Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden to further deepen ties between the both nations ahead of India-US 2+2 ministerial meet.

India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting: Ukraine looms large over 2+2 dialogue

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden to further deepen ties between the both nations ahead of India-US 2+2 ministerial meet.

Indian PM Narendra Modi holds virtual talks with US President Joe Biden

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday (April 11, 2022) ahead of India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting to further deepen ties between both nations.

India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting: Focus on improving bilateral ties & cooperation in Asia

India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine.&nbsp;

The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed.&nbsp;

"Noting" the "recent statements by States and wider information regarding biological activities relating to Ukraine," Indian envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti said, "We would like to underline the importance attached by India to the BTWC as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction."

BTWC is a treaty that came into force in 1975 and prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons.&nbsp;

A total of 183 countries are party to the treaty that outlaws bioweapons, including US, Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy called for 'full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit" and pointed out "any matters relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the convention, and through consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-security-reasons-to-leave-russia-indian-embassy-issues-advisory-to-students-461349">Also read |&nbsp;‘No security reasons to leave Russia’: Indian Embassy issues advisory to students</a>

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, leading to Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of second world war. Expressing "serious concern over the ongoing situation in Ukraine," envoy Tirumurti hoped that the "ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would lead to cessation of hostilities".&nbsp;

Both countries have had several rounds of talks in Belarus, with the foreign minister of both countries recently meeting in Turkey.&nbsp;

Envoy highlighted, "There is no other alternative except the path of diplomacy and dialogue. The dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent attention."

During the recent talks PM Modi had with Ukraine and Russian Presidents, the focus was on direct talks.&nbsp; 
Amid the invasion, India has been able to bring back over 18,000 of its nationals in 90 special flights from neighbouring countries under operation Ganga.&nbsp;

During the UNSC meeting, Tirumurti called on "member states to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law and respect the sovereignty and integrity of states."&nbsp;

India has abstained at UNSC and UNGA meetings in Ukraine.&nbsp;

India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine. The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed.

India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine. The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed. "Noting" the "recent statements by States and wider information regarding biological activities relating to Ukraine," Indian envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti said, "We would like to underline the importance attached by India to the BTWC as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction." BTWC is a treaty that came into force in 1975 and prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons. A total of 183 countries are party to the treaty that outlaws bioweapons, including US, Russia and Ukraine. The Indian envoy called for 'full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit" and pointed out "any matters relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the convention, and through consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned". Also read | ‘No security reasons to leave Russia’: Indian Embassy issues advisory to students The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, leading to Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of second world war. Expressing "serious concern over the ongoing situation in Ukraine," envoy Tirumurti hoped that the "ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would lead to cessation of hostilities". Both countries have had several rounds of talks in Belarus, with the foreign minister of both countries recently meeting in Turkey. Envoy highlighted, "There is no other alternative except the path of diplomacy and dialogue. The dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent attention." During the recent talks PM Modi had with Ukraine and Russian Presidents, the focus was on direct talks. Amid the invasion, India has been able to bring back over 18,000 of its nationals in 90 special flights from neighbouring countries under operation Ganga. During the UNSC meeting, Tirumurti called on "member states to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law and respect the sovereignty and integrity of states." India has abstained at UNSC and UNGA meetings in Ukraine.

India emphasises on biological weapons convention at UNSC Ukraine meet

The Presidents of the United States and Russia held a telephonic conversation that lasted about 50 minutes. This is the second such conversation between the world leaders within 3 weeks.

Biden, Putin hold 50-minute phone call in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine

In a bid to strengthen ties between Russia and China, President Vladimir Putin to hold a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping on December 15.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart on December 15

US president Joe Biden and Russian president Vladimir Putin had a 'useful' meeting that allowed leaders to talk about the ongoing conflict over Ukraine.

Biden issues stern warning to Putin after 2-hour virtual summit

After months of heightened tensions and serious concerns, is Russia potentially planning to invade Ukraine? American president Joe Biden is now all set to hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, what is shaping to be a high-profile meet.

Biden and Putin's high-stakes meet to de-escalate Ukraine tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit India on Monday for the traditional annual summit between leaders of both countries as India gears up for the much anticipated, Modi-Putin talks. There are 10 bilateral agreements that are likely to be signed during Putin's visit to boost the nations' strategic partnership. Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest world news from all across the world.

Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed

Brazil's Covid-unvaccinated President Jair Bolsonaro has said that he will attend next week's United Nations conclave in New York, effectively defying city authorities who recently announced proof-of-vaccination requirements for all attending leaders and diplomats.

"Next week I will be at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where I will give an opening speech" on Tuesday, the president said during a social media broadcast. It will be "a calm speech, very objective, focused on the issues that interest us," added Bolsonaro, who said he would discuss Brazil's approach to the coronavirus pandemic, its agriculture business, and energy.

On Wednesday the New York mayor's office wrote the UNGA laying out the guidelines, including that delegates must show proof of vaccination to enter the debate hall.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-german-warship-entry-into-harbour-berlin-says-413624">Also read |&nbsp;China denies German warship entry into harbour, Berlin says</a>

The letter signed by New York City's health commissioner said the UN debate hall was classified as a "convention center," meaning all attendees must be vaccinated, just as other people participating in some indoor activities in the city.

Hours later the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he could not impose the requirement on heads of state.

Bolsonaro, who had the virus last year, has said he would be the "last Brazilian" to get vaccinated.

