Donald Trump’s vice president Mike Pence took center stage at the Republican convention Wednesday to warn voters they “won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America”

'Joe Biden will be nothing more than a Trojan horse', says Mike Pence at RNC 2020

US Vice-President Mike Pence speaking at the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, said that America needs four more years of Donald Trump at the White House.

Watch:

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"America sees President Trump in lots of different ways, if you want a president who falls slient when our heritage is demeaned or insulted, he's not your man," the US vice-president said, adding,"he does things his own way, on his terms."

"Not much gets past him and when he has an opinion, he's liable to share it," he said. "He certainly kept things interesting."

"We rebuild our military, the president signed the largest increase in our national defence since the days of Reagan and created the first new branch of our armed forces in 70 years in the United States space force," the US vice president asserted.

"We also returned American astronauts to space on an American rocket for the first time in nearly 10 years and after years of scandal, it robbed our veterans the care that you earn in the uniform of the United States."

"Veterans choice is now available for every veteran in America," he added.

"History records that Joe Biden even opposed the operation that took down Osama Bin Laden," he said.

"I was there when President Donald Trump gave the order to take out the world's most dangerous terrorist - Qasem Solemani is gone," Pence stated.

Pence said the US will have a safe COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year.

Pence said Biden didn't say "one word" about violence and chaos engulfing cities across America. "So lets be very clear, the violence must stop whether in Minneapolis or Kenosha."

"President Trump and I will always support the right of Americans to peaceful protest but rioting and looting is not peaceful protest, tearing down statues is not free speech and those who do so will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

US Vice-President Mike Pence speaking at the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, said that America needs four more years of Donald Trump at the White House.

US Vice-President Mike Pence speaking at the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, Maryland, said that America needs four more years of Donald Trump at the White House. Watch: "America sees President Trump in lots of different ways, if you want a president who falls slient when our heritage is demeaned or insulted, he's not your man," the US vice-president said, adding,"he does things his own way, on his terms." "Not much gets past him and when he has an opinion, he's liable to share it," he said. "He certainly kept things interesting." "We rebuild our military, the president signed the largest increase in our national defence since the days of Reagan and created the first new branch of our armed forces in 70 years in the United States space force," the US vice president asserted. "We also returned American astronauts to space on an American rocket for the first time in nearly 10 years and after years of scandal, it robbed our veterans the care that you earn in the uniform of the United States." "Veterans choice is now available for every veteran in America," he added. "History records that Joe Biden even opposed the operation that took down Osama Bin Laden," he said. "I was there when President Donald Trump gave the order to take out the world's most dangerous terrorist - Qasem Solemani is gone," Pence stated. Pence said the US will have a safe COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year. Pence said Biden didn't say "one word" about violence and chaos engulfing cities across America. "So lets be very clear, the violence must stop whether in Minneapolis or Kenosha." "President Trump and I will always support the right of Americans to peaceful protest but rioting and looting is not peaceful protest, tearing down statues is not free speech and those who do so will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

History records Biden opposed operation against Osama Bin Laden, says US Vice President Mike Pence at Republican National Convention

The Republican National Convention continues Wednesday under the theme "America, Land of Heroes" with Vice President Mike Pence

RNC Day 3: VP Pence, Second lady of US and Trump's daughter-in-law to speak

Melania Trump called for an end to violence and looting “being done in the name of justice," as protests continue to erupted nationwide following the death of African-American George Floyd.

'I urge people to stop violence in the name of justice', says Melania Trump at RNC

While Trump speaks from Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks from the other side of the world. Pompeo is on a trip to the Middle East but will take time out to speak from Jerusalem.

RNC Day 2: Mike Pompeo speaks from Jerusalem, FLOTUS from White House' Rose Garden

Pence also made a surprise appearance at Charlotte where the roll call vote was done. He will deliver his formal acceptance speech on Wednesday.

Mike Pence formally renominated for Vice President at RNC 2020

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.&nbsp;

"What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tweets-then-deletes-video-of-a-man-chanting-white-power-wh-defends-309218">Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends</a>

Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-issues-wanted-poster-for-people-who-vandalized-statues-308903">Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues</a>

The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets".&nbsp;

Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.&nbsp;

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments.

Vice President Mike Pence has described the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement as a political agenda of "radical left", saying that it intends to defund the police and bringing down monuments. "What I see in the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement is a political agenda of the radical left that would defund the police, that would tear down monuments, that would press a radical left agenda," Pence said in an interview to CBS. Also read | Trump tweets, then deletes, video of a man chanting 'white power'; WH defends Highlighting that "all lives matter", he also added that George Floyd's death was inexcusable. Also read | Trump issues 'wanted' poster for people who vandalized statues The vice president said that he cherishes "the progress that we have made toward a more perfect union for African Americans throughout our history". Pence said that African American leaders have made it clear to the US administration "they want law and order" and "peace in our streets". Black Lives Matter movement has gained prominence first in the US and then worldwide after the death of George Floyd, an African American, in Minneapolis, US after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes.

Black Lives Matter political agenda of radical left: Mike Pence

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter.

"The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996">Also read|&nbsp;'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

The statement had to be issued after one of the leading national newspapers published an article claiming that an unnamed source from the White House had revealed that the President was informed about the intelligence report in a closed-doors meeting, but the President had failed to act on it.

However, the McEnany, on Saturday, clarified against this claim and said that&nbsp;"the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President was briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence."

She also added that she issued the statement to highlight the inaccuracy of the newspaper that published that article with the claims made by the unnamed source.

There has been no comment from Donald Trump and Mike Pence on this matter yet.

Russia, meanwhile, has denied the accusation of offering bounties to attack the US forces.

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter.

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter. "The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. Also read| 'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces The statement had to be issued after one of the leading national newspapers published an article claiming that an unnamed source from the White House had revealed that the President was informed about the intelligence report in a closed-doors meeting, but the President had failed to act on it. However, the McEnany, on Saturday, clarified against this claim and said that "the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President was briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence." She also added that she issued the statement to highlight the inaccuracy of the newspaper that published that article with the claims made by the unnamed source. There has been no comment from Donald Trump and Mike Pence on this matter yet. Russia, meanwhile, has denied the accusation of offering bounties to attack the US forces.

Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case

US Vice President Mike Pence and&nbsp;Florida Governor&nbsp;Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service.

Pence did not shake hands with anyone but it did not appear that there was always six feet of distance between him and the people he greeted.

They two men sat down at a table, with other patrons seated at tables nearby.

According to the Vice President’s spokesman Devin O’Malley, patrons and staff at the restaurant were given temperature checks and questioned about whether they had any symptoms prior to the vice president’s visit but were not given tests.

Steele told Pence&nbsp;that the restaurant is operating a 50 per cent seating capacity indoors in keeping with the state’s guidelines for a phased reopening.

Steele said the restaurant is excited to be reopening its doors to in-person customers after weeks of service that was limited to takeout.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service.

US Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited a crowded restaurant without wearing masks to highlight efforts to allow restaurants in the state to begin reopening for limited, in-person service. Pence did not shake hands with anyone but it did not appear that there was always six feet of distance between him and the people he greeted. They two men sat down at a table, with other patrons seated at tables nearby. According to the Vice President’s spokesman Devin O’Malley, patrons and staff at the restaurant were given temperature checks and questioned about whether they had any symptoms prior to the vice president’s visit but were not given tests. Steele told Pence that the restaurant is operating a 50 per cent seating capacity indoors in keeping with the state’s guidelines for a phased reopening. Steele said the restaurant is excited to be reopening its doors to in-person customers after weeks of service that was limited to takeout.

US Vice President Pence visits crowded restaurant without wearing mask

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use.

