A Catholic school in Kentucky condemned a group of its students, many of whom wore "Make America Great Again" hats after they were recorded harassing a Native American Vietnam veteran in a video that went viral on Saturday.

The students from private, all-male Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky were in Washington for an anti-abortion rally on Friday when they were filmed surrounding Nathan Phillips and mocking the Native American's singing and drumming.

One teen, in particular, is seen standing in front of Phillips, staring into his face with a smile. Fellow students, many in clothing bearing President Donald Trump's "MAGA" slogan, cheered him on and chanted, "build that wall, build that wall," Phillips said.

The footage was shared online by organizers of an indigenous peoples' march that also took place on Friday.

In a joint statement, the high school and Diocese of Covington condemned the actions of the students "towards Nathan Phillips specifically, and Native Americans in general."

"The matter is being investigated and we will take appropriate action, up to and including expulsion," the statement said.

In a separate video uploaded to social media, the 64-year-old Phillips, an elder of Nebraska's Omaha tribe, wiped away tears as he described the incident.

"I heard them saying 'build that wall, build that wall'. These are indigenous lands, we're not supposed to have walls," he said. "I wish I could see that energy of that young mass of young men, put that energy into making this country, really, really great, helping those that are hungry."

Phillips is a well-known Native American activist who was among those leading the Standing Rock protests in 2016-2017 against the construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota.

He holds an annual ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honour Native American veterans, according to media reports.

Phillips could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

Democratic US Congresswoman Deb Haaland, a member of New Mexico's Laguna Pueblo tribe, said on Twitter that Phillips had risked his life for his country and that the students showed "blatant hate, disrespect, and intolerance".

Covington Mayor Joe Meyer, a Democrat, said the "appalling" footage had rightly inspired "a tidal wave of condemnation" and that his town was now being linked with "intolerance and ethnic intimidation" because of the boys' actions.

"The videos being shared across the nation do NOT represent the core beliefs and values of this city," he said in a statement.

Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Democratic secretary of state for Kentucky, said the children were not solely to blame.

"I turn to the adults and administration that are charged with teaching them, and to others who are silently letting others promote this behaviour," she said on Facebook.

The students from private, all-male Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky were in Washington for an anti-abortion rally on Friday when they were filmed surrounding Nathan Phillips and mocking the Native American's singing and drumming.

A Catholic school in Kentucky condemned a group of its students, many of whom wore "Make America Great Again" hats after they were recorded harassing a Native American Vietnam veteran in a video that went viral on Saturday. The students from private, all-male Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky were in Washington for an anti-abortion rally on Friday when they were filmed surrounding Nathan Phillips and mocking the Native American's singing and drumming. One teen, in particular, is seen standing in front of Phillips, staring into his face with a smile. Fellow students, many in clothing bearing President Donald Trump's "MAGA" slogan, cheered him on and chanted, "build that wall, build that wall," Phillips said. The footage was shared online by organizers of an indigenous peoples' march that also took place on Friday. In a joint statement, the high school and Diocese of Covington condemned the actions of the students "towards Nathan Phillips specifically, and Native Americans in general." "The matter is being investigated and we will take appropriate action, up to and including expulsion," the statement said. In a separate video uploaded to social media, the 64-year-old Phillips, an elder of Nebraska's Omaha tribe, wiped away tears as he described the incident. "I heard them saying 'build that wall, build that wall'. These are indigenous lands, we're not supposed to have walls," he said. "I wish I could see that energy of that young mass of young men, put that energy into making this country, really, really great, helping those that are hungry." Phillips is a well-known Native American activist who was among those leading the Standing Rock protests in 2016-2017 against the construction of an oil pipeline in North Dakota. He holds an annual ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honour Native American veterans, according to media reports. Phillips could not be reached for comment on Saturday. Democratic US Congresswoman Deb Haaland, a member of New Mexico's Laguna Pueblo tribe, said on Twitter that Phillips had risked his life for his country and that the students showed "blatant hate, disrespect, and intolerance". Covington Mayor Joe Meyer, a Democrat, said the "appalling" footage had rightly inspired "a tidal wave of condemnation" and that his town was now being linked with "intolerance and ethnic intimidation" because of the boys' actions. "The videos being shared across the nation do NOT represent the core beliefs and values of this city," he said in a statement. Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Democratic secretary of state for Kentucky, said the children were not solely to blame. "I turn to the adults and administration that are charged with teaching them, and to others who are silently letting others promote this behaviour," she said on Facebook.

Students in Trump hats mock Native American Vietnam vet; video goes viral

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US&nbsp;news coverage for the past 24 hours.

BuzzFeed News reported late on Thursday that Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who is slated to go to prison for lying to Congress and other crimes, told investigators working for Mueller that Trump had instructed him to lie about efforts to build a skyscraper in Moscow while he was running for president.

"BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate," Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, said in the special counsel's first comment on a media report since its probe started 20 months ago.

While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump.

Citing information from two federal law enforcement officials, BuzzFeed said Cohen told the special counsel that after the 2016 presidential election Trump instructed him to tell Congress that negotiations over the Moscow project had ended earlier than they had in order to obscure Trump's involvement.

Carr's statement also appeared to dispute BuzzFeed's assertion that the special counsel learned about Trump's directive from interviews with employees of the Trump Organization, emails, text messages and other documents.

BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing."

After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US&nbsp;Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president.

Earlier on Friday, the White House said the story was false. "Look, that's absolutely ridiculous," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, said Mueller's decision to comment highlighted the significance of the allegations made in the BuzzFeed article and the attention it was getting in the media and among lawmakers.

"They are making a public comment to tell everyone to calm down," Weinstein said. "He doesn’t want people to think his silence is confirming the truthfulness of the report."

Trump said on Twitter that Cohen was lying to get less prison time. Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said in a statement that any suggestion that Trump told Cohen to lie is "categorically false."

Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment on the BuzzFeed report.

Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress.

If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter.

"Directing a subordinate to lie to Congress is a federal crime," Nadler said on Twitter.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the allegation that Trump may have directed Cohen to lie under oath "is among the most serious to date."

"We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true," Schiff, also a Democrat, said on Twitter.

Some Senate Intelligence Committee investigators hope to ask Cohen about the BuzzFeed report when he testifies behind closed doors in February, a committee source told Reuters. He also will face questions about it in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on February&nbsp;7.

Yet Mueller's move to push back on the BuzzFeed report could give some lawmakers pause, while also giving ammunition to allies of Trump in their efforts to criticize the media and in their calls for Mueller to complete his probe.

"Today's development only underscores the need for the special counsel to wrap this investigation up immediately," Republican Representative Mark Meadows said on Twittter. "The constant secrecy and breathless speculation helps no one."

"Seismic event"

Legal experts said the allegation, if true, exposed Trump to a new level of risk in an investigation that has already resulted in convictions of or guilty pleas from four former campaign aides, including ex-campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

If true, "it's a seismic event," Andy Wright, an associate White House counsel under former Democratic President Barack Obama, told Reuters.

Cohen, his left arm in a sling, did not comment as he entered his apartment building in New York on Friday. His adviser, Lanny Davis, also declined to comment to Reuters, and his lawyer, Guy Petrillo, did not respond to a request for comment.

Trump denounced Cohen as a "rat" after he began cooperating with investigators while Cohen, whose duties included making payoffs to two women who said they had affairs with Trump, said on Thursday he regretted giving "my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it."

Directing or encouraging someone to lie under oath is a crime known as subornation of perjury. The report also raises questions about obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

William Barr, Trump's nominee to be attorney general, said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that a president would be committing obstruction if he directed a subordinate to lie under oath. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.

While the Justice Department has previously concluded that a sitting president cannot be charged while in office, such an allegation, if found true, could fuel impeachment proceedings in Congress.

Trump repeatedly has denied collusion with Russia and slammed Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt." Russia also has rejected US&nbsp;intelligence findings that Moscow interfered in US&nbsp;politics in the 2016 election in an effort to boost Trump.

Trump said during the presidential campaign that he had no ties or business dealings with Russia.

Democrats, who took over the US&nbsp;House of Representatives this month, have generally been cautious regarding any talk of impeachment to remove Trump from office although some rank-and-file members have pushed for such a resolution.

Impeachment proceedings would face an uphill battle in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans have a majority.

BuzzFeed also reported that Cohen regularly updated Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who is now a top White House adviser, about the Moscow project.

A spokesman for Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Ivanka Trump, said she was minimally involved in the development. Trump Jr., who has also testified previously before Congress, in a Twitter post called&nbsp;the BuzzFeed report "fake news."

After Mueller's statement disputing the report, Trump Jr. called out the media and Schiff in a series of Twitter posts. "Hey Adam, turns out it was Full of Schiff!" he wrote.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past 24 hours.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past 24 hours. BuzzFeed News reported late on Thursday that Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who is slated to go to prison for lying to Congress and other crimes, told investigators working for Mueller that Trump had instructed him to lie about efforts to build a skyscraper in Moscow while he was running for president. "BuzzFeed’s description of specific statements to the Special Counsel’s Office, and characterization of documents and testimony obtained by this office, regarding Michael Cohen’s Congressional testimony are not accurate," Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, said in the special counsel's first comment on a media report since its probe started 20 months ago. While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump. Citing information from two federal law enforcement officials, BuzzFeed said Cohen told the special counsel that after the 2016 presidential election Trump instructed him to tell Congress that negotiations over the Moscow project had ended earlier than they had in order to obscure Trump's involvement. Carr's statement also appeared to dispute BuzzFeed's assertion that the special counsel learned about Trump's directive from interviews with employees of the Trump Organization, emails, text messages and other documents. BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing." After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president. Earlier on Friday, the White House said the story was false. "Look, that's absolutely ridiculous," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, said Mueller's decision to comment highlighted the significance of the allegations made in the BuzzFeed article and the attention it was getting in the media and among lawmakers. "They are making a public comment to tell everyone to calm down," Weinstein said. "He doesn’t want people to think his silence is confirming the truthfulness of the report." Trump said on Twitter that Cohen was lying to get less prison time. Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said in a statement that any suggestion that Trump told Cohen to lie is "categorically false." Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment on the BuzzFeed report. Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress. If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter. "Directing a subordinate to lie to Congress is a federal crime," Nadler said on Twitter. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the allegation that Trump may have directed Cohen to lie under oath "is among the most serious to date." "We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true," Schiff, also a Democrat, said on Twitter. Some Senate Intelligence Committee investigators hope to ask Cohen about the BuzzFeed report when he testifies behind closed doors in February, a committee source told Reuters. He also will face questions about it in testimony before the House Oversight Committee on February 7. Yet Mueller's move to push back on the BuzzFeed report could give some lawmakers pause, while also giving ammunition to allies of Trump in their efforts to criticize the media and in their calls for Mueller to complete his probe. "Today's development only underscores the need for the special counsel to wrap this investigation up immediately," Republican Representative Mark Meadows said on Twittter. "The constant secrecy and breathless speculation helps no one." "Seismic event" Legal experts said the allegation, if true, exposed Trump to a new level of risk in an investigation that has already resulted in convictions of or guilty pleas from four former campaign aides, including ex-campaign chairman Paul Manafort. If true, "it's a seismic event," Andy Wright, an associate White House counsel under former Democratic President Barack Obama, told Reuters. Cohen, his left arm in a sling, did not comment as he entered his apartment building in New York on Friday. His adviser, Lanny Davis, also declined to comment to Reuters, and his lawyer, Guy Petrillo, did not respond to a request for comment. Trump denounced Cohen as a "rat" after he began cooperating with investigators while Cohen, whose duties included making payoffs to two women who said they had affairs with Trump, said on Thursday he regretted giving "my blind loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it." Directing or encouraging someone to lie under oath is a crime known as subornation of perjury. The report also raises questions about obstruction of justice and conspiracy. William Barr, Trump's nominee to be attorney general, said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that a president would be committing obstruction if he directed a subordinate to lie under oath. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. While the Justice Department has previously concluded that a sitting president cannot be charged while in office, such an allegation, if found true, could fuel impeachment proceedings in Congress. Trump repeatedly has denied collusion with Russia and slammed Mueller's investigation as a "witch hunt." Russia also has rejected US intelligence findings that Moscow interfered in US politics in the 2016 election in an effort to boost Trump. Trump said during the presidential campaign that he had no ties or business dealings with Russia. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have generally been cautious regarding any talk of impeachment to remove Trump from office although some rank-and-file members have pushed for such a resolution. Impeachment proceedings would face an uphill battle in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans have a majority. BuzzFeed also reported that Cohen regularly updated Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who is now a top White House adviser, about the Moscow project. A spokesman for Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Ivanka Trump, said she was minimally involved in the development. Trump Jr., who has also testified previously before Congress, in a Twitter post called the BuzzFeed report "fake news." After Mueller's statement disputing the report, Trump Jr. called out the media and Schiff in a series of Twitter posts. "Hey Adam, turns out it was Full of Schiff!" he wrote.

Mueller's office disputes report that Trump told Cohen to lie to Congress

US President Donald Trump will propose a deal on Saturday meant to end a 29-day partial government shutdown, offering a compromise with Democrats on immigration but sticking to his demand for funding for a border wall, a source familiar with his plan said.

In a speech to be delivered from the White House, Trump will continue to demand $5.7 billion in wall funding, but also offer backing for legislation to protect young undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers," as well as temporary protected status (TPS) holders, the source said, confirming a report by Axios.

Vice President Mike Pence, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, have been instrumental in crafting the deal, the source said.

Trump is to make the announcement in a 4 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) speech.

The source said Trump does not plan to declare a national emergency along the US-Mexico border, a step he threatened to take earlier in his struggle with Congress over the shutdown triggered by his wall-funding ultimatum.

Declaration of an emergency would allow Trump to bypass Congress to pay for a border wall, although such a step would likely prompt a legal challenge over constitutional powers from congressional Democrats.

Trump is under pressure to end the shutdown with Americans increasingly blaming him for refusing to sign spending bills that would provide paychecks for 800,000 federal workers who have been idled or working without pay for nearly a month, the longest government shutdown in US history.

Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn on Saturday he has no personal feud with House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top US Democrat. She and other Democrats oppose the wall, calling it too expensive, ineffective and immoral.

"Whether it’s personal or not, it’s not personal for me," Trump said. "She’s under total control of the radical left. I think that’s a very bad thing for her. I think it’s a very bad thing for the Democrats."

Trump also said he was concerned about a new wave of immigrants moving north through Mexico toward the U.S. border.

"I’m disappointed that Mexico is not stopping them. I mean, Mexico seems unfortunately powerless to stop them," he said. "If we had a wall, we wouldn't have a problem."

The "Dreamers," who are mostly Latin American, are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program protects certain people who illegally entered the country as children, providing about 700,000 immigrants with work permits, but no path to citizenship.

Former Democratic President Barack Obama put DACA in place in 2012 through an executive order. The Trump administration announced in September 2017 it would rescind DACA, but the policy remains in effect under a court order.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is given to nationals from designated countries affected by armed conflict or natural disaster. TPS holders are permitted to work and live in the U.S. for limited times.

The Trump administration has shown a deep skepticism toward the temporary protected status program and has moved to revoke the special status afforded to thousands of immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and other nations.

US President Donald Trump will propose a deal on Saturday meant to end a 29-day partial government shutdown, offering a compromise with Democrats on immigration but sticking to his demand for funding for a border wall, a source familiar with his plan said.

