North Korea Saturday lashed out at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/focused-on-getting-two-canadians-released-from-china-pompeo-to-trudeau-244884">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing".

Pyongyang's angry words come as working-level talks with Washington remain gridlocked, despite an agreement in June between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-pompeo-remark-would-make-talks-with-us-more-difficult-246778">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> and President Donald Trump to kickstart the process.

Instead, no progress has been made in recent weeks, as the reclusive state launched a series of weapons tests in protest at joint military exercises between the US and South Korea.

"Our expectations of dialogue with the US are gradually disappearing and we are being pushed to re-examine all the measures we have taken so far," said Choe Son Hui, the North's vice foreign minister, in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.&nbsp;

Choe took aim at remarks made earlier this week by Pompeo who described North Korea's actions as "rogue behaviour" that could not be ignored.&nbsp;

Such language was improper, irritating and insulting, Choe said, warning that the US should not to put "our patience to the test if it doesn't want to have bitter regrets afterwards".

The North's blistering criticism of the top US diplomat comes a week after it called him a "diehard toxin" and said it was "sceptical" about whether it can negotiate with him.

Kim and Trump adopted a vague-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first encounter in Singapore in June last year but little progress has since been made on discarding the North’s weapons programmes.

North Korea Saturday lashed out at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing".

North Korea Saturday lashed out at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over his comments on Pyongyang's "rogue behaviour" and warned its expectations for nuclear talks with Washington are "gradually disappearing". Pyongyang's angry words come as working-level talks with Washington remain gridlocked, despite an agreement in June between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump to kickstart the process. Instead, no progress has been made in recent weeks, as the reclusive state launched a series of weapons tests in protest at joint military exercises between the US and South Korea. "Our expectations of dialogue with the US are gradually disappearing and we are being pushed to re-examine all the measures we have taken so far," said Choe Son Hui, the North's vice foreign minister, in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Choe took aim at remarks made earlier this week by Pompeo who described North Korea's actions as "rogue behaviour" that could not be ignored. Such language was improper, irritating and insulting, Choe said, warning that the US should not to put "our patience to the test if it doesn't want to have bitter regrets afterwards". The North's blistering criticism of the top US diplomat comes a week after it called him a "diehard toxin" and said it was "sceptical" about whether it can negotiate with him. Kim and Trump adopted a vague-worded statement on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" at their first encounter in Singapore in June last year but little progress has since been made on discarding the North’s weapons programmes.

North Korea hits out at Mike Pompeo, warns hopes for US talks 'disappearing'

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-iran-boosting-bid-to-set-up-hezbollah-precision-missile-plants-in-lebanon-246489">Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah</a> and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions.

Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.&nbsp;

The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group.

Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions.

The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors.

Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits".

Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Jammal Trust Bank SAL on Friday rejected allegations that it helps to fund Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah and said it plans to appeal against US sanctions. Washington hit the bank and its subsidiaries with sanctions on Thursday for allegedly facilitating the financial activities of the Shi'ite Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The US Treasury Department accused the bank of funnelling money to the families of suicide bombers. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is determined to cut off support in Lebanon for heavily armed Hezbollah, which Washington classifies as a terrorist group. Jammal Trust, a 50-year-old commercial bank with branches throughout Lebanon, said it "unequivocally denies all the allegations" that prompted what it described as "surprising" sanctions. The bank's statement said it has an "unwavering commitment to ... international regulations on countering money laundering and terrorist financing" and that it would work with Lebanon's central bank to protect depositors. Lebanon's central bank Governor Riad Salameh Salameh on Friday told the Arab Economic News website that it would closely follow Jammal Trust's case and that it will guarantee "all legal deposits". Washington has sought to choke off Hezbollah funding, with sanctions among a slew of fresh measures against Tehran since US President Donald Trump withdrew last year from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

Sanctions-hit Lebanese bank denies Hezbollah ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-patriot-missile-intercepts-unarmed-drone-from-syria-army-150920">South Korea said Friday it will share military intelligence</a> with Japan through the United States after terminating a pact that enabled the two key Washington allies to exchange such information directly.

Seoul's decision on Thursday to end the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was the latest in a series of tit-for-tat measures that have brought relations between South Korea and Japan to their lowest point in years.

The intensifying trade and diplomatic dispute were sparked by a run of South Korean court rulings against Japanese firms, requiring them to pay for forced labour during World War II a long-standing point of contention.

Under the GSOMIA, originally signed in 2016, the two had directly shared military secrets<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-report-to-say-north-korea-has-miniaturised-nuclear-warheads-244550">, particularly over North Korea's nuclear and missile capacity.</a>

But now South Korea will "actively utilise the trilateral information-sharing channel with the United States as the intermediary" in place of the accord, said Kim Hyun-Chong, a national security official at the presidential Blue House.

"Furthermore, the ROK government will actively enhance our defence capabilities through the increase in (the) defence budget and the acquisition of strategic assets including military satellites" to better monitor North Korea, he added, using the initials of South Korea's official name.

It came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that Washington was "disappointed" about South Korea's move to end the pact.

Both Japan and South Korea are market economies and major US allies faced with an overbearing China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's 35-year colonial rule of the Koran peninsula in the early 20th century.

Japan says a 1965 treaty that normalised relations with a significant financial contribution effectively settled all reparation claims.

South Korea said Friday it will share military intelligence with Japan through the United States after terminating a pact that enabled the two key Washington allies to exchange such information directly.

South Korea said Friday it will share military intelligence with Japan through the United States after terminating a pact that enabled the two key Washington allies to exchange such information directly. Seoul's decision on Thursday to end the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was the latest in a series of tit-for-tat measures that have brought relations between South Korea and Japan to their lowest point in years. The intensifying trade and diplomatic dispute were sparked by a run of South Korean court rulings against Japanese firms, requiring them to pay for forced labour during World War II a long-standing point of contention. Under the GSOMIA, originally signed in 2016, the two had directly shared military secrets, particularly over North Korea's nuclear and missile capacity. But now South Korea will "actively utilise the trilateral information-sharing channel with the United States as the intermediary" in place of the accord, said Kim Hyun-Chong, a national security official at the presidential Blue House. "Furthermore, the ROK government will actively enhance our defence capabilities through the increase in (the) defence budget and the acquisition of strategic assets including military satellites" to better monitor North Korea, he added, using the initials of South Korea's official name. It came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that Washington was "disappointed" about South Korea's move to end the pact. Both Japan and South Korea are market economies and major US allies faced with an overbearing China and nuclear-armed North Korea. But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's 35-year colonial rule of the Koran peninsula in the early 20th century. Japan says a 1965 treaty that normalised relations with a significant financial contribution effectively settled all reparation claims.

