<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/14-of-worlds-20-most-polluted-cities-in-india-who-134112">14 of world's 20 most polluted cities in India: WHO</a>

Of the 20 most polluted cities in the world suffering from air pollution by very fine particles in 2016, 14 are in India, data released by the WHO on Tuesday showed. The Indian cities that registered very high levels of PM2.5 pollutants include Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem in Kuwait and a few cities in China and Mongolia.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-soon-to-offer-dating-services-to-users-134111">Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services</a>

Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing&nbspFacebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers&nbsp"There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110">Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem Guatemala first country to move to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110">holy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-open-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-guatemala-first-country-to-move-to-holy-city-134110"> city</a>

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in&nbsp<a 560="" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/%3Ciframe%20width=">West Asia, President Donald Trump&nbsp</a>said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-location-date-of-north-korea-summit-may-be-announced-soon-134115">Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon. While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-labour-day-india-china-troops-meet-at-the-border-exchange-sweets-134113">On Labour Day, India, China troops meet at the border, exchange sweets</a>

On International&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-agree-to-issue-strategic-guidance-to-their-militaries-to-build-trust--133407">Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops</a>&nbspheld a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations.&nbsp

14 of world's 20 most polluted cities in India: WHO Of the 20 most polluted cities in the world suffering from air pollution by very fine particles in 2016, 14 are in India, data released by the WHO on Tuesday showed. The Indian cities that registered very high levels of PM2.5 pollutants include Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Agra, Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem in Kuwait and a few cities in China and Mongolia. Now, Facebook to soon offer dating services Social networking site Facebook will soon offer dating services to its users, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Tuesday. While addressing&nbspFacebook's annual F8 conference, he told software developers "There are 200 million people on Facebook that list themselves as single, so clearly there's something to do here". Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem Guatemala first country to move to holy city In a move which is likely to upset several countries in West Asia, President Donald Trump said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem. Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon. While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks. On Labour Day, India, China troops meet at the border, exchange sweets On International Labour Day, Indian and Chinese troops&nbspheld a special border personnel meeting at the Chusul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. Indicating an upward trend in relations between the two sides, post-Doklam, troops and families of both armies took part in celebrations.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is far ahead of other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, when it comes to popularity on Facebook, according to a study which said 43.2 million people follow the Indian premier on the social media platform.

Trump, who rules the other social media platform Twitter, is in second place with 23.1 million followers, according to the study "World Leaders on Facebook" released today by Burson Cohn & Wolfe.&nbsp;

The study analyses the activity of 650 Facebook pages of heads of state and government and foreign ministers from January 1, 2017, using aggregate data from Facebook's Crowdtangle tool, it said in a statement.

Over the past 14 months, the Facebook page of Trump had by far the most interactions of any world leader on Facebook, with a total of 204.9 million interactions (defined as the total number of comments, likes and shares), almost twice as many as Modi with 113.6 million interactions, the study said.

Modi, 67, has always encouraged use of social media platforms to stay in touch with the public.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has 46 million interactions and Cambodia's Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Argentina's President Mauricio Macri follow with 36 and 33.4 million interactions, respectively.

The study found that 175, or 91 per cent, of the 193 United Nations member states maintain an official Facebook page. In addition, 109 heads of state, 86 heads of government and 72 foreign ministers maintain personal pages on the platform.

Facebook has become the key platform for world leaders and governments to engage with voters, supporters and citizens. As of March 15, 2018, all pages of world leaders combined had a total of 309.4 million followers. Since January 1, 2017, they have published a total of 536,644 posts which have garnered close to 900 million interactions, it said.

The findings revealed that, while more than half of the posts have photos, world leaders are increasingly sharing videos and a handful are going live to talk directly to their constituents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is far ahead of other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, when it comes to popularity on Facebook, according to a study which said 43.2 million people follow the Indian premier on the social media platform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is far ahead of other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, when it comes to popularity on Facebook, according to a study which said 43.2 million people follow the Indian premier on the social media platform. Trump, who rules the other social media platform Twitter, is in second place with 23.1 million followers, according to the study "World Leaders on Facebook" released today by Burson Cohn & Wolfe. The study analyses the activity of 650 Facebook pages of heads of state and government and foreign ministers from January 1, 2017, using aggregate data from Facebook's Crowdtangle tool, it said in a statement. Over the past 14 months, the Facebook page of Trump had by far the most interactions of any world leader on Facebook, with a total of 204.9 million interactions (defined as the total number of comments, likes and shares), almost twice as many as Modi with 113.6 million interactions, the study said. Modi, 67, has always encouraged use of social media platforms to stay in touch with the public. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has 46 million interactions and Cambodia's Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and Argentina's President Mauricio Macri follow with 36 and 33.4 million interactions, respectively. The study found that 175, or 91 per cent, of the 193 United Nations member states maintain an official Facebook page. In addition, 109 heads of state, 86 heads of government and 72 foreign ministers maintain personal pages on the platform. Facebook has become the key platform for world leaders and governments to engage with voters, supporters and citizens. As of March 15, 2018, all pages of world leaders combined had a total of 309.4 million followers. Since January 1, 2017, they have published a total of 536,644 posts which have garnered close to 900 million interactions, it said. The findings revealed that, while more than half of the posts have photos, world leaders are increasingly sharing videos and a handful are going live to talk directly to their constituents.

PM Modi twice as popular on Facebook as US President Trump: Study

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Monday sued US&nbspPresident Donald Trump for defamation, saying he lied by tweeting that her claim of being threatened if she discussed an alleged sexual encounter with him was a "total con job."

The lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan escalates Daniels' litigation with Trump and his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who paid her $130,000 before the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election not to talk about the alleged sexual encounter a decade earlier.

Neither Trump's lawyers nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment. Cohen was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages, but faces a separate defamation lawsuit by Daniels.

Trump used Twitter on April 18 to complain about a composite sketch that Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti had released the previous day.

That sketch depicted a man Daniels said assailed her in a Las Vegas parking lot soon after she had agreed in May 2011 to work with In Touch magazine on a story about her relationship with Trump.

"A sketch years later about a nonexistent man," Trump wrote. "A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!"

In her complaint, Daniels said the assailant had urged her to "leave Trump alone" and "forget the story," and after looking at her infant daughter said: "That's a beautiful little girl. It'd be a shame if something happened to her mom."

Daniels said the president knew his tweet was false or made it with reckless disregard for its truth, and falsely accused her of making up the assailant.

"By calling the incident a 'con job' Mr. Trump's statement would be understood to state that Ms. Clifford was fabricating the crime and the existence of the assailant, both of which are prohibited under New York law," Daniels said in her complaint.

Trump presently has 51.4 million Twitter followers.

Not Trump's first defamation case

A Los Angeles judge on Friday put Daniels' lawsuit there against Cohen and Trump to end her non-disclosure agreement on hold for 90 days.

The judge cited the reasonably high likelihood that letting the case continue might threaten Cohen's constitutional right against self-incrimination.

Cohen faces a criminal probe into his business affairs by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, including over the $130,000 payment, which he has called legal.

The Los Angeles case also includes Daniels' claim that Cohen defamed her in a Feb. 13 statement by implying she had lied about her relationship with Trump.

"Just because something isn't true doesn't mean that it can't cause you harm or damage. I will always protect Mr. Trump," Cohen had said.

Daniels sued Trump as an individual, not in his capacity as president, which could pose problems for any defence.

"He'll have to litigate unless he can get a court to agree he has a privilege not to while he's president," said Stephen Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor.

Burbank co-wrote an earlier brief arguing that then-President Bill Clinton was not immune in federal court from private civil lawsuits during his presidency for unofficial acts. The Supreme Court adopted that view in 1997.

Daniels' defamation case is also not the president's first.

Trump is appealing a March 20 decision by a New York state judge in Manhattan that allowed Summer Zervos, a contestant on his former TV show "The Apprentice," to pursue her own defamation case.

Zervos had accused Trump of kissing her against her will and groping her at a meeting about a possible job, and that he defamed her by calling such allegations lies.

Trump has argued that he was immune from that lawsuit.

Daniels has offered a $100,000 reward for information about the man in the sketch.

Daniels sued Trump as an individual, not in his capacity as president, which could pose problems for any defence

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Monday sued US&nbspPresident Donald Trump for defamation, saying he lied by tweeting that her claim of being threatened if she discussed an alleged sexual encounter with him was a "total con job." The lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan escalates Daniels' litigation with Trump and his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who paid her $130,000 before the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election not to talk about the alleged sexual encounter a decade earlier. Neither Trump's lawyers nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment. Cohen was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages, but faces a separate defamation lawsuit by Daniels. Trump used Twitter on April 18 to complain about a composite sketch that Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti had released the previous day. That sketch depicted a man Daniels said assailed her in a Las Vegas parking lot soon after she had agreed in May 2011 to work with In Touch magazine on a story about her relationship with Trump. "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man," Trump wrote. "A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!" In her complaint, Daniels said the assailant had urged her to "leave Trump alone" and "forget the story," and after looking at her infant daughter said: "That's a beautiful little girl. It'd be a shame if something happened to her mom." Daniels said the president knew his tweet was false or made it with reckless disregard for its truth, and falsely accused her of making up the assailant. "By calling the incident a 'con job' Mr. Trump's statement would be understood to state that Ms. Clifford was fabricating the crime and the existence of the assailant, both of which are prohibited under New York law," Daniels said in her complaint. Trump presently has 51.4 million Twitter followers. Not Trump's first defamation case A Los Angeles judge on Friday put Daniels' lawsuit there against Cohen and Trump to end her non-disclosure agreement on hold for 90 days. The judge cited the reasonably high likelihood that letting the case continue might threaten Cohen's constitutional right against self-incrimination. Cohen faces a criminal probe into his business affairs by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, including over the $130,000 payment, which he has called legal. The Los Angeles case also includes Daniels' claim that Cohen defamed her in a Feb. 13 statement by implying she had lied about her relationship with Trump. "Just because something isn't true doesn't mean that it can't cause you harm or damage. I will always protect Mr. Trump," Cohen had said. Daniels sued Trump as an individual, not in his capacity as president, which could pose problems for any defence. "He'll have to litigate unless he can get a court to agree he has a privilege not to while he's president," said Stephen Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor. Burbank co-wrote an earlier brief arguing that then-President Bill Clinton was not immune in federal court from private civil lawsuits during his presidency for unofficial acts. The Supreme Court adopted that view in 1997. Daniels' defamation case is also not the president's first. Trump is appealing a March 20 decision by a New York state judge in Manhattan that allowed Summer Zervos, a contestant on his former TV show "The Apprentice," to pursue her own defamation case. Zervos had accused Trump of kissing her against her will and groping her at a meeting about a possible job, and that he defamed her by calling such allegations lies. Trump has argued that he was immune from that lawsuit. Daniels has offered a $100,000 reward for information about the man in the sketch.

