The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds.

The president issued a series of tweets Saturday in an effort to defend his stance and goad Democrats to return to Washington and end what he called "the massive humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border."

"Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes!" he said in one tweet, adding in another, "We will be out for a long time unless the Democrats come back from their 'vacations' and get back to work. I am in the White House ready to sign!"

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Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes! Call your Dem Senator or Congresswoman/man. Tell them to get it done! Humanitarian Crisis.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1084099445556502528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But most lawmakers left town on Friday and will not return before Monday, leaving little chance for any solution to the stalemate before then.

The impasse has paralyzed Washington -- its impact felt increasingly around the country -- with the president retaliating by refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute.

As a result, 800,000 federal employees -- workers as diverse as FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff -- did not receive paychecks Friday.

The shutdown became the longest on record at midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday), when it overtook a 21-day stretch in 1995-1996 under president Bill Clinton.

Retreat from 'emergency'

On Friday, however, Trump backed off a series of previous threats to end the deadlock by declaring a national emergency and attempting to secure the funds without congressional approval.

"I'm not going to do it so fast," he said at a White House meeting.

Trump described an emergency declaration as the "easy way out" and said Congress had to step up to the responsibility of approving the $5.7 billion he says is needed.

"If they can't do it... I will declare a national emergency. I have the absolute right," he said.

Until Friday, Trump had suggested numerous times that he was getting closer to taking the controversial decision. One powerful Republican ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, tweeted after talks with Trump: "Mr. President, Declare a national emergency NOW."

But the president himself acknowledged in the White House meeting that an attempt to claim emergency powers would likely end up in legal battles going all the way to the Supreme Court -- as other Republicans and some of his advisers have reportedly cautioned him.

Opponents say that a unilateral presidential move would be a constitutional overreach and set a dangerous precedent in similar controversies.

'Under siege'

The standoff has turned into a test of political ego, particularly for Trump, who came into office boasting of his deal-making powers and making an aggressive border policy the keystone of his nationalist agenda.

In two of his tweets Saturday, Trump pushed back on a media report that his White House was "chaotic" with no plan or strategy to end the shutdown.

"The Fakes always like talking Chaos, there is NONE..." he tweeted. "I do have a plan on the Shutdown."

"But to understand that plan you would have to understand the fact that I won the election, and I promised... a Wall at the Southern Border. Elections have consequences!"

Democrats, meanwhile, seem determined at all costs to prevent the president from getting the wall he has often promised in his campaign-style rallies.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents major challenges, ranging from the violent Mexican drug trade to the plight of asylum seekers and poor migrants seeking new lives in the world's richest country.

But Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a political crusade that opponents say is a stunt to stoke xenophobia in his right-wing voter base while willfully ignoring the border's complex realities.

For the president, who visited the Texas border with Mexico on Thursday, the border situation amounts to an invasion by criminals. Only in recent days has he begun describing the problem as "humanitarian."

Some studies show that illegal immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States, although not everyone agrees on this.

More certain is that while narcotics do enter the country across remote sections of the border, most are sneaked through heavily guarded checkpoints in vehicles, the government's own Drug Enforcement Administration said in a 2017 report.

'Look at the facts'

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, said money should be spent on border security but not on walls.

"We need to look at the facts," she said.

Separately, Puerto Rico's governor urged Trump to not redirect emergency funds from projects to help the storm-ravaged island to wall construction along the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;

Ricardo Rossello's plea followed reports the White House has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to look into ways to divert funds destined for natural disaster relief for the wall.

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria tore through the US territory in the Caribbean, killing some 3,000 people, causing catastrophic material damage and crippling the island's power grid.

The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds.

The partial US government shutdown entered a record 22nd day Saturday, as President Donald Trump remains steadfast in his demand for $5.7 billion to build a Mexico border wall and Democrats in Congress determined to refuse the funds. The president issued a series of tweets Saturday in an effort to defend his stance and goad Democrats to return to Washington and end what he called "the massive humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border." "Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes!" he said in one tweet, adding in another, "We will be out for a long time unless the Democrats come back from their 'vacations' and get back to work. I am in the White House ready to sign!" Democrats could solve the Shutdown in 15 minutes! Call your Dem Senator or Congresswoman/man. Tell them to get it done! Humanitarian Crisis. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2019 × But most lawmakers left town on Friday and will not return before Monday, leaving little chance for any solution to the stalemate before then. The impasse has paralyzed Washington -- its impact felt increasingly around the country -- with the president retaliating by refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute. As a result, 800,000 federal employees -- workers as diverse as FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff -- did not receive paychecks Friday. The shutdown became the longest on record at midnight Friday (0500 GMT Saturday), when it overtook a 21-day stretch in 1995-1996 under president Bill Clinton. Retreat from 'emergency' On Friday, however, Trump backed off a series of previous threats to end the deadlock by declaring a national emergency and attempting to secure the funds without congressional approval. "I'm not going to do it so fast," he said at a White House meeting. Trump described an emergency declaration as the "easy way out" and said Congress had to step up to the responsibility of approving the $5.7 billion he says is needed. "If they can't do it... I will declare a national emergency. I have the absolute right," he said. Until Friday, Trump had suggested numerous times that he was getting closer to taking the controversial decision. One powerful Republican ally, Senator Lindsey Graham, tweeted after talks with Trump: "Mr. President, Declare a national emergency NOW." But the president himself acknowledged in the White House meeting that an attempt to claim emergency powers would likely end up in legal battles going all the way to the Supreme Court -- as other Republicans and some of his advisers have reportedly cautioned him. Opponents say that a unilateral presidential move would be a constitutional overreach and set a dangerous precedent in similar controversies. 'Under siege' The standoff has turned into a test of political ego, particularly for Trump, who came into office boasting of his deal-making powers and making an aggressive border policy the keystone of his nationalist agenda. In two of his tweets Saturday, Trump pushed back on a media report that his White House was "chaotic" with no plan or strategy to end the shutdown. "The Fakes always like talking Chaos, there is NONE..." he tweeted. "I do have a plan on the Shutdown." "But to understand that plan you would have to understand the fact that I won the election, and I promised... a Wall at the Southern Border. Elections have consequences!" Democrats, meanwhile, seem determined at all costs to prevent the president from getting the wall he has often promised in his campaign-style rallies. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents major challenges, ranging from the violent Mexican drug trade to the plight of asylum seekers and poor migrants seeking new lives in the world's richest country. But Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a political crusade that opponents say is a stunt to stoke xenophobia in his right-wing voter base while willfully ignoring the border's complex realities. For the president, who visited the Texas border with Mexico on Thursday, the border situation amounts to an invasion by criminals. Only in recent days has he begun describing the problem as "humanitarian." Some studies show that illegal immigrants generally commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States, although not everyone agrees on this. More certain is that while narcotics do enter the country across remote sections of the border, most are sneaked through heavily guarded checkpoints in vehicles, the government's own Drug Enforcement Administration said in a 2017 report. 'Look at the facts' Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, said money should be spent on border security but not on walls. "We need to look at the facts," she said. Separately, Puerto Rico's governor urged Trump to not redirect emergency funds from projects to help the storm-ravaged island to wall construction along the US-Mexico border. Ricardo Rossello's plea followed reports the White House has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to look into ways to divert funds destined for natural disaster relief for the wall. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria tore through the US territory in the Caribbean, killing some 3,000 people, causing catastrophic material damage and crippling the island's power grid.

Democrats could solve shutdown in 15 minutes: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump blasted the FBI Saturday, insisting it acted "for no reason &amp; with no proof" when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-opened-probe-into-whether-trump-working-for-russians-report-189750">it opened an investigation into whether he was acting on Russia's behalf</a> after he fired the agency's director, James Comey, in May 2017.

The New York Times reported that the FBI launched the previously undisclosed counterintelligence investigation to determine whether Trump posed a national security threat, at the same time that it opened a criminal probe into possible obstruction of justice by the president.

The FBI investigation was subsequently folded into the broader probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and possible collaboration by the Trump campaign.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-share-strategic-interests-fundamental-democratic-values-trump-to-indian-high-commissioner-189855">Trump says India &amp; US share 'strategic interests', 'fundamental democratic values'</a>

No evidence has publicly emerged that Trump was secretly in contact with or took direction from Russian officials, the Times said.

Trump reacts 
"Wow, just learned in the Failing New York Times that the corrupt former leaders of the FBI, almost all fired or forced to leave the agency for some very bad reasons, opened up an investigation on me, for no reason &amp; with no proof, after I fired Lyin' James Comey, a total sleaze!" Trump tweeted.

According to Trump, "the FBI was in complete turmoil ... because of Comey's poor leadership" and the way he handled the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private server to send some government emails.

"My firing of James Comey was a great day for America," Trump claimed, describing the former FBI director as "a Crooked Cop who is being totally protected by his best friend, Bob Mueller."

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I have been FAR tougher on Russia than Obama, Bush or Clinton. Maybe tougher than any other President. At the same time, &amp; as I have often said, getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. I fully expect that someday we will have good relations with Russia again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1084074865496334336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign.

But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to pledge allegiance to Trump and roll back the nascent Russia investigation.

A 'witch hunt'? 
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and views it as an attempt to besmirch the legitimacy of his presidency.

His press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said in a statement Saturday that the latest charges are "absurd," adding, "James Comey was fired because he's a disgraced partisan hack... (and) President Trump has actually been tough on Russia."&nbsp;

Mueller, meanwhile, has issued dozens of indictments and steadily chalked up convictions of some of the president's close associates -- including his former national security advisor, his former personal lawyer, and his ex-campaign chief.

The ex-national security advisor, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his Moscow ties.

The lawyer, Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple crimes, including felony violations of campaign finance laws that prosecutors allege were carried out under Trump's direction.

And Trump's former presidential campaign chair, Paul Manafort, has been convicted in one case brought by Mueller and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering.

Cell phone records show that Cohen was near Prague during the summer of 2016, supporting claims that he met there with Russian officials during the presidential election campaign, McClatchy news service has reported.

Cohen, who will testify in Congress on February 7, insists that he has never been to Prague, but added in a tweet: "#Mueller knows everything!"

Manafort, meanwhile, has admitted to sharing polling data with a Russian during the 2016 presidential race, according to a court filing inadvertently made public by his lawyers. CNN reported that the intended recipients were two pro-Russia Ukrainian oligarchs.

Manafort has denied lying to investigators about his dealings with the Russian, Konstantin Kilimnik, a political consultant with alleged intelligence ties, claiming he merely forgot details during the hectic campaign.

The specifics of the Mueller allegations were not previously known publicly, having been blacked out in a heavily redacted December 7 filing by the prosecutor's team.

But in Manafort's response, the electronic formatting for the redaction could easily be bypassed, revealing exactly what he was accused of lying about.

Mueller's grand jury investigation, meanwhile, has been extended by a judge beyond its original 18-month mandate.

President Donald Trump blasted the FBI Saturday, insisting it acted "for no reason & with no proof" when it opened an investigation into whether he was acting on Russia's behalf after he fired the agency's director, James Comey, in May 2017.

President Donald Trump blasted the FBI Saturday, insisting it acted "for no reason & with no proof" when it opened an investigation into whether he was acting on Russia's behalf after he fired the agency's director, James Comey, in May 2017. The New York Times reported that the FBI launched the previously undisclosed counterintelligence investigation to determine whether Trump posed a national security threat, at the same time that it opened a criminal probe into possible obstruction of justice by the president. The FBI investigation was subsequently folded into the broader probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and possible collaboration by the Trump campaign. Also read: Trump says India & US share 'strategic interests', 'fundamental democratic values' No evidence has publicly emerged that Trump was secretly in contact with or took direction from Russian officials, the Times said. Trump reacts "Wow, just learned in the Failing New York Times that the corrupt former leaders of the FBI, almost all fired or forced to leave the agency for some very bad reasons, opened up an investigation on me, for no reason & with no proof, after I fired Lyin' James Comey, a total sleaze!" Trump tweeted. According to Trump, "the FBI was in complete turmoil ... because of Comey's poor leadership" and the way he handled the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private server to send some government emails. "My firing of James Comey was a great day for America," Trump claimed, describing the former FBI director as "a Crooked Cop who is being totally protected by his best friend, Bob Mueller." I have been FAR tougher on Russia than Obama, Bush or Clinton. Maybe tougher than any other President. At the same time, & as I have often said, getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. I fully expect that someday we will have good relations with Russia again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2019 × The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump's ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign. But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to pledge allegiance to Trump and roll back the nascent Russia investigation. A 'witch hunt'? Trump has repeatedly criticized the Mueller investigation as a "witch hunt" and views it as an attempt to besmirch the legitimacy of his presidency. His press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said in a statement Saturday that the latest charges are "absurd," adding, "James Comey was fired because he's a disgraced partisan hack... (and) President Trump has actually been tough on Russia." Mueller, meanwhile, has issued dozens of indictments and steadily chalked up convictions of some of the president's close associates -- including his former national security advisor, his former personal lawyer, and his ex-campaign chief. The ex-national security advisor, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his Moscow ties. The lawyer, Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple crimes, including felony violations of campaign finance laws that prosecutors allege were carried out under Trump's direction. And Trump's former presidential campaign chair, Paul Manafort, has been convicted in one case brought by Mueller and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering. Cell phone records show that Cohen was near Prague during the summer of 2016, supporting claims that he met there with Russian officials during the presidential election campaign, McClatchy news service has reported. Cohen, who will testify in Congress on February 7, insists that he has never been to Prague, but added in a tweet: "#Mueller knows everything!" Manafort, meanwhile, has admitted to sharing polling data with a Russian during the 2016 presidential race, according to a court filing inadvertently made public by his lawyers. CNN reported that the intended recipients were two pro-Russia Ukrainian oligarchs. Manafort has denied lying to investigators about his dealings with the Russian, Konstantin Kilimnik, a political consultant with alleged intelligence ties, claiming he merely forgot details during the hectic campaign. The specifics of the Mueller allegations were not previously known publicly, having been blacked out in a heavily redacted December 7 filing by the prosecutor's team. But in Manafort's response, the electronic formatting for the redaction could easily be bypassed, revealing exactly what he was accused of lying about. Mueller's grand jury investigation, meanwhile, has been extended by a judge beyond its original 18-month mandate.

Was Trump working for Russia? US President blasts FBI for opening probe

The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives voted on Friday to restore funding for federal agencies that have been shut down by a fight with President Donald Trump over border wall funding, as some 800,000 government workers, from tax collectors to FBI agents, missed their first paycheck.

But a full resumption of government operations did not appear in sight because Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will not bring the House bill up for a vote. Republicans who control the Senate have so far stood with Trump and insisted that any spending bills include money for his wall.

The House bill, which passed 240-179 with only a handful of Republicans supporting it, would restore funding for the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, two of the agencies that have been without funding since December 22 amid the standoff over the proposed wall along the US-Mexico border. The bill provides $35.9 billion in discretionary funding, $6 billion above Trump's budget request and $601 million above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

Facing the prospect of the longest US government shutdown in history, Trump has said he might declare a national emergency to bypass Congress to get funding for his wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 presidential campaign.

"Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border," Trump said on Twitter on Friday, a day after he visited the Texas-Mexico border. "I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion!"

Entering its 21st day, the partial shutdown on Friday tied the record for the longest in US history. Some 800,000 federal workers did not receive paychecks that would have gone out on Friday. Some have resorted to selling their possessions or posting appeals on online fundraising outlets to help pay their bills.

"Most of them are living from paycheck to paycheck and now they approach this day on Friday having moved from paycheck to no check," Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings said in debate on the House floor.