"People are going to have to make up their own mind,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said about hydroxychloroquine during a visit to the US&nbsp;Capitol. "I think it gives you an additional level of safety."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-confirms-trump-is-taking-anti-malarial-drug-to-ward-off-covid-19-299538" hreflang="en">White House confirms Trump is taking anti-malarial drug to ward off COVID-19</a>

The US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential serious side effects with the use of the drug in COVID-19 patients.

Weeks ago,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had promoted the drug as a potential treatment based on a positive report about its use against the virus, but subsequent studies found that it was not helpful.

The White House physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo released late on Monday that he and the president had discussed the evidence for and against taking the drug and had agreed that "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks."

Vice President Mike Pence, whose press secretary, Katie Miller, has contracted the coronavirus, said in an interview that he was not taking the drug.

"I'm not but I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician," Pence said, according to a transcript of the interview. He noted the FDA had approved "off-label use" of the drug when prescribed by a physician.

"My physician has not recommended that but I wouldn't hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise," he said.

At a meeting later at the White House,&nbsp;Trump's cabinet members also defended the drug's efficacy in treating coronavirus infections.

"I think it's worth it as a line of defense and I'll stay on it for a little while longer,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said at the meeting. "It's gotten a bad reputation only because I'm promoting it."

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended taking a prescription malaria drug to try to ward off the novel coronavirus despite medical warnings about its use. "People are going to have to make up their own mind," Trump said about hydroxychloroquine during a visit to the US Capitol. "I think it gives you an additional level of safety." Also read: White House confirms Trump is taking anti-malarial drug to ward off COVID-19 The US Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential serious side effects with the use of the drug in COVID-19 patients. Weeks ago, Trump had promoted the drug as a potential treatment based on a positive report about its use against the virus, but subsequent studies found that it was not helpful. The White House physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo released late on Monday that he and the president had discussed the evidence for and against taking the drug and had agreed that "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks." Vice President Mike Pence, whose press secretary, Katie Miller, has contracted the coronavirus, said in an interview that he was not taking the drug. "I'm not but I would never begrudge any American taking the advice of their physician," Pence said, according to a transcript of the interview. He noted the FDA had approved "off-label use" of the drug when prescribed by a physician. "My physician has not recommended that but I wouldn't hesitate to take the counsel of my doctor. Any American should do likewise," he said. At a meeting later at the White House, Trump's cabinet members also defended the drug's efficacy in treating coronavirus infections. "I think it's worth it as a line of defense and I'll stay on it for a little while longer," Trump said at the meeting. "It's gotten a bad reputation only because I'm promoting it."

Trump defends his use of unproven treatment as prevention against coronavirus

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-outbreak-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report</a>

"Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-us-china-cold-war-now-begun-295905">Also read |&nbsp;Has the US-China cold war now begun?</a>

Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-torn-over-us-china-trade-deal-as-officials-push-to-fulfill-its-terms-297563">Also read |&nbsp;Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms</a>

This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection.

On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative.

There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday. Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report "Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement. Also read | Has the US-China cold war now begun? Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation. Also read | Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection. On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative. There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

US Vice President Mike Pence 'won't self-quarantine' despite his staffer testing COVID-19 positive

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550" hreflang="en">US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="755bd5de-bd46-4bb9-b953-56e91415620b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/https___cdn.cnn_.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_200312113720-putin-trump-xi-split.jpg" /> 
The US State Department has accused China and Russia&nbsp;of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. <a href="wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547" hreflang="en">After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<img alt="Mike Pence" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3334b7cf-72b4-4109-a3e0-31766d917bd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/110346-untitled-design-9.jpg" /> 
US&nbsp;Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus&nbsp;this week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547">Read&nbsp;more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555" hreflang="en">Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa7e85e7-17a1-4f45-bf40-39043e0fcbe2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/f1d13f5cd558af7b9eaef082c22314e0.jpg" /> 
Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO</a>

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="868cffb4-7924-4436-a593-36b40e4f926a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134457-taiwanchina.jpeg" /> 
Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">Read more</a>

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US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic.

US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. Read more After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19 US Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus this week. Read more Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. Read more US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Read more

Morning News Brief: US accuses China, Russia, Pence's aide tests positive, and more

US&nbsp;Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus&nbsp;this week.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump's valet had tested positive for the deadly virus after which Trump had announced that he will get tested ''everyday''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-prepares-to-fight-another-war-against-giant-killer-hornets-297515" hreflang="en">Now, US prepares to fight another war against giant killer hornets</a>

The White House has begun daily testing for Pence and Trump, and has claimed to be taking "every single precaution to protect the president".

The US death toll is now over 76,000 and states are beginning to reopen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-white-house-press-secy-had-once-called-trumps-comments-racist-297471" hreflang="en">New White House press secy had once called Trump's comments 'racist'</a>

News that staffer Katie Miller had fallen ill boosted fears that the White House is at risk of becoming a viral hot spot just when Trump is leading efforts to wind down nationwide quarantine measures that have devastated the world's biggest economy.

Miller is spokeswoman for Pence, giving her frequent access to high-level meetings.

She is also married to Trump's&nbsp;top aide Stephen Miller, the speech writer behind the administration's hardline immigration measures.

<img alt="Katie Miller" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39a64a89-24ad-4c6e-9485-54327c156dc9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4690.jpg" /> 
Katie and Stephen Miller

US Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus this week. Earlier, US President Donald Trump's valet had tested positive for the deadly virus after which Trump had announced that he will get tested ''everyday''.

US Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus this week. Earlier, US President Donald Trump's valet had tested positive for the deadly virus after which Trump had announced that he will get tested ''everyday''. Also read: Now, US prepares to fight another war against giant killer hornets The White House has begun daily testing for Pence and Trump, and has claimed to be taking "every single precaution to protect the president". The US death toll is now over 76,000 and states are beginning to reopen. Also read: New White House press secy had once called Trump's comments 'racist' News that staffer Katie Miller had fallen ill boosted fears that the White House is at risk of becoming a viral hot spot just when Trump is leading efforts to wind down nationwide quarantine measures that have devastated the world's biggest economy. Miller is spokeswoman for Pence, giving her frequent access to high-level meetings. She is also married to Trump's top aide Stephen Miller, the speech writer behind the administration's hardline immigration measures. Katie and Stephen Miller

After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel apologized on Friday after a joke he made about Vice President Mike Pence was proven inaccurate. In the gag, Kimmel alleged that Pence was carrying empty boxes of personal protective equipment for the sake of a photo opportunity.

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel apologized on Friday after a joke he made about Vice President Mike Pence was proven inaccurate. In the gag, Kimmel alleged that Pence was carrying empty boxes of personal protective equipment for the sake of a photo opportunity. The boxes, however, were not empty. “It would appear that [Pence] was joking about carrying empty boxes for a staged publicity stunt,” a less than contrite Kimmel wrote on Twitter. “The full video reveals that he was carrying full boxes for a staged publicity stunt. My apologies. I know how dearly this administration values truth.” it would appear that @vp was joking about carrying empty boxes for a staged publicity stunt. The full video reveals that he was carrying full boxes for a staged publicity stunt. My apologies. I know how dearly this administration values truth. https://t.co/hI9cO4lxcX — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) May 8, 2020 × On Thursday night, comedian Jimmy Kimmel aired a clip of Pence’s visit. He first suggested that Pence — “doing his best to lift them” — was pretending to strain as he took boxes off a cart. “Since it was going so well and also because he didn’t realize he had a mic on, Magic Mike decided to keep it going,” Kimmel said. “Listen in closely here.” Pence is heard being told the remaining boxes are empty, and he responds: “Well, can I carry the empty ones? Just for the camera?” Kimmel asserted, “Mike Pence pretending to carry a big box of PPEs into a hospital is the perfect metaphor for who he is and what he’s doing: a big box of nothing, delivering another box of nothing.” Kimmel tweeted out the clip Friday morning, saying: “A big box of nothing, delivering another box of nothing.” It quickly went viral, accumulating millions of views.

