US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus on Tuesday said India has been a crucial partner for US in Afghanistan for 20 years, we know that we will be partners for decades to come.&nbsp;

Ortagus made the comments while speaking about India's role in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson for US State Department: There will be no peace in Afghanistan or South-East Asia without Pakistan ensuring that terrorism does not transpire from their premises or from Afghanistan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WashingtonDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WashingtonDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/9p9k40AYYp">pic.twitter.com/9p9k40AYYp</a>
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She further said that there will be no peace in Afghanistan or South-East Asia without Pakistan ensuring that terrorism does not transpire from their premises or from Afghanistan.

On being asked if the US has conveyed to Pakistan to stop supporting terror, Ortagus said ''Yes, we have a complicated relationship with Pakistan as evidenced by the fact that President Trump decided to stop all military aid to them early in his administration''.

US recently inked a historic peace deal with Taliban which will enable US to pull out its troops from war-torn Afghanistan. India was one of the countries invited to witness the signing of the deal.&nbsp;

US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus on Tuesday said India has been a crucial partner for US in Afghanistan for 20 years, we know that we will be partners for decades to come.

US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus on Tuesday said India has been a crucial partner for US in Afghanistan for 20 years, we know that we will be partners for decades to come. Ortagus made the comments while speaking about India's role in Afghanistan. #WATCH Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson for US State Department: There will be no peace in Afghanistan or South-East Asia without Pakistan ensuring that terrorism does not transpire from their premises or from Afghanistan. #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/9p9k40AYYp — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2020 × She further said that there will be no peace in Afghanistan or South-East Asia without Pakistan ensuring that terrorism does not transpire from their premises or from Afghanistan. On being asked if the US has conveyed to Pakistan to stop supporting terror, Ortagus said ''Yes, we have a complicated relationship with Pakistan as evidenced by the fact that President Trump decided to stop all military aid to them early in his administration''. US recently inked a historic peace deal with Taliban which will enable US to pull out its troops from war-torn Afghanistan. India was one of the countries invited to witness the signing of the deal.

India has been a crucial partner for us in Afghanistan for 20 years: US 

Washington&nbsp;on Friday spurned an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;request to prepare to pull out its&nbsp;troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-asks-us-to-send-delegation-and-set-up-mechanism-for-troop-pullout-273491">Qasem Soleimani</a>.

Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and Tehran are also the&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;government's main allies and vie for influence there.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a> said Iran had probably planned to attack the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US&nbsp;embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike.

"We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies."

Iraqi&nbsp;Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> made his request for preparations for a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal in a phone&nbsp;call&nbsp;with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said.

Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission.

The State Department said any US&nbsp;delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate."

"There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/placating-turkey-trump-admin-says-doesnt-recognise-armenian-genocide-268796">Morgan Ortagus</a> said in a statement.

Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in."

He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account."

"I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said.

Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region".

Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Francois‑Philippe Champagne</a> as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing".

The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US&nbsp;killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January&nbsp;3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq.

In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense.

Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict.

Grand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani</a> said it was&nbsp;Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.

"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making."

Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003.

At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US&nbsp;interests across the world were now exposed to threats.

Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its&nbsp;calls for US&nbsp;forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-attack-news-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down-says-trump-273124">Ali Khamenei</a> has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US&nbsp;military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal.

Critics have&nbsp;called Soleimani's killing a reckless action.

But Pompeo said on Friday&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US&nbsp;embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk."

As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;militias to quash months of protests by&nbsp;Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States.

In&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-can-india-play-peacemaker-273348">US-Iran conflict</a>.

Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters.

"Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US&nbsp;or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there. Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani. Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government's main allies and vie for influence there. President Donald Trump said Iran had probably planned to attack the US embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike. "We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made his request for preparations for a US troop withdrawal in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said. Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission. The State Department said any US delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate." "There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in." He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account." "I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said. Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region". Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois‑Philippe Champagne as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing". The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January 3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US forces in Iraq. In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense. Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on Iraqi soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said it was Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate. "The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making." Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003. At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US interests across the world were now exposed to threats. Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its calls for US forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal. Critics have called Soleimani's killing a reckless action. But Pompeo said on Friday Washington had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk." As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian Iraqi militias to quash months of protests by Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States. In Iraqi cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters. "Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-united-states-officials-to-resume-nuclear-talks-after-latest-missile-test-253916">opposing assessments of nuclear talks</a> in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions."

The United States accepted host Sweden's invitation to resume talks in two weeks' time, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.

The discussions followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-seeks-meeting-with-north-koreas-kim-despite-missile-launch-253658">North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump</a>, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday.

"The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectations and finally broke up... without any outcome. (It) is totally due to the fact that the US would not give up their old... attitude," the nuclear-armed North's leading negotiator Kim Myong Gil told reporters in Stockholm.