US President Donald Trump will propose a deal on Saturday meant to end a 29-day partial government shutdown, offering a compromise with Democrats on immigration but sticking to his demand for funding for a border wall, a source familiar with his plan said. In a speech to be delivered from the White House, Trump will continue to demand $5.7 billion in wall funding, but also offer backing for legislation to protect young undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers," as well as temporary protected status (TPS) holders, the source said, confirming a report by Axios. Vice President Mike Pence, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, have been instrumental in crafting the deal, the source said. Trump is to make the announcement in a 4 p.m. EST (2000 GMT) speech. The source said Trump does not plan to declare a national emergency along the US-Mexico border, a step he threatened to take earlier in his struggle with Congress over the shutdown triggered by his wall-funding ultimatum. Declaration of an emergency would allow Trump to bypass Congress to pay for a border wall, although such a step would likely prompt a legal challenge over constitutional powers from congressional Democrats. Trump is under pressure to end the shutdown with Americans increasingly blaming him for refusing to sign spending bills that would provide paychecks for 800,000 federal workers who have been idled or working without pay for nearly a month, the longest government shutdown in US history. Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn on Saturday he has no personal feud with House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top US Democrat. She and other Democrats oppose the wall, calling it too expensive, ineffective and immoral. "Whether it’s personal or not, it’s not personal for me," Trump said. "She’s under total control of the radical left. I think that’s a very bad thing for her. I think it’s a very bad thing for the Democrats." Trump also said he was concerned about a new wave of immigrants moving north through Mexico toward the U.S. border. "I’m disappointed that Mexico is not stopping them. I mean, Mexico seems unfortunately powerless to stop them," he said. "If we had a wall, we wouldn't have a problem." The "Dreamers," who are mostly Latin American, are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program protects certain people who illegally entered the country as children, providing about 700,000 immigrants with work permits, but no path to citizenship. Former Democratic President Barack Obama put DACA in place in 2012 through an executive order. The Trump administration announced in September 2017 it would rescind DACA, but the policy remains in effect under a court order. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is given to nationals from designated countries affected by armed conflict or natural disaster. TPS holders are permitted to work and live in the U.S. for limited times. The Trump administration has shown a deep skepticism toward the temporary protected status program and has moved to revoke the special status afforded to thousands of immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and other nations.

Trump to offer shutdown-ending immigration deal, still wants wall money: Source

Women marched in hundreds of US cities and overseas on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of demonstrations that drew millions of protesters to the streets the day after Republican President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017.

Women's March, a national nonprofit organisation that evolved from the initial Washington march, is again hosting its main event in Washington, with hundreds of "sister" marches in other cities.

March On, a separate grassroots coalition that also grew from the original march, has coordinated hundreds of marches in cities such as Boston, Houston, Baltimore and Denver.

Leaders of both groups has said that they will use this year's marches to push policy related to raising the minimum wage, access to reproductive and healthcare and voting rights, among other issues. They are aiming to mobilize women to vote ahead of the 2020 elections, when Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee for president.

"There is definitely huge, huge focus on the 2020 elections," said March On's Natalie Sanchez, an organizer of the 2017 Boston Women's March who is also with March Forward Massachusetts, which is leading Saturday's march there.

Activists say the marches are a chance to celebrate the gains made in the 2018 elections, which saw more women elected to the U.S. Congress than ever before.

The newly elected women - nearly all Democrats - include the first Muslim women and first Native American women in Congress, as well as the first black women to represent their states in New England. Many cited Trump's presidency among the reasons they decided to run for office.

As the political movement that grew out of hundreds of loosely affiliated marches in 2017 has grown, divisions have emerged.

In some cities, like New York and Washington, there is be more than one march or demonstration due to criticism that some Women's March leaders are anti-Semitic - a charge those leaders have sought to dispel in recent interviews and statements.

The marches also have been criticised as being not welcoming to conservative women, who may support Trump's presidency and oppose abortion rights. The "March for Life" by anti-abortion campaigners was in Washington on Friday, attended by Vice President Mike Pence.

Leaders of Women's March and March On say there is a role for everyone.

"We are all part of the same movement, regardless of any divisiveness or any drama that goes on," Sanchez said. 
&nbsp;

Women marched in hundreds of US cities and overseas on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of demonstrations that drew millions of protesters to the streets the day after Republican President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017.

Women marched in hundreds of US cities and overseas on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of demonstrations that drew millions of protesters to the streets the day after Republican President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017. Women's March, a national nonprofit organisation that evolved from the initial Washington march, is again hosting its main event in Washington, with hundreds of "sister" marches in other cities. March On, a separate grassroots coalition that also grew from the original march, has coordinated hundreds of marches in cities such as Boston, Houston, Baltimore and Denver. Leaders of both groups has said that they will use this year's marches to push policy related to raising the minimum wage, access to reproductive and healthcare and voting rights, among other issues. They are aiming to mobilize women to vote ahead of the 2020 elections, when Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee for president. "There is definitely huge, huge focus on the 2020 elections," said March On's Natalie Sanchez, an organizer of the 2017 Boston Women's March who is also with March Forward Massachusetts, which is leading Saturday's march there. Activists say the marches are a chance to celebrate the gains made in the 2018 elections, which saw more women elected to the U.S. Congress than ever before. The newly elected women - nearly all Democrats - include the first Muslim women and first Native American women in Congress, as well as the first black women to represent their states in New England. Many cited Trump's presidency among the reasons they decided to run for office. As the political movement that grew out of hundreds of loosely affiliated marches in 2017 has grown, divisions have emerged. In some cities, like New York and Washington, there is be more than one march or demonstration due to criticism that some Women's March leaders are anti-Semitic - a charge those leaders have sought to dispel in recent interviews and statements. The marches also have been criticised as being not welcoming to conservative women, who may support Trump's presidency and oppose abortion rights. The "March for Life" by anti-abortion campaigners was in Washington on Friday, attended by Vice President Mike Pence. Leaders of Women's March and March On say there is a role for everyone. "We are all part of the same movement, regardless of any divisiveness or any drama that goes on," Sanchez said.

Thousands of women march in US cities for third straight year

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday said, he was grateful to Special Counsel Robert Mueller for a statement disputing a BuzzFeed News report that Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal.

"I appreciate the special counsel coming out with a statement last night. I think it was very appropriate that they did so," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I think that the BuzzFeed piece was a disgrace to our country. It was a disgrace to journalism."

Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US&nbsp;news coverage for the past two days.

&nbsp;Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US&nbsp;news coverage for the past 24 hours.

While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump.

Meanwhile, BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing."

After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US&nbsp;Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president.

Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress.

If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday said, he was grateful to Special Counsel Robert Mueller for a statement disputing a BuzzFeed News report that Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday said, he was grateful to Special Counsel Robert Mueller for a statement disputing a BuzzFeed News report that Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal. "I appreciate the special counsel coming out with a statement last night. I think it was very appropriate that they did so," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I think that the BuzzFeed piece was a disgrace to our country. It was a disgrace to journalism." Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past two days. Mueller's office on Friday disputed key elements of a media report that President Donald Trump directed his former lawyer to lie to Congress about a Moscow real estate deal, raising questions about a story that has dominated US news coverage for the past 24 hours. While Carr did not directly address whether there was evidence that Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress, he disputed portions of the story about how BuzzFeed corroborated the explosive allegations against Trump. Meanwhile, BuzzFeed editor-in-chief Ben Smith said in a statement: "We stand by the reporting and the sources who informed it, and we urge the Special Counsel to make clear what he's disputing." After the BuzzFeed report was published on Thursday night, investigators in the US Senate and House of Representatives said they planned to investigate the allegations, while some Democrats described the report as a game-changer that, if true, could be grounds for impeaching the president. Cohen, who once said he was so loyal to Trump that he would "take a bullet" for him, is scheduled to begin a three-year prison sentence in March after pleading guilty to charges including campaign finance violations, tax evasion and lying to Congress. If Trump did tell Cohen to lie, that would constitute criminal activity, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat. He added that he would look into the matter.

Trump thanks special counsel Robert Mueller for statement about BuzzFeed article

Hundreds of members of indigenous communities protested in Washington on Friday, denouncing injustices they are facing and demanding that their rights be respected.

They gathered on Washington's snowy National Mall, some wearing traditional dress, carrying signs with messages including: "Justice For Missing Murdered Indigenous Women" and "We Will Not Be Silenced."

"Currently, many indigenous people are victims of voter suppression, divided families by walls and borders, an environmental holocaust, sex and human trafficking, and police/military brutality with little or no resources and awareness of this injustice," a post on the Indigenous People's March Facebook page said.

"I came here for the future generations of my people. I came here for environmental injustices that are happening on our reservations. Our waters are being polluted. Nothing is being done," said Malia Simon, a 20-year-old member of the Navajo tribe, which is located in four southwestern US states.

Indigenous communities have also denounced restrictions on their freedom of movement and boundaries they did not draw.

"The border was created by settlers, it's not something that we recognize. Indigenous people migrate North to South, since we've been here, since the beginning of time," said Joey Morales, a member of the Pijao people of Colombia.

In the United States, Native Americans are among the poorest communities and have particularly suffered during the partial closure of the federal government, which has now stretched on for nearly a month.

Often they are torn between living on reservations -- which try to preserve group culture and languages -- and life in cities elsewhere.

"A lot of people aren't getting their (US) benefits, aren't getting their money, aren't getting a lot of money for grants," said Cante Heart, a Winnebago tribe member.

Several tribes are also locked in a struggle with Canadian and US authorities over the route of an oil pipeline crossing their reservations. Jack Gifted by Eagles noted that the Dakota Access pipeline "has already leaked," and could do so again.

US President Donald Trump suffered a setback in December when a judge suspended construction of the giant Keystone XL pipeline to connect Canadian oilfields to Gulf of Mexico refineries.

Vanessa Pastrana, a native of Puerto Rico and the Taino people, who lived in the Caribbean before being virtually wiped out, said that there is a need to "fight back and be strong."

"These marches are good but you got to put work behind these marches," Pastrana said.

Hundreds of members of indigenous communities protested in Washington on Friday, denouncing injustices they are facing and demanding that their rights be respected.

Hundreds of members of indigenous communities protested in Washington on Friday, denouncing injustices they are facing and demanding that their rights be respected. They gathered on Washington's snowy National Mall, some wearing traditional dress, carrying signs with messages including: "Justice For Missing Murdered Indigenous Women" and "We Will Not Be Silenced." "Currently, many indigenous people are victims of voter suppression, divided families by walls and borders, an environmental holocaust, sex and human trafficking, and police/military brutality with little or no resources and awareness of this injustice," a post on the Indigenous People's March Facebook page said. "I came here for the future generations of my people. I came here for environmental injustices that are happening on our reservations. Our waters are being polluted. Nothing is being done," said Malia Simon, a 20-year-old member of the Navajo tribe, which is located in four southwestern US states. Indigenous communities have also denounced restrictions on their freedom of movement and boundaries they did not draw. "The border was created by settlers, it's not something that we recognize. Indigenous people migrate North to South, since we've been here, since the beginning of time," said Joey Morales, a member of the Pijao people of Colombia. In the United States, Native Americans are among the poorest communities and have particularly suffered during the partial closure of the federal government, which has now stretched on for nearly a month. Often they are torn between living on reservations -- which try to preserve group culture and languages -- and life in cities elsewhere. "A lot of people aren't getting their (US) benefits, aren't getting their money, aren't getting a lot of money for grants," said Cante Heart, a Winnebago tribe member. Several tribes are also locked in a struggle with Canadian and US authorities over the route of an oil pipeline crossing their reservations. Jack Gifted by Eagles noted that the Dakota Access pipeline "has already leaked," and could do so again. US President Donald Trump suffered a setback in December when a judge suspended construction of the giant Keystone XL pipeline to connect Canadian oilfields to Gulf of Mexico refineries. Vanessa Pastrana, a native of Puerto Rico and the Taino people, who lived in the Caribbean before being virtually wiped out, said that there is a need to "fight back and be strong." "These marches are good but you got to put work behind these marches," Pastrana said.

Indigenous people protest for their rights in Washington

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday.

Brett McGurk, who quit as America's envoy to the anti-IS coalition after Trump declared victory over the group last month, warned a US withdrawal would shore up President Bashar al-Assad and lessen America's leverage with Russia and Iran.

And "the Islamic State and other extremist groups will fill the void opened by our departure, regenerating their capacity to threaten our friends in Europe —- as they did throughout 2016 —- and ultimately our own homeland," McGurk wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

McGurk, a Barack Obama-era appointee whom Trump kept on, said he was in the US embassy in Baghdad on December 17 when he got an urgent call from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informing him of Trump's decision.

Two days later, Trump tweeted, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria."

"But that was not true, and we have continued to conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State," McGurk said.

The decision came just days after National Security Advisor John Bolton had suggested an indefinite US troop presence in Syria, and as McGurk and then defense secretary Jim Mattis met coalition partners to confirm commitments for at least the next year.

"My counterparts in coalition capitals were bewildered," McGurk said.&nbsp;

"The president's decision to leave Syria was made without deliberation, consultation with allies or Congress, assessment of risk, or appreciation of facts."

Mattis quit after Trump's decision.

Female sailor killed

McGurk said Trump had made his decision after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had said Istanbul would lead the fight against IS remnants in Syria.&nbsp;

But Turkey has also vowed to take action against US-backed Syrian Kurds who have conducted the fight against IS and lost thousands of troops as they slowly wrested territory from the jihadists.&nbsp;

"The irony is that defeating the Islamic State is what the president said from the beginning was his goal," McGurk said.&nbsp;

"His recent choices, unfortunately, are already giving the Islamic State -- and other American adversaries -- new life."

Just one month after Trump declared victory over IS, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria this week.

Four Americans, including two services personnel, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago.

The Pentagon on Friday identified three of those killed.&nbsp;

Among them was Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent of New York. Her death marked the first time a female US service member was killed in Syria.

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday.

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday. Brett McGurk, who quit as America's envoy to the anti-IS coalition after Trump declared victory over the group last month, warned a US withdrawal would shore up President Bashar al-Assad and lessen America's leverage with Russia and Iran. And "the Islamic State and other extremist groups will fill the void opened by our departure, regenerating their capacity to threaten our friends in Europe —- as they did throughout 2016 —- and ultimately our own homeland," McGurk wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. McGurk, a Barack Obama-era appointee whom Trump kept on, said he was in the US embassy in Baghdad on December 17 when he got an urgent call from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informing him of Trump's decision. Two days later, Trump tweeted, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria." "But that was not true, and we have continued to conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State," McGurk said. The decision came just days after National Security Advisor John Bolton had suggested an indefinite US troop presence in Syria, and as McGurk and then defense secretary Jim Mattis met coalition partners to confirm commitments for at least the next year. "My counterparts in coalition capitals were bewildered," McGurk said. "The president's decision to leave Syria was made without deliberation, consultation with allies or Congress, assessment of risk, or appreciation of facts." Mattis quit after Trump's decision. Female sailor killed McGurk said Trump had made his decision after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had said Istanbul would lead the fight against IS remnants in Syria. But Turkey has also vowed to take action against US-backed Syrian Kurds who have conducted the fight against IS and lost thousands of troops as they slowly wrested territory from the jihadists. "The irony is that defeating the Islamic State is what the president said from the beginning was his goal," McGurk said. "His recent choices, unfortunately, are already giving the Islamic State -- and other American adversaries -- new life." Just one month after Trump declared victory over IS, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria this week. Four Americans, including two services personnel, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago. The Pentagon on Friday identified three of those killed. Among them was Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent of New York. Her death marked the first time a female US service member was killed in Syria.