Jimmy Kimmel apologises for false claim that Pence carried empty boxes

US Vice President Mike Pence had visited Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and despite leading the White House coronavirus taskforce, he was the only person without a mask throughout the visit.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-order-meat-processing-plants-to-stay-open-even-as-they-become-coronavirus-hot-spots-295427" hreflang="en">Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots</a>

According to a deleted tweet, the clinic had notified Mike Pence in advance about the medical centre's policy of visitors wearing masks. In fact, not only the clinic but the US government's coronavirus-prevention guidelines suggest that people should wear protective masks in public areas where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.&nbsp;

<img alt="cc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca2266ea-bac3-411c-aea4-794e8ed7d117" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_121.jpg" />

According to the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University, a total of 10,02,498 cases and 57,266 deaths related to the disease have been recorded in the country.&nbsp;

Pence was accompanied by the commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration Dr Stephen Hahn. Dr Hahn was seen wearing a mask during the visit.&nbsp;

When asked by a reporter, the vice-president said that he and everyone around him are regularly tested for coronavirus. He said: "When the CDC issued guidelines about wearing a mask, it was their recognition that people that may have the coronavirus could prevent the possibility of conveying the virus to someone else by wearing a mask."

"And since I don't have the coronavirus, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible healthcare personnel, and look them in the eye and say thank you."

This is not the first instance when Pence did not wear masks in public spaces, earlier this month he greeted Colorado Governor Jared Polis without wearing a mask on the way to Air Force Graduation ceremony. Jared Polis was seen greeting Pence wearing a mask.&nbsp;

Pence, who has never worn a mask since the pandemic began, his aide was the first member of White House to have tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

His President, Donald Trump to has said that he has no plans of wearing a mask.&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence had visited Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and despite leading the White House coronavirus taskforce, he was the only person without a mask throughout the visit.

US Vice President Mike Pence had visited Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and despite leading the White House coronavirus taskforce, he was the only person without a mask throughout the visit. Also read: Trump to order meat processing plants to stay open even as they become coronavirus hot spots According to a deleted tweet, the clinic had notified Mike Pence in advance about the medical centre's policy of visitors wearing masks. In fact, not only the clinic but the US government's coronavirus-prevention guidelines suggest that people should wear protective masks in public areas where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. According to the Centre for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University, a total of 10,02,498 cases and 57,266 deaths related to the disease have been recorded in the country. Pence was accompanied by the commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration Dr Stephen Hahn. Dr Hahn was seen wearing a mask during the visit. When asked by a reporter, the vice-president said that he and everyone around him are regularly tested for coronavirus. He said: "When the CDC issued guidelines about wearing a mask, it was their recognition that people that may have the coronavirus could prevent the possibility of conveying the virus to someone else by wearing a mask." "And since I don't have the coronavirus, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible healthcare personnel, and look them in the eye and say thank you." This is not the first instance when Pence did not wear masks in public spaces, earlier this month he greeted Colorado Governor Jared Polis without wearing a mask on the way to Air Force Graduation ceremony. Jared Polis was seen greeting Pence wearing a mask. Pence, who has never worn a mask since the pandemic began, his aide was the first member of White House to have tested positive for coronavirus. His President, Donald Trump to has said that he has no plans of wearing a mask.

US vice-president Mike Pence does the contrary! Visits clinic without wearing mask

US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that he and his wife would be tested for coronavirus after one of his office staffers contracted the illness.

Pence said that there was little reason to believe he had been exposed to the employee, who has not been to the White House since Monday.

However, he said, "Given the unique position that I have as vice president and as the leader of the White House coronavirus task force, both I and my wife will be tested for the coronavirus later this afternoon."

A staffer in the office of Pence has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday.

"Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted," Pence's press secretary Katie Miller said.

Pence has appeared at Trump's side at the daily White House press conferences to announce developments in the US fight against the outbreak.

It is the latest case of COVID-19 to brush the inner circle of US leadership.&nbsp;

An attendee at a political conference last month featuring Trump and Pence tested positive for the illness, and multiple political figures who regularly meet with the president and vice president have gone into preventive self-quarantine.

Trump tested negative for the novel coronavirus last week. He agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since been found to have the virus.

The news came as COVID-19-linked deaths in the US rose to 216, more than doubling in three days, with more than 16,600 confirmed infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

On Friday, New York and Illinois followed California in locking down to stem the coronavirus pandemic, effectively sealing off America's largest cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that he and his wife would be tested for coronavirus after one of his office staffers contracted the illness. Pence said that there was little reason to believe he had been exposed to the employee, who has not been to the White House since Monday.

US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday that he and his wife would be tested for coronavirus after one of his office staffers contracted the illness. Pence said that there was little reason to believe he had been exposed to the employee, who has not been to the White House since Monday. However, he said, "Given the unique position that I have as vice president and as the leader of the White House coronavirus task force, both I and my wife will be tested for the coronavirus later this afternoon." A staffer in the office of Pence has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday. "Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted," Pence's press secretary Katie Miller said. Pence has appeared at Trump's side at the daily White House press conferences to announce developments in the US fight against the outbreak. It is the latest case of COVID-19 to brush the inner circle of US leadership. An attendee at a political conference last month featuring Trump and Pence tested positive for the illness, and multiple political figures who regularly meet with the president and vice president have gone into preventive self-quarantine. Trump tested negative for the novel coronavirus last week. He agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since been found to have the virus. The news came as COVID-19-linked deaths in the US rose to 216, more than doubling in three days, with more than 16,600 confirmed infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. On Friday, New York and Illinois followed California in locking down to stem the coronavirus pandemic, effectively sealing off America's largest cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

US Vice-President Pence, wife to be tested for coronavirus after staffer infected

A staffer in the office of US Vice President Mike Pence, the point man for Washington's response to the coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday.

"Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted," Pence's press secretary Katie Miller said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-trump-says-us-on-top-as-outbreak-shuts-largest-cities-287738">Coronavirus pandemic: Trump says US on top as outbreak shuts largest cities</a>

Pence has appeared at Trump's side at the daily White House press conferences to announce developments in the US fight against the outbreak.

It is the latest case of COVID-19 to brush the inner circle of US leadership.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hoax-everything-under-control-and-pandemic-a-timeline-of-how-donald-trump-denied-coronavirus-outbreak-287559">'Hoax', 'everything under control' and 'pandemic': A timeline of how Donald Trump denied coronavirus outbreak</a>

An attendee at a political conference last month featuring Trump and Pence tested positive for the illness, and multiple political figures who regularly meet with the president and vice president have gone into preventive self-quarantine.

Trump tested negative for the novel coronavirus last week. He agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since been found to have the virus.

The news came as COVID-19-linked deaths in the US rose to 216, more than doubling in three days, with more than 16,600 confirmed infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

On Friday, New York and Illinois followed California in locking down to stem the coronavirus pandemic, effectively sealing off America's largest cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

A staffer in the office of US Vice President Mike Pence, the point man for Washington's response to the coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday.