South Korea says will share military intel with Japan through US

The United States will take every action it can to prevent an Iranian tanker sailing in the Mediterranean from delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Tuesday.

The United States will take every action it can to prevent an Iranian tanker sailing in the Mediterranean from delivering oil to Syria in contravention of US sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned on Tuesday. Greece said earlier in the day that it had not had a request from the Adrian Darya 1, the vessel at the centre of a dispute between Iran and the United States, to dock at one of its ports, as Washington warned Greece against helping the vessel. The tanker, formerly called Grace 1, left Gibraltar on Sunday. Ship-tracking data on Tuesday showed the vessel was heading toward the Greek port of Kalamata on the southern coast of the Peloponnese and was scheduled to arrive next Monday. "We have made clear that anyone who touches it, anyone who supports it, anyone who allows a ship to dock is at risk of receiving sanctions from the United States," Pompeo told reporters at the United Nations. "If that ship again heads to Syria, we will take every action we can consistent with those sanctions to prevent that." He said that if the tanker's oil was sold, the revenue would be used by elite units of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. "We want to deny them the resources to continue their horrific terror campaign," Pompeo said. The tanker is carrying about 2 million barrels of oil. "The vessel is cruising at low speed and there is still no formal announcement that it will arrive at Kalamata. The Merchant Marine Ministry is monitoring the matter along with Greece's Foreign Ministry," a Greek Shipping Ministry spokesman said. The ship, which is now sailing under an Iranian flag, was released from detention off Gibraltar after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Soon after the detention order was lifted, a US federal court ordered the seizure of the vessel on different grounds, but that petition was rejected by Gibraltar. Tehran said any US move to seize the vessel again would have "heavy consequences". The United States, in turn, has also conveyed its "strong position" to the Greek government over the tanker. Washington wants the tanker detained on the grounds that it had links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which it has designated a terrorist organisation. The European Union, of which Greece is a member, bans oil sales to Syria and the United States has sanctions on Iranian oil sales.

US will act if Iranian tanker tries to deliver oil to Syria: Pompeo

US&nbsp;Secretary of State<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-wishes-north-korea-would-not-test-missiles-244479"> Mike&nbsp;Pompeo</a>&nbsp;said on Tuesday the United States was not sending "mixed&nbsp;messages" on&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;Technologies and he does not believe a&nbsp;US&nbsp;blacklist of the Chinese telecommunications giant will block a trade deal with Beijing.

"I don't think there's a&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;message at all,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said in an interview with CNBC.

"The threat of having Chinese telecoms systems inside of American networks or inside of networks around the world presents an enormous risk, a national security risk," he said.

Washington blacklisted&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;in May, alleging the Chinese company is involved in activities contrary to&nbsp;US&nbsp;national security or foreign policy interests.

The United States extended a reprieve that permits&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gives-huawei-another-90-days-reprieve-from-ban-amid-economic-blacklist-244165">Huawei</a>&nbsp;to buy components&nbsp;from&nbsp;US&nbsp;companies to supply existing customers, the Commerce Department said on Monday, but it also moved to add more than 40 of&nbsp;Huawei's units to its economic blacklist.

President Donald Trump, however, indicated over the weekend there would be no <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-extend-huaweis-partial-reprieve-on-supply-curbs-sources-243540">extension</a>, saying what would happen would be the "opposite."

"We’re actually open not to doing business with them,” Trump said on Sunday.

Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, is still prohibited&nbsp;from&nbsp;buying American parts and components to manufacture new products without additional special licenses.

The&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;dispute coincides with a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

Talks are at a standstill for now, with the threat of greater tariffs and other trade restrictions hanging over the world economy.

Asked if Chinese President Xi Jinping was stalling negotiations because of&nbsp;US&nbsp;actions toward&nbsp;Huawei,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said: "That's not been our experience. That is not what's happening today."

"I think he's prepared to engage in a complex set of trade negotiations,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told CNBC. "So, no, he hasn't walked away, he hasn't said 'I won't talk if you do these things.'"

The United States in May added&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;to the so-called Entity List, effectively banning the telecom giant&nbsp;from&nbsp;buying parts and components&nbsp;from&nbsp;American companies without government approval.

Shortly afterwards, the Commerce Department allowed&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;to buy some American-made goods to minimize disruption for its customers, including rural&nbsp;US telecommunications companies that use&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;equipment in their networks.

Pomepo conceded "the world was late to the game" and let Chinese telecommunications companies get a jump start on providing supplies for the networks of the United States and its allies. He said it will take time to unravel&nbsp;from&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and other Chinese systems.

"There's enormous costs in some of these transitions. You can't rip and tear it all up at once," he said. "So our effort is to put together a pathway where ... the risk&nbsp;from&nbsp;Chinese Communist Party-connected telecom companies isn't present in the United States or the trusted networks in which the United States participates all over the world."

Huawei&nbsp;has repeatedly denied it is controlled by China's ruling Communist Party.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday the United States was not sending "mixed messages" on Huawei Technologies and he does not believe a US blacklist of the Chinese telecommunications giant will block a trade deal with Beijing.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday the United States was not sending "mixed messages" on Huawei Technologies and he does not believe a US blacklist of the Chinese telecommunications giant will block a trade deal with Beijing. "I don't think there's a mixed message at all," Pompeo said in an interview with CNBC. "The threat of having Chinese telecoms systems inside of American networks or inside of networks around the world presents an enormous risk, a national security risk," he said. Washington blacklisted Huawei in May, alleging the Chinese company is involved in activities contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests. The United States extended a reprieve that permits Huawei to buy components from US companies to supply existing customers, the Commerce Department said on Monday, but it also moved to add more than 40 of Huawei's units to its economic blacklist. President Donald Trump, however, indicated over the weekend there would be no extension, saying what would happen would be the "opposite." "We’re actually open not to doing business with them,” Trump said on Sunday. Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, is still prohibited from buying American parts and components to manufacture new products without additional special licenses. The Huawei dispute coincides with a trade war between the world's two largest economies. Talks are at a standstill for now, with the threat of greater tariffs and other trade restrictions hanging over the world economy. Asked if Chinese President Xi Jinping was stalling negotiations because of US actions toward Huawei, Pompeo said: "That's not been our experience. That is not what's happening today." "I think he's prepared to engage in a complex set of trade negotiations," Pompeo told CNBC. "So, no, he hasn't walked away, he hasn't said 'I won't talk if you do these things.'" The United States in May added Huawei to the so-called Entity List, effectively banning the telecom giant from buying parts and components from American companies without government approval. Shortly afterwards, the Commerce Department allowed Huawei to buy some American-made goods to minimize disruption for its customers, including rural US telecommunications companies that use Huawei equipment in their networks. Pomepo conceded "the world was late to the game" and let Chinese telecommunications companies get a jump start on providing supplies for the networks of the United States and its allies. He said it will take time to unravel from Huawei and other Chinese systems. "There's enormous costs in some of these transitions. You can't rip and tear it all up at once," he said. "So our effort is to put together a pathway where ... the risk from Chinese Communist Party-connected telecom companies isn't present in the United States or the trusted networks in which the United States participates all over the world." Huawei has repeatedly denied it is controlled by China's ruling Communist Party.