The head of the US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting Trump, warned employees that financial stress can lead to depression and anxiety. "Keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble," Director RD "Tex" Alles wrote in a memo seen by Reuters.

House approves back pay

The House also passed a bill by a bipartisan vote of 411-7 that would provide back pay to federal workers once the shutdown ends. That legislation, which has already been passed by the Senate, now heads to Trump's desk to be signed into law.

Separately, Senator Rob Portman and eight other Republican senators introduced legislation that would permanently outlaw the closing of government operations during budget fights, underscoring the growing frustration in Washington.

During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged that Mexico would pay for the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. But the Mexican government has refused and Trump is now demanding that Congress provide $5.7 billion in US taxpayer funding for the wall.

Democrats in Congress call the wall an ineffective, outdated answer to a complex problem.

With no Capitol Hill compromise in sight, Trump publicly ruminated on Thursday during the Texas trip about declaring an emergency.

A close Trump confidant judged the time for such a step had come. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said in a statement: "It is time for President Trump to use emergency powers to fund the construction of a border wall/barrier. I hope it works."

Critics of the national emergency strategy have said it may be illegal. In any case, it was almost certain to trigger an immediate court challenge from Democrats, including an accusation of trying to circumvent Congress' power over the national purse strings.

An emergency declaration would come with risks. Even some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress have signalled worries about such an action. Given that the Constitution gives Congress the power to set spending priorities and appropriate money, they worry about a tough legal fight and an unwise precedent.

"I don't think he should do that. It's a bad precedent," Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on CNBC. "It seems to me that

An emergency declaration, however, would allow the government to be fully reopened while the judges weigh the case, which could take months.

Before the shutdown began, Trump said he would be "proud" to close the government over the issue of border security and would not blame Democrats, although he later did.

The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives voted on Friday to restore funding for federal agencies that have been shut down by a fight with President Donald Trump over border wall funding, as some 800,000 government workers, from tax collectors to FBI agents, missed their first paycheck.

The Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives voted on Friday to restore funding for federal agencies that have been shut down by a fight with President Donald Trump over border wall funding, as some 800,000 government workers, from tax collectors to FBI agents, missed their first paycheck. But a full resumption of government operations did not appear in sight because Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will not bring the House bill up for a vote. Republicans who control the Senate have so far stood with Trump and insisted that any spending bills include money for his wall. The House bill, which passed 240-179 with only a handful of Republicans supporting it, would restore funding for the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, two of the agencies that have been without funding since December 22 amid the standoff over the proposed wall along the US-Mexico border. The bill provides $35.9 billion in discretionary funding, $6 billion above Trump's budget request and $601 million above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Facing the prospect of the longest US government shutdown in history, Trump has said he might declare a national emergency to bypass Congress to get funding for his wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 presidential campaign. "Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border," Trump said on Twitter on Friday, a day after he visited the Texas-Mexico border. "I just got back and it is a far worse situation than almost anyone would understand, an invasion!" Entering its 21st day, the partial shutdown on Friday tied the record for the longest in US history. Some 800,000 federal workers did not receive paychecks that would have gone out on Friday. Some have resorted to selling their possessions or posting appeals on online fundraising outlets to help pay their bills. "Most of them are living from paycheck to paycheck and now they approach this day on Friday having moved from paycheck to no check," Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings said in debate on the House floor. The head of the US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting Trump, warned employees that financial stress can lead to depression and anxiety. "Keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble," Director RD "Tex" Alles wrote in a memo seen by Reuters. House approves back pay The House also passed a bill by a bipartisan vote of 411-7 that would provide back pay to federal workers once the shutdown ends. That legislation, which has already been passed by the Senate, now heads to Trump's desk to be signed into law. Separately, Senator Rob Portman and eight other Republican senators introduced legislation that would permanently outlaw the closing of government operations during budget fights, underscoring the growing frustration in Washington. During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged that Mexico would pay for the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. But the Mexican government has refused and Trump is now demanding that Congress provide $5.7 billion in US taxpayer funding for the wall. Democrats in Congress call the wall an ineffective, outdated answer to a complex problem. With no Capitol Hill compromise in sight, Trump publicly ruminated on Thursday during the Texas trip about declaring an emergency. A close Trump confidant judged the time for such a step had come. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said in a statement: "It is time for President Trump to use emergency powers to fund the construction of a border wall/barrier. I hope it works." Critics of the national emergency strategy have said it may be illegal. In any case, it was almost certain to trigger an immediate court challenge from Democrats, including an accusation of trying to circumvent Congress' power over the national purse strings. An emergency declaration would come with risks. Even some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress have signalled worries about such an action. Given that the Constitution gives Congress the power to set spending priorities and appropriate money, they worry about a tough legal fight and an unwise precedent. "I don't think he should do that. It's a bad precedent," Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on CNBC. "It seems to me that An emergency declaration, however, would allow the government to be fully reopened while the judges weigh the case, which could take months. Before the shutdown began, Trump said he would be "proud" to close the government over the issue of border security and would not blame Democrats, although he later did.

US House passes bill to reopen some agencies shut down in wall fight

Trump cancels his participation at Davos Economic Forum

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders.&nbsp;

Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship."

"We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read.&nbsp;

Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1083705208834834433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period.

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.&nbsp;

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period.

(With inputs from PTI)

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship.

US President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted out what potentially pronounced good news for H1-B visa holders. Trump hinted at changes "that are soon coming" which will bring "both simplicity and certainty" to the stay of H1-B holders, "including a potential path to citizenship." "We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the US," the tweet read. Last month, the Trump administration proposed major changes to the H-1B application process with the aim of awarding the visa to the most skilled and highest paid foreign workers, news agency PTI reported. H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity and certainty to your stay, including a potential path to citizenship. We want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2019 × Under a new proposed merit-based rule companies employing foreign workers on the H-1B visa - under the Congressional mandated annual caps -- would have to electronically register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a designated registration period. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the US Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians, news agency PTI reported. India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period. (With inputs from PTI)

Want to encourage highly skilled people to pursue career in US: Trump tweets good news for H1-B holders

The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that&nbsp;he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues.

Trump is planning to attend the Davos meeting in just under two weeks, but said, "if the shutdown continues, I won't go."

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Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. My warmest regards and apologies to the <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WEF</a>!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1083426878336036865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on, but if the shutdown continues ... I won't go. I had planned to go, it's been very successful when I went. We have a great story to tell," Trump told reporters before leaving the White House to visit Texas.

Swaths of the US government have already been without funding for three weeks while Trump rows with opposition Democrats over his demand for them to authorize construction of hundreds of miles of wall along the Mexican border.

China's Vice President Wang Qishan is also expected to attend the Davos meeting, but it is not clear whether there will be any arrangements for a meeting between him and Trump during the annual gathering. China and the United States have taken a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">90-day pause in implementing tariffs to hammer out a trade deal</a>.

The Swiss meeting could also provide Trump with opportunities to discuss better terms of trade with the European Union, Japan, Canada and Mexico.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heads-to-us-mexico-border-to-push-wall-plan-189442">Trump headed to the US-Mexico border</a> to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralysing the government.

Trump left early from the White House en route for Texas, where he was expected to visit the community of McAllen and meet with local border patrol agents.

"We need border security," Trump told journalists before boarding the Marine One helicopter.

The Texas trip gives Trump yet another high-profile stage to push his wall plan, following a national television address Tuesday and his drama-filled abandonment of talks with Democratic opponents on Wednesday.

Trump wants $5.7 billion for construction of a wall that he says is needed to stop a violent crime crisis caused by an unsecured border.

But Democrats say the wall would not solve real US immigration problems and is being promoted as a gimmick to satisfy the president's right-wing base.

Trump has tried to pressure Congress by refusing to sign off on a host of unrelated, normally uncontroversial government spending, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and members of the Coast Guard, have been without pay for three weeks.

The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues.

The United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday said that he will skip the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland if a government shutdown over his US-Mexico wall continues. Trump is planning to attend the Davos meeting in just under two weeks, but said, "if the shutdown continues, I won't go." Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. My warmest regards and apologies to the @WEF! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2019 × "I intended to go and speak in front of the world financial community in Davos. That's still on, but if the shutdown continues ... I won't go. I had planned to go, it's been very successful when I went. We have a great story to tell," Trump told reporters before leaving the White House to visit Texas. Swaths of the US government have already been without funding for three weeks while Trump rows with opposition Democrats over his demand for them to authorize construction of hundreds of miles of wall along the Mexican border. China's Vice President Wang Qishan is also expected to attend the Davos meeting, but it is not clear whether there will be any arrangements for a meeting between him and Trump during the annual gathering. China and the United States have taken a 90-day pause in implementing tariffs to hammer out a trade deal. The Swiss meeting could also provide Trump with opportunities to discuss better terms of trade with the European Union, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Meanwhile, Trump headed to the US-Mexico border to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralysing the government. Trump left early from the White House en route for Texas, where he was expected to visit the community of McAllen and meet with local border patrol agents. "We need border security," Trump told journalists before boarding the Marine One helicopter. The Texas trip gives Trump yet another high-profile stage to push his wall plan, following a national television address Tuesday and his drama-filled abandonment of talks with Democratic opponents on Wednesday. Trump wants $5.7 billion for construction of a wall that he says is needed to stop a violent crime crisis caused by an unsecured border. But Democrats say the wall would not solve real US immigration problems and is being promoted as a gimmick to satisfy the president's right-wing base. Trump has tried to pressure Congress by refusing to sign off on a host of unrelated, normally uncontroversial government spending, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and members of the Coast Guard, have been without pay for three weeks.

Trump cancels trip to Davos World Economic Forum as US government shutdown continues

The United States plans to jointly host a global summit focused on the Middle East, particularly Iran, next month in Poland, the US&nbsp;State Department said on Friday.

The gathering will take place in Warsaw from February 13 to February 14, it said in a statement.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News in an interview to air on Friday that the meeting would "focus on Middle East stability and peace and freedom and security here in this region, and that includes an important element of making sure that Iran is not a destabilizing influence."

Pompeo said the meeting would "bring together dozens of countries from all around the world, from Asia, from Africa, from Western Hemisphere countries, Europe too, the Middle East of course."

The State Department did not immediately respond when asked which countries would attend. Its statement said there were strong shared interests in Middle East stability.

"The ministerial will address a range of critical issues including terrorism and extremism, missile development and proliferation, maritime trade and security, and threats posed by proxy groups across the region," it said.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's top diplomat is visiting a number of Middle Eastern countries this week in an effort to shore up support in the region on a number of fronts, from the US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from Syria to the Saudi-Qatar rift to the killing of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Pompeo, in the middle of his eight-day trip through the region, has said the United States is "redoubling" its efforts to put pressure on Iran and sought to convince allies in the region that it was committed to fighting Islamic State despite Trump's recent decision to pull US&nbsp;troops out of Syria.

Pompeo told Fox News the summit would include representatives from countries around the world to address Iran's regional influence as the Trump administration has sought to pressure Tehran.

Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord and moved to reimpose sanctions on Tehran, even as other partners in the deal - including China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom - have sought to maintain the agreement.

In a shift earlier this week, the European Union moved to impose some sanctions on Iran.

The United States plans to jointly host a global summit focused on the Middle East, particularly Iran, next month in Poland, the US State Department said on Friday.

The United States plans to jointly host a global summit focused on the Middle East, particularly Iran, next month in Poland, the US State Department said on Friday. The gathering will take place in Warsaw from February 13 to February 14, it said in a statement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox News in an interview to air on Friday that the meeting would "focus on Middle East stability and peace and freedom and security here in this region, and that includes an important element of making sure that Iran is not a destabilizing influence." Pompeo said the meeting would "bring together dozens of countries from all around the world, from Asia, from Africa, from Western Hemisphere countries, Europe too, the Middle East of course." The State Department did not immediately respond when asked which countries would attend. Its statement said there were strong shared interests in Middle East stability. "The ministerial will address a range of critical issues including terrorism and extremism, missile development and proliferation, maritime trade and security, and threats posed by proxy groups across the region," it said. US President Donald Trump's top diplomat is visiting a number of Middle Eastern countries this week in an effort to shore up support in the region on a number of fronts, from the US troop withdrawal from Syria to the Saudi-Qatar rift to the killing of US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Pompeo, in the middle of his eight-day trip through the region, has said the United States is "redoubling" its efforts to put pressure on Iran and sought to convince allies in the region that it was committed to fighting Islamic State despite Trump's recent decision to pull US troops out of Syria. Pompeo told Fox News the summit would include representatives from countries around the world to address Iran's regional influence as the Trump administration has sought to pressure Tehran. Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord and moved to reimpose sanctions on Tehran, even as other partners in the deal - including China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom - have sought to maintain the agreement. In a shift earlier this week, the European Union moved to impose some sanctions on Iran.

US to host Iran-focused global summit in Poland February 13-14

By John A Tures

One of the biggest myths about government shutdowns is that presidents usually win.

This may explain why President Donald Trump threatened to continue the shutdown for months, even years. However, a poll conducted in the first week of January shows that 51 per cent of adults believe Trump is to blame for the shutdown.

I’m a scholar of political science and often research presidential politics. I did an analysis of Gallup data, a group that does public opinion polling, from its Presidential Job Approval Center.

There have been 18 shutdowns since 1977. I found that in the nine longest shutdowns during that time, presidents lose an average of 3 percentage points of public support or approval during a government shutdown of four or more days.

Most presidents lose shutdowns

In only two of the nine cases that I looked at, did a chief executive boost his numbers. Jimmy Carter inched up a percentage point or two in 1977 and 1978 during the government shutdowns that took place during his presidency.

In the seven other cases, the shutdown led to declines in public approval of the president. And in the majority of cases, the president’s party lost the next presidential election.

The clearest example is President George H W Bush. In 1990, this GOP president was riding a 66 per cent approval rating after the successful Operation Desert Shield (when we sent US troops to Saudi Arabia to deter an attack by Iraq) and a long period of economic growth.

But Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress battled over the budget deficit, triggering a government shutdown from October 5 to 9. Public approval for Bush fell 10 percentage points.

Some of this may have been the result of Bush approving tax increases to close the budget deficit, which broke one of his campaign pledges of “no new taxes.”

But images of closed federal facilities didn’t help, giving voters the appearance of Bush presiding over gridlock. This hurt him in the 1992 election when voters agreed with Democrats that Bush’s policies led to legislative deadlock.

Pundits often cite the case of Democratic President Bill Clinton as an exception. They claim he “won” the longest shutdown in US history. This shutdown took place from December 5, 1995, to January 6, 1996, or 21 full days.

GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich wanted to reduce the budget deficit, while Clinton opposed deep cuts in Social Security and Medicare.

It’s true that Clinton went on to defeat GOP Sen. Robert Dole – one of his rivals during the shutdown – in the 1996 election. But Gallup polling shows that Clinton’s approval ratings from mid-November to early January had fallen 11 percentage points to 42 per cent.

In other circumstances, this could have cost Clinton another term. But in this case, he faced no opposition in his Democratic primary, while Dole lost precious time and money battling several rivals for the 1996 GOP nomination. I believe Clinton won in spite of the shutdown, not because of it.

Why presidents lose

People see the president as the most powerful actor in government.

“Presidents have more authority than anyone else in the United States government, and control more money and military forces than any other person in the world,” write Hoover Institution scholars Paul T Hill and Ashley E Jochim in their book “The Power of Persuasion.”

Hill and Jochim note that despite all of that power, presidents much work with Congress to get tasks accomplished. Because of their perceived power, presidents are often expected to accomplish more than their constitutional authority allows them to get done, notes Richard Neustadt in his book “Presidential Power.”

When the government is closed, history shows the president will be held accountable.

