Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">a new reward for up to $5 million</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack.

"We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said.

Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice.&nbsp;

The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.&nbsp;

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered a new reward for up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack. "We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said. Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court. The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice. The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said. "We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.

US calls on Pakistan, others to implement UNSC sanctions against perpetrators of 26/11 attacks

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of &nbsp;Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime.

''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-asks-pakistan-to-do-more-increases-reward-on-perpetrators-of-2611-attacks-179454">Mike Pompeo</a> on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> : I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on the 10th anniversary of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiTerrorAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiTerrorAttacks</a> calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the attack. <a href="https://t.co/dNrnlXmGXp">pic.twitter.com/dNrnlXmGXp</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1066990987841437701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier Swaraj paid tributes to the victims of the ''dastardly terror attacks''.&nbsp;

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My tributes to the victims and brave martyrs of dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th Anniversary. We will continue to seek justice for their families and friends. India will defeat terrorism.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1066970378411495424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''My tributes to the victims and brave martyrs of dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th Anniversary. We will continue to seek justice for their families and friends. &nbsp;India will defeat terrorism,'' she said in a tweet earlier.

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A decade on, a nation mourns and the world awaits justice 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2611Attack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2611Attack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiTerrorAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiTerrorAttacks</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tccf3f59Kr">pic.twitter.com/Tccf3f59Kr</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1067004767895871489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Asking Islamabad to act on Lashkar e-Taiba, the United States on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, aided or abetted in the execution of the 2008 Mumbai attack.

US announced the reward under its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Programme.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime. ''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister. EAM @SushmaSwaraj : I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State @SecPompeo on the 10th anniversary of #MumbaiTerrorAttacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the attack. pic.twitter.com/dNrnlXmGXp — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2018 × Earlier Swaraj paid tributes to the victims of the ''dastardly terror attacks''. My tributes to the victims and brave martyrs of dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th Anniversary. We will continue to seek justice for their families and friends. India will defeat terrorism. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 26, 2018 × ''My tributes to the victims and brave martyrs of dastardly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th Anniversary. We will continue to seek justice for their families and friends. India will defeat terrorism,'' she said in a tweet earlier. A decade on, a nation mourns and the world awaits justice #2611Attack #MumbaiTerrorAttacks pic.twitter.com/Tccf3f59Kr — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2018 × Asking Islamabad to act on Lashkar e-Taiba, the United States on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, aided or abetted in the execution of the 2008 Mumbai attack. US announced the reward under its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Programme.

India welcomes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's statement on Mumbai terror attacks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has shelved plans to meet with senior North Korean officials, including one of leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-to-meet-north-korea-number-two-on-thursday-175716">Kim Jong Un's top aides</a>, the State Department said Tuesday.

The talks between President Donald Trump's top diplomat and the North Korean delegation, which had been due to take place in New York on Thursday, "will now take place at a later date," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

"We will reconvene when our respective schedules permit," she added in a statement. 
The announcement came only a day after officials had said Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol -- one of the North Korean leaders right-hand men -- would discuss how much progress had been achieved towards securing denuclearisation since a landmark summit over the summer.

Although Trump has had warm words since he meet with Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June, his administration has nevertheless annoyed Pyongyang by maintaining a regime of sanctions.

North Korea's foreign ministry has warned that Pyongyang will "seriously" consider reviving its nuclear weapons program unless the sanctions are lifted.

In announcing the meeting with Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo said he expected to "make some real progress" including on laying the groundwork for a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Kim Yong Chol is a general, a former top intelligence chief and right-hand man to the North Korean leader.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has shelved plans to meet with senior North Korean officials, including one of leader Kim Jong Un's top aides, the State Department said Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has shelved plans to meet with senior North Korean officials, including one of leader Kim Jong Un's top aides, the State Department said Tuesday. The talks between President Donald Trump's top diplomat and the North Korean delegation, which had been due to take place in New York on Thursday, "will now take place at a later date," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. "We will reconvene when our respective schedules permit," she added in a statement. The announcement came only a day after officials had said Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol -- one of the North Korean leaders right-hand men -- would discuss how much progress had been achieved towards securing denuclearisation since a landmark summit over the summer. Although Trump has had warm words since he meet with Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June, his administration has nevertheless annoyed Pyongyang by maintaining a regime of sanctions. North Korea's foreign ministry has warned that Pyongyang will "seriously" consider reviving its nuclear weapons program unless the sanctions are lifted. In announcing the meeting with Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo said he expected to "make some real progress" including on laying the groundwork for a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Chol is a general, a former top intelligence chief and right-hand man to the North Korean leader.

US's Pompeo shelves plans to meet with senior North Koreans

Mike Pompeo's meeting with North Korean envoy delayed

US Secy of state, Mike Pompeo on Iran Sanctions

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he will meet this week in New York with North Korea's number two, Kim Yong Chol, to resume denuclearization talks.

Announcing the meeting on Fox News Sunday, Pompeo said it would be "a good opportunity to continue the denuclearization discussions" underway since US President Donald Trump's historic summit in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

"I will be meeting this week in New York City with my counterpart, Kim Yong Chol," he said on Fox News Sunday.

Pompeo's announcement follows a North Korean foreign ministry statement that the North will "seriously" consider reviving its nuclear weapons program unless US sanctions are lifted.

But Pompeo dismissed the warning, saying, "I'm not worried about that."

"We are very focused. We know with whom we are negotiating, we know what their positions (are) and President Trump has made his position very clear," Pompeo said.

He added there would be "no economic relief until we have achieved our ultimate objective."

At their summit in Singapore in June, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded statement on denuclearization.

But little progress has been made since then, with Washington pushing to maintain sanctions against the North until its "final, fully verified denuclearization," and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like."

"The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," said the statement, released under the name of the director of the foreign ministry's Institute for American Studies.&nbsp;

"What remains to be done is the US corresponding reply," it added.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he will meet this week in New York with North Korea's number two, Kim Yong Chol, to resume denuclearization talks. Announcing the meeting on Fox News Sunday, Pompeo said it would be "a good opportunity to continue the denuclearization discussions" underway since US President Donald Trump's historic summit in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday he will meet this week in New York with North Korea's number two, Kim Yong Chol, to resume denuclearization talks. Announcing the meeting on Fox News Sunday, Pompeo said it would be "a good opportunity to continue the denuclearization discussions" underway since US President Donald Trump's historic summit in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I will be meeting this week in New York City with my counterpart, Kim Yong Chol," he said on Fox News Sunday. Pompeo's announcement follows a North Korean foreign ministry statement that the North will "seriously" consider reviving its nuclear weapons program unless US sanctions are lifted. But Pompeo dismissed the warning, saying, "I'm not worried about that." "We are very focused. We know with whom we are negotiating, we know what their positions (are) and President Trump has made his position very clear," Pompeo said. He added there would be "no economic relief until we have achieved our ultimate objective." At their summit in Singapore in June, Trump and Kim signed a vaguely worded statement on denuclearization. But little progress has been made since then, with Washington pushing to maintain sanctions against the North until its "final, fully verified denuclearization," and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like." "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," said the statement, released under the name of the director of the foreign ministry's Institute for American Studies. "What remains to be done is the US corresponding reply," it added.

Pompeo to meet North Korean counterpart this week to resume denuclearisation talks

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

Taking effect Monday, the measures are the most concrete result yet of US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran.

They will directly affect companies from third countries doing business with Iran. They could upset world oil markets, though the US has granted temporary waivers to eight jurisdictions to continue importing Iranian oil.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the measures on Saturday, saying Trump had "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser in the long-running quarrel between the countries.

The US side was unmoved.&nbsp;

"Sanctions from the United States will be reimposed at midnight tonight," Pompeo told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said what he called "the terror regime" in Tehran must change its ways.

Oil markets on alert

World oil markets were on alert, nervously set to gauge the consequences of the sanctions.

"All eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects.

Oil is Iran's main source of income. But the sword has two edges: Iran is also the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer.

The US stance has already inflicted serious pain on Iranians, with the country's currency, the rial, losing more than two-thirds of its value since May.&nbsp;

Iranian oil exports have fallen by about a million barrels a day in that time, though India and China have continued to purchase it. Most Europeans, as well as Japan and South Korea, have stopped.

Asked if the US had firm commitments from India and China to stop all oil purchases from Iran within six months, Pompeo replied: "Watch what we do. Watch as we've already taken more crude oil off the market than any time in the previous history."

Saudi Arabia is the only country with the capacity to make up for lost Iranian oil production.

'Utter disregard'&nbsp;

Hours before the fresh sanctions went ahead, thousands of people in Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 hostage-taking at the US embassy by carrying placards mocking Trump and burning American flags and fake dollars.

Trump has long argued that the 2015 nuclear deal is badly flawed, in part because its provisions would expire in 10 to 15 years and partly because it does not adequately constrain Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the region.

His decision was widely criticized abroad and by Democrats at home, who said that while imperfect, the pact had placed the Iranian nuclear program under the tightest scrutiny ever.

In parallel with the imposition of the crude oil sanctions, the US Treasury Department is placing more than 600 Iranian individuals and entities on a blacklist.

And Pompeo said that any Iranian banks involved in "sanctionable behaviour will be sanctioned by the Department of Treasury, period, full stop."

The European Union has established a mechanism to permit its multinational companies to maintain presences in Iran, but all signs are that the US sanctions will be dissuasive. Both Airbus and Total have announced plans to leave Iran.

The first set of sanctions announced August 7 prompted European automakers Daimler and PSA to quit Iran.

To continue exporting crude oil, Iranian tankers in recent weeks have been turning off their transponders to avoid detection. But satellites have continued to track them.