'No mixed messages' from US on Huawei: Mike Pompeo

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-persists-despite-territory-loss-mike-pompeo-244477">Mike Pompeo</a> expressed displeasure Tuesday about North Korea's series of missile tests but said he wants to resume negotiations on denuclearization with Pyongyang.

In an interview with CBS, the chief US diplomat noted the six tests of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-jong-un-oversaw-test-firing-of-new-weapon-again-state-media-243532">short-range ballistic missiles</a> that North Korea has conducted in recent weeks, and appeared to diverge slightly with President Donald Trump, who have dismissed the tests as unthreatening and insignificant.

"I wish they would not do that," Pompeo said of the tests.

He added that he hopes that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will agree to resume negotiations, after three face-to-face meetings with Trump.

"We haven't gotten back to the table as quickly as we would have hoped," Pompeo said.

"We have been pretty clear all along. We know there will be bumps along the way."&nbsp;

He said the State Department's special representative for North Korean negotiations, Stephen Biegun, is in Asia this week.

"We hope Chairman<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-no-talks-with-south-due-to-drills-kim-oversaw-test-of-new-weapon-kcna-242223"> Kim</a> will come to the table, get a better outcome. It will be better for the North Korean people. It will be better for the world," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed displeasure Tuesday about North Korea's series of missile tests but said he wants to resume negotiations on denuclearization with Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed displeasure Tuesday about North Korea's series of missile tests but said he wants to resume negotiations on denuclearization with Pyongyang. In an interview with CBS, the chief US diplomat noted the six tests of short-range ballistic missiles that North Korea has conducted in recent weeks, and appeared to diverge slightly with President Donald Trump, who have dismissed the tests as unthreatening and insignificant. "I wish they would not do that," Pompeo said of the tests. He added that he hopes that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will agree to resume negotiations, after three face-to-face meetings with Trump. "We haven't gotten back to the table as quickly as we would have hoped," Pompeo said. "We have been pretty clear all along. We know there will be bumps along the way." He said the State Department's special representative for North Korean negotiations, Stephen Biegun, is in Asia this week. "We hope Chairman Kim will come to the table, get a better outcome. It will be better for the North Korean people. It will be better for the world," Pompeo said.

Pompeo hopes North Korea does not test anymore missiles

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic State </a>group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

"There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show.

"But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said.

"We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done."

US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-killed-as-syria-regime-forces-battle-jihadists-243898"> Syria</a> and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria.

But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq.

A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq.

The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said.

The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said.

IS has also become a potent threat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-123-in-multiple-bomb-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-244306">Afghanistan</a>, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States.

On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday. "There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show. "But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said. "We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done." US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in Syria and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria. But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq. A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq. The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said. The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said. IS has also become a potent threat in Afghanistan, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States. On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

Islamic State persists despite territory loss: Mike Pompeo

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum.

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum. Rare scenes of jubilation filled the streets of the capital on Saturday after generals and opposition leaders signed the documents that will govern Sudan's three-year transition to civilian rule. The ceremony in a hall by the Nile river was attended by several high-ranking foreign officials, the biggest such event in years to be held in the once-pariah state. Worldwide congratulations poured in after the signing, which revellers and officials alike hailed as the beginning of a "new Sudan" after 30 years of rule by the now-detained Islamist general Omar al-Bashir. "I welcome this historic moment for Sudan. This agreement responds to the demands of the Sudanese people who have tirelessly called for change and a better future," said Britain's Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed his country would support the establishment of "a government that protects the rights of all Sudanese citizens and leads to free and fair elections". According to the green book of documents signed on Saturday, several key steps will be taken before embarking on the long and obstacle-ridden road to 2022 polls. New institutions The first is to come on Sunday with the planned announcement of the composition of a ruling sovereign council comprised of six civilians and five members of the military. The body, which will replace the Transitional Military Council, will be headed by a general for the first 21 months, and by a civilian for the last 18 months of the transitional period. Abdalla Hamdok, a former UN economist who was picked by the protest camp last week to be prime minister, will be formally appointed on Tuesday. A cabinet is then to be formed before Sudan's new institutions can tackle the main challenges that lie ahead, first among them measures to rescue a moribund economy. Making the most of new freedom acquired during eight months of protests that left at least 250 people dead, Sudanese families took to the streets for wild celebrations Saturday night. Youths spilling out of honking cars drag-raced down the main Nile-side road deep into the night, while groups sang and danced the same two words echoing across the entire city: "Madaniya, Madaniya". It loosely translates as "civilian rule" and one would be hard-pressed to find somebody on the streets of Khartoum publicly opposing that goal. Some members of the opposition alliance that organised the protests, however, fear that the euphoria could be short-lived and deep distrust remains between the incoming sovereign council's main players. Short-lived euphoria? While the power-sharing compromise reached earlier this month was widely hailed as the best Sudan could hope for, some members of the protest camp feel it short-changed their revolution. The omnipresence in the transition of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a paramilitary commander who was one of the signatories of the documents on Saturday, is one of the main causes of unease. His forces are blamed for the deadly repression of the protests and many suspect the man best known by his nickname 'Hemeti' is simply biding his time to pounce on power and nip democracy in the bud. Sudanese analyst Abdel Latif al-Buni stressed however that one of the most immediate perils facing the transition was divisions within the civilian camp. "A spirit of revenge against the former regime is dangerous," he said. "It will lead to a clash between the former regime and the new rulers." Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges for crimes committed in the Darfur region, faces trial on corruption charges but his fate remains unclear.

Sudan to name ruling council after landmark signing

US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides.