(John A Tures is Professor of Political Science, Lagrange College)

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-trump-will-likely-lose-the-government-shutdown-109491">The Conversation</a>. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By John A Tures One of the biggest myths about government shutdowns is that presidents usually win. This may explain why President Donald Trump threatened to continue the shutdown for months, even years.

By John A Tures One of the biggest myths about government shutdowns is that presidents usually win. This may explain why President Donald Trump threatened to continue the shutdown for months, even years. However, a poll conducted in the first week of January shows that 51 per cent of adults believe Trump is to blame for the shutdown. I’m a scholar of political science and often research presidential politics. I did an analysis of Gallup data, a group that does public opinion polling, from its Presidential Job Approval Center. There have been 18 shutdowns since 1977. I found that in the nine longest shutdowns during that time, presidents lose an average of 3 percentage points of public support or approval during a government shutdown of four or more days. Most presidents lose shutdowns In only two of the nine cases that I looked at, did a chief executive boost his numbers. Jimmy Carter inched up a percentage point or two in 1977 and 1978 during the government shutdowns that took place during his presidency. In the seven other cases, the shutdown led to declines in public approval of the president. And in the majority of cases, the president’s party lost the next presidential election. The clearest example is President George H W Bush. In 1990, this GOP president was riding a 66 per cent approval rating after the successful Operation Desert Shield (when we sent US troops to Saudi Arabia to deter an attack by Iraq) and a long period of economic growth. But Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress battled over the budget deficit, triggering a government shutdown from October 5 to 9. Public approval for Bush fell 10 percentage points. Some of this may have been the result of Bush approving tax increases to close the budget deficit, which broke one of his campaign pledges of “no new taxes.” But images of closed federal facilities didn’t help, giving voters the appearance of Bush presiding over gridlock. This hurt him in the 1992 election when voters agreed with Democrats that Bush’s policies led to legislative deadlock. Pundits often cite the case of Democratic President Bill Clinton as an exception. They claim he “won” the longest shutdown in US history. This shutdown took place from December 5, 1995, to January 6, 1996, or 21 full days. GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich wanted to reduce the budget deficit, while Clinton opposed deep cuts in Social Security and Medicare. It’s true that Clinton went on to defeat GOP Sen. Robert Dole – one of his rivals during the shutdown – in the 1996 election. But Gallup polling shows that Clinton’s approval ratings from mid-November to early January had fallen 11 percentage points to 42 per cent. In other circumstances, this could have cost Clinton another term. But in this case, he faced no opposition in his Democratic primary, while Dole lost precious time and money battling several rivals for the 1996 GOP nomination. I believe Clinton won in spite of the shutdown, not because of it. Why presidents lose People see the president as the most powerful actor in government. “Presidents have more authority than anyone else in the United States government, and control more money and military forces than any other person in the world,” write Hoover Institution scholars Paul T Hill and Ashley E Jochim in their book “The Power of Persuasion.” Hill and Jochim note that despite all of that power, presidents much work with Congress to get tasks accomplished. Because of their perceived power, presidents are often expected to accomplish more than their constitutional authority allows them to get done, notes Richard Neustadt in his book “Presidential Power.” When the government is closed, history shows the president will be held accountable. (John A Tures is Professor of Political Science, Lagrange College) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Donald Trump will likely lose the government shutdown

Concerned about their mortgages, tuition payments and weekly bills, federal workers and union leaders decried the effects of the federal shutdown on Monday (January 7) at a roundtable discussion organised by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen to pressure the Republican president into reaching a deal that will reopen the government.

"We are people. We have bills to pay. We have mortgages to pay. We have food we need to eat to survive, just like everybody else. It's not a game to us. It sounds like it's a game to him, 'Oh, I'll keep the government shut down for months, for years.' Well what about the 800,000 people? Do you even care? Do you have a heart? It doesn't seem so." LaVerne Byrd, a statistician with the US Census Bureau said, rhetorically addressing President Trump.

As the partial federal government shutdown entered its 17th day after a funding impasse over President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall, hundreds of thousands of federal workers face the possibility that they will not receive their paychecks on Friday (January 11) if the shutdown continues.

Ottis Johnson, who has worked at the National Gallery of Art for 8 years, said he contacted his mortgage company and the school where his 10 and 13-year-old daughters attend to tell them he may have to be late on his payments.

"We try to pay all our bills and stuff to our creditors on time but having to call the creditors and ask, to let them know that the government is shutting down and that one of us will not be working and we may not be able to make the mortgage payment is hard and embarrassing. They say that they will work with us to put us on a payment plan but then having to go to my daughter's school and inform them also that we will not be able to make the tuition payment because of the shutdown," he said.

For 13 years, Tyra McClelland has worked at CORE Services and Offender Supervision Services, where she provides support for people on probation. She said during that time, she had to survive other shutdowns, including a 16-day shutdown in 2013 President Barack Obama's administration over the Affordable Care Act. She feels that this one is different.

"At one point it was like, 'Oh, okay, we did this before, we're going to get through.' But this one is completely different when someone is telling you, 'I'm going to let this go on for months, if not years.' (JOURNALIST OFF-CAMERA: 'What is the worst case scenario?') Leaving the federal government and getting another job. That's the worst case scenario. I enjoy the work I do. I like the work I do. I feel that I make a difference in the community I serve and if this goes any further, I'm not going to be able to do that. A lot of us aren't going to be able to do that," she said.

As an essential federal worker, she and other CORE workers, like parole officer Jeffrey Barlow, have continued working despite the shutdown. But with uncertainty looming over him, Barlow said he has already made changes in the way his family lives.

"We've changed dramatically because I have the uncertainty of when this will end. We do have savings yes, but will I deplete my savings with rhetoric that says this will go on for years or this will go on for months. I do not have savings that will cover that type of timeframe," he said.

Van Hollen, a Democratic senator whose district borders Washington, DC&nbsp;and includes many federal workers and contractors, is encouraging his fellow Democratic senators to block consideration of bills unrelated to re-opening the government until Senator Mitch McConnell allows a vote on the bills to fund the government.

Concerned about their mortgages, tuition payments and weekly bills, federal workers and union leaders decried the effects of the federal shutdown on Monday (January 7) at a roundtable discussion organised by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen to pressure the Republican president into reaching a deal that will reopen the government.

Concerned about their mortgages, tuition payments and weekly bills, federal workers and union leaders decried the effects of the federal shutdown on Monday (January 7) at a roundtable discussion organised by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen to pressure the Republican president into reaching a deal that will reopen the government. "We are people. We have bills to pay. We have mortgages to pay. We have food we need to eat to survive, just like everybody else. It's not a game to us. It sounds like it's a game to him, 'Oh, I'll keep the government shut down for months, for years.' Well what about the 800,000 people? Do you even care? Do you have a heart? It doesn't seem so." LaVerne Byrd, a statistician with the US Census Bureau said, rhetorically addressing President Trump. As the partial federal government shutdown entered its 17th day after a funding impasse over President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a border wall, hundreds of thousands of federal workers face the possibility that they will not receive their paychecks on Friday (January 11) if the shutdown continues. Ottis Johnson, who has worked at the National Gallery of Art for 8 years, said he contacted his mortgage company and the school where his 10 and 13-year-old daughters attend to tell them he may have to be late on his payments. "We try to pay all our bills and stuff to our creditors on time but having to call the creditors and ask, to let them know that the government is shutting down and that one of us will not be working and we may not be able to make the mortgage payment is hard and embarrassing. They say that they will work with us to put us on a payment plan but then having to go to my daughter's school and inform them also that we will not be able to make the tuition payment because of the shutdown," he said. For 13 years, Tyra McClelland has worked at CORE Services and Offender Supervision Services, where she provides support for people on probation. She said during that time, she had to survive other shutdowns, including a 16-day shutdown in 2013 President Barack Obama's administration over the Affordable Care Act. She feels that this one is different. "At one point it was like, 'Oh, okay, we did this before, we're going to get through.' But this one is completely different when someone is telling you, 'I'm going to let this go on for months, if not years.' (JOURNALIST OFF-CAMERA: 'What is the worst case scenario?') Leaving the federal government and getting another job. That's the worst case scenario. I enjoy the work I do. I like the work I do. I feel that I make a difference in the community I serve and if this goes any further, I'm not going to be able to do that. A lot of us aren't going to be able to do that," she said. As an essential federal worker, she and other CORE workers, like parole officer Jeffrey Barlow, have continued working despite the shutdown. But with uncertainty looming over him, Barlow said he has already made changes in the way his family lives. "We've changed dramatically because I have the uncertainty of when this will end. We do have savings yes, but will I deplete my savings with rhetoric that says this will go on for years or this will go on for months. I do not have savings that will cover that type of timeframe," he said. Van Hollen, a Democratic senator whose district borders Washington, DC and includes many federal workers and contractors, is encouraging his fellow Democratic senators to block consideration of bills unrelated to re-opening the government until Senator Mitch McConnell allows a vote on the bills to fund the government.

Watch: For US government workers, the shutdown is not politics, it's personal

President Donald Trump headed Thursday to the US-Mexico border to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralyzing the government.

Trump departed the White House en route for Texas, where he was expected to visit the community of McAllen and meet with local border patrol agents.

"We want a secure country," Trump told journalists just before departing.

The Texas trip gives Trump yet another high-profile stage to push his wall plan, following a national television address Tuesday and his drama-filled abandonment of talks with Democratic opponents on Wednesday.

Trump wants $5.7 billion for construction of a wall that he says is needed to stop a violent crime crisis caused by an unsecure border. Democrats say the wall would not solve real US immigration problems and is being promoted as a gimmick to satisfy the president's right-wing base.

Trump has tried to pressure Congress by refusing to sign off on a host of unrelated, normally uncontroversial government spending, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and members of the Coast Guard, have been without pay for three weeks.

The frustrated president again repeated his threat that if the Democrats don't back down, he will declare a national emergency to give himself authority to go around Congress.

"If we don't make a deal, I think it would be very surprising to me" not to declare a national emergency, he said.

Analysts say the declaration would likely be challenged in court as a case of presidential overreach, in which case the wall still would face being blocked.

However, it would still give Trump political cover with his base by showing he'd done what he could. At that point, Trump could end the partial government shutdown.

Indicating that the impasse could drag on, Trump said that he will skip an international forum in Davos in just under two weeks "if the shutdown continues."

Temper tantrum?

Trump, who revels in telling stories about his negotiating skills as a New York real estate magnate, has not managed to get the Democrats to budge on his demand for the $5.7 billion.

On Wednesday, he invited Democratic leaders to the White House and began by asking if they would approve the wall in exchange for him ending the government shutdown. When the Democrats said no, he walked out.

"A total waste of time," Trump tweeted. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!"

Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out."

"Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said.

Trump disputed that Thursday, saying "I didn't pound the table. That is a lie."

"I don't have temper tantrums," he said. "All of that narrative is a lie."

Illegal immigrants danger disputed

In Texas, aid workers say that people crossing the border do not present the menace that Trump claims.

"The truth is that a great number of percentage of people entering our country, asking to come in to the country, are not criminals: they are families, children, mothers, who really are asking for protection," said Sister Norma Pimentel, head of the Catholic Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas.

"They're not coming here to hurt us but rather for us to help them."

A 23-year-old Honduran who gave his name only as Kevin said he came with his toddler-age daughter in search of a better life.

"We left because of the crime, because there is a lot of unemployment. The education system is bad and all of us, we parents, want a better future for our children," he told AFP.

President Donald Trump headed Thursday to the US-Mexico border to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralyzing the government.

President Donald Trump headed Thursday to the US-Mexico border to push his demand for a wall, a day after he walked out of negotiations with Democrats in a political crisis paralyzing the government. Trump departed the White House en route for Texas, where he was expected to visit the community of McAllen and meet with local border patrol agents. "We want a secure country," Trump told journalists just before departing. The Texas trip gives Trump yet another high-profile stage to push his wall plan, following a national television address Tuesday and his drama-filled abandonment of talks with Democratic opponents on Wednesday. Trump wants $5.7 billion for construction of a wall that he says is needed to stop a violent crime crisis caused by an unsecure border. Democrats say the wall would not solve real US immigration problems and is being promoted as a gimmick to satisfy the president's right-wing base. Trump has tried to pressure Congress by refusing to sign off on a host of unrelated, normally uncontroversial government spending, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and members of the Coast Guard, have been without pay for three weeks. The frustrated president again repeated his threat that if the Democrats don't back down, he will declare a national emergency to give himself authority to go around Congress. "If we don't make a deal, I think it would be very surprising to me" not to declare a national emergency, he said. Analysts say the declaration would likely be challenged in court as a case of presidential overreach, in which case the wall still would face being blocked. However, it would still give Trump political cover with his base by showing he'd done what he could. At that point, Trump could end the partial government shutdown. Indicating that the impasse could drag on, Trump said that he will skip an international forum in Davos in just under two weeks "if the shutdown continues." Temper tantrum? Trump, who revels in telling stories about his negotiating skills as a New York real estate magnate, has not managed to get the Democrats to budge on his demand for the $5.7 billion. On Wednesday, he invited Democratic leaders to the White House and began by asking if they would approve the wall in exchange for him ending the government shutdown. When the Democrats said no, he walked out. "A total waste of time," Trump tweeted. "I said bye-bye, nothing else works!" Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, told journalists Trump "sort of slammed the table," then "got up and walked out." "Again, we saw a temper tantrum because he couldn't get his way," Schumer said. Trump disputed that Thursday, saying "I didn't pound the table. That is a lie." "I don't have temper tantrums," he said. "All of that narrative is a lie." Illegal immigrants danger disputed In Texas, aid workers say that people crossing the border do not present the menace that Trump claims. "The truth is that a great number of percentage of people entering our country, asking to come in to the country, are not criminals: they are families, children, mothers, who really are asking for protection," said Sister Norma Pimentel, head of the Catholic Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. "They're not coming here to hurt us but rather for us to help them." A 23-year-old Honduran who gave his name only as Kevin said he came with his toddler-age daughter in search of a better life. "We left because of the crime, because there is a lot of unemployment. The education system is bad and all of us, we parents, want a better future for our children," he told AFP.

Trump heads to US-Mexico border to push wall plan

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump have told special counsel Robert Mueller that he will not answer any more questions in the probe of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told on Wednesday.

Trump submitted written answers to questions from Mueller in late November. In an interview, Giuliani said Mueller raised the possibility of follow-up questions but that the president's outside legal team told the special counsel before Christmas that Trump would not respond.

Trump's lawyers and Mueller's team have had no contact since then, Giuliani said.

"As far as we're concerned, everything is over," Giuliani told. "We weren't convinced they had any questions they don't know the answer to."

Giuliani said the ball was now in the special counsel's court. "They could try to subpoena him if they want," he said. "But they know we could fight that like hell."

Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Trump win.

Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and Russia has said it did not meddle in the election.

Mueller was appointed in May 2017 to investigate the Russian interference and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. It is unclear when the probe, which has clouded Trump's first two years in office, will end.

Trump answered Mueller's campaign-related questions focused on Russia in November. However, Giuliani told Reuters at the time, he would not answer questions on whether he tried to obstruct the investigation once he won office, such as by firing former FBI Director James Comey.

In his latest interview, the president's lawyer said it was time for the special counsel to issue his report. "Put up or shut up," Giuliani said. "We challenge you to do it."

When Mueller ends his investigation, he will send a report on his findings to the Justice Department. It is unclear if the report will be made public.

Since at least last summer, Trump's legal team has been drafting a rebuttal in preparation for Mueller's report. Giuliani said the team also was ready to respond to legal issues raised by the hush money paid to an adult film star and a former Playboy playmate before the 2016 election.