Trump giving 'new life' to IS, former envoy says

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-major-announcement-saturday-on-shutdown-donald-trump-191318">Will make 'major' announcement Saturday on government shutdown: Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Friday&nbsp;he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm&nbsp;EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-north-koreas-kim-to-hold-second-summit-in-late-february-191316">Trump, North Korea's Kim to hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-north-koreas-kim-to-hold-second-summit-in-late-february-191316">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-north-koreas-kim-to-hold-second-summit-in-late-february-191316"> summit in late February</a>

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after&nbsp;Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/havent-received-requests-to-launch-criminal-probe-into-khashoggis-murder-united-nations-191325">Haven't received requests to launch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/havent-received-requests-to-launch-criminal-probe-into-khashoggis-murder-united-nations-191325">criminal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/havent-received-requests-to-launch-criminal-probe-into-khashoggis-murder-united-nations-191325"> probe into Khashoggi's murder: United Nations</a>

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that the world body has not received requests from other countries to initiate a criminal investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjees-mega-rally-at-kolkatas-brigade-ground-today-security-beefed-up-191323">Mamata Banerjee's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade ground today, security beefed up</a>

The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-based-on-fudged-arithmetic-jaitley-dismisses-report-of-rafale-price-escalation-191327">It is based on fudged arithmetic: Jaitley dismisses report of Rafale price escalation</a>

Finance Minister&nbsp;Arun Jaitley on Friday&nbsp;dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

Will make 'major' announcement Saturday on government shutdown: Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

Will make 'major' announcement Saturday on government shutdown: Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day. Trump, North Korea's Kim to hold second summit in late February US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator. Haven't received requests to launch criminal probe into Khashoggi's murder: United Nations United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said that the world body has not received requests from other countries to initiate a criminal investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mamata Banerjee's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade ground today, security beefed up The stage is set for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's mega Opposition rally against the Narendra Modi government. It is based on fudged arithmetic: Jaitley dismisses report of Rafale price escalation Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Breaking News: US Congress set to probe Cohen report

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-north-korean-holds-rare-washington-talks-to-prepare-summit-191312">Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator</a>.

The announcement came amid a diplomatic flurry in Washington surrounding the visit of Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, and marked a sign of movement in a denuclearisation effort that has stalled since a landmark meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12.

"President Donald J. Trump met with Kim Yong Chol for an hour and a half to discuss denuclearisation and a second summit, which will take place near the end of February," White House spokesman Sarah Sanders said. She said a location would be announced later.&nbsp;

The summit was announced despite the fact there has been no indication of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States and Pyongyang's demands for a lifting of punishing sanctions.

Sanders said that Trump's talks with the North Korean envoy were productive but added that the United States "is going to continue to keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea."

The first summit produced a vague commitment by Kim Jong Un to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction.

Nevertheless, both he and Trump had expressed an interest in arranging a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-willing-to-host-trump-kim-summit-report-191254">second meeting</a>, something some US-based analysts see as premature. Critics of US efforts say the first summit only boosted Kim's international stature without much to show for it.

Trump declared just after the Singapore meeting that the nuclear threat posed by North Korea was over. But hours before Kim Yong Chol's arrival on Thursday, the US president unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out the country as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat."

Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the conservative Washington-based Center for the National Interest, called the agreement to hold another summit positive. But he added: "Both nations must now show at least some tangible benefits from their diplomatic efforts during a second summit, or risk their efforts being panned as nothing more than reality TV."

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely site of the next summit. There has also been speculation about other possible venues, including Bangkok, Hawaii, or a return to Singapore.

Trump seeking 'win'?

A senior US administration official said there was an exchange of letters for the leaders during the White House meeting, but gave no details of their content.

On his last visit to Washington in June, Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that helped overcome obstacles ahead of the summit in Singapore.

Friday's meeting followed 45 minutes of talks between Kim Yong Chol, regarded as a member of Kim Jong Un's inner circle, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was joined by US special representative on North Korea, Stephen Biegun.

Pompeo had planned to meet the North Korean envoy last November, but that meeting was postponed at the last moment.

US-based analysts said that North Korea, which has developed missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, would likely be seeking a clearer message from the Trump administration on any concessions it may be willing to make.

"The North Koreans need a real indication of what the US is willing to put on the table," said Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at 38 North, a Washington-based think tank.

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Wednesday that if North Korea took concrete steps toward abandoning its weapons programs, Washington could offer a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, humanitarian aid or a permanent channel for bilateral dialogue.

Victor Cha, a former White House adviser on Asia under President George W&nbsp;Bush, suggested that Trump may be so desperate for a policy "win" that he could be vulnerable to a bad deal with North Korea.

"I worry that the timing works to North Korea's benefit," Cha said, citing pressures on Trump such as the partial US government shutdown and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian ties to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Earlier this month, Trump defended the stuttering progress on North Korea by saying that Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you'd be having a nice big fat war in Asia."

In another sign of diplomatic movement, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Stockholm, where she may be joined later at the weekend by Biegun. Washington has been keen to set up talks between the two but North Korea has resisted such contacts.

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator.

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator. The announcement came amid a diplomatic flurry in Washington surrounding the visit of Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, and marked a sign of movement in a denuclearisation effort that has stalled since a landmark meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12. "President Donald J. Trump met with Kim Yong Chol for an hour and a half to discuss denuclearisation and a second summit, which will take place near the end of February," White House spokesman Sarah Sanders said. She said a location would be announced later. The summit was announced despite the fact there has been no indication of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States and Pyongyang's demands for a lifting of punishing sanctions. Sanders said that Trump's talks with the North Korean envoy were productive but added that the United States "is going to continue to keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea." The first summit produced a vague commitment by Kim Jong Un to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction. Nevertheless, both he and Trump had expressed an interest in arranging a second meeting, something some US-based analysts see as premature. Critics of US efforts say the first summit only boosted Kim's international stature without much to show for it. Trump declared just after the Singapore meeting that the nuclear threat posed by North Korea was over. But hours before Kim Yong Chol's arrival on Thursday, the US president unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out the country as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat." Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the conservative Washington-based Center for the National Interest, called the agreement to hold another summit positive. But he added: "Both nations must now show at least some tangible benefits from their diplomatic efforts during a second summit, or risk their efforts being panned as nothing more than reality TV." Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely site of the next summit. There has also been speculation about other possible venues, including Bangkok, Hawaii, or a return to Singapore. Trump seeking 'win'? A senior US administration official said there was an exchange of letters for the leaders during the White House meeting, but gave no details of their content. On his last visit to Washington in June, Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that helped overcome obstacles ahead of the summit in Singapore. Friday's meeting followed 45 minutes of talks between Kim Yong Chol, regarded as a member of Kim Jong Un's inner circle, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was joined by US special representative on North Korea, Stephen Biegun. Pompeo had planned to meet the North Korean envoy last November, but that meeting was postponed at the last moment. US-based analysts said that North Korea, which has developed missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, would likely be seeking a clearer message from the Trump administration on any concessions it may be willing to make. "The North Koreans need a real indication of what the US is willing to put on the table," said Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at 38 North, a Washington-based think tank. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Wednesday that if North Korea took concrete steps toward abandoning its weapons programs, Washington could offer a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, humanitarian aid or a permanent channel for bilateral dialogue. Victor Cha, a former White House adviser on Asia under President George W Bush, suggested that Trump may be so desperate for a policy "win" that he could be vulnerable to a bad deal with North Korea. "I worry that the timing works to North Korea's benefit," Cha said, citing pressures on Trump such as the partial US government shutdown and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian ties to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Earlier this month, Trump defended the stuttering progress on North Korea by saying that Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you'd be having a nice big fat war in Asia." In another sign of diplomatic movement, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Stockholm, where she may be joined later at the weekend by Biegun. Washington has been keen to set up talks between the two but North Korea has resisted such contacts.

Trump, North Korea's Kim to hold second summit in late February

US President Donald Trump said on Friday&nbsp;he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm&nbsp;EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

Trump issued the statement on Twitter.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders declined to add details when she spoke briefly to reporters after Trump tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1086395559504764930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's statement came as US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicizing a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country.

The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians.

The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US&nbsp;congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US&nbsp;history.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he will make a "major" announcement on Saturday at 3 pm EST (2000 GMT) on "the humanitarian crisis on our southern border" and the partial government shutdown, now in its 28th day. Trump issued the statement on Twitter. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders declined to add details when she spoke briefly to reporters after Trump tweeted. I will be making a major announcement concerning the Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border, and the Shutdown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 P.M., live from the @WhiteHouse. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2019 × Trump's statement came as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused him of putting American troops and civilians working in Afghanistan in danger by publicizing a planned congressional trip to the war-torn country. The White House rejected Pelosi's charge of endangering troops and civilians. The Republican Trump administration, which on Thursday had blocked Democrat Pelosi from making the trip to Afghanistan, on Friday slapped a blanket ban on all US congressional travel on government-owned or operated aircraft while the shutdown continues. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the administration was just trying to keep Pelosi in town so that negotiations could take place to try to end the partial shutdown, at four weeks already the longest in US history.

Will make 'major' announcement Saturday on government shutdown: Donald Trump

It may not put a meal on the table for furloughed federal employees, but some US museums and symphonies are supplying food for the mind in free admission for workers affected by the longest partial federal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-major-announcement-saturday-on-shutdown-donald-trump-191318">government shutdown in US history</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shutdown-could-stunt-economic-growth-new-york-federal-reserve-chief-191315">With the shutdown in its fourth week</a> with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music.

Museums in at least 27 states, along with at least 19 orchestras, offered free admission to federal workers who have unpaid time on their hands. Institutions range from The Metropolitan Opera in New York to the San Diego Air &amp; Space Museum, home of the Apollo IX Command Module, which helped pave the way for a man to walk on the Moon.

Nearly 200 furloughed employees have taken advantage of an offer from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which waived its admission fee for each furloughed worker plus one guest, said museum spokesman Norman Keyes. Fine art highlights at the museum, whose front steps were made famous in the "Rocky" movie series, include Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and an array of Rubens and Renoirs.

"Museums can offer a place both to get away from the fray and to recharge, and to gain perspective," Keyes said. "It will not solve the shutdown crisis, but it can help build positive experiences during a difficult time."

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has also waived admission fees for each furloughed worker plus two guests for the duration of the shutdown. Star attractions include a German U-Boat submarine seized in 1944, the only one captured during World War II. It is the length of a city block, the museum boasts on its website.

Symphonies from Boston to Akron, Ohio, offered no-cost concert tickets to ease the stress of wondering when your next paycheck will be issued.

"Great music has the power to inspire, reduce stress and ease burdens," said Joseph Giunta, who conducts the Des Moines Symphony.

"We invite federal employees to join us as our guests for an upcoming Masterworks concert," said Giunta, noting each worker was offered two tickets which otherwise sell for $20 apiece or more.

Much of the federal workforce lives in or around Washington, DC, but these people may be out of luck. That is because premiere cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, and zoo, which are always free to the public, remain closed to all for the remainder of the shutdown.

With the shutdown in its fourth week with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music.

It may not put a meal on the table for furloughed federal employees, but some US museums and symphonies are supplying food for the mind in free admission for workers affected by the longest partial federal government shutdown in US history. With the shutdown in its fourth week with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music. Museums in at least 27 states, along with at least 19 orchestras, offered free admission to federal workers who have unpaid time on their hands. Institutions range from The Metropolitan Opera in New York to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, home of the Apollo IX Command Module, which helped pave the way for a man to walk on the Moon. Nearly 200 furloughed employees have taken advantage of an offer from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which waived its admission fee for each furloughed worker plus one guest, said museum spokesman Norman Keyes. Fine art highlights at the museum, whose front steps were made famous in the "Rocky" movie series, include Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and an array of Rubens and Renoirs. "Museums can offer a place both to get away from the fray and to recharge, and to gain perspective," Keyes said. "It will not solve the shutdown crisis, but it can help build positive experiences during a difficult time." Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has also waived admission fees for each furloughed worker plus two guests for the duration of the shutdown. Star attractions include a German U-Boat submarine seized in 1944, the only one captured during World War II. It is the length of a city block, the museum boasts on its website. Symphonies from Boston to Akron, Ohio, offered no-cost concert tickets to ease the stress of wondering when your next paycheck will be issued. "Great music has the power to inspire, reduce stress and ease burdens," said Joseph Giunta, who conducts the Des Moines Symphony. "We invite federal employees to join us as our guests for an upcoming Masterworks concert," said Giunta, noting each worker was offered two tickets which otherwise sell for $20 apiece or more. Much of the federal workforce lives in or around Washington, DC, but these people may be out of luck. That is because premiere cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, and zoo, which are always free to the public, remain closed to all for the remainder of the shutdown.

Shutdown sojourn: Free museums, music for furloughed US workers

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies.

"I would hope that President Trump would slow the withdrawal until we truly destroy ISIS," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/republican-senator-graham-says-us-saudi-cannot-move-on-until-prince-is-dealt-with-191389">Lindsey Graham</a> told a press conference in Ankara, using an acronym for the Islamic State extremist group.

He warned any hasty pullout could lead to a "nightmare" scenario for Israel because of increasing Iranian influence in the war-torn country and for Turkey because of its national security concerns.

The South Carolina lawmaker was in Turkey from Friday for a two-day visit during which he met Turkish officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

His talks with Erdogan lasted for over two hours after which he was invited by the Turkish leader to a concert on Friday night by pianist Fazil Say.

Ankara welcomed Trump's announcement last month that the US would pull out its 2,000 military personnel from Syria but American officials and security experts have been more cautious, worried about withdrawing too early.

Graham, who as a member of the Senate Armed Services committee has frequently visited US troops in combat zones, said he believed the "goal of destroying ISIS is not yet accomplished".

Their defeat had been "accomplished territorially" but there were "thousands of ISIS fighters that lurk in Syria", Graham warned.

Four Americans, including two service personnel, were among those killed in a suicide attack this week claimed by the group in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north.

Washington has also expressed concern over Turkey's plans to launch a cross-border military operation against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. Trump last weekend warned of devastating economic consequences for Turkey over any attack on Kurdish forces.

US support for the YPG has caused tension with Ankara which views the militia as a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

Graham previously warned that "Kurds will get slaughtered" if the US withdrew immediately.

But on Saturday, the senator said the YPG's political branch, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), "is interlinked with the PKK" as he acknowledged Turkey's concerns over the militia.

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies.