A staffer in the office of US Vice President Mike Pence, the point man for Washington's response to the coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday. "Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted," Pence's press secretary Katie Miller said. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: Trump says US on top as outbreak shuts largest cities Pence has appeared at Trump's side at the daily White House press conferences to announce developments in the US fight against the outbreak. It is the latest case of COVID-19 to brush the inner circle of US leadership. Also read: 'Hoax', 'everything under control' and 'pandemic': A timeline of how Donald Trump denied coronavirus outbreak An attendee at a political conference last month featuring Trump and Pence tested positive for the illness, and multiple political figures who regularly meet with the president and vice president have gone into preventive self-quarantine. Trump tested negative for the novel coronavirus last week. He agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since been found to have the virus. The news came as COVID-19-linked deaths in the US rose to 216, more than doubling in three days, with more than 16,600 confirmed infections, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. On Friday, New York and Illinois followed California in locking down to stem the coronavirus pandemic, effectively sealing off America's largest cities of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Staffer in US vice president's office tests positive for virus: Spokeswoman

The United States has 43 domestic cases of coronavirus and 48 cases of individuals who have returned to the country, Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-team-arrives-as-death-toll-in-coronavirus-climbs-to-66-in-iran-283841" hreflang="en">UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran</a>

"At the present moment, we have 43 domestic cases of the coronavirus, 48 cases of individuals who've returned to the United States. Of the domestic cases, 29 of the 43 are either in California or Washington state," Pence said during a briefing on coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/us-postpones-summit-with-asean-leaders-amid-coronavirus-fears-report-283438">US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report</a>

According to health officials, six people have died in Washington state from the virus, including the person who died in Snohomish County on Monday.

The other five people have died in King County, according to Jeffrey Duchin, a public health official with the county.

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The US reported its first death from coronavirus on Saturday, involving a man in his 50s who had underlying health conditions. On Sunday, the Trump administration announced 91 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the country.

The country has announced additional travel restrictions affecting Iran, Italy, and South Korea to contain coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since then spread to several countries across the world, including India. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

The United States has 43 domestic cases of coronavirus and 48 cases of individuals who have returned to the country, Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran "At the present moment, we have 43 domestic cases of the coronavirus, 48 cases of individuals who've returned to the United States.

The United States has 43 domestic cases of coronavirus and 48 cases of individuals who have returned to the country, Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran "At the present moment, we have 43 domestic cases of the coronavirus, 48 cases of individuals who've returned to the United States. Of the domestic cases, 29 of the 43 are either in California or Washington state," Pence said during a briefing on coronavirus. Also read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report According to health officials, six people have died in Washington state from the virus, including the person who died in Snohomish County on Monday. The other five people have died in King County, according to Jeffrey Duchin, a public health official with the county. × The US reported its first death from coronavirus on Saturday, involving a man in his 50s who had underlying health conditions. On Sunday, the Trump administration announced 91 confirmed and presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the country. The country has announced additional travel restrictions affecting Iran, Italy, and South Korea to contain coronavirus outbreak. Coronavirus first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since then spread to several countries across the world, including India. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

United States has 43 domestic cases of coronavirus: Mike Pence

The US President Donald Trump placed Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the U.S. response to the looming global health crisis. Nearly three months after the spread of coronavirus, the reported cases of the coronavirus has now spiked to over 81,000 worldwide. New cases in China are declining while the rest of the world is reeling under the outbreak.

Donald Trump picks Pence to head coronavirus response team

Pope Francis met Iraq's president on Saturday and the two agreed that the country's sovereignty must be respected, following attacks on Iraqi territory this month by the United States and Iran.

President Barham Salih held private talks for about 30 minutes with the pope and then met the Vatican's two top diplomats, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister.

The talks "focused on the challenges the country currently faces and on the importance of promoting stability and the reconstruction process, encouraging the path of dialogue and the search for suitable solutions in favour of citizens and with respect for national sovereignty," a Vatican statement said.

On Jan. 8, Iranian forces fired missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing US troops in retaliation for Washington's killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike a Baghdad airport on Jan. 3.

The Iraqi parliament has passed a resolution ordering the 5,000 US troops stationed in Iraq to leave the country.

Soon after the Iranian attack, Francis urged the United States and Iran to avoid escalation and pursue "dialogue and self-restraint" to avert wider conflict in the Middle East.

The pope discussed the Middle East with US Vice President Mike Pence on Friday.

The recent tensions in Iraq could make it impossible for Francis to visit the country, which he has said he would like to do this year.

The Vatican said the pope and Salih also discussed "the importance of preserving the historical presence of Christians in the country".

The Christian presence in Iraq and some other countries in the Middle East has been depleted by wars and conflicts.

Iraq's several hundred thousand Christians suffered particular hardships when Islamic State-controlled large parts of the country, but have recovered freedoms since the jihadists were pushed out.

Pope Francis met Iraq's president on Saturday and the two agreed that the country's sovereignty must be respected, following attacks on Iraqi territory this month by the United States and Iran.

Pope Francis met Iraq's president on Saturday and the two agreed that the country's sovereignty must be respected, following attacks on Iraqi territory this month by the United States and Iran. President Barham Salih held private talks for about 30 minutes with the pope and then met the Vatican's two top diplomats, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister. The talks "focused on the challenges the country currently faces and on the importance of promoting stability and the reconstruction process, encouraging the path of dialogue and the search for suitable solutions in favour of citizens and with respect for national sovereignty," a Vatican statement said. On Jan. 8, Iranian forces fired missiles at two military bases in Iraq housing US troops in retaliation for Washington's killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike a Baghdad airport on Jan. 3. The Iraqi parliament has passed a resolution ordering the 5,000 US troops stationed in Iraq to leave the country. Soon after the Iranian attack, Francis urged the United States and Iran to avoid escalation and pursue "dialogue and self-restraint" to avert wider conflict in the Middle East. The pope discussed the Middle East with US Vice President Mike Pence on Friday. The recent tensions in Iraq could make it impossible for Francis to visit the country, which he has said he would like to do this year. The Vatican said the pope and Salih also discussed "the importance of preserving the historical presence of Christians in the country". The Christian presence in Iraq and some other countries in the Middle East has been depleted by wars and conflicts. Iraq's several hundred thousand Christians suffered particular hardships when Islamic State-controlled large parts of the country, but have recovered freedoms since the jihadists were pushed out.

Pope backs Iraqi call for its sovereignty to be respected

US Vice President Mike Pence was deliberately ignored by Prince Charles at the Holocaust memorial ceremony in Jerusalem, but the Buckingham Palace has dismissed such suggestions and argued that the two had a "warm and friendly chat" before the event.

A viral video which has been making the rounds on various social media platforms shows the Prince in conversation with various dignitaries at the ceremony, which was being held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre in Jerusalem.

The video shows the 71-year-old Prince Charles approaching Pence and moving straight past him after staring at him for a brief moment, to greet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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That awkward moment HRH Prince Charles appears to snub <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> Mike Pence and wife for a hand shake. 
 
📸 GPO <a href="https://t.co/nrf3vgQPxZ">pic.twitter.com/nrf3vgQPxZ</a>
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The office of the Prince of Wales issued a statement, "Shortly before the Yad Vashem memorial event began, the prince and Vice President Pence had a warm and friendly chat, which is why they did not greet each other again in the room."

Prince Charles warned in his address to the ceremony that "the lessons of the Holocaust are still relevant to this day," which was received by more than 40 Heads of State on a day that marks 75 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz.

US Vice President Mike Pence was deliberately ignored by Prince Charles at the Holocaust memorial ceremony in Jerusalem, but the Buckingham Palace has dismissed such suggestions and argued that the two had a "warm and friendly chat" before the event.

US Vice President Mike Pence was deliberately ignored by Prince Charles at the Holocaust memorial ceremony in Jerusalem, but the Buckingham Palace has dismissed such suggestions and argued that the two had a "warm and friendly chat" before the event. A viral video which has been making the rounds on various social media platforms shows the Prince in conversation with various dignitaries at the ceremony, which was being held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre in Jerusalem. The video shows the 71-year-old Prince Charles approaching Pence and moving straight past him after staring at him for a brief moment, to greet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That awkward moment HRH Prince Charles appears to snub @VP Mike Pence and wife for a hand shake. 📸 GPO pic.twitter.com/nrf3vgQPxZ — Ezra Taylor (@nezrataylor) January 23, 2020 × The office of the Prince of Wales issued a statement, "Shortly before the Yad Vashem memorial event began, the prince and Vice President Pence had a warm and friendly chat, which is why they did not greet each other again in the room." Prince Charles warned in his address to the ceremony that "the lessons of the Holocaust are still relevant to this day," which was received by more than 40 Heads of State on a day that marks 75 years since the liberation of the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz.

