Mueller was concocted for political reasons by Democrats upset at his surprise 2016 election defeat of the favourite, Hillary Clinton. Mueller was tasked with investigating the scope of Russian meddling in the election and whether Trump's campaign colluded with Moscow. In addition, Mueller was looking into whether Trump obstructed justice through his often highly public opposition to the probe. After two years, Mueller wrapped up last week and on Sunday Trump's attorney general, William Barr, issued a brief summary of the probe's findings. They included the determination that Russians did try to interfere in the election but that Trump's campaign did not collude. On obstruction of justice, Mueller said he could neither accuse nor clear Trump, leaving Barr to make the determination. Barr said that no crime had been committed. Although the culmination of the Mueller probe is widely seen as a big victory for Trump, the episode still shed a deeply unflattering light on his entourage, as well as revealing previously undeclared links with Russians -- in particular his attempts late into 2016 to secure a huge real estate deal in Moscow. On Fox, Trump said he was the victim. "I know one thing: I was the most innocent human being," he said.

Trump on Russia probe: Can never allow these treasonous acts to happen to another president

‘Russia has to get out’ of Venezuela: Trump

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-requests-un-security-council-meeting-on-golan-205899">UN Security Council</a> over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-proclamation-recognising-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-205595">President Donald Trump signed a proclamation</a> Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau that it seized in 1967 and annexed in 1981.&nbsp;

Britain, Washington's closest ally, said the decision was in violation of Resolution 497 that declared Israel's annexation of the Golan as "null and void."

France warned that any attempt to turn away from international law was "doomed to fail" as the United States prepares to unveil its Middle East peace proposals.&nbsp;

Russia appealed to governments to reject the US decision and to continue to view the Golan as Israeli-occupied territory.

"If anybody feels any temptation to follow this poor example, we would urge them to refrain from this aggressive revision of international law," said Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov.

The council was meeting at the request of Syria, which in a letter to the council called the US decision a "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions.

Three Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed, in a move that was not recognized internationally.

The United States defended its decision, arguing it bolstered Israel's security and could contribute to the stability of the entire Middle East by keeping Syria and its Iranian ally in check.

To allow the Golan to be controlled by Syria "would turn a blind eye to the threats emanating" from Damascus and from Iran and its Hezbollah allies that want to use the Golan to attack Israel, said US diplomat Rodney Hunter.

US backs UN mission in the Golan&nbsp;

Despite its decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, the United States called for a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in a buffer zone there to remain in place.

The 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was dispatched to a buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan in 1974, tasked with monitoring a ceasefire.

Trump's decision prompted speculation that Washington would seek to end the UNDOF mission when its mandate comes up for renewal in June.

"This announcement does not affect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, nor do we believe it undermines UNDOF's mandate in any way," said Hunter, adding that UNDOF "continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria."

China recalled that UN resolutions declare the Golan as a territory occupied by Israel, with Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao adding that "China is opposed to any unilateral action that attempts to alter that fact."

"China does not want to see tensions in the region to escalate," he added.

Germany took a swipe at Syria for invoking international law, accusing it of blatantly disregarding UN resolutions by attacking schools and hospitals during eight years of war.&nbsp;

After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution condemning the decision to the General Assembly, which won overwhelming support.

UN diplomats were awaiting the outcome of an Arab League summit in Tunis on Sunday that could lead to action at the United Nations to counter the US decision on the Golan.

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the UN Security Council over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions.