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran. Taking effect Monday, the measures are the most concrete result yet of US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran. They will directly affect companies from third countries doing business with Iran. They could upset world oil markets, though the US has granted temporary waivers to eight jurisdictions to continue importing Iranian oil. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the measures on Saturday, saying Trump had "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser in the long-running quarrel between the countries. The US side was unmoved. "Sanctions from the United States will be reimposed at midnight tonight," Pompeo told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said what he called "the terror regime" in Tehran must change its ways. Oil markets on alert World oil markets were on alert, nervously set to gauge the consequences of the sanctions. "All eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects. Oil is Iran's main source of income. But the sword has two edges: Iran is also the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer. The US stance has already inflicted serious pain on Iranians, with the country's currency, the rial, losing more than two-thirds of its value since May. Iranian oil exports have fallen by about a million barrels a day in that time, though India and China have continued to purchase it. Most Europeans, as well as Japan and South Korea, have stopped. Asked if the US had firm commitments from India and China to stop all oil purchases from Iran within six months, Pompeo replied: "Watch what we do. Watch as we've already taken more crude oil off the market than any time in the previous history." Saudi Arabia is the only country with the capacity to make up for lost Iranian oil production. 'Utter disregard' Hours before the fresh sanctions went ahead, thousands of people in Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 hostage-taking at the US embassy by carrying placards mocking Trump and burning American flags and fake dollars. Trump has long argued that the 2015 nuclear deal is badly flawed, in part because its provisions would expire in 10 to 15 years and partly because it does not adequately constrain Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the region. His decision was widely criticized abroad and by Democrats at home, who said that while imperfect, the pact had placed the Iranian nuclear program under the tightest scrutiny ever. In parallel with the imposition of the crude oil sanctions, the US Treasury Department is placing more than 600 Iranian individuals and entities on a blacklist. And Pompeo said that any Iranian banks involved in "sanctionable behaviour will be sanctioned by the Department of Treasury, period, full stop." The European Union has established a mechanism to permit its multinational companies to maintain presences in Iran, but all signs are that the US sanctions will be dissuasive. Both Airbus and Total have announced plans to leave Iran. The first set of sanctions announced August 7 prompted European automakers Daimler and PSA to quit Iran. To continue exporting crude oil, Iranian tankers in recent weeks have been turning off their transponders to avoid detection. But satellites have continued to track them.

US issues veiled warning to India, China on crude imports from Iran, says 'watch what we do'

Mike Pompeo to meet North Korea's Kim Yong Chol this week in New York

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

The murder has placed a strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler.

"We're continuing to understand the fact pattern," Pompeo said Thursday during an interview with Missouri-based KMOX news radio.

"We are reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals that we have been able to identify to date that have -– that were engaged in that murder".

"It'll take us probably a handful more weeks before we have enough evidence to actually put those sanctions in place, but I think we'll be able to get there," he said, adding that President Donald Trump had vowed accountability for all involved in the "heinous crime".

The top US diplomat has previously said the killing "violates the norms of international law."

But Pompeo emphasised as Trump has, that "not only do we have important commercial relationships, but important strategic relationships, national security relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we intend to make sure that those relationships remain intact."

Speaking at a journalism awards ceremony Thursday, Fred Ryan, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post which Khashoggi wrote for, urged the Trump administration to take a tougher line.

"When officials of our government are asked about consequences for Jamal's murder, they often talk about 'balancing our interests in the area,'" he said.

"The 'Khashoggi incident' is viewed in some respects as a 'complication' in a far more important strategic relationship.

"But Jamal's death is more than a 'complication.' It is vicious, state-sponsored murder of an innocent journalist," he added, calling on the government to suspend arms deals with Riyadh and not resume "business as usual" with the kingdom.

"If those who persecute journalists get away with their crimes -- and are allowed to continue with business as usual -- it only invites more of the same," he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The murder has placed a strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. "We're continuing to understand the fact pattern," Pompeo said Thursday during an interview with Missouri-based KMOX news radio. "We are reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals that we have been able to identify to date that have -– that were engaged in that murder". "It'll take us probably a handful more weeks before we have enough evidence to actually put those sanctions in place, but I think we'll be able to get there," he said, adding that President Donald Trump had vowed accountability for all involved in the "heinous crime". The top US diplomat has previously said the killing "violates the norms of international law." But Pompeo emphasised as Trump has, that "not only do we have important commercial relationships, but important strategic relationships, national security relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we intend to make sure that those relationships remain intact." Speaking at a journalism awards ceremony Thursday, Fred Ryan, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post which Khashoggi wrote for, urged the Trump administration to take a tougher line. "When officials of our government are asked about consequences for Jamal's murder, they often talk about 'balancing our interests in the area,'" he said. "The 'Khashoggi incident' is viewed in some respects as a 'complication' in a far more important strategic relationship. "But Jamal's death is more than a 'complication.' It is vicious, state-sponsored murder of an innocent journalist," he added, calling on the government to suspend arms deals with Riyadh and not resume "business as usual" with the kingdom. "If those who persecute journalists get away with their crimes -- and are allowed to continue with business as usual -- it only invites more of the same," he said.

Sanctions on Khashoggi killers weeks away: Mike Pompeo

The body of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "dissolved" after he was murdered and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul a month ago, an advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.

The claim echoed what a Turkish official had told the Washington Post -- for which Khashoggi was a contributor -- that authorities are investigating a theory the body was destroyed in acid.

"We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan and official in Turkey's ruling party, told the Hurriyet newspaper on Friday.

"According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it," Aktay said.

Saudi Arabia has faced a torrent of international condemnation over the killing of the royal insider-turned-critic.

Turkey's chief prosecutor on Wednesday confirmed for the first time that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate on October 2 as part of a planned hit, and his body was then dismembered and destroyed.

"They aimed to ensure no sign of the body was left. This is what is understood from the prosecutor's statement, said Aktay, who was close to the journalist.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-crown-prince-told-us-he-was-a-dangerous-islamist-174996">Saudi crown prince reportedly told US Khashoggi was a dangerous Islamist</a>

"Killing an innocent person is one crime, the treatment and extent of what was done to the body is another crime and dishonour."

The Turkish official quoted by the Washington Post said that "biological evidence" found in the consulate's garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near where Khashoggi was killed.

"Khashoggi's body was not in need of burying," the official told the US newspaper on the condition of anonymity.

Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the consulate's garden, but did allow them to take water samples for analysis, according to local media reports.

The murder has placed strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler.

US Secretary of State <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-on-khashoggi-killers-weeks-away-mike-pompeo-175015">Mike Pompeo</a> said on Thursday it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible.

The body of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "dissolved" after he was murdered and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul a month ago, an advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.

The body of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "dissolved" after he was murdered and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul a month ago, an advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday. The claim echoed what a Turkish official had told the Washington Post -- for which Khashoggi was a contributor -- that authorities are investigating a theory the body was destroyed in acid. "We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan and official in Turkey's ruling party, told the Hurriyet newspaper on Friday. "According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it," Aktay said. Saudi Arabia has faced a torrent of international condemnation over the killing of the royal insider-turned-critic. Turkey's chief prosecutor on Wednesday confirmed for the first time that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate on October 2 as part of a planned hit, and his body was then dismembered and destroyed. "They aimed to ensure no sign of the body was left. This is what is understood from the prosecutor's statement, said Aktay, who was close to the journalist. Also read: Saudi crown prince reportedly told US Khashoggi was a dangerous Islamist "Killing an innocent person is one crime, the treatment and extent of what was done to the body is another crime and dishonour." The Turkish official quoted by the Washington Post said that "biological evidence" found in the consulate's garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near where Khashoggi was killed. "Khashoggi's body was not in need of burying," the official told the US newspaper on the condition of anonymity. Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the consulate's garden, but did allow them to take water samples for analysis, according to local media reports. The murder has placed strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on the individuals responsible.

Jamal Khashoggi's body was 'dissolved' after murder: Erdogan advisor

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

The US will demand a fair and reciprocal trade from China and President Donald Trump is determined to achieve it, he said.

"China is a long-term challenge. This challenge is across every front," Pompeo told American radio host Tony Katz on Thursday.

Stating that the US President has begun taking on the challenge of unfair trade, Pompeo said that America had very unfair trade with China and have had many administrations.

He said that the US has other sets of challenges, including China's continued efforts in the South China Sea.

Pompeo also informed of the Chinese being indicted for stealing intellectual property.

"Just this week, ten Chinese were indicted for stealing intellectual property, aviation-related intellectual property," he said.

"These are not the types of actions that countries that truly want to be part of the global community engage in, and we're pushing back against China across every one of those fronts to try and achieve that on behalf of the American people," Pompeo said.

Pompeo said that Russia also poses a challenge due to its large nuclear arsenal that threatens the entire world.

"Russia is a much smaller economy, but still maintains an enormously large nuclear arsenal, which threatens not only the United States but the world. President Trump has been really tough. We have done things to put pressure on Vladimir Putin and Russia in a way that no previous administration has," he said.

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said. The US will demand a fair and reciprocal trade from China and President Donald Trump is determined to achieve it, he said. "China is a long-term challenge. This challenge is across every front," Pompeo told American radio host Tony Katz on Thursday. Stating that the US President has begun taking on the challenge of unfair trade, Pompeo said that America had very unfair trade with China and have had many administrations. He said that the US has other sets of challenges, including China's continued efforts in the South China Sea. Pompeo also informed of the Chinese being indicted for stealing intellectual property. "Just this week, ten Chinese were indicted for stealing intellectual property, aviation-related intellectual property," he said. "These are not the types of actions that countries that truly want to be part of the global community engage in, and we're pushing back against China across every one of those fronts to try and achieve that on behalf of the American people," Pompeo said. Pompeo said that Russia also poses a challenge due to its large nuclear arsenal that threatens the entire world. "Russia is a much smaller economy, but still maintains an enormously large nuclear arsenal, which threatens not only the United States but the world. President Trump has been really tough. We have done things to put pressure on Vladimir Putin and Russia in a way that no previous administration has," he said.

China a long-term challenge across every front: Pompeo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen.&nbsp;

Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas.&nbsp;

Pompeo added that UN-led negotiations to bring the civil war to an end should begin next month.&nbsp;

Pompeo's call was earlier voiced by US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis even as the Saudi-led military coalition sent more than 10,000 new troops toward a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault.

Mattis said the US had been watching the conflict "for long enough", adding that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are in a US-backed coalition fighting Shiite Huthi rebels, are ready for talks.

"We have got to move toward a peace effort here, and we can't say we are going to do it some time in the future," Mattis said at the US Institute of Peace in Washington.&nbsp;

"We need to be doing this in the next 30 days."

He said the US is calling for all warring parties to meet with United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths in Sweden in November and "come to a solution."

US-Saudi ties have cooled in recent weeks after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the conservative kingdom, that has also tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the conflict between embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognised by the United Nations, and the Huthis in 2015.

Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed and the country now stands at the brink of famine, with more than 22 million Yemenis — three-quarters of the population — in need of humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen. Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for an end to the fighting in Yemen. Pompeo said missile strikes by the Iran-allied Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should stop, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop air strikes in all populated areas. Pompeo added that UN-led negotiations to bring the civil war to an end should begin next month. Pompeo's call was earlier voiced by US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis even as the Saudi-led military coalition sent more than 10,000 new troops toward a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault. Mattis said the US had been watching the conflict "for long enough", adding that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which are in a US-backed coalition fighting Shiite Huthi rebels, are ready for talks. "We have got to move toward a peace effort here, and we can't say we are going to do it some time in the future," Mattis said at the US Institute of Peace in Washington. "We need to be doing this in the next 30 days." He said the US is calling for all warring parties to meet with United Nations special envoy Martin Griffiths in Sweden in November and "come to a solution." US-Saudi ties have cooled in recent weeks after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the conservative kingdom, that has also tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in the conflict between embattled Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognised by the United Nations, and the Huthis in 2015. Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed and the country now stands at the brink of famine, with more than 22 million Yemenis — three-quarters of the population — in need of humanitarian assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

After Khashoggi killing, US calls for end to fighting in Yemen

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday that the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi undermined Middle Eastern stability and that Washington would take additional measures against those responsible.

Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's murder has escalated into a crisis for the world’s top oil exporter. Saudi Arabia's allies have reacted with outrage towards a country that is the lynchpin of a US-backed regional bloc against growing Iranian influence in the Middle East.

But Mattis also said US respect for the Saudi people was undiminished, while Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said those behind the killing would be prosecuted in the kingdom and that the investigation would take time.

US President Donald Trump has said he wants to get to the bottom of the case, while also highlighting Riyadh's role as an ally against Tehran and Islamist militants, as well as a major purchaser of US arms.

"With our collective interests in peace and unwavering respect for human rights in mind, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in a diplomatic facility must concern us all greatly," Mattis told a conference in Bahrain.

"Failure of any one nation to adhere to international norms and the rule of law undermines regional stability at a time when it is needed most," Mattis said. He did not mention de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by name at any point.

Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said Khashoggi's killing was premeditated, contradicting a previous official statement that it happened accidentally during a tussle in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Saudi officials have also said he was accidentally killed in a botched security operation to return him to the kingdom.

In his remarks at the Manama Dialogue security conference, Mattis went through a list of what he described as disruptive Iranian behaviour - a message most Gulf allies will view positively since they share similar concerns about Iran's increasing influence in Syria and Iraq.

While these were some of the sharpest comments Mattis has made on the Khashoggi killing, he also said the two countries still needed to collaborate on stability in the region.

"It's hard to imagine that this administration, in particular, is going to change fundamentally how it views the role of the Saudis in terms of counterterrorism, in terms of counter-Iran," said Dennis Ross, who served as top Middle East adviser to President Barack Obama in his first term.

Foreign Minister Jubeir, speaking at the same conference, said Riyadh's relations with Washington were "ironclad" amid what he called "hysteria in the media" over Khashoggi's killing.

In response to the killing, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this week announced moves against 21 Saudis to either revoke their visas or make them ineligible for US visas after the Khashoggi killing.

"Our Secretary of State ...will be taking additional measures as the situation is clarified," Mattis said.

ALLIANCES

Mattis said the presence in the Middle East of Russia - a major ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - could not be a replacement for the United States, whose "long-standing, enduring, and transparent" commitment to the region he reiterated.

He said that it was important to end a 16-month-old dispute between Qatar and four Arab states that analysts say has weakened regional coordination against Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of backing their archrival, Iran, and supporting terrorism. Qatar denies the charges.

"The solving of internal debates among our GCC partners is vital for realizing this vision. Without it, we weaken our security," he said, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

Mattis said he continued to support partners in the region who were defending themselves against Houthi attacks in Yemen but also called for an end to fighting there.

A Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen’s war in 2015 has conducted frequent air strikes targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi group and has often hit civilians, although it denies doing so intentionally.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday that the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi undermined Middle Eastern stability and that Washington would take additional measures against those responsible.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday that the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi undermined Middle Eastern stability and that Washington would take additional measures against those responsible. Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's murder has escalated into a crisis for the world’s top oil exporter. Saudi Arabia's allies have reacted with outrage towards a country that is the lynchpin of a US-backed regional bloc against growing Iranian influence in the Middle East. But Mattis also said US respect for the Saudi people was undiminished, while Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said those behind the killing would be prosecuted in the kingdom and that the investigation would take time. US President Donald Trump has said he wants to get to the bottom of the case, while also highlighting Riyadh's role as an ally against Tehran and Islamist militants, as well as a major purchaser of US arms. "With our collective interests in peace and unwavering respect for human rights in mind, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in a diplomatic facility must concern us all greatly," Mattis told a conference in Bahrain. "Failure of any one nation to adhere to international norms and the rule of law undermines regional stability at a time when it is needed most," Mattis said. He did not mention de facto Saudi ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by name at any point. Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said Khashoggi's killing was premeditated, contradicting a previous official statement that it happened accidentally during a tussle in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi officials have also said he was accidentally killed in a botched security operation to return him to the kingdom. In his remarks at the Manama Dialogue security conference, Mattis went through a list of what he described as disruptive Iranian behaviour - a message most Gulf allies will view positively since they share similar concerns about Iran's increasing influence in Syria and Iraq. While these were some of the sharpest comments Mattis has made on the Khashoggi killing, he also said the two countries still needed to collaborate on stability in the region. "It's hard to imagine that this administration, in particular, is going to change fundamentally how it views the role of the Saudis in terms of counterterrorism, in terms of counter-Iran," said Dennis Ross, who served as top Middle East adviser to President Barack Obama in his first term. Foreign Minister Jubeir, speaking at the same conference, said Riyadh's relations with Washington were "ironclad" amid what he called "hysteria in the media" over Khashoggi's killing. In response to the killing, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this week announced moves against 21 Saudis to either revoke their visas or make them ineligible for US visas after the Khashoggi killing. "Our Secretary of State ...will be taking additional measures as the situation is clarified," Mattis said. ALLIANCES Mattis said the presence in the Middle East of Russia - a major ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - could not be a replacement for the United States, whose "long-standing, enduring, and transparent" commitment to the region he reiterated. He said that it was important to end a 16-month-old dispute between Qatar and four Arab states that analysts say has weakened regional coordination against Iran. Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of backing their archrival, Iran, and supporting terrorism. Qatar denies the charges. "The solving of internal debates among our GCC partners is vital for realizing this vision. Without it, we weaken our security," he said, referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council nations. Mattis said he continued to support partners in the region who were defending themselves against Houthi attacks in Yemen but also called for an end to fighting there. A Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen’s war in 2015 has conducted frequent air strikes targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi group and has often hit civilians, although it denies doing so intentionally.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis says Khashoggi killing undermines regional stability

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States.

"President (Donald) Trump's been clear about the largest issue we face today. We are quickly reaching a point which appears to be a moment of crisis: record numbers of migrants," Pompeo told his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray, during a visit to Mexico City.

Pompeo's trip to Central America and Mexico came as a caravan of thousands of Honduran migrants prepared to cross Mexico's southern border with Guatemala on their northbound journey, drawing warnings from Trump that he would cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them.

&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday illegal migration across the US-Mexican border is near crisis levels, as a caravan of Honduran migrants prepared to enter Mexico bound for the United States. "President (Donald) Trump's been clear about the largest issue we face today. We are quickly reaching a point which appears to be a moment of crisis: record numbers of migrants," Pompeo told his Mexican counterpart, Luis Videgaray, during a visit to Mexico City. Pompeo's trip to Central America and Mexico came as a caravan of thousands of Honduran migrants prepared to cross Mexico's southern border with Guatemala on their northbound journey, drawing warnings from Trump that he would cut aid to the region, deploy the military and close the US-Mexican border if authorities did not stop them.

Migration over US-Mexico border 'reaching a moment of crisis': Mike Pompeo

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday he will skip next week's Saudi investment summit, dealing another blow to Riyadh following the suspected murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia," Mnuchin announced on Twitter after meeting with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Pompeo had just returned from Saudi Arabia and briefed Trump on the status of the investigation into the journalist's disappearance in Turkey.

With Wall Street already teetering on Thursday, Mnuchin's announcement sent US stocks tumbling, adding to losses from a recent sell-off.

Prominent business partners of Saudi Arabia and investors, including companies with significant investment from Riyadh, have fled the conference since Khashoggi's disappearance on October 2 during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Turkish officials have told reporters of gruesome details of Khashoggi's alleged killing which they say were gathered by Turkish intelligence, tying officials with close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to the incident.

Khashoggi was a prominent political and human rights critic of the Saudi government who had been living in the United States.

While withholding judgment on the case, Trump and Pompeo in recent days have stressed the depth of US-Saudi cooperation in financial and counterterrorism matters stretching back for almost a century.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday he will skip next week's Saudi investment summit, dealing another blow to Riyadh following the suspected murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday he will skip next week's Saudi investment summit, dealing another blow to Riyadh following the suspected murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia," Mnuchin announced on Twitter after meeting with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Pompeo had just returned from Saudi Arabia and briefed Trump on the status of the investigation into the journalist's disappearance in Turkey. With Wall Street already teetering on Thursday, Mnuchin's announcement sent US stocks tumbling, adding to losses from a recent sell-off. Prominent business partners of Saudi Arabia and investors, including companies with significant investment from Riyadh, have fled the conference since Khashoggi's disappearance on October 2 during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish officials have told reporters of gruesome details of Khashoggi's alleged killing which they say were gathered by Turkish intelligence, tying officials with close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to the incident. Khashoggi was a prominent political and human rights critic of the Saudi government who had been living in the United States. While withholding judgment on the case, Trump and Pompeo in recent days have stressed the depth of US-Saudi cooperation in financial and counterterrorism matters stretching back for almost a century.

US's Mnuchin to skip Saudi investment conference amid Khashoggi case

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday that the US office in Jerusalem dealing with Palestinians is being merged into the controversial new US embassy in the city.

Pompeo said the US Consulate General, a separate office which formerly handled dealings with Palestinians, would be replaced by a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside the embassy.

The move, which was quickly condemned by the Palestine Liberation Organization, could effectively leave the US as the only major power without a specific representative office to the Palestinians.

Pompeo denied the decision represented a shift in relations between Washington and the Palestinians, but it came after a series of moves, including shuttering the Palestinian mission in Washington, that have angered them.

"This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. It does not signal a change of US policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip," Pompeo said in a statement.

He said that the United States "continues to take no position" on how any peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians would take shape.

"The administration is strongly committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future to Israel and the Palestinians," he said.

The move was the latest in a series of steps Washington has taken that have effectively downgraded its relationship with the Palestinians, who have for decades sought a separate state alongside Israel.

Analysts say the US moves aim to pressure the Palestinians into peace talks with Israel. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has been in talks with the Israelis on a still-secret peace plan he has reportedly devised.

Last December Trump shook the always-tenuous relationship with the Palestinians to its core when he announced he would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, effectively ignoring Palestinian claims on the Holy City and breaking with the policies of his predecessors.

The embassy was officially transferred on May 14, sparking violent protests in Gaza where about 60 Palestinian protestors were killed by Israeli fire.

On August 24 the United States cancelled more than $200 million in aid for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and two weeks later said it would cut $25 million in aid to hospitals primarily serving Palestinians in Jerusalem.