Brazil's Covid-unvaccinated President Jair Bolsonaro has said that he will attend next week's United Nations conclave in New York, effectively defying city authorities who recently announced proof-of-vaccination requirements for all attending leaders and diplomats.

Brazil's Covid-unvaccinated President Jair Bolsonaro has said that he will attend next week's United Nations conclave in New York, effectively defying city authorities who recently announced proof-of-vaccination requirements for all attending leaders and diplomats. "Next week I will be at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where I will give an opening speech" on Tuesday, the president said during a social media broadcast. It will be "a calm speech, very objective, focused on the issues that interest us," added Bolsonaro, who said he would discuss Brazil's approach to the coronavirus pandemic, its agriculture business, and energy. On Wednesday the New York mayor's office wrote the UNGA laying out the guidelines, including that delegates must show proof of vaccination to enter the debate hall. Also read | China denies German warship entry into harbour, Berlin says The letter signed by New York City's health commissioner said the UN debate hall was classified as a "convention center," meaning all attendees must be vaccinated, just as other people participating in some indoor activities in the city. Hours later the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he could not impose the requirement on heads of state. Bolsonaro, who had the virus last year, has said he would be the "last Brazilian" to get vaccinated.

Brazil's Bolsonaro to attend UN meet despite being unvaccinated

Angry at not being able to speak at the&nbsp;United Nations&nbsp;Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process". Friday saw a session on Afghanistan under India's presidency, days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar requested India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar for such a meet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The UNSC meet comes even as Pakistan has been trying to host Afghan leaders for peace talks,&nbsp;and foreign ministers of regional countries on the situation in Afghanistan. So far, no headway has been made on both the meetings as participants have not agreed to it.&nbsp;

During the around one-and-a-half-hour-long session, Afghanistan exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country&nbsp;and&nbsp;how the group continues to enjoy "safe haven"&nbsp;inside Islamabad’s borders. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M&nbsp;Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council,&nbsp;said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in, and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan."&nbsp;

Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country."&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I must express my regret that Pakistan's request for participation in the UN Security Council meeting today was not accepted. This is most unfortunate, since Pakistan is a neighboring country of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, &amp; has direct stakes in Afghanistan's peace &amp; stability <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNPressBriefing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNPressBriefing</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vh5zkvvRL0">pic.twitter.com/Vh5zkvvRL0</a>
— Pakistan Permanent Representative to UN (@PakistanPR_UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakistanPR_UN/status/1423783941757149186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Pakistani foreign ministry in a long statement said, "Afghanistan's representative propagated disinformation and leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan with a view to mislead the international community. Pakistan categorically rejects these accusations."&nbsp;

Many won't buy Islamabad's argument. Afghanistan&nbsp;government&nbsp;at the Friday meet highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available."&nbsp;

Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghanistan&nbsp;President Ashraf Ghani had&nbsp;publicly&nbsp;slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taliban has launched an offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan and has got the support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters crossing over from Pakistan. These foreign&nbsp;terrorist&nbsp;fighters are from terror groups representing 20 groups,&nbsp;including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba.&nbsp;

It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba's&nbsp;name has been mentioned by the Afghanistan&nbsp;government. Recently,&nbsp;in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghanistan&nbsp;FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. Afghanistan is even willing to provide evidence of Pakistan&nbsp;support to the Taliban to Security Council.&nbsp;

Angry at not being able to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process".

Angry at not being able to speak at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Pakistan has expressed its "deep regret" that it was not allowed to "present its perspective on the Afghan peace process". Friday saw a session on Afghanistan under India's presidency, days after Afghan foreign minister Hanif Atmar requested India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar for such a meet. The UNSC meet comes even as Pakistan has been trying to host Afghan leaders for peace talks, and foreign ministers of regional countries on the situation in Afghanistan. So far, no headway has been made on both the meetings as participants have not agreed to it. During the around one-and-a-half-hour-long session, Afghanistan exposed Pakistan's support to the ongoing Taliban offensive in the country and how the group continues to enjoy "safe haven" inside Islamabad’s borders. Afghan envoy to the United Nations Ghulam M Isaczai, speaking at United Nations Security Council, said, "Taliban continue to enjoy a safe haven in, and supply and logistics line extended to their war machine from Pakistan." Pointing that this is "not only a naked violation of the 1988 UN Security Council Sanctions Regime but also leads to further erosion of trust and confidence towards establishing a collaborative relationship with Pakistan to end the war in our country." I must express my regret that Pakistan's request for participation in the UN Security Council meeting today was not accepted. This is most unfortunate, since Pakistan is a neighboring country of #Afghanistan, & has direct stakes in Afghanistan's peace & stability #UNPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/Vh5zkvvRL0 — Pakistan Permanent Representative to UN (@PakistanPR_UN) August 6, 2021 × The Pakistani foreign ministry in a long statement said, "Afghanistan's representative propagated disinformation and leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan with a view to mislead the international community. Pakistan categorically rejects these accusations." Many won't buy Islamabad's argument. Afghanistan government at the Friday meet highlighted, how "graphic reports and videos of Taliban fighters congregating close to the Durand Line to enter Afghanistan, fund-raising events, transfer of dead bodies for mass burial, and treatment of injured Taliban in Pakistani hospitals are emerging and are widely available." Last month at the Uzbekistan connectivity summit, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had publicly slammed Pakistani PM Imran Khan for his country's support to the group and terror elements that are causing mayhem in his country. During a bilateral meet between Ghani and Khan in Tashkent, the latter had urged that Islamabad must help in removing and dismantling of the Taliban’s sanctuary and supply line. Taliban has launched an offensive in 31 of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan and has got the support of more than 10,000 foreign terrorists fighters crossing over from Pakistan. These foreign terrorist fighters are from terror groups representing 20 groups, including Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is not for the first time Pakistan-based international terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been mentioned by the Afghanistan government. Recently, in a briefing to foreign envoys based in Kabul, Afghanistan FM Atmar had also mentioned Lashkar's name. The terror group has been responsible for attacks in India. Afghanistan is even willing to provide evidence of Pakistan support to the Taliban to Security Council.

Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul 

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person.

Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet.

Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban.

While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing.

Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively.

Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration."

SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. &nbsp;That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person. Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet. Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart. Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban. While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing. Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively. Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration." SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet

The G7 is down to business in Cornwall but it isn't without its own funny moments. From giant blimps to protesters and a few light moments between the leaders, we bring you the fun side of the summit

G7 Summit | From protests to elbow bumps | Day 1 in Cornwall

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

"It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). &nbsp;

ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;

"It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders.&nbsp;

According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. &nbsp;

"He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance."&nbsp;

But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done."&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing.&nbsp;

The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN.&nbsp;

The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members.&nbsp;

It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian.&nbsp;

The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance. "It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners. "It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders. According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. "He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance." But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done." There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing. The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN. The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members. It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian. The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations say reach consensus on ending Myanmar crisis at ASEAN meet 

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said.&nbsp;

Right groups raised concerns over the safety of deportees when Malaysia sent back 1,086 Myanmar nationals on Myanmar navy ships last month, just weeks after the military had seized power in a February&nbsp;1 coup.&nbsp;

Detained in Malaysia for immigration offences, they were deported despite a court order halting the plan. Rights groups had told the court that children and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution in Myanmar were among those being deported.&nbsp;

Three Malaysian sources familiar with the matter said the decision to delay a plan to deport a second batch until after a proposed meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the Myanmar crisis was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The sources requested anonymity as they were not&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;to speak to media.&nbsp;

Myanmar this month had offered to send three more navy ships to pick up its people detained in Malaysia, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

Malaysia's foreign ministry directed queries to the home affairs ministry and immigration department, neither of which responded to requests for comment.&nbsp;

Indonesia last week called on Brunei, the current chair of ASEAN, to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar, amid a violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters. Malaysia backed Indonesia's call, but it is unclear whether, or when, that meeting would be held.&nbsp;

Malaysia came under international pressure after sending back the Myanmar nationals last month, with diplomats saying Kuala Lumpur was&nbsp;legitimising&nbsp;the coup by accepting the junta's proposal to take back the detainees.&nbsp;

Malaysia said the people deported last month were undocumented migrants and did not include ethnic Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers.&nbsp;

But concerns have persisted as the UN refugee agency has been denied access to detainees for more than a year to verify their status.&nbsp;

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said.

Malaysia decided on Wednesday to postpone planned deportations to Myanmar until after a proposed emergency regional summit to discuss the crisis there brought on by a military coup, sources familiar with the matter said. Right groups raised concerns over the safety of deportees when Malaysia sent back 1,086 Myanmar nationals on Myanmar navy ships last month, just weeks after the military had seized power in a February 1 coup. Detained in Malaysia for immigration offences, they were deported despite a court order halting the plan. Rights groups had told the court that children and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution in Myanmar were among those being deported. Three Malaysian sources familiar with the matter said the decision to delay a plan to deport a second batch until after a proposed meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss the Myanmar crisis was taken at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The sources requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to media. Myanmar this month had offered to send three more navy ships to pick up its people detained in Malaysia, one of the sources said. Malaysia's foreign ministry directed queries to the home affairs ministry and immigration department, neither of which responded to requests for comment. Indonesia last week called on Brunei, the current chair of ASEAN, to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar, amid a violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters. Malaysia backed Indonesia's call, but it is unclear whether, or when, that meeting would be held. Malaysia came under international pressure after sending back the Myanmar nationals last month, with diplomats saying Kuala Lumpur was legitimising the coup by accepting the junta's proposal to take back the detainees. Malaysia said the people deported last month were undocumented migrants and did not include ethnic Rohingya refugees or asylum-seekers. But concerns have persisted as the UN refugee agency has been denied access to detainees for more than a year to verify their status. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia puts deportations to Myanmar on hold till after ASEAN meets: Sources

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) foreign ministers will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss Myanmar, Singapore's foreign minister said, calling for the immediate release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

"A special ASEAN foreign ministers meeting will be convened via video conference tomorrow and where we will listen to the representative of the Myanmar military authorities," Vivian Balakrishnan said in parliament on Monday.&nbsp;

He also called on the Myanmar military authorities to desist from the use of lethal force, "and to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation to prevent further bloodshed, violence and deaths."&nbsp;

On Monday, protesters in Myanmar marched in defiance of a crackdown by security forces that killed at least 18 people the previous day.&nbsp;

He also urged all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions to find long-term political solutions, including a way to return to the path of democratic transition.&nbsp;

"We believe this can only begin if President Win Myint, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and the other political detainees are immediately released," he told parliament.&nbsp;

A Myanmar court has filed two more charges against Suu Kyi, according to a lawyer acting for her.&nbsp;

Last week, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met Myanmar’s military-appointed foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, and Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, for talks in Bangkok.&nbsp;