Stormy Daniels sues Donald Trump for defamation over 'con job' tweet

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-accord-trump-hints-at-real-agreement-with-iran-133873">Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran</a>

Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-steel-tariff-decision-for-canada-eu-mexico-133863">Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico</a>

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869">Dominican</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869"> Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan</a>

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">refugee</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870"> crisis</a>

Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting.

<a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">US</a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal"> to scrap </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">deal</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks. Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico US President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday. Dominican Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state. UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over refugee crisis Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting. Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Former FBI Director James Comey offered some advice on Monday for Special Counsel Robert Mueller: Press President Donald Trump to sit down for a completely "open-ended" interview in the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"In any interview with a subject, I would want to make sure I had unlimited time," Comey said, when asked his opinion during a packed event at George Washington University sponsored by a local bookstore.

Comey said the ideal parameters would include an interview that is "open-ended as to time, open-ended as to subject" and ensure the person had a "clear understanding that you are obligated to tell the truth and failure to do so would be at your peril."

Comey's firing by Trump last May paved the way for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to hire Mueller to investigate the meddling allegations and possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia. Mueller is also probing whether Trump obstructed the investigation.

Comey, who took detailed notes of his interactions with Trump, said later he believed Trump fired him to undermine the FBI's Russia probe.

Russia has denied interfering in the election. Trump has denied any collusion or improper activity and called the Mueller investigation a witch hunt.

Previously, Trump said he would be willing to sit down for an interview under oath with Mueller.

But a recent FBI raid on the offices and home of his personal lawyer Michael Cohen could make that less likely.

Trump has since added former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to his legal team to help deal with Mueller's investigation.

Speaking before a friendly audience, which often broke into applause, Comey spoke about his observations of Trump, Mueller's investigation and the impact Trump's presidency is having on the American political landscape.

He said that in a normal environment, a sitting president would not be able to avoid an interview about his conduct.

"As an American citizen, I would expect my president to respect the rule of law ... and to cooperate with a lawful, appropriate investigation," he said.

Monday's event was the latest in a series of media interviews that Comey has given in connection with his bestselling book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership."

Trump and other Republicans have blasted Comey and challenged assertions he made in the book.

Previously, Trump said he would be willing to sit down for an interview under oath with Mueller

Former FBI Director James Comey offered some advice on Monday for Special Counsel Robert Mueller: Press President Donald Trump to sit down for a completely "open-ended" interview in the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election. "In any interview with a subject, I would want to make sure I had unlimited time," Comey said, when asked his opinion during a packed event at George Washington University sponsored by a local bookstore. Comey said the ideal parameters would include an interview that is "open-ended as to time, open-ended as to subject" and ensure the person had a "clear understanding that you are obligated to tell the truth and failure to do so would be at your peril." Comey's firing by Trump last May paved the way for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to hire Mueller to investigate the meddling allegations and possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia. Mueller is also probing whether Trump obstructed the investigation. Comey, who took detailed notes of his interactions with Trump, said later he believed Trump fired him to undermine the FBI's Russia probe. Russia has denied interfering in the election. Trump has denied any collusion or improper activity and called the Mueller investigation a witch hunt. Previously, Trump said he would be willing to sit down for an interview under oath with Mueller. But a recent FBI raid on the offices and home of his personal lawyer Michael Cohen could make that less likely. Trump has since added former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to his legal team to help deal with Mueller's investigation. Speaking before a friendly audience, which often broke into applause, Comey spoke about his observations of Trump, Mueller's investigation and the impact Trump's presidency is having on the American political landscape. He said that in a normal environment, a sitting president would not be able to avoid an interview about his conduct. "As an American citizen, I would expect my president to respect the rule of law ... and to cooperate with a lawful, appropriate investigation," he said. Monday's event was the latest in a series of media interviews that Comey has given in connection with his bestselling book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership." Trump and other Republicans have blasted Comey and challenged assertions he made in the book.

Mueller should get 'open-ended' interview with Trump: James Comey

&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday.

The decisions came just hours before temporary exemptions from the tariffs on these countries were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday.

In a statement, the White House said that the details of the deals with Brazil, Argentina and Australia would be finalized shortly, and it did not disclose terms.

"The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," the White House added.

A source familiar with the decision said that there would be no further extensions beyond June 1 to stave off tariffs.

Trump on March 23 imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the EU, Australia and Argentina. He also has granted a permanent exemption on steel tariffs to South Korea.

Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for US&nbsp;steel and aluminum producers on national security grounds, amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China.

The tariffs, which have increased frictions with US&nbsp;trading partners worldwide and have prompted several challenges before the World Trade Organization, are aimed at allowing the two US&nbsp;metals industries to increase their capacity utilization rates above 80 percent for the first time in years.

Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel- and aluminum-exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for US&nbsp;producers.

The terms agreed by Brazil, Argentina and Australia to escape the US&nbsp;tariffs were unclear. South Korea earned its permanent exemption from steel tariffs by agreeing to quotas that will cut its steel shipments by about 30 percent from 2017 levels. Seoul is still subject to US&nbsp;aluminum tariffs.

The White House said the agreements reflect administration efforts "to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries."

Todd Leebow, president of Majestic Steel USA, a Cleveland-based distributor of domestic steel products, said American steelmakers needed certainty that import protections won't be eroded.

"We're hopeful this extension moves us toward the most productive path for our domestic steel industry -- the tariffs President Trump announced earlier this year and a quota system to limit the amount of imports flooding our country," Leebow said in a statement.

But Canada, Mexico and the European Union have all insisted that they will not accept quotas to gain permanent exemptions from the US&nbsp;tariffs.

A British government spokeswoman in Washington said the extension for the EU was "positive," but the UK steel and aluminum industries needed safeguarding.

"We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets."

Negotiations over US&nbsp;steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for Canada and Mexico have also become intertwined with intensified talks to reach an agreement to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canada is the largest steel exporter to the United States, and its industry is highly integrated with that of its southern neighbor, with raw materials and finished steel crisscrossing the Great Lakes region.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a "very bad idea" guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries.

If the EU is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of US&nbsp;exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.

Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminium in March

US President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday. The decisions came just hours before temporary exemptions from the tariffs on these countries were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday. In a statement, the White House said that the details of the deals with Brazil, Argentina and Australia would be finalized shortly, and it did not disclose terms. "The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," the White House added. A source familiar with the decision said that there would be no further extensions beyond June 1 to stave off tariffs. Trump on March 23 imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the EU, Australia and Argentina. He also has granted a permanent exemption on steel tariffs to South Korea. Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for US steel and aluminum producers on national security grounds, amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China. The tariffs, which have increased frictions with US trading partners worldwide and have prompted several challenges before the World Trade Organization, are aimed at allowing the two US metals industries to increase their capacity utilization rates above 80 percent for the first time in years. Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel- and aluminum-exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for US producers. The terms agreed by Brazil, Argentina and Australia to escape the US tariffs were unclear. South Korea earned its permanent exemption from steel tariffs by agreeing to quotas that will cut its steel shipments by about 30 percent from 2017 levels. Seoul is still subject to US aluminum tariffs. The White House said the agreements reflect administration efforts "to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries." Todd Leebow, president of Majestic Steel USA, a Cleveland-based distributor of domestic steel products, said American steelmakers needed certainty that import protections won't be eroded. "We're hopeful this extension moves us toward the most productive path for our domestic steel industry -- the tariffs President Trump announced earlier this year and a quota system to limit the amount of imports flooding our country," Leebow said in a statement. But Canada, Mexico and the European Union have all insisted that they will not accept quotas to gain permanent exemptions from the US tariffs. A British government spokeswoman in Washington said the extension for the EU was "positive," but the UK steel and aluminum industries needed safeguarding. "We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets." Negotiations over US steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for Canada and Mexico have also become intertwined with intensified talks to reach an agreement to update the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada is the largest steel exporter to the United States, and its industry is highly integrated with that of its southern neighbor, with raw materials and finished steel crisscrossing the Great Lakes region. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a "very bad idea" guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries. If the EU is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of US exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.

Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico

In a gesture symbolising strengthened US-France ties, French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to the US, planted a tree at the grounds outside the White House. &nbsp;

The oak sapling was brought specially from France's Belleau Wood where nearly 2,000 American soldiers had lost their lives during World War I.

The Trump administration got the sapling removed shortly after it was planted.

The officials informed that the sapling was infected with parasites and could have harmed other plants and trees around the White House.

The plant has now been put in quarantine, "and will soon be replanted in the White House gardens," an official said.

"Don’t worry, the tree is doing very well," he further added.

Macron is believed to have established a strong relationship with Trump at a time when many European leaders are keeping a distance. During the visit, they were repeatedly seen shaking hands, exchanging kisses on the cheek, and praising their friendship.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Trump administration got the sapling removed shortly after it was planted

In a gesture symbolising strengthened US-France ties, French President Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to the US, planted a tree at the grounds outside the White House. The oak sapling was brought specially from France's Belleau Wood where nearly 2,000 American soldiers had lost their lives during World War I. The Trump administration got the sapling removed shortly after it was planted. The officials informed that the sapling was infected with parasites and could have harmed other plants and trees around the White House. The plant has now been put in quarantine, "and will soon be replanted in the White House gardens," an official said. "Don’t worry, the tree is doing very well," he further added. Macron is believed to have established a strong relationship with Trump at a time when many European leaders are keeping a distance. During the visit, they were repeatedly seen shaking hands, exchanging kisses on the cheek, and praising their friendship. (With inputs from Reuters)

Why Trump got Macron's plant removed from White House grounds

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on a hastily-arranged visit to the Middle East as the United States aims to muster support for new sanctions against Iran.

The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers.

"We are urging nations around the world to sanction any individuals and entities associated with Iran's missile program, and it has also been a big part of discussions with Europeans," Brian Hook, a senior policy advisor travelling with Pompeo, told reporters.

