Supporting President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-blocks-usd-255-million-military-aid-to-pakistan-28291"> block $255 million military aid</a> to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a &quot;double game&quot; with the United States for years.

Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration.

&quot;There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years,&quot; the US envoy told the press at a new conference at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.

&quot;They (Pakistanis) work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-do-more-to-fight-terrorism-white-house-28379">Pakistan needs to do more to fight terrorism: White House</a>

The Trump Administration expects far more co-operation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, she said.

&quot;Trump is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding from Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism,&quot; Nikki Haley said in her opening remarks during her first news conference of the year.

Nikki Haley said the aid issue was connected solely to Pakistan&#39;s harbouring of terrorists.&nbsp;

Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan

Supporting President Donald Trump's decision to block $255 million military aid to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a "double game" with the United States for years. Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration. "There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years," the US envoy told the press at a new conference at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday. "They (Pakistanis) work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration." Also Read: Pakistan needs to do more to fight terrorism: White House The Trump Administration expects far more co-operation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, she said. "Trump is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding from Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism," Nikki Haley said in her opening remarks during her first news conference of the year. Nikki Haley said the aid issue was connected solely to Pakistan's harbouring of terrorists.

Pakistan has played double game with US for years: Nikki Haley

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-maharastra-tense-after-pune-violence-28382">Live updates: Maharastra tense after Pune violence</a>

Several towns and cities in Maharashtra were on edge Tuesday as Dalit protests against Monday&#39;s violence in Pune spilled over to capital Mumbai, with agitators damaging scores of buses, and disrupting road and rail traffic, officials said.

Section 144 imposed in Maharashtra&#39;s Thane till midnight, January 4

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-button-bigger-and-more-powerful-than-north-koreas-president-trump-28372">&#39;I too have a nuclear button... much bigger and more powerful&#39; than North Korea&#39;s: Trump</a>

After North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un&#39;s message that he was always within reach of the nuclear button comes President Trump&#39;s tweet that the &quot;US nuclear button is bigger and more powerful one than his.&quot;

Trump tweeted: &quot;North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the &quot;Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.&quot; Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works!&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-has-played-a-double-game-with-us-for-years-nikki-haley-28383">Pakistan has played&nbsp;double game with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-has-played-a-double-game-with-us-for-years-nikki-haley-28383">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-has-played-a-double-game-with-us-for-years-nikki-haley-28383"> for years: Nikki Haley</a>

Supporting President Donald Trump&#39;s decision to block $255 million military aid to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a &quot;double game&quot; with the United States for years.

Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-aid-to-palestinian-territories-28373">Trump threatens to cut aid to Palestinian territories</a>

President Donald Trump admitted the Middle East peace process was in difficulty Tuesday and threatened to cut US aid to Palestinians, currently worth more than $300 million a year.

&quot;We pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect,&quot; Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

&quot;With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?&quot;

It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening all of the budget, worth $319 million in 2016, according to US government figures.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-taliban-hostage-joshua-boyle-arrested-faces-15-criminal-charges-28378">Former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle arrested, faces 15 criminal charges</a>

Canadian Joshua Boyle who was held captive by a faction of the Afghan Taliban for five years, has been arrested after being accused of sexual assault, illegal confinement and issuing death threats, media reports said on Tuesday.

Boyle&#39;s lawyer Eric Granger said his client was &quot;presumed innocent&quot; and had never been in legal trouble before. He said the identity of the alleged victim was being withheld by a court.

Live updates: Maharastra tense after Pune violence Several towns and cities in Maharashtra were on edge Tuesday as Dalit protests against Monday's violence in Pune spilled over to capital Mumbai, with agitators damaging scores of buses, and disrupting road and rail traffic, officials said. Section 144 imposed in Maharashtra's Thane till midnight, January 4 'I too have a nuclear button... much bigger and more powerful' than North Korea's: Trump After North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's message that he was always within reach of the nuclear button comes President Trump's tweet that the "US nuclear button is bigger and more powerful one than his." Trump tweeted: "North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times." Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Pakistan has played double game with US for years: Nikki Haley Supporting President Donald Trump's decision to block $255 million military aid to Pakistan, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday said that the country has played a "double game" with the United States for years. Nikki Haley accused Pakistan of at times working with the US while also harbouring terrorists that attacked its troops in Afghanistan. She said this was unacceptable to the Trump administration. Trump threatens to cut aid to Palestinian territories President Donald Trump admitted the Middle East peace process was in difficulty Tuesday and threatened to cut US aid to Palestinians, currently worth more than $300 million a year. "We pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect," Trump tweeted. "With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening all of the budget, worth $319 million in 2016, according to US government figures. Former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle arrested, faces 15 criminal charges Canadian Joshua Boyle who was held captive by a faction of the Afghan Taliban for five years, has been arrested after being accused of sexual assault, illegal confinement and issuing death threats, media reports said on Tuesday. Boyle's lawyer Eric Granger said his client was "presumed innocent" and had never been in legal trouble before. He said the identity of the alleged victim was being withheld by a court.

WION News brief, January 3, 2018

US ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said the &quot;United State will be taking names&quot; and report back to President Trump on those countries who vote against the draft resolution on US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

The United Nations General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session on Thursday at the request of Arab states on President Trump&#39;s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Turkey and Yemen requested an urgent meeting on behalf of the Arab countries and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation.

&quot;At the UN we&#39;re always asked to do more &amp; give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American people, about where to locate our embassy, we don&#39;t expect those we&#39;ve helped to target us,&quot; Hailey said on Twitter.

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At the UN we&#39;re always asked to do more &amp; give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don&#39;t expect those we&#39;ve helped to target us. On Thurs there&#39;ll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names. <a href="https://t.co/ZsusB8Hqt4">pic.twitter.com/ZsusB8Hqt4</a>
&mdash; Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikkihaley/status/943241599953309696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, the United States had blocked a UN resolution which sought to withdraw Trump administration&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Nikki Haley called it an &quot;insult&quot;, adding,&quot;it won&#39;t be forgotten.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;On Thursday there&#39;ll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names,&quot; Nikki Haley added.

Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, including several other West Asian diplomats, are set to vote against the draft.

The UN General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session at the request of Arab states on Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

US ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said the "United State will be taking names" and report back to President Trump on those countries who vote against the draft resolution on US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The United Nations General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session on Thursday at the request of Arab states on President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Turkey and Yemen requested an urgent meeting on behalf of the Arab countries and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation. "At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American people, about where to locate our embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us," Hailey said on Twitter. At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us. On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names. pic.twitter.com/ZsusB8Hqt4 — Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) December 19, 2017 × On Tuesday, the United States had blocked a UN resolution which sought to withdraw Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nikki Haley called it an "insult", adding,"it won't be forgotten." "On Thursday there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names," Nikki Haley added. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, including several other West Asian diplomats, are set to vote against the draft.

Jerusalem status at UN: We don't expect those we've helped to target us, says Nikki Haley

Indian-American California senator&nbsp;Kamala Harris has topped the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine&#39;s 2017 list of &#39;50 Leading Global Thinkers&#39; which also features US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley.

Besides Harris and Haley, Indian-origin stand-up comedian&nbsp;Hasan Minhaj has also made it to the list which recognises a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence on a wide range of issues, often in unexpected ways.

&quot;They are the doers who defined 2017,&quot; said the Foreign Policy while releasing its annual list of global thinkers, which has 50 numbers this year instead of 100 as was mostly seen in previous years.

Topping the list is Harris, 53, for giving the Democratic Party hope in the era of President Donald Trump, the magazine said. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is the first-ever Indian-American to be elected to the US Senate.

Seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, Harris is the only black woman in the Senate. &quot;Her professional bona fides and two decades as a prosecutor, her commitment to social justice (she has made immigrants&#39; rights and bail reform the focus of her first year in office), and her personal &#39;firsts&#39; make her appealing to voters still smarting from (Hillary) Clinton&#39;s loss and hungry for a charismatic non-white, non-male presidential candidate,&quot; the magazine said.

South Korean President, Moon Jae-in is ranked second on the list for trying to rebuild decent democratic leadership in South Korea.

Popular comedian Minhaj, 32, is placed third in the ranking for defining the narrative of a &quot;New Brown America&quot;, it said. Early this year he was the first Indian-American to have been chosen to host the White House Correspondents&#39; Dinner. &quot;The final comedian to be hired by The Daily Show during Jon Stewart&#39;s tenure as host, Minhaj has since joined an elite cadre of popular news satirists including Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver - whose joyful embrace of &#39;fake news&#39; often gets at fundamental truths at which the mainstream media can only gesture,&quot; it said.

Former South Carolina governor Haley, 45, the first Indian-American to be a member of any presidential cabinet, files in the list of global thinkers for trying to preserve America&#39;s traditional vision of international affairs, said the magazine.&nbsp;

&quot;The US foreign policy that Haley has spent just over 10 months defending smacks more of traditional Republican (and, arguably, traditional US) policies more closely in line with Ronald Reagan than with the current president,&quot; it said.

Among others in the list are the&nbsp;presidential candidate for the FARC, the Colombian rebel group that has traded its weapons for party politics, the female director of Afghanistan&#39;s foreign-language film contender for the Oscars, the venture capitalist who is using tech companies to bridge the gap between Israel and Palestine, and an Iraqi member of parliament who is demanding her country recognise the genocide of the minority Yazidis.

&quot;This year&#39;s list showcases a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence, often in unexpected ways, on a wide range of issues from North Korea policy, to the rise of populism, to how we combat fake news, to cementing a new narrative in American culture... to comedy,&quot; said Jonathan Tepperman, editor-in-chief of the magazine.

&quot;These amazing people are not only rethinking our world, but also reshaping it. They defined 2017, and we&#39;re thrilled by the chance to recognise their accomplishments for good, at least in most cases,&quot; he said.

The list also includes Chelsea Manning, ex-Trump aide Stephen Bannon, and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

First-ever Indian-American US Senator, Kamala Harris, aged 53 tops Foreign Policy magazine's list of '50 Global Thinkers 2017'. US Ambassador - Nikki Haley, French President - Emmanuel Macron, ex-Trump aide, Stephen Bannon, and South Korean President - Moon Jae-in also make it to the list.