The initial efforts led by Indonesia to resolve the crisis have raised suspicion among Myanmar democracy activists, who fear dealing with the junta would confer legitimacy on it and it's bid to scrap the November election that Suu Kyi won.&nbsp;

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) foreign ministers will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss Myanmar, Singapore's foreign minister said, calling for the immediate release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) foreign ministers will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss Myanmar, Singapore's foreign minister said, calling for the immediate release of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "A special ASEAN foreign ministers meeting will be convened via video conference tomorrow and where we will listen to the representative of the Myanmar military authorities," Vivian Balakrishnan said in parliament on Monday. He also called on the Myanmar military authorities to desist from the use of lethal force, "and to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation to prevent further bloodshed, violence and deaths." On Monday, protesters in Myanmar marched in defiance of a crackdown by security forces that killed at least 18 people the previous day. He also urged all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions to find long-term political solutions, including a way to return to the path of democratic transition. "We believe this can only begin if President Win Myint, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and the other political detainees are immediately released," he told parliament. A Myanmar court has filed two more charges against Suu Kyi, according to a lawyer acting for her. Last week, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met Myanmar’s military-appointed foreign minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, and Thai counterpart, Don Pramudwinai, for talks in Bangkok. The initial efforts led by Indonesia to resolve the crisis have raised suspicion among Myanmar democracy activists, who fear dealing with the junta would confer legitimacy on it and it's bid to scrap the November election that Suu Kyi won.

ASEAN foreign ministers to meet on Myanmar tomorrow 

A longtime US&nbsp;diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">whistleblower complaint</a> that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats.

Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate.

Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-feud-heats-up-donald-trump-says-joe-biden-was-subject-of-ukraine-call-251345">call</a> to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-denounces-impeachment-inquiry-as-a-coup-253163">impeachment investigation</a> last week.

On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker.

The 54-year-old, who is also a former US&nbsp;ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily.

The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days.

More are expected.

Late on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker.

He also expressed concern that US&nbsp;Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker.

An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry.

Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email.

Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing.

Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US&nbsp;ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October&nbsp;11.

'Perfect'- or 'wrong'?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">Trump</a>&nbsp;has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect."

Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong."

Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed.

Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel.

Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick.

At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation."

Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch.

A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists.

The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president. Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a whistleblower complaint that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats. Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate. Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that call to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal impeachment investigation last week. On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker. The 54-year-old, who is also a former US ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily. The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days. More are expected. Late on Wednesday, US Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker. He also expressed concern that US Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker. An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry. Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email. Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing. Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October 11. 'Perfect'- or 'wrong'? Trump has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect." Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong." Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed. Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel. Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick. At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation." Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch. A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists. The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

United States diplomat at center of Trump-Ukraine affair to meet House committee staff

Iranian President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;met French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly on Monday.

Macron&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. Macron plans to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Rouhani, Macron meet at UN summit

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-leader-replaces-top-security-chiefs-in-major-shake-up-186004">Afghan president Ashraf Ghani </a>on Monday&nbsp;at the presidential palace in Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour covering Afghanistan, Iran, China and Russia.

According to a statement from the president's office, both sides discussed bilateral relations,<a href="http://13.232.42.114/south-asia/undeclared-war-between-afghanistan-pak-must-end-ashraf-ghani-177444"> the Afghan-led peace process </a>and called for cooperation between the countries of the region and the world.

During the meeting, Qureshi highlighted the need for allies to strengthen connectivity, enhanced trade and better utilise the huge untapped natural and human resources in the region.

The meeting happened after China met the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier in December to put into effect a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and support for Afghanistan's efforts to open talks with the Taliban.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on Monday at the presidential palace in Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour covering Afghanistan, Iran, China and Russia.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on Monday at the presidential palace in Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour covering Afghanistan, Iran, China and Russia. According to a statement from the president's office, both sides discussed bilateral relations, the Afghan-led peace process and called for cooperation between the countries of the region and the world. During the meeting, Qureshi highlighted the need for allies to strengthen connectivity, enhanced trade and better utilise the huge untapped natural and human resources in the region. The meeting happened after China met the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier in December to put into effect a memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and support for Afghanistan's efforts to open talks with the Taliban.

Afghanistan president Ghani meets Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will pay a fresh visit to North Korea on Sunday and meet leader Kim Jong Un as the administration's hopes rise of a denuclearisation deal, the State Department said.

The rare advance announcement of a meeting with the young strongman came hours after North Korea raised the stakes in negotiations, saying it would not give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for a peace treaty.

Pompeo, who is trying to arrange a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump, will also head to US allies Japan and South Korea, as well as North Korea's chief ally China with which the United States is engaged in escalating trade and diplomatic disputes.

It will be the fourth trip by Pompeo to longtime US pariah North Korea as the Trump administration looks to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

"I think it shows forward progress and momentum that the secretary is making his fourth trip in less than a year," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters.

"Everyone recognises that we have a ways to go and a lot of work that is left to be done," she said.

"But obviously these conversations are going in the right direction and we feel confident enough to hop on a plane to head there to continue the conversations."

Pompeo has already met twice with Kim, including once when he headed the CIA. But Pompeo did not meet Kim on his last visit in July, when the North Korean leader instead was photographed touring a potato farm.

Another visit by Pompeo was announced in August but was abruptly cancelled by Trump.