Hook said a salvo of ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi movement that killed a man earlier on Saturday had been provided by Tehran.

"Iran's missiles prolong war and suffering in the Middle East, they threaten our security and economic interests and they especially threaten Saudi Arabia and Israel," he said.

The 2015 deal that limits Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief does not cover its missile programme.

Trump has called it the "worst deal ever" and threatened to re-impose sanctions unless Britain, France and Germany agree to fix it. Resuming sanctions would likely kill the deal.

Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday, Pompeo said Trump had not taken a decision on whether to abandon the deal but was not likely to stick to it without substantial changes.

"There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference.

Earlier this week French President Emmanuel Macron called on Trump not to abandon the deal, although he later acknowledged he thought he would pull out.

The Trump administration is also currently reviewing the U.S. role in fighting Islamic State in Syria’s seven-year conflict. Trump has called on Gulf countries to provide funding and troops to stabilize areas once controlled by the group in Syria.

Pompeo was one of the first Trump administration officials to visit Saudi Arabia early in his tenure as CIA director.

In Riyadh, Pompeo was greeted on the tarmac by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. He is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman during the visit.

The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday on a hastily-arranged visit to the Middle East as the United States aims to muster support for new sanctions against Iran. The visit to Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman just two days after Pompeo was sworn-in comes as President Donald Trump is set to decide whether to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that is still supported by European powers. "We are urging nations around the world to sanction any individuals and entities associated with Iran's missile program, and it has also been a big part of discussions with Europeans," Brian Hook, a senior policy advisor travelling with Pompeo, told reporters. Hook said a salvo of ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi movement that killed a man earlier on Saturday had been provided by Tehran. "Iran's missiles prolong war and suffering in the Middle East, they threaten our security and economic interests and they especially threaten Saudi Arabia and Israel," he said. The 2015 deal that limits Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief does not cover its missile programme. Trump has called it the "worst deal ever" and threatened to re-impose sanctions unless Britain, France and Germany agree to fix it. Resuming sanctions would likely kill the deal. Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Speaking after a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Friday, Pompeo said Trump had not taken a decision on whether to abandon the deal but was not likely to stick to it without substantial changes. "There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference. Earlier this week French President Emmanuel Macron called on Trump not to abandon the deal, although he later acknowledged he thought he would pull out. The Trump administration is also currently reviewing the U.S. role in fighting Islamic State in Syria’s seven-year conflict. Trump has called on Gulf countries to provide funding and troops to stabilize areas once controlled by the group in Syria. Pompeo was one of the first Trump administration officials to visit Saudi Arabia early in his tenure as CIA director. In Riyadh, Pompeo was greeted on the tarmac by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. He is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman during the visit.

Mike Pompeo starts Mideast tour with call for new Iran sanctions

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday.

May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said.

"They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said.&nbsp

This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran.&nbsp

Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa Ma's office said in a statement on Sundays

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have agreed the Iran nuclear deal is the best way of stopping Tehran from gaining nuclear weapons, British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement on Sunday. May had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel where they agreed the deal may need to be broadened to cover other areas such as ballistic missiles, what happens when the deal expires, and Iran's destabilising regional activity, the statement said. "They committed to continue working closely together and with the US&nbspon how to tackle the range of challenges that Iran poses – including those issues that a new deal might cover," the statement said. This comes as a deadline looms next month for President Donald Trump to decide on whether to restore US&nbspeconomic sanctions on Tehran. Trump has criticised a 2015 agreement which effectively lifted some Western sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Britain, France and Germany agree support for Iran nuclear deal

US President Donald on Saturday threatened to shut down the federal government in September if Congress did not provide more funding to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

"That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan.

"We come up again on September 28th and if we don't get border security we will have no choice, we will close down the country because we need border security."

Trump made a similar threat in March to push for changes in immigration law that he says would prevent criminals from entering the country. The government briefly shut down in January over immigration.

A $1.3 trillion spending bill, which Trump signed last month, will keep the government funded through the end of September. A government shutdown ahead of the November mid-elections is unlikely to be supported by his fellow Republicans who are keen to keep control of the US&nbsp;Congress.

Trump cited the hundreds of Central American migrants travelling in a "caravan" as one of the reasons for strong border security.

"Watch the caravan, watch how sad and terrible it is, including for those people and the crime that they inflict on themselves and that others inflict on them," said Trump.

"It's a horrible dangerous journey for them and they come up because they know once they can get here they can walk right into our country."

Migrants, who include women and children, have said they fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of death threats from gangs, the murder of family members or political persecution.

"That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan.

US President Donald on Saturday threatened to shut down the federal government in September if Congress did not provide more funding to build a wall on the border with Mexico. "That wall has started, we have 1.6 billion (dollars)," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "We come up again on September 28th and if we don't get border security we will have no choice, we will close down the country because we need border security." Trump made a similar threat in March to push for changes in immigration law that he says would prevent criminals from entering the country. The government briefly shut down in January over immigration. A $1.3 trillion spending bill, which Trump signed last month, will keep the government funded through the end of September. A government shutdown ahead of the November mid-elections is unlikely to be supported by his fellow Republicans who are keen to keep control of the US Congress. Trump cited the hundreds of Central American migrants travelling in a "caravan" as one of the reasons for strong border security. "Watch the caravan, watch how sad and terrible it is, including for those people and the crime that they inflict on themselves and that others inflict on them," said Trump. "It's a horrible dangerous journey for them and they come up because they know once they can get here they can walk right into our country." Migrants, who include women and children, have said they fled their homes in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras because of death threats from gangs, the murder of family members or political persecution.

Trump threatens government shutdown in September if no funding for wall

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/meeting-with-north-korea-could-happen-in-3-to-4-weeks-says-donald-trump-133505">Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks.

"I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-to-dismantle-its-nuclear-test-site-in-may-south-korea-133515">North Korea to dismantle its nuclear test site in May: South Korea</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during Friday's summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would close the country's nuclear test site next month, Moon's office said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-turkey-and-iran-need-to-help-clear-syria-of-terrorists---lavrov-133502">Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help clear Syria of terrorists: Russian Foreign Minister</a>

Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help Syria's government clear its country of terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday during a trilateral meeting in Moscow with his counterparts from Turkey and Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/her-order-violates-fundamental-rights-of-people-puducherry-cm-on-kiran-bedis-rice-subsidy-order-to-only-lean-villages-133512">Violates fundamental rights, says Puducherry CM after LG Kiran Bedi orders free rice only for 'clean villages'</a>

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi's order, stating that the free rice distribution scheme would be applicable to villages free from open defecation and garbage, sparked a controversy. Bedi had to face a wave of criticism over her remark. Chief Minister Velu Narayanasamy on Saturday also reacted saying that she had no idea about the implications of her order.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-will-return-to-my-devotees-after-getting-aides-out-asarams-audio-clip-from-jodhpur-prison-goes-viral-133514">I will return to my devotees after getting aides out: Asaram's audio clip from Jodhpur prison goes viral</a>

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who currently serves a life term in Jodhpur jail, was heard talking about his plan his to come out of jail in an online audio clip that went viral yesterday.

Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks. "I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." North Korea to dismantle its nuclear test site in May: South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during Friday's summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would close the country's nuclear test site next month, Moon's office said. Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help clear Syria of terrorists: Russian Foreign Minister Russia, Turkey and Iran need to help Syria's government clear its country of terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday during a trilateral meeting in Moscow with his counterparts from Turkey and Iran. Violates fundamental rights, says Puducherry CM after LG Kiran Bedi orders free rice only for 'clean villages' Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi's order, stating that the free rice distribution scheme would be applicable to villages free from open defecation and garbage, sparked a controversy. Bedi had to face a wave of criticism over her remark. Chief Minister Velu Narayanasamy on Saturday also reacted saying that she had no idea about the implications of her order. I will return to my devotees after getting aides out: Asaram's audio clip from Jodhpur prison goes viral Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who currently serves a life term in Jodhpur jail, was heard talking about his plan his to come out of jail in an online audio clip that went viral yesterday.

United State&nbsp;President Donald Trump snubbed&nbsp;White House Correspondents' Association Dinner once again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump left Washington, DC for a rally in Washington, Michigan on Saturday, the same night of the night of the dinner.&nbsp;

The US President is set to participate in the rally being held at Total Sports Park in Washington, Michigan about 40 miles north of Detroit.

"Look forward to being in the Great State of Michigan tonight. Major business expansion and jobs pouring into your State. Auto companies expanding at a record pace. Big crowd tonight, will be live on T.V," Trump tweeted.

Trump, last year, became the first president to skip the event since Ronald Reagan in 1981; Reagan was recovering from an assassination bid. Even then, Reagan called in to make a few jokes.

The dinner is also referred to as "nerd prom," amasses journalists and government officials to celebrate the First Amendment, CNN reported.

According to the reports, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said President Trump encouraged his staff to attend this year`s bash.

"The president encouraged his staff and all of us to attend and so we did, and we felt like it was important for us to come out and be here," Sanders told CNN.

The annual White House Correspondents` Dinner is known for being an A-list extravaganza, with exclusive parties hosted all weekend across the city.Trump often uses the word "fake" to describe media, which is critical of him.

Trump, who has feuded with several media personalities and organizations, is not attending the annual black-tie dinner for the second straight year.

Last year, Trump was the first US&nbsp;president to skip the event in 36 years, according to news agency Reuters.

Most officials in his administration also snubbed the dinner.

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Look forward to being in the Great State of Michigan tonight. Major business expansion and jobs pouring into your State. Auto companies expanding at record pace. Big crowd tonight, will be live on T.V.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/990227703575056384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Last year, Trump was the first US president to skip the event in 36 years.