And on September 13 the United States ordered the shutdown of the Palestinian mission in Washington, giving the employees another month to finish their work.

James Zogby, a longtime advocate for the Palestinians as president of the Arab American Institute, criticized that closure, saying "You can close the office, and you can silence the voice, but the Palestinian people will not go away."

The Palestinian leadership on Thursday condemned Washington's decision on the Palestinian office in Jerusalem as "ideological."

Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General Saeb Erekat said the decision to "end the existence of the US Consulate" would "reward Israeli violations and crimes."

"The Trump Administration is part of the problem, not part of the solution," he added in a statement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday that the US office in Jerusalem dealing with Palestinians is being merged into the controversial new US embassy in the city.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday that the US office in Jerusalem dealing with Palestinians is being merged into the controversial new US embassy in the city. Pompeo said the US Consulate General, a separate office which formerly handled dealings with Palestinians, would be replaced by a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside the embassy. The move, which was quickly condemned by the Palestine Liberation Organization, could effectively leave the US as the only major power without a specific representative office to the Palestinians. Pompeo denied the decision represented a shift in relations between Washington and the Palestinians, but it came after a series of moves, including shuttering the Palestinian mission in Washington, that have angered them. "This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. It does not signal a change of US policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip," Pompeo said in a statement. He said that the United States "continues to take no position" on how any peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians would take shape. "The administration is strongly committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future to Israel and the Palestinians," he said. The move was the latest in a series of steps Washington has taken that have effectively downgraded its relationship with the Palestinians, who have for decades sought a separate state alongside Israel. Analysts say the US moves aim to pressure the Palestinians into peace talks with Israel. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has been in talks with the Israelis on a still-secret peace plan he has reportedly devised. Last December Trump shook the always-tenuous relationship with the Palestinians to its core when he announced he would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, effectively ignoring Palestinian claims on the Holy City and breaking with the policies of his predecessors. The embassy was officially transferred on May 14, sparking violent protests in Gaza where about 60 Palestinian protestors were killed by Israeli fire. On August 24 the United States cancelled more than $200 million in aid for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and two weeks later said it would cut $25 million in aid to hospitals primarily serving Palestinians in Jerusalem. And on September 13 the United States ordered the shutdown of the Palestinian mission in Washington, giving the employees another month to finish their work. James Zogby, a longtime advocate for the Palestinians as president of the Arab American Institute, criticized that closure, saying "You can close the office, and you can silence the voice, but the Palestinian people will not go away." The Palestinian leadership on Thursday condemned Washington's decision on the Palestinian office in Jerusalem as "ideological." Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General Saeb Erekat said the decision to "end the existence of the US Consulate" would "reward Israeli violations and crimes." "The Trump Administration is part of the problem, not part of the solution," he added in a statement.

US merges diplomatic office for Palestinians into Jerusalem embassy

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he did not want to abandon ally Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of a Saudi journalist and has asked for audio recordings Turkish sources say indicate he was killed by Saudi agents.

Trump said he was waiting for a full report on what had happened to Jamal Khashoggi from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom he sent to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to meet with officials over the disappearance of the Saudi government critic. Trump and Pompeo are scheduled to meet at 10 am&nbsp;(1400 GMT) on Thursday.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was critical of the authoritarian kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 and his body removed. The Saudis have denied the allegations.

Turkish sources have told&nbsp;the authorities have an audio recording indicating Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. He has not been seen since entering the building.

Turkey's pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday published what it said were details from audio recordings that purported to document Khashoggi's torture and interrogation.

Khashoggi was killed within minutes and his torturers severed his fingers during the interrogation, the newspaper said. His killers later beheaded and dismembered him, it said.

Turkey has not shared with the US&nbsp;government or European allies graphic audio or video evidence, seven US&nbsp;and European security officials told. The United States and allies have collected some intelligence through their own sources and methods, which partly confirms news reports based on leaks of audio recordings, four of the sources said.

A New York Times report cited a senior Turkish official confirming the details published by Yeni Safak. Two Turkish government officials contacted by Reuters declined to confirm the report.

Trump, who has forged closer ties with Saudi Arabia and the 33-year-old crown prince, said the United States has asked Turkey for any audio or video evidence.

Asked in a Fox Business Network interview if Washington could abandon Riyadh, Trump said: "I do not want to do that."

Trump reiterated his hopes that Saudi leaders were not involved in the disappearance of Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident.

"I want to find out what happened, where is the fault, and we will probably know that by the end of the week," Trump later told reporters.

"We have asked for it, if it exists ... I'm not sure yet that it exists, probably does, possibly does," he said of the audio or video evidence.

US&nbsp;media outlets have reported that Riyadh, despite its earlier denials of involvement, will acknowledge that Khashoggi was killed in a botched interrogation. Trump has speculated without providing evidence that "rogue killers" could be responsible.

How the crown prince emerges from the crisis is a test of how the West will deal with Saudi Arabia in the future.

Trump has appeared unwilling to distance himself too much from the Saudis, citing Riyadh's role in countering Iranian influence in the region - and tens of billions of dollars in potential arms deals.

Other Western nations, although expressing concern about the incident, face a similar delicate situation in their dealings with the world's top oil exporter.

IMPORTANT TIES

Pompeo said Riyadh should be given a few more days to complete its own probe into Khashoggi's disappearance. He met Turkey's president and foreign minister, a day after Trump gave Saudi Arabia the benefit of the doubt.

"They're going to do an investigation, and when the investigation comes out we'll evaluate it," Pompeo told reporters travelling with him.

A State Department spokeswoman said Pompeo had not heard any audio recording purporting to indicate Khashoggi was killed.

Pompeo also said the United States must be mindful of important business and government ties with Saudi Arabia as it considers any steps once the facts have been determined.

Turkish investigators spent nearly nine hours in the Saudi consul's residence, leaving early on Thursday, as did Saudi investigators. The search by Turkish investigators included the roof and garage and the deployment of a drone over the area.

Turkish crime scene investigators were still working at the consulate early on Thursday, using bright lights to illuminate the garden, though it was not clear what they were doing.

A pro-government Turkish daily published preliminary evidence last week from investigators who it said had identified a 15-member Saudi intelligence team that arrived in Istanbul on diplomatic passports hours before Khashoggi disappeared.

The Washington Post published a column by Khashoggi it received from his assistant a day after he was reported missing.

In the column, Khashoggi condemns the crackdown on journalists by Arab governments and the failure of the international community to respond. "As a result, Arab governments have been given free rein to continue silencing the media at an increasing rate," he wrote.

A New York Times report, citing witnesses and other records, linked four suspects to Prince Mohammed's security detail.

One name matches a LinkedIn profile for a forensic expert who has worked at the interior ministry for 20 years. Another is identified in a diplomatic directory from 2007 as a first secretary at the Saudi Embassy in London. Others resemble officers in the Saudi Army and Air Force.

After meeting the king and crown prince on Tuesday, Pompeo said Saudi Arabia has committed to a full investigation.

Asked whether they said Khashoggi was alive or dead, Pompeo said: "They didn't talk about any of the facts."

DESERTED CONFERENCE

Prince Mohammed has painted himself as the face of a new, vibrant Saudi Arabia, diversifying its economy away from reliance on oil and making some social changes.

But there has been criticism of some of his moves, including Riyadh's involvement in the Yemen war, the arrest of women activists, and a diplomatic row with Canada.

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his plans to attend an investment conference in Riyadh next week would be revisited on Thursday after U.S. officials have a chance to consult Pompeo. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and top executives from Societe Generale and Glencore joined a growing list of executives who have pulled out.

Saudi Arabia has said it would retaliate against any pressure or economic sanctions.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he did not want to abandon ally Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of a Saudi journalist and has asked for audio recordings Turkish sources say indicate he was killed by Saudi agents.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he did not want to abandon ally Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of a Saudi journalist and has asked for audio recordings Turkish sources say indicate he was killed by Saudi agents. Trump said he was waiting for a full report on what had happened to Jamal Khashoggi from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom he sent to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to meet with officials over the disappearance of the Saudi government critic. Trump and Pompeo are scheduled to meet at 10 am (1400 GMT) on Thursday. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was critical of the authoritarian kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 and his body removed. The Saudis have denied the allegations. Turkish sources have told the authorities have an audio recording indicating Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. He has not been seen since entering the building. Turkey's pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday published what it said were details from audio recordings that purported to document Khashoggi's torture and interrogation. Khashoggi was killed within minutes and his torturers severed his fingers during the interrogation, the newspaper said. His killers later beheaded and dismembered him, it said. Turkey has not shared with the US government or European allies graphic audio or video evidence, seven US and European security officials told. The United States and allies have collected some intelligence through their own sources and methods, which partly confirms news reports based on leaks of audio recordings, four of the sources said. A New York Times report cited a senior Turkish official confirming the details published by Yeni Safak. Two Turkish government officials contacted by Reuters declined to confirm the report. Trump, who has forged closer ties with Saudi Arabia and the 33-year-old crown prince, said the United States has asked Turkey for any audio or video evidence. Asked in a Fox Business Network interview if Washington could abandon Riyadh, Trump said: "I do not want to do that." Trump reiterated his hopes that Saudi leaders were not involved in the disappearance of Khashoggi, a US resident. "I want to find out what happened, where is the fault, and we will probably know that by the end of the week," Trump later told reporters. "We have asked for it, if it exists ... I'm not sure yet that it exists, probably does, possibly does," he said of the audio or video evidence. US media outlets have reported that Riyadh, despite its earlier denials of involvement, will acknowledge that Khashoggi was killed in a botched interrogation. Trump has speculated without providing evidence that "rogue killers" could be responsible. How the crown prince emerges from the crisis is a test of how the West will deal with Saudi Arabia in the future. Trump has appeared unwilling to distance himself too much from the Saudis, citing Riyadh's role in countering Iranian influence in the region - and tens of billions of dollars in potential arms deals. Other Western nations, although expressing concern about the incident, face a similar delicate situation in their dealings with the world's top oil exporter. IMPORTANT TIES Pompeo said Riyadh should be given a few more days to complete its own probe into Khashoggi's disappearance. He met Turkey's president and foreign minister, a day after Trump gave Saudi Arabia the benefit of the doubt. "They're going to do an investigation, and when the investigation comes out we'll evaluate it," Pompeo told reporters travelling with him. A State Department spokeswoman said Pompeo had not heard any audio recording purporting to indicate Khashoggi was killed. Pompeo also said the United States must be mindful of important business and government ties with Saudi Arabia as it considers any steps once the facts have been determined. Turkish investigators spent nearly nine hours in the Saudi consul's residence, leaving early on Thursday, as did Saudi investigators. The search by Turkish investigators included the roof and garage and the deployment of a drone over the area. Turkish crime scene investigators were still working at the consulate early on Thursday, using bright lights to illuminate the garden, though it was not clear what they were doing. A pro-government Turkish daily published preliminary evidence last week from investigators who it said had identified a 15-member Saudi intelligence team that arrived in Istanbul on diplomatic passports hours before Khashoggi disappeared. The Washington Post published a column by Khashoggi it received from his assistant a day after he was reported missing. In the column, Khashoggi condemns the crackdown on journalists by Arab governments and the failure of the international community to respond. "As a result, Arab governments have been given free rein to continue silencing the media at an increasing rate," he wrote. A New York Times report, citing witnesses and other records, linked four suspects to Prince Mohammed's security detail. One name matches a LinkedIn profile for a forensic expert who has worked at the interior ministry for 20 years. Another is identified in a diplomatic directory from 2007 as a first secretary at the Saudi Embassy in London. Others resemble officers in the Saudi Army and Air Force. After meeting the king and crown prince on Tuesday, Pompeo said Saudi Arabia has committed to a full investigation. Asked whether they said Khashoggi was alive or dead, Pompeo said: "They didn't talk about any of the facts." DESERTED CONFERENCE Prince Mohammed has painted himself as the face of a new, vibrant Saudi Arabia, diversifying its economy away from reliance on oil and making some social changes. But there has been criticism of some of his moves, including Riyadh's involvement in the Yemen war, the arrest of women activists, and a diplomatic row with Canada. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his plans to attend an investment conference in Riyadh next week would be revisited on Thursday after U.S. officials have a chance to consult Pompeo. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and top executives from Societe Generale and Glencore joined a growing list of executives who have pulled out. Saudi Arabia has said it would retaliate against any pressure or economic sanctions.