US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides. There was no indication that any conclusions were reached at the session, which took place in a secure conference room at Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. "Just completed a very good meeting on Afghanistan. Many on the opposite side of this 19 year war, and us, are looking to make a deal - if possible!" Trump said in a tweet after the session. Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the billions of dollars spent in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, has made no secret of his desire for a US pullout from Afghanistan after 19 years of war triggered by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But there are deep concerns among national security aides about negotiations led by US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who updated Trump and others on the status of the talks. A pullout has raised fears within the US military and among some lawmakers that Afghanistan could plunge into a new civil war that could see a return of Taliban rule and give al Qaeda and other militants a sanctuary in which to expand and plot new attacks on US and allied targets. A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said significant differences remained between the United States and the Taliban after an eighth round of talks ended in Qatar on Monday. Some 14,000 US troops remain engaged in America's longest war, training and advising Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations against militant groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State's local affiliate. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement issued after the meeting that the United States remains committed "achieving a comprehensive peace agreement, including a reduction in violence and a ceasefire" in Afghanistan. Trump and Pompeo were joined for the talks by Vice President Mike Pence, national security adviser John Bolton, Defense Secretary Mike Esper, Joint Chiefs chairman General Joseph Dunford and CIA Director Gina Haspel. "The meeting went very well, and negotiations are proceeding," the White House said in a statement. The US military presence dates to 2001 when then-President George W. Bush invaded in pursuit of al Qaeda and ousted the Taliban rulers who had given Osama bin Laden and his followers a safe haven in which they plotted the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said any deal should allow the United States to maintain a military presence in Afghanistan to pursue such groups. "Any peace agreement which denies the U.S. a robust counter-terrorism capability in Afghanistan is not a peace deal," he said in a statement. "Instead, it is paving the way for another attack on the American homeland and attacks against American interests around the world." A senior administration official said a decision was not necessarily expected from the Bedminster meeting, but Trump "has been pretty clear that he wants to bring the troops home." Both sides had raised expectations of being close to finalising an agreement prior to convening the latest round of talks. The US defence official, however, said differences remained over U.S. demands that the insurgents publicly renounce ties to al Qaeda and other militant groups and agree to a nationwide ceasefire, the official said. Khalilzad also is seeking the Taliban's agreement to hold direct negotiations on a political settlement with Kabul government officials who would be part of a delegation that included opposition leaders and civil society representatives. Taliban leaders to date have refused to hold official talks with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which they denounce as a US puppet.

Trump gets update from aides on Afghan peace plan with troop pullout possible

Wishing India on its 73rd Independence Day, the United States on Thursday said New Delhi and Washington enjoy close ties of friendship which over the time have flourished into a "strategic partnership".

In a statement, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day."

"The United States and India have enjoyed close ties of friendship since the US supported&nbsp;India`s independence 72 years ago. Our shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and commitment to economic growth further cemented our relationship.

Over the past two decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership, and we now cooperate on a range of important issues, from defence and counterterrorism to freedom of navigation and cutting-edge science, including in space," he added.

Pompeo, who visited India in June, said that India and the United States are "great democracies", "global powers" and "good friends"."As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day," Pompeo stated.&nbsp;

Wishing India on its 73rd Independence Day, the United States on Thursday said New Delhi and Washington enjoy close ties of friendship which over the time have flourished into a "strategic partnership".

Wishing India on its 73rd Independence Day, the United States on Thursday said New Delhi and Washington enjoy close ties of friendship which over the time have flourished into a "strategic partnership". In a statement, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day." "The United States and India have enjoyed close ties of friendship since the US supported India`s independence 72 years ago. Our shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and commitment to economic growth further cemented our relationship. Over the past two decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership, and we now cooperate on a range of important issues, from defence and counterterrorism to freedom of navigation and cutting-edge science, including in space," he added. Pompeo, who visited India in June, said that India and the United States are "great democracies", "global powers" and "good friends"."As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day," Pompeo stated.

US extends good wishes to people of India on Independence Day

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The current ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, is due to step down in October after two years in the post, the State Department said last week, amid speculation he plans to run for Utah governor.

Vox news on Friday quoted two people familiar with internal White House discussions as saying that Biegun, the current US special representative for North Korea, was Trump’s likely choice for Moscow.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Biegun's name was under consideration.

Biegun did not immediately respond when asked about the Vox report. The State Department said it had no administrative announcements to make.

If Biegun, a Russia specialist, was to get the Moscow post, it would leave a significant hole in the US&nbsp;effort to resume talks aim at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, a policy priority for Trump.

Biegun led US working-level negotiations with North Korea in the run-up to a failed second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February.

Trump and Kim met again at the end of June and agreed to resume working-level talks, but this has yet to happen.

Trump said on Saturday Kim had told him he was ready to resume talks and would stop his recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises being held this month-end.

The allies kicked off the largely computer-simulated exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful working-level talks would resume in the coming weeks and said the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks.

Biegun gave up a job at Ford as head of international government relations to take on his current role, which many consider a near-impossible job. He previously had worked for decades as a congressional staffer and as a White House foreign policy aide under President George W. Bush.

Biegun, 56, studied political science and Russian language at the University of Michigan and was a resident director for the International Republican Institute in Moscow from 1992-1994. He has also as served on the board of the non-profit US-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law. 
&nbsp;

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Stephen Biegun, the diplomat who has been leading efforts to revive stalled US denuclearisation talks with North Korea, is under consideration to be President Donald Trump's next ambassador to Russia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday. The current ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, is due to step down in October after two years in the post, the State Department said last week, amid speculation he plans to run for Utah governor. Vox news on Friday quoted two people familiar with internal White House discussions as saying that Biegun, the current US special representative for North Korea, was Trump’s likely choice for Moscow. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Biegun's name was under consideration. Biegun did not immediately respond when asked about the Vox report. The State Department said it had no administrative announcements to make. If Biegun, a Russia specialist, was to get the Moscow post, it would leave a significant hole in the US effort to resume talks aim at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, a policy priority for Trump. Biegun led US working-level negotiations with North Korea in the run-up to a failed second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February. Trump and Kim met again at the end of June and agreed to resume working-level talks, but this has yet to happen. Trump said on Saturday Kim had told him he was ready to resume talks and would stop his recent missile testing as soon as US-South Korea military exercises being held this month-end. The allies kicked off the largely computer-simulated exercises on Saturday for a 10-day run, as an alternative to previous large-scale annual drills that were halted to expedite nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was hopeful working-level talks would resume in the coming weeks and said the US side was planning for negotiations in a couple of weeks. Biegun gave up a job at Ford as head of international government relations to take on his current role, which many consider a near-impossible job. He previously had worked for decades as a congressional staffer and as a White House foreign policy aide under President George W. Bush. Biegun, 56, studied political science and Russian language at the University of Michigan and was a resident director for the International Republican Institute in Moscow from 1992-1994. He has also as served on the board of the non-profit US-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law.

Donald Trump considering North Korea envoy as next ambassador to Russia: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-mike-pompeo-makes-history-in-pohnpei-courts-pacific-allies-240834">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday.

"The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Iran has seized three tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters in a month, and the United States has accused it of carrying out multiple attacks on ships in the region.

The US has been struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Gulf, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.

Ortagus also said that the top US diplomat and the crown prince "discussed other bilateral and regional developments, including countering the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities."