United State President Donald Trump snubbed White House Correspondents' Association Dinner once again. Trump left Washington, DC for a rally in Washington, Michigan on Saturday, the same night of the night of the dinner. The US President is set to participate in the rally being held at Total Sports Park in Washington, Michigan about 40 miles north of Detroit. "Look forward to being in the Great State of Michigan tonight. Major business expansion and jobs pouring into your State. Auto companies expanding at a record pace. Big crowd tonight, will be live on T.V," Trump tweeted. Trump, last year, became the first president to skip the event since Ronald Reagan in 1981; Reagan was recovering from an assassination bid. Even then, Reagan called in to make a few jokes. The dinner is also referred to as "nerd prom," amasses journalists and government officials to celebrate the First Amendment, CNN reported. According to the reports, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said President Trump encouraged his staff to attend this year`s bash. "The president encouraged his staff and all of us to attend and so we did, and we felt like it was important for us to come out and be here," Sanders told CNN. The annual White House Correspondents` Dinner is known for being an A-list extravaganza, with exclusive parties hosted all weekend across the city.Trump often uses the word "fake" to describe media, which is critical of him. Trump, who has feuded with several media personalities and organizations, is not attending the annual black-tie dinner for the second straight year. Last year, Trump was the first US president to skip the event in 36 years, according to news agency Reuters. Most officials in his administration also snubbed the dinner. Look forward to being in the Great State of Michigan tonight. Major business expansion and jobs pouring into your State. Auto companies expanding at record pace. Big crowd tonight, will be live on T.V. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 ×

Trump snubs White House correspondents dinner yet again

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks.

"I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set."

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/990225456233316354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations.

The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization."

The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens."

A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit.

Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together.

"I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea."

Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US&nbsp;had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

"What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said.

Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations.

"Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media.

"The US&nbsp;government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added.

An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal.

"The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Trump will be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the summit

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks. "I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set." Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations. The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization." The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens." A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit. Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together. "I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea." Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula. "What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said. Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations. "Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media. "The US government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added. An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal. "The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Saturday informed about his conversation with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the recent development on the Korean Peninsula.

The historic meeting between Moon and North Korean leaders Kim Jong-Un on Friday culminated in a mutual promise to promote peace on the Korean peninsula and take immediate measures to initiate denuclearisation.&nbsp;

Trump took to Twitter saying that he had a "very good talk" with President Moon. He also noted that the time and the location for his upcoming meeting with Kim Jon-Un have also been decided.&nbsp;

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/990225456233316354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea are being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations," read Trump's tweet.

US President Donald Trump had a busy week meeting French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

In a press conference with Merkel on Friday, Trump noted having a "very good working relationship" with Kim Jong-Un and that he thinks that "some very good things can happen" with North Korea.&nbsp;

Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June.&nbsp;

Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June

US President Donald Trump on Saturday informed about his conversation with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regarding the recent development on the Korean Peninsula. The historic meeting between Moon and North Korean leaders Kim Jong-Un on Friday culminated in a mutual promise to promote peace on the Korean peninsula and take immediate measures to initiate denuclearisation. Trump took to Twitter saying that he had a "very good talk" with President Moon. He also noted that the time and the location for his upcoming meeting with Kim Jon-Un have also been decided. Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × "Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea are being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations," read Trump's tweet. US President Donald Trump had a busy week meeting French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In a press conference with Merkel on Friday, Trump noted having a "very good working relationship" with Kim Jong-Un and that he thinks that "some very good things can happen" with North Korea. Trump is expected to meet the North Korean leader in May-June.

Trump has 'very good talk' with Moon, Abe over Korean Peninsula

Comedian Michelle Wolf roasted US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and members of his administration with an arsenal of controversial jokes on Saturday during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Trump, who has consistently feuded with several media personalities and organizations, did not attend the White House Correspondents' Association annual black-tie dinner for the second straight year. He instead opted to hold a rally in Washington, Michigan.

Unlike in years past, there were no A-list Hollywood celebrities at the dinner. Notable guests this year included porn star Stormy Daniel's lawyer, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and ex-reality show star and White House employee Omarosa Manigault Newman.

Wolf slammed White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. She also criticized Trump for his proposal to arm teachers in the classroom and garnered groans from the audience for her remarks on abortion.

"Like a porn star says when she's about to have sex with a Trump, let's get this over with," the event's entertainment host, Michelle Wolf, said as she began her presentation.

The comedian then unleashed a volley of often vulgar jokes than included nasty personal putdowns.

She was especially hard on women in Trump's sphere: Wolf compared the president's daughter Ivanka to a diaper pail -- shiny on the outside and full of feces -- and said that adviser Kellyanne Conway has "the perfect last name" because "all she does is lie." Wolf's description of White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was so nasty that the crowd audibly groaned.

Trump last attended the dinner in 2011 as a guest, when he was a reality TV star. Barack Obama famously mocked him for renewing the "birther" conspiracy about the nation's first black president.

"No one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald," Obama quipped, as Trump scowled in his seat.

"And that's because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter, like, did we fake the moon landing?"

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump, who has consistently feuded with several media personalities and organizations, did not attend the dinner for the second straight year

Comedian Michelle Wolf roasted US President Donald Trump and members of his administration with an arsenal of controversial jokes on Saturday during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Trump, who has consistently feuded with several media personalities and organizations, did not attend the White House Correspondents' Association annual black-tie dinner for the second straight year. He instead opted to hold a rally in Washington, Michigan. Unlike in years past, there were no A-list Hollywood celebrities at the dinner. Notable guests this year included porn star Stormy Daniel's lawyer, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, and ex-reality show star and White House employee Omarosa Manigault Newman. Wolf slammed White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. She also criticized Trump for his proposal to arm teachers in the classroom and garnered groans from the audience for her remarks on abortion. "Like a porn star says when she's about to have sex with a Trump, let's get this over with," the event's entertainment host, Michelle Wolf, said as she began her presentation. The comedian then unleashed a volley of often vulgar jokes than included nasty personal putdowns. She was especially hard on women in Trump's sphere: Wolf compared the president's daughter Ivanka to a diaper pail -- shiny on the outside and full of feces -- and said that adviser Kellyanne Conway has "the perfect last name" because "all she does is lie." Wolf's description of White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was so nasty that the crowd audibly groaned. Trump last attended the dinner in 2011 as a guest, when he was a reality TV star. Barack Obama famously mocked him for renewing the "birther" conspiracy about the nation's first black president. "No one is prouder to put this birth certificate matter to rest than The Donald," Obama quipped, as Trump scowled in his seat. "And that's because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter, like, did we fake the moon landing?"

Comedian Michelle Wolf roasts Trump administration during annual press dinner

US President Donald Trump on Friday hoped that the Korean peninsula will witness peace someday. As Trump spoke to US athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics in South Korea he expressed hope that both sides "can someday live in harmony, prosperity and peace".

"It looks like it could happen," he added. "When I began, people were saying that was an impossibility. They said there were two alternatives: Let them have what they have or go to war. And now we have a much better alternative than anybody thought even possible."

Donald Trump also said that he would be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in May or June with an aim to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.&nbsp

On Friday, Donald Trump took to Twitter and welcomed the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.&nbsp

In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks.

"KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States and all of its GREAT people should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter.

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KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989820401596366849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added.

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After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989816772713906177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

Donald Trump also said that he would be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in May or June

US President Donald Trump on Friday hoped that the Korean peninsula will witness peace someday. As Trump spoke to US athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics in South Korea he expressed hope that both sides "can someday live in harmony, prosperity and peace". "It looks like it could happen," he added. "When I began, people were saying that was an impossibility. They said there were two alternatives: Let them have what they have or go to war. And now we have a much better alternative than anybody thought even possible." Donald Trump also said that he would be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in May or June with an aim to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. On Friday, Donald Trump took to Twitter and welcomed the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks. "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States and all of its GREAT people should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter. KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × "Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added. After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Looks like it could happen': Trump hopes for peace on Korean peninsula

California judge James Otero temporarily put on hold pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen's for 90 days.&nbsp;

The move comes after Cohen's house was raided by the FBI following which he argued that his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination may be jeopardized if the proceedings weren't delayed.

The FBI procured&nbsp;records related to Daniels after raiding Cohen's hotel room, home and office earlier this month.

Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, now plans to file an appeal against the delay.

"While we certainly respect Judge Otero's 90-day stay order based on Mr Cohen's pleading of the 5th, we do not agree with it. We will likely be filing an immediate appeal to the Ninth Circuit early next week. Justice delayed is justice denied," Avenatti wrote on Twitter.

The lawsuit will now be heard on July 27.

Daniels emerges at the centre of a controversy that involves US President Donald Trump. She publicly claimed a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, however, Trump and his administration have repeatedly rubbished relations with the porn star.

Daniels also claimed Cohen orchestrated a payment to keep her quiet during the election. Daniels and Trump have been locked in a legal battle earlier this month. Daniels seeks to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she and Cohen had signed more than a decade ago. Daniels, in her lawsuit, asks whether the hush agreement was legal, and is looking at whether Trump consented to it. She maintains that the deal is not valid because the US President "never signed it himself".

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, now plans to file an appeal against the delay

California judge James Otero temporarily put on hold pornstar Stormy Daniels' lawsuit against US President Donald Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen's for 90 days. The move comes after Cohen's house was raided by the FBI following which he argued that his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination may be jeopardized if the proceedings weren't delayed. The FBI procured records related to Daniels after raiding Cohen's hotel room, home and office earlier this month. Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, now plans to file an appeal against the delay. "While we certainly respect Judge Otero's 90-day stay order based on Mr Cohen's pleading of the 5th, we do not agree with it. We will likely be filing an immediate appeal to the Ninth Circuit early next week. Justice delayed is justice denied," Avenatti wrote on Twitter. The lawsuit will now be heard on July 27. Daniels emerges at the centre of a controversy that involves US President Donald Trump. She publicly claimed a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump, however, Trump and his administration have repeatedly rubbished relations with the porn star. Daniels also claimed Cohen orchestrated a payment to keep her quiet during the election. Daniels and Trump have been locked in a legal battle earlier this month. Daniels seeks to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she and Cohen had signed more than a decade ago. Daniels, in her lawsuit, asks whether the hush agreement was legal, and is looking at whether Trump consented to it. She maintains that the deal is not valid because the US President "never signed it himself". (With inputs from agencies)

Stormy Daniels' lawsuit against Trump's lawyer put on hold for 90 days

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump hailed the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday, even while sounding a note of caution.

Kim and Moon pledged to work toward the "complete decentralization of the Korean peninsula," and to seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement.

In a series of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic about the outcome of the summit. The US&nbsp;president is planning his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks, in what would be the first-ever meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries.

"After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he said on Twitter, early on Friday morning in Washington.

He later added: "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!"