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies. "I would hope that President Trump would slow the withdrawal until we truly destroy ISIS," Lindsey Graham told a press conference in Ankara, using an acronym for the Islamic State extremist group. He warned any hasty pullout could lead to a "nightmare" scenario for Israel because of increasing Iranian influence in the war-torn country and for Turkey because of its national security concerns. The South Carolina lawmaker was in Turkey from Friday for a two-day visit during which he met Turkish officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. His talks with Erdogan lasted for over two hours after which he was invited by the Turkish leader to a concert on Friday night by pianist Fazil Say. Ankara welcomed Trump's announcement last month that the US would pull out its 2,000 military personnel from Syria but American officials and security experts have been more cautious, worried about withdrawing too early. Graham, who as a member of the Senate Armed Services committee has frequently visited US troops in combat zones, said he believed the "goal of destroying ISIS is not yet accomplished". Their defeat had been "accomplished territorially" but there were "thousands of ISIS fighters that lurk in Syria", Graham warned. Four Americans, including two service personnel, were among those killed in a suicide attack this week claimed by the group in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north. Washington has also expressed concern over Turkey's plans to launch a cross-border military operation against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. Trump last weekend warned of devastating economic consequences for Turkey over any attack on Kurdish forces. US support for the YPG has caused tension with Ankara which views the militia as a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the US and the European Union. Graham previously warned that "Kurds will get slaughtered" if the US withdrew immediately. But on Saturday, the senator said the YPG's political branch, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), "is interlinked with the PKK" as he acknowledged Turkey's concerns over the militia.

Republican senator Lindsey Graham urges slow US pullout until IS 'truly defeated'

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow has played down reports of a breakthrough in US-China trade talks, but said progress had been made.

"We've made some progress with China in the deputy's meeting in Beijing," Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told Fox Business.&nbsp;

But he added, "Nothing has been resolved, nothing on paper, no contracts."

Recent news reports of a deal being imminent were not accurate, he said.

Bloomberg had reported earlier Friday that Beijing had offered to eliminate its soaring trade surplus with the United States in five years.

The US sent a delegation led by Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish to Beijing earlier this month, where they held talks with China's foreign ministry to seek ways to end their trade war.

China's chief negotiator on trade disputes with the United States, Vice Premier Liu He, is due in Washington on January 30 and 31 for the next round talks.

In December, President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in their three-month trade war.

Washington suspended plans to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, to give negotiators space to find a solution to the dispute, which has triggered fears of a global economic slowdown.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow has played down reports of a breakthrough in US-China trade talks, but said progress had been made. "We've made some progress with China in the deputy's meeting in Beijing," Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told Fox Business.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow has played down reports of a breakthrough in US-China trade talks, but said progress had been made. "We've made some progress with China in the deputy's meeting in Beijing," Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told Fox Business. But he added, "Nothing has been resolved, nothing on paper, no contracts." Recent news reports of a deal being imminent were not accurate, he said. Bloomberg had reported earlier Friday that Beijing had offered to eliminate its soaring trade surplus with the United States in five years. The US sent a delegation led by Deputy Trade Representative Jeffrey Gerrish to Beijing earlier this month, where they held talks with China's foreign ministry to seek ways to end their trade war. China's chief negotiator on trade disputes with the United States, Vice Premier Liu He, is due in Washington on January 30 and 31 for the next round talks. In December, President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in their three-month trade war. Washington suspended plans to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, to give negotiators space to find a solution to the dispute, which has triggered fears of a global economic slowdown.

No breakthrough in US-China trade talks: Trump adviser

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia.&nbsp;

One slightly galling reminder of ground reality is the manner in which President Trump mocked Modi’s attempt to help Afghanistan by building libraries in that unfortunate war-torn, landlocked country.

To begin with, it was the cold war compulsions that rendered Pakistan particularly attractive to American establishment. This is not the place to go into details of how the military alliance that was forged to contain communism in Asia derailed Pakistan’s democracy and paved the way for the ruthless and corrupt military dictatorship in that land.&nbsp;

Ironically, when the chips were down the USA failed to come to Pakistan’s rescue. Despite all the bluster and bullying Nixon and Kissinger failed to browbeat Mrs. Indira Gandhi - who oversaw the break up of Pakistan and assisted in the birth of Bangladesh. Much water has flown under many bridges since then but the US has chosen not to remove its blinkers regarding Pakistan. It continues to equate Pakistan with India and provides generous, ill-deserved economic assistance to keep afloat the ‘failed state’.&nbsp;

Pakistan exploited to the hilt the presence of Soviet Armed Forces in Afghanistan in the 1970s to ingratiate itself with the USA. To cut a long and convoluted story very short the CIA colluded with ISI to raise a crop of Taliban to oust the Russians from Afghanistan. The strategy bore the desired result and the regime change was accomplished. But very soon the US found out that they had created a Frankenstein’s monster. They were riding a Tiger they dared not dismount. The meltdown of Afghanistan impacted adversely on Pakistan. The influx of refugees, smugglers and assorted outlaws in the provinces adjacent to strife-torn Afghanistan made Pakistan unstable and more difficult than ever before to govern.&nbsp;

The reign of Gen Zia aggravated the crisis by initiating Islamisation of the polity and the army. As a matter of fact, despite all his suave exterior, it was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who had set Pakistan on an irreversible course of identifying with the aggressive interpretation of Islam. To match India’s nuclear power he swore to make an Islamic Bomb aligning himself with Saudi Arabs and the Libyans. Amazingly, he succeeded in performing brilliantly on the tightrope for quite some time. He persuaded the US that he could be useful in building bridges with the Chinese. Hubris led mercurial Bhutto to his doom but Pakistan’s close ties with the USA survived a period of unprecedented volatility.&nbsp;

More recently, even after the US blew to smithereens the concept of Pakistan’s national sovereignty by exterminating Osama Bin Laden in a safe house next to the Military Cantonment in Abbottabad, it did not take long to regain equilibrium of sorts. What needs to be underlined here is the fact that the stresses and strains in US-Pak relations have never benefitted India. On the contrary, more than one POTUS, be he a Democrat or a Republican, has in his wisdom advised India to be patient with Pakistan- itself a dubious victim of terrorism!

Our economic and strategic ties with the USA have grown in steadily in the past decade and a half and it is difficult to imagine that they will not critically influence our bilateral and multilateral relations with all of our neighbours. America may not be as proximate as China and Russia but we better start looking at it as a 'Big Brotherly Neighbour'.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia.

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia. One slightly galling reminder of ground reality is the manner in which President Trump mocked Modi’s attempt to help Afghanistan by building libraries in that unfortunate war-torn, landlocked country. To begin with, it was the cold war compulsions that rendered Pakistan particularly attractive to American establishment. This is not the place to go into details of how the military alliance that was forged to contain communism in Asia derailed Pakistan’s democracy and paved the way for the ruthless and corrupt military dictatorship in that land. Ironically, when the chips were down the USA failed to come to Pakistan’s rescue. Despite all the bluster and bullying Nixon and Kissinger failed to browbeat Mrs. Indira Gandhi - who oversaw the break up of Pakistan and assisted in the birth of Bangladesh. Much water has flown under many bridges since then but the US has chosen not to remove its blinkers regarding Pakistan. It continues to equate Pakistan with India and provides generous, ill-deserved economic assistance to keep afloat the ‘failed state’. Pakistan exploited to the hilt the presence of Soviet Armed Forces in Afghanistan in the 1970s to ingratiate itself with the USA. To cut a long and convoluted story very short the CIA colluded with ISI to raise a crop of Taliban to oust the Russians from Afghanistan. The strategy bore the desired result and the regime change was accomplished. But very soon the US found out that they had created a Frankenstein’s monster. They were riding a Tiger they dared not dismount. The meltdown of Afghanistan impacted adversely on Pakistan. The influx of refugees, smugglers and assorted outlaws in the provinces adjacent to strife-torn Afghanistan made Pakistan unstable and more difficult than ever before to govern. The reign of Gen Zia aggravated the crisis by initiating Islamisation of the polity and the army. As a matter of fact, despite all his suave exterior, it was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who had set Pakistan on an irreversible course of identifying with the aggressive interpretation of Islam. To match India’s nuclear power he swore to make an Islamic Bomb aligning himself with Saudi Arabs and the Libyans. Amazingly, he succeeded in performing brilliantly on the tightrope for quite some time. He persuaded the US that he could be useful in building bridges with the Chinese. Hubris led mercurial Bhutto to his doom but Pakistan’s close ties with the USA survived a period of unprecedented volatility. More recently, even after the US blew to smithereens the concept of Pakistan’s national sovereignty by exterminating Osama Bin Laden in a safe house next to the Military Cantonment in Abbottabad, it did not take long to regain equilibrium of sorts. What needs to be underlined here is the fact that the stresses and strains in US-Pak relations have never benefitted India. On the contrary, more than one POTUS, be he a Democrat or a Republican, has in his wisdom advised India to be patient with Pakistan- itself a dubious victim of terrorism! Our economic and strategic ties with the USA have grown in steadily in the past decade and a half and it is difficult to imagine that they will not critically influence our bilateral and multilateral relations with all of our neighbours. America may not be as proximate as China and Russia but we better start looking at it as a 'Big Brotherly Neighbour'. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ups and downs in US-Pakistan relations: What does it mean for India?

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday.

John Williams, who also holds the influential vice chairmanship of the Federal Reserve's policy committee, reportedly told a gathering the government work stoppage could shave as much as a full percentage point off GDP growth in the first quarter.

In an address delivered to a New Jersey banking association, Williams said the shutdown was among "emerging headwinds to growth," according to his prepared remarks.

He went on to estimate that the shutdown would reduce GDP growth by half a percentage point, "maybe even a percentage point if it continues," but said that a rebound would come when it ends, according to Bloomberg.

Economists say that beyond lost pay for federal workers, the shutdown is impeding economic activity in systemic ways, interrupting the issuance of permits, data collection, regulatory approvals, contract payment and the payment of aid and loans in various sectors such as agriculture.

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday warned that the shutdown's effect will worsen as it drags on.

Different estimates have put the losses at between 0.05 and 0.1 percentage point for each week the shutdown persists.

Last month, the Federal Reserve forecast 2.3 per cent growth for 2019, markedly slower than 2018.

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday.

The shutdown of the US government -- now in its record 28th day -- is becoming a drag on economic growth, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank said Friday. John Williams, who also holds the influential vice chairmanship of the Federal Reserve's policy committee, reportedly told a gathering the government work stoppage could shave as much as a full percentage point off GDP growth in the first quarter. In an address delivered to a New Jersey banking association, Williams said the shutdown was among "emerging headwinds to growth," according to his prepared remarks. He went on to estimate that the shutdown would reduce GDP growth by half a percentage point, "maybe even a percentage point if it continues," but said that a rebound would come when it ends, according to Bloomberg. Economists say that beyond lost pay for federal workers, the shutdown is impeding economic activity in systemic ways, interrupting the issuance of permits, data collection, regulatory approvals, contract payment and the payment of aid and loans in various sectors such as agriculture. The International Monetary Fund on Thursday warned that the shutdown's effect will worsen as it drags on. Different estimates have put the losses at between 0.05 and 0.1 percentage point for each week the shutdown persists. Last month, the Federal Reserve forecast 2.3 per cent growth for 2019, markedly slower than 2018.

US shutdown could stunt economic growth: New York Federal Reserve chief

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital.

The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map.

After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means.

Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November.

Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity.

Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him.

- Vietnam ready to host - 
Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit.&nbsp;

In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories.

"We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month.

For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime.

Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons.

Leader-driven dipolomacy

Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats.

"I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center.

She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia.

"People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility. Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital. The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map. After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means. Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November. Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity. Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him. - Vietnam ready to host - Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit. In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories. "We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month. For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime. Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons. Leader-driven dipolomacy Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats. "I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center. She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia. "People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

Top North Korean holds rare Washington talks to prepare Trump-Kim summit

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave?

Two New Yorkers, who attended a sign-making workshop ahead of the big rally, talked to AFP about why they are marching again this year, despite controversies at the heart of the movement:

'Wake-up call'

Sharon Lin, a doctor and mother of two, will march with her children on Saturday in the Big Apple.&nbsp;

She says she remains convinced of the need to show up, and not be a silent bystander in the middle of the political firestorm sparked two years ago when President Donald Trump took office.

That "wake-up call," as she calls it, prompted a major life change: she and her husband gave up their jobs and a home in "comfortable suburbia" in San Francisco in August for a new life in New York.

"We moved to New York so I could expose my kids to a more global environment," Lin told AFP -- a decision that was "directly linked to Trump."

While Lin believes that turnout will be lower on Saturday than in the past two years, perhaps because a record number of women were elected to Congress in the November midterms, she still thinks participation is key.

"I think the momentum needs to keep going, at least until the next election" in 2020, when Trump will face re-election, says Lin, who will act as a volunteer on Saturday to make sure the march goes off smoothly.

Optimism despite divisions

Round Three of the Women's March could see sagging enthusiasm, given the various issues that have tainted the movement in recent months.

Accusations of anti-Semitism have rattled the national movement's top brass, and despite repeated denials, a parallel group known as March On was created.

In New York, two rallies will take place in Manhattan, in separate neighbourhoods -- which could impact attendance and weaken the message.

Lin says the divisions don't really matter to her as the "original intent" is intact: "The masses coming together and saying, 'We don't like the way our country is going.'"

But Jean Laupus -- a 59-year-old self-described "concerned citizen" who wants to see better public schools and access to contraception -- fears the "schism" at the heart of the Women's March will be an issue.

"It is making people have to choose," she told AFP. However, she hopes to bridge the gap and make it to both rallies, proudly, in her pink "pussy hat" -- the de facto symbol of the movement.

She is also getting her signs ready for Saturday.

No matter how many people show up, both Lin and Laupus say they are optimistic about the future.&nbsp;

And they are particularly impressed with 29-year-old progressive New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

"She represents a breath of fresh air but also a sense of humanity -- understanding more about people who represent a greater part of society," Laupus says.

For Lin, Trump is "giving us a gift: the doors are opening for women who would never thought of entering politics."

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave?

As organisers of the Women's March gear up for their third major day of protest on Saturday across the United States, there is one big question -- how many people will answer the call for a #WomensWave? Two New Yorkers, who attended a sign-making workshop ahead of the big rally, talked to AFP about why they are marching again this year, despite controversies at the heart of the movement: 'Wake-up call' Sharon Lin, a doctor and mother of two, will march with her children on Saturday in the Big Apple. She says she remains convinced of the need to show up, and not be a silent bystander in the middle of the political firestorm sparked two years ago when President Donald Trump took office. That "wake-up call," as she calls it, prompted a major life change: she and her husband gave up their jobs and a home in "comfortable suburbia" in San Francisco in August for a new life in New York. "We moved to New York so I could expose my kids to a more global environment," Lin told AFP -- a decision that was "directly linked to Trump." While Lin believes that turnout will be lower on Saturday than in the past two years, perhaps because a record number of women were elected to Congress in the November midterms, she still thinks participation is key. "I think the momentum needs to keep going, at least until the next election" in 2020, when Trump will face re-election, says Lin, who will act as a volunteer on Saturday to make sure the march goes off smoothly. Optimism despite divisions Round Three of the Women's March could see sagging enthusiasm, given the various issues that have tainted the movement in recent months. Accusations of anti-Semitism have rattled the national movement's top brass, and despite repeated denials, a parallel group known as March On was created. In New York, two rallies will take place in Manhattan, in separate neighbourhoods -- which could impact attendance and weaken the message. Lin says the divisions don't really matter to her as the "original intent" is intact: "The masses coming together and saying, 'We don't like the way our country is going.'" But Jean Laupus -- a 59-year-old self-described "concerned citizen" who wants to see better public schools and access to contraception -- fears the "schism" at the heart of the Women's March will be an issue. "It is making people have to choose," she told AFP. However, she hopes to bridge the gap and make it to both rallies, proudly, in her pink "pussy hat" -- the de facto symbol of the movement. She is also getting her signs ready for Saturday. No matter how many people show up, both Lin and Laupus say they are optimistic about the future. And they are particularly impressed with 29-year-old progressive New York lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. "She represents a breath of fresh air but also a sense of humanity -- understanding more about people who represent a greater part of society," Laupus says. For Lin, Trump is "giving us a gift: the doors are opening for women who would never thought of entering politics."