Tensions between Washington and Tehran -- Saudi Arabia's arch foe -- have soared since US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal with Iran last year and imposed punishing sanctions.

Twelve months on from the US withdrawal, Iran responded by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear deal.

Iran meanwhile shot down an American drone in June, with Trump saying he called off retaliatory air strikes at the last minute, and the United States says it has since downed one and possibly two of Tehran's unmanned aircraft, which the Islamic republic has denied.

On Yemen, "the secretary and the crown prince reaffirmed their strong support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths' efforts to advance the political process," Ortagus said.

Saudi Arabia is locked in a bloody war in the country against the Iran-backed Huthis, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.

Trump vetoed congressional resolutions last month that would have blocked arms sales to the kingdom that critics fear would aggravate the devastating Yemen war, which the UN said has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday. "The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed maritime security, Iran and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Wednesday. "The secretary discussed heightened tensions in the region and the need for stronger maritime security in order to promote freedom of navigation," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Iran has seized three tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters in a month, and the United States has accused it of carrying out multiple attacks on ships in the region. The US has been struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Gulf, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran. Ortagus also said that the top US diplomat and the crown prince "discussed other bilateral and regional developments, including countering the Iranian regime's destabilizing activities." Tensions between Washington and Tehran -- Saudi Arabia's arch foe -- have soared since US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal with Iran last year and imposed punishing sanctions. Twelve months on from the US withdrawal, Iran responded by suspending some of its commitments under the nuclear deal. Iran meanwhile shot down an American drone in June, with Trump saying he called off retaliatory air strikes at the last minute, and the United States says it has since downed one and possibly two of Tehran's unmanned aircraft, which the Islamic republic has denied. On Yemen, "the secretary and the crown prince reaffirmed their strong support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths' efforts to advance the political process," Ortagus said. Saudi Arabia is locked in a bloody war in the country against the Iran-backed Huthis, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. Trump vetoed congressional resolutions last month that would have blocked arms sales to the kingdom that critics fear would aggravate the devastating Yemen war, which the UN said has triggered the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Pompeo talks maritime security, Iran with Saudi crown prince

The secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has said that the US will be “on the doorstep, pen in hand”, ready to sign a new trade deal with the UK as soon as possible after Brexit.

WION Global Round-Up: US-UK commit to free trade agreement post Brexit

The "militarisation" of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-reflect-political-reality-on-brexit-240580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivx_-EvuvjAhWlguYKHeKICEkQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PAaakwrM63BR3VlOdjNlx">European Union</a>'s top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

China&nbsp;has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich&nbsp;sea, sparking ire from other claimants.

On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area.

"We believe that this tension, this&nbsp;militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added.&nbsp;

Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the&nbsp;sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims.

The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the&nbsp;sea.

Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.

Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July.

Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The US,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region. China has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich sea, sparking ire from other claimants. On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area. "We believe that this tension, this militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added. Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims. The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the sea. Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves. Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July. Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence. It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment. The US, EU and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

European Union criticises 'militarisation' of South China Sea

Mike Pompeo became the first US Secretary of State to visit Micronesia Monday, as Washington's signalled a renewed interest in its Pacific allies, no matter how small, in the face of regional competition with China.

Mike Pompeo became the first US Secretary of State to visit Micronesia Monday, as Washington's signalled a renewed interest in its Pacific allies, no matter how small, in the face of regional competition with China. Pompeo touched down on the paradise island of Pohnpei and spent a few hours meeting leaders from Micronesia's Federated States, as well as neighbouring micro-states like Palau and the Marshall Islands. "Your small islands are big strongholds of freedom," he said while encouraging American tourists to visit. The diplomatic courtship follows a visit by Pacific Island leaders to the White House earlier this year, part of America's drive for a "free and open" region to counter China's increasingly muscular and expansionist policies. "We want to help nations of the Indo-Pacific to continue their decades-long rise and maintain their sovereignty both in the political and economic spheres," he said. "We know China seeks to engage and to influence this region," Pompeo added, expressing confidence that Pacific islands would understand "other Pacific democracies, are the best partnerships." The President of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo tried to play down concerns, saying "our relation with the US is first and foremost" while adding that the relationship with China was purely "economic and technical cooperation." Elizabeth Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations told AFP that over the past year, the US had "worked aggressively" to shore up its position in the Pacific Islands region, considering it "of significant strategic interest". Hugging the equator, the Federated States of Micronesia are scattered along nearly 3,000 kilometres (1,900 miles) of the Pacific, a significant area given Sino-American disputes over freedom of navigation. Duelling charm offensives Washington is no stranger to the Federation - which brings together four island states and more than 600 islands and atolls - thanks to a compact that guarantees US development aid and military protection. Formerly part of the Caroline Islands, which were American trust territories, the federation and other nations signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States on gaining independence more than three decades ago. Pompeo announced that "the US has begun negotiations on extending our respective compacts of free association with each country". China has launched a regional charm offensive that has alarmed the Trump administration, offering infrastructure loans and seemingly trying to have the Marshall Islands and Palau break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. "The United States can no longer afford to take the Pacific Islands for granted," said Economy. At times, the United States has looked to these island states at the United Nations - where their voice is equal to any other state - in looking for support for issues such as recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. But the major point of difference remains climate change, an existential challenge for low-lying nations but a trend that the Trump administration has variously dismissed as a hoax or unimportant. "We did talk about climate change, we talked about the concerns about rising sea level here," Pompeo said, attempting to square the circle following talks.

US Secretary Mike Pompeo makes history in Pohnpei, courts Pacific allies

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">conflict with Iran</a>.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions.

But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts.

On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth.

Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response.

"We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds.

"But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip.

"And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made."

Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies.

The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control.

Pompeo adamant

Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition".

"There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said.

Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days".

Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort.

"I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership.

"I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation."

Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly.

"We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said.

Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran.

German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran.

Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation."

Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran.