The first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade took place just months after a surge in tensions between the United States and North Korea, as Trump and Kim exchanged threats and personal insults and Pyongyang made rapid advances in pursuit of nuclear-armed missiles capable of hitting the United States.

In a television interview on Thursday, Trump acknowledged the angry exchanges, including his dubbing of Kim as "Little Rocket Man" and a boast about the size of his nuclear button, as well as the concerns of critics at home and abroad who had accused him of fanning flames.

"Look, it was very, very nasty with Little Rocket Man and with the buttons -- and, you know, my button's bigger than -- everybody said this guy's going to get us into nuclear war," he told Fox News Channel. "The nuclear war would have happened if you had weak people."

Trump has long called on China to use its leverage as North Korea's largest trading partner and sole ally to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions, sometimes expressing disappointment with Beijing.

In another tweet on Friday, Trump credited Chinese President Xi Jinping for his help, saying: "Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!"

Trump has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon beforehand.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Friday that Trump could still abandon negotiations with North Korea.

"It's this president who has said he is willing to come to the table but he always has an exit strategy. If it's not working for the American people, if it's not working for diplomatic purposes, then he can just walk away," she said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Trump has long called on China to use its leverage as North Korea's largest trading partner and sole ally to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions

US President Donald Trump hailed the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday, even while sounding a note of caution. Kim and Moon pledged to work toward the "complete decentralization of the Korean peninsula," and to seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement. In a series of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic about the outcome of the summit. The US president is planning his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks, in what would be the first-ever meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. "After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he said on Twitter, early on Friday morning in Washington. He later added: "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" The first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade took place just months after a surge in tensions between the United States and North Korea, as Trump and Kim exchanged threats and personal insults and Pyongyang made rapid advances in pursuit of nuclear-armed missiles capable of hitting the United States. In a television interview on Thursday, Trump acknowledged the angry exchanges, including his dubbing of Kim as "Little Rocket Man" and a boast about the size of his nuclear button, as well as the concerns of critics at home and abroad who had accused him of fanning flames. "Look, it was very, very nasty with Little Rocket Man and with the buttons -- and, you know, my button's bigger than -- everybody said this guy's going to get us into nuclear war," he told Fox News Channel. "The nuclear war would have happened if you had weak people." Trump has long called on China to use its leverage as North Korea's largest trading partner and sole ally to rein in Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions, sometimes expressing disappointment with Beijing. In another tweet on Friday, Trump credited Chinese President Xi Jinping for his help, saying: "Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!" Trump has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon beforehand. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Friday that Trump could still abandon negotiations with North Korea. "It's this president who has said he is willing to come to the table but he always has an exit strategy. If it's not working for the American people, if it's not working for diplomatic purposes, then he can just walk away," she said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Trump welcomes historic North, South Korea meeting

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India the national security waiver, saying imposing sanctions on it under a newly-enacted law for buying the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia would only hit the US.

During a Congressional hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mattis told American lawmakers that the national security waiver should be urgently provided to India and other countries which are trying to turn away from formerly Russian-sourced weapons to avoid sanctions under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

CAATSA, which was signed into law in August 2017 and went into effect in January this year, mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in a significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia.

India is currently in an advance stage of negotiations with Russia for five S-400 system worth an estimated USD 4.5 billion.

The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The S-400 missile system can fire three types of missiles and simultaneously engage 36 targets, thereby creating a layered defence.

Unlike other legislations, there is no national security interest waiver under CAATSA. And imposing sanctions on countries like India would only hit the United States, Mattis said.

"There is no national security waiver to what is referred to as the CAATSA Act, the specific act that says that, if another nation buys military equipment from Russia, then we will not sell them ours," Mattis told lawmakers.&nbsp;

"There are nations in the world which are trying to turn away from formerly Russian-sourced weapons and systems like this. We only need to look at India, Vietnam and some others to recognise that, eventually, we're going to paralyse ourselves,"&nbsp;he said.

"So what we ask for is that the Senate and the House pass a national security waiver in the hand of the secretary of state -- I'm not asking for myself. Foreign policy is driven from Foggy Bottom. So, if he has the waiver authority and I can go to him and show it's in our best interest, then we get an internal management of this process, but it keeps us from being boxed in by the Russians,"&nbsp;Mattis said.

The Defence Secretary was responding to a question from Senator Jack Reed on Russia sanctions. "In the wake of the annexation of Crimea and the activity in Ukraine, Congress, in the 2015 NDAA, prohibited bilateral military-military cooperation with Russia, which, at the time, seemed to make perfectly good sense,"&nbsp;he said.

"At this moment, when we're in a very challenging situation in many areas of the world, would it make sense to review those provisions and give you more flexibility in ways in which you could conduct military-to-military dialogue with Russia in certain situations?"&nbsp;Reed asked.

The CAATSA issue was also raised by Senator Tom Cotton. "You mentioned two specific countries, India and Vietnam, that have legacy Russian systems. They might face real challenges going cold turkey, so to speak, under CAATSA,"&nbsp;he said.

"So, you're suggesting the national security waiver as a way that this Congress can empower soon-to-be-Secretary Pompeo to address the concerns that you have with those two countries, is that right?"&nbsp;Cotton asked.

"That's correct. And there's other countries. Indonesia, for example is in the same situation, trying to shift to more of our airplanes, our systems. But they've got to do something to keep their legacy military going,"&nbsp;Mattis said.

Over the past several weeks, the Pentagon, lawmakers and experts have raised concerns over CAATSA legislation. Top American lawmakers and experts have warned that imposition of sanctions on India under a newly-enacted law if it buys the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia could be disastrous for the Indo-US ties.

At an event on the Capitol Hill, experts and lawmakers yesterday warned that any imposition of sanctions on India, which is now a major defence partner, could be disastrous for the bilateral relationship and as such there is an urgent need to prevent that from happening.

"CAATSA sanctions would damage US-India relationship, warned Keith Webster," who represented Pentagon in the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) in the previous Obama Administration.&nbsp;

He is currently president of the defence and aerospace export council US Chamber of Commerce.

"I do think, it (CAATSA) is a serious issue that needs to be dealt. There needs to be a dialogue between the US and India. Our goal is not to sanction India," Congressman Joe Crowley, House Democratic Caucus Chairman, said at the US-India Friendship event."&nbsp;

India is currently in an advance stage of negotiations with Russia for five S-400 system worth an estimated USD 4.5 billion.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India the national security waiver, saying imposing sanctions on it under a newly-enacted law for buying the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia would only hit the US. During a Congressional hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mattis told American lawmakers that the national security waiver should be urgently provided to India and other countries which are trying to turn away from formerly Russian-sourced weapons to avoid sanctions under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). CAATSA, which was signed into law in August 2017 and went into effect in January this year, mandates the Trump administration to punish entities engaging in a significant transaction with the defence or intelligence sectors of Russia. India is currently in an advance stage of negotiations with Russia for five S-400 system worth an estimated USD 4.5 billion. The S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The S-400 missile system can fire three types of missiles and simultaneously engage 36 targets, thereby creating a layered defence. Unlike other legislations, there is no national security interest waiver under CAATSA. And imposing sanctions on countries like India would only hit the United States, Mattis said. "There is no national security waiver to what is referred to as the CAATSA Act, the specific act that says that, if another nation buys military equipment from Russia, then we will not sell them ours," Mattis told lawmakers. "There are nations in the world which are trying to turn away from formerly Russian-sourced weapons and systems like this. We only need to look at India, Vietnam and some others to recognise that, eventually, we're going to paralyse ourselves," he said. "So what we ask for is that the Senate and the House pass a national security waiver in the hand of the secretary of state -- I'm not asking for myself. Foreign policy is driven from Foggy Bottom. So, if he has the waiver authority and I can go to him and show it's in our best interest, then we get an internal management of this process, but it keeps us from being boxed in by the Russians," Mattis said. The Defence Secretary was responding to a question from Senator Jack Reed on Russia sanctions. "In the wake of the annexation of Crimea and the activity in Ukraine, Congress, in the 2015 NDAA, prohibited bilateral military-military cooperation with Russia, which, at the time, seemed to make perfectly good sense," he said. "At this moment, when we're in a very challenging situation in many areas of the world, would it make sense to review those provisions and give you more flexibility in ways in which you could conduct military-to-military dialogue with Russia in certain situations?" Reed asked. The CAATSA issue was also raised by Senator Tom Cotton. "You mentioned two specific countries, India and Vietnam, that have legacy Russian systems. They might face real challenges going cold turkey, so to speak, under CAATSA," he said. "So, you're suggesting the national security waiver as a way that this Congress can empower soon-to-be-Secretary Pompeo to address the concerns that you have with those two countries, is that right?" Cotton asked. "That's correct. And there's other countries. Indonesia, for example is in the same situation, trying to shift to more of our airplanes, our systems. But they've got to do something to keep their legacy military going," Mattis said. Over the past several weeks, the Pentagon, lawmakers and experts have raised concerns over CAATSA legislation. Top American lawmakers and experts have warned that imposition of sanctions on India under a newly-enacted law if it buys the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia could be disastrous for the Indo-US ties. At an event on the Capitol Hill, experts and lawmakers yesterday warned that any imposition of sanctions on India, which is now a major defence partner, could be disastrous for the bilateral relationship and as such there is an urgent need to prevent that from happening. "CAATSA sanctions would damage US-India relationship, warned Keith Webster," who represented Pentagon in the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) in the previous Obama Administration. He is currently president of the defence and aerospace export council US Chamber of Commerce. "I do think, it (CAATSA) is a serious issue that needs to be dealt. There needs to be a dialogue between the US and India. Our goal is not to sanction India," Congressman Joe Crowley, House Democratic Caucus Chairman, said at the US-India Friendship event."

Imposing sanctions on India over defence deal with Russia will hit US: Jim Mattis

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies.

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&nbsp;

With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations.

"We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles.

Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue.

Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements.

Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly.

"We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said.

After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House.

"We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman."

Many differences

Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington.

The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron.

Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States.

On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary."&nbsp;

Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit.