The United States faced sharp criticism Wednesday at the UN Security Council over its decision to recognize the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, which big powers denounced as a violation of UN resolutions. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Monday in which the United States recognized Israel's annexation of the strategic plateau that it seized in 1967 and annexed in 1981. Britain, Washington's closest ally, said the decision was in violation of Resolution 497 that declared Israel's annexation of the Golan as "null and void." France warned that any attempt to turn away from international law was "doomed to fail" as the United States prepares to unveil its Middle East peace proposals. Russia appealed to governments to reject the US decision and to continue to view the Golan as Israeli-occupied territory. "If anybody feels any temptation to follow this poor example, we would urge them to refrain from this aggressive revision of international law," said Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov. The council was meeting at the request of Syria, which in a letter to the council called the US decision a "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions. Three Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed, in a move that was not recognized internationally. The United States defended its decision, arguing it bolstered Israel's security and could contribute to the stability of the entire Middle East by keeping Syria and its Iranian ally in check. To allow the Golan to be controlled by Syria "would turn a blind eye to the threats emanating" from Damascus and from Iran and its Hezbollah allies that want to use the Golan to attack Israel, said US diplomat Rodney Hunter. US backs UN mission in the Golan Despite its decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan, the United States called for a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in a buffer zone there to remain in place. The 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was dispatched to a buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan in 1974, tasked with monitoring a ceasefire. Trump's decision prompted speculation that Washington would seek to end the UNDOF mission when its mandate comes up for renewal in June. "This announcement does not affect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, nor do we believe it undermines UNDOF's mandate in any way," said Hunter, adding that UNDOF "continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria." China recalled that UN resolutions declare the Golan as a territory occupied by Israel, with Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao adding that "China is opposed to any unilateral action that attempts to alter that fact." "China does not want to see tensions in the region to escalate," he added. Germany took a swipe at Syria for invoking international law, accusing it of blatantly disregarding UN resolutions by attacking schools and hospitals during eight years of war. After Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a group of Arab countries presented a resolution condemning the decision to the General Assembly, which won overwhelming support. UN diplomats were awaiting the outcome of an Arab League summit in Tunis on Sunday that could lead to action at the United Nations to counter the US decision on the Golan.

US under fire at United Nations over Golan Heights decision

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-was-vilified-over-alleged-hoax-lawyer-205911"> prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week.</a> 
 
In an early morning tweet announcing the review, Trump said the case had embarrassed the nation. 
 
Smollett, who is black and gay, said two men attacked him at night in January, making homophobic and racist remarks and putting a noose around his neck while shouting support for Trump. 
 
Investigators later charged Smollett with paying the two men to pretend to attack him in order to garner public sympathy for himself. Prosecutors dropped the charges on Tuesday, saying they stood by the accusation but that an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome. 
 
The county prosecutors` decision stunned the city`s police chief, prompted the police union to demand a federal investigation and enraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, who called it a "whitewash" that made a fool of the city. 
 
Trump, a Republican, echoed those remarks early on Thursday.&nbsp;

"FBI &amp; DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago," Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. "It is an embarrassment to our Nation!" 
 
Smollett, 36, says he is innocent and did not stage the attack. His spokeswoman and his lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The Department of Justice declined to comment. 
 
The FBI has already had some involvement in the case, with agents investigating a threatening letter Smollett said he received prior to the attack, 
according to the Chicago Police Department. 
 
The initial reports of two Trump supporters attacking a gay, black celebrity drew widespread sympathy for Smollett, particularly from Democrats. That faded quickly after the actor`s arrest, and the case was seized on by some as an example of what Trump likes to deride as "fake news." 
 
Smollett is best known for playing a gay musician on the Fox drama "Empire." His lawyers said he hopes to move on with his acting career, but it remains unclear whether he will return to "Empire" after being written out of the last two episodes of the most recent season.&nbsp; 
 
Chicago`s chief prosecutor, Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx, has defended her office`s decision as proportionate to what she described as relatively minor charges, saying that even if Smollett had been convicted he would likely not have faced prison time.&nbsp; 
 