The United States is struggling to piece together an international coalition to protect cargo ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, with allies concerned about being dragged into conflict with Iran. Tensions have risen in the Gulf since the United States decided in May 2018 to withdraw from a landmark accord to limit Iran's nuclear programme and began to reintroduce sanctions. But even as a series of ships have been seized in the narrow maritime thoroughfare -- vital for the world's supply of crude -- European countries have been reticent about a US plan to send in military escorts. On Sunday, Australia became the latest ally seeming to give the plan a wide berth. Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds told the visiting US secretaries of state and defence that their "very serious" and "complex" request would be given "very serious consideration" -- but stopped short of offering a full response. "We are deeply concerned by the heightened tensions in the region. And we strongly condemn the attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman," said Reynolds. "But we will ultimately, as we always do, decide what is in our own sovereign interests," she told Mike Pompeo and the newly confirmed Pentagon chief Mark Esper who was on his maiden overseas trip. "And we'll certainly discuss this issue during our ministerial consultations, but again, no decision has yet been made." Washington floated the idea of a naval coalition in June, after multiple attacks on ships in the Gulf, which the United States had blamed on Iran -- but which Tehran denies. The plan was to have each country provide a military escort for their ships, with the US military providing a security backstop, monitoring the zone of operations and providing command and control. Pompeo adamant Asked by a reporter about the lack of enthusiasm from Australia, Pompeo was characteristically combative and insisted he was "very confident that we will have a global coalition". "There's lots of conversations taking place, amongst all the countries, as with Australia," he said. Esper, meanwhile, said the United States had gotten "various degrees of response", adding "I think there'll be some announcements coming out in the coming days". Referencing the prospect of European-only cooperation, Esper plaid down a bifurcation of effort. "I think the purpose remains the same whether it's an operation conducted under the United States command and control, or conducted by somebody else, a European partnership. "I think both fulfil the same purpose, a unity of effort with regard to ensuring freedom of navigation." Paris, Berlin and London plan to coordinate and share information in the Gulf to reinforce maritime security, but without deploying additional assets, according to French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "We are trying to organise ourselves as Europeans, but one thing is certain: our actions will have only one objective, to lower current tensions and defend our interests," she said. Germany has distanced itself from a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, considering it could hinder European efforts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran. German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer said last week said the focus should be on "diplomacy and de-escalation" amid a spike in tensions between the UK and Iran. Declaring the German government "reluctant" to get involved in the US plan she said that "participation in a US-led mission could complicate this issue, even as of course we share the goal of freedom of navigation." Britain has responded to the seizure of a UK tanker in June by announcing it would escort British-flagged ships and send a second warship to the region.

US struggles to build willing coalition amid Hormuz tensions

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-social-media-details-email-addresses-for-5-years-from-visa-applicants-223685">United States</a> and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday.

"While we would like to be further along in restarting working-level negotiations, we are in regular contact with the North Koreans," the official said, according to a transcript released by the State Department.

"And I think it`s fair to say that (President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defends-attack-on-african-american-us-lawmaker-elijah-cummings-239036">Donald Trump</a> and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) are expecting that we will be resuming those negotiations relatively soon," he added, as cited by Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;

The official added that the US has not changed its goal of denuclearising North Korea in exchange for a "brighter future", meaning sanctions relief and other concessions.

On June 30, Trump and Kim had held an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where the two leaders agreed to resume working-level talks to put denuclearisation talks back on track.

However, North Korea has warned that the future of talks will depend on whether South Korea and the US will go ahead with the joint military exercises planned for next month.

In the past 8 days, North Korea has conducted three tests of projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles, signalling its displeasure with South Korea-U.S. military exercises planned for this month.

The United States and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday.

The United States and North Korea are in regular communication for the resumption of working-level talks to revive denuclearisation negotiations, and are working on establishing a time and location for the meet, a senior US State Department official said on Friday. "While we would like to be further along in restarting working-level negotiations, we are in regular contact with the North Koreans," the official said, according to a transcript released by the State Department. "And I think it`s fair to say that (President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo) are expecting that we will be resuming those negotiations relatively soon," he added, as cited by Yonhap news agency. The official added that the US has not changed its goal of denuclearising North Korea in exchange for a "brighter future", meaning sanctions relief and other concessions. On June 30, Trump and Kim had held an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where the two leaders agreed to resume working-level talks to put denuclearisation talks back on track. However, North Korea has warned that the future of talks will depend on whether South Korea and the US will go ahead with the joint military exercises planned for next month. In the past 8 days, North Korea has conducted three tests of projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles, signalling its displeasure with South Korea-U.S. military exercises planned for this month.

US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-fake-bombs-found-near-bangkok-forum-of-world-powers-police-240006">Bangkok</a> mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal.

There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Footage showed an explosion in a shopping mall minutes from the summit venue in the early hours of Friday morning, after it was planted by a man dressed in a student's uniform about 12 hours earlier.

The man, wearing a fedora and face mask, entered a store in Siam Square mall at around 3:30 pm on Thursday, according to time stamps on the footage obtained by AFP.

Milling around the store, he stopped at a shelf full of cuddly toy seals and polar bears and fiddled with one of them for a few seconds before placing it back on the shelf.

The next video recordings showed an explosion in the store originating from the shelf around 4:45 am on Friday, which caused a fire and a swirl of smoke as the store's sprinkler system was activated.

No one was injured and police confirmed the bomb blast.

"The staff from the ... the store filed a complaint with the police about the blast yesterday," Colonel Thammanoon Boonruang told AFP Saturday, declining to comment on whether it was one of the nine explosions authorities confirmed.

The store remained closed on Saturday.

Speculation swirled in Thailand about the motive behind the bombings, with many linking them to retaliation from the insurgency hit south for the recent arrest of a rebel suspect who was left in a coma after arriving at a notorious army camp.

A preliminary army led probe showed that Abdulloh Esormusor, 34, could have been suffocated.

Thailand has a grim history of political violence and remains deeply divided after a controversial March election which returned junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to power as a civilian premier.&nbsp;

Its three southernmost provinces bordering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-malaysia-restart-massive-belt-and-road-project-after-hiccups-238327">Malaysia</a>, which are predominantly Muslim-Malay, are also in a grip of a 15 year conflict, where a shadowy rebel group has agitated for more autonomy outside of the Buddhist majority Thai state.

So far, two men linked to the conflict hit region were arrested hours after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday.

But police said it was "too early" to clearly tie them to the rebellion.

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal. There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal. There were nine successful or attempted bomb blasts on Friday throughout Bangkok which left four wounded as the city hosted a regional summit attended by top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Footage showed an explosion in a shopping mall minutes from the summit venue in the early hours of Friday morning, after it was planted by a man dressed in a student's uniform about 12 hours earlier. The man, wearing a fedora and face mask, entered a store in Siam Square mall at around 3:30 pm on Thursday, according to time stamps on the footage obtained by AFP. Milling around the store, he stopped at a shelf full of cuddly toy seals and polar bears and fiddled with one of them for a few seconds before placing it back on the shelf. The next video recordings showed an explosion in the store originating from the shelf around 4:45 am on Friday, which caused a fire and a swirl of smoke as the store's sprinkler system was activated. No one was injured and police confirmed the bomb blast. "The staff from the ... the store filed a complaint with the police about the blast yesterday," Colonel Thammanoon Boonruang told AFP Saturday, declining to comment on whether it was one of the nine explosions authorities confirmed. The store remained closed on Saturday. Speculation swirled in Thailand about the motive behind the bombings, with many linking them to retaliation from the insurgency hit south for the recent arrest of a rebel suspect who was left in a coma after arriving at a notorious army camp. A preliminary army led probe showed that Abdulloh Esormusor, 34, could have been suffocated. Thailand has a grim history of political violence and remains deeply divided after a controversial March election which returned junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to power as a civilian premier. Its three southernmost provinces bordering Malaysia, which are predominantly Muslim-Malay, are also in a grip of a 15 year conflict, where a shadowy rebel group has agitated for more autonomy outside of the Buddhist majority Thai state. So far, two men linked to the conflict hit region were arrested hours after wires and ball bearings were found in an inactive device outside Thai police headquarters late Thursday. But police said it was "too early" to clearly tie them to the rebellion.