On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact.&nbsp;

Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump`s hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump aired differences over trade and NATO on Friday at a White House meeting where they tried to put on a show of warmth and friendship despite tensions between the two allies. × With Trump poised to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium soon that will impact European exports, Merkel said the decision is now in Trump's hands on whether to grant exemptions to European Union nations. "We had an exchange of views. The decision lies with the president," Merkel told a joint press conference after Trump complained about the US-European trade imbalance, particularly in regards to automobiles. Merkel's quick trip came the same week as a three-day state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, like Merkel, pressed Trump on trade and urged him to keep the United States in a multi-national nuclear deal with Iran. Neither leader appeared to make significant progress convincing Trump on either issue. Merkel said she could see negotiating a bilateral trade deal between the EU and the United States, saying the World Trade Organization has been unable to deliver multilateral agreements. Trump said he wanted a "reciprocal" trade relationship with Germany and other European nations and wanted Germany and other NATO allies to pay more for their common defence, an issue he has raised repeatedly. "We need a reciprocal relationship, which we don't have... We're working on it and we want to make it more fair and the chancellor wants to make it more fair," Trump said. After their last White House meeting drew attention when the two leaders did not shake hands in the Oval Office, Trump made a point of doing just that, twice, while congratulating the German chancellor on her recent election win. They exchanged kisses on the cheek when she first arrived at the White House. "We have a really great relationship, and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning, but some people didn't understand that," Trump said in the Oval Office, calling Merkel a "very extraordinary woman." Many differences Merkel acknowledged that it took a while to form a government after heavy election losses to the far-right, but she said it was important to her to make her first trip out of Europe since establishing her administration to Washington. The cautious Merkel has not established a particularly strong personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood of her one-day working visit contrasted sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron. Chemistry aside, Merkel was careful to praise Trump`s progress on North Korea while addressing some of his concerns point by point on defence spending, which she said Berlin was increasing, and German cars, many of which she noted were produced in the United States. On the Iran nuclear deal, Merkel said it was a first step that had helped reduce nuclear activities and better monitor them but added: "We Germans think it’s not enough to really ensure Iran takes on a role founded in reliability so more is necessary." Macron made the European position on the Iran nuclear deal clear ahead of Merkel's visit. On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. Trump will decide by May 12 whether to revive US sanctions on Iran. Doing so would be a serious blow to the nuclear deal, which many Western countries sees as essential for stopping Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.

Despite warmth, Merkel and Trump still differ on trade and NATO

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned that the world is heading toward a pandemic and the Trump administration is not doing anything substantial to save the nation or the world from it.&nbsp;

Gates this week, in an interview to a leading American publication, noted that he has been raising the issue with the US President ever since he was elected to power.

Gates noted having repeatedly raised the issue and emphasizing the importance of US funding for advanced healthcare research.

Gates repeated efforts prompted Donald Trump to welcome him to reach out to various top healthcare officials and institutes in the country including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others.&nbsp;

After numerous meetings, Gates still thought that there was the need to push the envelope further and initiate more work on developing new therapeutics and drugs.&nbsp;

Time and again, Bill and Melinda Gates have talked about a global pandemic in the offing, something so deadly that can be the greatest threat to humanity.&nbsp;

In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits on with the availability of scientific expertise and premier institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).&nbsp;

In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates warned that the world is heading toward a pandemic and the Trump administration is not doing anything substantial to save the nation or the world from it. Gates this week, in an interview to a leading American publication, noted that he has been raising the issue with the US President ever since he was elected to power. Gates noted having repeatedly raised the issue and emphasizing the importance of US funding for advanced healthcare research. Gates repeated efforts prompted Donald Trump to welcome him to reach out to various top healthcare officials and institutes in the country including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others. After numerous meetings, Gates still thought that there was the need to push the envelope further and initiate more work on developing new therapeutics and drugs. Time and again, Bill and Melinda Gates have talked about a global pandemic in the offing, something so deadly that can be the greatest threat to humanity. In the wake of antibiotic resistance and a constant birth of new pathogens, Gates stressed the need for the Trump administration to identify the healthcare arsenal that the country sits on with the availability of scientific expertise and premier institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Bill Gates wants Trump administration to brace for global pandemic

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the United States will have many agendas, some of which will certainly include achieving smoothened ties with her American counterpart and saving the JCPOA. The German foreign ministry once noted that "the biggest priority is maintaining the nuclear accord".

Merkel's US visit closely follows Macron's three-day-long engagement with Donald Trump.&nbsp;

While Merkel identifies Iran's ballistic missile program a "cause for concern" and the deal as something extremely significant, Trump rubbishes the same as "insane" and the "worst deal ever".

Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump on Tuesday in Washington, Macron said that the current Iran nuclear deal was not "sufficient" and a new pact should be worked out. Macron came away from his meetings speculating that Trump would kill the deal, but debate continues to rage.

Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations."

"Because this (the current Iran nuclear deal) (is) a deal with decayed foundations. It`s a bad deal. It`s a bad structure. It`s falling down. Should have never, ever been made," Trump noted.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wNkXrRf2VKM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending.

This time around, the German agenda is likely to push Trump to reconsider metal tariffs besides, his 'protectionist'&nbsp;trade policy and the impulse to scrap the Iran nuclear deal.

US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Thursday said Washington was yet to make "any decision" on tearing up the deal but stressed that some aspects needed to be improved.&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Tuesday communicated that the country would consider withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Washington tries to scraps the nuke deal.

Merkel is known to have enjoyed better relationships with Trump's predecessors Barack Obama and George Bush. Despite this, she has been vocal about strengthening the strategic alliance between Germany and America.

The Merkel-Trump engagement is certain to spark off disagreements, especially when Germany is definite to bring up trade war and the Iran nuke deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to the United States will have many agendas, some of which will certainly include achieving smoothened ties with her American counterpart and saving the JCPOA. The German foreign ministry once noted that "the biggest priority is maintaining the nuclear accord". Merkel's US visit closely follows Macron's three-day-long engagement with Donald Trump. While Merkel identifies Iran's ballistic missile program a "cause for concern" and the deal as something extremely significant, Trump rubbishes the same as "insane" and the "worst deal ever". Speaking at a joint press conference with Trump on Tuesday in Washington, Macron said that the current Iran nuclear deal was not "sufficient" and a new pact should be worked out. Macron came away from his meetings speculating that Trump would kill the deal, but debate continues to rage. Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations." "Because this (the current Iran nuclear deal) (is) a deal with decayed foundations. It`s a bad deal. It`s a bad structure. It`s falling down. Should have never, ever been made," Trump noted. In her previous interactions with Donald Trump, Merkel had raised issues related to trade policy, migration and defence spending. This time around, the German agenda is likely to push Trump to reconsider metal tariffs besides, his 'protectionist' trade policy and the impulse to scrap the Iran nuclear deal. US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis on Thursday said Washington was yet to make "any decision" on tearing up the deal but stressed that some aspects needed to be improved. Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Tuesday communicated that the country would consider withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Washington tries to scraps the nuke deal. Merkel is known to have enjoyed better relationships with Trump's predecessors Barack Obama and George Bush. Despite this, she has been vocal about strengthening the strategic alliance between Germany and America. The Merkel-Trump engagement is certain to spark off disagreements, especially when Germany is definite to bring up trade war and the Iran nuke deal.

Merkel's agenda in Washington, 'saving' Iran nuke deal and stalling trade wars

&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues.

"I know we're going to have a very good discussion on Iran," Trump told reporters, adding that he did not know whether they would come to any agreement.

Trump also sought to counter the notion of of any tension between him and the German leader.

"We have a really great relationship and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning but some people didn't understand that," Trump said.

During his campaign, Trump criticized Merkel repeatedly, particularly over her decision to allow Syrian refugees into Germany. He also criticized Time Magazine for naming Merkel their 'person of the year' in 2015.

Trump also discussed his upcoming meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong, and said that they were considering two or three possible sites. He added that he would not be "played" by his North Korean counterpart.

US President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues

US President Donald Trump said he would discuss the Iran nuclear accord with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their White House meeting on Friday (April 27), as well as trade and other issues. "I know we're going to have a very good discussion on Iran," Trump told reporters, adding that he did not know whether they would come to any agreement. Trump also sought to counter the notion of of any tension between him and the German leader. "We have a really great relationship and we actually have had a great relationship right from the beginning but some people didn't understand that," Trump said. During his campaign, Trump criticized Merkel repeatedly, particularly over her decision to allow Syrian refugees into Germany. He also criticized Time Magazine for naming Merkel their 'person of the year' in 2015. Trump also discussed his upcoming meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong, and said that they were considering two or three possible sites. He added that he would not be "played" by his North Korean counterpart.

We have a really great relationship: Trump on Merkel

New US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes.

"There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference after a NATO meeting of foreign ministers.&nbsp

"Absent a substantial fix, absent overcoming the flaws of the deal, he is unlikely to stay in that deal," Pompeo said.

New US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes

New US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo said President Donald Trump has not taken a decision on whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal but was not likely to keep to it without substantial changes. "There's been no decision, so the team is working and I am sure we will have lots of conversations to deliver what the president has made clear," Pompeo told a news conference after a NATO meeting of foreign ministers. "Absent a substantial fix, absent overcoming the flaws of the deal, he is unlikely to stay in that deal," Pompeo said.

No Trump decision on Iran nuclear deal yet: Mike Pompeo

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation afforded to nationals of countries experiencing humanitarian crisis such as violent conflict, environmental disasters, earthquake or epidemics that would prevent nationals from returning safely.

This decision affects 8,950 people, 85 per cent of whom live in New York.

All of these people from Nepal would have to go back to Nepal or face deportation.

However, to allow for an orderly transition, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M Nielsen has determined to delay the termination for 12 months.

The designation will now terminate on June 24, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security said.

The decision to terminate TPS for Nepal was made after a review of the environmental disaster-related conditions upon which the country's original designation was based and an assessment of whether those originating conditions continue to exist as required by statute.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition

The Trump administration has decided to terminate the temporary protection status for nearly 9,000 Nepalese immigrants with authorities asking them to leave or find another way to stay in the US to allow for an orderly transition. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation afforded to nationals of countries experiencing humanitarian crisis such as violent conflict, environmental disasters, earthquake or epidemics that would prevent nationals from returning safely. This decision affects 8,950 people, 85 per cent of whom live in New York. All of these people from Nepal would have to go back to Nepal or face deportation. However, to allow for an orderly transition, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M Nielsen has determined to delay the termination for 12 months. The designation will now terminate on June 24, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security said. The decision to terminate TPS for Nepal was made after a review of the environmental disaster-related conditions upon which the country's original designation was based and an assessment of whether those originating conditions continue to exist as required by statute.