Trump 'in love' with Kim 
Kim, who as leader has rarely travelled outside of North Korea, met in June in Singapore with Trump in the first-ever summit between the two countries that have never signed a formal treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War.

On Saturday, Trump lavished praise on Kim -- considered by human rights groups to be one of the world's most repressive leaders -- and said they had fallen "in love" after an exchange of letters.

If the love is reciprocated, Kim is more reticent in his words.&nbsp;

His foreign minister, Ri Yong Ho, on Saturday told the United Nations General Assembly that there was a "deadlock" in the denuclearization talks as the United States "relies on coercive measure that are lethal to trust-building."

The official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday said that a peace treaty "can never be a bargaining chip," calling an end to war "not just a gift from one man to another."

Nauert played down the remarks, saying: "Other countries sometimes will say things that are more colourful than the United States will, and that's just fine, too."

Trump paints rapprochement with North Korea as a signature foreign policy achievement, although critics question whether Kim would really give up nuclear weapons which his dynasty has defiantly pursued for decades.

Consulting allies and China 
The United States has insisted on maintaining tight UN sanctions against North Korea during the diplomatic drive, while Beijing has said it is time to start easing sanctions.

The top US diplomat announced last week that he was ready to return to North Korea after meeting Ri, his counterpart, at the United Nations.

Pompeo will open his trip on Saturday in Tokyo, where he will meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has long championed a hard line on North Korea but recently said he was willing to meet Kim.

After the talks in Pyongyang, Pompeo will head later Sunday to Seoul, where he will meet President Moon Jae-in, a dove who has helped spearhead the reconciliation efforts with North Korea.

Nauert said Pompeo would head afterward to Beijing for meetings with unspecified officials.

Trump last week slapped $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and has accused Beijing of interfering in the upcoming US election because of his hard line on trade.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will pay a fresh visit to North Korea on Sunday and meet leader Kim Jong Un as the administration's hopes rise of a denuclearisation deal, the State Department said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will pay a fresh visit to North Korea on Sunday and meet leader Kim Jong Un as the administration's hopes rise of a denuclearisation deal, the State Department said. The rare advance announcement of a meeting with the young strongman came hours after North Korea raised the stakes in negotiations, saying it would not give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for a peace treaty. Pompeo, who is trying to arrange a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump, will also head to US allies Japan and South Korea, as well as North Korea's chief ally China with which the United States is engaged in escalating trade and diplomatic disputes. It will be the fourth trip by Pompeo to longtime US pariah North Korea as the Trump administration looks to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. "I think it shows forward progress and momentum that the secretary is making his fourth trip in less than a year," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. "Everyone recognises that we have a ways to go and a lot of work that is left to be done," she said. "But obviously these conversations are going in the right direction and we feel confident enough to hop on a plane to head there to continue the conversations." Pompeo has already met twice with Kim, including once when he headed the CIA. But Pompeo did not meet Kim on his last visit in July, when the North Korean leader instead was photographed touring a potato farm. Another visit by Pompeo was announced in August but was abruptly cancelled by Trump. Trump 'in love' with Kim Kim, who as leader has rarely travelled outside of North Korea, met in June in Singapore with Trump in the first-ever summit between the two countries that have never signed a formal treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. On Saturday, Trump lavished praise on Kim -- considered by human rights groups to be one of the world's most repressive leaders -- and said they had fallen "in love" after an exchange of letters. If the love is reciprocated, Kim is more reticent in his words. His foreign minister, Ri Yong Ho, on Saturday told the United Nations General Assembly that there was a "deadlock" in the denuclearization talks as the United States "relies on coercive measure that are lethal to trust-building." The official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday said that a peace treaty "can never be a bargaining chip," calling an end to war "not just a gift from one man to another." Nauert played down the remarks, saying: "Other countries sometimes will say things that are more colourful than the United States will, and that's just fine, too." Trump paints rapprochement with North Korea as a signature foreign policy achievement, although critics question whether Kim would really give up nuclear weapons which his dynasty has defiantly pursued for decades. Consulting allies and China The United States has insisted on maintaining tight UN sanctions against North Korea during the diplomatic drive, while Beijing has said it is time to start easing sanctions. The top US diplomat announced last week that he was ready to return to North Korea after meeting Ri, his counterpart, at the United Nations. Pompeo will open his trip on Saturday in Tokyo, where he will meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has long championed a hard line on North Korea but recently said he was willing to meet Kim. After the talks in Pyongyang, Pompeo will head later Sunday to Seoul, where he will meet President Moon Jae-in, a dove who has helped spearhead the reconciliation efforts with North Korea. Nauert said Pompeo would head afterward to Beijing for meetings with unspecified officials. Trump last week slapped $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods and has accused Beijing of interfering in the upcoming US election because of his hard line on trade.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet Kim Jong-Un on Sunday

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks.&nbsp;

Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim.

He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level."

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.”

Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.”

Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting.

Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014.

The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials.

"I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters.

"As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting."

MEETING SITE?

Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No."

A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea.

Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia.

Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan.

Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday.

"For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump.

Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese.

'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL'

Trump stressed that he and Abe were united.

"Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said.

Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions.

"It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said.

Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953.

"People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said.

TRADE AGENDA

Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism.

Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November.

Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States.

Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

Pompeo travelled over the Easter weekend to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, who had said earlier that the US was talking to North Korea at 'extremely high levels'

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level." Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.” Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.” Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. "I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters. "As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting." MEETING SITE? Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No." A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea. Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia. Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan. Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday. "For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump. Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese. 'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL' Trump stressed that he and Abe were united. "Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said. Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions. "It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said. Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953. "People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said. TRADE AGENDA Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism. Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November. Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States. Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

CIA chief made secret visit to North Korea and met Kim Jong-Un: US officials

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines.