Foxx recused herself from the case after acknowledging she had discussed it with a relative of Smollett.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the Department of Justice will "review" the case of actor Jussie Smollett, who was charged with staging a fake hate crime in Chicago before prosecutors abruptly dropped the case this week. In an early morning tweet announcing the review, Trump said the case had embarrassed the nation. Smollett, who is black and gay, said two men attacked him at night in January, making homophobic and racist remarks and putting a noose around his neck while shouting support for Trump. Investigators later charged Smollett with paying the two men to pretend to attack him in order to garner public sympathy for himself. Prosecutors dropped the charges on Tuesday, saying they stood by the accusation but that an agreement by Smollett to forfeit his $10,000 bond was a just outcome. The county prosecutors` decision stunned the city`s police chief, prompted the police union to demand a federal investigation and enraged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat, who called it a "whitewash" that made a fool of the city. Trump, a Republican, echoed those remarks early on Thursday. "FBI & DOJ to review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case in Chicago," Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice. "It is an embarrassment to our Nation!" Smollett, 36, says he is innocent and did not stage the attack. His spokeswoman and his lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The Department of Justice declined to comment. The FBI has already had some involvement in the case, with agents investigating a threatening letter Smollett said he received prior to the attack, according to the Chicago Police Department. The initial reports of two Trump supporters attacking a gay, black celebrity drew widespread sympathy for Smollett, particularly from Democrats. That faded quickly after the actor`s arrest, and the case was seized on by some as an example of what Trump likes to deride as "fake news." Smollett is best known for playing a gay musician on the Fox drama "Empire." His lawyers said he hopes to move on with his acting career, but it remains unclear whether he will return to "Empire" after being written out of the last two episodes of the most recent season. Chicago`s chief prosecutor, Cook County State`s Attorney Kim Foxx, has defended her office`s decision as proportionate to what she described as relatively minor charges, saying that even if Smollett had been convicted he would likely not have faced prison time. Foxx recused herself from the case after acknowledging she had discussed it with a relative of Smollett.

Donald Trump calls Jussie Smollett's case an 'embarrassment,' announces review

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-election-probe-amounted-to-treason-206153">President Donald Trump</a> has said that Google is totally committed to the US military as he met the internet giant's Indian-American CEO Sunder Pichai at the White House, days after he accused the tech company of helping China and its army.

Trump, who has been at loggerheads with several big companies, earlier this month said, "Google is helping China and their military, but not the US".

On Wednesday, after a meeting with Pichai at the White House, the US President said: "Meeting ended very well".

"Just met with @SundarPichai, President of @Google, who is obviously doing quite well," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Just met with <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SundarPichai</a>, President of <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a>, who is obviously doing quite well. He stated strongly that he is totally committed to the U.S. Military, not the Chinese Military....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1110989594521026561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Pichai "stated strongly that he is totally committed to the US military and&nbsp;not the Chinese military", Trump said.

"Also discussed political fairness and various things that @Google can do&nbsp;for our country. Meeting ended very well!" said the President.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
....Also discussed political fairness and various things that <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a> can do for our Country. Meeting ended very well!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1110989595758469120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate tweet from Pichai.

However, a Google spokesperson said that the company is pleased to have productive conversations with the President.

"We were pleased to have productive conversations with the President about investing in the future of the American workforce, the growth of emerging technologies and our ongoing commitment to working with the US government," said the Google spokesperson.

Trump's tweet criticising Google earlier last month came after Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan and General Joseph Dunford, chairman joint chiefs of staff, said during a Congressional hearing that "Google was partnering with China... But the Internet search engine giant has shown a lack of willingness to work with the US Department of Defence".

During his trip to Washington DC, Pichai also met India's Ambassador to the US Harsh V Shringla.

"A thoroughly enriching experience to meet and interact with" Pichai on Google's positive engagement in India and elsewhere in the world, privacy laws, internet governance and a host of other issues, the ambassador said in a tweet.

President Donald Trump has said that Google is totally committed to the US military as he met the internet giant's Indian-American CEO Sunder Pichai at the White House, days after he accused the tech company of helping China and its army.

President Donald Trump has said that Google is totally committed to the US military as he met the internet giant's Indian-American CEO Sunder Pichai at the White House, days after he accused the tech company of helping China and its army. Trump, who has been at loggerheads with several big companies, earlier this month said, "Google is helping China and their military, but not the US". On Wednesday, after a meeting with Pichai at the White House, the US President said: "Meeting ended very well". "Just met with @SundarPichai, President of @Google, who is obviously doing quite well," he said. Just met with @SundarPichai, President of @Google, who is obviously doing quite well. He stated strongly that he is totally committed to the U.S. Military, not the Chinese Military.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2019 × Pichai "stated strongly that he is totally committed to the US military and not the Chinese military", Trump said. "Also discussed political fairness and various things that @Google can do for our country. Meeting ended very well!" said the President. ....Also discussed political fairness and various things that @Google can do for our Country. Meeting ended very well! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2019 × There was no immediate tweet from Pichai. However, a Google spokesperson said that the company is pleased to have productive conversations with the President. "We were pleased to have productive conversations with the President about investing in the future of the American workforce, the growth of emerging technologies and our ongoing commitment to working with the US government," said the Google spokesperson. Trump's tweet criticising Google earlier last month came after Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan and General Joseph Dunford, chairman joint chiefs of staff, said during a Congressional hearing that "Google was partnering with China... But the Internet search engine giant has shown a lack of willingness to work with the US Department of Defence". During his trip to Washington DC, Pichai also met India's Ambassador to the US Harsh V Shringla. "A thoroughly enriching experience to meet and interact with" Pichai on Google's positive engagement in India and elsewhere in the world, privacy laws, internet governance and a host of other issues, the ambassador said in a tweet.