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was sentenced last month to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating the payments in violation of campaign finance laws. When he pleaded guilty, Cohen said he was directed by Trump.

"We have a memo from a number of campaign finance experts that paying what they call hush money since it has a personal purpose, is not considered a campaign contribution," Giuliani said. "Therefore it's not a violation of the campaign finance law."

Giuliani said it is unclear to the legal team whether acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is now in charge of the investigation.

Rosenstein, who is preparing to leave his job soon after attorney general nominee William Barr takes office, has overseen the Mueller probe since former Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in 2017.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump have told special counsel Robert Mueller that he will not answer any more questions in the probe of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told on Wednesday.

Lawyers for US President Donald Trump have told special counsel Robert Mueller that he will not answer any more questions in the probe of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told on Wednesday. Trump submitted written answers to questions from Mueller in late November. In an interview, Giuliani said Mueller raised the possibility of follow-up questions but that the president's outside legal team told the special counsel before Christmas that Trump would not respond. Trump's lawyers and Mueller's team have had no contact since then, Giuliani said. "As far as we're concerned, everything is over," Giuliani told. "We weren't convinced they had any questions they don't know the answer to." Giuliani said the ball was now in the special counsel's court. "They could try to subpoena him if they want," he said. "But they know we could fight that like hell." Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, declined to comment. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help Trump win. Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and Russia has said it did not meddle in the election. Mueller was appointed in May 2017 to investigate the Russian interference and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. It is unclear when the probe, which has clouded Trump's first two years in office, will end. Trump answered Mueller's campaign-related questions focused on Russia in November. However, Giuliani told Reuters at the time, he would not answer questions on whether he tried to obstruct the investigation once he won office, such as by firing former FBI Director James Comey. In his latest interview, the president's lawyer said it was time for the special counsel to issue his report. "Put up or shut up," Giuliani said. "We challenge you to do it." When Mueller ends his investigation, he will send a report on his findings to the Justice Department. It is unclear if the report will be made public. Since at least last summer, Trump's legal team has been drafting a rebuttal in preparation for Mueller's report. Giuliani said the team also was ready to respond to legal issues raised by the hush money paid to an adult film star and a former Playboy playmate before the 2016 election. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was sentenced last month to three years in prison for crimes including orchestrating the payments in violation of campaign finance laws. When he pleaded guilty, Cohen said he was directed by Trump. "We have a memo from a number of campaign finance experts that paying what they call hush money since it has a personal purpose, is not considered a campaign contribution," Giuliani said. "Therefore it's not a violation of the campaign finance law." Giuliani said it is unclear to the legal team whether acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein is now in charge of the investigation. Rosenstein, who is preparing to leave his job soon after attorney general nominee William Barr takes office, has overseen the Mueller probe since former Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself in 2017.

President will not answer any more questions from Mueller: Donald Trump's lawyer 

US airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay warned that security and safety could be compromised if a government shutdown continues beyond Friday when some workers will miss their first paychecks.

On the 19th day of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refuses-to-sign-us-government-shutdown-legislation-over-mexico-wall-funding-185571">partial government shutdown</a> caused by a dispute over funding President Donald Trump wants for a border wall, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-walks-out-of-meeting-on-border-wall-says-bye-bye-to-schumer-pelosi-189287">president stormed out of talks </a>with Democratic congressional leaders, complaining the meeting was “a total waste of time.”

As the effects of the shutdown began to ripple out, the Trump administration insisted that air travel staffing was adequate and travellers had not faced unusual delays.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-our-southern-border-says-trump-in-televised-address-189114">Growing humanitarian, security crisis at our southern border, says Trump in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-our-southern-border-says-trump-in-televised-address-189114">televised</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-growing-humanitarian-and-security-crisis-at-our-southern-border-says-trump-in-televised-address-189114"> address</a>

But union officials said some Transport Security Administration (TSA) officers, who carry out security screening in airports, had already quit because of the shutdown and others were considering quitting.

“The loss of (TSA) officers, while we’re already shorthanded, will create a massive security risk for American travellers since we don’t have enough trainees in the pipeline or the ability to process new hires,” American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council President Hydrick Thomas said. “If this keeps up there are problems that will arise – least of which would be increased wait times for travellers.”

Aviation unions, airport and airline officials and lawmakers will hold a rally on Thursday outside Congress urging an end to the shutdown.

TSA spokesman Michael Bilello said the organization was hiring officers and working on contingency plans in case the shutdown lasted beyond Friday, when officers would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on December 22.

“There has been no degradation in security effectiveness and average wait times are well within TSA standards,” he said.

He added that there had been no spike in employees quitting and that on Tuesday 5 per cent of officers took unscheduled leave, up just slightly from 3.9 per cent the same day last year. It screened 1.73 million passengers and 99.9 per cent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes, the TSA said.

But US&nbsp;Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, questioned how long adequate staffing at airports could continue.

“TSA officers are among the lowest paid federal employees, with many living paycheck-to-paycheck,” Thompson wrote. “It is only reasonable to expect officer call outs and resignations to increase the longer the shutdown lasts since no employee can be expected to work indefinitely without pay.”

Airports Council International-North America, which represents US airports, urged Trump and congressional leaders in a letter to quickly reopen the government.

“TSA staffing shortages brought on by this shutdown are likely to further increase checkpoint wait times and may even lead to the complete closure of some checkpoints,” the group said.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) noted that the number of controllers was already at a 30-year low, with 18 per cent of controllers eligible to retire.

If a significant number of controllers missed work, the Federal Aviation Administration could be forced to extend the amount of time between takeoffs and landings, which could delay travel, it said.

NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said controllers often must work overtime and six-day weeks at short-staffed locations. “If the staffing shortage gets worse, we will see reduced capacity in the National Airspace System, meaning more flight delays,” Rinaldi said.

President Donald Trump stormed out of shutdown talks with Democratic congressional leaders, complaining the meeting was 'a total waste of time.'

US airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay warned that security and safety could be compromised if a government shutdown continues beyond Friday when some workers will miss their first paychecks. On the 19th day of a partial government shutdown caused by a dispute over funding President Donald Trump wants for a border wall, the president stormed out of talks with Democratic congressional leaders, complaining the meeting was “a total waste of time.” As the effects of the shutdown began to ripple out, the Trump administration insisted that air travel staffing was adequate and travellers had not faced unusual delays. Also read: Growing humanitarian, security crisis at our southern border, says Trump in televised address But union officials said some Transport Security Administration (TSA) officers, who carry out security screening in airports, had already quit because of the shutdown and others were considering quitting. “The loss of (TSA) officers, while we’re already shorthanded, will create a massive security risk for American travellers since we don’t have enough trainees in the pipeline or the ability to process new hires,” American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council President Hydrick Thomas said. “If this keeps up there are problems that will arise – least of which would be increased wait times for travellers.” Aviation unions, airport and airline officials and lawmakers will hold a rally on Thursday outside Congress urging an end to the shutdown. TSA spokesman Michael Bilello said the organization was hiring officers and working on contingency plans in case the shutdown lasted beyond Friday, when officers would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on December 22. “There has been no degradation in security effectiveness and average wait times are well within TSA standards,” he said. He added that there had been no spike in employees quitting and that on Tuesday 5 per cent of officers took unscheduled leave, up just slightly from 3.9 per cent the same day last year. It screened 1.73 million passengers and 99.9 per cent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes, the TSA said. But US Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security committee, questioned how long adequate staffing at airports could continue. “TSA officers are among the lowest paid federal employees, with many living paycheck-to-paycheck,” Thompson wrote. “It is only reasonable to expect officer call outs and resignations to increase the longer the shutdown lasts since no employee can be expected to work indefinitely without pay.” Airports Council International-North America, which represents US airports, urged Trump and congressional leaders in a letter to quickly reopen the government. “TSA staffing shortages brought on by this shutdown are likely to further increase checkpoint wait times and may even lead to the complete closure of some checkpoints,” the group said. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) noted that the number of controllers was already at a 30-year low, with 18 per cent of controllers eligible to retire. If a significant number of controllers missed work, the Federal Aviation Administration could be forced to extend the amount of time between takeoffs and landings, which could delay travel, it said. NATCA President Paul Rinaldi said controllers often must work overtime and six-day weeks at short-staffed locations. “If the staffing shortage gets worse, we will see reduced capacity in the National Airspace System, meaning more flight delays,” Rinaldi said.

US airport security workers warn 'safety could be compromised' if shutdown continues beyond Friday

The Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-call-off-peace-talks-with-us-officials-189044">they had called off peace talks with US officials in Qatar</a> this week due to an "agenda disagreement", especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Two days of peace talks had been set to start on Wednesday, Taliban officials told Reuters earlier, but the hardline Islamic militant group had refused to allow "puppet" Afghan officials to join.

The US ambassador to Kabul, John Bass, tweeted that reports of US-Taliban talks on Wednesday were "inaccurate" and added: "Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media."

A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were "essential" to settling the conflict.&nbsp;

The State Department later announced that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad would lead an interagency delegation to India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from January 8–21 that would meet senior government officials in each country "to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement".&nbsp;

It said Khalilzad continued to coordinate his efforts with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders.

"The US goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict, and to encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement," the statement said.

The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly $1 trillion and killed tens of thousands of people.

Reports last month about US President Donald Trump's plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan triggered uncertainty in Kabul, which depends on the United States and other foreign powers for military support and training.&nbsp;

A Taliban source told Reuters that US officials had insisted that the Taliban should meet Afghan officials in Qatar and said: "both sides were in disagreement over declaring a ceasefire in 2019."&nbsp;

"Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," he added.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that the two sides were still working on the technical details and were not clear on the agenda for the talks.

A Taliban leader had told Reuters that the talks, which would have been the fourth round with Khalilzad, would have involved a US withdrawal, prisoner exchange and the lifting of a ban on movement of Taliban leaders.

Taliban sources said that they had demanded that US authorities release 25,000 prisoners and they would free 3,000, but that US officials were not keen to discuss the exchange at this stage.

"We would never announce any ceasefire until and unless we achieve major gains on the ground. We have the feeling that Zalmay Khalilzad doesn`t have enough power to make important decisions," another Taliban official said.

The Taliban have rejected repeated requests from regional powers to allow Afghan officials to take part in the talks, insisting that the United States is their main adversary.

The insurgents, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster by US-led troops, called off a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia this week because of Riyadh`s insistence involving the Afghan government.

The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. At its peak, the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants.

As peace talks gained momentum a draft agreement drawn up by the influential US think tank RAND Corporation outlining the clauses for a potential peace deal was circulated among Afghan officials and diplomats in Kabul.&nbsp;

The document, reviewed by Reuters, suggests that the United States and NATO withdraw their military missions in phases over an expected period of 18 months. It adds that the United States may continue providing civilian assistance.

The U.S. embassy tweet said RAND’s work was independent of the US government and did not represent US policy.

A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were 'essential' to settling the conflict.

The Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday they had called off peace talks with US officials in Qatar this week due to an "agenda disagreement", especially over the involvement of Afghan officials as well as a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Two days of peace talks had been set to start on Wednesday, Taliban officials told Reuters earlier, but the hardline Islamic militant group had refused to allow "puppet" Afghan officials to join. The US ambassador to Kabul, John Bass, tweeted that reports of US-Taliban talks on Wednesday were "inaccurate" and added: "Taliban should talk to fellow Afghans as much as they talk to media." A separate tweet from the US embassy in the Afghan capital stressed that intra-Afghan talks were "essential" to settling the conflict. The State Department later announced that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad would lead an interagency delegation to India, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from January 8–21 that would meet senior government officials in each country "to facilitate an intra-Afghan political settlement". It said Khalilzad continued to coordinate his efforts with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and other Afghan stakeholders. "The US goal is to promote dialogue among Afghans about how to end the conflict, and to encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement," the statement said. The war in Afghanistan is America's longest overseas military intervention. It has cost Washington nearly $1 trillion and killed tens of thousands of people. Reports last month about US President Donald Trump's plans to withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan triggered uncertainty in Kabul, which depends on the United States and other foreign powers for military support and training. A Taliban source told Reuters that US officials had insisted that the Taliban should meet Afghan officials in Qatar and said: "both sides were in disagreement over declaring a ceasefire in 2019." "Both sides have agreed to not meet in Qatar," he added. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said earlier that the two sides were still working on the technical details and were not clear on the agenda for the talks. A Taliban leader had told Reuters that the talks, which would have been the fourth round with Khalilzad, would have involved a US withdrawal, prisoner exchange and the lifting of a ban on movement of Taliban leaders. Taliban sources said that they had demanded that US authorities release 25,000 prisoners and they would free 3,000, but that US officials were not keen to discuss the exchange at this stage. "We would never announce any ceasefire until and unless we achieve major gains on the ground. We have the feeling that Zalmay Khalilzad doesn`t have enough power to make important decisions," another Taliban official said. The Taliban have rejected repeated requests from regional powers to allow Afghan officials to take part in the talks, insisting that the United States is their main adversary. The insurgents, seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their 2001 ouster by US-led troops, called off a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia this week because of Riyadh`s insistence involving the Afghan government. The United States sent troops to Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. At its peak, the US deployment involved more than 100,000 troops, but Washington withdrew most in 2014 and now has around 14,000 troops in the country as part of a NATO-led mission aiding Afghan security forces and hunting militants. As peace talks gained momentum a draft agreement drawn up by the influential US think tank RAND Corporation outlining the clauses for a potential peace deal was circulated among Afghan officials and diplomats in Kabul. The document, reviewed by Reuters, suggests that the United States and NATO withdraw their military missions in phases over an expected period of 18 months. It adds that the United States may continue providing civilian assistance. The U.S. embassy tweet said RAND’s work was independent of the US government and did not represent US policy.

Afghan Taliban cancel peace talks with US citing 'agenda disagreement'

By Sojin Lim

News broke in early January that North Korea’s acting ambassador to Italy, Jo Song-gil, is in hiding and reportedly is seeking asylum in an “unidentified Western country”. The possible high-level defection came as a surprise, especially as US president Donald Trump recently confirmed his desire to have a second US-North Korea summit, and South Korean president Moon Jae-in is soon expecting a visit from the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un. At time of writing, the North Korean leader was in China on an unannounced visit to see president Xi Jinping.

When Kim Jong-un sent handwritten letters to Moon and Trump on New Year’s Eve, he seemed to be promising that the three countries could continue their dialogue over the Korean peninsula’s peace process. But why is Jo Song-gil seeking asylum if Kim Jong-un really is open to change in North Korea? Is he making his escape for personal reasons – or is it an indication that things are as bad as ever in Pyongyang?

Whatever the reason, Jo Song-gil’s defection could impact the ongoing negotiations. He could, for example, share sensitive information with the US and South Korea about the real denuclearisation situation in North Korea – and this could make Kim Jong-un less willing to engage.

And the negotiations are already fragile. Over the past 12 months, there have been repeated promises – and cancellations – made by all sides. It certainly remains to be seen whether the three countries will meet as suggested – and whether it will amount to any more than “gesture politics” if they do.

On one level, things do look different to the past, when little tangible progress was made. South Korea’s Moon Jae-in is a proactive leader, and Kim Jong-un is young, ambitious and eager to make his own mark. Both Kim Jong-un and Trump are also deeply unpredictable, however.

But there are other factors to consider, too, not least North Korea’s sharp economic downturn. This has, in fact, given many North Koreans wider access to information from outside the country, partially thanks to a growing number of defectors communicating with those who remain and the outside world. Kim Jong Un’s “equal emphasis” (Byungjin) policy, which focuses on both military and economic development, has also given impetus to his willingness to talk with Moon and Trump.

But even if the willingness is there, North Korea’s regime cannot upend nearly 70 years of history in a day. It will be a long process.