Indian-American California senator Kamala Harris has topped the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine's 2017 list of '50 Leading Global Thinkers' which also features US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley. Besides Harris and Haley, Indian-origin stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj has also made it to the list which recognises a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence on a wide range of issues, often in unexpected ways. "They are the doers who defined 2017," said the Foreign Policy while releasing its annual list of global thinkers, which has 50 numbers this year instead of 100 as was mostly seen in previous years. Topping the list is Harris, 53, for giving the Democratic Party hope in the era of President Donald Trump, the magazine said. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is the first-ever Indian-American to be elected to the US Senate. Seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, Harris is the only black woman in the Senate. "Her professional bona fides and two decades as a prosecutor, her commitment to social justice (she has made immigrants' rights and bail reform the focus of her first year in office), and her personal 'firsts' make her appealing to voters still smarting from (Hillary) Clinton's loss and hungry for a charismatic non-white, non-male presidential candidate," the magazine said. South Korean President, Moon Jae-in is ranked second on the list for trying to rebuild decent democratic leadership in South Korea. Popular comedian Minhaj, 32, is placed third in the ranking for defining the narrative of a "New Brown America", it said. Early this year he was the first Indian-American to have been chosen to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner. "The final comedian to be hired by The Daily Show during Jon Stewart's tenure as host, Minhaj has since joined an elite cadre of popular news satirists including Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver - whose joyful embrace of 'fake news' often gets at fundamental truths at which the mainstream media can only gesture," it said. Former South Carolina governor Haley, 45, the first Indian-American to be a member of any presidential cabinet, files in the list of global thinkers for trying to preserve America's traditional vision of international affairs, said the magazine. "The US foreign policy that Haley has spent just over 10 months defending smacks more of traditional Republican (and, arguably, traditional US) policies more closely in line with Ronald Reagan than with the current president," it said. Among others in the list are the presidential candidate for the FARC, the Colombian rebel group that has traded its weapons for party politics, the female director of Afghanistan's foreign-language film contender for the Oscars, the venture capitalist who is using tech companies to bridge the gap between Israel and Palestine, and an Iraqi member of parliament who is demanding her country recognise the genocide of the minority Yazidis. "This year's list showcases a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence, often in unexpected ways, on a wide range of issues from North Korea policy, to the rise of populism, to how we combat fake news, to cementing a new narrative in American culture... to comedy," said Jonathan Tepperman, editor-in-chief of the magazine. "These amazing people are not only rethinking our world, but also reshaping it. They defined 2017, and we're thrilled by the chance to recognise their accomplishments for good, at least in most cases," he said. The list also includes Chelsea Manning, ex-Trump aide Stephen Bannon, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Indian-American senator Kamala Harris tops Foreign Policy magazine's Global Thinkers list

A day after US ambassador<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-violating-un-resolution-by-providing-missiles-to-yemeni-rebels-us-23690"> Nikki Haley raised the Iran issue in the UN,</a> President Rouhani warned both the US and Saudi Arabia that it will achieve nothing by threatening &quot;the might of Iran&quot;.

On Tuesday, US ambassador to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supplying-missiles-to-yemen-rebels-is-direct-military-aggression-saudi-crown-prince-salman-23661">UN Nikki Haley had slammed Iran&#39;s alleged supply </a>of missile to Yemen, saying: &quot;By providing these types of weapons to the Huthi militias in Yemen, Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp&lrm;s is violating two UN resolutions simultaneously.&quot;

&quot;You know the might and place of the Islamic republic. People more powerful than you have been unable to do anything against the Iranian people,&quot; Rouhani said.

&quot;The United States and their allies have mobilised all their capabilities against us and achieved nothing,&quot; the president asserted.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of supplying missiles to Huthi rebels in Yemen. On Saturday, the Huthi rebels had allegedly fired a missile which fell into Saudi territory.

The missile was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the city.

Later, Nikki Haley released information showing that the missile was an Iranian Qiam missile which is a short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran.

Haley said the missile was not present in Yemen before the civil war.&nbsp;

&quot;We encourage the United Nations and international partners to take necessary action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for these violations,&quot; Haley she had said, adding, &quot;the United States will not turn a blind eye to these serious violations of international law by the Iranian regime.&quot;

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier accused Iran of &quot;military aggression&quot; against Saudi Arabia over its alleged supply of missiles to the Yemeni rebels.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of supplying missiles to Huthi rebels in Yemen

A day after US ambassador Nikki Haley raised the Iran issue in the UN, President Rouhani warned both the US and Saudi Arabia that it will achieve nothing by threatening "the might of Iran". On Tuesday, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley had slammed Iran's alleged supply of missile to Yemen, saying: "By providing these types of weapons to the Huthi militias in Yemen, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp‎s is violating two UN resolutions simultaneously." "You know the might and place of the Islamic republic. People more powerful than you have been unable to do anything against the Iranian people," Rouhani said. "The United States and their allies have mobilised all their capabilities against us and achieved nothing," the president asserted. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of supplying missiles to Huthi rebels in Yemen. On Saturday, the Huthi rebels had allegedly fired a missile which fell into Saudi territory. The missile was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the city. Later, Nikki Haley released information showing that the missile was an Iranian Qiam missile which is a short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran. Haley said the missile was not present in Yemen before the civil war. "We encourage the United Nations and international partners to take necessary action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for these violations," Haley she had said, adding, "the United States will not turn a blind eye to these serious violations of international law by the Iranian regime." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier accused Iran of "military aggression" against Saudi Arabia over its alleged supply of missiles to the Yemeni rebels.

US and allies challenged 'might of Iran', but will achieve nothing: President Rouhani

The key to India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council is &quot;not to touch the veto&quot;, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said as she identified Russia and China as the two global powers against changes in the current structure of the Security Council.

&quot;This (reform of the UN Security Council) is much more about the veto. The permanent five -- Russia, China, UK, US and France --&nbsp;have the ability to veto. None of them want to give that up. So, the key to getting India on the Security Council would have to be not to touch the veto,&quot; Haley said at an event organised on the US Capitol by US India Friendship Council.

US is open to Security Council reform and always have been responding, she said in response to a question from Swadesh Chatterjee, chair of the US India Friendship Council after she delivered her keynote remarks on &quot;The Role of Congress in Promoting US-India Cooperation on International Issues.&quot;

Nikki Haley said the US Congress or the Senate can&#39;t have much role in reforming the Security Council.

&quot;Not really. They really can&#39;t. Because members of the Security Council are not going to listen to the Congress on the shape of the Security Council,&quot; she observed.

Haley said the US is already on board, but there is need to focus &quot;on Russia and China&quot;, the two permanent members of the Security Council who &quot;do not want to see any&quot; changes in the Security Council.

&quot;It&#39;s a UN issue, it&#39;s going to require UN reform and I think, India has to go and bring together as many supporters as it can in order to really effect that change in the Security Council,&quot; Haley said.

For long India has been calling for reform of the UN Security Council.

India and a large number of countries believe that the current UN and its powerful Security Council does not reflect the ground realities of the 21st century.

Last month, foreign ministers of the G4 countries, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to push their case for reform of the Security Council including expansion of its permanent and non-permanent members.

India has also received support from several other multilateral groupings during the current General Assembly session in this regard, including BRICS and IBSA. 
 
Several countries have taken up the floor of general assembly to support India&#39;s permanent membership.&nbsp;

'The permanent five... have the ability to veto. None of them want to give that up. So, the key to getting India on the Security Council would have to be not to touch the veto,' Haley said

The key to India becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council is "not to touch the veto", US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said as she identified Russia and China as the two global powers against changes in the current structure of the Security Council. "This (reform of the UN Security Council) is much more about the veto. The permanent five -- Russia, China, UK, US and France -- have the ability to veto. None of them want to give that up. So, the key to getting India on the Security Council would have to be not to touch the veto," Haley said at an event organised on the US Capitol by US India Friendship Council. US is open to Security Council reform and always have been responding, she said in response to a question from Swadesh Chatterjee, chair of the US India Friendship Council after she delivered her keynote remarks on "The Role of Congress in Promoting US-India Cooperation on International Issues." Nikki Haley said the US Congress or the Senate can't have much role in reforming the Security Council. "Not really. They really can't. Because members of the Security Council are not going to listen to the Congress on the shape of the Security Council," she observed. Haley said the US is already on board, but there is need to focus "on Russia and China", the two permanent members of the Security Council who "do not want to see any" changes in the Security Council. "It's a UN issue, it's going to require UN reform and I think, India has to go and bring together as many supporters as it can in order to really effect that change in the Security Council," Haley said. For long India has been calling for reform of the UN Security Council. India and a large number of countries believe that the current UN and its powerful Security Council does not reflect the ground realities of the 21st century. Last month, foreign ministers of the G4 countries, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to push their case for reform of the Security Council including expansion of its permanent and non-permanent members. India has also received support from several other multilateral groupings during the current General Assembly session in this regard, including BRICS and IBSA. Several countries have taken up the floor of general assembly to support India's permanent membership.

Key to India getting into UNSC is 'not to touch the veto': Haley

The US envoy was reiterating President Trump&#39;s new strategy for combating terrorism in Afghanistan and South Asia. She said one of the pillars of America&#39;s strategy in Afghanistan was the development of America&#39;s strategic partnership with India.

In her address to an event organised by US India Friendship Council, Haley said Trump has taken a &quot;tougher approach to Pakistan harbouring terrorists.&quot;

&quot;Pakistan has been a partner to the US at times. We value and respect that. But, we cannot tolerate this government or any other government giving safe haven to terrorists who target Americans. This new approach will require understanding and restraint from both Pakistan and India,&quot; she said.

Nikki Haley emphasised on the role that India had to play in rebuilding the country and to counter terrorism in Pakistan to which India had been a witness.&nbsp;

&quot;We are really going to need India&#39;s help in Afghanistan. They are the good neighbours and partner that we have in the region,&quot; she said.

&quot;So, having them help not only with infrastructure and the aide that they can give towards rebuilding Afghanistan, (They can) also help us to keep an eye on Pakistan,&quot; Haley said.

&quot;That is going to be really important in making sure that we hold them accountable because we are at a point where we kind of laid the groundwork that we need to see better partnership from Pakistan. We can&#39;t continue to see them harbouring the terrorists. We have to see something change. India is going to witnessing that. India is going to help us with that,&quot; Haley said in response to a question.

&quot;America&#39;s overriding interest in Afghanistan and throughout South Asia are to eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten us. And to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, we will use all the elements of our national power economic diplomatic and military to pursue these goals,&quot; she said.

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<h5>&quot;America&#39;s overriding interest in Afghanistan and throughout South Asia are to eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten us. And to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, we will use all the elements of our national power economic diplomatic and military to pursue these goals,&quot; she said.</h5>
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The US, she said, is looking at India to help US more in Afghanistan particularly in economic and development assistance.