Trump administration ends protected status for 9,000 Nepalese immigrants

US President Donald Trump will travel to Britain in July for a working visit with Prime Minister Theresa May, after months of back-and-forth over when the US president would visit what traditionally has been the United States' closest ally.

Representatives for the White House and 10 Downing Street said Trump would visit the United Kingdom on July 13 and hold bilateral talks with May but gave no other details.

It was also not immediately clear how long Trump would stay on his visit, which would come more than a year after taking office.

The delay has raised questions about the US-UK relationship, and the working visit signals a more low-key affair than an official state visit.

Trump had planned a trip to London to open a new US embassy there but canceled in January.

Many Britons have vowed to stage protests if Trump visits.

Representatives for the White House and 10 Downing Street said Trump would visit the United Kingdom on July 13 and hold bilateral talks with May but gave no other details

US President Donald Trump will travel to Britain in July for a working visit with Prime Minister Theresa May, after months of back-and-forth over when the US president would visit what traditionally has been the United States' closest ally. Representatives for the White House and 10 Downing Street said Trump would visit the United Kingdom on July 13 and hold bilateral talks with May but gave no other details. It was also not immediately clear how long Trump would stay on his visit, which would come more than a year after taking office. The delay has raised questions about the US-UK relationship, and the working visit signals a more low-key affair than an official state visit. Trump had planned a trip to London to open a new US embassy there but canceled in January. Many Britons have vowed to stage protests if Trump visits.

Trump to visit Britain, hold talks with UK's May July 13

Germany's Angela Merkel visits U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday with no illusions of matching his "special relationship" with France's Emmanuel Macron, but hoping to foster a broader dialogue on trade - one of a batch of tricky topics likely to be addressed.

The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood music of her one-day working visit to the White House will almost certainly contrast sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron.

Yet her trip may prove more productive. Before heading home after a three-day state visit in Washington, Macron acknowledged that, despite his efforts to dissuade Trump from pulling out of the multinational Iran nuclear deal, he remained likely to do so.

The Iran deal, looming U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products, a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany, and Berlin's military spending are issues that divide Merkel and Trump and likely to come up at their working lunch.

"The chancellor is pleased about this appointment because she is a convinced Atlanticist," a senior German official said. "It is important to cultivate this relationship."

In Washington, a White House official described Germany as one of the United States' closest partners and a steadfast NATO ally, adding: "All of Washington is ready to work with Chancellor Merkel's new government."

Ahead of the trip, German officials said they expected U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, when an exemption expires. But they said Germany would try to negotiate a broad package including other industries.

"I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," one official added.

In Washington, a White House official said the United States would press Germany about trade deficits that "pose risks to global economic stability", and "would like to remove barriers ... to trade so that we can level the playing field".

"We want to work with Berlin on global unfair trading practices because those are impacting our economies in equal measure," he said.

BURDEN-SHARING

The White House official said Trump would press Merkel to increase Germany's funding for NATO, a subject he has pushed since taking office.

"We will ask Germany to step up on burden-sharing," the official said, adding that NATO needed to be strong and prepared to address a host of major foreign policy issues including Syria, Iran, China and Russia.

In Berlin, the German officials made clear that Merkel was not ready to roll over when faced with Trump's criticism of Germany's trade position or the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

"Our analysis is ... that (the pipeline) does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the officials said.

EU countries are divided on the merits of Nord Stream 2. Trump could seize on this, as well as Germany's slow progress in moving closer to the NATO defence spending target.

On Iran, Macron made the running ahead of Merkel's visit.

On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. This gives Merkel something to work with.

"How harshly the whole thing will unfold might depend on to what extent Merkel can steer the conversation in the direction of trade and Iran," Jan Techau, a director at The German Marshall Fund of the United States.

"Those are the fields in which her position is stronger because the Europeans are united and Macron has done the prep work."

The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump

Germany's Angela Merkel visits U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday with no illusions of matching his "special relationship" with France's Emmanuel Macron, but hoping to foster a broader dialogue on trade - one of a batch of tricky topics likely to be addressed. The cautious Merkel has failed to establish a good personal rapport with the brash Trump, and the mood music of her one-day working visit to the White House will almost certainly contrast sharply with the tactile "bromance" between Trump and Macron. Yet her trip may prove more productive. Before heading home after a three-day state visit in Washington, Macron acknowledged that, despite his efforts to dissuade Trump from pulling out of the multinational Iran nuclear deal, he remained likely to do so. The Iran deal, looming U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products, a planned Russian gas pipeline running under the Baltic Sea to Germany, and Berlin's military spending are issues that divide Merkel and Trump and likely to come up at their working lunch. "The chancellor is pleased about this appointment because she is a convinced Atlanticist," a senior German official said. "It is important to cultivate this relationship." In Washington, a White House official described Germany as one of the United States' closest partners and a steadfast NATO ally, adding: "All of Washington is ready to work with Chancellor Merkel's new government." Ahead of the trip, German officials said they expected U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminium products to kick in on May 1, when an exemption expires. But they said Germany would try to negotiate a broad package including other industries. "I think the chancellor would prefer a broad dialogue with the Americans. The government is open to extending the package to other duties and trade barriers," one official added. In Washington, a White House official said the United States would press Germany about trade deficits that "pose risks to global economic stability", and "would like to remove barriers ... to trade so that we can level the playing field". "We want to work with Berlin on global unfair trading practices because those are impacting our economies in equal measure," he said. BURDEN-SHARING The White House official said Trump would press Merkel to increase Germany's funding for NATO, a subject he has pushed since taking office. "We will ask Germany to step up on burden-sharing," the official said, adding that NATO needed to be strong and prepared to address a host of major foreign policy issues including Syria, Iran, China and Russia. In Berlin, the German officials made clear that Merkel was not ready to roll over when faced with Trump's criticism of Germany's trade position or the planned Nord Stream 2 pipeline. "Our analysis is ... that (the pipeline) does not make us more dependent on Russia," one of the officials said. EU countries are divided on the merits of Nord Stream 2. Trump could seize on this, as well as Germany's slow progress in moving closer to the NATO defence spending target. On Iran, Macron made the running ahead of Merkel's visit. On Wednesday, he called on the United States not to abandon the Iran deal as Western envoys said Britain, France and Germany were nearing agreeing a package they hope could persuade Trump to save the pact. This gives Merkel something to work with. "How harshly the whole thing will unfold might depend on to what extent Merkel can steer the conversation in the direction of trade and Iran," Jan Techau, a director at The German Marshall Fund of the United States. "Those are the fields in which her position is stronger because the Europeans are united and Macron has done the prep work."

Merkel visits Trump without illusions, but with hope

US President Donald Trump distanced himself from his longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen on Thursday, hours before a judge ruled that documents seized from Cohen by the FBI should be reviewed by an independent court-appointed official.

The appointment of former judge Barbara Jones as a "special master," to review the documents and decide which ones prosecutors should be allowed to see, was essentially a compromise that both prosecutors and Cohen's lawyers had said they would be open to, even though that option was not their first choice.

The FBI raided Cohen's office and home on April 9, infuriating Trump. Prosecutors said they had been investigating the lawyer for months, largely over his business dealings rather than his legal work.

Once they receive the documents from Jones, prosecutors could use them in their case.

It is not clear if those documents pertain to Trump's business dealings. But earlier on Thursday in an interview with Fox News, Trump said Cohen had handled only "a tiny, tiny little fraction" of his overall legal work.

He said the investigation "doesn't have to do with me" and "they're looking at something having to do with his business. I have nothing to do with his business."

Trump, who has said little publicly about an adult-film star who says she was paid to stay silent about a one-night stand she had with Trump in 2006, also confirmed for the first time that Cohen had represented him in "this crazy Stormy Daniels deal."

Trump and Cohen have sought to limit which of the seized documents prosecutors could see, citing attorney-client privilege.

The prosecutors initially said the documents should be reviewed by lawyers within their own office, who would be walled off from the main prosecution team. Cohen argued that his lawyers should get a first look.

US District Judge Kimba Wood instead decided at an hour-long hearing on Thursday to opt to ask a special master to see the documents first.

The prosecutors have begun to turn all of the seized materials over to Jones, who will review them to determine what is protected by attorney-client privilege. Lawyers for Cohen and Trump will be able to review in tandem, so they can object to Jones' decisions if they disagree, the judge said.

The parties are due back in court to check in on the progress on May 24. Without setting a specific deadline, Wood indicated she may intervene if it were going too slowly.

Jones has served in a similar role in a number of other matters. In 2016, she was appointed the independent review officer for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to hear corruption charges at the labour union and has overseen corporate compliance cases.

Prosecutors have said they do not believe the papers are likely to contain many privileged documents related to Trump. In a court filing on Thursday morning, they cited Trump's comment that Cohen handled only a small part of his legal work.

Cohen has admitted paying $130,000 to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, before the 2016 election to secure her silence about having sex with Trump, which he denies. Cohen said the payment was legal, and Daniels has sued to end her nondisclosure agreement.

Prosecutors are investigating Cohen for possible bank and tax fraud, possible campaign law violations linked to the payment to Daniels, and perhaps other matters related to Trump's presidential campaign, a person familiar with the probe has said.

The investigation stemmed in part from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, something that Trump has repeatedly denied.