Trump reluctant to abandon Riyadh over missing journalist, wants evidence: Turkey sources

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss the developments on a police investigation into the disappearance of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Pompeo, who flew to Ankara from Riyadh where he met with Saudi King Salman and the crown prince, was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu before winding up his visit.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who dispatched his top diplomat to address the crisis, has given Saudi Arabia the benefit of the doubt in Khashoggi's disappearance, even as US&nbsp;lawmakers pointed the finger at the Saudi leadership, and Western pressure mounted on Riyadh to provide answers.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said Pompeo would bring information about the case to Ankara, two weeks after Khashoggi vanished when he visited the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to collect documents for his planned marriage.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a prominent critic of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered and his body removed. Turkish sources have told Reuters the authorities have an audio recording indicating that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate.

The Saudis have strongly denied the accusations, but U.S. media outlets have reported that they will acknowledge Khashoggi was killed in a botched interrogation. Trump has speculated that "rogue killers" could be responsible, but gave no evidence to back up that theory.

After meeting with King Salman and the crown prince on Tuesday, Pompeo told reporters that Saudi Arabia has committed to conducting a complete investigation into Khashoggi's disappearance.

Khashoggi, a US resident and a critic of the Saudi crown prince, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

Turkish officials have said they believe the Saudi journalist was murdered and his body removed, which the Saudis have strongly denied.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss the developments on a police investigation into the disappearance of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday to discuss the developments on a police investigation into the disappearance of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Pompeo, who flew to Ankara from Riyadh where he met with Saudi King Salman and the crown prince, was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu before winding up his visit. US President Donald Trump, who dispatched his top diplomat to address the crisis, has given Saudi Arabia the benefit of the doubt in Khashoggi's disappearance, even as US lawmakers pointed the finger at the Saudi leadership, and Western pressure mounted on Riyadh to provide answers. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said Pompeo would bring information about the case to Ankara, two weeks after Khashoggi vanished when he visited the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to collect documents for his planned marriage. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a prominent critic of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered and his body removed. Turkish sources have told Reuters the authorities have an audio recording indicating that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. The Saudis have strongly denied the accusations, but U.S. media outlets have reported that they will acknowledge Khashoggi was killed in a botched interrogation. Trump has speculated that "rogue killers" could be responsible, but gave no evidence to back up that theory. After meeting with King Salman and the crown prince on Tuesday, Pompeo told reporters that Saudi Arabia has committed to conducting a complete investigation into Khashoggi's disappearance. Khashoggi, a US resident and a critic of the Saudi crown prince, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. Turkish officials have said they believe the Saudi journalist was murdered and his body removed, which the Saudis have strongly denied.

Mike Pompeo discusses Khashoggi's disappearance with Turkish President Erdogan

The&nbsp;US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance.&nbsp;

Heather Nauert made the statement following a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to discuss the case of the missing Saudi journalist, who was last seen on October 2 entering his country's consulate in Istanbul.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday expressed concern about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-considers-admitting-khashoggi-died-in-botched-interrogation-reports-171638">disappearance of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a> during a meeting in Riyadh with the country's foreign minister and thanked Saudi King Salman for his commitment to investigating it, the State Department said.

Pompeo met with both King Salman and Foreign Minister Ahmed al-Jubeir. "The secretary reiterated US&nbsp;concern over Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance" in his meeting with the foreign minister, State Department Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Turkey had "not received a confession" from&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia regarding the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after he visited its consulate in Istanbul two weeks ago.

The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance. Heather Nauert made the statement following a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to discuss the case of the missing Saudi journalist, who was last seen on October 2 entering his country's consulate in Istanbul.

The US on Tuesday said that Saudis have agreed to 'thorough' probe needed into journalist's disappearance. Heather Nauert made the statement following a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to discuss the case of the missing Saudi journalist, who was last seen on October 2 entering his country's consulate in Istanbul. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday expressed concern about the disappearance of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a meeting in Riyadh with the country's foreign minister and thanked Saudi King Salman for his commitment to investigating it, the State Department said. Pompeo met with both King Salman and Foreign Minister Ahmed al-Jubeir. "The secretary reiterated US concern over Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance" in his meeting with the foreign minister, State Department Heather Nauert said in a statement. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Turkey had "not received a confession" from Saudi Arabia regarding the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after he visited its consulate in Istanbul two weeks ago.

Saudis agree to 'thorough' probe into journalist's disappearance, says US

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations.

"Pastor (Andrew) Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained US citizens and State Department locally employed staff," Pompeo tweeted Friday.

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Pastor Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained U.S. citizens and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> locally employed staff.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1050861466553856000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The world should know that (President Donald Trump) and the State Department continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained," he tweeted.

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It’s a great day for America! Another American citizen has been released. The world should know that <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1050861467954831360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States had imposed tariffs and sanctioned senior government officials to pressure Turkey on Brunson, whose two-year detention had particularly outraged Trump's conservative Christian base.

But two Turkish employees of US diplomatic missions remain in jail. One of them, former Adana consulate staffer Hamza Ulucay, was Friday denied release in a separate court hearing.

And NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual US-Turkish national, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February on terror charges, a term reduced to five years last month.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Turkey to quickly release other Americans in detention after it freed a pastor at the centre of a crisis in relations. "Pastor (Andrew) Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained US citizens and State Department locally employed staff," Pompeo tweeted Friday. Pastor Brunson is finally coming home to America, following a long ordeal for the pastor and his family. We hope that the Turkish government will quickly release our other detained U.S. citizens and @StateDept locally employed staff. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 12, 2018 × "The world should know that (President Donald Trump) and the State Department continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained," he tweeted. It’s a great day for America! Another American citizen has been released. The world should know that @POTUS and @StateDept continue to work hard to bring home all American hostages and those wrongfully imprisoned and detained. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 12, 2018 × The United States had imposed tariffs and sanctioned senior government officials to pressure Turkey on Brunson, whose two-year detention had particularly outraged Trump's conservative Christian base. But two Turkish employees of US diplomatic missions remain in jail. One of them, former Adana consulate staffer Hamza Ulucay, was Friday denied release in a separate court hearing. And NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual US-Turkish national, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February on terror charges, a term reduced to five years last month.

Pompeo urges Turkey to release remaining detained Americans

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release.

NBC News reported on Thursday that the United States and Turkey had reached a deal in which Brunson was supposed to be released and certain charges against him dropped at the court hearing.

In addition to the US&nbsp;State Department, Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a briefing, declined to confirm any deal, but he voiced hopes for Brunson`s release.

"We remain hopeful that with the court proceeding tomorrow that Turkey will see its way clear and free this good man who is guilty of nothing and who has been incarcerated for several years in Turkey unjustly," Pence said.

"President Trump, our administration, has made it clear that we will continue to stand strong until pastor Brunson is free and back home in the US&nbsp;with his family and his church," added Pence, a devout Christian who has worked to free Brunson for the last two years.

Two senior administration officials said there was no deal with Turkey for Brunson. "We`re hopeful but it's a fluid situation," said one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The case against Brunson, an evangelical preacher from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, has become the flashpoint in a diplomatic row between Ankara and Washington, triggering US&nbsp;tariffs and sanctions against Turkey and condemnation from President Donald Trump.

Brunson, who was jailed in October 2016 and transferred to house arrest in July, is due to appear in court on Friday. The prosecution is expected to introduce two new secret witnesses, but Brunson`s lawyer Cem Halavurt said their testimonies were not germane to the case.

The Brunson case has grown into the biggest of several disputes between the NATO allies and has been one of the factors in a 40 per cent slide in value of the Turkish lira this year. Brunson is facing terrorism charges, which he denies.

Late on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said releasing Brunson would be the right thing for Turkey to do.&nbsp;

NBC cited its sources as saying that under an agreement that US&nbsp;administration officials recently reached with Turkey, Brunson is supposed to be released after certain charges against him are dropped at his next court hearing on Friday.

The Turkish lira firmed on the report.

Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that he has no sway over the judiciary and that the courts will decide on Brunson`s fate.&nbsp;

A Turkish official declined to comment on the deal, citing the ongoing judicial process.

The American pastor is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016.

Brunson has denied the accusation - as has Gulen - and Washington has demanded his immediate release. Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. Brunson faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted.&nbsp;

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release.