Women's March wants to maintain momentum despite rifts

A top North Korean general will meet the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress in arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearisation and easing decades of hostility.

Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map.

The State Department, which declined to confirm the visit until the last minute after Kim Yong Chol abruptly cancelled his last planned US trip in November, said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would meet him in Washington at 11.00 am (1600 GMT).

Presuming the lunch talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity.

Kim and his entourage flew in Thursday from Beijing and, under light snow, made no comment as they exited a motorcade to check in at a fashionable hotel in the lively Dupont Circle neighbourhood.

Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" -- after their landmark June summit in Singapore, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him.

Vietnam ready to host

Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit. In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories.

"We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month.

For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime.

Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons.

What is 'denuclearisation'?

In Singapore, Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

But the two sides appear to have different ideas on how to define that, with the United States expecting North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work and Pyongyang more broadly seeking an end to what it sees as US threats.

"I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center.

"Realistically, they can talk about it all they want to, they can define the end goal, but if you don't have a common understanding of how to get there, you're not going to reach that common goal," she said.

She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favoured by Trump is more common in Asia.

"People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," she said.

A top North Korean general will meet the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress in arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearisation and easing decades of hostility.

A top North Korean general will meet the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress in arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearisation and easing decades of hostility. Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map. The State Department, which declined to confirm the visit until the last minute after Kim Yong Chol abruptly cancelled his last planned US trip in November, said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would meet him in Washington at 11.00 am (1600 GMT). Presuming the lunch talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity. Kim and his entourage flew in Thursday from Beijing and, under light snow, made no comment as they exited a motorcade to check in at a fashionable hotel in the lively Dupont Circle neighbourhood. Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" -- after their landmark June summit in Singapore, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him. Vietnam ready to host Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit. In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories. "We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month. For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime. Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons. What is 'denuclearisation'? In Singapore, Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula." But the two sides appear to have different ideas on how to define that, with the United States expecting North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work and Pyongyang more broadly seeking an end to what it sees as US threats. "I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center. "Realistically, they can talk about it all they want to, they can define the end goal, but if you don't have a common understanding of how to get there, you're not going to reach that common goal," she said. She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favoured by Trump is more common in Asia. "People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," she said.

Kim Jong-un's right hand to meet US leadership in Washington ahead of Trump summit

A top Democrat in the US Congress has vowed to look into a report that President Donald Trump ordered his personal attorney to lie to Congress to hide dealings with Russia.

Adam Schiff, who heads the Intelligence Committee in the House of Representatives, was reacting to a report late Thursday by the online site BuzzFeed that Trump ordered lawyer Michael Cohen to lie to Congress in 2017 about talks to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign.

"The allegation that the President of the United States may have suborned perjury before our committee in an effort to curtail the investigation and cover up his business dealings with Russia is among the most serious to date," Schiff tweeted.&nbsp;

"We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true."

Trump also supported a Cohen plan to visit Russia during the presidential campaign to meet President Vladimir Putin to jump-start the Moscow tower negotiations according to BuzzFeed, which cites two unnamed federal law enforcement officials as sources.&nbsp;

The trip never materialized, and Trump has repeatedly and emphatically denied dealings with Russia during the campaign.

Cohen also provided Trump and two of his children -- Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr. -- regular updates about the Moscow project, the sources told BuzzFeed.

Cohen, who was the real estate billionaire's right-hand-man and fixer at his umbrella company the Trump Organization, in New York at the time, pleaded guilty last year to several charges including the violation of campaign finance laws by arranging hush payments ahead of the 2016 election to women who alleged extramarital affairs with Trump.

Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress by stating that the Trump Moscow project ended in January 2016, long before Trump became the Republican presidential nominee, when it actually extended into June 2016.

The New York lawyer, 52, was sentenced to three years in jail for the campaign finance violation and other charges.

His incarceration has been delayed while he provides support to ongoing investigations into possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia and Trump's finances.

Cohen is scheduled to testify to the House Oversight Committee, newly controlled by opposition Democrats, on February 7 about his work for Trump.

A top Democrat in the US Congress has vowed to look into a report that President Donald Trump ordered his personal attorney to lie to Congress to hide dealings with Russia.

A top Democrat in the US Congress has vowed to look into a report that President Donald Trump ordered his personal attorney to lie to Congress to hide dealings with Russia. Adam Schiff, who heads the Intelligence Committee in the House of Representatives, was reacting to a report late Thursday by the online site BuzzFeed that Trump ordered lawyer Michael Cohen to lie to Congress in 2017 about talks to build a Trump Tower in Moscow during the 2016 presidential campaign. "The allegation that the President of the United States may have suborned perjury before our committee in an effort to curtail the investigation and cover up his business dealings with Russia is among the most serious to date," Schiff tweeted. "We will do what's necessary to find out if it's true." Trump also supported a Cohen plan to visit Russia during the presidential campaign to meet President Vladimir Putin to jump-start the Moscow tower negotiations according to BuzzFeed, which cites two unnamed federal law enforcement officials as sources. The trip never materialized, and Trump has repeatedly and emphatically denied dealings with Russia during the campaign. Cohen also provided Trump and two of his children -- Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr. -- regular updates about the Moscow project, the sources told BuzzFeed. Cohen, who was the real estate billionaire's right-hand-man and fixer at his umbrella company the Trump Organization, in New York at the time, pleaded guilty last year to several charges including the violation of campaign finance laws by arranging hush payments ahead of the 2016 election to women who alleged extramarital affairs with Trump. Cohen also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress by stating that the Trump Moscow project ended in January 2016, long before Trump became the Republican presidential nominee, when it actually extended into June 2016. The New York lawyer, 52, was sentenced to three years in jail for the campaign finance violation and other charges. His incarceration has been delayed while he provides support to ongoing investigations into possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia and Trump's finances. Cohen is scheduled to testify to the House Oversight Committee, newly controlled by opposition Democrats, on February 7 about his work for Trump.

Democrat vows to probe Trump lawyer's alleged lies to Congress

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/us-and-north-korea-negotiating-location-for-second-summit-donald-trump-188710">second US-North Korea summit</a>.

The envoy arrived on the same day <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-revamped-missile-defence-strategy-trump-deems-north-korea-an-extraordinary-threat-191082">Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy </a>that singled out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared after his first summit with leader Kim Jong Un that the North Korean threat had been eliminated.

Kim Yong Chol, Pyongyang's lead negotiator in denuclearisation talks with the United States, was due to meet Pompeo and could also go to the White House on Friday, a person familiar with the plan said, a sign of potential movement in a diplomatic effort that has appeared stalled for months.

The North Korean visit could yield an announcement of plans for another summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

There has been no indication, however, of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States or Pyongyang`s demand for a lifting of punishing sanctions.

Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, arrived in Washington on a commercial flight from Beijing, South Korea`s Yonhap news agency reported.

Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed at the last moment.

Diplomatic contact was resumed after Kim Jong Un delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week.

Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for the June 12 summit in Singapore.&nbsp;

That meeting yielded a pledge from the latter to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and Trump declared the next day that there was "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea."&nbsp;

There has been little obvious progress since, however, which was underlined by the Missile Defense Review unveiled on Thursday.

Introducing the report, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan noted that North Korean missiles remained a "significant concern." Trump himself only mentioned North Korea in passing at the same event, saying negotiations he had conducted should have been done years ago.

"Concrete steps"

US Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged on Wednesday that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway.

"While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said in an address to US ambassadors and other senior American diplomats at the State Department.

Trump said on January 2 that he had received a "great" letter from Kim Jong Un and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future, but there was no rush.

Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you`d be having a nice big fat war in Asia," he said.

CNN quoted a source familiar with the US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump.

Kim Yong Chol will be the first top North Korean official to stay overnight in Washington since the late Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok did so ahead of talks with then-President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000.

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely venue for a second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

The Washington Post quoted people familiar with recent diplomatic activity as saying that if announced soon, the summit would probably take place in March or April, with the coastal city of Danang the most likely venue.

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a second US-North Korea summit.

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a second US-North Korea summit. The envoy arrived on the same day Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared after his first summit with leader Kim Jong Un that the North Korean threat had been eliminated. Kim Yong Chol, Pyongyang's lead negotiator in denuclearisation talks with the United States, was due to meet Pompeo and could also go to the White House on Friday, a person familiar with the plan said, a sign of potential movement in a diplomatic effort that has appeared stalled for months. The North Korean visit could yield an announcement of plans for another summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. There has been no indication, however, of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States or Pyongyang`s demand for a lifting of punishing sanctions. Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, arrived in Washington on a commercial flight from Beijing, South Korea`s Yonhap news agency reported. Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed at the last moment. Diplomatic contact was resumed after Kim Jong Un delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for the June 12 summit in Singapore. That meeting yielded a pledge from the latter to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and Trump declared the next day that there was "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea." There has been little obvious progress since, however, which was underlined by the Missile Defense Review unveiled on Thursday. Introducing the report, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan noted that North Korean missiles remained a "significant concern." Trump himself only mentioned North Korea in passing at the same event, saying negotiations he had conducted should have been done years ago. "Concrete steps" US Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged on Wednesday that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway. "While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said in an address to US ambassadors and other senior American diplomats at the State Department. Trump said on January 2 that he had received a "great" letter from Kim Jong Un and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future, but there was no rush. Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you`d be having a nice big fat war in Asia," he said. CNN quoted a source familiar with the US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. Kim Yong Chol will be the first top North Korean official to stay overnight in Washington since the late Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok did so ahead of talks with then-President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000. Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely venue for a second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un. The Washington Post quoted people familiar with recent diplomatic activity as saying that if announced soon, the summit would probably take place in March or April, with the coastal city of Danang the most likely venue.

North Korea envoy in US for talks with Pompeo, possibly Trump

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-there-will-be-no-winners-from-the-us-china-trade-war-191220&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwibl46ClfffAhUFQH0KHX_NBDUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3otA3INlmP6sCB8rwcjZGA">China</a>'s economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades in 2018, analysts in an AFP poll said, as the government struggles to contain ballooning debt and a bruising trade war with the United States.

And in a sign of the battle Beijing faces in getting things back on track, the survey of 13 economists also forecast expansion in the last three months to be at its weakest since the global financial crisis 10 years ago.

The figures are the latest in a long-running trend that has prompted officials to vow they will not let the economy "fall off a cliff" and announce support measures including tax cuts and making it easier for banks to lend.

The full-year figure of 6.6 per cent would be the worst since 1990 when the economy was hit by outrage over the Tiananmen Square crackdown a year earlier.

The October-December rate of 6.4 per cent marks the slowest quarter since 2009 and indicates China faces a tough year ahead.

"Economic momentum is clearly slowing," said Raymond Yeung, an economist at ANZ bank.

Economists in China and abroad have long suspected data is massaged upward, often noting that full-year gross domestic product hits Beijing's pre-set targets with suspicious regularity.

A widely respected global business think tank, the US-based Conference Board, says its methodology indicates growth of 4.1 per cent growth for the year.

Relations with a top trading partner the United States deteriorated sharply last year after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiu1YmflfffAhWLqY8KHb1HB_cQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2WItk1bJRC5Ldh7JuLUsA-">President Donald Trump</a> hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions from Beijing.

The trade war with the US is on hold for now after President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed to a three-month ceasefire while the two sides try to find a resolution.

China's top negotiator is heading to Washington for talks this month ahead of a March deadline to avoid further tariff hikes, while a report said the US is considering lifting some levies in return for reforms by Beijing.

While analysts say the standoff has dented confidence — leaving the stock markets battered and the yuan weakened — they attribute most the downturn to government policies to tackle growing debt, financial risk, and pollution.

Stimulus measures 
&nbsp; 
The 2018 growth forecast is above the official target of around 6.5 per cent but down from the 6.8 per cent chalked up in the year before — after officials on Friday revised down the 2017 figure.&nbsp;

The National Bureau of Statistics will release its official results on Monday.

After halting some major infrastructure<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-clears-rs-4242-crore-it-filing-project-selects-infosys-as-developer-190802&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi62J6xlfffAhXKQY8KHVusBC8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ah_DbpMf6YyZ__4swefIq"> project</a>s such as subway lines and motorways in the first half of the year to keep a lid on debt, policymakers gradually eased up and encouraged more infrastructure spending in the autumn.

"The squeeze on shadow financing activity took a particularly heavy toll on infrastructure investment," economists at Fitch Ratings wrote in a report, referring to off-the-books loans.

Analysts say the credit tightening also made loans harder to come by for some would-be car buyers, which contributed to annual car sales falling for the first time in more than 20 years.

It is one of a raft of recent economic indicators that point to a deepening slowdown. Imports and exports fell in December while the manufacturing sector contracted for the first time in more than two years.

Chinese officials have announced tax cuts, fee reductions, and cutting red tape, among other measures to stimulate the economy.

"We propose to keep the Chinese economy operating in a reasonable range, which means that we allow the economic growth rate to have certain fluctuations," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told academics and businessmen this week.

"But it cannot have major ups and major downs, and it cannot 'fall off a cliff'," he said.

'Sword of Damocles'&nbsp;

Li vowed to help private businesses and "take advantage of our massive domestic <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pound-stands-firm-after-may-loss-asian-equity-markets-rise-190681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjRldD4lfffAhVIqI8KHRw5B-QQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ixutNsCQbGuNL0Q91UIzE">market</a>".

With officials intent on not further inflating the debt bubble, and the export picture dimming, it has reinforced the need for China to rely on its legion of consumers to grow its economy.

"We see a fast deceleration on investment and also retail sales, which weigh on the growth slowdown," said Liu Ligang, chief China economist at Citigroup.

"The financial deleveraging made it really hard for the private sectors to get funding," he said.

Exports still drive a significant chunk of China's economy and Washington's targeting of cars, machinery, electronics, consumer appliances, and other products have led some firms to shift production out of the country.

Most exporters sped up their shipments across the Pacific to beat the tariff deadlines, with exports to the US holding up until November.&nbsp;

"The trade war with the US should be regarded as a ... Sword of Damocles for the Chinese economy, but its impact is only really visible in the very last months of 2018," said Bjorn Giesbergen, senior economist at Rabobank.

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades in 2018, analysts in an AFP poll said, as the government struggles to contain ballooning debt and a bruising trade war with the United States.