Bargaining chip

Although Kim Jong-un’s current performance on this issue is occasionally more promising than that of his father or grandfather, the truth is that he cannot abandon his nuclear programme until he can see an alternative way of guaranteeing the security of his regime.

After all, North Korea’s nuclear programme has so far worked well as a bargaining chip in international negotiations – although the current UN sanctions are an exception. Indeed, North Korea’s nuclear threats and long-range missiles have strengthened the county’s hand against the US, while without them, North Korea has almost nothing to offer as a concession.

Nor should we forget the role the North Korean media plays. By showing images of Kim Jong-un shaking hands with world leaders, it has become part of his survival strategy, bolstering his strongman image among both ordinary North Koreans and his government. Any meeting Kim Jong-un agrees to should, at least partly, be seen in this light.

Ultimately, there have been no significant changes in North Korea’s nuclear programme (besides demolishing some old or disused facilities). Nor will it be possible to achieve completely irreversible denuclearisation as long as North Korea retains its theoretical nuclear know-how. At the same time, while North Korea tends to highlight its will to halt rather than dismantle its nuclear capability, the US wants more before it invests economically.

So how to move forward? And how can negotiators overcome the current chicken-or-egg dilemma: denuclearisation first or economic support first?

The answer is twofold. First, we need something truly imaginative. Perhaps the US can find a solution by transforming the nuclear sites in North Korea into special industrial clusters and providing some of its military capability in exchange for nuclear disarmament. In this way, North Korea can attract private investment from the US, while easing its security concerns.

In the end, however, foreign policy objectives on the peninsula will need to be realistic. As mentioned before, a truly denuclearised North Korea will never happen as it will retain its theoretical nuclear knowledge. It will be far more practical, then, to find a common ground of mutual interests.

Accountability 
 
Second, there needs to be a sense of “mutual accountability”. The traditional definition of accountability has three stages: responsibility, answerability, and enforceability.

The “responsibility” stage can take the form of policy dialogue and trust building. Plenty of dialogue occurred during the six-party talks held intermittently since 2003 between North Korea, China, the US, South Korea, Japan and Russia – but they appeared to fail to build any meaningful trust. The latest rounds of dialogue between the US and the two Koreas will also fall at this hurdle unless they find a novel way forward.

Consequently, the dialogue must be based on mutual understanding and openness. The rest of the world must understand that North Korea is a fragile state, which cannot overcome the denuclearisation problem on its own – especially given its vulnerable financial situation. After all, it’s not just the US that doesn’t trust North Korea; North Korea doesn’t trust the US either, especially following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.

But that is just the first step. The “answerability” stage will require much greater information sharing and transparency. The international community is so suspicious of the sincerity of Kim Jong-un’s denuclearisation process because of that country’s poor level of openness and the limited access to solid information from within North Korea. Once North Korea opens its borders, there will be simultaneous achievements in terms of both denuclearisation and economic development.

All parties need measurable and transparent indicators of progress. But if agreements aren’t kept, a move can be made towards “enforceability”, including convening inspection panels or enforcing a compliance review process. Kim Jong-un’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong-il, for example, faced international sanctions along with the removal of food aid even during a famine period when he left the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003.

2019 may yet bring a way forward. But unless there is a foundation of mutual understanding, defectors such as Jo Song-gil may offer the only tangible insight into what’s really going on in North Korea.

(Sojin Lim is Deputy Director of the International Institute of Korean Studies, University of Central Lancashire)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/north-korea-what-latest-defection-tells-us-about-hopes-for-peace-on-peninsula-109447">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Sojin Lim News broke in early January that North Korea’s acting ambassador to Italy, Jo Song-gil, is in hiding and reportedly is seeking asylum in an “unidentified Western country”.

By Sojin Lim News broke in early January that North Korea’s acting ambassador to Italy, Jo Song-gil, is in hiding and reportedly is seeking asylum in an “unidentified Western country”. The possible high-level defection came as a surprise, especially as US president Donald Trump recently confirmed his desire to have a second US-North Korea summit, and South Korean president Moon Jae-in is soon expecting a visit from the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un. At time of writing, the North Korean leader was in China on an unannounced visit to see president Xi Jinping. When Kim Jong-un sent handwritten letters to Moon and Trump on New Year’s Eve, he seemed to be promising that the three countries could continue their dialogue over the Korean peninsula’s peace process. But why is Jo Song-gil seeking asylum if Kim Jong-un really is open to change in North Korea? Is he making his escape for personal reasons – or is it an indication that things are as bad as ever in Pyongyang? Whatever the reason, Jo Song-gil’s defection could impact the ongoing negotiations. He could, for example, share sensitive information with the US and South Korea about the real denuclearisation situation in North Korea – and this could make Kim Jong-un less willing to engage. And the negotiations are already fragile. Over the past 12 months, there have been repeated promises – and cancellations – made by all sides. It certainly remains to be seen whether the three countries will meet as suggested – and whether it will amount to any more than “gesture politics” if they do. On one level, things do look different to the past, when little tangible progress was made. South Korea’s Moon Jae-in is a proactive leader, and Kim Jong-un is young, ambitious and eager to make his own mark. Both Kim Jong-un and Trump are also deeply unpredictable, however. But there are other factors to consider, too, not least North Korea’s sharp economic downturn. This has, in fact, given many North Koreans wider access to information from outside the country, partially thanks to a growing number of defectors communicating with those who remain and the outside world. Kim Jong Un’s “equal emphasis” (Byungjin) policy, which focuses on both military and economic development, has also given impetus to his willingness to talk with Moon and Trump. But even if the willingness is there, North Korea’s regime cannot upend nearly 70 years of history in a day. It will be a long process. Bargaining chip Although Kim Jong-un’s current performance on this issue is occasionally more promising than that of his father or grandfather, the truth is that he cannot abandon his nuclear programme until he can see an alternative way of guaranteeing the security of his regime. After all, North Korea’s nuclear programme has so far worked well as a bargaining chip in international negotiations – although the current UN sanctions are an exception. Indeed, North Korea’s nuclear threats and long-range missiles have strengthened the county’s hand against the US, while without them, North Korea has almost nothing to offer as a concession. Nor should we forget the role the North Korean media plays. By showing images of Kim Jong-un shaking hands with world leaders, it has become part of his survival strategy, bolstering his strongman image among both ordinary North Koreans and his government. Any meeting Kim Jong-un agrees to should, at least partly, be seen in this light. Ultimately, there have been no significant changes in North Korea’s nuclear programme (besides demolishing some old or disused facilities). Nor will it be possible to achieve completely irreversible denuclearisation as long as North Korea retains its theoretical nuclear know-how. At the same time, while North Korea tends to highlight its will to halt rather than dismantle its nuclear capability, the US wants more before it invests economically. So how to move forward? And how can negotiators overcome the current chicken-or-egg dilemma: denuclearisation first or economic support first? The answer is twofold. First, we need something truly imaginative. Perhaps the US can find a solution by transforming the nuclear sites in North Korea into special industrial clusters and providing some of its military capability in exchange for nuclear disarmament. In this way, North Korea can attract private investment from the US, while easing its security concerns. In the end, however, foreign policy objectives on the peninsula will need to be realistic. As mentioned before, a truly denuclearised North Korea will never happen as it will retain its theoretical nuclear knowledge. It will be far more practical, then, to find a common ground of mutual interests. Accountability Second, there needs to be a sense of “mutual accountability”. The traditional definition of accountability has three stages: responsibility, answerability, and enforceability. The “responsibility” stage can take the form of policy dialogue and trust building. Plenty of dialogue occurred during the six-party talks held intermittently since 2003 between North Korea, China, the US, South Korea, Japan and Russia – but they appeared to fail to build any meaningful trust. The latest rounds of dialogue between the US and the two Koreas will also fall at this hurdle unless they find a novel way forward. Consequently, the dialogue must be based on mutual understanding and openness. The rest of the world must understand that North Korea is a fragile state, which cannot overcome the denuclearisation problem on its own – especially given its vulnerable financial situation. After all, it’s not just the US that doesn’t trust North Korea; North Korea doesn’t trust the US either, especially following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. But that is just the first step. The “answerability” stage will require much greater information sharing and transparency. The international community is so suspicious of the sincerity of Kim Jong-un’s denuclearisation process because of that country’s poor level of openness and the limited access to solid information from within North Korea. Once North Korea opens its borders, there will be simultaneous achievements in terms of both denuclearisation and economic development. All parties need measurable and transparent indicators of progress. But if agreements aren’t kept, a move can be made towards “enforceability”, including convening inspection panels or enforcing a compliance review process. Kim Jong-un’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong-il, for example, faced international sanctions along with the removal of food aid even during a famine period when he left the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2003. 2019 may yet bring a way forward. But unless there is a foundation of mutual understanding, defectors such as Jo Song-gil may offer the only tangible insight into what’s really going on in North Korea. (Sojin Lim is Deputy Director of the International Institute of Korean Studies, University of Central Lancashire) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What latest defection tells us about hopes for peace on Korean peninsula

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-despite-us-sanctions-it-has-found-new-potential-oil-buyers-188406">US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians </a>while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump last year pulled out of an international pact on Iran's nuclear program and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-knowns-and-unknowns-of-us-iran-oil-sanction-waivers-176204">reimposed sanctions intended to scupper Tehran's oil exports</a>, curb its missile program and clip its regional influence.

The measures have hit Iran's economy hard.

"The sanctions do put pressure on the country and the people," Khamenei said, according to a transcript on his website of a speech in Tehran to commemorate an event from the 1979 revolution.

"The Americans happily say that these sanctions are unprecedented in history. Yes, they're unprecedented. And the defeat that the Americans will face will be unprecedented, God willing," he added.

Khamenei lambasted US officials' approach to Iran as irrational, saying: "They are first-class idiots."

Iran's economy has faced instability in recent months with the rial fluctuating in value, making it difficult for ordinary people to make ends meet.

Sporadic protests linked to the tough economic situation have been led by truck drivers, farmers, workers, merchants, and teachers, occasionally resulting in violent confrontations with security forces.

The Iranian government must help the country's weakest, Khamenei added in his speech.

US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday.

US sanctions are putting unprecedented pressure on Iranians while "first class idiots" are running Washington's policy, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump last year pulled out of an international pact on Iran's nuclear program and reimposed sanctions intended to scupper Tehran's oil exports, curb its missile program and clip its regional influence. The measures have hit Iran's economy hard. "The sanctions do put pressure on the country and the people," Khamenei said, according to a transcript on his website of a speech in Tehran to commemorate an event from the 1979 revolution. "The Americans happily say that these sanctions are unprecedented in history. Yes, they're unprecedented. And the defeat that the Americans will face will be unprecedented, God willing," he added. Khamenei lambasted US officials' approach to Iran as irrational, saying: "They are first-class idiots." Iran's economy has faced instability in recent months with the rial fluctuating in value, making it difficult for ordinary people to make ends meet. Sporadic protests linked to the tough economic situation have been led by truck drivers, farmers, workers, merchants, and teachers, occasionally resulting in violent confrontations with security forces. The Iranian government must help the country's weakest, Khamenei added in his speech.

'First class idiots' running Washington policy: Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-claims-about-russian-election-meddling-a-hoax-and-blames-obama-153722">Russian election meddling probe</a>, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Rosenstein has had oversight of the US Special Counsel's probe into alleged Russian interference in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-ridiculous-us-election-meddling-charges-169505">2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump's campaign</a>. Then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, an early Trump supporter during the presidential campaign, had recused himself.

William Barr, Trump's pick to replace Sessions who was fired soon after the November midterm congressional elections, is set to appear for a confirmation hearing next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must weigh his nomination before the full Senate considers his approval.

ABC News, citing multiple sources familiar with Rosenstein's plans, reported that he intended to leave in the coming weeks as Barr transitioned into the job. Fox News, citing unnamed Justice Department officials, also reported the planned departure in weeks. CNN also reported the move, citing an unnamed source.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the reports and representatives for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached for comment.

If confirmed, Barr, who was US Attorney General under the late President George H W Bush from 1991 to 1993, would oversee the investigation led by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a fellow Republican chosen by Rosenstein.

Barr's nomination is likely to meet heavy scrutiny regarding the ongoing investigation, particularly from Democrats, following reports he had written a memo in June questioning the probe. Rosenstein has said the memo had no impact on the department's work.

Officials told ABC and Fox that Rosenstein had planned to serve as deputy for two years - a milestone that was approaching.

He also wanted to help ensure Barr, if confirmed by the Senate, had a smooth transition, ABC said, citing sources.

Rosenstein has stayed on under Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, whose controversial appointment has sparked numerous legal challenges and raised questions about what role he would play regarding the investigation.

Rosenstein has been frequently criticized by Trump, who calls the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow. Russia has also denied any election interference.

US intelligence agencies have found that Russia sought to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the Russian election meddling probe, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Deputy US Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the Russian election meddling probe, is set to leave the US Department of Justice in coming weeks as President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the department is set to take over, several US media outlets reported on Wednesday. Rosenstein has had oversight of the US Special Counsel's probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump's campaign. Then-attorney general Jeff Sessions, an early Trump supporter during the presidential campaign, had recused himself. William Barr, Trump's pick to replace Sessions who was fired soon after the November midterm congressional elections, is set to appear for a confirmation hearing next week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must weigh his nomination before the full Senate considers his approval. ABC News, citing multiple sources familiar with Rosenstein's plans, reported that he intended to leave in the coming weeks as Barr transitioned into the job. Fox News, citing unnamed Justice Department officials, also reported the planned departure in weeks. CNN also reported the move, citing an unnamed source. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the reports and representatives for the Justice Department could not be immediately reached for comment. If confirmed, Barr, who was US Attorney General under the late President George H W Bush from 1991 to 1993, would oversee the investigation led by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a fellow Republican chosen by Rosenstein. Barr's nomination is likely to meet heavy scrutiny regarding the ongoing investigation, particularly from Democrats, following reports he had written a memo in June questioning the probe. Rosenstein has said the memo had no impact on the department's work. Officials told ABC and Fox that Rosenstein had planned to serve as deputy for two years - a milestone that was approaching. He also wanted to help ensure Barr, if confirmed by the Senate, had a smooth transition, ABC said, citing sources. Rosenstein has stayed on under Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, whose controversial appointment has sparked numerous legal challenges and raised questions about what role he would play regarding the investigation. Rosenstein has been frequently criticized by Trump, who calls the Russia investigation a "witch hunt" and denies any collusion with Moscow. Russia has also denied any election interference. US intelligence agencies have found that Russia sought to sway the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton.

US official overseeing Russia collusion probe to leave: Reports

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, was accused by federal prosecutors of lying about sharing polling data related to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign with a business partner with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, according to portions of a court filing by Manafort's defence team that were inadvertently made public on Tuesday.

Before sending the document to a public database for federal court filings, lawyers for Manafort had tried to black out the portion on polling data and other information about Manafort's interactions with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former business partner of Manafort's who Mueller has claimed in court filings has ties to Russian intelligence.

But some journalists, including at Vox and the Guardian, realised the redacted portions could be electronically reversed and posted uncensored versions on Twitter. Reuters did not independently review the filing, which was soon replaced in the public database with a properly redacted version.

Manafort's lawyers did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. A spokesman for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, whose office is prosecuting Manafort, declined to comment. Kilimnik could not be reached for comment.

According to the unredacted versions posted online, the blacked-out sections showed that Manafort has been accused by Mueller of lying about his sharing of polling data on the 2016 campaign with Kilimnik.

The sections posted online also stated that Mueller's office believes that Manafort lied to prosecutors about his discussions with Kilimnik about a "Ukrainian peace plan" and a meeting that Manafort had with Kilimnik when they both were in Madrid.