The Trump administration is hopeful that American pastor Andrew Brunson who is on trial in Turkey could be freed at a Friday court hearing, but the State Department said it was unaware of any deal with the Turkish government for his release. NBC News reported on Thursday that the United States and Turkey had reached a deal in which Brunson was supposed to be released and certain charges against him dropped at the court hearing. In addition to the US State Department, Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a briefing, declined to confirm any deal, but he voiced hopes for Brunson`s release. "We remain hopeful that with the court proceeding tomorrow that Turkey will see its way clear and free this good man who is guilty of nothing and who has been incarcerated for several years in Turkey unjustly," Pence said. "President Trump, our administration, has made it clear that we will continue to stand strong until pastor Brunson is free and back home in the US with his family and his church," added Pence, a devout Christian who has worked to free Brunson for the last two years. Two senior administration officials said there was no deal with Turkey for Brunson. "We`re hopeful but it's a fluid situation," said one official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The case against Brunson, an evangelical preacher from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, has become the flashpoint in a diplomatic row between Ankara and Washington, triggering US tariffs and sanctions against Turkey and condemnation from President Donald Trump. Brunson, who was jailed in October 2016 and transferred to house arrest in July, is due to appear in court on Friday. The prosecution is expected to introduce two new secret witnesses, but Brunson`s lawyer Cem Halavurt said their testimonies were not germane to the case. The Brunson case has grown into the biggest of several disputes between the NATO allies and has been one of the factors in a 40 per cent slide in value of the Turkish lira this year. Brunson is facing terrorism charges, which he denies. Late on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said releasing Brunson would be the right thing for Turkey to do. NBC cited its sources as saying that under an agreement that US administration officials recently reached with Turkey, Brunson is supposed to be released after certain charges against him are dropped at his next court hearing on Friday. The Turkish lira firmed on the report. Despite pressure from the Trump administration, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that he has no sway over the judiciary and that the courts will decide on Brunson`s fate. A Turkish official declined to comment on the deal, citing the ongoing judicial process. The American pastor is charged with links to Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt in 2016. Brunson has denied the accusation - as has Gulen - and Washington has demanded his immediate release. Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. Brunson faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted.

US 'hopeful' on pastor's release, unaware of any deal with Turkey

The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

Speaking to a pro-Israel group, Pompeo vowed to press forward with President Donald Trump's push to isolate Iran, boasting of imposing "some of the harshest sanctions in history."

"The onus for expelling Iran from the country falls on the Syrian government, which bears responsibility for its presence there," Pompeo told the Jewish Institute for National Security of America.

"If Syria doesn't ensure the total withdrawal of Iranian-backed troops, it will not receive one single dollar from the United States for reconstruction," Pompeo said.

Pompeo's remarks come as the Trump administration shifts its reasoning for US involvement in Syria's brutal civil war, which a war monitor says has killed close to 365,000 people since 2011.

The United States has some 2,000 troops in Syria, mainly training and advising rebels, after former president Barack Obama authorized the mission to defeat the Islamic State extremist group, or IS.

Pompeo said that fighting IS "continues to be a top priority" but listed rolling back Iran as another.&nbsp;

National security adviser, John Bolton, said last month that US troops would stay "as long as Iranian troops are outside Iranian borders."

Iran, ruled by Shiite Muslim clerics, and Russia are the primary supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his bloody campaign against largely Sunni Muslim rebels and IS.

Pompeo did not make similar demands for a withdrawal by Russia, which has long considered Syria a major ally.

Trump in August already pulled out of Syria's immediate reconstruction, suspending $230 million after pledges by Gulf Arab allies.

The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday. Speaking to a pro-Israel group, Pompeo vowed to press forward with President Donald Trump's push to isolate Iran, boasting of imposing "some of the harshest sanctions in history." "The onus for expelling Iran from the country falls on the Syrian government, which bears responsibility for its presence there," Pompeo told the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. "If Syria doesn't ensure the total withdrawal of Iranian-backed troops, it will not receive one single dollar from the United States for reconstruction," Pompeo said. Pompeo's remarks come as the Trump administration shifts its reasoning for US involvement in Syria's brutal civil war, which a war monitor says has killed close to 365,000 people since 2011. The United States has some 2,000 troops in Syria, mainly training and advising rebels, after former president Barack Obama authorized the mission to defeat the Islamic State extremist group, or IS. Pompeo said that fighting IS "continues to be a top priority" but listed rolling back Iran as another. National security adviser, John Bolton, said last month that US troops would stay "as long as Iranian troops are outside Iranian borders." Iran, ruled by Shiite Muslim clerics, and Russia are the primary supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his bloody campaign against largely Sunni Muslim rebels and IS. Pompeo did not make similar demands for a withdrawal by Russia, which has long considered Syria a major ally. Trump in August already pulled out of Syria's immediate reconstruction, suspending $230 million after pledges by Gulf Arab allies.

Pompeo says no more US reconstruction aid to Syria if Iranian troops stay

The US has sought a thorough and transparent investigation into the disappearance of a prominent Saudi journalist after President Donald Trump expressed concern over the scribe's whereabouts.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor, went missing after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

According to some media reports, Khashoggi, 59, has been killed inside the Saudi consulate.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had seen conflicting reports on the safety and whereabouts of Khashoggi.

"As the President has conveyed, the United States is concerned by his disappearance. State Department senior officials have spoken with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through diplomatic channels about this matter," he said.

"We call on the government of Saudi Arabia to support a thorough investigation of Mr Khashoggi's disappearance and to be transparent about the results of that investigation," Pompeo said in a statement.

Trump's own remarks to reporters were more tentative, saying he was "concerned" about "some pretty bad stories" about what had happened to Khashoggi.

"I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. Hopefully that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there's some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday.

Other western allies increased the pressure on Riyadh which has claimed that Khashoggi had left the Istanbul alive, a claim questioned by Turkish officials.

"Turkish officials have said they believe he was killed inside in a planned murder. A team of 15 Saudis arrived on two planes to carry out the killing, officials have said," 'The Washington Post' reported.

Saudi officials, however, insist that Khashoggi left the consulate through a back door.

Khashoggi, a US resident, has written articles over the past year critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the eve of his planned marriage to a Turkish woman, he entered the consulate and has not been seen since.

US Vice President Mike Pence also commented on the mystery over the missing journalist, saying "the free world deserves answers".

"Deeply troubled to hear reports about Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. If true, this is a tragic day. Violence against journalists across the globe is a threat to freedom of the press and human rights. The free world deserves answers," Pence said in a tweet.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday demanded that the Saudi monarchy prove Khashoggi left its consulate in Istanbul as Riyadh has claimed.

The Trump family in particular the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner has established a close bond with Saudi Crown Prince Salman.

In March 2017, Trump hosted Salman at the White House, breaking protocol to do so as the Saudi was only a deputy crown prince at the time.

The president made Riyadh the destination of his first foreign trip and backed the Saudi royals wholeheartedly in their standoff with the Qataris.

The US has sought a thorough and transparent investigation into the disappearance of a prominent Saudi journalist after President Donald Trump expressed concern over the scribe's whereabouts.

The US has sought a thorough and transparent investigation into the disappearance of a prominent Saudi journalist after President Donald Trump expressed concern over the scribe's whereabouts. Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor, went missing after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. According to some media reports, Khashoggi, 59, has been killed inside the Saudi consulate. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had seen conflicting reports on the safety and whereabouts of Khashoggi. "As the President has conveyed, the United States is concerned by his disappearance. State Department senior officials have spoken with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through diplomatic channels about this matter," he said. "We call on the government of Saudi Arabia to support a thorough investigation of Mr Khashoggi's disappearance and to be transparent about the results of that investigation," Pompeo said in a statement. Trump's own remarks to reporters were more tentative, saying he was "concerned" about "some pretty bad stories" about what had happened to Khashoggi. "I am concerned about it. I don't like hearing about it. Hopefully that will sort itself out. Right now nobody knows anything about it, but there's some pretty bad stories going around. I do not like it," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. Other western allies increased the pressure on Riyadh which has claimed that Khashoggi had left the Istanbul alive, a claim questioned by Turkish officials. "Turkish officials have said they believe he was killed inside in a planned murder. A team of 15 Saudis arrived on two planes to carry out the killing, officials have said," 'The Washington Post' reported. Saudi officials, however, insist that Khashoggi left the consulate through a back door. Khashoggi, a US resident, has written articles over the past year critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the eve of his planned marriage to a Turkish woman, he entered the consulate and has not been seen since. US Vice President Mike Pence also commented on the mystery over the missing journalist, saying "the free world deserves answers". "Deeply troubled to hear reports about Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. If true, this is a tragic day. Violence against journalists across the globe is a threat to freedom of the press and human rights. The free world deserves answers," Pence said in a tweet. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday demanded that the Saudi monarchy prove Khashoggi left its consulate in Istanbul as Riyadh has claimed. The Trump family in particular the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner has established a close bond with Saudi Crown Prince Salman. In March 2017, Trump hosted Salman at the White House, breaking protocol to do so as the Saudi was only a deputy crown prince at the time. The president made Riyadh the destination of his first foreign trip and backed the Saudi royals wholeheartedly in their standoff with the Qataris.

US seeks thorough probe into disappearance of Saudi Journalist Khashoggi 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge.

Pompeo, who met Kim during a short trip to Pyongyang on Sunday, said the inspectors would visit a missile engine test facility and the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site as soon as the two sides agree on logistics.

"There's a lot of logistics that will be required to execute that," Pompeo told a news briefing in Seoul before leaving for Beijing.

The top US&nbsp;diplomat also said both sides were "pretty close" to agreement on the details of a second summit, which Kim proposed to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a letter last month.

Trump and Kim held an historic first summit in Singapore in June.

Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang, his fourth this year, followed a stalemate as North Korea resisted Washington's demands for irreversible steps to give up its nuclear arsenal, including a complete inventory of its weapons and facilities.

He told South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday his latest trip to Pyongyang was "another step forward" to denuclearisation but there are "many steps along the way".

In a more upbeat note, Pyongyang's state media said on Monday Kim lauded his talks with Pompeo.

"Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction over the productive and wonderful talks with Mike Pompeo at which mutual stands were fully understood and opinions exchanged," North Korean news agency KCNA said.

It said the two sides agreed to hold working negotiations for the second North Korean-US&nbsp;summit as early as possible.

Smiles, handshakes

Commenting on Pompeo's meeting with Kim, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday Kim was expected to visit Russia soon. He said Chinese leader Xi Jinping was also expected to travel to North Korea but did not elaborate further.

North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured eight photos of the meeting on its front page, including shots of Kim and Pompeo smiling and shaking hands, as well as some with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong.

"Together with Mike Pompeo, Kim Jong Un appreciated the positively developing situation on the Korean peninsula, explained in detail the proposals for solving the denuclearisation issue and matters of concern of both sides and exchanged constructive opinions," KCNA said.

North Korea denounced Pompeo on his previous trip to Pyongyang in July for making "gangster-like demands". Pompeo did not meet Kim on that trip.

Kim said he believed the dialogue between the two countries would continue to develop favourably, "based on the deep confidence between the two leaders of the two countries", and expressed gratitude to Trump for making a sincere effort to implement the agreement made at their June summit, KCNA said.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Kim had invited inspectors to visit the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to confirm it had been irreversibly dismantled. The statement did not provide further details.