China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades in 2018, analysts in an AFP poll said, as the government struggles to contain ballooning debt and a bruising trade war with the United States. And in a sign of the battle Beijing faces in getting things back on track, the survey of 13 economists also forecast expansion in the last three months to be at its weakest since the global financial crisis 10 years ago. The figures are the latest in a long-running trend that has prompted officials to vow they will not let the economy "fall off a cliff" and announce support measures including tax cuts and making it easier for banks to lend. The full-year figure of 6.6 per cent would be the worst since 1990 when the economy was hit by outrage over the Tiananmen Square crackdown a year earlier. The October-December rate of 6.4 per cent marks the slowest quarter since 2009 and indicates China faces a tough year ahead. "Economic momentum is clearly slowing," said Raymond Yeung, an economist at ANZ bank. Economists in China and abroad have long suspected data is massaged upward, often noting that full-year gross domestic product hits Beijing's pre-set targets with suspicious regularity. A widely respected global business think tank, the US-based Conference Board, says its methodology indicates growth of 4.1 per cent growth for the year. Relations with a top trading partner the United States deteriorated sharply last year after President Donald Trump hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions from Beijing. The trade war with the US is on hold for now after President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed to a three-month ceasefire while the two sides try to find a resolution. China's top negotiator is heading to Washington for talks this month ahead of a March deadline to avoid further tariff hikes, while a report said the US is considering lifting some levies in return for reforms by Beijing. While analysts say the standoff has dented confidence — leaving the stock markets battered and the yuan weakened — they attribute most the downturn to government policies to tackle growing debt, financial risk, and pollution. Stimulus measures The 2018 growth forecast is above the official target of around 6.5 per cent but down from the 6.8 per cent chalked up in the year before — after officials on Friday revised down the 2017 figure. The National Bureau of Statistics will release its official results on Monday. After halting some major infrastructure projects such as subway lines and motorways in the first half of the year to keep a lid on debt, policymakers gradually eased up and encouraged more infrastructure spending in the autumn. "The squeeze on shadow financing activity took a particularly heavy toll on infrastructure investment," economists at Fitch Ratings wrote in a report, referring to off-the-books loans. Analysts say the credit tightening also made loans harder to come by for some would-be car buyers, which contributed to annual car sales falling for the first time in more than 20 years. It is one of a raft of recent economic indicators that point to a deepening slowdown. Imports and exports fell in December while the manufacturing sector contracted for the first time in more than two years. Chinese officials have announced tax cuts, fee reductions, and cutting red tape, among other measures to stimulate the economy. "We propose to keep the Chinese economy operating in a reasonable range, which means that we allow the economic growth rate to have certain fluctuations," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told academics and businessmen this week. "But it cannot have major ups and major downs, and it cannot 'fall off a cliff'," he said. 'Sword of Damocles' Li vowed to help private businesses and "take advantage of our massive domestic market". With officials intent on not further inflating the debt bubble, and the export picture dimming, it has reinforced the need for China to rely on its legion of consumers to grow its economy. "We see a fast deceleration on investment and also retail sales, which weigh on the growth slowdown," said Liu Ligang, chief China economist at Citigroup. "The financial deleveraging made it really hard for the private sectors to get funding," he said. Exports still drive a significant chunk of China's economy and Washington's targeting of cars, machinery, electronics, consumer appliances, and other products have led some firms to shift production out of the country. Most exporters sped up their shipments across the Pacific to beat the tariff deadlines, with exports to the US holding up until November. "The trade war with the US should be regarded as a ... Sword of Damocles for the Chinese economy, but its impact is only really visible in the very last months of 2018," said Bjorn Giesbergen, senior economist at Rabobank.

China growth hit slowest pace in decades in 2018: Report

In an attempt to boost tourism in Mexico, AeroMexico is offering a discount to travellers based on their Mexican DNA percentage in their latest ad video.

The tagline of the airline's new "DNA Discounts" campaign is "there are not border with us". The ad talks about how America is a choice for Mexican people to travel but it vice versa for people living in America.

According to the ad, a DNA test will be conducted on US residents which will determine the percentage of their Mexican DNA based on that they will get a discount on their flight to Mexico.

Also read: Trump blocks Pelosi's trip as tensions mount over US government shutdown

In the ad, a group Texans are being interviewed in Wharton, about 300 miles north of the US-Mexico border. They are telling how they don't want to travel to Mexico until, to their surprise, they discover via DNA testing that they are part Mexican and can enjoy significant discounts.

"Oh, wow," says one young man who is told he's 18 per cent Mexican.

"That’s bullshit!" says an irritated elderly man when informed that he is 22 per cent, Mexican, however, after discovering he says, "can I take my wife also".

The ad, published by AeroMexico's ad agency Ogilvy on Twitter, has gone viral on social media, however, it is receiving mix response from people.

"Not really sure if this is more an ad to get bigoted Americans to go to Mexico or a warning to Mexicans that they really won't like the people in America," wrote one user in response to the ad on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Not really sure if this is more an ad to get bigoted Americans to go to Mexico, or a warning to Mexicans that they really won't like the people in America.
— Bryan Lawrence🧔🏻 (@BreatheNewWinds) <a href="https://twitter.com/BreatheNewWinds/status/1085987412239560704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"So if a guy from Mexica flew to America, he could get a free ride back to Mexico," asked another user on microblogging site.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
So if a guy from Mexica flew to America, he could get a free ride back to Mexico.
— Utkarsh🌐 (@nanomine9) <a href="https://twitter.com/nanomine9/status/1085994103446425602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Watch the full ad here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Title: DNA Discounts 
Client: Aeroméxico 
Office: Mexico City 
 
To inspire more travelers to visit Mexico, Aeroméxico revealed some surprising information to Americans about their own heritage. 
 
See more creative work, here: <a href="https://t.co/unXxF8YVmc">https://t.co/unXxF8YVmc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClientWork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClientWork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdOfTheDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/E8EahCJgZq">pic.twitter.com/E8EahCJgZq</a>
— Ogilvy (@Ogilvy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ogilvy/status/1083015540149551104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ad comes at a time when&nbsp;President Donald Trump has called a partial government shutdown over his demand to fund a wall at the&nbsp;US-Mexico border.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In an attempt to boost tourism in Mexico, AeroMexico is offering a discount to travellers based on their Mexican DNA percentage in their latest ad video. The tagline of the airline's new "DNA Discounts" campaign is "there are not border with us".

In an attempt to boost tourism in Mexico, AeroMexico is offering a discount to travellers based on their Mexican DNA percentage in their latest ad video. The tagline of the airline's new "DNA Discounts" campaign is "there are not border with us". The ad talks about how America is a choice for Mexican people to travel but it vice versa for people living in America. According to the ad, a DNA test will be conducted on US residents which will determine the percentage of their Mexican DNA based on that they will get a discount on their flight to Mexico. Also read: Trump blocks Pelosi's trip as tensions mount over US government shutdown In the ad, a group Texans are being interviewed in Wharton, about 300 miles north of the US-Mexico border. They are telling how they don't want to travel to Mexico until, to their surprise, they discover via DNA testing that they are part Mexican and can enjoy significant discounts. "Oh, wow," says one young man who is told he's 18 per cent Mexican. "That’s bullshit!" says an irritated elderly man when informed that he is 22 per cent, Mexican, however, after discovering he says, "can I take my wife also". The ad, published by AeroMexico's ad agency Ogilvy on Twitter, has gone viral on social media, however, it is receiving mix response from people. "Not really sure if this is more an ad to get bigoted Americans to go to Mexico or a warning to Mexicans that they really won't like the people in America," wrote one user in response to the ad on Twitter. Not really sure if this is more an ad to get bigoted Americans to go to Mexico, or a warning to Mexicans that they really won't like the people in America. — Bryan Lawrence🧔🏻 (@BreatheNewWinds) January 17, 2019 × "So if a guy from Mexica flew to America, he could get a free ride back to Mexico," asked another user on microblogging site. So if a guy from Mexica flew to America, he could get a free ride back to Mexico. — Utkarsh🌐 (@nanomine9) January 17, 2019 × Watch the full ad here: Title: DNA Discounts Client: Aeroméxico Office: Mexico City To inspire more travelers to visit Mexico, Aeroméxico revealed some surprising information to Americans about their own heritage. See more creative work, here: https://t.co/unXxF8YVmc #ClientWork #AdOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/E8EahCJgZq — Ogilvy (@Ogilvy) January 9, 2019 × The ad comes at a time when President Donald Trump has called a partial government shutdown over his demand to fund a wall at the US-Mexico border.

Airline AeroMexico offers 'DNA discounts' to Americans with Mexican heritage

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/a-winter-storm-hit-washington-190140&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwitoKz9kPTfAhXadCsKHeAcCXAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xJ3KpvFDSi7EW4rBYnLcm">Washington</a>, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday.

The US and South Korean media previously quoted unidentified sources as saying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean official Kim Yong Chol were expected to meet in the US capital on Friday to discuss a second summit between President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-this-week-seeking-interim-deal-report-190515&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwip-7LbkPTfAhWHAYgKHdU7ARsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BxMKHM9HVUdgihgpdPMpy">North Korea</a>n leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim arrived at Beijing airport on Thursday on an Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang and was met by North Korea's ambassador to China, Yonhap said. He is expected to board a flight to Washington in the evening, the news agency said.

Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed.

Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for an unprecedented meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Singapore on June 12.

CNN quoted a source familiar with US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong-un&nbsp;to Trump in Washington.

Chinese and South Korean envoys on Korean peninsula affairs are meeting in Seoul on Thursday, the South's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-work-together-with-us-on-trade-china-foreign-ministry-188776&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi4rYudkfTfAhULBIgKHewGDTgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1YMl-zgXv3QtocxeD1p_zH">foreign ministry </a>said. Kong Xuanyou and Lee Do-Hoon are expected to discuss ways to achieve complete denuclearisation and peace on the peninsula, as well as an expected second summit of US and North Korean leaders.

In Singapore last year, Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but there has been little significant progress since.

Contact was resumed after the North Korean leader delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-Je, told reporters last week.

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to Washington, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday.

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to Washington, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday. The US and South Korean media previously quoted unidentified sources as saying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean official Kim Yong Chol were expected to meet in the US capital on Friday to discuss a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim arrived at Beijing airport on Thursday on an Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang and was met by North Korea's ambassador to China, Yonhap said. He is expected to board a flight to Washington in the evening, the news agency said. Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed. Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for an unprecedented meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Singapore on June 12. CNN quoted a source familiar with US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong-un to Trump in Washington. Chinese and South Korean envoys on Korean peninsula affairs are meeting in Seoul on Thursday, the South's foreign ministry said. Kong Xuanyou and Lee Do-Hoon are expected to discuss ways to achieve complete denuclearisation and peace on the peninsula, as well as an expected second summit of US and North Korean leaders. In Singapore last year, Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but there has been little significant progress since. Contact was resumed after the North Korean leader delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-Je, told reporters last week.

Pompeo's North Korea counterpart arrives in Beijing for talks: Report

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjKgMqX-PPfAhWLq48KHXyuCvYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1yApEN-FzcRkC040UDwpmM">US President Donald Trump</a> is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles.

The Missile Defense Review will also recommend studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles - a throwback to Ronald Reagan's so-called "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s.

"Space, I think, is the key to the next step of missile defence," a senior Trump administration official told reporters ahead of the document's release on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"A space-based layer of sensors is something we are looking at to help get early warning and tracking and discrimination of missiles when they are launched."

The official stressed that the viability of space-based missile defence weaponry was only being studied and no decisions had been made.&nbsp;

The investments come on top of previously announced the US plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44.&nbsp;

US military officials have long stressed that America's missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US&nbsp;intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year.

For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/north-korean-official-heads-for-talks-in-sweden-report-190463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjbn_ir-PPfAhWPT30KHWQMDSEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3m8cjV8utF4hWoBessNdOc">North Korea</a> to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release comes at an awkward moment.

Three North Korean officials, including the top envoy involved in talks with the United States, are booked on a flight to Washington, suggesting possible movement toward a second summit between Trump and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjslurg-PPfAhWHLY8KHT30AEYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0aG8cXAzGcB-SLTdFoIDPl">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a>, according to South Korean media.

It was unclear to what extent the report would single out North Korea. But the senior Trump administration official suggested it would at least be mentioned.

Trump, who is due to speak at the Pentagon, declared in June that the North no longer posed a nuclear threat, buoyed by optimism following his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

Pentagon officials contend that US missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the US homeland by a major nuclear power, like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal.

Still, Russia views US missile defence advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow.

China, in turn, has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect.

In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon warned China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world."

"In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said.

US officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer could help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles.

US President Donald Trump is due to unveil a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that looks at ways to boost America's security, including by possibly deploying a new layer of space-based sensors to detect and track enemy missiles. The Missile Defense Review will also recommend studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles - a throwback to Ronald Reagan's so-called "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s. "Space, I think, is the key to the next step of missile defence," a senior Trump administration official told reporters ahead of the document's release on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity. "A space-based layer of sensors is something we are looking at to help get early warning and tracking and discrimination of missiles when they are launched." The official stressed that the viability of space-based missile defence weaponry was only being studied and no decisions had been made. The investments come on top of previously announced the US plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44. US military officials have long stressed that America's missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year. For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release comes at an awkward moment. Three North Korean officials, including the top envoy involved in talks with the United States, are booked on a flight to Washington, suggesting possible movement toward a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to South Korean media. It was unclear to what extent the report would single out North Korea. But the senior Trump administration official suggested it would at least be mentioned. Trump, who is due to speak at the Pentagon, declared in June that the North no longer posed a nuclear threat, buoyed by optimism following his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. Pentagon officials contend that US missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the US homeland by a major nuclear power, like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal. Still, Russia views US missile defence advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow. China, in turn, has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology, which could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect. In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon warned China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world." "In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said. US officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer could help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds.

Trump's new missile defence strategy eyes space-based sensors

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account. 
 
In addition to ranting about the shutdown, Cardi also slammed US President Donald Trump for forcing some federal employees to return to work without being paid. "Trump is now ordering federal workers to go back to work without getting paid," said Cardi, who defended Obama`s shutdown in 2013, stating that it was "for healthcare." 
 
In her signature delivery, she argued, "So your grandma could check her blood pressure and y`all bitches could go check y`all pu**y at the gynaecologist.'' To conclude her rant, Cardi stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that many of her fans may not care about the shutdown but they should. "Now I know a lot of y`all don`t care because y`all don`t work for the government or y`all probably don`t even have a job but this s- is really f- serious, bro. This s- is crazy. Our country is in a hell hole right now all for a f- wall and we really need to take this seriously," she said. 
 
"I feel like we need to take some action. I don`t know what type of action, b-, cause this is not what I do, but b- I`m scared," she concluded. She captioned the video as, "I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I`m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain`t going to say nothing much tho I don`t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BstmkvDFGAm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I’m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain’t going to say nothing much tho I don’t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> CARDIVENOM</a> (@iamcardib) on <time datetime="2019-01-16T22:41:50+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 16, 2019 at 2:41pm PST</time>
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This is not the first time that Cardi has spoken her mind. In March, the `Bodak Yellow` rapper posted another rant questioning where her tax dollars were going, reported People. The government closed on December 22, 2018, in the wake of Trump`s call for funding for a proposed billion-dollar southern border wall.&nbsp; 
 
Trump claimed that he needs the wall to stem a "crisis" of drugs, violence and human trafficking. However, Congressional Democrats, empowered by the midterms, have rejected that, stating a wall is ineffective and offering to negotiate about border security once the government reopens. The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in the history of the US.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account.