She recognised the fact that India had already made important contributions to the stability of Afghanistan.

Critically we will look to our economic and security partnerships with India, she said.

The partnership between India and America is strong and getting stronger because it is rooted in a shared belief in hard work education family and achievement, she said.

&quot;President Trump said when he hosted Prime Minister Modi on his visit to the US in June that, India has a true friend in the US and it is a friendship based on shared values,&quot; Haley said.

&quot;Working at the UN really brings home how important it is for countries to share our commitment to democracy. Countries that honour and respect a voice of their people don&#39;t threaten peace and security. But, take a look at the countries that are causing most of the trouble in the world. And you will see countries that don&#39;t respect the will of their own people,&quot; she said.

For instance, Haley said, Trump has just announced a new tougher approach to ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.

&quot;It would be catastrophic for the safety of Americans and the world if Iran became a nuclear power. But India is a nuclear power and nobody gives it a second thought. Why,&quot; she asked.

&quot;Because India is a democracy that threatens no one,&quot; she said.

The US and India have both felt the pain of terrorism and we share the commitment to defeating terrorists and the hateful ideology that motivates them, Haley said.

Responding to a question, Haley said India is a responsible nuclear power.

&quot;We want to show the world that yes there are countries that have a nuclear weapon, but they are not supposed to act like North Korea. They are not supposed to manage themselves like Iran,&quot; she said.

Haley also said there was a plan for her to travel to India by the end of this year, she said responding to another question.

&quot;There was a plan, possibly I would go (to India) by the end of this year but there&#39;s another crisis that has come up that will send me somewhere else. But yes, I mean I would love to go back to India,&quot; she said.

&quot;It&#39;s amazing and special for me. I was fortunate to be there a few years ago, for the first time when I was two. And it was as magical as my parents say about it. So I look forward to going back to India,&quot; she added.

'We cannot tolerate this government or any other government giving safe haven to terrorists who target Americans,' Haley said

The US envoy was reiterating President Trump's new strategy for combating terrorism in Afghanistan and South Asia. She said one of the pillars of America's strategy in Afghanistan was the development of America's strategic partnership with India. In her address to an event organised by US India Friendship Council, Haley said Trump has taken a "tougher approach to Pakistan harbouring terrorists." "Pakistan has been a partner to the US at times. We value and respect that. But, we cannot tolerate this government or any other government giving safe haven to terrorists who target Americans. This new approach will require understanding and restraint from both Pakistan and India," she said. Nikki Haley emphasised on the role that India had to play in rebuilding the country and to counter terrorism in Pakistan to which India had been a witness. "We are really going to need India's help in Afghanistan. They are the good neighbours and partner that we have in the region," she said. "So, having them help not only with infrastructure and the aide that they can give towards rebuilding Afghanistan, (They can) also help us to keep an eye on Pakistan," Haley said. "That is going to be really important in making sure that we hold them accountable because we are at a point where we kind of laid the groundwork that we need to see better partnership from Pakistan. We can't continue to see them harbouring the terrorists. We have to see something change. India is going to witnessing that. India is going to help us with that," Haley said in response to a question. "America's overriding interest in Afghanistan and throughout South Asia are to eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten us. And to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, we will use all the elements of our national power economic diplomatic and military to pursue these goals," she said. "America's overriding interest in Afghanistan and throughout South Asia are to eliminate terrorist safe havens that threaten us. And to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists, we will use all the elements of our national power economic diplomatic and military to pursue these goals," she said. × The US, she said, is looking at India to help US more in Afghanistan particularly in economic and development assistance. She recognised the fact that India had already made important contributions to the stability of Afghanistan. Critically we will look to our economic and security partnerships with India, she said. The partnership between India and America is strong and getting stronger because it is rooted in a shared belief in hard work education family and achievement, she said. "President Trump said when he hosted Prime Minister Modi on his visit to the US in June that, India has a true friend in the US and it is a friendship based on shared values," Haley said. "Working at the UN really brings home how important it is for countries to share our commitment to democracy. Countries that honour and respect a voice of their people don't threaten peace and security. But, take a look at the countries that are causing most of the trouble in the world. And you will see countries that don't respect the will of their own people," she said. For instance, Haley said, Trump has just announced a new tougher approach to ensuring that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. "It would be catastrophic for the safety of Americans and the world if Iran became a nuclear power. But India is a nuclear power and nobody gives it a second thought. Why," she asked. "Because India is a democracy that threatens no one," she said. The US and India have both felt the pain of terrorism and we share the commitment to defeating terrorists and the hateful ideology that motivates them, Haley said. Responding to a question, Haley said India is a responsible nuclear power. "We want to show the world that yes there are countries that have a nuclear weapon, but they are not supposed to act like North Korea. They are not supposed to manage themselves like Iran," she said. Haley also said there was a plan for her to travel to India by the end of this year, she said responding to another question. "There was a plan, possibly I would go (to India) by the end of this year but there's another crisis that has come up that will send me somewhere else. But yes, I mean I would love to go back to India," she said. "It's amazing and special for me. I was fortunate to be there a few years ago, for the first time when I was two. And it was as magical as my parents say about it. So I look forward to going back to India," she added.

India can 'help us to keep an eye on Pakistan' in Afghanistan, says US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley

China&#39;s President Xi Jinping told Donald Trump Wednesday that Beijing remains committed to denuclearising North Korea as the US president warned again that any Pyongyang threat would trigger an &quot;overwhelming&quot; response.

In a phone call with Trump, Xi also said China remains firm in its wish to resolve the issue through talks leading to a peaceful settlement, state news agency Xinhua reported, as tensions soared over North Korea&#39;s pursuit of nuclear weaponry.

The conversation came after Pyongyang on Sunday triggered global alarm with its most powerful nuclear blast to date, claiming to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.

&quot;Xi said China has been adamant in preserving international nuclear non-proliferation, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolving the nuclear issue through talks,&quot; the report said.

&quot;The Chinese president said the general direction should head toward a peaceful settlement of the issue, adding that dialogue combined with a set of comprehensive measures is best for seeking a long-term solution,&quot; it added.

The US has accused North Korea of &quot;begging for war&quot; and pushed for the &quot;strongest possible measures&quot; against Pyongyang.

Washington has also rejected China&#39;s proposal for a freeze on North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korea military drills.

In a phone call with Trump, Xi also said China remains firm in its wish to resolve the issue through talks

China's President Xi Jinping told Donald Trump Wednesday that Beijing remains committed to denuclearising North Korea as the US president warned again that any Pyongyang threat would trigger an "overwhelming" response. In a phone call with Trump, Xi also said China remains firm in its wish to resolve the issue through talks leading to a peaceful settlement, state news agency Xinhua reported, as tensions soared over North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weaponry. The conversation came after Pyongyang on Sunday triggered global alarm with its most powerful nuclear blast to date, claiming to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb. "Xi said China has been adamant in preserving international nuclear non-proliferation, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolving the nuclear issue through talks," the report said. "The Chinese president said the general direction should head toward a peaceful settlement of the issue, adding that dialogue combined with a set of comprehensive measures is best for seeking a long-term solution," it added. The US has accused North Korea of "begging for war" and pushed for the "strongest possible measures" against Pyongyang. Washington has also rejected China's proposal for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korea military drills.

Xi tells Trump Beijing firm on North Korea denuclearisation

North Korea has slammed the latest round of sanctions imposed by the United Nations saying it would not put its nuclear weapons program on the negotiating table.

&quot;We will not put our self-defensive nuclear deterrent on the negotiating table&quot; while it faced threats from Washington, it said, &quot;and will never take a single step back from strengthening our nuclear might&quot;, AFP reported.

Pyongyang termed the UN sanctions as a &quot;violent violation of our sovereignty&quot;, reported the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA).

The US-drafted resolution was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council. The sanctions aim to severely crimp North Korea&#39;s exports.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that the sanctions have put Kim Jong Un &quot;on notice&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pyongyang termed the UN sanctions as a "violent violation of our sovereignty", reported the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA)

North Korea has slammed the latest round of sanctions imposed by the United Nations saying it would not put its nuclear weapons program on the negotiating table. "We will not put our self-defensive nuclear deterrent on the negotiating table" while it faced threats from Washington, it said, "and will never take a single step back from strengthening our nuclear might", AFP reported. Pyongyang termed the UN sanctions as a "violent violation of our sovereignty", reported the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA). The US-drafted resolution was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council. The sanctions aim to severely crimp North Korea's exports. Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that the sanctions have put Kim Jong Un "on notice".

North Korea stays defiant in face of fresh UN sanctions

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday&#39;s ICBM test had made &quot;the world a more dangerous place&quot;.

But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days.

&quot;Make no mistake, North Korea&#39;s launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation,&quot; Haley warned.

Hailey added that Pyongyang&#39;s actions were &quot;quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution&quot;.

In response to North Korea&rsquo;s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday.

&quot;The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies,&quot; Haley said.

&quot;One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction.&quot;

Hailey said the US&rsquo; focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions.

But everyone didn&rsquo;t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that &ldquo;sanctions will not resolve the issue&rdquo;.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing&#39;s alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea&#39;s missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. &nbsp;

&quot;China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard,&quot; Liu said.

At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea said Tuesday's ICBM test had made 'the world a more dangerous place'

The United States on Wednesday said it is prepared to use the full range of its capabilities against North Korea if the need arises. At the emergency UN Security Council meeting, US Ambassador Nikki Haley, pushing for tougher sanctions on North Korea, said Tuesday's ICBM test had made "the world a more dangerous place". But Haley also made clear Washington would exhaust diplomatic avenues before it resorts to confrontation, promising to submit a new draft sanctions resolution within days. "Make no mistake, North Korea's launch of an ICBM is a clear and sharp military escalation," Haley warned. Hailey added that Pyongyang's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution". In response to North Korea’s ICBM launch, the US and South Korea conducted a joint military exercise on Wednesday. "The United States is prepared to use the full range of our capabilities to defend ourselves and our allies," Haley said. "One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must. But we prefer not to have to go in that direction." Hailey said the US’ focus was on how to push through tighter sanctions. But everyone didn’t agree to the US call for sanctions with Russia warning that “sanctions will not resolve the issue”. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi once more pushed Beijing's alternative proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, in exchange for a halt to US-South Korean military drills. "China has always been firmly opposed to chaos and conflict on the Korean peninsula. Military means must not be an option in this regard," Liu said.