Trump meets Sundar Pichai who says Google committed to US military, not China's 

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-authorises-1-bn-for-trumps-border-wall-205641">President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall</a> on the US-Mexico border.

Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted.

It was the newest challenge to Trump's February 15 declaration of a "national emergency" at the border in order to obtain more than $5 billion to build a frontier wall to keep out illegal immigrants and drug smugglers, after Congress denied him the funds.

The Defense Department "is attempting to circumvent Congress and the American people's opposition to using taxpayer money for the construction of an unnecessary wall, and the military is paying the cost," said committee Chairman Adam Smith.

"This needs to stop... The administration should stop using our service members as a political tool and instead focus on building military capabilities and readiness and areas where we should focus our defense resources."

"Congress will act as necessary to defend its Constitutional prerogatives," Smith warned in a statement.

Late Monday, Shanahan said he had authorized the move of the funds to help the Homeland Security Department build 57 miles (92 kilometers) of 18-foot (5.5-meter) fencing, to construct and improve roads, and install lighting to support Trump's emergency declaration.

Addressing concerns that the US military was straying out of its mission into domestic civilian operations, Shanahan cited US law that authorizes the military to support the counterdrug activities of other federal agencies.

For two years, Trump has battled Congress for as much as $25 billion in funds to fortify the Mexico border with a massive wall.

After Congress voted earlier this month to nullify the emergency declaration, Trump vetoed it, allowing the Pentagon to reallocate billions of dollars to the border "emergency."

Smith said some limited amount of "reprogramming" of Pentagon funds for emergency needs without congressional approval is normally allowed.

But the shift of $1 billion, he said, is "a violation of that trust." &nbsp;

The House of Representatives narrowly failed to override the veto as it did not reach the required two thirds of votes (288), falling short at 248.

"Thank you to the House Republicans for sticking together and the BIG WIN today on the Border," Trump said in response on Twitter.

Court showdown 
The emergency declaration has also been challenged in court by 16 states that contend that the order was contrary to Congress's power over the budget.

Their lawsuit also questioned Trump's categorization of illegal border crossings as a national emergency, saying data issued by the administration itself refuted the notion.

Should the states prevail, the case could work its way up to the Supreme Court, setting up a precedent-setting showdown on the separation of powers.

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted. It was the newest challenge to Trump's February 15 declaration of a "national emergency" at the border in order to obtain more than $5 billion to build a frontier wall to keep out illegal immigrants and drug smugglers, after Congress denied him the funds. The Defense Department "is attempting to circumvent Congress and the American people's opposition to using taxpayer money for the construction of an unnecessary wall, and the military is paying the cost," said committee Chairman Adam Smith. "This needs to stop... The administration should stop using our service members as a political tool and instead focus on building military capabilities and readiness and areas where we should focus our defense resources." "Congress will act as necessary to defend its Constitutional prerogatives," Smith warned in a statement. Late Monday, Shanahan said he had authorized the move of the funds to help the Homeland Security Department build 57 miles (92 kilometers) of 18-foot (5.5-meter) fencing, to construct and improve roads, and install lighting to support Trump's emergency declaration. Addressing concerns that the US military was straying out of its mission into domestic civilian operations, Shanahan cited US law that authorizes the military to support the counterdrug activities of other federal agencies. For two years, Trump has battled Congress for as much as $25 billion in funds to fortify the Mexico border with a massive wall. After Congress voted earlier this month to nullify the emergency declaration, Trump vetoed it, allowing the Pentagon to reallocate billions of dollars to the border "emergency." Smith said some limited amount of "reprogramming" of Pentagon funds for emergency needs without congressional approval is normally allowed. But the shift of $1 billion, he said, is "a violation of that trust." The House of Representatives narrowly failed to override the veto as it did not reach the required two thirds of votes (288), falling short at 248. "Thank you to the House Republicans for sticking together and the BIG WIN today on the Border," Trump said in response on Twitter. Court showdown The emergency declaration has also been challenged in court by 16 states that contend that the order was contrary to Congress's power over the budget. Their lawsuit also questioned Trump's categorization of illegal border crossings as a national emergency, saying data issued by the administration itself refuted the notion. Should the states prevail, the case could work its way up to the Supreme Court, setting up a precedent-setting showdown on the separation of powers.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-proclamation-recognising-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-205595">Trump's decision of signing a proclamation</a> recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.&nbsp;

"Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency.&nbsp;

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''.

"Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump.

"Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added.

The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law. "Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''. "Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump. "Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added. The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejects, condemns Trump's decision on Golan Heights

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria.

The comments come after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in recognition of Israeli claims over the Golan Heights, a border area seized from Syria in 1967.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move "ignores all international procedures" and would "only aggravate the situation".

"Unfortunately, this could drive a new wave of tensions in the Middle East region," Zakharova said in a radio broadcast, according to Russian news agencies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Trump at the White House on Monday, called the recognition "historic" and said the Golan Heights would remain permanently under Israeli control.&nbsp;

The move, which breaks with decades of international consensus, drew criticism from the Syrian government, which called it a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty.

Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said the US decision leads to "a gross violation of international law, blocks the resolution of the Syrian crisis and aggravates the situation in all the Middle East," he said during a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to his ministry.

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria.

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria. The comments come after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in recognition of Israeli claims over the Golan Heights, a border area seized from Syria in 1967. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move "ignores all international procedures" and would "only aggravate the situation". "Unfortunately, this could drive a new wave of tensions in the Middle East region," Zakharova said in a radio broadcast, according to Russian news agencies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Trump at the White House on Monday, called the recognition "historic" and said the Golan Heights would remain permanently under Israeli control. The move, which breaks with decades of international consensus, drew criticism from the Syrian government, which called it a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty. Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said the US decision leads to "a gross violation of international law, blocks the resolution of the Syrian crisis and aggravates the situation in all the Middle East," he said during a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to his ministry.

Russia warns of 'new wave' of Mideast tensions after US Golan move

Democratic US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand delivered a fiery first speech as an official presidential candidate in New York City on Sunday, calling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-found-no-trump-campaign-collusion-with-russia-justice-department-205400">US President Donald Trump</a> a "coward" at the doorstep of one of his most famous properties.

The location in front of Trump International Hotel is intended to show voters that Gillibrand will attack Trump directly, in contrast to some Democratic rivals who have hesitated to focus on the Republican president early in the 2020 campaign.

"President Trump is tearing apart the moral fabric of our country," she told supporters adding "he demonizes the vulnerable and he punches down...Our President is a coward."

While some candidates, most notably Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, have harshly criticized Trump, others have largely avoided using his name, as Democrats try out different tactics for confronting the divisive president.

Though Gillibrand launched her formal campaign for the Democratic nomination only a week ago, she announced she was exploring a candidacy in January and spent the last two months visiting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina that will hold early nominating contests next year.

She has struggled to build momentum among a group of more than 15 announced and potential candidates, including five other sitting senators and former Vice President Joe Biden, who has not yet decided but is expected to join the race.

In recent surveys, Gillibrand has remained stubbornly mired in the 1-per cent range, while other first-time presidential candidates like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, both US senators, have shown more competitiveness.&nbsp;

The race remains in its infancy, however, with the first nominating contest in Iowa still 10 months away.

Gillibrand, known as a moderate when she served as a congresswoman from upstate New York, has refashioned herself into a staunch progressive, calling for strict gun laws and supporting the environmental agenda known as the Green New Deal. Some liberal activists have viewed that shift with scepticism.

Democratic US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand delivered a fiery first speech as an official presidential candidate in New York City on Sunday, calling US President Donald Trump a "coward" at the doorstep of one of his most famous properties.