"The US raised expectations and offered suggestions like flexible approach, new methods and creative solutions but they have disappointed us greatly, and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiations by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," Kim Myong Gil said.

He added that North Korea stood "at the crossroads of dialogue or confrontation".

Kim Myong Gil's US counterpart was Stephen Biegun, Trump's special envoy.

Ortagus said in a statement that "the early comments from the DPRK delegation do not reflect the content or the spirit of today's eight-and-a-half-hour discussion."

"The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," she said, using the North's formal acronym.

Ortagus said the United States "previewed a number of new initiatives" that would allow progress on the statement reached in Singapore at the first Trump-Kim summit last year.

The two leaders adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" but little progress has since been made on dismantling the North's nuclear programme.

Dialogue 'needed'

The two sides met at a heavily guarded venue on an island off Stockholm, several hundred metres (yards) from the North Korean embassy, an AFP correspondent said.

As the meeting got underway, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted: "I am encouraged that US and (North Korean) working level delegations are currently in Sweden to hold talks".

Dialogue, she said, was "needed to reach denuclearisation and peaceful solution".

Similar-level talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament were held in Stockholm in March 2018 and then in January this year.

North Korea claimed to have entered a new phase in its defence capability with Wednesday's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile -- the most provocative since Pyongyang began dialogue with Washington in 2018.

North Korea frequently couples diplomatic overtures with military moves as a way of maintaining pressure on negotiating partners, analysts say, and may believe this weapons system gives it added leverage.

The Pentagon said Thursday the missile seems to have been launched from a "sea-based platform" and not a submarine.

Trump has said he sees no problem with a string of short-range missile tests conducted previously by North Korea, while insisting his personal ties with the North's leader remain good.

Heavy sanctions

The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold closed-door talks early next week on the latest test, diplomats said.

Those talks were requested by Britain, France and Germany, as the European powers push for the world body to keep up pressure on Pyongyang which is under heavy US and UN sanctions over its weapons program.

North Korea is banned from ballistic missile launches by Security Council resolutions.

Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the UN to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation. But the United States has refused.

"The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean Peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," Ortagus said.

"These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with opposing assessments of nuclear talks in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions.

North Korea and the United States walked away on Saturday with opposing assessments of nuclear talks in Sweden, which Pyongyang said broke down but Washington called "good discussions." The United States accepted host Sweden's invitation to resume talks in two weeks' time, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. The discussions followed months of stalemate after a February meeting between the North's leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, and came after Pyongyang's defiant test of a sea-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday. "The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectations and finally broke up... without any outcome. (It) is totally due to the fact that the US would not give up their old... attitude," the nuclear-armed North's leading negotiator Kim Myong Gil told reporters in Stockholm. "The US raised expectations and offered suggestions like flexible approach, new methods and creative solutions but they have disappointed us greatly, and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiations by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," Kim Myong Gil said. He added that North Korea stood "at the crossroads of dialogue or confrontation". Kim Myong Gil's US counterpart was Stephen Biegun, Trump's special envoy. Ortagus said in a statement that "the early comments from the DPRK delegation do not reflect the content or the spirit of today's eight-and-a-half-hour discussion." "The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," she said, using the North's formal acronym. Ortagus said the United States "previewed a number of new initiatives" that would allow progress on the statement reached in Singapore at the first Trump-Kim summit last year. The two leaders adopted a vaguely worded document on the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" but little progress has since been made on dismantling the North's nuclear programme. Dialogue 'needed' The two sides met at a heavily guarded venue on an island off Stockholm, several hundred metres (yards) from the North Korean embassy, an AFP correspondent said. As the meeting got underway, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde tweeted: "I am encouraged that US and (North Korean) working level delegations are currently in Sweden to hold talks". Dialogue, she said, was "needed to reach denuclearisation and peaceful solution". Similar-level talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament were held in Stockholm in March 2018 and then in January this year. North Korea claimed to have entered a new phase in its defence capability with Wednesday's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile -- the most provocative since Pyongyang began dialogue with Washington in 2018. North Korea frequently couples diplomatic overtures with military moves as a way of maintaining pressure on negotiating partners, analysts say, and may believe this weapons system gives it added leverage. The Pentagon said Thursday the missile seems to have been launched from a "sea-based platform" and not a submarine. Trump has said he sees no problem with a string of short-range missile tests conducted previously by North Korea, while insisting his personal ties with the North's leader remain good. Heavy sanctions The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold closed-door talks early next week on the latest test, diplomats said. Those talks were requested by Britain, France and Germany, as the European powers push for the world body to keep up pressure on Pyongyang which is under heavy US and UN sanctions over its weapons program. North Korea is banned from ballistic missile launches by Security Council resolutions. Since the US-North Korea talks began, Russia and China have been calling for the UN to start lifting sanctions so as to create momentum towards the North's denuclearisation. But the United States has refused. "The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean Peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," Ortagus said. "These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."