Will use military force on North Korea if we must: US

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump &quot;believes the climate is changing,&quot; US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Saturday after Trump&#39;s decision to take the United States out of the Paris climate accord sparked dismay across the world.

&quot;President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation,&quot; Haley said during an excerpt of a CNN interview released on Saturday. The interview will be broadcast on CNN&#39;s &quot;State of the Union&quot; on Sunday.

Trump &quot;knows that it&#39;s changing and that the US&nbsp;has to be responsible for it and that&#39;s what we&#39;re going to do,&quot; Haley said.

On Thursday, Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris climate change pact, tapping into his &quot;America First&quot; campaign theme. He said participating in the pact would undermine the US&nbsp;economy, wipe out jobs, weaken national sovereignty and put his country at a permanent disadvantage.

&quot;Just because the US&nbsp;got out of a club doesn&#39;t mean we aren&#39;t going to care about the environment,&quot; Haley said.

Later on Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence said that remaining in the accord would have proved costly to US economic growth and to the working-class Americans at the core of Trump&#39;s political base.

&quot;By withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, President Donald Trump chose to put the forgotten men and women of America first. And he always will,&quot; Pence told a political rally in Iowa.

On Friday, nobody at the White House was able to say whether Trump believed in climate change. In recent years, he has expressed scepticism about whether climate change is real, sometimes calling it a hoax. But since becoming president, he has not offered an opinion.

The decision to take the United States out of the pact prompted a negative reaction around the world, and world leaders redoubled their commitment to an accord agreed to by every country on the planet save Nicaragua and Syria.

China and Europe on Friday pledged to unite to save what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called &quot;our Mother Earth,&quot; standing firmly against Trump&#39;s decision.

The vast majority of scientists believe global warming is mainly the result of human activities, including power generation, transportation, agriculture and industry.

A small group of sceptics, some of them in the White House, believe the Paris Pact threatened business.

(Reuters)

Trump 'knows that it's changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that's what we're going to do,' Haley said

US President Donald Trump "believes the climate is changing," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Saturday after Trump's decision to take the United States out of the Paris climate accord sparked dismay across the world. "President Trump believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of the equation," Haley said during an excerpt of a CNN interview released on Saturday. The interview will be broadcast on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. Trump "knows that it's changing and that the US has to be responsible for it and that's what we're going to do," Haley said. On Thursday, Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris climate change pact, tapping into his "America First" campaign theme. He said participating in the pact would undermine the US economy, wipe out jobs, weaken national sovereignty and put his country at a permanent disadvantage. "Just because the US got out of a club doesn't mean we aren't going to care about the environment," Haley said. Later on Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence said that remaining in the accord would have proved costly to US economic growth and to the working-class Americans at the core of Trump's political base. "By withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, President Donald Trump chose to put the forgotten men and women of America first. And he always will," Pence told a political rally in Iowa. On Friday, nobody at the White House was able to say whether Trump believed in climate change. In recent years, he has expressed scepticism about whether climate change is real, sometimes calling it a hoax. But since becoming president, he has not offered an opinion. The decision to take the United States out of the pact prompted a negative reaction around the world, and world leaders redoubled their commitment to an accord agreed to by every country on the planet save Nicaragua and Syria. China and Europe on Friday pledged to unite to save what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called "our Mother Earth," standing firmly against Trump's decision. The vast majority of scientists believe global warming is mainly the result of human activities, including power generation, transportation, agriculture and industry. A small group of sceptics, some of them in the White House, believe the Paris Pact threatened business. (Reuters)

Trump 'believes the climate is changing', says UN ambassador Nikki Haley

The United States would consider talks with North Korea if it halts all nuclear and ballistic missile tests, Washington&#39;s envoy to the United Nations said Tuesday as the UN Security Council weighed new sanctions on Pyongyang.

&quot;We are willing to talk, but not until we see a total stop of the nuclear process and of any test there,&quot; the US envoy, Nikki Haley, told reporters ahead of a closed-door Security Council meeting.

Washington and Beijing -- the North&#39;s sole diplomatic and military ally -- are working on a new Council resolution targeting Pyongyang, she added.

&quot;That&#39;s what we are working on now. We don&#39;t have it done yet,&quot; she said.

&quot;Absolutely, sanctions is something that we are looking at and we are going to continue to see where that takes us.&quot;

On Sunday, North Korea launched what appeared to be the longest-range missile it has ever successfully tested, sparking global alarm.&nbsp;

Pyongyang said the missile, the Hwasong-12, was capable of carrying a &quot;heavy nuclear warhead.&quot;

The missile, launched on an unusually high trajectory, flew to an altitude of 2,111.5 kilometers (1,312 miles) and travelled 787 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

That suggests a range of 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) or more if flown for maximum distance, analysts said.&nbsp;

(AFP)

'We are willing to talk, but not until we see a total stop of the nuclear process and of any test there,' US envoy to the United Nations said

The United States would consider talks with North Korea if it halts all nuclear and ballistic missile tests, Washington's envoy to the United Nations said Tuesday as the UN Security Council weighed new sanctions on Pyongyang. "We are willing to talk, but not until we see a total stop of the nuclear process and of any test there," the US envoy, Nikki Haley, told reporters ahead of a closed-door Security Council meeting. Washington and Beijing -- the North's sole diplomatic and military ally -- are working on a new Council resolution targeting Pyongyang, she added. "That's what we are working on now. We don't have it done yet," she said. "Absolutely, sanctions is something that we are looking at and we are going to continue to see where that takes us." On Sunday, North Korea launched what appeared to be the longest-range missile it has ever successfully tested, sparking global alarm. Pyongyang said the missile, the Hwasong-12, was capable of carrying a "heavy nuclear warhead." The missile, launched on an unusually high trajectory, flew to an altitude of 2,111.5 kilometers (1,312 miles) and travelled 787 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan (East Sea). That suggests a range of 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) or more if flown for maximum distance, analysts said. (AFP)

US would talk to N Korea if missile, nuclear tests stop: Haley

Pakistan has welcomed the US offer to help de-escalate tensions with India, saying &quot;any positive role&quot; America plays to bring peace and stability in South Asia can serve the region well, according to a media report today.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Pakistan&#39;s envoy to Washington, termed US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley&#39;s remarks on Monday that the US would try and &quot;find its place&quot; in efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan as positive.

&quot;Any positive role that the US plays to bring peace and stability in South Asia can serve the region well,&quot; Chaudhry was quoted as saying in a report by Dawn from Washington.

Chaudhry said Pakistan is interested in such efforts because it &quot;wants good neighbourly relations with India&quot;.

Pakistan&#39;s support for a third-party mediation comes after India rejected yesterday any role for the US in Indo-Pak issues. India said its position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues &quot;in an environment free of terror and violence hasn&#39;t changed&quot;.

Haley, a senior Indian-American member of the Trump Cabinet, made the remarks after the US assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of April.

She hinted that the Trump administration would participate in the talks aimed at resolving differences between India and Pakistan. It was the first time Haley, as a member of the Trump Cabinet, has addressed tensions between India and Pakistan.

A State Department spokesperson, when contacted by the newspaper, explained the US position on facilitating talks between the two countries.

&quot;We believe India and Pakistan stand to benefit from practical cooperation. We encourage India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions,&quot; the spokesperson said.

The US official also explained why Washington wanted to promote good Indo-Pak ties. &quot;The normalisation of relations between Pakistan and India is vital to both countries and the region. Steps that initiate closer regional economic ties can also create jobs, lower inflation and increase energy supply,&quot; the official said.

The last sentence of the statement, however, stressed the stated US policy, which is close to India&#39;s stance on this issue, that all differences between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally.

&quot;We have and continue to encourage India and Pakistan to work together to resolve any differences,&quot; the US official said.

India has consistently ruled out third-party mediation, including by the United Nations or the US, and maintained that Kashmir was a bilateral issue. Pakistan, however, welcomes international mediation and regularly raises the Kashmir issue at various UN fora.

Yesterday, India&#39;s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay snubbed Haley for hinting that the US was ready to mediate. He asked the international community to instead persuade Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorist attacks.

(PTI)&nbsp;

The US had offered to try and de-escalate tensions between the two countries

Pakistan has welcomed the US offer to help de-escalate tensions with India, saying "any positive role" America plays to bring peace and stability in South Asia can serve the region well, according to a media report today. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Pakistan's envoy to Washington, termed US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley's remarks on Monday that the US would try and "find its place" in efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan as positive. "Any positive role that the US plays to bring peace and stability in South Asia can serve the region well," Chaudhry was quoted as saying in a report by Dawn from Washington. Chaudhry said Pakistan is interested in such efforts because it "wants good neighbourly relations with India". Pakistan's support for a third-party mediation comes after India rejected yesterday any role for the US in Indo-Pak issues. India said its position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues "in an environment free of terror and violence hasn't changed". Haley, a senior Indian-American member of the Trump Cabinet, made the remarks after the US assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of April. She hinted that the Trump administration would participate in the talks aimed at resolving differences between India and Pakistan. It was the first time Haley, as a member of the Trump Cabinet, has addressed tensions between India and Pakistan. A State Department spokesperson, when contacted by the newspaper, explained the US position on facilitating talks between the two countries. "We believe India and Pakistan stand to benefit from practical cooperation. We encourage India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," the spokesperson said. The US official also explained why Washington wanted to promote good Indo-Pak ties. "The normalisation of relations between Pakistan and India is vital to both countries and the region. Steps that initiate closer regional economic ties can also create jobs, lower inflation and increase energy supply," the official said. The last sentence of the statement, however, stressed the stated US policy, which is close to India's stance on this issue, that all differences between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally. "We have and continue to encourage India and Pakistan to work together to resolve any differences," the US official said. India has consistently ruled out third-party mediation, including by the United Nations or the US, and maintained that Kashmir was a bilateral issue. Pakistan, however, welcomes international mediation and regularly raises the Kashmir issue at various UN fora. Yesterday, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay snubbed Haley for hinting that the US was ready to mediate. He asked the international community to instead persuade Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorist attacks. (PTI)

After India rejection, Pak welcomes US offer to mediate

Russia said former US President Barack Obama&#39;s threat of military action if a &quot;red line&quot; was crossed and chemical weapons were used in Syria had provoked such attacks.

&quot;That decision served as a starting point for future provocations by terrorists and extremist structures with the use of chemical weapons, they sought to discredit the official Damascus regime and to create a pretext for the use of military force against a sovereign state,&quot; Deputy Russian UN Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN Security Council.