Democratic US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand delivered a fiery first speech as an official presidential candidate in New York City on Sunday, calling US President Donald Trump a "coward" at the doorstep of one of his most famous properties. The location in front of Trump International Hotel is intended to show voters that Gillibrand will attack Trump directly, in contrast to some Democratic rivals who have hesitated to focus on the Republican president early in the 2020 campaign. "President Trump is tearing apart the moral fabric of our country," she told supporters adding "he demonizes the vulnerable and he punches down...Our President is a coward." While some candidates, most notably Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, have harshly criticized Trump, others have largely avoided using his name, as Democrats try out different tactics for confronting the divisive president. Though Gillibrand launched her formal campaign for the Democratic nomination only a week ago, she announced she was exploring a candidacy in January and spent the last two months visiting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina that will hold early nominating contests next year. She has struggled to build momentum among a group of more than 15 announced and potential candidates, including five other sitting senators and former Vice President Joe Biden, who has not yet decided but is expected to join the race. In recent surveys, Gillibrand has remained stubbornly mired in the 1-per cent range, while other first-time presidential candidates like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, both US senators, have shown more competitiveness. The race remains in its infancy, however, with the first nominating contest in Iowa still 10 months away. Gillibrand, known as a moderate when she served as a congresswoman from upstate New York, has refashioned herself into a staunch progressive, calling for strict gun laws and supporting the environmental agenda known as the Green New Deal. Some liberal activists have viewed that shift with scepticism.

Democrat Gillibrand delivers 2020 White House launch speech outside New York Trump hotel

President Donald Trump said Monday that Robert Mueller, head of the two-year probe into alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, acted honourably, but he also threatened retaliation against his foes.

"Yes he did," Trump said after Mueller -- whom he often bitterly criticised during the investigation -- declared there was no evidence of collusion by Trump or his campaign.

Trump, who feels vindicated by the dropping of collusion allegations, said he would favour publication of the wider Mueller report. So far, only a short summary has been released.

"Up to the attorney general. Wouldn't bother me at all," he said at the White House.

But Trump blasted the investigation as "a false narrative, it was a terrible thing."

"We can never let this happen to another president again," he said. "Very few people I know could have handled it. We can never, ever let this happen to another president again."

Adding to suggestions that the White House would like to retaliate now that the damaging investigation is over, Trump said, "there are people out there who have done very bad things, I would say treasonous things against our country."

"We've gone through a period of really bad things happening -- those people will certainly be looked at," he said.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Robert Mueller, head of the two-year probe into alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, acted honourably, but he also threatened retaliation against his foes.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Robert Mueller, head of the two-year probe into alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, acted honourably, but he also threatened retaliation against his foes. "Yes he did," Trump said after Mueller -- whom he often bitterly criticised during the investigation -- declared there was no evidence of collusion by Trump or his campaign. Trump, who feels vindicated by the dropping of collusion allegations, said he would favour publication of the wider Mueller report. So far, only a short summary has been released. "Up to the attorney general. Wouldn't bother me at all," he said at the White House. But Trump blasted the investigation as "a false narrative, it was a terrible thing." "We can never let this happen to another president again," he said. "Very few people I know could have handled it. We can never, ever let this happen to another president again." Adding to suggestions that the White House would like to retaliate now that the damaging investigation is over, Trump said, "there are people out there who have done very bad things, I would say treasonous things against our country." "We've gone through a period of really bad things happening -- those people will certainly be looked at," he said.

Trump says Russia probe head Robert Mueller acted honourably, but warns of retaliation

Israel's military launched strikes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-rocket-strike-near-tel-aviv-wounds-israelis-netanyahu-to-return-205512">Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip</a> on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip.

Details were not yet clear on the strikes.

Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip."

The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike.

The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel.

The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9.

Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it.

Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump. 
 
&nbsp;

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis. Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip. Details were not yet clear on the strikes. Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip." The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington. Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike. The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel. The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9. Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it. Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump.

Israel launches strikes on Hamas in Gaza after rocket

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump</a>.

The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election.

Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020.&nbsp;

But with the report declining to determine whether there was obstruction of justice by the president, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer escalated their demands for the full document's release.