US Vice President Mike Pence ignored by Prince Charles at World Holocaust Forum in viral video, Buckingham palace denies

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem</a>, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable"&nbsp;to describe Donald Trump.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israel-hosts-world-holocaust-forum-276196">WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum</a>

"We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby.

His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president&nbsp;of abusing the power of his office.

Pence and&nbsp;Netanyahu had&nbsp;gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate&nbsp;the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland.

The US vice president said that the meeting with&nbsp;Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal".

Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood.

Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump.

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump. Also Read: WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum "We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby. His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president of abusing the power of his office. Pence and Netanyahu had gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. The US vice president said that the meeting with Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal". Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood. Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know: Pence caught on hot mic with Israel PM Netanyahu

World leaders flock to Israel to mark 75th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country.&nbsp;

Media houses in the country challenged Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani's connections to the September 11 attacks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-target-52-iranian-sites-if-americans-are-attacked-donald-trump-272166">US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump</a>

Soleimani, who was the head of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards', was killed on Friday in a drone strike by the US in Baghdad.

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Assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189757708189699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The American vice president on Friday said on Twitter that Soleimani "assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States."

When critics on Twitter pointed out that the 2001 terror attacks were carried out by 19 militants, and not 11, Pence spokeswoman Katie Waldman clarified that Pence was referring only to the dozen who had "transited through Afghanistan."

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Yesterday, President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> took decisive action and stood up against the leading state sponsor of terror to take out an evil man who was responsible for killing thousands of Americans. Soleimani was a terrorist. Here are some of his worst atrocities:
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189745821540353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"10 of those 12 were assisted by Soleimani," Waldman said.&nbsp;

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Directed the sophisticated January 20, 2007, attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Karbala, Iraq, in which five captured U.S. soldiers were executed.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1213189750409986049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, New York Times refuted Vice President's claims and said that Soleimani was never named in the elaborated 585-page report issued by the September 11 Commission. &nbsp;

The Washington Post said that it might be "technically correct to say that Iran 'assisted' in their (9/11 militants) travel." But, it added that did not mean Tehran, or Soleimani in particular was "knowingly assisting in what became the 9/11 attack."&nbsp;

Also, 15 of the 19 US terror attack hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, Iran's arch-rival. 
&nbsp; 
Pence went on to make his points clear through his tweets where he claimed of atrocities committed by Soleimani across a wide swath of the Middle East.

(with inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country.

A fresh row erupted in the United States after the Vice President made claims on Friday that Qasem Soleimani assisted clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks in the country. Media houses in the country challenged Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani's connections to the September 11 attacks. Also read: US to target 52 Iranian sites if Americans are attacked: Donald Trump Soleimani, who was the head of Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guards', was killed on Friday in a drone strike by the US in Baghdad. Assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × The American vice president on Friday said on Twitter that Soleimani "assisted in the clandestine travel to Afghanistan of 10 of the 12 terrorists who carried out the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States." When critics on Twitter pointed out that the 2001 terror attacks were carried out by 19 militants, and not 11, Pence spokeswoman Katie Waldman clarified that Pence was referring only to the dozen who had "transited through Afghanistan." Yesterday, President @realDonaldTrump took decisive action and stood up against the leading state sponsor of terror to take out an evil man who was responsible for killing thousands of Americans. Soleimani was a terrorist. Here are some of his worst atrocities: — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × "10 of those 12 were assisted by Soleimani," Waldman said. Directed the sophisticated January 20, 2007, attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in Karbala, Iraq, in which five captured U.S. soldiers were executed. — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 3, 2020 × However, New York Times refuted Vice President's claims and said that Soleimani was never named in the elaborated 585-page report issued by the September 11 Commission. The Washington Post said that it might be "technically correct to say that Iran 'assisted' in their (9/11 militants) travel." But, it added that did not mean Tehran, or Soleimani in particular was "knowingly assisting in what became the 9/11 attack." Also, 15 of the 19 US terror attack hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, Iran's arch-rival. Pence went on to make his points clear through his tweets where he claimed of atrocities committed by Soleimani across a wide swath of the Middle East. (with inputs from AFP)

US media challenges Vice President Mike Pence's claims of Soleimani assisting 9/11 terrorists

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-vice-president-avoids-baghdad-leaders-on-surprise-iraq-visit-264128">US Vice President Mike Pence visited Iraq on Saturday</a> to reassure Iraqi Kurds of US&nbsp;support after President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria drew criticism that Washington had betrayed its Kurdish allies there.

His trip included a visit with Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, and also a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to discuss the unrest and protests over corruption that have rocked the country.

The visit also served to bolster US&nbsp;troops ahead of next Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Pence made two stops during his short trip, which was previously unannounced for security reasons. Traveling on a military cargo plane, he landed first at Al Asad Air Base northwest of Baghdad and talked by phone with Abdul Mahdi.

“We spoke about the unrest that’s been taking place in recent weeks here in Iraq," Pence told reporters. "He assured me that they were working to avoid violence or the kind of oppression we see taking place even as we speak in Iran.”

“He pledged to me that they would work to protect and respect peaceful protesters as ... part of the democratic process here in Iraq.”

Hundreds have been killed since early October when mass protests began in Baghdad and southern Iraq. Protesters want to dislodge a political class they view as corrupt and beholden to foreign powers at the expense of Iraqis who suffer from poverty and poor healthcare.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday the United States was prepared to impose sanctions on any Iraqi officials found to be corrupt as well as those responsible for the deaths and wounding of peaceful protesters.

The trip gave the Trump administration a chance to show it is working on foreign policy even as impeachment hearings led by Democrats consume Washington.

Pence said he reiterated Trump’s commitment to an independent and sovereign Iraq. “We continue to be concerned about the malign influence of Iran across Iraq,” he said.

Support for Kurds

The vice president went on to Erbil in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq, seeking to show US&nbsp;appreciation for Kurdish sacrifices and affirm a message of US&nbsp;support and partnership with Kurdish fighters.

Pence told Barzani at the beginning of their meeting at Erbil airport that he wanted on Trump's behalf to "reiterate the strong bonds forged in the fires of war between the people of the United States and the Kurdish people across this region".

Last month Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria after Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw all 1,000 US&nbsp;troops there. Pence brokered a pause with Ankara to allow time for Kurdish fighters to withdraw.

That truce aimed to mitigate the crisis sparked by Trump's announcement, which US&nbsp;Republican and Democratic lawmakers criticized as a betrayal of Kurdish allies aligned with Washington in the fight against Islamic State.

Asked whether he had to smooth over any sense of betrayal from the Kurds, Pence said: “I don’t think there was any confusion now among the leadership here in the Kurdish region that President Trump’s commitment to our allies here in Iraq as well as to those in the Syrian Defense Forces, the Kurdish forces who fought alongside us, is unchanging.”

Pence did not leave the White House's frustration about the impeachment probe at home. During remarks to US&nbsp;troops at the Al Asad Air Base, he made mention of "partisan politics and endless investigations" back in Washington slowing down the ability to get troops the reources that they need.

Pence and his wife, Karen, served a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cranberry sauce and other fixings to some 700 troops at the base, which Trump visited in a similar surprise trip last year.

Pence, on his first trip to Iraq as vice president, did not to go Baghdad to meet the prime minister personally because of safety concerns related to the protests, a US&nbsp;official said.