Trump&#39;s initial response released by the White House said, &quot;Today&rsquo;s chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilised world.&quot;

&quot;These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration&rsquo;s weakness and irresolution,&quot; Trump said.&nbsp;

&quot;President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a &#39;red line&#39; against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack.&quot;

Speaking just after the Russian ambassador, US Ambassador Nikki Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria after a suspected chemical attack left scores dead including children.

&quot;How many more children have to die before Russia cares?&quot; Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province.

&quot;When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,&quot; US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council meeting on Syria.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump described the &#39;chemical attack&#39;&nbsp;in Syria as &quot;horrible&quot; and &quot;unspeakable&quot; and called it a &quot;terrible affront to humanity.&quot;

Ahead of the emergency UN session, Russia&#39;s foreign ministry said: &quot;the text as presented is categorically unacceptable.&quot;&nbsp;Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow considered the resolution &quot;anti-Syrian,&quot; adding it &quot;pre-empts the results of an investigation and just immediately designates the guilty.&quot;

Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad&#39;s forces, earlier defended Damascus against accusations of responsibility for the attack.

The emergency council meeting was called by France and Britain following the attack that killed at least 72 people, including 20 children, the worst in Syria since a 2013 sarin gas attack.&nbsp;

Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack, but Russia said the text was &quot;categorically unacceptable.&quot;

The draft resolution calls for a full investigation by the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of the attack in the early hours of Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun.

Russia&#39;s Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry.

(WION with Agency inputs: Reuters, AFP)

US Ambassador Nikki Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria after a suspected chemical attack left several dead

Russia said former US President Barack Obama's threat of military action if a "red line" was crossed and chemical weapons were used in Syria had provoked such attacks. "That decision served as a starting point for future provocations by terrorists and extremist structures with the use of chemical weapons, they sought to discredit the official Damascus regime and to create a pretext for the use of military force against a sovereign state," Deputy Russian UN Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the UN Security Council. Trump's initial response released by the White House said, "Today’s chemical attack in Syria against innocent people, including women and children, is reprehensible and cannot be ignored by the civilised world." "These heinous actions by the Bashar al-Assad regime are a consequence of the past administration’s weakness and irresolution," Trump said. "President Obama said in 2012 that he would establish a 'red line' against the use of chemical weapons and then did nothing. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this intolerable attack." Speaking just after the Russian ambassador, US Ambassador Nikki Haley lashed out at Russia for failing to rein in its ally Syria after a suspected chemical attack left scores dead including children. "How many more children have to die before Russia cares?" Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the attack on a rebel-held town in Idlib province. "When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the Security Council meeting on Syria. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the 'chemical attack' in Syria as "horrible" and "unspeakable" and called it a "terrible affront to humanity." Ahead of the emergency UN session, Russia's foreign ministry said: "the text as presented is categorically unacceptable." Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow considered the resolution "anti-Syrian," adding it "pre-empts the results of an investigation and just immediately designates the guilty." Moscow, which launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of Assad's forces, earlier defended Damascus against accusations of responsibility for the attack. The emergency council meeting was called by France and Britain following the attack that killed at least 72 people, including 20 children, the worst in Syria since a 2013 sarin gas attack. Britain, France and the United States have presented a draft resolution demanding a full investigation of the attack, but Russia said the text was "categorically unacceptable." The draft resolution calls for a full investigation by the Organisation of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of the attack in the early hours of Tuesday in Khan Sheikhun. Russia's Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told the council that the proposed resolution was hastily prepared and unnecessary, but voiced support for an inquiry. (WION with Agency inputs: Reuters, AFP)

After Trump, Russia blames Obama 'Red Line' for Syria chemical attack at UN Security Council meeting

India reiterated its stance that Kashmir was a bilateral issue with Pakistan, hours after the United States wished to &quot;de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward&quot;.

India&#39;s ministry of external affairs said they were willing to talk about Kashmir if terrorism sponsored from across the border abated.

&ldquo;We of course expect the international community and organisations to enforce international mechanisms, and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, that continues to be the single biggest threat to peace in our region,&rdquo; the statement released by the ministry stated.

New Delhi was responding to&nbsp;US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley&rsquo;s comment about the Kashmir issue.

In a departure from previous US administrations&#39; decision to stay away from the conflict in south Asia, Haley said: &quot;It&rsquo;s absolutely right that this administration is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward.&rdquo;

The senior member of the Donald Trump administration also expressed its intention of being a &quot;part of that (defusing tension in the region)&quot;.

&ldquo;We very much think that we should be proactive in the way that we are seeing tensions rise and conflicts start to bubble up and so we want to see if we can be a part of that,&rdquo; Haley said.

Haley also spoke about China&#39;s persistent vetos to label Jaish-e-Mohammad head Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

&ldquo;The administration very much is looking at all of these avenues and some of the things we have talked about is sanctions and who is on the list and how we have managed that,&rdquo; she said.

New Delhi has blamed&nbsp;Azhar for orchestrating deadly coordinated attacks in 2008, which left 164 people dead and further 308 injured.

Kashmir&nbsp;has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety.

Rebel groups have for decades fought roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

India reiterated that it was a bilateral issue and that Pakistan needed to control terrorists on their side for Kashmir talks to begin

India reiterated its stance that Kashmir was a bilateral issue with Pakistan, hours after the United States wished to "de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward". India's ministry of external affairs said they were willing to talk about Kashmir if terrorism sponsored from across the border abated. “We of course expect the international community and organisations to enforce international mechanisms, and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, that continues to be the single biggest threat to peace in our region,” the statement released by the ministry stated. New Delhi was responding to US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley’s comment about the Kashmir issue. In a departure from previous US administrations' decision to stay away from the conflict in south Asia, Haley said: "It’s absolutely right that this administration is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward.” The senior member of the Donald Trump administration also expressed its intention of being a "part of that (defusing tension in the region)". “We very much think that we should be proactive in the way that we are seeing tensions rise and conflicts start to bubble up and so we want to see if we can be a part of that,” Haley said. Haley also spoke about China's persistent vetos to label Jaish-e-Mohammad head Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. “The administration very much is looking at all of these avenues and some of the things we have talked about is sanctions and who is on the list and how we have managed that,” she said. New Delhi has blamed Azhar for orchestrating deadly coordinated attacks in 2008, which left 164 people dead and further 308 injured. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Rebel groups have for decades fought roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead. (WION with inputs from AFP)

India snubs US' attempt to mediate Kashmir issue

The White House on Friday backed top aides&#39; comments that the United States is not now focussed on making Syrian President Bashar al-Assad leave power, saying the US&nbsp;focus is on defeating Islamic State militants.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Thursday drew criticism for playing down a long-standing US goal of persuading Assad to leave power to help end the six-year-long Syrian civil war.

Tillerson said Assad&#39;s future is up to the Syrian people to decide, while Haley said &quot;our priority is no longer to sit there and focus on getting Assad out.&quot;

At his daily news briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that regarding Assad, &quot;there is a political reality that we have to accept in terms of where we are right now.&quot;

Spicer blamed the inability of Trump&#39;s predecessor,&nbsp;Democrat Barack Obama, to persuade Assad to step down.

The Obama administration,&nbsp;in its later years, was focussed on reaching a deal with Russia that would eventually see Assad go,&nbsp;though it also shifted its focus to the fight against Islamic State militants, who captured swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

&quot;We had an opportunity and we need to focus now on defeating ISIS,&quot; Spicer said. &quot;The United States has profound priorities in Syria and Iraq and we&#39;ve made it clear that counterterrorism, particularly the defeat of ISIS, is foremost among those priorities.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The White House said the US?focus is on defeating the Islamic State

The White House on Friday backed top aides' comments that the United States is not now focussed on making Syrian President Bashar al-Assad leave power, saying the US focus is on defeating Islamic State militants. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Thursday drew criticism for playing down a long-standing US goal of persuading Assad to leave power to help end the six-year-long Syrian civil war. Tillerson said Assad's future is up to the Syrian people to decide, while Haley said "our priority is no longer to sit there and focus on getting Assad out." At his daily news briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that regarding Assad, "there is a political reality that we have to accept in terms of where we are right now." Spicer blamed the inability of Trump's predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama, to persuade Assad to step down. The Obama administration, in its later years, was focussed on reaching a deal with Russia that would eventually see Assad go, though it also shifted its focus to the fight against Islamic State militants, who captured swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014. "We had an opportunity and we need to focus now on defeating ISIS," Spicer said. "The United States has profound priorities in Syria and Iraq and we've made it clear that counterterrorism, particularly the defeat of ISIS, is foremost among those priorities." (AFP)

White House backs Nikki Haley, says US has to accept political reality of Syrian president

More than 100 countries launched the first UN talks aimed at achieving a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons even as the Trump administration is leading&nbsp;an international boycott of the process it deems unrealistic.

India will not be participating in the first UN conference in more than 20 years on&nbsp;global nuclear weapons ban.

The United States, Britain and France are among almost 40 countries that will not join talks on a nuclear weapons ban treaty starting at the United Nations.&nbsp;

Britain, France, Israel, Russia and the US voted no, while China, India and Pakistan abstained from voting on the&nbsp;resolution in October. In its Explanation of Vote (EoV) given for its abstention on the resolution in October, India had said that it was &quot;not convinced&quot; that the proposed conference could address the longstanding expectation of the international community for a comprehensive instrument on nuclear disarmament.

India also maintained that the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament (CD) is the single multilateral disarmament negotiation forum.

Britain&#39;s UN&nbsp;Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said: &quot;The UK is not attending the negotiations on a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons because we do not believe that those negotiations will lead to effective progress on global nuclear disarmament.&quot;

Deputy French UN, Ambassador Alexis Lamek said &quot;the security conditions were not right&quot;&nbsp;for a nuclear weapons ban treaty.

&quot;In the current perilous context, considering in particular the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, our countries continue to rely on nuclear deterrence for security and stability,&quot; Lamek said.

The US&#39; envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said the Assembly &quot;suddenly&quot; wants to have a hearing to ban nuclear weapons and while as a mother and daughter, she wants a world with no nuclear weapons, one also has to be &quot;realistic&quot;.

She said given the current times &quot;bad actors&quot; cannot be allowed to keep their nuclear weapons while other nations try to maintain peace and safety.

&quot;We would love to have a ban on nuclear weapons but in this day and time we cannot honestly say that we can protect our people by allowing the bad actors to have them (nuclear weapons) and those of us who are good trying to keep the peace and safety not to have them,&quot; Haley told reporters.