"The fact that Special Counsel (Robert) Mueller's report does not exonerate the president on a charge as serious as obstruction of justice demonstrates how urgent it is that the full report and underlying documentation be made public without any further delay," the Democratic pair said in a joint statement.

They also said Barr, nominated just months ago by Trump, is "not a neutral observer" in the process and that his summary of the report is not an objective determination about Mueller's findings.

The two Democrats also said Trump's declaration that the report is a complete exoneration of the president because it clears him of colluding with Russia "directly contradicts the words of Mr Mueller and is not to be taken with any degree of credibility."

Congressional Democrats appeared stung by the failure of Mueller's report, after a 22-month investigation, to directly uncover presidential wrongdoing.

'I want the whole damn report' 
Several lawmakers including 2020 presidential hopefuls like senators Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker vented on Twitter, saying a mere summary by a Trump ally was insufficient.

"I don't want a summary of the Mueller report. I want the whole damn report," tweeted Bernie Sanders, a liberal senator in the 2020 race.

Several Democrats have called for Barr and Mueller to testify before Congress.

"Special Counsel Mueller clearly and explicitly is not exonerating the president, and we must hear from AG Barr about his decision making and see all the underlying evidence for the American people to know all the facts," said House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler.

His panel will call Barr to testify "in the near future," Nadler said.

With the Mueller probe running its course, the various congressional investigations into possible Trump team connections with Russia may enter the spotlight.

Nadler's committee is one of at least three pending congressional inquiries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month he launched the Democrats' most ambitious investigation yet into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of office by Trump, targeting 81 individuals and entities.

The probe has already yielded more than 10,000 documents, ensuring that the probe carries on for several months or longer.

House Republican Liz Cheney hinted at the influence the Mueller's report findings will have on the presidential race, saying Americans "will long remember how wrong and irresponsible the Democrats have been."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump.

Top congressional Democrats said Sunday it was "urgent" that the full report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election be publicly released, stressing it does not exonerate Donald Trump. The president was quick to claim vindication by Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report findings which, according to a summary by Attorney General Bill Barr, found that no Trump campaign official was involved in Russian conspiracies to interfere in the 2016 US election. Such a conclusion would no doubt blunt a key weapon for Democrats desperate to oust Trump in 2020. But with the report declining to determine whether there was obstruction of justice by the president, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer escalated their demands for the full document's release. "The fact that Special Counsel (Robert) Mueller's report does not exonerate the president on a charge as serious as obstruction of justice demonstrates how urgent it is that the full report and underlying documentation be made public without any further delay," the Democratic pair said in a joint statement. They also said Barr, nominated just months ago by Trump, is "not a neutral observer" in the process and that his summary of the report is not an objective determination about Mueller's findings. The two Democrats also said Trump's declaration that the report is a complete exoneration of the president because it clears him of colluding with Russia "directly contradicts the words of Mr Mueller and is not to be taken with any degree of credibility." Congressional Democrats appeared stung by the failure of Mueller's report, after a 22-month investigation, to directly uncover presidential wrongdoing. 'I want the whole damn report' Several lawmakers including 2020 presidential hopefuls like senators Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker vented on Twitter, saying a mere summary by a Trump ally was insufficient. "I don't want a summary of the Mueller report. I want the whole damn report," tweeted Bernie Sanders, a liberal senator in the 2020 race. Several Democrats have called for Barr and Mueller to testify before Congress. "Special Counsel Mueller clearly and explicitly is not exonerating the president, and we must hear from AG Barr about his decision making and see all the underlying evidence for the American people to know all the facts," said House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler. His panel will call Barr to testify "in the near future," Nadler said. With the Mueller probe running its course, the various congressional investigations into possible Trump team connections with Russia may enter the spotlight. Nadler's committee is one of at least three pending congressional inquiries. Earlier this month he launched the Democrats' most ambitious investigation yet into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of office by Trump, targeting 81 individuals and entities. The probe has already yielded more than 10,000 documents, ensuring that the probe carries on for several months or longer. House Republican Liz Cheney hinted at the influence the Mueller's report findings will have on the presidential race, saying Americans "will long remember how wrong and irresponsible the Democrats have been."

On the back foot, Democrats demand release of full Mueller report

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