US Vice President Mike Pence visited Iraq on Saturday to reassure Iraqi Kurds of US support after President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria drew criticism that Washington had betrayed its Kurdish allies there.

US Vice President Mike Pence visited Iraq on Saturday to reassure Iraqi Kurds of US support after President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria drew criticism that Washington had betrayed its Kurdish allies there. His trip included a visit with Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, and also a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to discuss the unrest and protests over corruption that have rocked the country. The visit also served to bolster US troops ahead of next Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Pence made two stops during his short trip, which was previously unannounced for security reasons. Traveling on a military cargo plane, he landed first at Al Asad Air Base northwest of Baghdad and talked by phone with Abdul Mahdi. “We spoke about the unrest that’s been taking place in recent weeks here in Iraq," Pence told reporters. "He assured me that they were working to avoid violence or the kind of oppression we see taking place even as we speak in Iran.” “He pledged to me that they would work to protect and respect peaceful protesters as ... part of the democratic process here in Iraq.” Hundreds have been killed since early October when mass protests began in Baghdad and southern Iraq. Protesters want to dislodge a political class they view as corrupt and beholden to foreign powers at the expense of Iraqis who suffer from poverty and poor healthcare. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday the United States was prepared to impose sanctions on any Iraqi officials found to be corrupt as well as those responsible for the deaths and wounding of peaceful protesters. The trip gave the Trump administration a chance to show it is working on foreign policy even as impeachment hearings led by Democrats consume Washington. Pence said he reiterated Trump’s commitment to an independent and sovereign Iraq. “We continue to be concerned about the malign influence of Iran across Iraq,” he said. Support for Kurds The vice president went on to Erbil in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq, seeking to show US appreciation for Kurdish sacrifices and affirm a message of US support and partnership with Kurdish fighters. Pence told Barzani at the beginning of their meeting at Erbil airport that he wanted on Trump's behalf to "reiterate the strong bonds forged in the fires of war between the people of the United States and the Kurdish people across this region". Last month Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria after Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw all 1,000 US troops there. Pence brokered a pause with Ankara to allow time for Kurdish fighters to withdraw. That truce aimed to mitigate the crisis sparked by Trump's announcement, which US Republican and Democratic lawmakers criticized as a betrayal of Kurdish allies aligned with Washington in the fight against Islamic State. Asked whether he had to smooth over any sense of betrayal from the Kurds, Pence said: “I don’t think there was any confusion now among the leadership here in the Kurdish region that President Trump’s commitment to our allies here in Iraq as well as to those in the Syrian Defense Forces, the Kurdish forces who fought alongside us, is unchanging.” Pence did not leave the White House's frustration about the impeachment probe at home. During remarks to US troops at the Al Asad Air Base, he made mention of "partisan politics and endless investigations" back in Washington slowing down the ability to get troops the reources that they need. Pence and his wife, Karen, served a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cranberry sauce and other fixings to some 700 troops at the base, which Trump visited in a similar surprise trip last year. Pence, on his first trip to Iraq as vice president, did not to go Baghdad to meet the prime minister personally because of safety concerns related to the protests, a US official said.

On Iraq visit, Pence reassures Kurds, discusses protests with prime minister

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital.

His trip came after weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-in-iraq-capital-as-top-cleric-bluntly-pushes-reform-263953">anti-government rallies </a>across Baghdad and the south.

Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone.

"There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said.

President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share.

Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters.

Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week.

"Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecondLady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecondLady</a> and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! <a href="https://t.co/bzcM1fGgiG">pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG</a>
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1198238137543053312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad.

Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming.

Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further.

One protester killed&nbsp;

One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said.

Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based.

Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there.

Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs.&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein.

The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class.

But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP.

Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran.

Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions.

Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle.

Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations.

'Not welcome in Iraq'&nbsp;

In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran.

Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations.

Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory."

Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran.

Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down.

Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence. In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital. His trip came after weeks of anti-government rallies across Baghdad and the south. Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone. "There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said. President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share. Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters. Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week. "Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted. Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 23, 2019 × The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad. Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming. Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further. One protester killed One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said. Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based. Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there. Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs. Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein. The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class. But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP. Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions. Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle. Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations. 'Not welcome in Iraq' In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran. Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations. Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory." Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran. Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down. Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

American vice president avoids Baghdad leaders on surprise Iraq visit

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/political-turmoil-deepening-in-bolivia-protests-over-alleged-electoral-fraud-258057">national election</a> that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging.

Washington also weighed in with its concerns about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-morales-set-to-win-outright-as-disputed-vote-count-nears-completion-257985">last week's poll</a> that gave leftist Morales his fourth term in office, while main opposition rival Carlos Mesa called for a general strike in the capital of La Paz on Monday to protest the result.

"The world is watching Bolivia's institutions and leaders to ensure that the voice and will of the Bolivian people are honoured," US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Sunday.

Bolivian Deputy Trade Minister Benjamin Blanco told state TV on Sunday that a deal with Washington-based OAS on the terms of an audit, including the selection of chief auditors, was being negotiated and should wrap up this week. The OAS said on Saturday that it expected to begin the audit mid-week.

Asked if the government would agree to enact the audit's findings, Blanco said any deal "can't contradict what's established in our constitution and national laws." Morales has said he would call a second-round run-off vote with his closest rival Carlos Mesa if the OAS' audit turned up any evidence of fraud.

Brazil, Bolivia's biggest trade partner, has said it would not recognise Morales' victory until an audit was completed. The OAS has similarly said the result could not be considered legitimate before an audit, given "serious doubts" about fairness and transparency.

Morales has repeatedly denied allegations by the right-leaning opposition that he strong-armed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) into giving him just enough votes in Sunday's election to avoid a riskier second-round election with Mesa.

Citing "massive fraud", <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mesa-cries-foul-turmoil-flares-in-bolivia-after-morales-declared-official-winner-258151">Mesa called for a strike</a> in La Paz on Monday, which would intensify days of protests that have already seen electoral offices in some regions torched and large marches and strikes in major cities.

"We cannot allow authoritarianism that is increasingly turning into a dictatorship rob the people of its will," Mesa said in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday.

Morales had warned on Saturday that his rural supporters would siege cities that continue to protest his victory, alleging the opposition was stirring up unrest in a bid to unseat him illegally.

Mesa said the government was "trying to quiet the voices of the citizenry," adding "we're not afraid."

The TSE has denied vote tampering since sparking an uproar for abruptly halting publication of results from an electronic quick count of ballots that had aimed to make last Sunday's election more transparent.

With 84 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted, polling showed Morales was likely headed to a run-off with Mesa. But when the TSE resumed reporting of the quick count after a nearly 24-hour pause, Morales had pulled off a razor-thin first-round victory.

The final, legally-binding vote tally gave him 47.08 per cent&nbsp;of votes to Mesa's 35.51 per cent, less than a percentage point over the 10-point lead needed to avoid a run-off and giving him another five-year term.

Protesters say Morales had stocked the TSE and local courts with supporters as he has grown more authoritarian after nearly 14 years in office.

Morales, who denies the charges, ran again this year in defiance of term limits and a national referendum that had oppposed lifting them, after a court ruling found barring him would violate his human rights.

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial national election that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging.