The push for a ban was announced in October by 123 UN members who say the threat of atomic disaster is growing thanks to tensions fanned by North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapons program and an unpredictable new administration in Washington.

Leaders of the effort include Austria, Ireland, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Sweden, supported by hundreds of non-profit organizations.

In 2009, then-president Barack Obama announced a drive to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and eventually eliminate them.

But his administration strongly encouraged NATO allies to vote against this year&#39;s UN negotiations, saying a ban would obstruct cooperation to respond to nuclear threats from adversaries.

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(WION with agency inputs)

India will not be participating in the first UN conference in more than 20 years on global nuclear weapons ban

More than 100 countries launched the first UN talks aimed at achieving a legally binding ban on nuclear weapons even as the Trump administration is leading an international boycott of the process it deems unrealistic. India will not be participating in the first UN conference in more than 20 years on global nuclear weapons ban. The United States, Britain and France are among almost 40 countries that will not join talks on a nuclear weapons ban treaty starting at the United Nations. Britain, France, Israel, Russia and the US voted no, while China, India and Pakistan abstained from voting on the resolution in October. In its Explanation of Vote (EoV) given for its abstention on the resolution in October, India had said that it was "not convinced" that the proposed conference could address the longstanding expectation of the international community for a comprehensive instrument on nuclear disarmament. India also maintained that the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament (CD) is the single multilateral disarmament negotiation forum. Britain's UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said: "The UK is not attending the negotiations on a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons because we do not believe that those negotiations will lead to effective progress on global nuclear disarmament." Deputy French UN, Ambassador Alexis Lamek said "the security conditions were not right" for a nuclear weapons ban treaty. "In the current perilous context, considering in particular the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, our countries continue to rely on nuclear deterrence for security and stability," Lamek said. The US' envoy to the UN Nikki Haley said the Assembly "suddenly" wants to have a hearing to ban nuclear weapons and while as a mother and daughter, she wants a world with no nuclear weapons, one also has to be "realistic". She said given the current times "bad actors" cannot be allowed to keep their nuclear weapons while other nations try to maintain peace and safety. "We would love to have a ban on nuclear weapons but in this day and time we cannot honestly say that we can protect our people by allowing the bad actors to have them (nuclear weapons) and those of us who are good trying to keep the peace and safety not to have them," Haley told reporters. The push for a ban was announced in October by 123 UN members who say the threat of atomic disaster is growing thanks to tensions fanned by North Korea's nuclear weapons program and an unpredictable new administration in Washington. Leaders of the effort include Austria, Ireland, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and Sweden, supported by hundreds of non-profit organizations. In 2009, then-president Barack Obama announced a drive to reduce the role of nuclear weapons and eventually eliminate them. But his administration strongly encouraged NATO allies to vote against this year's UN negotiations, saying a ban would obstruct cooperation to respond to nuclear threats from adversaries. India, United States, Britain and France are among almost 40 countries that will not join talks on a nuclear weapons ban treaty starting at the United Nations (WION) × (WION with agency inputs)

India, US, UK among several countries decide not to attend UN talks on nuclear weapons ban treaty

Canada&#39;s Justin Trudeau invited President Donald Trump&#39;s daughter Ivanka to attend a Broadway musical celebrating Canadian hospitality towards foreigners following the 9/11 attacks.

Ivanka Trump and the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, were guests of honour of the prime minister for the Wednesday night performance of &quot;Come From Away,&quot; a Trudeau spokesperson told AFP.

The Canadian Consulate had booked some 600 seats at Broadway&#39;s Schoenfeld Theater for the show, which made its official Broadway debut March 12.

&quot;Come From Away&quot; is set in a small Newfoundland town that welcomed some 7,000 anguished airline passengers following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Their planes had been rerouted when US airspace closed after the Al-Qaeda strikes on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, which killed nearly 3,000 people.

The story highlights &quot;being there for each other, being open, being engaged and knowing that drawing together through dark times is what is very best about the human spirit,&quot; said Trudeau in a brief speech prior to the performance, footage of which was published online by US media outlets.

Afterwards the Canadian prime minister praised a &quot;wonderful and moving show,&quot; and paid tribute to the cast and crew.

Since Trump took office, Trudeau has worked to forge links with the new US administration while dissociating himself from the Republican leader&#39;s most controversial positions -- notably his hard line on immigration.

(AFP)

'Come From Away' is set in a small Canada town that welcomed some 7,000 anguished airline passengers following the 9/11 attacks

Canada's Justin Trudeau invited President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka to attend a Broadway musical celebrating Canadian hospitality towards foreigners following the 9/11 attacks. Ivanka Trump and the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, were guests of honour of the prime minister for the Wednesday night performance of "Come From Away," a Trudeau spokesperson told AFP. The Canadian Consulate had booked some 600 seats at Broadway's Schoenfeld Theater for the show, which made its official Broadway debut March 12. "Come From Away" is set in a small Newfoundland town that welcomed some 7,000 anguished airline passengers following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Their planes had been rerouted when US airspace closed after the Al-Qaeda strikes on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, which killed nearly 3,000 people. The story highlights "being there for each other, being open, being engaged and knowing that drawing together through dark times is what is very best about the human spirit," said Trudeau in a brief speech prior to the performance, footage of which was published online by US media outlets. Afterwards the Canadian prime minister praised a "wonderful and moving show," and paid tribute to the cast and crew. Since Trump took office, Trudeau has worked to forge links with the new US administration while dissociating himself from the Republican leader's most controversial positions -- notably his hard line on immigration. (AFP)

Subtle hint? Trudeau invites Trump daughter to Broadway show about hospitality to foreigners

The United States disagreed with China that it should hold talks with North Korea because their leader Kinm Jong-Un was &quot;not rational&quot;.

China had earlier asked the US and North Korea to avert a &quot;head-on collision&quot; by holding talks to smoothen the latest flare-up between the countries.

Beijing, North Korea&#39;s trusted ally, had earlier asked Pyongyang to junk its nuclear development and wanted the US to put hold up the annual&nbsp;US-South Korean military drills

But the US rebuffed China&#39;s entreaties on Wednesday, with their ambassador Nikki Haley putting out a withering a criticism of the North leader following a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council.

&quot;We are not dealing with a rational person,&quot; the ambassador said, adding that Kim is a person &quot;who has not had rational acts, who is not thinking clearly&quot;.

North Korea fired at least four missiles toward Japan on Monday, three of which splashed down in waters near Japan.

The US ambassador said &quot;all the options are on the table&quot; and did not rule out talks completely but she made clear that the onus was on North Korea to show a willingness to seek a diplomatic solution.

&quot;We have to see some sort of positive action taken by North Korea before we can ever take them seriously,&quot; said Haley.

China, Pyongyang&#39;s main ally, earlier called on North Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the US and South Korea halting joint military exercises in South Korea.

The proposal from the Chinese foreign minister however appeared to fall flat, with Britain, France and Japan saying that North Korea must take the first step to show that it was ready to change course and abandon its military and nuclear programs.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi stressed the importance of reducing tensions on the Korean peninsula, telling reporters after the meeting that this must be done &quot;in a negotiated way&quot;. &nbsp;

The council has imposed six sets of sanctions on North Korea -- two of which were adopted last year to significantly ramp up measures and deny Kim&#39;s regime hard currency revenue.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

US Ambassador Nikki Haley's scathing comment comes after Pyongyang defied UN decree to test-fire missiles on March 6

The United States disagreed with China that it should hold talks with North Korea because their leader Kinm Jong-Un was "not rational". China had earlier asked the US and North Korea to avert a "head-on collision" by holding talks to smoothen the latest flare-up between the countries. Beijing, North Korea's trusted ally, had earlier asked Pyongyang to junk its nuclear development and wanted the US to put hold up the annual US-South Korean military drills But the US rebuffed China's entreaties on Wednesday, with their ambassador Nikki Haley putting out a withering a criticism of the North leader following a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council. "We are not dealing with a rational person," the ambassador said, adding that Kim is a person "who has not had rational acts, who is not thinking clearly". North Korea fired at least four missiles toward Japan on Monday, three of which splashed down in waters near Japan. The US ambassador said "all the options are on the table" and did not rule out talks completely but she made clear that the onus was on North Korea to show a willingness to seek a diplomatic solution. "We have to see some sort of positive action taken by North Korea before we can ever take them seriously," said Haley. China, Pyongyang's main ally, earlier called on North Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the US and South Korea halting joint military exercises in South Korea. The proposal from the Chinese foreign minister however appeared to fall flat, with Britain, France and Japan saying that North Korea must take the first step to show that it was ready to change course and abandon its military and nuclear programs. Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi stressed the importance of reducing tensions on the Korean peninsula, telling reporters after the meeting that this must be done "in a negotiated way". The council has imposed six sets of sanctions on North Korea -- two of which were adopted last year to significantly ramp up measures and deny Kim's regime hard currency revenue. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Talks with North Korea not possible due to irrational Kim: US

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, on Thursday, that America still supports the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

&quot;First of all, the two-state solution is what we support. Anybody that wants to say the United States does not support the two-state solution - that would be an error,&quot; Haley told reporters at the United Nations.

&quot;We absolutely support the two-state solution but we are thinking out of the box as well: which is what does it take to bring these two sides to the table; what do we need to have them agree on,&quot; she added.

The statement made by her assumes significance as it comes a day after President Trump, in a joint press conference with Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that he was open to new ways to achieve peace.&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like. I can live with either one,&quot; the President said.

Trump said that the US will work towards building peace between the two sides but it was up to the two parties to decide the terms of the agreement.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The statement comes a day after Trump announced that he was open to consider all options for peace to return between the two sides

US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said, on Thursday, that America still supports the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. "First of all, the two-state solution is what we support. Anybody that wants to say the United States does not support the two-state solution - that would be an error," Haley told reporters at the United Nations. "We absolutely support the two-state solution but we are thinking out of the box as well: which is what does it take to bring these two sides to the table; what do we need to have them agree on," she added. The statement made by her assumes significance as it comes a day after President Trump, in a joint press conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that he was open to new ways to achieve peace. "I'm looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like. I can live with either one," the President said. Trump said that the US will work towards building peace between the two sides but it was up to the two parties to decide the terms of the agreement. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

US still supports a two-state solution to Israel-Palestine conflict: Nikki Haley

The United States on Tuesday raised alarm at the United Nations over Iran`s test-firing of a medium range missile, calling it &quot;absolutely unacceptable&quot;, after Tehran warned the United States against fuelling tensions.

New US Ambassador Nikki Haley had requested the urgent consultations at the UN Security Council -- the first action taken by the envoy just days into her mandate.