'US would not give up old attitude,' says North Korea as nuclear talks end in contrasting assessments

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expect-craziness-as-china-readies-debut-of-nasdaq-style-board-236617">&nbsp;Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend</a>, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day.

Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing.

Protests planned for Saturday include one in Tai Po, a town in the north of the territory, and gatherings of elderly Hong Kongers and families.

Hong Kong's airport was also expecting a protest that is set to continue on Sunday. A group of 1,000 activists occupied the airport's arrivals hall on Friday but did not disrupt flights.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam on Friday said the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June and have become increasingly violent.

China, meanwhile, demanded that the city's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-orders-cathay-pacific-to-suspend-staff-backing-hong-kong-protests-241882"> flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations</a>. One of its pilots was arrested last week.

Huarong International, the investment arm in Hong Kong of China Huarong Asset Management Company, has instructed staff not to fly Cathay Pacific if there are other options, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by a source at the company.

Lam's warning about the economy and China's targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with Hong Kong's deepest crisis in decades.

Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as the wealth disparities in the financial center.

However, older people have also been appearing at the protests.

"There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organizing committee for what was billed as a family protest on Saturday.

"The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns."

The protests began after Hong Kong's government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial.

The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam's resignation.

The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest.

On Friday, the US State Department said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop.

"Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet.

On Thursday, Ortagus called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.

Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day.

Hong Kong was bracing for another volatile weekend, with anti-government protests planned across the city on Saturday, including one at the international airport for a second day. Increasingly violent protests have plunged Hong Kong into its most serious political crisis for decades, posing a serious challenge to the central government in Beijing. Protests planned for Saturday include one in Tai Po, a town in the north of the territory, and gatherings of elderly Hong Kongers and families. Hong Kong's airport was also expecting a protest that is set to continue on Sunday. A group of 1,000 activists occupied the airport's arrivals hall on Friday but did not disrupt flights. Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam on Friday said the economy was being undermined by the protests, which began in June and have become increasingly violent. China, meanwhile, demanded that the city's flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways suspend staff involved in the demonstrations. One of its pilots was arrested last week. Huarong International, the investment arm in Hong Kong of China Huarong Asset Management Company, has instructed staff not to fly Cathay Pacific if there are other options, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by a source at the company. Lam's warning about the economy and China's targeting of a key Hong Kong business mark a toughening stance by authorities as they grapple with Hong Kong's deepest crisis in decades. Young people have been at the forefront of the protests, worried about the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong by China but also concerned with issues such as the wealth disparities in the financial center. However, older people have also been appearing at the protests. "There are clashes in the recent protests and many parents are worried," said Fion Yim, 35, representative of the organizing committee for what was billed as a family protest on Saturday. "The freedom to protect our children is very important. We hope to provide a safer place for parents and their kids to participate in rallies, and to voice their concerns." The protests began after Hong Kong's government tried introducing an extradition bill that would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial. The bill has been suspended, but protesters have stepped up their demands and are now calling for greater democracy and Lam's resignation. The protests have been condemned by the central government in Beijing. China has also accused foreign powers of fuelling the unrest. On Friday, the US State Department said that Chinese media reports about a US diplomat who met with Hong Kong pro-democracy leaders "have gone from irresponsible to dangerous" and must stop. "Chinese authorities know full well, our accredited consular personnel are just doing their jobs, just like diplomats from every other country," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet. On Thursday, Ortagus called China a "thuggish regime" for disclosing photographs and personal details of the diplomat.

With young people at forefront Hong Kong braces for another weekend of protests

The United Nations has rejected Pakistan's request for intervention in the Kashmir issue after India abrogated the special status for Jammu & Kashmir. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint” and refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir, as he highlighted the Shimla Agreement which rejects any third-party mediation on the issue.

Antonio Guterres urges India, Pakistan to exercise ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue

UN Chief urges India, Pakistan for ‘Maximum Restraint’ on Kashmir Issue, refers to Shimla Agreement

The United Nations has rejected Pakistan's request for intervention in the Kashmir issue after India abrogated the special status for Jammu & Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

UN rejects Pakistan's appeal on Kashmir issue

The US State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus on Thursday (August 8) said that recent announcements have no changes in the US policy on Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

US: No change in the US policy on Kashmir

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-united-nations-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-240975">abrogation of Article 370</a> of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state.

However, it expressed concern over the reports of detentions of some politicians in the state.

"We are closely following the events in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We take note of India's announcement revising the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and India's plan to split the state into two union territories. We note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, which was posted by Voice of America's White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman on his Twitter handle.

"We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities. We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control," the statement said.

On Monday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-bjp-leaders-hail-governments-decision-to-revoke-article-370-in-jk-240962">BJP-led central government scrapped Article 370</a>, along with Article 35 (A), and propose to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory with a legislature, while hiving off Ladakh as a separate Union Territory without legislature.