The Bolivian government said on Sunday it planned to agree on a deal with the Organisation of American States (OAS) within days to audit a controversial national election that handed President Evo Morales an outright win amid allegations of vote-rigging. Washington also weighed in with its concerns about last week's poll that gave leftist Morales his fourth term in office, while main opposition rival Carlos Mesa called for a general strike in the capital of La Paz on Monday to protest the result. "The world is watching Bolivia's institutions and leaders to ensure that the voice and will of the Bolivian people are honoured," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Sunday. Bolivian Deputy Trade Minister Benjamin Blanco told state TV on Sunday that a deal with Washington-based OAS on the terms of an audit, including the selection of chief auditors, was being negotiated and should wrap up this week. The OAS said on Saturday that it expected to begin the audit mid-week. Asked if the government would agree to enact the audit's findings, Blanco said any deal "can't contradict what's established in our constitution and national laws." Morales has said he would call a second-round run-off vote with his closest rival Carlos Mesa if the OAS' audit turned up any evidence of fraud. Brazil, Bolivia's biggest trade partner, has said it would not recognise Morales' victory until an audit was completed. The OAS has similarly said the result could not be considered legitimate before an audit, given "serious doubts" about fairness and transparency. Morales has repeatedly denied allegations by the right-leaning opposition that he strong-armed the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) into giving him just enough votes in Sunday's election to avoid a riskier second-round election with Mesa. Citing "massive fraud", Mesa called for a strike in La Paz on Monday, which would intensify days of protests that have already seen electoral offices in some regions torched and large marches and strikes in major cities. "We cannot allow authoritarianism that is increasingly turning into a dictatorship rob the people of its will," Mesa said in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday. Morales had warned on Saturday that his rural supporters would siege cities that continue to protest his victory, alleging the opposition was stirring up unrest in a bid to unseat him illegally. Mesa said the government was "trying to quiet the voices of the citizenry," adding "we're not afraid." The TSE has denied vote tampering since sparking an uproar for abruptly halting publication of results from an electronic quick count of ballots that had aimed to make last Sunday's election more transparent. With 84 per cent of votes counted, polling showed Morales was likely headed to a run-off with Mesa. But when the TSE resumed reporting of the quick count after a nearly 24-hour pause, Morales had pulled off a razor-thin first-round victory. The final, legally-binding vote tally gave him 47.08 per cent of votes to Mesa's 35.51 per cent, less than a percentage point over the 10-point lead needed to avoid a run-off and giving him another five-year term. Protesters say Morales had stocked the TSE and local courts with supporters as he has grown more authoritarian after nearly 14 years in office. Morales, who denies the charges, ran again this year in defiance of term limits and a national referendum that had oppposed lifting them, after a court ruling found barring him would violate his human rights.

Bolivia govt close to striking deal on election audit as protests intensify

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US&nbsp;company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival.

But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries.

Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months.

"Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement."

He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip.

"We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank.

He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month.

"Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said.

By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said.

Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted.

"Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said.

Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values."

Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks.

Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism."

"He emphasized the US&nbsp;does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said.

Trade talks

The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US&nbsp;President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping.

The S&amp;P 500 US&nbsp;stock index briefly moved lower after his comments.

Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election.

Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document."

Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated."

A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday.

The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US&nbsp;intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors.

Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track.

Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well.

"In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China.

Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech.

US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday accused China of curtailing "rights and liberties" in Hong Kong and blasted US company Nike and the National Basketball Association for falling in line with Beijing in a disagreement over free speech. In a major policy speech on China that touched on an array of disputes ahead of talks with Beijing to ease a trade war, Pence said the United States does not seek confrontation or to "de-couple" from its main economic rival. But he pulled no punches when addressing some of the political rifts between the two countries. Criticizing China's construction of a "surveillance state," and "increasingly provocative" military action, Pence held up Taiwan's Democracy as a better path for Chinese people and took Beijing to task for its handling of pro-democracy protests that have rocked Hong Kong for more than four months. "Hong Kong is a living example of what can happen when China embraces liberty," he said. "And yet, for the last few years, Beijing has increased its interventions in Hong Kong and engaged in actions that curtail the rights and liberties that Hong Kong's people were guaranteed through a binding international agreement." He said the United States stands with the protesters in Hong Kong, millions of whom have taken to the streets in sometimes violent clashes over what they see as China's tightening grip. "We stand with you, we are inspired by you. We urge you to stay on the path of non-violent protest," Pence said in his address at a Washington think tank. He also slammed China for its treatment of Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region. Pence directed some of his harshest words at sports apparel giant Nike and the NBA, which he accused of siding with China's Communist Party over freedom of speech in Hong Kong. The vice president, who is often the face of the Trump administration's tougher policies on China, said the NBA and Nike had failed to defend basketball team Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey, after he tweeted support of Hong Kong protesters earlier this month. "Some of the NBA's biggest players and owners, who routinely exercise their freedom to criticize this country, lose their voices when it comes to the freedom and rights of other peoples," he said. By "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech, the NBA is acting like a wholly-owned subsidiary of the authoritarian regime," Pence said. Nike stores in China removed Rockets merchandise after Beijing criticized Morey, Pence noted. "Nike promotes itself as a so-called social-justice champion, but when it comes to Hong Kong, it prefers checking its social conscience at the door," he said. Pence said "far too many American multinational corporations have kowtowed to the lure of China's money and markets by muzzling not only criticism of the Chinese Communist Party, but even affirmative expressions of American values." Nike, the NBA and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the remarks. Influential Chinese state-backed newspaper the Global Times, however, said in an editorial that while Pence reiterated many of his previous criticisms, there was still "room for optimism." "He emphasized the US does not want to 'decouple' and repeated how US President Donald Trump is willing to start a new future with China," it said. Trade talks The closely watched speech set a discordant tone just weeks before a summit in Chile where US President Donald Trump hopes to finalize a partial trade deal with China's Xi Jinping. The S&P 500 US stock index briefly moved lower after his comments. Analysts said Pence's speech appeared aimed at keeping the way open for a trade deal while seeking to convince Trump's support base that he was tough on China going into the 2020 election. Douglas Paal, a China expert with Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called it "a superficial and political speech, not a guiding strategic document." Scott Kennedy, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, saw it as a bid to provide a rationale for "policy moves on security, economics and politics which originally were much less coordinated and less integrated." A new round of talks between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese officials to try to end the bruising trade dispute is set for Friday. The United States launched a trade war with China 15 months ago, alleging unfair trading practices such as theft of US intellectual property and generous industrial subsidies at the expense of foreign competitors. Fears of antagonizing Beijing had prompted the White House to postpone Pence's speech, which was originally scheduled for June, ahead of a meeting Trump and Xi aimed at getting trade talks back on track. Many China watchers had expected Pence to tread lightly on sensitive topics on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the bombastic tone of his first major China policy address a year ago. But some saw signs of a rapprochement as well. "In contrast to the Hudson Institute speech of October 2018, the Vice President's equally hard-hitting Wilson speech offered the beginnings of a positive vision for US-China relations," said Robert Daly of the Kissinger Institute on China. Pence said the United States was "not seeking to contain China's development." "We want a constructive relationship with China's leaders," he said, calling on Beijing to "seize this unique moment in history to start anew by ending the trade practices that have taken advantage of the American people for far too long."

Pence backs Hong Kong protests in China speech, slams NBA and Nike

Beijing slammed US Vice President Mike Pence for his "arrogance and hypocrisy" on Friday after he voiced support for Hong Kong democracy protesters and accused the NBA of kowtowing to China.