The row comes against a backdrop of already strained relations between Washington and the Islamic republic over US President Donald Trump`s travel ban on citizens from Iran and six other Muslim-majority countries.

&quot;We have confirmed that Iran did have a medium-size missile launch testing on January 29, on Sunday. This is absolutely unacceptable,&quot; Haley told reporters following a closed-door council meeting.

The ambassador accused Iran of trying to convince the world that &quot;they are being nice&quot; before adding: &quot;I will tell the people across the world that is something we should be alarmed about.&quot;

&quot;The United States is not naive. We are not going to stand by. You will see us call them out,&quot; warned Haley.

&quot;We are committed to making them understand that this is not anything that we will ever accept.&quot;

Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied firing any missiles at the weekend.

Under a council resolution that endorsed the historic nuclear deal with Iran, Tehran is barred from developing missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads.

Any violation of that resolution could trigger a snapback of sanctions that were lifted under the nuclear agreement, opening up the Iranian economy to investment and opportunities. The US ambassador challenged Iran`s assertion that its missiles are not in violation of the UN resolution because they are for defense purposes and not designed to carry nuclear warheads.&nbsp;

&quot;They know that they are not supposed to be doing ballistic missile testing&quot; of anything that can carry warheads, said Haley.

The missile launched Sunday was capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload and had a range of 300 kilometers, she said.

&quot;That is more than enough to be able to deliver a nuclear weapon.&quot;

Earlier, Iran cautioned Washington not to push too hard.

&quot;We hope that Iran`s defense program is not used by the new US administration... as a pretext to create new tensions,&quot; Iran`s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told a press conference in Tehran.

&quot;We have always declared that we will never use our weapons against others except in our defense,&quot; Zarif added, with French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault at his side.

He slammed the new US administration`s &quot;shameful act of denying entry to people holding legal visas&quot; for the United States.

The European Union, which helped broker the landmark nuclear deal between major powers and Iran, had appealed to Tehran to refrain from activities such as the missile tests, &quot;which deepen mistrust&quot;.

Ayrault said France had made clear its disquiet over the missile tests, calling them &quot;contrary to the spirit&quot; of the Security Council resolution&nbsp;

Britain maintains that the test is &quot;inconsistent&quot; with UN resolutions, but has not declared the launch to be a violation.

But the diplomatic push by the West quickly ran into trouble as Russia said a missile test would not breach the UN resolution.

Moscow, which is fighting alongside Tehran`s forces in Syria, said the demand for emergency talks at the Security Council was aimed at &quot;heating up the situation&quot;.

&quot;Such actions, if they took place, do not breach the resolution,&quot; Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency.

The Security Council requested a report on the missile launch from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and from a committee set up after the council endorsed the Iran nuclear deal, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said.

That report would then allow the council to determine whether the resolution has been violated and whether it should consider re-imposing sanctions.

The UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which includes terms of the nuclear accord, was adopted in July 2015.

It states that Iran &quot;is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology&quot;.

Russia and China have opposed discussion about a return to possible sanctions against Iran, arguing that it would jeopardize the hard-fought nuclear deal.

Trump has sharply criticized the deal between Tehran and world powers, which led to a lifting of international sanctions against Iran, and has vowed to strengthen ties with Israel, which opposes the agreement.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Nikki Haley had requested urgent consultations at the UN Security Council and termed Iran's missile test unacceptable

The United States on Tuesday raised alarm at the United Nations over Iran`s test-firing of a medium range missile, calling it "absolutely unacceptable", after Tehran warned the United States against fuelling tensions. New US Ambassador Nikki Haley had requested the urgent consultations at the UN Security Council -- the first action taken by the envoy just days into her mandate. The row comes against a backdrop of already strained relations between Washington and the Islamic republic over US President Donald Trump`s travel ban on citizens from Iran and six other Muslim-majority countries. "We have confirmed that Iran did have a medium-size missile launch testing on January 29, on Sunday. This is absolutely unacceptable," Haley told reporters following a closed-door council meeting. The ambassador accused Iran of trying to convince the world that "they are being nice" before adding: "I will tell the people across the world that is something we should be alarmed about." "The United States is not naive. We are not going to stand by. You will see us call them out," warned Haley. "We are committed to making them understand that this is not anything that we will ever accept." Tehran has neither confirmed nor denied firing any missiles at the weekend. Under a council resolution that endorsed the historic nuclear deal with Iran, Tehran is barred from developing missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads. Any violation of that resolution could trigger a snapback of sanctions that were lifted under the nuclear agreement, opening up the Iranian economy to investment and opportunities. The US ambassador challenged Iran`s assertion that its missiles are not in violation of the UN resolution because they are for defense purposes and not designed to carry nuclear warheads. "They know that they are not supposed to be doing ballistic missile testing" of anything that can carry warheads, said Haley. The missile launched Sunday was capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload and had a range of 300 kilometers, she said. "That is more than enough to be able to deliver a nuclear weapon." Earlier, Iran cautioned Washington not to push too hard. "We hope that Iran`s defense program is not used by the new US administration... as a pretext to create new tensions," Iran`s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told a press conference in Tehran. "We have always declared that we will never use our weapons against others except in our defense," Zarif added, with French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault at his side. He slammed the new US administration`s "shameful act of denying entry to people holding legal visas" for the United States. The European Union, which helped broker the landmark nuclear deal between major powers and Iran, had appealed to Tehran to refrain from activities such as the missile tests, "which deepen mistrust". Ayrault said France had made clear its disquiet over the missile tests, calling them "contrary to the spirit" of the Security Council resolution Britain maintains that the test is "inconsistent" with UN resolutions, but has not declared the launch to be a violation. But the diplomatic push by the West quickly ran into trouble as Russia said a missile test would not breach the UN resolution. Moscow, which is fighting alongside Tehran`s forces in Syria, said the demand for emergency talks at the Security Council was aimed at "heating up the situation". "Such actions, if they took place, do not breach the resolution," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency. The Security Council requested a report on the missile launch from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and from a committee set up after the council endorsed the Iran nuclear deal, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said. That report would then allow the council to determine whether the resolution has been violated and whether it should consider re-imposing sanctions. The UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which includes terms of the nuclear accord, was adopted in July 2015. It states that Iran "is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology". Russia and China have opposed discussion about a return to possible sanctions against Iran, arguing that it would jeopardize the hard-fought nuclear deal. Trump has sharply criticized the deal between Tehran and world powers, which led to a lifting of international sanctions against Iran, and has vowed to strengthen ties with Israel, which opposes the agreement. (AFP)

Iran's missile test 'absolutely unacceptable', says newly appointed US envoy to United Nations

In a strong message, the new US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, today said her country will show its &quot;strength&quot; at the world body and act accordingly against opponents.

&quot;We will have the backs of our allies...And those who do not have our back, we&#39;re taking names,&quot; Haley, who arrived here to present her credentials to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said in her brief remarks to the press.

South Carolina&#39;s Indian-American former Governor, Haley said it will not be business as usual and &quot;US will show its strength&quot; and voice at the UN.

Haley, accompanied by other senior officials, presented her credentials to Guterres on the first day she took charge as Washington&#39;s envoy to the United Nations.

Haley, 45, was sworn-in as America&#39;s Ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday, scripting history to become the first from the influential Indian-American community to serve on a Cabinet rank position in any US presidential administration.

Haley, a rising Republican star, was approved overwhelmingly by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday with wide bipartisan support, 96-4, to replace Samantha Power.

Once a fierce critic of Trump, Haley in November was selected as the first woman and first minority to serve in the Trump Administration.

She is the daughter of Indian immigrants from Punjab.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

'We will have the backs of our allies...And those who do not have our back, we're taking names,' Haley said

In a strong message, the new US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, today said her country will show its "strength" at the world body and act accordingly against opponents. "We will have the backs of our allies...And those who do not have our back, we're taking names," Haley, who arrived here to present her credentials to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said in her brief remarks to the press. South Carolina's Indian-American former Governor, Haley said it will not be business as usual and "US will show its strength" and voice at the UN. Haley, accompanied by other senior officials, presented her credentials to Guterres on the first day she took charge as Washington's envoy to the United Nations. Haley, 45, was sworn-in as America's Ambassador to the United Nations on Wednesday, scripting history to become the first from the influential Indian-American community to serve on a Cabinet rank position in any US presidential administration. Haley, a rising Republican star, was approved overwhelmingly by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday with wide bipartisan support, 96-4, to replace Samantha Power. Once a fierce critic of Trump, Haley in November was selected as the first woman and first minority to serve in the Trump Administration. She is the daughter of Indian immigrants from Punjab. (PTI)

'US will show its strength at the UN', warns newly-appointed envoy Nikki Haley

The US Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, as US ambassador to the United Nations, delivering new President Donald Trump one of his most potent diplomatic tools.

The nomination of Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, sailed through the Senate by a vote of 96 to four.

The 45-year-old will assume the job at UN headquarters in New York with a clear early task: reassuring nervous governments around the world that Washington will remain engaged in international diplomacy during the era of Trump.

The new US president had just three cabinet members in place prior to the Haley vote: Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who was confirmed and sworn in late Tuesday.

Trump has signaled he would like to slash US funding for United Nations climate change programs, and he opposed a recent UN Security Council resolution critical of Israel that Barack Obama&#39;s administration had declined to veto.

Haley won the backing of Democratic Senator Ben Cardin because, he said, &quot;she does not support efforts to slash American funding to the UN and that she would consistently vocalize US values, including universal human rights, good governance and press and religious freedom.&quot;

She also acknowledged in her hearing testimony that &quot;Crimea is not Russian&quot; and spoke &quot;very strongly&quot; about defending Ukrainian sovereignty, Cardin said, referring to the Kremlin&#39;s annexation of the region in Ukraine.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Haley exhibited great competence as governor during trying times, notably a horrific flood and the racially charged murder of nine parishioners at a historically black church in Charleston.

&quot;The skill set she has for bringing people together, I have seen,&quot; Graham told the chamber.

One can learn the intricacies of foreign policy, he added, &quot;but diplomacy is something you either have or you don&#39;t.&quot;

Former ExxonMobil chief executive Rex Tillerson, Trump&#39;s pick for secretary of state who many observers say is the most important member of the president&#39;s cabinet, has yet to be confirmed.

Tillerson visited the State Department for the first time on Tuesday.