The appointment of former judge Barbara Jones as a "special master," to review the documents and decide which ones prosecutors should be allowed to see, was essentially a compromise that both prosecutors and Cohen's lawyers had said they would be open to, even though that option was not their first choice

US President Donald Trump distanced himself from his longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen on Thursday, hours before a judge ruled that documents seized from Cohen by the FBI should be reviewed by an independent court-appointed official. The appointment of former judge Barbara Jones as a "special master," to review the documents and decide which ones prosecutors should be allowed to see, was essentially a compromise that both prosecutors and Cohen's lawyers had said they would be open to, even though that option was not their first choice. The FBI raided Cohen's office and home on April 9, infuriating Trump. Prosecutors said they had been investigating the lawyer for months, largely over his business dealings rather than his legal work. Once they receive the documents from Jones, prosecutors could use them in their case. It is not clear if those documents pertain to Trump's business dealings. But earlier on Thursday in an interview with Fox News, Trump said Cohen had handled only "a tiny, tiny little fraction" of his overall legal work. He said the investigation "doesn't have to do with me" and "they're looking at something having to do with his business. I have nothing to do with his business." Trump, who has said little publicly about an adult-film star who says she was paid to stay silent about a one-night stand she had with Trump in 2006, also confirmed for the first time that Cohen had represented him in "this crazy Stormy Daniels deal." Trump and Cohen have sought to limit which of the seized documents prosecutors could see, citing attorney-client privilege. The prosecutors initially said the documents should be reviewed by lawyers within their own office, who would be walled off from the main prosecution team. Cohen argued that his lawyers should get a first look. US District Judge Kimba Wood instead decided at an hour-long hearing on Thursday to opt to ask a special master to see the documents first. The prosecutors have begun to turn all of the seized materials over to Jones, who will review them to determine what is protected by attorney-client privilege. Lawyers for Cohen and Trump will be able to review in tandem, so they can object to Jones' decisions if they disagree, the judge said. The parties are due back in court to check in on the progress on May 24. Without setting a specific deadline, Wood indicated she may intervene if it were going too slowly. Jones has served in a similar role in a number of other matters. In 2016, she was appointed the independent review officer for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to hear corruption charges at the labour union and has overseen corporate compliance cases. Prosecutors have said they do not believe the papers are likely to contain many privileged documents related to Trump. In a court filing on Thursday morning, they cited Trump's comment that Cohen handled only a small part of his legal work. Cohen has admitted paying $130,000 to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, before the 2016 election to secure her silence about having sex with Trump, which he denies. Cohen said the payment was legal, and Daniels has sued to end her nondisclosure agreement. Prosecutors are investigating Cohen for possible bank and tax fraud, possible campaign law violations linked to the payment to Daniels, and perhaps other matters related to Trump's presidential campaign, a person familiar with the probe has said. The investigation stemmed in part from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's inquiry into possible collusion between Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, something that Trump has repeatedly denied.

Trump distances himself from his personal lawyer as probe moves forward

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246">'Will be happy if we can have </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246">informal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-happy-if-we-can-have-informal-summit-in-india-next-year-pm-modi-tell-president-xi-during-delegation-level-talks-133246"> summit in India,' Modi to President Xi during delegation-level talks</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi held delegation-level talks at Wuhan on Friday as the two leaders engaged each other for the second time in less than a year after the BRICS summit.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-democratic-right-to-vote-in-karnataka-elections-says-vijay-mallya-133253">'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya</a>

As the extradition battle continued in a UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-speed-with-which-you-constructed-it-and-the-scale-inspired-me-says-modi-to-president-xi-133224">Watch: PM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan</a>

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks during the two-day summit on Friday, the Indian PM said the speed and scale with which China constructed the three gorges dam 'inspired him'.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">Key </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">takaways</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> from Korean leaders' joint statement from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> summit</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-avengers-infinity-war-review-the-film-is-worth-all-the-hype-and-some-more-133230">'Avengers: Infinity War' is worth all the hype and some more</a>

It boils down to this. 10 years of marvellous films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates into one epic finale called Avengers Infinity War - a film that will make you pant in excitement from the first shot and leave you dumbstruck by the ending.&nbsp;

'Will be happy if we can have informal summit in India,' Modi to President Xi during delegation-level talks Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi held delegation-level talks at Wuhan on Friday as the two leaders engaged each other for the second time in less than a year after the BRICS summit. 'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya As the extradition battle continued in a UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK. Watch: PM Modi on museum tour with Xi at Wuhan As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks during the two-day summit on Friday, the Indian PM said the speed and scale with which China constructed the three gorges dam 'inspired him'. Key takaways from Korean leaders' joint statement from historic summit North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint statement on Friday after meeting at the heavily fortified demilitarised zone between their countries. 'Avengers: Infinity War' is worth all the hype and some more It boils down to this. 10 years of marvellous films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates into one epic finale called Avengers Infinity War - a film that will make you pant in excitement from the first shot and leave you dumbstruck by the ending.

The US&nbsp;Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as President Donald Trump's secretary of state on Thursday, and the former CIA director set off immediately on a trip to meet key allies in Europe and the Middle East.

Pompeo, a former Army officer who was a Republican congressman, is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views.

Pompeo is already deeply involved in diplomacy. Trump sent him to North Korea three weeks ago to meet with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ahead of a summit with the US&nbsp;president to address Pyongyang's nuclear programme.

Moments after Pompeo was sworn in, the State Department said he would visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel during the weekend after attending a NATO meeting on Friday in Brussels.

Pompeo picked those three Middle East stops “because of all that is going on,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters.

Iran is likely to be on the agenda on the Middle East leg of his trip. Trump will decide by May 12 whether to restore US&nbsp;economic sanctions on Tehran, which would be a severe blow to the 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six major powers.

Pompeo is to meet with Saudi King Salman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an Jordanian King Abdullah, Nauert said.

Senators in the Republican-controlled chamber voted 57-42 in favour of Pompeo, who had faced resistance from Democrats worried about his reputation for hawkishness and past harsh statements about homosexuality and Islam.

Six Democrats and one independent who normally votes with Democrats backed Pompeo. No Republican voted no.

Pompeo will be forced to quickly address a wide array of other international challenges, including long conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Chinese expansionism in Asia and Russian assertiveness.

Washington is working with European allies such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the possibility of toughening the nuclear agreement with Iran.

CIA record

Pompeo's supporters said he did well during 15 months leading the CIA, and said the country badly needed a leader at the State Department. Staffing at State was slashed and many positions left unfilled under his predecessor, Rex Tillerson, a former oil executive who was Trump's first secretary of state.

Trump, who abruptly fired Tillerson last month, welcomed Pompeo's confirmation, saying in a statement, "Having a patriot of Mike's immense talent, energy, and intellect leading the Department of State will be an incredible asset for our country at this critical time in history."

Pompeo, who became one of Trump's closest advisers while at the CIA, faced stiff opposition from Democrats, who worried he might be too closely aligned with the president.

While in Congress, Pompeo opposed the Iran nuclear accord. He once suggested the answer to Tehran's nuclear programme - which Iran has always said was for peaceful means only - was 2,000 bombing sorties.

Senator Ben Cardin, a senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that attitude, and Pompeo's backing for Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement if it cannot be changed, were among reasons he opposed him.

"That's not diplomacy, and that's certainly not working with our European allies," Cardin said.

Pompeo said during his confirmation hearing he was open to fixing, rather than blowing apart, the pact, which the West believes is essential to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear bomb.

Trump picked the CIA's deputy director, Gina Haspel, to replace Pompeo as head of the spy agency. If confirmed by the Senate, she would become the first woman to hold the post.

Pompeo had avoided being the first nominee for secretary of state ever rejected by the Foreign Relations Committee only when Republican Senator Rand Paul, who had vowed to oppose him, shifted position minutes before the panel voted on Monday.&nbsp;

None of the 10 Democrats on the 21-member committee supported him.

The vote for Pompeo was almost the same as for Tillerson, who was approved by 56-43, then an unusually close margin for a cabinet position.

Pompeo, a former Army officer who was a Republican congressman, is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views.

The US Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as President Donald Trump's secretary of state on Thursday, and the former CIA director set off immediately on a trip to meet key allies in Europe and the Middle East. Pompeo, a former Army officer who was a Republican congressman, is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views. Pompeo is already deeply involved in diplomacy. Trump sent him to North Korea three weeks ago to meet with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ahead of a summit with the US president to address Pyongyang's nuclear programme. Moments after Pompeo was sworn in, the State Department said he would visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel during the weekend after attending a NATO meeting on Friday in Brussels. Pompeo picked those three Middle East stops “because of all that is going on,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. Iran is likely to be on the agenda on the Middle East leg of his trip. Trump will decide by May 12 whether to restore US economic sanctions on Tehran, which would be a severe blow to the 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six major powers. Pompeo is to meet with Saudi King Salman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an Jordanian King Abdullah, Nauert said. Senators in the Republican-controlled chamber voted 57-42 in favour of Pompeo, who had faced resistance from Democrats worried about his reputation for hawkishness and past harsh statements about homosexuality and Islam. Six Democrats and one independent who normally votes with Democrats backed Pompeo. No Republican voted no. Pompeo will be forced to quickly address a wide array of other international challenges, including long conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Chinese expansionism in Asia and Russian assertiveness. Washington is working with European allies such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the possibility of toughening the nuclear agreement with Iran. CIA record Pompeo's supporters said he did well during 15 months leading the CIA, and said the country badly needed a leader at the State Department. Staffing at State was slashed and many positions left unfilled under his predecessor, Rex Tillerson, a former oil executive who was Trump's first secretary of state. Trump, who abruptly fired Tillerson last month, welcomed Pompeo's confirmation, saying in a statement, "Having a patriot of Mike's immense talent, energy, and intellect leading the Department of State will be an incredible asset for our country at this critical time in history." Pompeo, who became one of Trump's closest advisers while at the CIA, faced stiff opposition from Democrats, who worried he might be too closely aligned with the president. While in Congress, Pompeo opposed the Iran nuclear accord. He once suggested the answer to Tehran's nuclear programme - which Iran has always said was for peaceful means only - was 2,000 bombing sorties. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that attitude, and Pompeo's backing for Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement if it cannot be changed, were among reasons he opposed him. "That's not diplomacy, and that's certainly not working with our European allies," Cardin said. Pompeo said during his confirmation hearing he was open to fixing, rather than blowing apart, the pact, which the West believes is essential to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Trump picked the CIA's deputy director, Gina Haspel, to replace Pompeo as head of the spy agency. If confirmed by the Senate, she would become the first woman to hold the post. Pompeo had avoided being the first nominee for secretary of state ever rejected by the Foreign Relations Committee only when Republican Senator Rand Paul, who had vowed to oppose him, shifted position minutes before the panel voted on Monday. None of the 10 Democrats on the 21-member committee supported him. The vote for Pompeo was almost the same as for Tillerson, who was approved by 56-43, then an unusually close margin for a cabinet position.

Mike Pompeo becomes US secretary of state as North Korea, Middle East issues await

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last.

Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement.

In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks.

"KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter.

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KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989820401596366849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added.

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After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989816772713906177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989834048796266498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US&nbsp;president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

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The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last. Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement. In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks. "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter. KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × "Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added. After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

Trump praises historic North, South Korea meeting

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