Beijing slammed US Vice President Mike Pence for his "arrogance and hypocrisy" on Friday after he voiced support for Hong Kong democracy protesters and accused the NBA of kowtowing to China. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing that the United States should "cease expressing irresponsible opinions". In a wide-ranging speech on US-China relations, Pence on Thursday also lashed Beijing over its trading behaviour, assertive military posture and treatment of religious minorities. Pence rebuked the NBA for "siding with the Chinese Communist Party and silencing free speech" over a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey earlier this month that voiced support for demonstrations in Hong Kong. China, a major basketball market, retaliated by ending sponsorships and cancelling broadcasts of two pre-season games held in the country. NBA commissioner Adam Silver later said China had asked the NBA to fire Morey, which Beijing has denied. Hua hit out at the US on Friday for losing "all trace of morality and trustworthiness" and urged Washington to "cease actions that harm the relations and mutual trust between the two countries". She accused Pence of "attempting to distract the American public by slandering other countries" and decried the United States' "stubborn withdrawal from international treaties and agreements". Pence's speech was billed as follow-up to an address he gave last year in which he accused China of improperly seeking to influence congressional elections to defeat US President Trump. Pence, who also said the US ultimately wanted a "constructive" relationship with China, made his remarks at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars amid ongoing negotiations over a deal between the trade-war rivals. "The United States does not seek confrontation with China. We seek a level playing field, open markets, fair trade and respect for our values," Pence said. Trump said on Monday that he expected to "sign a completed document with China on phase one" next month. Hua warned on Friday that "China-US relations are at a crucial stage." The protests that have wracked semi-autonomous Hong Kong for months have been met with rare bipartisan support in the US. The House of Representatives passed a bill on October 15 that would end Hong Kong's special trading status unless the State Department certifies annually that Hong Kong authorities are respecting human rights and the rule of law.

China blasts 'arrogance and hypocrisy' of US Vice President Pence speech

US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell Friday attacked President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops from Syria as "a strategic nightmare" that will help Washington's foes and hurt its allies.

"Withdrawing US forces from Syria is a grave strategic mistake," McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, wrote in an op-ed published in The Washington Post.

"It will leave the American people and homeland less safe, embolden our enemies, and weaken important alliances."

His comments come after Trump Wednesday defended his decision to pull US troops out of Syria as "strategically brilliant."

McConnell, usually a staunch supporter of the president, had earlier in the month condemned Trump's withdrawal of troops from northeast Syria, which sparked a week-long Turkish offensive against the Kurds who were allied with the US in the fight against Islamic State.

Fighting has continued despite a temporary ceasefire Vice President Mike Pence brokered with Ankara.

"The combination of a US pullback and the escalating Turkish-Kurdish hostilities is creating a strategic nightmare for our country," McConnell wrote in his opinion piece.

"Even if the five-day ceasefire announced Thursday holds, events of the past week have set back the United States' campaign against the Islamic State and other terrorists," he said.

McConnell did not mention Trump by name, though he did liken the Syria withdrawal to the foreign policy of Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama.

"We saw the Islamic State flourish in Iraq after President Barack Obama's retreat. We will see these things anew in Syria and Afghanistan if we abandon our partners and retreat from these conflicts before they are won," McConnell wrote.

"America's wars will be 'endless' only if America refuses to win them," he added in an apparent jab at Trump's insistence that the withdrawal was necessary "to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars."

The offensive has killed more than 500 people, including dozens of civilians, while some 300,000 civilians have been displaced within Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

Turkey agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, following high-stakes talks with Pence in Ankara.

US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell Friday attacked President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops from Syria as "a strategic nightmare" that will help Washington's foes and hurt its allies.

US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell Friday attacked President Donald Trump's decision to pull troops from Syria as "a strategic nightmare" that will help Washington's foes and hurt its allies. "Withdrawing US forces from Syria is a grave strategic mistake," McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, wrote in an op-ed published in The Washington Post. "It will leave the American people and homeland less safe, embolden our enemies, and weaken important alliances." His comments come after Trump Wednesday defended his decision to pull US troops out of Syria as "strategically brilliant." McConnell, usually a staunch supporter of the president, had earlier in the month condemned Trump's withdrawal of troops from northeast Syria, which sparked a week-long Turkish offensive against the Kurds who were allied with the US in the fight against Islamic State. Fighting has continued despite a temporary ceasefire Vice President Mike Pence brokered with Ankara. "The combination of a US pullback and the escalating Turkish-Kurdish hostilities is creating a strategic nightmare for our country," McConnell wrote in his opinion piece. "Even if the five-day ceasefire announced Thursday holds, events of the past week have set back the United States' campaign against the Islamic State and other terrorists," he said. McConnell did not mention Trump by name, though he did liken the Syria withdrawal to the foreign policy of Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. "We saw the Islamic State flourish in Iraq after President Barack Obama's retreat. We will see these things anew in Syria and Afghanistan if we abandon our partners and retreat from these conflicts before they are won," McConnell wrote. "America's wars will be 'endless' only if America refuses to win them," he added in an apparent jab at Trump's insistence that the withdrawal was necessary "to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars." The offensive has killed more than 500 people, including dozens of civilians, while some 300,000 civilians have been displaced within Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. Turkey agreed to suspend its offensive for five days in northern Syria while Kurdish fighters withdraw from the area, following high-stakes talks with Pence in Ankara.

Mitch McConnell slams Trump's Syria withdrawal as 'strategic nightmare'

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he allowed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-agrees-with-us-to-pause-syria-assault-while-kurds-withdraw-256571"> Turkish and Kurdish forces to clash</a> in deadly battle because the two sides were like children who needed to fight each other.

"It was unconventional what I did. I said they're going to have to fight a little while," Trump told a rally of supporters in Texas.

"Like two kids in a lot, you have got to let them fight and then you pull them apart.

"They fought for a few days and it was pretty vicious."

Trump triggered the week-long Turkish offensive against the Kurds by withdrawing US troops from northeast Syria.

More than 500 people have been killed including dozens of civilians, mostly on the Kurdish side, and 300,000 civilians have been displaced within Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

Trump stressed that "not one drop of American blood" was shed.

On Thursday, Turkey -- after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence -- agreed to suspend its offensive and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from a safe zone along the border.

"We went there and we said we want a pause, and the Kurds have been terrific. They're going to move back a little bit," Trump said.

"We are going to keep ISIS (the Islamic State group) nice and locked up. We are going to find more of them, and Turkey is all set."

Trump has faced accusations even from usually loyal supporters that his withdrawal of 1,000 US troops betrayed Kurdish militants who bore the brunt of the fight against Islamic State in recent years.

Brett McGurk, former presidential special envoy for the anti-IS coalition, described Trump's remarks about "two kids" fighting as "obscene and ignorant."

"200k innocent people displaced. Hundreds dead. Credible reports of war crimes. ISIS prisoners escaping. US evacuating and bombing its own positions or handing them to Russia. Two kids in a lot?" he said on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he allowed Turkish and Kurdish forces to clash in deadly battle because the two sides were like children who needed to fight each other.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he allowed Turkish and Kurdish forces to clash in deadly battle because the two sides were like children who needed to fight each other. "It was unconventional what I did. I said they're going to have to fight a little while," Trump told a rally of supporters in Texas. "Like two kids in a lot, you have got to let them fight and then you pull them apart. "They fought for a few days and it was pretty vicious." Trump triggered the week-long Turkish offensive against the Kurds by withdrawing US troops from northeast Syria. More than 500 people have been killed including dozens of civilians, mostly on the Kurdish side, and 300,000 civilians have been displaced within Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. Trump stressed that "not one drop of American blood" was shed. On Thursday, Turkey -- after talks with US Vice President Mike Pence -- agreed to suspend its offensive and to end the assault if Kurdish-led forces withdraw from a safe zone along the border. "We went there and we said we want a pause, and the Kurds have been terrific. They're going to move back a little bit," Trump said. "We are going to keep ISIS (the Islamic State group) nice and locked up. We are going to find more of them, and Turkey is all set." Trump has faced accusations even from usually loyal supporters that his withdrawal of 1,000 US troops betrayed Kurdish militants who bore the brunt of the fight against Islamic State in recent years. Brett McGurk, former presidential special envoy for the anti-IS coalition, described Trump's remarks about "two kids" fighting as "obscene and ignorant." "200k innocent people displaced. Hundreds dead. Credible reports of war crimes. ISIS prisoners escaping. US evacuating and bombing its own positions or handing them to Russia. Two kids in a lot?" he said on Twitter.

Trump says Turkey and Kurds needed to fight 'like two kids'

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