Footage shows Bangkok bombing in mall minutes from ASEAN summit

U.S President Donald Trump again tried to provoke India on the Kashmir issue despite denial. He said he is still ready to mediate between India & Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar met US' foreign secretary Mike Pompeo during his ASEAN visit in Bangkok and cleared him that India doesn't need any kind of mediation on the Kashmir issue.

S. Jaishankar to U.S' Pompeo: No need of any mediation on Kashmir

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo. He said, discussion on Kashmir issue if at all will only be with Pakistan and bilateral.

S Jaishankar: Discussion on Kashmir issue will only be with Pakistan and bilateral

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

First India-US high level meet after Trump's Kashmir comments

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo.

S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand to Mike Pompeo

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday on the sidelines of the second day of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand, in the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to meet Mike Pompeo

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar meets Mike Pompeo

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-asking-asean-allies-to-choose-between-us-and-china-mike-pompeo-239944">Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values</a>, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">US Secretary of State</a> said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok.

From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers.&nbsp;

"Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party.

Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region.&nbsp;

But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. &nbsp;

The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open.

Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty."&nbsp;

His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers.

In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets.

"China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods.</div>

He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory.

"I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent."

Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning."

Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard. The US Secretary of State said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok. From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers. "Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region. But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open. Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty." His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers. In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets. "China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said. "I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods. He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory. "I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent." Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning." Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

China has taken advantage of trade, time for it to stop: Pompeo at foreign ministers meeting in Bangkok

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed.&nbsp;

The state dept public schedule said "Secretary Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, In Bangkok, Thailand." at 8.45 am IST.

Jaishankar, who is in Bangkok to participate in several ASEAN plus gatherings, will be participating in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) &amp; ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) today.

The pull-aside between to two will be the first high-level engagement between the US and India since US President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump recently said PM Modi had asked him to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar on the first day of his visit addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister will visit China later this month to lay the groundwork for the second India-China informal summit that will take place by the end of this year.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand today, the US State dept confirmed. The state dept public schedule said "Secretary Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, In Bangkok, Thailand." at 8.45 am IST. Jaishankar, who is in Bangkok to participate in several ASEAN plus gatherings, will be participating in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) & ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) today. The pull-aside between to two will be the first high-level engagement between the US and India since US President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir. US President Donald Trump recently said PM Modi had asked him to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir issue during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with EAM Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar on the first day of his visit addressed ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of his counterparts. The external affairs minister will visit China later this month to lay the groundwork for the second India-China informal summit that will take place by the end of this year.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to meet Pompeo today

European Union governments will try on Friday to choose a candidate to lead the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-members-yet-to-reach-consensus-on-imf-chief-to-replace-christine-lagarde-239949">International Monetary Fund</a> from a list of three names after two candidates pulled out of the race, but divisions could delay a solution.

The candidates now include Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch former head of eurozone finance ministers; Olli Rehn, the Finnish central bank governor; and Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva, the World Bank chief executive.

Nadia Calvino, the Spanish economy minister, quit the race on Friday after a first round of voting among representatives of the EU's 28 nations. Mario Centeno, the Portuguese chairman of eurozone finance ministers, withdrew on Thursday.

Britain opposed the plan to select a candidate now, saying it was "premature" and did not allow London enough time to propose one of its own, according to a confidential note seen by Reuters.

Candidates for the head of the Washington-based IMF can be fielded until September&nbsp;6. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is leading the process to select a European candidate.

The top job at the world lender has historically been filled by a European, but candidates from elsewhere may gain traction if Europe split.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christine-lagarde-resigns-as-international-monetary-fund-chief-starting-race-for-her-successor-236536"> former IMF chief, France's Christine Lagarde</a>, resigned in July after EU leaders chose her to replace Mario Draghi as European Central Bank president.

Divisions

Northern European countries prefer Dijsselbloem or Rehn; southern and eastern states are seen pushing for Georgieva, one European official said.

Since an informal compromise was impossible, France decided to push for a vote. A candidate who obtains 55% of the votes of the 28 EU states, representing at least 65% of its population, will win.

The IMF chief should have a proven understanding of how the fund works, a commitment to multilateral organisations and be an effective communicator, the IMF board said. All three European candidates qualify.

Dijsselbloem has steered the eurozone out of the debt crisis, orchestrating with the IMF the bailout of Greece, Cyprus and Spanish banks. But he is opposed by high-debt EU countries for the austerity measures attached to the rescues.

Georgieva, 65, has had a long career at the World Bank, the IMF's twin organisation, but her candidacy would force a change in IMF rules that require the managing director to be less than 65 years old.

Rehn has held top economic jobs at the European Commission and now at the Finnish central bank.

New rounds of voting could be necessary to choose the European candidate.

"It is a mathematical possibility that no-one will make it today," one official involved in the process said. "But I think at the end of the day after a lot of arm-twistings they will come up with one."

Centeno said on Thursday he was pulling out of the race "in this stage of the process", adding he would be available if needed for a compromise solution.

Britain did not field a candidate because it could not come up with a name on time, London said in a note sent to France. A new British government led by Boris Johnson was formed only last week.

European Union governments will try on Friday to choose a candidate to lead the International Monetary Fund from a list of three names after two candidates pulled out of the race, but divisions could delay a solution.