Watch: US, UN keeping close watch on Jammu and Kashmir

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-un-keeping-close-watch-on-jammu-and-kashmir-240963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shortly after India's Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that came into force immediately.

Ahead of the landmark announcement, Kashmir has been on the edge in the wake of a massive security build-up and the state government issued an advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and tourists urging them to curtail their visit.

Several leaders, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, had claimed that they were put under house arrest amid the prevailing tense situation in the state.

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state.

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state. However, it expressed concern over the reports of detentions of some politicians in the state. "We are closely following the events in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We take note of India's announcement revising the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and India's plan to split the state into two union territories. We note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, which was posted by Voice of America's White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman on his Twitter handle. "We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities. We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control," the statement said. On Monday, the BJP-led central government scrapped Article 370, along with Article 35 (A), and propose to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory with a legislature, while hiving off Ladakh as a separate Union Territory without legislature. Watch: US, UN keeping close watch on Jammu and Kashmir Shortly after India's Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that came into force immediately. Ahead of the landmark announcement, Kashmir has been on the edge in the wake of a massive security build-up and the state government issued an advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and tourists urging them to curtail their visit. Several leaders, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, had claimed that they were put under house arrest amid the prevailing tense situation in the state.

Article 370 revoked: 'Closely watching' events in Jammu and Kashmir, says US

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-round-two-ends-pakistan-not-open-to-5000-pilgrims-daily-235729">Kartarpur corridor</a> for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-complete-kartarpur-corridor-construction-by-october-31-235299">Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;

Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims.

Replying to a question on the construction of the corridor, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was certainly a good news report and "we encourage it".

"Anything that increases people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan is something that we are incredibly supportive of," the spokesperson told reporters.

Once opened, the three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

Sunday`s talks between Indian and Pakistani delegations also reviewed the progress reached in the three rounds of technical meetings held in March, April, and May this year.&nbsp;

The two sides endorsed the crossing point or the `zero-point` coordinates that were agreed to at the technical level. The corridor is expected to be completed by September end.

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan.

The United States on Tuesday (local time) welcomed the construction of the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims, saying it is "incredibly supportive" of steps that boost people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan. On July 14, India and Pakistan had held the second round of bilateral talks to narrow down their differences on the corridor for travel of Sikh pilgrims from Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Punjab to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. Both sides said that they had agreed to a majority of modalities for the smooth passage of the pilgrims. Replying to a question on the construction of the corridor, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said it was certainly a good news report and "we encourage it". "Anything that increases people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan is something that we are incredibly supportive of," the spokesperson told reporters. Once opened, the three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. Sunday`s talks between Indian and Pakistani delegations also reviewed the progress reached in the three rounds of technical meetings held in March, April, and May this year. The two sides endorsed the crossing point or the `zero-point` coordinates that were agreed to at the technical level. The corridor is expected to be completed by September end.

United States welcomes construction of Kartarpur corridor

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/in-5-hour-long-meeting-pm-modi-and-amit-shah-discuss-new-cabinet-222396">Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term</a> on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues.

The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

"We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday.

"We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said.

Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders.

Watch:&nbsp;'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/time-modi-united-india-like-no-pm-in-decades-222483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory.

According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi.

"India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner.&nbsp;Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley.

"Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green.

"I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said.

In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.&nbsp;

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

India is a "great ally" and "partner" of the US and the Trump administration will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second term on a range of issues, a senior State Department official said Tuesday. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was looking forward having a "robust discussion" with his Indian counterpart on a wide range of issues. The Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Pompeo, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on the spectacular electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections. "We, of course, will work closely with Modi, as we have many times," Ortagus told reporters in response to a question during an off-camera news conference on Tuesday. "We're confident in the fairness and integrity of the elections, and I think that Secretary Pompeo will have a very robust discussion on a range of issues. India is a great ally and partner of the United States," Ortagus said. Her comment came amid a report that Pompeo may visit New Delhi next month on his way to Osaka, Japan for the G20 summit to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Watch: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades' Meanwhile, US lawmakers and senior government officials continue to congratulate Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory. According to a compilation made by the Indian Embassy here, more than 50 Congressmen, Senators and the senior government officials have sent congratulatory messages to Modi. "India continues to have amazing potential and is a strong US partner. Congratulations to Narendra Modi on your success with the elections and the direction you are taking India. We look forward to seeing our partnership continue to strengthen," tweeted Indian-American politician Nikki Haley. "Congratulations to Modi 'on being re-elected' as Prime Minister of India, said Congressman Al Green. "I wish peace and prosperity for India and its neighbours and look forward to seeing you at India House in my congressional district in Houston, Texas, USA," he said. In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the total 542 Lok Sabha seats.

US to work closely with 'great ally' India: State Department spokesperson

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