The filing did not provide further details on the Madrid meeting or the peace plan, although Mueller has scrutinized a proposal by a Ukrainian lawmaker that involved, among other outcomes, the lifting of US&nbsp;sanctions on Russia, according to people familiar with the matter.

In the document, Manafort's lawyers referenced a December court filing in which Mueller alleged that Manafort had "conceded" to discussing the peace plan, which they argued was an indication that their client was forthcoming when his memory was refreshed of past events.

The inadvertent disclosures offered a rare glimpse into details that were meant to remain private while Manafort's lawyers and Mueller's office battle over whether Manafort has breached a plea agreement struck in September by lying.

In December Mueller accused Manafort in a court filing of telling "multiple discernible lies" related to five subjects, including his interactions with Kilimnik and his contacts with Trump administration officials in 2018.

At the time Manafort's lawyers said their client never intentionally provided incorrect information to prosecutors, but asked the judge for time to consider whether they wanted to contest Mueller's allegations or proceed to sentencing.

US&nbsp;District Judge Amy Berman Jackson had given Manafort's lawyers until Monday to make a decision.

"The defence contests the Government’s conclusion and contends that any alleged misstatements, to the extent they occurred at all, were not intentional," Manafort's lawyers said in the filing, which was filed on Monday and released by the court on Tuesday.

In the filing Manafort's lawyers said they would not seek an evidentiary hearing to contest Mueller's allegations of lying, arguing that such factual matters could be addressed in a pre-sentencing report.

Following the filing by Manafort's lawyers, Jackson ordered the government to submit evidence supporting their allegations by Jan. 14, and held out the option of holding a hearing on the matter on Jan. 25.

US President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, was accused by federal prosecutors of lying about sharing polling data related to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign with a business partner with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, according to portions of a court filing by Manafort's defence team that were inadvertently made public on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, was accused by federal prosecutors of lying about sharing polling data related to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign with a business partner with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, according to portions of a court filing by Manafort's defence team that were inadvertently made public on Tuesday. Before sending the document to a public database for federal court filings, lawyers for Manafort had tried to black out the portion on polling data and other information about Manafort's interactions with Konstantin Kilimnik, a former business partner of Manafort's who Mueller has claimed in court filings has ties to Russian intelligence. But some journalists, including at Vox and the Guardian, realised the redacted portions could be electronically reversed and posted uncensored versions on Twitter. Reuters did not independently review the filing, which was soon replaced in the public database with a properly redacted version. Manafort's lawyers did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. A spokesman for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, whose office is prosecuting Manafort, declined to comment. Kilimnik could not be reached for comment. According to the unredacted versions posted online, the blacked-out sections showed that Manafort has been accused by Mueller of lying about his sharing of polling data on the 2016 campaign with Kilimnik. The sections posted online also stated that Mueller's office believes that Manafort lied to prosecutors about his discussions with Kilimnik about a "Ukrainian peace plan" and a meeting that Manafort had with Kilimnik when they both were in Madrid. The filing did not provide further details on the Madrid meeting or the peace plan, although Mueller has scrutinized a proposal by a Ukrainian lawmaker that involved, among other outcomes, the lifting of US sanctions on Russia, according to people familiar with the matter. In the document, Manafort's lawyers referenced a December court filing in which Mueller alleged that Manafort had "conceded" to discussing the peace plan, which they argued was an indication that their client was forthcoming when his memory was refreshed of past events. The inadvertent disclosures offered a rare glimpse into details that were meant to remain private while Manafort's lawyers and Mueller's office battle over whether Manafort has breached a plea agreement struck in September by lying. In December Mueller accused Manafort in a court filing of telling "multiple discernible lies" related to five subjects, including his interactions with Kilimnik and his contacts with Trump administration officials in 2018. At the time Manafort's lawyers said their client never intentionally provided incorrect information to prosecutors, but asked the judge for time to consider whether they wanted to contest Mueller's allegations or proceed to sentencing. US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson had given Manafort's lawyers until Monday to make a decision. "The defence contests the Government’s conclusion and contends that any alleged misstatements, to the extent they occurred at all, were not intentional," Manafort's lawyers said in the filing, which was filed on Monday and released by the court on Tuesday. In the filing Manafort's lawyers said they would not seek an evidentiary hearing to contest Mueller's allegations of lying, arguing that such factual matters could be addressed in a pre-sentencing report. Following the filing by Manafort's lawyers, Jackson ordered the government to submit evidence supporting their allegations by Jan. 14, and held out the option of holding a hearing on the matter on Jan. 25.

Paul Manafort allegedly lied about giving polling data to Russian: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-expected-summit-with-trump-in-talks-in-china-report-189075">Kim Jong Un's train left Beijing </a>on Wednesday after the North Korean leader visited his key ally on a trip seen as a strategy session ahead of his expected summit with Donald Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006">Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday </a>for his fourth visit to Pyongyang's sole major diplomatic friend, reportedly visiting a factory and meeting President Xi Jinping.

The North Korean leader's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-on-4-day-visit-to-china-to-meet-president-xi-report-188901">motorcade was spotted arriving at the Beijing </a>central railway station early afternoon, and the train departed shortly after on a day-long ride back to the northeast border, according to AFP journalists.

The unannounced trip was largely shrouded in secrecy. Beyond confirming his presence in Beijing, no details have been provided by either North Korea or China on his schedule.

Kim met for one hour with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday - believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday - and the two later dined with their wives at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The meeting focused on Kim's expected meeting with Trump, according to Yonhap.

In a New Year speech, Kim warned that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

Relations between China and North Korea had deteriorated in recent years over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, but Kim has made sure to keep Xi informed about his dealings with the United States and South Korea as ties appear to have warmed.

"In order to resist the high pressure of the US, he must communicate with Xi in advance to see what steps he can take to deal with Trump," Beijing-based independent political commentator Hua Po told AFP.

"Kim needs the support of Xi so as to ask the US to make substantial steps, such as providing assistance to North Korea and normalising relations with North Korea," Hua said.

Kim chose China for his maiden official trip abroad last year before holding meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Trump.

Trump said Sunday that the United States and North Korea are negotiating the location of their next summit.

Discussions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile summit in Singapore in June where they issued a vaguely worded declaration about denuclearisation.

The United States insists that United Nations sanctions must remain in place until North Korea gives up its weapons, while Pyongyang wants them immediately eased. China also wants the sanctions to be relaxed.

But Chinese officials also likely want to impress on Kim — who has so far pursued only limited reforms to his statist economy — the benefits the giant Communist country has enjoyed in its transformation from an impoverished nation to economic powerhouse.

Yonhap, citing unidentified sources, reported that Kim toured a factory operated by medicine firm Tongrentang for about half an hour in an economic zone in the Chinese capital.

He then went to the Beijing Hotel where he was expected to have lunch with Xi before his departure.

"For North Korea itself, 2019 is his strategic turning point. If he wants to shift his focus to the development of the economy, he needs China's cooperation," said Lu Chao, a North Korea expert at China's Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences.

"China will also introduce some successful experiences to Kim to help North Korea achieve economic transformation and realise the denuclearisation of the peninsula as soon as possible," Lu told AFP.

In the New Year speech, Kim focused on North Korea's moribund economy, saying that improving people's lives was his top priority and tackling energy shortages was an urgent task.

Hua, the Beijing-based analyst, said changes in the economic model will affect politics, "which poses new challenges to his control over the country."

"For this point, he must ask for advice from China."

The visit coincided with negotiations between US and Chinese officials in Beijing to resolve a bruising trade war between the world's two biggest economies.

Some analysts say China could use its cooperation on the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the US trade talks.

But Hua said Kim's visit would have a "limited" effect on the trade negotiations.

"The Sino-US trade negotiations are a matter between China and the US. The weight of North Korea is limited and cannot play a decisive role," he said.

Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for his fourth visit to Pyongyang's sole major diplomatic friend, reportedly visiting a factory and meeting President Xi Jinping.

Kim Jong Un's train left Beijing on Wednesday after the North Korean leader visited his key ally on a trip seen as a strategy session ahead of his expected summit with Donald Trump. Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for his fourth visit to Pyongyang's sole major diplomatic friend, reportedly visiting a factory and meeting President Xi Jinping. The North Korean leader's motorcade was spotted arriving at the Beijing central railway station early afternoon, and the train departed shortly after on a day-long ride back to the northeast border, according to AFP journalists. The unannounced trip was largely shrouded in secrecy. Beyond confirming his presence in Beijing, no details have been provided by either North Korea or China on his schedule. Kim met for one hour with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday - believed to be the North Korean leader's birthday - and the two later dined with their wives at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. The meeting focused on Kim's expected meeting with Trump, according to Yonhap. In a New Year speech, Kim warned that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. Relations between China and North Korea had deteriorated in recent years over Pyongyang's nuclear activities, but Kim has made sure to keep Xi informed about his dealings with the United States and South Korea as ties appear to have warmed. "In order to resist the high pressure of the US, he must communicate with Xi in advance to see what steps he can take to deal with Trump," Beijing-based independent political commentator Hua Po told AFP. "Kim needs the support of Xi so as to ask the US to make substantial steps, such as providing assistance to North Korea and normalising relations with North Korea," Hua said. Kim chose China for his maiden official trip abroad last year before holding meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Trump. Trump said Sunday that the United States and North Korea are negotiating the location of their next summit. Discussions between the US and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile summit in Singapore in June where they issued a vaguely worded declaration about denuclearisation. The United States insists that United Nations sanctions must remain in place until North Korea gives up its weapons, while Pyongyang wants them immediately eased. China also wants the sanctions to be relaxed. But Chinese officials also likely want to impress on Kim — who has so far pursued only limited reforms to his statist economy — the benefits the giant Communist country has enjoyed in its transformation from an impoverished nation to economic powerhouse. Yonhap, citing unidentified sources, reported that Kim toured a factory operated by medicine firm Tongrentang for about half an hour in an economic zone in the Chinese capital. He then went to the Beijing Hotel where he was expected to have lunch with Xi before his departure. "For North Korea itself, 2019 is his strategic turning point. If he wants to shift his focus to the development of the economy, he needs China's cooperation," said Lu Chao, a North Korea expert at China's Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences. "China will also introduce some successful experiences to Kim to help North Korea achieve economic transformation and realise the denuclearisation of the peninsula as soon as possible," Lu told AFP. In the New Year speech, Kim focused on North Korea's moribund economy, saying that improving people's lives was his top priority and tackling energy shortages was an urgent task. Hua, the Beijing-based analyst, said changes in the economic model will affect politics, "which poses new challenges to his control over the country." "For this point, he must ask for advice from China." The visit coincided with negotiations between US and Chinese officials in Beijing to resolve a bruising trade war between the world's two biggest economies. Some analysts say China could use its cooperation on the North Korean issue as a bargaining chip in the US trade talks. But Hua said Kim's visit would have a "limited" effect on the trade negotiations. "The Sino-US trade negotiations are a matter between China and the US. The weight of North Korea is limited and cannot play a decisive role," he said.

Watch: North Korea's Kim ends China visit after meeting President Xi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-and-pm-modi-discuss-trade-afghanistan-in-phone-call-white-house-188894">telephonic conversation last evening</a> in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US&nbsp;strategic partnership.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US&nbsp;and Japan."

According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US&nbsp;bilateral relations in 2019.&nbsp;

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PM Modi &amp; US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&amp;energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019.
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The development comes a week after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi</a> and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however,&nbsp;it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities.

Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi".

India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.

On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019.

During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US and Japan." According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.” The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US bilateral relations in 2019. PM Modi & US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019. — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The development comes a week after President Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however, it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities. Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi". India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019. During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call

US President Donald Trump's administration has lowered the status of the European Union's diplomats in Washington without notifying Brussels, EU officials said on Tuesday.

The change in protocol for a close US ally means the bloc's Washington-based diplomats are less likely to be invited to high-profile events and have a lower importance than under former President Barack Obama.

The snub, first reported by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, was illustrated at the December 5 funeral of another former US president, George H.W. Bush, when Europe`s envoy was among the last diplomats to be called to pay respects, one EU official said.

"We understand that there was a recent change in the way the diplomatic precedence list is implemented by the United States` protocol," a Commission spokeswoman told a briefing, declining to give more details.&nbsp;

"We are currently discussing with the relevant services in the administration possible implications for the EU delegation in Washington."

Two other EU diplomats confirmed the downgrade, with one saying it was unlikely the bloc would retaliate given its desire for good relations.

US diplomats in Brussels were not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

Trump has often shown his disdain for the EU and has backed Britain`s planned departure from the bloc.

But the United States and EU have the world`s biggest bilateral trade ties, and US investment in the bloc is three times higher than in Asia, according to EU data.

While the shift does not stop senior EU officials from meeting US counterparts, it follows a tumultuous year for transatlantic ties. Trump withdrew from several international agreements backed by the EU and vowed to reform "the liberal international order" he says the bloc helps underpin.&nbsp;

In a speech in Brussels in December, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Trump`s "America First" policy was reshaping the post-World War Two system on the basis of sovereign states, not multilateral institutions.

He also took aim at "bureaucrats" responsible for upholding multilateralism "as an end in itself" and cast doubt on the EU`s commitment to its citizens, drawing a rare rebuke from the European Commission, the bloc`s executive.

US President Donald Trump's administration has lowered the status of the European Union's diplomats in Washington without notifying Brussels, EU officials said on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump's administration has lowered the status of the European Union's diplomats in Washington without notifying Brussels, EU officials said on Tuesday. The change in protocol for a close US ally means the bloc's Washington-based diplomats are less likely to be invited to high-profile events and have a lower importance than under former President Barack Obama. The snub, first reported by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, was illustrated at the December 5 funeral of another former US president, George H.W. Bush, when Europe`s envoy was among the last diplomats to be called to pay respects, one EU official said. "We understand that there was a recent change in the way the diplomatic precedence list is implemented by the United States` protocol," a Commission spokeswoman told a briefing, declining to give more details. "We are currently discussing with the relevant services in the administration possible implications for the EU delegation in Washington." Two other EU diplomats confirmed the downgrade, with one saying it was unlikely the bloc would retaliate given its desire for good relations. US diplomats in Brussels were not immediately available for comment. Trump has often shown his disdain for the EU and has backed Britain`s planned departure from the bloc. But the United States and EU have the world`s biggest bilateral trade ties, and US investment in the bloc is three times higher than in Asia, according to EU data. While the shift does not stop senior EU officials from meeting US counterparts, it follows a tumultuous year for transatlantic ties. Trump withdrew from several international agreements backed by the EU and vowed to reform "the liberal international order" he says the bloc helps underpin. In a speech in Brussels in December, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Trump`s "America First" policy was reshaping the post-World War Two system on the basis of sovereign states, not multilateral institutions. He also took aim at "bureaucrats" responsible for upholding multilateralism "as an end in itself" and cast doubt on the EU`s commitment to its citizens, drawing a rare rebuke from the European Commission, the bloc`s executive.

Trump administration snubs European diplomats in US: Officials

US&nbsp;President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> discussed reducing the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.

"The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement.

The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs.

India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month.

In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US&nbsp;troops there, a US&nbsp;official said last month.

With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed reducing the US trade deficit with India and increasing their cooperation in Afghanistan in a telephone call on Monday, the White House said. "The leaders agreed to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan," the White House said in a statement. The United States has slapped tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium from India, part of Trump's drive to reduce the US trade deficit and boost American manufacturing jobs. India has threatened to retaliate but said it would not take action until the end of this month. In Afghanistan, Trump is planning to withdraw more than 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops there, a US official said last month. With a reduced military presence in Afghanistan, the United States would almost certainly have to curtail its missions, which include training and advising Afghan forces and waging an air campaign against the Taliban and other militant groups.