In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday.

The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement.

The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats.

The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons.

It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said.

On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies.

"However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

The MEA called it an 'inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy' by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines. In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday. The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement. The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats. The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons. It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said. On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies. "However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests

Crude prices fell today as continued worries over a global oil glut and profit-taking on gains of nearly 3 per cent from the previous session beat down upwards momentum from a possible meeting of oil producers.&nbsp; 
 
Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino said on Monday that a meeting between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC countries may take place &quot;in the coming weeks&quot; as the crisis-stricken South American nation sought support to prop up weak oil markets.&nbsp; 
 
Some OPEC officials have said a global oil output freeze could be discussed at an already scheduled September meeting of the organization, but non-OPEC Russia, the world&#39;s largest oil producer, said it does not see any grounds for holding production at current levels.&nbsp; 
 
Since the plunge in oil prices that began in mid-2014, Venezuela has repeatedly tried to broker deals to freeze production and reduce a supply glut, with limited success.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Crude prices have been rising, so there may be no deal at OPEC,&quot; Kaname Gokon at brokerage Okato Shoji in Tokyo. &quot;Russia seems to be keeping a distance from OPEC.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
London Brent crude for October delivery was down 30 cents at $45.09 a barrel by 0608 GMT, after settling up $1.12, or 2.5 per cent, on Monday. After falling nearly 15 per cent in July, Brent prices so far this month are up about 6 per cent.&nbsp; 
 
NYMEX crude for September delivery was down 28 cents at $42.74 a barrel, after closing up $1.22, or 2.9 per cent, on Monday. The US benchmark lost about 14 per cent last month and is up about 2.5 per cent in August.&nbsp; 
 
Qatar&#39;s Energy Minister and OPEC President Mohammad bin Saleh al-Sada said on Monday the oil market is on the path to rebalancing despite the recent decline in global oil prices, adding that OPEC was in continuous talks to stabilise the market.&nbsp; 
 
Market intelligence firm Genscape reported a build of more than 307,000 barrels at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery hub for WTI futures in the week to August 5 traders said, even as analysts forecast in a Reuters poll a total U.S. crude inventory drop of 1 million barrels. 
 
Industry group the American Petroleum Institute is due to release its weekly oil data at 4:30 pm EDT (2030 GMT) later on Tuesday.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Non-OPEC Russia, the world's largest oil producer, said it does not see any grounds for holding production at current levels

Crude prices fell today as continued worries over a global oil glut and profit-taking on gains of nearly 3 per cent from the previous session beat down upwards momentum from a possible meeting of oil producers. Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino said on Monday that a meeting between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC countries may take place "in the coming weeks" as the crisis-stricken South American nation sought support to prop up weak oil markets. Some OPEC officials have said a global oil output freeze could be discussed at an already scheduled September meeting of the organization, but non-OPEC Russia, the world's largest oil producer, said it does not see any grounds for holding production at current levels. Since the plunge in oil prices that began in mid-2014, Venezuela has repeatedly tried to broker deals to freeze production and reduce a supply glut, with limited success. "Crude prices have been rising, so there may be no deal at OPEC," Kaname Gokon at brokerage Okato Shoji in Tokyo. "Russia seems to be keeping a distance from OPEC." London Brent crude for October delivery was down 30 cents at $45.09 a barrel by 0608 GMT, after settling up $1.12, or 2.5 per cent, on Monday. After falling nearly 15 per cent in July, Brent prices so far this month are up about 6 per cent. NYMEX crude for September delivery was down 28 cents at $42.74 a barrel, after closing up $1.22, or 2.9 per cent, on Monday. The US benchmark lost about 14 per cent last month and is up about 2.5 per cent in August. Qatar's Energy Minister and OPEC President Mohammad bin Saleh al-Sada said on Monday the oil market is on the path to rebalancing despite the recent decline in global oil prices, adding that OPEC was in continuous talks to stabilise the market. Market intelligence firm Genscape reported a build of more than 307,000 barrels at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery hub for WTI futures in the week to August 5 traders said, even as analysts forecast in a Reuters poll a total U.S. crude inventory drop of 1 million barrels. Industry group the American Petroleum Institute is due to release its weekly oil data at 4:30 pm EDT (2030 GMT) later on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Oil falls as glut, profit-taking beat back optimism over OPEC meet

Myanmar delegates will face some tough questions tomorrow at a key UN convention in Geneva regarding a controversial legislation which has attracted international criticism for discriminating on the basis of gender and religion. 
 
The four laws, which includes giving authorities the right to restrict the number of childbirths a women can have, may stand in violation of the convention on eradicating discrimination against women (CEDAW) which Myanmar joined in 1997, as well as for being anti-Islam. 
 
Introduced last year, this law was backed by nationalist monks and passed by the military-backed government of then-President U Thein Sein.&nbsp; 
 
However, the current government may not redress the matter. Although Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&rsquo;s NLD government has submitted a written clarification that the laws do not go breach UN&rsquo;s CEDAW policies, local newspaper The Myanmar Times quoted U Soe Kyi, the director general of the department of social welfare that the government had &ldquo;no plan&rdquo; to repeal the laws. 
 
Women&#39;s rights groups have been protesting against this law, but have found it difficult to influence the government to change it. 
 
International rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has raised an alarm about the legislation curtailing religious and gender freedom, specially the birth control policy which is seen as a direct action against the displaced Muslim population in Rakhine State, known as Rohingya. 
 
In the past two weeks, there has been a spike in violence against Muslims in Myanmar including incidents of Buddhist mobs ransacking two mosques in separate towns. Buddhist dominated security force has been criticised for not actively pursuing the matter. 
 
(Agencies)

The four laws, which include childbirth restrictions, breach the convention against women discrimination, which Myanmar joined in 1997

Myanmar delegates will face some tough questions tomorrow at a key UN convention in Geneva regarding a controversial legislation which has attracted international criticism for discriminating on the basis of gender and religion. The four laws, which includes giving authorities the right to restrict the number of childbirths a women can have, may stand in violation of the convention on eradicating discrimination against women (CEDAW) which Myanmar joined in 1997, as well as for being anti-Islam. Introduced last year, this law was backed by nationalist monks and passed by the military-backed government of then-President U Thein Sein. However, the current government may not redress the matter. Although Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD government has submitted a written clarification that the laws do not go breach UN’s CEDAW policies, local newspaper The Myanmar Times quoted U Soe Kyi, the director general of the department of social welfare that the government had “no plan” to repeal the laws. Women's rights groups have been protesting against this law, but have found it difficult to influence the government to change it. International rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has raised an alarm about the legislation curtailing religious and gender freedom, specially the birth control policy which is seen as a direct action against the displaced Muslim population in Rakhine State, known as Rohingya. In the past two weeks, there has been a spike in violence against Muslims in Myanmar including incidents of Buddhist mobs ransacking two mosques in separate towns. Buddhist dominated security force has been criticised for not actively pursuing the matter. (Agencies)

UN panel to question Myanmar's anti-women, anti-Islam legislation at Geneva meet

China&nbsp;led opposition to India&#39;s membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here on Thursday night which ended in a deadlock.&nbsp;

Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began today, China had repeatedly said that India&#39;s membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India&#39;s bid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, Japan is believed to have raised India&#39;s case in the morning session after which it was agreed that the matter would be taken up at the special post-dinner meeting.&nbsp;

Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty(NPT) can be admitted to the grouping.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Essentially their opposition was couched in principles and processes.&nbsp;

Brazil&#39;s objections are said to have surprised the Indian diplomats who pointed out that it is a member of the five-nation BRICS grouping. Besides India and Russia, the grouping includes&nbsp;China and South Africa.&nbsp;

Indian foreign secretary S&nbsp;Jaishankar, who is camping in Seoul, had earlier met the Brazilian delegation.&nbsp;

Officials said that discussions were inconclusive and that it would only be clear before the end of the plenary on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(PTI)&nbsp;

It was joined by others like Austria, Ireland and Brazil. However, Japan supported India in the morning session

China led opposition to India's membership of NSG at a three-hour post-dinner meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group here on Thursday night which ended in a deadlock. Preceding the two-day plenary of the 48-member NSG, which began today, China had repeatedly said that India's membership was not on the agenda and is said to have made every effort to prevent any discussion on India's bid. However, Japan is believed to have raised India's case in the morning session after which it was agreed that the matter would be taken up at the special post-dinner meeting. Indian official sources said that China was joined by Austria, Ireland and Brazil among other countries which questioned as to how a country like India which had not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty(NPT) can be admitted to the grouping. Essentially their opposition was couched in principles and processes. Brazil's objections are said to have surprised the Indian diplomats who pointed out that it is a member of the five-nation BRICS grouping. Besides India and Russia, the grouping includes China and South Africa. Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar, who is camping in Seoul, had earlier met the Brazilian delegation. Officials said that discussions were inconclusive and that it would only be clear before the end of the plenary on Friday. (PTI)

China leads opposition to India's NSG bid at post-dinner meet

China&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Monday that India&#39;s inclusion in the&nbsp;NSG was not&nbsp;even on the agenda of the group&#39;s meeting in Seoul this week and there were differences among the existing members over the inclusion of new countries.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
This statement comes just a day after&nbsp;India&#39;s external&nbsp;affairs&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Sushma&nbsp;Swaraj asserted that Beijing was not opposing India&#39;s entry&nbsp;to the Nuclear&nbsp;Suppliers&#39; Group&nbsp;(NSG).&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We have stressed that the&nbsp;NSG&nbsp;is still divided about non-NPT countries&#39; entry into the NSG,&nbsp;and under the current circumstances we hope that NSG will make thorough discussions to make a decision based on consultation,&quot; Chinese&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministry spokesperson Hua&nbsp;Chunying&nbsp;told a media briefing.&nbsp; 
 
Answering questions about&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;secretary S&nbsp;Jaishankar&#39;s&nbsp;visit here on June 16-17 and Swaraj&#39;s remarks, Hua said India&#39;s admission into NSG is not on the agenda of the Seoul meeting of the 48-member elite club to be held on June 24.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;As we understand&nbsp;the annual conference in Seoul this year also has no such topic. We understand that non-NPT countries are concerned about their entry into the NSG. But since NSG is still divided about the issue, so it is still not mature to talk about the entry issue in the annual conference in Seoul,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I want point out that the NSG agenda has never covered any issue concerning the non-NPT countries joining the NSG,&quot; Hua asserted.&nbsp; 
 
China,&nbsp;along with some other nations,&nbsp;has effectively blocked India&#39;s entry to NSG that trades in advanced nuclear material and technology.&nbsp; 
 