KCNA did not mention that issue.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge. Pompeo, who met Kim during a short trip to Pyongyang on Sunday, said the inspectors would visit a missile engine test facility and the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site as soon as the two sides agree on logistics. "There's a lot of logistics that will be required to execute that," Pompeo told a news briefing in Seoul before leaving for Beijing. The top US diplomat also said both sides were "pretty close" to agreement on the details of a second summit, which Kim proposed to US President Donald Trump in a letter last month. Trump and Kim held an historic first summit in Singapore in June. Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang, his fourth this year, followed a stalemate as North Korea resisted Washington's demands for irreversible steps to give up its nuclear arsenal, including a complete inventory of its weapons and facilities. He told South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday his latest trip to Pyongyang was "another step forward" to denuclearisation but there are "many steps along the way". In a more upbeat note, Pyongyang's state media said on Monday Kim lauded his talks with Pompeo. "Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction over the productive and wonderful talks with Mike Pompeo at which mutual stands were fully understood and opinions exchanged," North Korean news agency KCNA said. It said the two sides agreed to hold working negotiations for the second North Korean-US summit as early as possible. Smiles, handshakes Commenting on Pompeo's meeting with Kim, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday Kim was expected to visit Russia soon. He said Chinese leader Xi Jinping was also expected to travel to North Korea but did not elaborate further. North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured eight photos of the meeting on its front page, including shots of Kim and Pompeo smiling and shaking hands, as well as some with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong. "Together with Mike Pompeo, Kim Jong Un appreciated the positively developing situation on the Korean peninsula, explained in detail the proposals for solving the denuclearisation issue and matters of concern of both sides and exchanged constructive opinions," KCNA said. North Korea denounced Pompeo on his previous trip to Pyongyang in July for making "gangster-like demands". Pompeo did not meet Kim on that trip. Kim said he believed the dialogue between the two countries would continue to develop favourably, "based on the deep confidence between the two leaders of the two countries", and expressed gratitude to Trump for making a sincere effort to implement the agreement made at their June summit, KCNA said. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Kim had invited inspectors to visit the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to confirm it had been irreversibly dismantled. The statement did not provide further details. KCNA did not mention that issue.

Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo began his visit with China meeting foreign minister Wang Yi who said the trade war has cast a shadow on China-US relations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-north-korea-ready-to-let-inspectors-into-missile-nuclear-sites-170136">Also Read: Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-north-korea-ready-to-let-inspectors-into-missile-nuclear-sites-170136">missile</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-north-korea-ready-to-let-inspectors-into-missile-nuclear-sites-170136">, nuclear sites</a>

"US has been constantly escalating trade friction toward China, it has also adopted a series of actions on the Taiwan issue that harm China's rights," the Chinese foreign minister told the US secretary of state adding,"we believe this has been a direct attack on our mutual trust."

"We urge the United States to stop this kind of mistaken actions," Wang told Pompeo.

US has been involved in a&nbsp;trade war with China with President Trump levying tough tariffs against Chinese goods entering the American shores. Trump has said he would be forced to levy tariffs on all goods entering America in the future, if China did not adhere to US guidelines which involved reducing the trade deficit among others.

Pompeo in his response to Wang sought to steer the conversation towards US dialogue with North Korea and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

"I do want to share with you my visit with North Korean chairman Kim Jong Un yesterday, and the progress we've made, and to make sure we are working together on our joint mission we've talked about before: the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," Pompeo told Wang without making direct reference the escalating trade war with China.

Pompeo that the US The US secretary he was ready to address all issues over which the US and China have fundamental disagreement, while asserting that the Trump administration has "great concerns about the actions that China has taken."

"I regret that the strategic dialogue between our two countries was something that you all chose not to undertake. It would have been an important opportunity for us to have discussions about this wider term, important issues, and certain opportunities for the people of our two countries," Pompeo told Wang.

During the meeting, both men openly disagreed over which side had called off a bilateral security dialogue that was due to take place in Beijing this month.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo began his visit with China meeting foreign minister Wang Yi who said the trade war has cast a shadow on China-US relations. Also Read: Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites "US has been constantly escalating trade friction toward China, it has also adopted a series of actions on the Taiwan issue that harm China's rights," the Chinese foreign minister told the US secretary of state adding,"we believe this has been a direct attack on our mutual trust.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo began his visit with China meeting foreign minister Wang Yi who said the trade war has cast a shadow on China-US relations. Also Read: Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites "US has been constantly escalating trade friction toward China, it has also adopted a series of actions on the Taiwan issue that harm China's rights," the Chinese foreign minister told the US secretary of state adding,"we believe this has been a direct attack on our mutual trust." "We urge the United States to stop this kind of mistaken actions," Wang told Pompeo. US has been involved in a trade war with China with President Trump levying tough tariffs against Chinese goods entering the American shores. Trump has said he would be forced to levy tariffs on all goods entering America in the future, if China did not adhere to US guidelines which involved reducing the trade deficit among others. Pompeo in his response to Wang sought to steer the conversation towards US dialogue with North Korea and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. "I do want to share with you my visit with North Korean chairman Kim Jong Un yesterday, and the progress we've made, and to make sure we are working together on our joint mission we've talked about before: the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," Pompeo told Wang without making direct reference the escalating trade war with China. Pompeo that the US The US secretary he was ready to address all issues over which the US and China have fundamental disagreement, while asserting that the Trump administration has "great concerns about the actions that China has taken." "I regret that the strategic dialogue between our two countries was something that you all chose not to undertake. It would have been an important opportunity for us to have discussions about this wider term, important issues, and certain opportunities for the people of our two countries," Pompeo told Wang. During the meeting, both men openly disagreed over which side had called off a bilateral security dialogue that was due to take place in Beijing this month.

US constantly escalating trade friction: Chinese foreign minister Wang to Pompeo

US Secretary of State in frosty exchange with Chinese State Councillor in Beijing

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo headed to Pyongyang Sunday for new talks with Kim Jong Un on denuclearisation and a second US-North Korean summit.

Pompeo departed from Tokyo, where he spent the first leg of a tour that will include stops in Pyongyang, South Korea and China.

"Next stop Pyongyang to meet with Chairman Kim and continue our work to fulfil the commitments made (by) POTUS and Chairman Kim," Pompeo tweeted, using an acronym to refer to US President Donald Trump.

The trip will be Pompeo's fourth to Pyongyang, as the contours of a possibly historic US-North Korea deal take shape.

On the flight to Tokyo, Pompeo said his aim was to "develop sufficient trust" between Washington and Pyongyang to inch towards peace.

"Then we are also going to set up the next summit," said Pompeo.

However, he played down expectations for a major breakthrough.

"I doubt we will get it nailed but begin to develop options for both location and timing for when Chairman Kim will meet with the president again. Maybe we will get further than that," said the top US diplomat.

Bumpy road

In June, Trump met Kim in Singapore for the first-ever summit between the countries.

No sitting US president has ever visited North Korea, which according to human rights groups remains one of the most repressive countries on Earth.

Since the Singapore summit, which yielded what critics charge was only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the road towards warmer ties has been bumpy.

Trump scrapped a previously planned trip by his top diplomat to Pyongyang after what he said was insufficient progress towards implementing the terms of the Singapore declaration.

But the unorthodox US president has since declared himself "in love" with the strongman in Pyongyang.

Pompeo's stop in Tokyo before the summit was intended to reassure the US ally that Washington's diplomacy will not leave Japan out in the cold.

Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pompeo said the two historic allies would have a "fully coordinated, unified view of how to proceed, which will be what is needed if we are going to be successful on denuclearising North Korea."

Japan, which has seen North Korean missiles fly over its territory and been threatened with annihilation, has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime.

More recently, however, Abe has said the only way to improve strained ties is a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim.

Pompeo has repeatedly declined to be drawn publicly on the shape of an eventual agreement. The United States has called for a comprehensive accord and strict enforcement of sanctions on North Korea in the meantime.

Grand bargain

After Pyongyang, Pompeo travels to South Korea, whose dovish president Moon Jae-in has served as a go-between for the two sides.

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has given a hint of what a grand bargain between the two countries could look like.

In an interview with the Washington Post, she said the North could agree to dismantle Yongbyon, its signature nuclear site.

In exchange, the United States would declare a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War -- which concluded with an armistice rather than a full-blown peace treaty -- but North Korea would stop short of delivering an exhaustive list of its nuclear facilities, she said.

Pompeo did not discuss the possible outlines of a deal, saying only that his "mission is to make sure that we understand what each side is truly trying to achieve."

After Seoul, Pompeo closes his trip Monday in China, North Korea's political and economic lifeline.

The Beijing stop could be tense as it comes days after Vice President Mike Pence delivered a blistering speech accusing China of military aggression, commercial theft, rising human rights violations and electoral intervention against Trump.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo headed to Pyongyang Sunday for new talks with Kim Jong Un on denuclearisation and a second US-North Korean summit. Pompeo departed from Tokyo, where he spent the first leg of a tour that will include stops in Pyongyang, South Korea and China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo headed to Pyongyang Sunday for new talks with Kim Jong Un on denuclearisation and a second US-North Korean summit. Pompeo departed from Tokyo, where he spent the first leg of a tour that will include stops in Pyongyang, South Korea and China. "Next stop Pyongyang to meet with Chairman Kim and continue our work to fulfil the commitments made (by) POTUS and Chairman Kim," Pompeo tweeted, using an acronym to refer to US President Donald Trump. The trip will be Pompeo's fourth to Pyongyang, as the contours of a possibly historic US-North Korea deal take shape. On the flight to Tokyo, Pompeo said his aim was to "develop sufficient trust" between Washington and Pyongyang to inch towards peace. "Then we are also going to set up the next summit," said Pompeo. However, he played down expectations for a major breakthrough. "I doubt we will get it nailed but begin to develop options for both location and timing for when Chairman Kim will meet with the president again. Maybe we will get further than that," said the top US diplomat. Bumpy road In June, Trump met Kim in Singapore for the first-ever summit between the countries. No sitting US president has ever visited North Korea, which according to human rights groups remains one of the most repressive countries on Earth. Since the Singapore summit, which yielded what critics charge was only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the road towards warmer ties has been bumpy. Trump scrapped a previously planned trip by his top diplomat to Pyongyang after what he said was insufficient progress towards implementing the terms of the Singapore declaration. But the unorthodox US president has since declared himself "in love" with the strongman in Pyongyang. Pompeo's stop in Tokyo before the summit was intended to reassure the US ally that Washington's diplomacy will not leave Japan out in the cold. Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pompeo said the two historic allies would have a "fully coordinated, unified view of how to proceed, which will be what is needed if we are going to be successful on denuclearising North Korea." Japan, which has seen North Korean missiles fly over its territory and been threatened with annihilation, has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime. More recently, however, Abe has said the only way to improve strained ties is a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim. Pompeo has repeatedly declined to be drawn publicly on the shape of an eventual agreement. The United States has called for a comprehensive accord and strict enforcement of sanctions on North Korea in the meantime. Grand bargain After Pyongyang, Pompeo travels to South Korea, whose dovish president Moon Jae-in has served as a go-between for the two sides. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has given a hint of what a grand bargain between the two countries could look like. In an interview with the Washington Post, she said the North could agree to dismantle Yongbyon, its signature nuclear site. In exchange, the United States would declare a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War -- which concluded with an armistice rather than a full-blown peace treaty -- but North Korea would stop short of delivering an exhaustive list of its nuclear facilities, she said. Pompeo did not discuss the possible outlines of a deal, saying only that his "mission is to make sure that we understand what each side is truly trying to achieve." After Seoul, Pompeo closes his trip Monday in China, North Korea's political and economic lifeline. The Beijing stop could be tense as it comes days after Vice President Mike Pence delivered a blistering speech accusing China of military aggression, commercial theft, rising human rights violations and electoral intervention against Trump.