Trump and PM Modi discuss trade, Afghanistan in phone call: White House

A Los Angles based artist broke the internet recently after he protested against US President Donald Trump in one of the most unexpected and innovative ways.

An artist, Sam Morrison, has launched a project named 'President Flip Flops' in which he made 1,000 pairs of slippers with&nbsp;Trump's contradictory tweets printed on it.

The hand-made limited-edition "flip flops"&nbsp;are red in colour&nbsp;with rubber base and have a white strap across the slipper. Each slipper has Trump's tweets printed on it and are based on a specific topic. When together the "flip flops"&nbsp;show contradicting opinions on things such as military intervention in Syria, electoral college and more.

On one slipper quote a Trump tweet reads, "Remember, don't believe "sources said" by the very dishonest media. If they don't name the source, the sources don't exist."

The other slipper&nbsp;tweet reads, "An extremely credible sources have called my office and told me that Barack Obama's birth certificate is a fraud."

The project's tagline is, "Walk a mile in his shoes and you'll end up doing a split."

The stocks&nbsp;of the "flip flop" slippers went out of stock within a month, Morrison told the media. According to a media report, he also donated 10 per cent of each purchase to the American Civil liberties Union.

Sam Morrison works in an advertising job and he sold his flip-flop design on his website, "PresidentFlipFlop.com".

As the work of making slippers is a very time-consuming job for one person, Morrison has halted the "flip flops" manufacture currently.

A Los Angles based artist broke the internet recently after he protested against US President Donald Trump in one of the most unexpected and innovative ways. An artist, Sam Morrison, has launched a project named 'President Flip Flops' in which he made 1,000 pairs of slippers with Trump's contradictory tweets printed on it.

A Los Angles based artist broke the internet recently after he protested against US President Donald Trump in one of the most unexpected and innovative ways. An artist, Sam Morrison, has launched a project named 'President Flip Flops' in which he made 1,000 pairs of slippers with Trump's contradictory tweets printed on it. The hand-made limited-edition "flip flops" are red in colour with rubber base and have a white strap across the slipper. Each slipper has Trump's tweets printed on it and are based on a specific topic. When together the "flip flops" show contradicting opinions on things such as military intervention in Syria, electoral college and more. On one slipper quote a Trump tweet reads, "Remember, don't believe "sources said" by the very dishonest media. If they don't name the source, the sources don't exist." The other slipper tweet reads, "An extremely credible sources have called my office and told me that Barack Obama's birth certificate is a fraud." The project's tagline is, "Walk a mile in his shoes and you'll end up doing a split." The stocks of the "flip flop" slippers went out of stock within a month, Morrison told the media. According to a media report, he also donated 10 per cent of each purchase to the American Civil liberties Union. Sam Morrison works in an advertising job and he sold his flip-flop design on his website, "PresidentFlipFlop.com". As the work of making slippers is a very time-consuming job for one person, Morrison has halted the "flip flops" manufacture currently.

LA based artist makes flip flops with Trump's tweets; sells out in a month

In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here. It was torn down in 1989.''

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTWka_lF4G/?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">There once was a wall here. It was torn down in 1989. 😎 #throwshadethenvote</a>

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In his Instagram post the former photographer Pete Souza has compared the Berlin Wall with Trumps's incessant demand for the construction of the US Mexico border wall.

The post which has attracted over seventy thousand likes, shows Obama sitting beside the iconic Brandenberg Gate in Germany where the Berlin Wall once stood.

The Berlin wall which was built in 1961 demarcated East German with the West and prevented free movement between the two sides from 1961 to 1989 before being pulled down in 1992.

The post holds significance as it highlights the current American politics being ruled by "wall".

The United States has entered the third week of a partial government shutdown resulting from the dispute between Trump and Democrats that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers idled or without paychecks.

The conflict&nbsp;rose after the Democrats declined to approve the $5.6 billion fund that Trump has been demanding for the border wall.

Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs.

He has also threatened to declare a national emergency in the country in case his demands are not accepted.

Trump on Sunday proposed for a steel barrier between Mexico and US instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats.

Thousands of federal workers are without work and paychecks since the US government shutdown. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility.

This is not the first time when Souza has targetted Trump through his Instagram post.&nbsp;

In his previous post, Souze had posted a picture captioned &nbsp;'a different kind of wall' and has garnered over ninety-nine thousand likes.

Here Obama can be seen painting on a wall with the caption 'wall of hope''

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ0CSvl1m1/?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">A different kind of wall. 😎 #throwshadethenvote</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/petesouza/?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"> Pete Souza</a> (@petesouza) on <time datetime="2019-01-05T18:20:08+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 5, 2019 at 10:20am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here.

In a direct attack on Donald Trump, the former official photographer of Barack Obama on Sunday posted a picture of the former US President on Instagram with a caption "There once a wall here. It was torn down in 1989.'' View this post on Instagram There once was a wall here. It was torn down in 1989. 😎 #throwshadethenvote A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jan 6, 2019 at 10:00am PST × In his Instagram post the former photographer Pete Souza has compared the Berlin Wall with Trumps's incessant demand for the construction of the US Mexico border wall. The post which has attracted over seventy thousand likes, shows Obama sitting beside the iconic Brandenberg Gate in Germany where the Berlin Wall once stood. The Berlin wall which was built in 1961 demarcated East German with the West and prevented free movement between the two sides from 1961 to 1989 before being pulled down in 1992. The post holds significance as it highlights the current American politics being ruled by "wall". The United States has entered the third week of a partial government shutdown resulting from the dispute between Trump and Democrats that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers idled or without paychecks. The conflict rose after the Democrats declined to approve the $5.6 billion fund that Trump has been demanding for the border wall. Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs. He has also threatened to declare a national emergency in the country in case his demands are not accepted. Trump on Sunday proposed for a steel barrier between Mexico and US instead of concrete as a potential compromise with Democrats. Thousands of federal workers are without work and paychecks since the US government shutdown. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility. This is not the first time when Souza has targetted Trump through his Instagram post. In his previous post, Souze had posted a picture captioned 'a different kind of wall' and has garnered over ninety-nine thousand likes. Here Obama can be seen painting on a wall with the caption 'wall of hope'' View this post on Instagram A different kind of wall. 😎 #throwshadethenvote A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on Jan 5, 2019 at 10:20am PST ×

Obama's former photographer trolls Donald Trump over his 'wall' demand

The brother of an American detained in Russia for alleged spying says the ex-Marine might be caught in a diplomatic tug-of-war between the two powers, and the family fears he could be convicted on flimsy evidence.

But in an interview with AFP, David Whelan said they have faith that the US government will be able to bring his brother home.

He was arrested on December 28 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-detains-american-suspected-of-espionage-187525">"while carrying out an act of espionage,</a>" Russia's FSB security service said.

"There are no details about the circumstances of his arrest, so it's hard not to connect it as merely tugging between the two countries for whatever reason," David Whelan said in Newmarket, Ontario, north of Toronto.

"I'm very worried, particularly because there's no transparency for the Russian legal system," the brother said.

"We have a great deal of concern that he will be charged without sufficient evidence, he'll be convicted."

Despite US President Donald Trump's repeatedly accommodating words towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, the arrest of Whelan is the latest in a series of espionage cases between the two countries.

Asked by reporters on Sunday about Whelan's case, Trump said only: "We're looking into that."&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington was trying to learn more about the situation.

"We have faith that they're working on it," David Whelan told AFP, adding that the family is hopeful that "the ridiculousness of this whole situation will eventually cause the US government to step forward and to have him brought home."

Whelan held a British passport, as well as others, and on Friday Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said&nbsp;"we don't agree with individuals being used in diplomatic chess games."&nbsp;

Whelan also holds an Irish passport, although he entered Russia on his US one, an official source told AFP. The Washington Post said Whelan also carries a passport from Canada, where he was born.

On Saturday, Russia demanded an explanation from the United States over the arrest of one of its nationals, Dmitry Makarenko, held since December 29 for alleged money laundering and attempting to export defence-restricted goods.

Analysts have speculated that Moscow could be hoping to swap Whelan for Maria Butina, a Russian held in the United States, or for another Russian held there.

US intelligence services have accused Moscow of interfering in the 2016 presidential election.

US security experts have raised doubts that Whelan was a spy, given that he was, according to The New York Times, court-martialed in 2008 from the US Marine Corps for larceny and passing bad checks.

Whelan worked as director of global security for US-based automotive components supplier BorgWarner.

His family said he was visiting Moscow for a friend's wedding.

In the interview, David Whelan reiterated his belief in his brother's innocence.

The brother of an American detained in Russia for alleged spying says the ex-Marine might be caught in a diplomatic tug-of-war between the two powers, and the family fears he could be convicted on flimsy evidence.

The brother of an American detained in Russia for alleged spying says the ex-Marine might be caught in a diplomatic tug-of-war between the two powers, and the family fears he could be convicted on flimsy evidence. But in an interview with AFP, David Whelan said they have faith that the US government will be able to bring his brother home. He was arrested on December 28 "while carrying out an act of espionage," Russia's FSB security service said. "There are no details about the circumstances of his arrest, so it's hard not to connect it as merely tugging between the two countries for whatever reason," David Whelan said in Newmarket, Ontario, north of Toronto. "I'm very worried, particularly because there's no transparency for the Russian legal system," the brother said. "We have a great deal of concern that he will be charged without sufficient evidence, he'll be convicted." Despite US President Donald Trump's repeatedly accommodating words towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, the arrest of Whelan is the latest in a series of espionage cases between the two countries. Asked by reporters on Sunday about Whelan's case, Trump said only: "We're looking into that." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington was trying to learn more about the situation. "We have faith that they're working on it," David Whelan told AFP, adding that the family is hopeful that "the ridiculousness of this whole situation will eventually cause the US government to step forward and to have him brought home." Whelan held a British passport, as well as others, and on Friday Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said "we don't agree with individuals being used in diplomatic chess games." Whelan also holds an Irish passport, although he entered Russia on his US one, an official source told AFP. The Washington Post said Whelan also carries a passport from Canada, where he was born. On Saturday, Russia demanded an explanation from the United States over the arrest of one of its nationals, Dmitry Makarenko, held since December 29 for alleged money laundering and attempting to export defence-restricted goods. Analysts have speculated that Moscow could be hoping to swap Whelan for Maria Butina, a Russian held in the United States, or for another Russian held there. US intelligence services have accused Moscow of interfering in the 2016 presidential election. US security experts have raised doubts that Whelan was a spy, given that he was, according to The New York Times, court-martialed in 2008 from the US Marine Corps for larceny and passing bad checks. Whelan worked as director of global security for US-based automotive components supplier BorgWarner. His family said he was visiting Moscow for a friend's wedding. In the interview, David Whelan reiterated his belief in his brother's innocence.

Family fears US man held in Russia is pawn in diplomatic dispute

China and the United States want to work together on trade, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, as the world's two largest economies resumed talks in a bid to end their trade dispute.

US&nbsp;officials are meeting their counterparts in Beijing this week for the first face-to-face talks since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping agreed in December agreed to a 90-day truce in a trade war that has roiled international markets.

Trump said on Sunday that trade talks with China were going very well and that weakness in the Chinese economy gave Beijing a reason to work toward a deal.

The two sides agreed to hold "positive and constructive" talks and dialogue to resolve economic and trade disputes in accordance with the consensus reached by the countries' leaders, Lu Kang, a spokesman at the foreign ministry, told reporters.

"From the beginning, we have believed that China-US&nbsp;trade friction is not a positive situation for either country or the world economy. China has a good faith, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, to resolve the bilateral trade frictions," Lu said.

Trump imposed import tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods last year and has threatened more to pressure Beijing to change its practices on issues ranging from industrial subsidies to intellectual property to hacking. China retaliated with tariffs of its own.

"As for whether the Chinese economy is good or not, I have already explained this. China's development has ample tenacity and huge potential," Lu said. "We have firm confidence in the strong long-term fundamentals of the Chinese economy."

China and the United States want to work together on trade, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, as the world's two largest economies resumed talks in a bid to end their trade dispute.

China and the United States want to work together on trade, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, as the world's two largest economies resumed talks in a bid to end their trade dispute. US officials are meeting their counterparts in Beijing this week for the first face-to-face talks since US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping agreed in December agreed to a 90-day truce in a trade war that has roiled international markets. Trump said on Sunday that trade talks with China were going very well and that weakness in the Chinese economy gave Beijing a reason to work toward a deal. The two sides agreed to hold "positive and constructive" talks and dialogue to resolve economic and trade disputes in accordance with the consensus reached by the countries' leaders, Lu Kang, a spokesman at the foreign ministry, told reporters. "From the beginning, we have believed that China-US trade friction is not a positive situation for either country or the world economy. China has a good faith, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, to resolve the bilateral trade frictions," Lu said. Trump imposed import tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods last year and has threatened more to pressure Beijing to change its practices on issues ranging from industrial subsidies to intellectual property to hacking. China retaliated with tariffs of its own. "As for whether the Chinese economy is good or not, I have already explained this. China's development has ample tenacity and huge potential," Lu said. "We have firm confidence in the strong long-term fundamentals of the Chinese economy."

Want to work together with US on trade: China foreign ministry

President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that the US military has killed one of the architects of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole that left 17 American servicemen dead.

The military said Friday that Al-Qaeda operative Jamal al-Badawi was believed to have been killed in a precision strike in Yemen.

"Our GREAT MILITARY has delivered justice for the heroes lost and wounded in the cowardly attack on the USS Cole," Trump tweeted. "We have just killed the leader of that attack, Jamal al-Badawi."

"We will never stop in our fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our GREAT MILITARY has delivered justice for the heroes lost and wounded in the cowardly attack on the USS Cole. We have just killed the leader of that attack, Jamal al-Badawi. Our work against al Qaeda continues. We will never stop in our fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1081935373914259458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On October 12, 2000, a rubber boat loaded with explosives blew up as it rounded the bow of the guided-missile destroyer, which had just pulled into Aden for a refueling stop.

Seventeen American sailors were killed as well as the two perpetrators of the attack that was claimed by Al-Qaeda, in an early success for the terror group and its founder Osama bin Laden.

The chief suspect in the attack, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, is being held in the US detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.&nbsp;

Badawi was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2003 and charged with 50 counts of various terrorism offenses, including murder of US nationals and murder of US military personnel.

He was said to have supplied boats and explosives for the attack on the destroyer.&nbsp;

Badawi was also charged with attempting with co-conspirators to attack a US Navy vessel in January 2000, and was on the FBI's Most Wanted list.

According to the agency, he was captured by Yemeni authorities but escaped from prison in April 2003. He was recaptured in March 2004, but again escaped in February 2006.

President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that the US military has killed one of the architects of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole that left 17 American servicemen dead.

President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that the US military has killed one of the architects of the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole that left 17 American servicemen dead. The military said Friday that Al-Qaeda operative Jamal al-Badawi was believed to have been killed in a precision strike in Yemen. "Our GREAT MILITARY has delivered justice for the heroes lost and wounded in the cowardly attack on the USS Cole," Trump tweeted. "We have just killed the leader of that attack, Jamal al-Badawi." "We will never stop in our fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism!" Our GREAT MILITARY has delivered justice for the heroes lost and wounded in the cowardly attack on the USS Cole. We have just killed the leader of that attack, Jamal al-Badawi. Our work against al Qaeda continues. We will never stop in our fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2019 × On October 12, 2000, a rubber boat loaded with explosives blew up as it rounded the bow of the guided-missile destroyer, which had just pulled into Aden for a refueling stop. Seventeen American sailors were killed as well as the two perpetrators of the attack that was claimed by Al-Qaeda, in an early success for the terror group and its founder Osama bin Laden. The chief suspect in the attack, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, is being held in the US detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Badawi was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2003 and charged with 50 counts of various terrorism offenses, including murder of US nationals and murder of US military personnel. He was said to have supplied boats and explosives for the attack on the destroyer. Badawi was also charged with attempting with co-conspirators to attack a US Navy vessel in January 2000, and was on the FBI's Most Wanted list. According to the agency, he was captured by Yemeni authorities but escaped from prison in April 2003. He was recaptured in March 2004, but again escaped in February 2006.