She is known to speak her mind always and now Cardi B has opened up about the ongoing government shutdown in the US. Reacting to the partial government shutdown that has left thousands of people without pay for weeks, the 26-year-old rapper shared her thoughts regarding the whole situation in a video on her Instagram account. In addition to ranting about the shutdown, Cardi also slammed US President Donald Trump for forcing some federal employees to return to work without being paid. "Trump is now ordering federal workers to go back to work without getting paid," said Cardi, who defended Obama`s shutdown in 2013, stating that it was "for healthcare." In her signature delivery, she argued, "So your grandma could check her blood pressure and y`all bitches could go check y`all pu**y at the gynaecologist.'' To conclude her rant, Cardi stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that many of her fans may not care about the shutdown but they should. "Now I know a lot of y`all don`t care because y`all don`t work for the government or y`all probably don`t even have a job but this s- is really f- serious, bro. This s- is crazy. Our country is in a hell hole right now all for a f- wall and we really need to take this seriously," she said. "I feel like we need to take some action. I don`t know what type of action, b-, cause this is not what I do, but b- I`m scared," she concluded. She captioned the video as, "I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I`m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain`t going to say nothing much tho I don`t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW." View this post on Instagram I know a lot of ya do r watch the news so I’m letting ya know shit getting real .....I ain’t going to say nothing much tho I don’t want mofos to off me.....ANYWAYS TWERK VIDEO OUT NOW A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on Jan 16, 2019 at 2:41pm PST × This is not the first time that Cardi has spoken her mind. In March, the `Bodak Yellow` rapper posted another rant questioning where her tax dollars were going, reported People. The government closed on December 22, 2018, in the wake of Trump`s call for funding for a proposed billion-dollar southern border wall. Trump claimed that he needs the wall to stem a "crisis" of drugs, violence and human trafficking. However, Congressional Democrats, empowered by the midterms, have rejected that, stating a wall is ineffective and offering to negotiate about border security once the government reopens. The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in the history of the US. (With ANI inputs)

Cardi B slams Donald Trump amid government shutdown

President Donald Trump unveiled a revamped US&nbsp;missile defence strategy on Thursday that singles out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared the threat posed by Pyongyang had been eliminated.&nbsp;

The Missile Defense Review is a sweeping examination of efforts to shield the United States from enemy missiles. It highlights concerns about advancing capabilities by North Korea, Iran, Russia and China.

"Our goal is simple: To ensure we can detect and destroy any missile launched against the United States — anywhere, anytime, anyplace," Trump said as he unveiled the report.

Trump did not mention the North Korean missile threat in his remarks at the Pentagon. But acting US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said North Korea's missiles remain a "significant concern."

The document was even stronger.

"While a possible new avenue to peace now exists with North Korea, it continues to pose an extraordinary threat and the United States must remain vigilant," the report said.&nbsp;

For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release came at an awkward moment. A senior North Korean envoy was headed for Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with Trump, a person familiar with the matter said.

Their talks, as well as a potential meeting with the president, could lead to an announcement of plans for a second US-North Korea summit, the source told Reuters.

SPACE-BASED SENSORS

The Missile Defense Review recommended studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles, a throwback to Ronald Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s.

It also called for investments in space-based sensors that can better detect and track incoming missiles, and perhaps counter super-fast hypersonic technology, an area in which China has made major advances.

"We will protect the American people from all types of missile attacks," Trump said. "In the past, the United States lacked a comprehensive strategy for missile defence that extended beyond ballistic missiles. Under our plan, that will change. The U.S. will now adjust its posture to also defend against any missile strikes including cruise and hypersonic missiles."

"We are committed to establishing a missile-defence program that can shield every city in the United States. And we will never negotiate away our right to do this," Trump added.

Trump at one point singled out Iran's capabilities. The report said Iran possesses the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East.

"Its desire to have a strategic counter to the United States could drive it to field an ICBM," the report said, referring to an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Trump said the United States would not impose any limitations on US&nbsp;development of missiles defences against "any America target - whether before or after launch."

"We will not take any chances. We will only take action," he said.

The new US&nbsp;investments come on top of previously announced US&nbsp;plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44.

US&nbsp;military officials have said US&nbsp;missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US&nbsp;intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year.

Pentagon officials contend that US&nbsp;missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the U.S. homeland by a major nuclear power like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal.

The report underscored that point, saying: "The United States relies on deterrence to protect against large and technically sophisticated Russian and Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile threats to the U.S. homeland."

Still, Russia views US&nbsp;missile defense advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow.

China has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology that could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect. In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon said China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world."

"In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said.

US&nbsp;officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer will help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds.

President Donald Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that singles out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared the threat posed by Pyongyang had been eliminated.

President Donald Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy on Thursday that singles out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared the threat posed by Pyongyang had been eliminated. The Missile Defense Review is a sweeping examination of efforts to shield the United States from enemy missiles. It highlights concerns about advancing capabilities by North Korea, Iran, Russia and China. "Our goal is simple: To ensure we can detect and destroy any missile launched against the United States — anywhere, anytime, anyplace," Trump said as he unveiled the report. Trump did not mention the North Korean missile threat in his remarks at the Pentagon. But acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said North Korea's missiles remain a "significant concern." The document was even stronger. "While a possible new avenue to peace now exists with North Korea, it continues to pose an extraordinary threat and the United States must remain vigilant," the report said. For Trump, who is trying to revive efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal, the report's release came at an awkward moment. A senior North Korean envoy was headed for Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with Trump, a person familiar with the matter said. Their talks, as well as a potential meeting with the president, could lead to an announcement of plans for a second US-North Korea summit, the source told Reuters. SPACE-BASED SENSORS The Missile Defense Review recommended studying experimental technologies, including prospects for space-based weaponry that might be able to shoot down enemy missiles, a throwback to Ronald Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative in the 1980s. It also called for investments in space-based sensors that can better detect and track incoming missiles, and perhaps counter super-fast hypersonic technology, an area in which China has made major advances. "We will protect the American people from all types of missile attacks," Trump said. "In the past, the United States lacked a comprehensive strategy for missile defence that extended beyond ballistic missiles. Under our plan, that will change. The U.S. will now adjust its posture to also defend against any missile strikes including cruise and hypersonic missiles." "We are committed to establishing a missile-defence program that can shield every city in the United States. And we will never negotiate away our right to do this," Trump added. Trump at one point singled out Iran's capabilities. The report said Iran possesses the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East. "Its desire to have a strategic counter to the United States could drive it to field an ICBM," the report said, referring to an intercontinental ballistic missile. Trump said the United States would not impose any limitations on US development of missiles defences against "any America target - whether before or after launch." "We will not take any chances. We will only take action," he said. The new US investments come on top of previously announced US plans to increase the number of ground-based interceptors over the next several years, hiking the number positioned at Fort Greely, Alaska to 64 from 44. US military officials have said US missile defences are primarily designed to counter attacks from countries with more limited arsenals, like North Korea, which US intelligence officials believe is still advancing its nuclear program despite a halt to missile launches last year. Pentagon officials contend that US missiles defences are too few to be able to counter a first-strike on the U.S. homeland by a major nuclear power like Russia or China. Washington hopes those countries will instead be deterred from attacks by America's nuclear arsenal. The report underscored that point, saying: "The United States relies on deterrence to protect against large and technically sophisticated Russian and Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile threats to the U.S. homeland." Still, Russia views US missile defense advances as a threat and Trump's report is likely to stoke tensions with Moscow. China has also alarmed the Pentagon with advances in super-fast "hypersonic" technology that could allow Beijing to field missiles that are far harder to detect. In a report earlier this week that singled out the hypersonic threat, the Pentagon said China's military was "on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world." "In some areas, it already leads the world," the report said. US officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Michael Griffin, believe a space-based sensor layer will help detect missiles moving at hypersonic speeds.

In revamped missile defence strategy, Trump deems North Korea an 'extraordinary threat'

By Gary Grappo

Nearly a year after his predecessor embarked on a similar mission, on January 15 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo concluded a tour of the Middle East that included stops in Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. A planned stop in Kuwait was cancelled. The ostensible reason for Pompeo’s hastily scheduled tour was to explain his boss’ sudden and unexpected announcement of the US troop withdrawal from Syria.

President Donald Trump’s December decision to leave the fight in Syria shocked America’s Middle East allies. His most senior officials, including former Secretary of Defence James Mattis and others, were also caught off guard. Mattis, after subsequently failing to persuade Trump to reconsider, resigned. The president’s special envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, also resigned.

Left questioning whether this was Trump’s first step toward Middle East disengagement — he also later announced that Iran can do what it wants in Syria — Arab states were once again whipsawed by an unpredictable administration. Could they no longer count on American security support, diplomatic power and considerable economic clout to maintain regional order, especially in the face of the Iranian challenge, continuing extremist activity from the likes of ISIS and al-Qaeda, and economic uncertainty? For many, the announcement might portend a period of great power competition in the region, increased Iranian adventurism and consequent instability, all of which the US had resisted since it first became embroiled in the region after World War 2. 
 
No fear: Pompea to the rescue

Enter Mike Pompeo. America’s friends needed reassurances and a way forward on the region’s many challenges. At last, America would speak from the pulpit on its broad strategy for the region, heretofore missing since Donald Trump assumed office two years ago.

On what was his biggest stage at the American University of Cairo, Pompeo delivered what may now be called the clearest statement yet of US policy in the Middle East. In essence, however, it boiled down to continuing resistance to extremism, blunting Iranian influence and not being the policy of Trump’s predecessor, Barak Obama. In 2009, President Obama had attempted to deliver his own version of an American reset of US policy, specifically as it related to Islam and Muslims, and seemingly apologised for the US role in the troubled region’s problems.

In a not-so-veiled criticism of Obama’s decision to withdraw US forces from Iraq in 2011, Pompeo declared that the Trump administration has learned much from its predecessor’s naiveté and miscues: “We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with enemies, they advance.” On its face, that would appear a fair and accurate statement for any administration. Against the backdrop of Trump’s announcement proclaiming the war against ISIS effectively won and the consequent US troop withdrawal, it’s downright mystifyingly contradictory.

Indeed, ISIS has been set on its back foot, having lost more that 95 per cent of the “caliphate” it once ruled between Syria and Iraq. But US intelligence experts still assert the presence of some 2,000-3,000 ISIS fighters in the two countries and another 25,000-30,000 elsewhere around the world. One of the ostensible reasons for Mattis’ resignation was that in the career marine general’s judgment, the war against ISIS and other extremists had most definitely not yet been won.

Moreover, America’s friends, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, not to mention the Syrian Kurds, who have been fighting valiantly beside the American forces for years now, must have been flummoxed to hear Pompeo’s statement on the US having been “absent too much” and his reference to “neglect (of) our friends.” How else to describe Trump’s Syria withdrawal without as much as an advance notice or pre-announcement consultation with those most affected?

Not a message for everyone

Arabs in the region would have found little to address what is most on their minds today. Pompeo neglected to state where the US stood against the alarming increasing harshness of government rule, especially in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Nor did he attempt to address the dearth of respect for fundamental human rights, as Obama at least attempted to do 10 years before. The US secretary seemed to lay all the ills of the Middle East at the feet of the Iranians, who certainly deserve a share of the blame for ongoing instability in Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen and Syria.

But Iran is only taking advantage of existing circumstances of depressed economies and lack of economic opportunity, declining rule of law, absence of governmental accountability, government repression and insecurity. Would Pompeo address those underlying challenges for which Arab governments seem to have no answers?

In effect, Pompeo seemed to say to governments — as opposed to the people — that if you keep up the fight against the extremists and back the US in resisting Iran, then there is a basis for a relationship with this administration. That only reinforces the hopelessness that plagues the psyches of many in the region, especially young people, and offers encouragement for terrorism, Iranian troublemaking and instability.

In Saudi Arabia, Pompeo reasserted America’s position that “all those involved in the murder of [Jamal] Khashoggi will be held accountable.” Yet, he had extended meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, the official deemed by the CIA, his State Department and the US Senate to have ordered the execution of the Saudi journalist last October in Istanbul. He even seemed to have gone out of his way to excuse the crime, asserting that Saudi Arabia’s “leaders are going to act in their country’s interests.”

To the average person on the street, that must have sounded like a blank check for governments to behave as they wish to preserve themselves, regardless of consequences for their citizens. America is ostensibly out of the business of erecting human rights guardrails for autocrats, except when it doesn’t like them, like in the case of Iran.

More contradictions

Also mysteriously missing from Pompeo’s sojourn was much of an effort to patch up the Gulf Cooperation Council, which Saudi Arabia and MBS set asunder over a year and a half ago in a misguided effort to get neighbouring Qatar to bend to Saudi will. Forced to address it in Qatar without much effect, it doesn’t seem to have figured too prominently when the secretary met with the engineer of the boycott, MBS. The GCC had been the most effective multinational organisation in the Middle East for dealing with the region’s many challenges and a key security partner for the US. Yet the Trump administration, never one to embrace multilateralism, appears little motivated to bring the key Gulf partners together.

Aside from the Sturm und Drang against ISIS, Iran and the Obama policies, there was hardly a mention, if at all, of America’s vision for the Middle East, its approach to ongoing civil wars and humanitarian crises in Syria and Yemen, or its prescriptions for the underlying economic and human problems still afflicting the Arab world. It still has no answer for the infectious ideologies of extremism, however odious Pompeo wants Arabs to find them. Nor does the US have a plan for taming Iran’s adventurism other than using sanctions, which few others seem to want, and the threat of regime change, which no one believes practical, much less possible.