US's Pompeo heads to Pyongyang, seeking progress on 2nd Trump-Kim summit

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.&nbsp;

Qureshi met the National Security Advisor John Bolton and the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on October 2. At a White House news conference, Bolton described the meetings as productive.

When asked if they talked about suspension of aid to Pakistan and the progress made by Islamabad in the fight against terrorism, Bolton told reporters, "I discussed that with Foreign Minister Qureshi." 
"We had a very productive meeting. He had a very productive meeting," he said.

"We certainly talked about the suspension of security assistance and the importance that we placed on Pakistan renewing an effective campaign against terrorists," Bolton said.

They covered a wide range of other issues, as well, he said.

"But I think one of the things we wanted to stress, following up on Mike Pompeo's visit to Pakistan just a few weeks ago was that we hope with a new government there, that we might be able to turn a page and move forward," Bolton said.&nbsp;

These are important opening meetings, for the foreign minister in Washington he said.&nbsp;

"I think he believed they were successful, and so we're going to continue the discussion and see what conclusion we might be able to reach," Bolton said.&nbsp;

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said. Qureshi met the National Security Advisor John Bolton and the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on October 2. At a White House news conference, Bolton described the meetings as productive. When asked if they talked about suspension of aid to Pakistan and the progress made by Islamabad in the fight against terrorism, Bolton told reporters, "I discussed that with Foreign Minister Qureshi." "We had a very productive meeting. He had a very productive meeting," he said. "We certainly talked about the suspension of security assistance and the importance that we placed on Pakistan renewing an effective campaign against terrorists," Bolton said. They covered a wide range of other issues, as well, he said. "But I think one of the things we wanted to stress, following up on Mike Pompeo's visit to Pakistan just a few weeks ago was that we hope with a new government there, that we might be able to turn a page and move forward," Bolton said. These are important opening meetings, for the foreign minister in Washington he said. "I think he believed they were successful, and so we're going to continue the discussion and see what conclusion we might be able to reach," Bolton said.

US pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during their meetings with Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here, are understood to have told the Pakistani leadership that in its assessment the US does not see any changes on the ground when it comes to taking actions against terrorists operating from its soil.

Given Pakistan's influence over the Taliban, the Trump administration also wants Islamabad to bring them to the peace table.

Notably, the State Department till late in the night had refrained from issuing any readout of the meeting between Qureshi and Pompeo, which is understood to have lasted for 20 minutes at their Foggy Bottom headquarters.

The White House normally does not issue a readout of the meeting that its National Security Advisor has with foreign leaders. Qureshi and Pompeo did appear for a handshake photo op before the meeting, during which they did not issue opening remarks.

According to informed sources familiar with the development, the US side is upset because of Qureshi's faux pas about handshake he had with President Donald Trump during a luncheon in New York, which he described to the media as a meeting.

Meanwhile, in a readout of the meetings, the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington said that Qureshi had a wide range of discussions with both Pompeo and Bolton which included among others bilateral and regional issues.

Qureshi said that close engagement between Pakistan and the US had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that, going forward, a broad-based and structured framework for dialogue would best serve the two countries' shared interests, the statement said.

Noting that Pakistan and the US share a common desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's support for a political settlement in Afghanistan, saying the use of force had failed to deliver results.

Qureshi told Pompeo that "peace in South Asia, which was a common goal for both the US and Pakistan, would remain elusive until all disputes, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, are resolved".

Pompeo, according to the embassy statement, said the US looked forward to working with the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan in implementing its reform agenda.

"In the context of achieving stability in South Asia, Qureshi briefed his US interlocutor about India's aggressive posturing in the region.

"Qureshi underscored that, on its part, Pakistan remained committed to engaging India in a comprehensive peace dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the statement added.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

Last month, the Trump administration cancelled $ 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.&nbsp;

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties.

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during their meetings with Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here, are understood to have told the Pakistani leadership that in its assessment the US does not see any changes on the ground when it comes to taking actions against terrorists operating from its soil. Given Pakistan's influence over the Taliban, the Trump administration also wants Islamabad to bring them to the peace table. Notably, the State Department till late in the night had refrained from issuing any readout of the meeting between Qureshi and Pompeo, which is understood to have lasted for 20 minutes at their Foggy Bottom headquarters. The White House normally does not issue a readout of the meeting that its National Security Advisor has with foreign leaders. Qureshi and Pompeo did appear for a handshake photo op before the meeting, during which they did not issue opening remarks. According to informed sources familiar with the development, the US side is upset because of Qureshi's faux pas about handshake he had with President Donald Trump during a luncheon in New York, which he described to the media as a meeting. Meanwhile, in a readout of the meetings, the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington said that Qureshi had a wide range of discussions with both Pompeo and Bolton which included among others bilateral and regional issues. Qureshi said that close engagement between Pakistan and the US had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that, going forward, a broad-based and structured framework for dialogue would best serve the two countries' shared interests, the statement said. Noting that Pakistan and the US share a common desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's support for a political settlement in Afghanistan, saying the use of force had failed to deliver results. Qureshi told Pompeo that "peace in South Asia, which was a common goal for both the US and Pakistan, would remain elusive until all disputes, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, are resolved". Pompeo, according to the embassy statement, said the US looked forward to working with the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan in implementing its reform agenda. "In the context of achieving stability in South Asia, Qureshi briefed his US interlocutor about India's aggressive posturing in the region. "Qureshi underscored that, on its part, Pakistan remained committed to engaging India in a comprehensive peace dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the statement added. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. Last month, the Trump administration cancelled $ 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Trump admin unlikely to change policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Wednesday for threats to American missions in Iraq and said the United States was terminating a treaty of amity with Tehran.

"Iran is the origin of the current threat to Americans in Iraq," Pompeo told reporters at the State Department. "Our intelligence in this regard is solid. We can see the hand of the Ayatollah and his henchmen supporting these attacks on the United States."

The United States announced on Friday it will effectively close its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate diplomatic personnel assigned there following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militia, including rocket fire.

The decision added to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, which is the target of increasing US economic sanctions.

On Wednesday, the World Court ordered the United States to ensure that sanctions against Iran, due to be tightened next month, do not affect humanitarian aid or civil aviation safety.

Judges at the International Court of Justice handed a victory to Tehran, which had argued that sanctions imposed since May by the administration of US President Donald Trump violate the terms of a 1955 Treaty of Amity between the two countries.

Washington responded by pulling out of the treaty, something Pompeo said should have been done decades ago.

"We're disappointed that the court failed to recognize that it has no jurisdiction to issue any order relating to these sanctions measures with the United States, which is doing its work on Iran to protect its own essential security interests," Pompeo said.

He said the United States would work to ensure it is providing humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Wednesday for threats to American missions in Iraq and said the United States was terminating a treaty of amity with Tehran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iran on Wednesday for threats to American missions in Iraq and said the United States was terminating a treaty of amity with Tehran. "Iran is the origin of the current threat to Americans in Iraq," Pompeo told reporters at the State Department. "Our intelligence in this regard is solid. We can see the hand of the Ayatollah and his henchmen supporting these attacks on the United States." The United States announced on Friday it will effectively close its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra and relocate diplomatic personnel assigned there following increasing threats from Iran and Iran-backed militia, including rocket fire. The decision added to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, which is the target of increasing US economic sanctions. On Wednesday, the World Court ordered the United States to ensure that sanctions against Iran, due to be tightened next month, do not affect humanitarian aid or civil aviation safety. Judges at the International Court of Justice handed a victory to Tehran, which had argued that sanctions imposed since May by the administration of US President Donald Trump violate the terms of a 1955 Treaty of Amity between the two countries. Washington responded by pulling out of the treaty, something Pompeo said should have been done decades ago. "We're disappointed that the court failed to recognize that it has no jurisdiction to issue any order relating to these sanctions measures with the United States, which is doing its work on Iran to protect its own essential security interests," Pompeo said. He said the United States would work to ensure it is providing humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people.

Iran is origin of threat to US missions in Iraq: Pompeo

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.

The meeting followed Pompeo visit to Pakistan last month when he invited Qureshi to Washington.

Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session.

Before meeting Pompeo, Qureshi&nbsp;also held talks with&nbsp;National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House and other senators.

During the meeting with NSA Bolton, Qureshi discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia; Pakistan embassy in DC said on Twitter.

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During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US National Security Adviser Mr. John Bolton discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia.
— Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakEmbassyDC/status/1047150518592839682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Qureshi also met Senator Lindsey Graham and discussed bilateral relations and Afghanistan.

The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pakistan had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region &amp; looked forward to leading a delegation to Pakistan soon.

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FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Sen.Lindsey Graham(R-SC).Discussed bilateral relations &amp; Afghanistan.The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pak had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region &amp; looked forward to leading a delegation 2 Pak soon <a href="https://t.co/JhTmYFWlhf">pic.twitter.com/JhTmYFWlhf</a>
— Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakEmbassyDC/status/1047162304406740995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation. The meeting followed Pompeo visit to Pakistan last month when he invited Qureshi to Washington. Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session. Before meeting Pompeo, Qureshi also held talks with National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House and other senators. During the meeting with NSA Bolton, Qureshi discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia; Pakistan embassy in DC said on Twitter. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US National Security Adviser Mr. John Bolton discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia. — Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) October 2, 2018 × Qureshi also met Senator Lindsey Graham and discussed bilateral relations and Afghanistan. The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pakistan had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region & looked forward to leading a delegation to Pakistan soon. FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Sen.Lindsey Graham(R-SC).Discussed bilateral relations & Afghanistan.The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pak had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region & looked forward to leading a delegation 2 Pak soon pic.twitter.com/JhTmYFWlhf — Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) October 2, 2018 × Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

Pak Foreign Minister meets US's Pompeo, discusses regional situation

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