Swaraj&nbsp;had&nbsp;made the comments on China at a news conference held to highlight her government&#39;s achievement in their two-years of rule&nbsp;on Sunday.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;As far as China is concerned, they are not opposed to India&#39;s membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but is talking about criteria procedure,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
India had spoken to 23 nations on India&#39;s membership to NSG, out of which 21 had extended support while the remaining had raised questions.&nbsp; 
 
India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact.&nbsp; 
 
Swaraj was optimistic that China would agree on India&#39;s entry into NSG.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;When foreign secretary went to China, he said during the talks that India&#39;s credentials should be discussed instead of criteria. I believe that there is still time and we are hopeful that we will be able to convince China as well,&quot; Swaraj said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India&#39;s rival Pakistan, an ally of China, which has responded to India&#39;s membership bid with one of its own.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Swaraj also took questions on Pakistan&#39;s bid to join the NSG and said that India was not against the entry of any country into the non-proliferation body.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;As far as Pakistan&#39;s entry is concerned, we are not yet members of the NSG, so we cannot be a part in the decision-making process regarding their membership. We are not opposed to the entry of any nation into the NSG. We would want any application to be considered on its own merits,&quot; she concluded.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Membership of the 48-nation club would bring India into the nuclear fold 41 years after it tested its first nuclear bomb, and give the nation of 1.25 billion a vested interest in curbing the world&#39;s most dangerous regional arms race.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
A seat at the NSG would strengthen India&#39;s geopolitical clout and help it&nbsp;capitalise&nbsp;on nuclear trade and technology transfer opportunities.&nbsp; 
 
(Agencies)&nbsp;

The statement comes after Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's comment that China was not blocking India's entry into NSG

China said on Monday that India's inclusion in the NSG was not even on the agenda of the group's meeting in Seoul this week and there were differences among the existing members over the inclusion of new countries. This statement comes just a day after India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj asserted that Beijing was not opposing India's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG). "We have stressed that the NSG is still divided about non-NPT countries' entry into the NSG, and under the current circumstances we hope that NSG will make thorough discussions to make a decision based on consultation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing. Answering questions about foreign secretary S Jaishankar's visit here on June 16-17 and Swaraj's remarks, Hua said India's admission into NSG is not on the agenda of the Seoul meeting of the 48-member elite club to be held on June 24. "As we understand the annual conference in Seoul this year also has no such topic. We understand that non-NPT countries are concerned about their entry into the NSG. But since NSG is still divided about the issue, so it is still not mature to talk about the entry issue in the annual conference in Seoul," she said. "I want point out that the NSG agenda has never covered any issue concerning the non-NPT countries joining the NSG," Hua asserted. China, along with some other nations, has effectively blocked India's entry to NSG that trades in advanced nuclear material and technology. Swaraj had made the comments on China at a news conference held to highlight her government's achievement in their two-years of rule on Sunday. "As far as China is concerned, they are not opposed to India's membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) but is talking about criteria procedure," she said. India had spoken to 23 nations on India's membership to NSG, out of which 21 had extended support while the remaining had raised questions. India already enjoys most of the benefits of membership under a 2008 exemption to NSG rules granted to support its nuclear cooperation deal with Washington, even though India has developed atomic weapons and never signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the main global arms control pact. Swaraj was optimistic that China would agree on India's entry into NSG. "When foreign secretary went to China, he said during the talks that India's credentials should be discussed instead of criteria. I believe that there is still time and we are hopeful that we will be able to convince China as well," Swaraj said. Opponents argue that granting India membership would further undermine efforts to prevent proliferation. It would also infuriate India's rival Pakistan, an ally of China, which has responded to India's membership bid with one of its own. Swaraj also took questions on Pakistan's bid to join the NSG and said that India was not against the entry of any country into the non-proliferation body. "As far as Pakistan's entry is concerned, we are not yet members of the NSG, so we cannot be a part in the decision-making process regarding their membership. We are not opposed to the entry of any nation into the NSG. We would want any application to be considered on its own merits," she concluded. Membership of the 48-nation club would bring India into the nuclear fold 41 years after it tested its first nuclear bomb, and give the nation of 1.25 billion a vested interest in curbing the world's most dangerous regional arms race. A seat at the NSG would strengthen India's geopolitical clout and help it capitalise on nuclear trade and technology transfer opportunities. (Agencies)

India?s entry into Nuclear Suppliers' Group not on Seoul meet agenda: China

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round.

John, performing at a luxury shopping and&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him.

&quot;As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip,&quot; said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience.

&quot;Although it wasn&#39;t possible, I&#39;m deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet.&quot;

Putin&#39;s spokesman said last week that the Russian leader&#39;s schedule did not match up with John&#39;s, but that a meeting might take place &quot;next time.&quot; Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting.

In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world&#39;s most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting.

Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of &quot;gay propaganda&quot; among young Russians.

Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people.

John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia&#39;s AIDS epidemic.

The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country&#39;s top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, but the Kremlin leader didn't have time

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round. John, performing at a luxury shopping and entertainment centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him. "As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip," said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience. "Although it wasn't possible, I'm deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet." Putin's spokesman said last week that the Russian leader's schedule did not match up with John's, but that a meeting might take place "next time." Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting. In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world's most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting. Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of "gay propaganda" among young Russians. Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people. John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia's AIDS epidemic. The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country's top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

Elton John tells Russians he still wants to meet Putin to discuss gay rights

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