Trump confirms key plotter in USS Cole attack has been killed

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents.

"We are negotiating a location," he told reporters before boarding a helicopter for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, where he said he would be discussing a trade deal with China.

The letter from Kim came after he warned in a New Year's speech that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

Trump insisted on Sunday, however, "With North Korea, we have a very good dialogue."

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents. "We are negotiating a location," he told reporters before boarding a helicopter for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, where he said he would be discussing a trade deal with China. The letter from Kim came after he warned in a New Year's speech that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. Trump insisted on Sunday, however, "With North Korea, we have a very good dialogue."

Trump says US, North Korea 'negotiating' on location for next Kim summit

President Donald Trump stood firm Sunday on his demand for billions of dollars to fund a border wall with Mexico, which has forced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shutdown-talks-falter-trump-threatens-emergency-powers-188412">shutdown of the US government</a> now entering its third week.

"We have to build the wall," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for the Camp David presidential retreat while conceding that the barrier could be "steel instead of concrete."&nbsp;

"It's about safety, it's about security for our country," he said. "We have no choice."

An impasse with lawmakers over funding for the border wall has partially shut down the federal government since December 22.

Talks aimed at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/on-shutdown-trump-vows-to-wait-as-long-as-it-takes-for-wall-funding-186753">ending the shutdown</a> were to continue Sunday, after discussions a day earlier between Vice President Mike Pence and representatives of Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, the top two Democrats in Congress, made little headway.

Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions to the president on a border wall Pelosi has described as an "immorality."

"This shutdown could end tomorrow and it could also go on for a long time," Trump said. "It really depends on the Democrats."&nbsp;

Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side.

Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico border was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs.

The president has described the situation at the border as a "national emergency," and has said he is looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval.

President Donald Trump stood firm Sunday on his demand for billions of dollars to fund a border wall with Mexico, which has forced a shutdown of the US government now entering its third week.

President Donald Trump stood firm Sunday on his demand for billions of dollars to fund a border wall with Mexico, which has forced a shutdown of the US government now entering its third week. "We have to build the wall," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for the Camp David presidential retreat while conceding that the barrier could be "steel instead of concrete." "It's about safety, it's about security for our country," he said. "We have no choice." An impasse with lawmakers over funding for the border wall has partially shut down the federal government since December 22. Talks aimed at ending the shutdown were to continue Sunday, after discussions a day earlier between Vice President Mike Pence and representatives of Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, the top two Democrats in Congress, made little headway. Democrats, who now control the House of Representatives, seem in no mood to make concessions to the president on a border wall Pelosi has described as an "immorality." "This shutdown could end tomorrow and it could also go on for a long time," Trump said. "It really depends on the Democrats." Both Democrats and Republicans have attempted to pin the blame for the shutdown on the other side. Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico border was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs. The president has described the situation at the border as a "national emergency," and has said he is looking into ways to get a wall built without congressional approval.

As shutdown enters third week, Trump continues to say 'we have to build the wall'

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that trade talks with China were going very well and that weakness in the Chinese economy gave Beijing a reason to work towards a deal.

"I think that gives them a great incentive to negotiate," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The comments by the US President have come ahead of the meeting between the negotiators of the two countries&nbsp;in Beijing.

The officials of the two countries will meet for the first US-China face-to-face trade talks since the presidents of the two countries met in December and agreed on a 90-day truce in the trade war.

Trump has slapped import tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods as he seeks concessions from Beijing on issues ranging from industrial subsidies to hacking. China has retaliated. The tit-for-tat tariffs have disrupted trade, hurt manufacturing, roiled international markets and slowed the global economy.

While Trump and other officials have said talks between the two sides are progressing well, they have given no details on concessions that China has made. Some US demands would require structural reform that may be unpalatable for Chinese leaders. China would deepen reform but will not yield on issues it deems to be its core national interests, a commentary in the ruling Communist Party's official newspaper said on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that trade talks with China were going very well and that weakness in the Chinese economy gave Beijing a reason to work towards a deal.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that trade talks with China were going very well and that weakness in the Chinese economy gave Beijing a reason to work towards a deal. "I think that gives them a great incentive to negotiate," Trump told reporters at the White House. The comments by the US President have come ahead of the meeting between the negotiators of the two countries in Beijing. The officials of the two countries will meet for the first US-China face-to-face trade talks since the presidents of the two countries met in December and agreed on a 90-day truce in the trade war. Trump has slapped import tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods as he seeks concessions from Beijing on issues ranging from industrial subsidies to hacking. China has retaliated. The tit-for-tat tariffs have disrupted trade, hurt manufacturing, roiled international markets and slowed the global economy. While Trump and other officials have said talks between the two sides are progressing well, they have given no details on concessions that China has made. Some US demands would require structural reform that may be unpalatable for Chinese leaders. China would deepen reform but will not yield on issues it deems to be its core national interests, a commentary in the ruling Communist Party's official newspaper said on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Weakness in China economy gives Beijing incentive for trade deal: Trump

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said.

An impasse with lawmakers over Trump's demand for billions of dollars to pay for a wall on the border with Mexico has shut 25 per cent of the government since December 22.

Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday met with representatives of Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate, as well as Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives which since last Thursday is under Democratic control.

"VP&nbsp;Mike Pence and team just left the White House. Briefed me on their meeting with the Schumer/Pelosi representatives. Not much headway made today. Second meeting set for tomorrow," Trump said on Twitter.

Under the previous Republican-controlled Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a measure to fully fund the government until February 8, allowing more time for debate on issues including border security.&nbsp;

That measure was also under House consideration but Trump on December 20 reversed course and rejected it under pressure from ultraconservative lawmakers and media personalities.

While the US military and other major agencies are still fully funded, the impasse has left 800,000 government workers from other departments furloughed or working without pay.

Those on the job and not being paid include airline security officers from the Transportation Security Administration, FBI agents, and others.

The shutdown has left the Smithsonian museums, a major tourist draw, shuttered, garbage piling up at national parks, and workers concerned about paying their bills.

The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility.

Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs.

"This is national security we're talking about," he said on Friday. 
&nbsp;

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said.

Talks aimed at ending a partial US government shutdown which entered its third week on Saturday made little progress but were to continue on Sunday, President Donald Trump said. An impasse with lawmakers over Trump's demand for billions of dollars to pay for a wall on the border with Mexico has shut 25 per cent of the government since December 22. Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday met with representatives of Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled Senate, as well as Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives which since last Thursday is under Democratic control. "VP Mike Pence and team just left the White House. Briefed me on their meeting with the Schumer/Pelosi representatives. Not much headway made today. Second meeting set for tomorrow," Trump said on Twitter. Under the previous Republican-controlled Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a measure to fully fund the government until February 8, allowing more time for debate on issues including border security. That measure was also under House consideration but Trump on December 20 reversed course and rejected it under pressure from ultraconservative lawmakers and media personalities. While the US military and other major agencies are still fully funded, the impasse has left 800,000 government workers from other departments furloughed or working without pay. Those on the job and not being paid include airline security officers from the Transportation Security Administration, FBI agents, and others. The shutdown has left the Smithsonian museums, a major tourist draw, shuttered, garbage piling up at national parks, and workers concerned about paying their bills. The shutdown has also been a factor in stock market volatility. Building a wall along the 2,000-mile (3,200-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier was a central plank in the 2016 election campaign of Trump, who has sought to equate immigrants with crime, drugs and gangs. "This is national security we're talking about," he said on Friday.

Trump says little progress as govt shutdown in third week

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver. That puts on course the fructification of efforts which commenced many summers ago but got an impetus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran in May 2016, leading to the signing of the trilateral tripartite agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan.

The US provided an “exception” from certain sanctions, to the Iranian port of Chabahar that India has developed and used for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. This exemption is in addition to temporary freedom from sanctions that the US announced for India and seven major importers of Iranian crude oil.

Why is Chabahar strategically important, for India, the US, Iran and Afghanistan? That will answer many questions. It starts with the fact that its geostrategic location, outside the Persian Gulf and yet on the Iranian coastline, puts it slightly out of harm’s way in the event of the Straits of Hormuz being forcibly closed; although, it is well appreciated that such a closure will no doubt presuppose an adverse effect on all of Iran’s port facilities.

To access Central Asia, often referred to as the heart of Asia, and Afghanistan, there are only two routes from the Indian Ocean. The first is from Pakistan’s Gwadar or Karachi ports and the second is from Chabahar which lies on the southeastern coast of Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province. Why the US agreed to waive sanctions for activities connected with the development of the port is simply because India is the nation providing alternatives for establishing communication arteries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.

For 17 years, the US has fought in Afghanistan and depended on a single artery for its logistics; through Karachi and Pakistan-Baluchistan into Afghan territory. Due to its animosity with Iran, the clearly viable alternative via Chabahar through Iranian territory, to West Afghanistan could not be exploited. The lack of development of Chabahar placed Afghanistan in a predicament because of its reliance on Karachi with all strings in the hands of none-too-friendly Pakistan.

India’s stakes in Afghanistan being high, the realization perhaps came late that Chabahar had serious transformational strategic potential to bypass Pakistan. Once India demonstrated its deep interest and the tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan was signed in mid-2016, the movement of a consignment of wheat from Kandla port in Gujarat to Kabul via Chabahar went through smoothly; that experiment spurred further movement on Chabahar.

With portents of conflict termination in Afghanistan, the US too realised the important role India could play at this stage, such that all eggs were not in Pakistan’s basket. Otherwise all Pakistan needed to do in order to bring down the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG) was to establish a blockade from Karachi and the landlocked state of Afghanistan would have few options.

The tripartite agreement resolved that problem and increased India’s significance in Afghanistan. With India’s access via Chabahar, the viability of maintaining Afghanistan as a state under current dispensation, with minimal US presence, exponentially increases and there is considerable risk reduction. The joint Indian and US strategic interests in Afghanistan aim at the dilution of Pakistani influence and capability.

For the US the option of India in control is far more positive than leaving this to the stranglehold of China, Russia and Pakistan with the latter continuing to improve relations with Iran. For the Afghan NUG, this is as blissful a situation as it can expect with reduction of dependence on Pakistan and an avenue open to trade and assistance from India.

The Indian firm India Ports Global Limited has formally taken over operations at the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. The routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries have been finalised but this will remain work in progress as subsequent infrastructure caters for railway connectivity and eventual linkage to the INSTC.

While India has successfully completed a major geostrategic venture on one flank of the Persian Gulf, it needs to be mindful of the fact that its interests are divided on both sides of the Gulf. That is where the last few years of straddling diplomacy, which the Ministry of External Affairs has done with a fair degree of aplomb, will hopefully pay a dividend. India remains one of those unique countries which the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of Iran visited within two weeks of each other.

India has long and extremely important relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait which are as strategic as any of its relationships. The world of multilateralism is a sphere in which India is getting increasingly competent. That is why it needs to believe that Chabahar is the opening to the long-awaited strategic and civilisational relationship with Iran which need not be at the cost of the same which must be pursued with the Arab Gulf countries with equal vigour. 2018 was a good year for this, 2019 promises to be better.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-iran-a-port-of-call-for-india-2704295">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver.

Chabahar is back in the news after a hiatus of about two years. The contexts of its importance are several but the first one in the current milieu is the fact that despite President Donald Trump’s avowed sanctions on everything related to Iran, India’s Chabahar-based relationship with Tehran has received a waiver. That puts on course the fructification of efforts which commenced many summers ago but got an impetus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran in May 2016, leading to the signing of the trilateral tripartite agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. The US provided an “exception” from certain sanctions, to the Iranian port of Chabahar that India has developed and used for reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. This exemption is in addition to temporary freedom from sanctions that the US announced for India and seven major importers of Iranian crude oil. Why is Chabahar strategically important, for India, the US, Iran and Afghanistan? That will answer many questions. It starts with the fact that its geostrategic location, outside the Persian Gulf and yet on the Iranian coastline, puts it slightly out of harm’s way in the event of the Straits of Hormuz being forcibly closed; although, it is well appreciated that such a closure will no doubt presuppose an adverse effect on all of Iran’s port facilities. To access Central Asia, often referred to as the heart of Asia, and Afghanistan, there are only two routes from the Indian Ocean. The first is from Pakistan’s Gwadar or Karachi ports and the second is from Chabahar which lies on the southeastern coast of Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province. Why the US agreed to waive sanctions for activities connected with the development of the port is simply because India is the nation providing alternatives for establishing communication arteries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. For 17 years, the US has fought in Afghanistan and depended on a single artery for its logistics; through Karachi and Pakistan-Baluchistan into Afghan territory. Due to its animosity with Iran, the clearly viable alternative via Chabahar through Iranian territory, to West Afghanistan could not be exploited. The lack of development of Chabahar placed Afghanistan in a predicament because of its reliance on Karachi with all strings in the hands of none-too-friendly Pakistan. India’s stakes in Afghanistan being high, the realization perhaps came late that Chabahar had serious transformational strategic potential to bypass Pakistan. Once India demonstrated its deep interest and the tripartite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan was signed in mid-2016, the movement of a consignment of wheat from Kandla port in Gujarat to Kabul via Chabahar went through smoothly; that experiment spurred further movement on Chabahar. With portents of conflict termination in Afghanistan, the US too realised the important role India could play at this stage, such that all eggs were not in Pakistan’s basket. Otherwise all Pakistan needed to do in order to bring down the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG) was to establish a blockade from Karachi and the landlocked state of Afghanistan would have few options. The tripartite agreement resolved that problem and increased India’s significance in Afghanistan. With India’s access via Chabahar, the viability of maintaining Afghanistan as a state under current dispensation, with minimal US presence, exponentially increases and there is considerable risk reduction. The joint Indian and US strategic interests in Afghanistan aim at the dilution of Pakistani influence and capability. For the US the option of India in control is far more positive than leaving this to the stranglehold of China, Russia and Pakistan with the latter continuing to improve relations with Iran. For the Afghan NUG, this is as blissful a situation as it can expect with reduction of dependence on Pakistan and an avenue open to trade and assistance from India. The Indian firm India Ports Global Limited has formally taken over operations at the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. The routes for trade and transit corridors between the three countries have been finalised but this will remain work in progress as subsequent infrastructure caters for railway connectivity and eventual linkage to the INSTC. While India has successfully completed a major geostrategic venture on one flank of the Persian Gulf, it needs to be mindful of the fact that its interests are divided on both sides of the Gulf. That is where the last few years of straddling diplomacy, which the Ministry of External Affairs has done with a fair degree of aplomb, will hopefully pay a dividend. India remains one of those unique countries which the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of Iran visited within two weeks of each other. India has long and extremely important relationships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait which are as strategic as any of its relationships. The world of multilateralism is a sphere in which India is getting increasingly competent. That is why it needs to believe that Chabahar is the opening to the long-awaited strategic and civilisational relationship with Iran which need not be at the cost of the same which must be pursued with the Arab Gulf countries with equal vigour. 2018 was a good year for this, 2019 promises to be better. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Iran: A port of call for India

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