European Union governments will try on Friday to choose a candidate to lead the International Monetary Fund from a list of three names after two candidates pulled out of the race, but divisions could delay a solution. The candidates now include Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch former head of eurozone finance ministers; Olli Rehn, the Finnish central bank governor; and Bulgaria's Kristalina Georgieva, the World Bank chief executive. Nadia Calvino, the Spanish economy minister, quit the race on Friday after a first round of voting among representatives of the EU's 28 nations. Mario Centeno, the Portuguese chairman of eurozone finance ministers, withdrew on Thursday. Britain opposed the plan to select a candidate now, saying it was "premature" and did not allow London enough time to propose one of its own, according to a confidential note seen by Reuters. Candidates for the head of the Washington-based IMF can be fielded until September 6. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is leading the process to select a European candidate. The top job at the world lender has historically been filled by a European, but candidates from elsewhere may gain traction if Europe split. The former IMF chief, France's Christine Lagarde, resigned in July after EU leaders chose her to replace Mario Draghi as European Central Bank president. Divisions Northern European countries prefer Dijsselbloem or Rehn; southern and eastern states are seen pushing for Georgieva, one European official said. Since an informal compromise was impossible, France decided to push for a vote. A candidate who obtains 55% of the votes of the 28 EU states, representing at least 65% of its population, will win. The IMF chief should have a proven understanding of how the fund works, a commitment to multilateral organisations and be an effective communicator, the IMF board said. All three European candidates qualify. Dijsselbloem has steered the eurozone out of the debt crisis, orchestrating with the IMF the bailout of Greece, Cyprus and Spanish banks. But he is opposed by high-debt EU countries for the austerity measures attached to the rescues. Georgieva, 65, has had a long career at the World Bank, the IMF's twin organisation, but her candidacy would force a change in IMF rules that require the managing director to be less than 65 years old. Rehn has held top economic jobs at the European Commission and now at the Finnish central bank. New rounds of voting could be necessary to choose the European candidate. "It is a mathematical possibility that no-one will make it today," one official involved in the process said. "But I think at the end of the day after a lot of arm-twistings they will come up with one." Centeno said on Thursday he was pulling out of the race "in this stage of the process", adding he would be available if needed for a compromise solution. Britain did not field a candidate because it could not come up with a name on time, London said in a note sent to France. A new British government led by Boris Johnson was formed only last week.

European Union race for International Monetary Fund chief down to three as Spain's Nadia Calvino quits

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suggested-us-nato-to-consider-announcing-moratorium-on-deployment-of-missiles-russia-240155">Moscow was in violation of the treaty</a> and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

US President Donald Trump made the determination that the United States would terminate adherence to the 1987 arms control accord, known as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-international-treaty-replacing-inf-should-include-china-germany-240122">Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty</a> (INF), senior administration officials told reporters.

The treaty bans either side from stationing short- and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Washington signalled its intention six months ago to pull out of the agreement if Russia made no move to adhere to it.

"The United States will not remain a party to a treaty that is deliberately violated by Russia,"&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement about the US withdrawal.

"Russia's noncompliance under the treaty jeopardises US supreme interests as Russia's development and fielding of a treaty-violating missile system represents a direct threat to the United States and our allies and partners,"&nbsp;Pompeo said.&nbsp;

The senior administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russia had deployed "multiple battalions" of a Russian cruise missile throughout Russia in violation of the pact, including in western Russia, "with the ability to strike critical European targets."

Watch: Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

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Russia denies the allegation, saying the missile’s range puts it outside the treaty and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty Washington wants to leave anyway so it can develop new missiles. Russia has also rejected a US demand to destroy the new missile.

The missile, the Novator 9M729, is known as the SSC-8 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The INF treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the US Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice.

The treaty bans land-based missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles (500-5,500 km).

Aggravating tensions

The dispute is aggravating the worst US-Russia friction since the Cold War ended in 1991. Some experts believe the treaty's collapse could undermine other arms control agreements and speed erosion of the global system designed to block the spread of nuclear arms.

Trump has sought to improve US relations with Russia after a chill during the tenure of his predecessor, Barack Obama. He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Wednesday about Siberian wildfires and trade.

Arms control did not come up in the call, the officials said.

European officials have voiced concern that if the treaty collapses, Europe could again become an arena for nuclear-armed, intermediate-range missile buildups by the United States and Russia.

The officials said the United States was months away from the first flight tests of an American intermediate-range missile that would serve as a counter to the Russians. Any such deployment would be years away, they said.

"We are just at the stage of looking at how we might further the development of conventional options," one official said.

Trump has said he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons.

He has broached the topic individually with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including at the G20 summit in Osaka in June.

China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks.

China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it. US President Donald Trump made the determination that the United States would terminate adherence to the 1987 arms control accord, known as the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), senior administration officials told reporters. The treaty bans either side from stationing short- and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Washington signalled its intention six months ago to pull out of the agreement if Russia made no move to adhere to it. "The United States will not remain a party to a treaty that is deliberately violated by Russia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement about the US withdrawal. "Russia's noncompliance under the treaty jeopardises US supreme interests as Russia's development and fielding of a treaty-violating missile system represents a direct threat to the United States and our allies and partners," Pompeo said. The senior administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russia had deployed "multiple battalions" of a Russian cruise missile throughout Russia in violation of the pact, including in western Russia, "with the ability to strike critical European targets." Watch: Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal × Russia denies the allegation, saying the missile’s range puts it outside the treaty and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty Washington wants to leave anyway so it can develop new missiles. Russia has also rejected a US demand to destroy the new missile. The missile, the Novator 9M729, is known as the SSC-8 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The INF treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the US Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. The treaty bans land-based missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles (500-5,500 km). Aggravating tensions The dispute is aggravating the worst US-Russia friction since the Cold War ended in 1991. Some experts believe the treaty's collapse could undermine other arms control agreements and speed erosion of the global system designed to block the spread of nuclear arms. Trump has sought to improve US relations with Russia after a chill during the tenure of his predecessor, Barack Obama. He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Wednesday about Siberian wildfires and trade. Arms control did not come up in the call, the officials said. European officials have voiced concern that if the treaty collapses, Europe could again become an arena for nuclear-armed, intermediate-range missile buildups by the United States and Russia. The officials said the United States was months away from the first flight tests of an American intermediate-range missile that would serve as a counter to the Russians. Any such deployment would be years away, they said. "We are just at the stage of looking at how we might further the development of conventional options," one official said. Trump has said he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including at the G20 summit in Osaka in June. China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks. China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".&nbsp;

Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific.

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Wide ranging discussions with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on regional issues. <a href="https://t.co/SOLxBDe3Q0">pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1157141385411092481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it."

Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. <a href="https://t.co/WRIgnRr48P">pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1157135853057015808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.&nbsp;

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally". Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific. Wide ranging discussions with @SecPompeo on regional issues. pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 2, 2019 × US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it." Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." #WATCH: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.

Conveyed to America in 'clear terms' that discussion on Kashmir only with Pakistan: S Jaishankar  

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It was the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo. He said, discussion on Kashmir issue if at all will only be with Pakistan and bilateral. Earlier in the day, United States President Donald Trump once again reiterated his offer to mediate in the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan but added that is up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept the offer of assistance.

India to US: Kashmir is a bilateral issue

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit, Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok. Watch this video to know more.

First India-US meet after Trump's Kashmir remark

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