Secretary Pompeo may claim some success for his limited agenda for the trip. Middle East autocrats may also claim success, the Trump administration having again blessed them. But for the people of the Middle East who ultimately bear the region’s many difficulties, Pompeo offered nothing. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/mike-pompeo-middle-east-trip-gulf-iran-politics-news-18272/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Gary Grappo Nearly a year after his predecessor embarked on a similar mission, on January 15 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo concluded a tour of the Middle East that included stops in Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

By Gary Grappo Nearly a year after his predecessor embarked on a similar mission, on January 15 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo concluded a tour of the Middle East that included stops in Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. A planned stop in Kuwait was cancelled. The ostensible reason for Pompeo’s hastily scheduled tour was to explain his boss’ sudden and unexpected announcement of the US troop withdrawal from Syria. President Donald Trump’s December decision to leave the fight in Syria shocked America’s Middle East allies. His most senior officials, including former Secretary of Defence James Mattis and others, were also caught off guard. Mattis, after subsequently failing to persuade Trump to reconsider, resigned. The president’s special envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, also resigned. Left questioning whether this was Trump’s first step toward Middle East disengagement — he also later announced that Iran can do what it wants in Syria — Arab states were once again whipsawed by an unpredictable administration. Could they no longer count on American security support, diplomatic power and considerable economic clout to maintain regional order, especially in the face of the Iranian challenge, continuing extremist activity from the likes of ISIS and al-Qaeda, and economic uncertainty? For many, the announcement might portend a period of great power competition in the region, increased Iranian adventurism and consequent instability, all of which the US had resisted since it first became embroiled in the region after World War 2. No fear: Pompea to the rescue Enter Mike Pompeo. America’s friends needed reassurances and a way forward on the region’s many challenges. At last, America would speak from the pulpit on its broad strategy for the region, heretofore missing since Donald Trump assumed office two years ago. On what was his biggest stage at the American University of Cairo, Pompeo delivered what may now be called the clearest statement yet of US policy in the Middle East. In essence, however, it boiled down to continuing resistance to extremism, blunting Iranian influence and not being the policy of Trump’s predecessor, Barak Obama. In 2009, President Obama had attempted to deliver his own version of an American reset of US policy, specifically as it related to Islam and Muslims, and seemingly apologised for the US role in the troubled region’s problems. In a not-so-veiled criticism of Obama’s decision to withdraw US forces from Iraq in 2011, Pompeo declared that the Trump administration has learned much from its predecessor’s naiveté and miscues: “We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows. When we neglect our friends, resentment builds. And when we partner with enemies, they advance.” On its face, that would appear a fair and accurate statement for any administration. Against the backdrop of Trump’s announcement proclaiming the war against ISIS effectively won and the consequent US troop withdrawal, it’s downright mystifyingly contradictory. Indeed, ISIS has been set on its back foot, having lost more that 95 per cent of the “caliphate” it once ruled between Syria and Iraq. But US intelligence experts still assert the presence of some 2,000-3,000 ISIS fighters in the two countries and another 25,000-30,000 elsewhere around the world. One of the ostensible reasons for Mattis’ resignation was that in the career marine general’s judgment, the war against ISIS and other extremists had most definitely not yet been won. Moreover, America’s friends, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, not to mention the Syrian Kurds, who have been fighting valiantly beside the American forces for years now, must have been flummoxed to hear Pompeo’s statement on the US having been “absent too much” and his reference to “neglect (of) our friends.” How else to describe Trump’s Syria withdrawal without as much as an advance notice or pre-announcement consultation with those most affected? Not a message for everyone Arabs in the region would have found little to address what is most on their minds today. Pompeo neglected to state where the US stood against the alarming increasing harshness of government rule, especially in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Nor did he attempt to address the dearth of respect for fundamental human rights, as Obama at least attempted to do 10 years before. The US secretary seemed to lay all the ills of the Middle East at the feet of the Iranians, who certainly deserve a share of the blame for ongoing instability in Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen and Syria. But Iran is only taking advantage of existing circumstances of depressed economies and lack of economic opportunity, declining rule of law, absence of governmental accountability, government repression and insecurity. Would Pompeo address those underlying challenges for which Arab governments seem to have no answers? In effect, Pompeo seemed to say to governments — as opposed to the people — that if you keep up the fight against the extremists and back the US in resisting Iran, then there is a basis for a relationship with this administration. That only reinforces the hopelessness that plagues the psyches of many in the region, especially young people, and offers encouragement for terrorism, Iranian troublemaking and instability. In Saudi Arabia, Pompeo reasserted America’s position that “all those involved in the murder of [Jamal] Khashoggi will be held accountable.” Yet, he had extended meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, the official deemed by the CIA, his State Department and the US Senate to have ordered the execution of the Saudi journalist last October in Istanbul. He even seemed to have gone out of his way to excuse the crime, asserting that Saudi Arabia’s “leaders are going to act in their country’s interests.” To the average person on the street, that must have sounded like a blank check for governments to behave as they wish to preserve themselves, regardless of consequences for their citizens. America is ostensibly out of the business of erecting human rights guardrails for autocrats, except when it doesn’t like them, like in the case of Iran. More contradictions Also mysteriously missing from Pompeo’s sojourn was much of an effort to patch up the Gulf Cooperation Council, which Saudi Arabia and MBS set asunder over a year and a half ago in a misguided effort to get neighbouring Qatar to bend to Saudi will. Forced to address it in Qatar without much effect, it doesn’t seem to have figured too prominently when the secretary met with the engineer of the boycott, MBS. The GCC had been the most effective multinational organisation in the Middle East for dealing with the region’s many challenges and a key security partner for the US. Yet the Trump administration, never one to embrace multilateralism, appears little motivated to bring the key Gulf partners together. Aside from the Sturm und Drang against ISIS, Iran and the Obama policies, there was hardly a mention, if at all, of America’s vision for the Middle East, its approach to ongoing civil wars and humanitarian crises in Syria and Yemen, or its prescriptions for the underlying economic and human problems still afflicting the Arab world. It still has no answer for the infectious ideologies of extremism, however odious Pompeo wants Arabs to find them. Nor does the US have a plan for taming Iran’s adventurism other than using sanctions, which few others seem to want, and the threat of regime change, which no one believes practical, much less possible. Secretary Pompeo may claim some success for his limited agenda for the trip. Middle East autocrats may also claim success, the Trump administration having again blessed them. But for the people of the Middle East who ultimately bear the region’s many difficulties, Pompeo offered nothing. (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mike Pompeo attempts US reset in the Middle East

The US government shutdown over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-democrat-urges-trump-to-delay-state-of-union-until-government-reopens-190817">President Donald Trump</a>'s call for Congress to fund a wall he promised to build on the US- Mexican border is threatening another campaign pledge to make rules easier to navigate for banks and corporations.

The partial shutdown, sparked by a standoff between Democrats and Republicans over how to address Trump's demand, is already the longest ever, entering its 27th day on Thursday with no signs of a resolution.

The Trump administration has outlined plans to ease bank rules, overhaul corporate governance, and boost financial innovation, sparking hopes among executives that they would already start to feel the benefits this year.

Yet with Democrats now in control of the House of Representatives and the 2020 presidential campaign expected to stymie policymaking, industry lobbyists worry the shutdown will further limit the narrow window for the new rules to kick in.

Of particular concern is the fate of rules being penned by regulators to implement changes, passed by the Republican Congress last May, that relaxed restraints imposed on banks after the financial crisis, said lobbyists and regulatory sources.

Republican lawmakers had expected many of those changes would be close to the finish line by now, but several have yet to be put to public comment. This step, among others, is part of a strict rule-changing process dictated by federal law that cannot be easily expedited once the government reopens.

Given many of the changes face opposition from consumer groups, lawyers say any hiccups in their implementation could expose them to litigation and delay them indefinitely.

“While there is an image of folks coming in and cutting red tape, for better or worse that is not the way our legal process works and the government shutdown really impedes that process,” said Ben Olson, a lawyer with Buckley Sandler who previously worked for several agencies including the Federal Reserve.

At the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), whose budgets are set by Congress, less than a tenth of staff continue to work in areas such as law enforcement, market surveillance and investor protection while all non-emergency rule-making is suspended.

The CFTC, for example, was scheduled to agree rules that would pave the way for Intercontinental Exchange to begin trading digital currency futures in coming weeks, but that timeline is now unrealistic, according to a person familiar with the CFTC's original plan.

With no SEC staff available to approve paperwork, initial public offerings are getting backed up, said lawyers. Brokers are also unable to get critical guidance on whether some trades are compliant, said Marlon Paz, a Washington-based lawyer who advises financial firms. "I fear there is little oversight in tumultuous times."

Although the three banking regulators are funded independently, lobbyists say the shutdown may derail their work on rule changes overseen jointly with the SEC and CFTC. That includes the "Volcker Rule", which imposed curbs on banks' proprietary trading as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law.

US and international banks have criticized the rule as too burdensome and lobbied hard for changes, but the five financial regulators are obliged to review thousands of pages of comments before taking further action. With CFTC and SEC policy staff barred from even checking their emails, however, these types of joint projects are stalled.

"They still have to review all comments, and the folks who have to review them are at home watching TV," said Wayne Abernathy, executive vice president at trade group the American Bankers Association.

"Our worry is that the shutdown could be slowing down the process."

A CFTC spokeswoman confirmed the agency has halted all rule-writing. An SEC spokesman said the SEC was staffing emergency functions.

Furloughs at the Office of the Federal Register, which must formally publish all steps in the rule-writing process, have also delayed other changes Congress agreed in May, public records show.

For example, days before the shutdown began on December 22, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Fed, alongside other agencies, unveiled two proposals to ease rules on broker deposits and community banks.

But those have yet to be published in the register, which is required to start public comment periods.

Bridget Dooling, a research professor at George Washington University, said the law allowed few shortcuts, meaning a backlog created now would likely not get cleared for months.

"Losing a month or two months or, who knows, maybe more from your productive timeline could ultimately jeopardize your ability to finish the work you set out to do in a presidential administration,” said Dooling, who previously worked in the regulatory office at the US Office of Management and Budget.

Spokespeople for the FDIC and Fed declined to comment. The Office of the Federal Register was not able to respond to requests for comment due to the shutdown.

The US government shutdown over President Donald Trump's call for Congress to fund a wall he promised to build on the US- Mexican border is threatening another campaign pledge to make rules easier to navigate for banks and corporations.

The US government shutdown over President Donald Trump's call for Congress to fund a wall he promised to build on the US- Mexican border is threatening another campaign pledge to make rules easier to navigate for banks and corporations. The partial shutdown, sparked by a standoff between Democrats and Republicans over how to address Trump's demand, is already the longest ever, entering its 27th day on Thursday with no signs of a resolution. The Trump administration has outlined plans to ease bank rules, overhaul corporate governance, and boost financial innovation, sparking hopes among executives that they would already start to feel the benefits this year. Yet with Democrats now in control of the House of Representatives and the 2020 presidential campaign expected to stymie policymaking, industry lobbyists worry the shutdown will further limit the narrow window for the new rules to kick in. Of particular concern is the fate of rules being penned by regulators to implement changes, passed by the Republican Congress last May, that relaxed restraints imposed on banks after the financial crisis, said lobbyists and regulatory sources. Republican lawmakers had expected many of those changes would be close to the finish line by now, but several have yet to be put to public comment. This step, among others, is part of a strict rule-changing process dictated by federal law that cannot be easily expedited once the government reopens. Given many of the changes face opposition from consumer groups, lawyers say any hiccups in their implementation could expose them to litigation and delay them indefinitely. “While there is an image of folks coming in and cutting red tape, for better or worse that is not the way our legal process works and the government shutdown really impedes that process,” said Ben Olson, a lawyer with Buckley Sandler who previously worked for several agencies including the Federal Reserve. At the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), whose budgets are set by Congress, less than a tenth of staff continue to work in areas such as law enforcement, market surveillance and investor protection while all non-emergency rule-making is suspended. The CFTC, for example, was scheduled to agree rules that would pave the way for Intercontinental Exchange to begin trading digital currency futures in coming weeks, but that timeline is now unrealistic, according to a person familiar with the CFTC's original plan. With no SEC staff available to approve paperwork, initial public offerings are getting backed up, said lawyers. Brokers are also unable to get critical guidance on whether some trades are compliant, said Marlon Paz, a Washington-based lawyer who advises financial firms. "I fear there is little oversight in tumultuous times." Although the three banking regulators are funded independently, lobbyists say the shutdown may derail their work on rule changes overseen jointly with the SEC and CFTC. That includes the "Volcker Rule", which imposed curbs on banks' proprietary trading as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law. US and international banks have criticized the rule as too burdensome and lobbied hard for changes, but the five financial regulators are obliged to review thousands of pages of comments before taking further action. With CFTC and SEC policy staff barred from even checking their emails, however, these types of joint projects are stalled. "They still have to review all comments, and the folks who have to review them are at home watching TV," said Wayne Abernathy, executive vice president at trade group the American Bankers Association. "Our worry is that the shutdown could be slowing down the process." A CFTC spokeswoman confirmed the agency has halted all rule-writing. An SEC spokesman said the SEC was staffing emergency functions. Furloughs at the Office of the Federal Register, which must formally publish all steps in the rule-writing process, have also delayed other changes Congress agreed in May, public records show. For example, days before the shutdown began on December 22, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Fed, alongside other agencies, unveiled two proposals to ease rules on broker deposits and community banks. But those have yet to be published in the register, which is required to start public comment periods. Bridget Dooling, a research professor at George Washington University, said the law allowed few shortcuts, meaning a backlog created now would likely not get cleared for months. "Losing a month or two months or, who knows, maybe more from your productive timeline could ultimately jeopardize your ability to finish the work you set out to do in a presidential administration,” said Dooling, who previously worked in the regulatory office at the US Office of Management and Budget. Spokespeople for the FDIC and Fed declined to comment. The Office of the Federal Register was not able to respond to requests for comment due to the shutdown.

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Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline&nbsp;reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday.

The "spoof paper"&nbsp;with a dateline of May 1st,&nbsp;2019 had striking similarities with the original newspaper and was&nbsp;filled with anti-Trump and women empowerment stories.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Fake <a href="https://twitter.com/washingtonpost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@washingtonpost</a> issue is being distributed today with the headline UNPRESIDENTED. My colleague .<a href="https://twitter.com/davpjor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davpjor</a> received a copy on Capitol Hill this morning. We too were initially told <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveOn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoveOn</a> was responsible, but they have since said they were not. <a href="https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat">https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat</a> <a href="https://t.co/PbKaFfMzDe">pic.twitter.com/PbKaFfMzDe</a>
— Caroline Tanner (@carolinectanner) <a href="https://twitter.com/carolinectanner/status/1085571586818801669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The paper's lead story with bold capital letters "unpresidented" &nbsp;said that Trump had resigned from the president's post.

According to the spoof paper&nbsp;story, Trump left his resignation on a napkin in the Oval Office and left Washington for Yalta, the Crimean resort that was the site of a meeting of allied leaders during World War II.

The fake story also reported that the resignation was triggered by the massive "woman-led protests" across the country.

The paper also said&nbsp;that after Trump's resignation, Mike Pence was sworn in as President.

The paper's stories and the PDF of the spoof newspaper were also published on a website that also imitated the Washington Post's homepage. The site reportedly has been taken down now.

A group called, "Trickster activist collective" later in the day revealed that they were behind the prank newspaper.

This is not the first time the group did something like this. In 2008 they had published a spoof copy of The New York Times with the headline in the front page reading, "Iraq war ends".

In 2009 as well they had published a fake edition of The New York Post.

Meanwhile, the official Washington Post in its public relations account on Twitter had said that they are "looking into the matter".

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post’s. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this.
— Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashPostPR/status/1085564733418283009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday.

Fake editions of US-based newspaper 'The Washington Post' with a bold headline reading Trump 'unpresidented' was circulated at multiple locations around Washington DC on Wednesday. The "spoof paper" with a dateline of May 1st, 2019 had striking similarities with the original newspaper and was filled with anti-Trump and women empowerment stories. Fake @washingtonpost issue is being distributed today with the headline UNPRESIDENTED. My colleague .@davpjor received a copy on Capitol Hill this morning. We too were initially told @MoveOn was responsible, but they have since said they were not. https://t.co/ZLO9aehDat pic.twitter.com/PbKaFfMzDe — Caroline Tanner (@carolinectanner) January 16, 2019 × The paper's lead story with bold capital letters "unpresidented" said that Trump had resigned from the president's post. According to the spoof paper story, Trump left his resignation on a napkin in the Oval Office and left Washington for Yalta, the Crimean resort that was the site of a meeting of allied leaders during World War II. The fake story also reported that the resignation was triggered by the massive "woman-led protests" across the country. The paper also said that after Trump's resignation, Mike Pence was sworn in as President. The paper's stories and the PDF of the spoof newspaper were also published on a website that also imitated the Washington Post's homepage. The site reportedly has been taken down now. A group called, "Trickster activist collective" later in the day revealed that they were behind the prank newspaper. This is not the first time the group did something like this. In 2008 they had published a spoof copy of The New York Times with the headline in the front page reading, "Iraq war ends". In 2009 as well they had published a fake edition of The New York Post. Meanwhile, the official Washington Post in its public relations account on Twitter had said that they are "looking into the matter". There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post’s. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this. — Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) January 16, 2019 ×

The Washington Post's fake edition circulated in DC; reports Trump resignation

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