(AFP)

Haley will have the unenviable task of reassuring governments around the world about Trump's interest in international diplomacy

The US Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, as US ambassador to the United Nations, delivering new President Donald Trump one of his most potent diplomatic tools. The nomination of Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, sailed through the Senate by a vote of 96 to four. The 45-year-old will assume the job at UN headquarters in New York with a clear early task: reassuring nervous governments around the world that Washington will remain engaged in international diplomacy during the era of Trump. The new US president had just three cabinet members in place prior to the Haley vote: Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who was confirmed and sworn in late Tuesday. Trump has signaled he would like to slash US funding for United Nations climate change programs, and he opposed a recent UN Security Council resolution critical of Israel that Barack Obama's administration had declined to veto. Haley won the backing of Democratic Senator Ben Cardin because, he said, "she does not support efforts to slash American funding to the UN and that she would consistently vocalize US values, including universal human rights, good governance and press and religious freedom." She also acknowledged in her hearing testimony that "Crimea is not Russian" and spoke "very strongly" about defending Ukrainian sovereignty, Cardin said, referring to the Kremlin's annexation of the region in Ukraine. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Haley exhibited great competence as governor during trying times, notably a horrific flood and the racially charged murder of nine parishioners at a historically black church in Charleston. "The skill set she has for bringing people together, I have seen," Graham told the chamber. One can learn the intricacies of foreign policy, he added, "but diplomacy is something you either have or you don't." Former ExxonMobil chief executive Rex Tillerson, Trump's pick for secretary of state who many observers say is the most important member of the president's cabinet, has yet to be confirmed. Tillerson visited the State Department for the first time on Tuesday. (AFP)

Indian-American Nikki Haley confirmed as US envoy to UN

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has accepted President-elect Donald Trump&#39;s offer to be the US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations, news agency ANI reported today.

While the presidential transition team did not confirm the news, several US media reported the news today.

Haley, 44, thus becomes the first woman and minority to join Trump&#39;s administration and would replace Samantha Power as the next US Ambassador to the UN, the Wall Street Journal reported.

She is also the first ever Indian-American cabinet rank official in any administration if confirmed by the senate.

Reports also suggested that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, a Haley ally, is likely to be Trump&#39;s choice for secretary of state.

Trump has picked Gen (rtd) James Mattis as his Defense Secretary, these reports stated.

Haley met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, PTI reported. &quot;It was a good meeting. We talked about a multiple group of topics and it was nice meeting,&quot; she had told reporters on Monday.

A report in the Post and Courier, a South Carolina newspaper, said, &quot;The move, expected Wednesday, continues the steep political rise of the daughter of Indian immigrants that started six years ago when the Bamberg native was elected as South Carolina&#39;s first female and minority governor.&quot;

&quot;The planned nomination to the cabinet-level post, confirmed by multiple sources with knowledge of the decision, is likely to raise questions about Haley&#39;s qualifications for a major foreign policy role since she has little diplomatic experience as state lawmaker and governor,&quot; the daily added.

The Wall Street said former presidential candidate Ben Carson has been considered for leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, was a vocal critic of the real estate mogul on the campaign trail. She later voted for Trump, lamenting that she was &quot;not a fan&quot; of either candidate, PTI reported.

Born Nimrata &quot;Nikki&quot; Randhawa, Haley is the first minority and female governor of South Carolina, a deeply conservative state with a history of racial strife.

As the youngest governor in the US and only the second Indian-American to serve at the helm of a US state, she has been characterised as a rising star within the Republican Party.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Haley becomes the first woman and minority to join Trump's administration and would replace Samantha Power

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has accepted President-elect Donald Trump's offer to be the US ambassador to the United Nations, news agency ANI reported today. While the presidential transition team did not confirm the news, several US media reported the news today. Haley, 44, thus becomes the first woman and minority to join Trump's administration and would replace Samantha Power as the next US Ambassador to the UN, the Wall Street Journal reported. She is also the first ever Indian-American cabinet rank official in any administration if confirmed by the senate. Reports also suggested that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, a Haley ally, is likely to be Trump's choice for secretary of state. Trump has picked Gen (rtd) James Mattis as his Defense Secretary, these reports stated. Haley met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, PTI reported. "It was a good meeting. We talked about a multiple group of topics and it was nice meeting," she had told reporters on Monday. A report in the Post and Courier, a South Carolina newspaper, said, "The move, expected Wednesday, continues the steep political rise of the daughter of Indian immigrants that started six years ago when the Bamberg native was elected as South Carolina's first female and minority governor." "The planned nomination to the cabinet-level post, confirmed by multiple sources with knowledge of the decision, is likely to raise questions about Haley's qualifications for a major foreign policy role since she has little diplomatic experience as state lawmaker and governor," the daily added. The Wall Street said former presidential candidate Ben Carson has been considered for leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, was a vocal critic of the real estate mogul on the campaign trail. She later voted for Trump, lamenting that she was "not a fan" of either candidate, PTI reported. Born Nimrata "Nikki" Randhawa, Haley is the first minority and female governor of South Carolina, a deeply conservative state with a history of racial strife. As the youngest governor in the US and only the second Indian-American to serve at the helm of a US state, she has been characterised as a rising star within the Republican Party. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Nikki Haley accepts Trump offer to be US ambassador to UN: Reports

Nikki Haley was today named as US ambassador to the United Nations by President-elect Donald Trump, becoming the first Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration, PTI reported.

&quot;Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country,&quot; Trump said

A former critic of Trump, the 44-year-old Haley is the first woman tapped by Trump for a top-level administration post during his transition to the White House.

&quot;She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage,&quot; PTI reported Trump as saying.

The presidential transition team said this would a cabinet-level position in the Trump-Pence administration and&nbsp;would require confirmation by the Senate.

&quot;Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honoured that the President-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country we love as the next Ambassador to the United Nations,&quot; Haley said, commenting on her nomination to the key post.

After working at her family&#39;s business, Haley turned her focus to economic development and has travelled abroad to negotiate with international companies on behalf of South Carolina.

As governor, she has led seven overseas trade missions and successfully attracted jobs and investment through negotiations with foreign companies, PTI reported from the official announcement.

Haley, currently serving the second term as governor, has served as her home state&#39;s first female and first minority governor.

The country&#39;s youngest governor&nbsp;has worked on trade and labour issues although she has little foreign policy experience.

Haley was critical of Trump during the primary campaign and had backed Senator Marco Rubio in the Republican primary. However, before the general elections, she switched her position, saying she would vote for Trump.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Haley becomes the first woman tapped by Trump for a top-level administration post during his transition to the White House

Nikki Haley was today named as US ambassador to the United Nations by President-elect Donald Trump, becoming the first Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in any US administration, PTI reported. "Governor Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country," Trump said A former critic of Trump, the 44-year-old Haley is the first woman tapped by Trump for a top-level administration post during his transition to the White House. "She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage," PTI reported Trump as saying. The presidential transition team said this would a cabinet-level position in the Trump-Pence administration and would require confirmation by the Senate. "Our country faces enormous challenges here at home and internationally, and I am honoured that the President-elect has asked me to join his team and serve the country we love as the next Ambassador to the United Nations," Haley said, commenting on her nomination to the key post. After working at her family's business, Haley turned her focus to economic development and has travelled abroad to negotiate with international companies on behalf of South Carolina. As governor, she has led seven overseas trade missions and successfully attracted jobs and investment through negotiations with foreign companies, PTI reported from the official announcement. Haley, currently serving the second term as governor, has served as her home state's first female and first minority governor. The country's youngest governor has worked on trade and labour issues although she has little foreign policy experience. Haley was critical of Trump during the primary campaign and had backed Senator Marco Rubio in the Republican primary. However, before the general elections, she switched her position, saying she would vote for Trump. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Nikki Haley named US ambassador to United Nations

Born Nimrata &quot;Nikki&quot; Randhawa, Haley is the first minority and female governor of South Carolina, a deeply conservative state with a long history of racial strife.

She is the first Indian-American woman Governor and the second Indian-American governor of any State. Prior to becoming governor, she represented Lexington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011.

A true fiscal conservative and savvy businesswoman, Haley&#39;s leadership drove down South Carolina&#39;s unemployment to a 15 year low by adding more than 82,000 jobs in each of South Carolina&#39;s 46 counties, the transition team said.

Prior to dedicating her life to public service, Haley worked at her family business.

In 1998, Haley was named to the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and named to the board of directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2003. She also became treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2003 and president in 2004.

Haley is a proud graduate of Clemson University where she earned a degree in accounting.

Haley and her husband, Michael, a Captain in the Army National Guard and combat veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan&#39;s Helmand Province, have two children, Rena, 18, and Nalin, 15.

(PTI)

Haley is the first minority and female governor of South Carolina, a deeply conservative state with a long history of racial strife

Born Nimrata "Nikki" Randhawa, Haley is the first minority and female governor of South Carolina, a deeply conservative state with a long history of racial strife. She is the first Indian-American woman Governor and the second Indian-American governor of any State. Prior to becoming governor, she represented Lexington County in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011. A true fiscal conservative and savvy businesswoman, Haley's leadership drove down South Carolina's unemployment to a 15 year low by adding more than 82,000 jobs in each of South Carolina's 46 counties, the transition team said. Prior to dedicating her life to public service, Haley worked at her family business. In 1998, Haley was named to the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and named to the board of directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce in 2003. She also became treasurer of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2003 and president in 2004. Haley is a proud graduate of Clemson University where she earned a degree in accounting. Haley and her husband, Michael, a Captain in the Army National Guard and combat veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand Province, have two children, Rena, 18, and Nalin, 15. (PTI)

Who is Nikki Haley?

Indian-American politician Nikki Haley will meet US President-elect Donald Trump today, the presidential transition team has said amid reports that the two-term Governor of South Carolina is being considered for a Cabinet position, particularly for the high-profile post of secretary of state.

In a conference call with reporters last night, the transition teams spokesman Sean Spicer listed 44-year-old Haley as one of the candidates Trump would be meeting today.

Among others the 70-year-old Trump would be meeting include former secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General Jack Keane, Admiral Mike Rogers and Ken Blackwell.

While some of these meetings are about potential cabinet members, others are about sharing ideas and advice.

Earlier in the day, a close aide of Trump from South Carolina said that Haley was being considered for a cabinet position, including that of the secretary of state.

&quot;It would be like how Mr Trump is bringing fresh eyes to running our government,&quot; South Carolina Lt Governor Henry McMaster told The Post and Courier. The daily did not provide any other details.

McMaster was one of the earliest&nbsp;to&nbsp;endorse&nbsp;Trump during the primaries and has been praised by the president-elect several times in the past.

Haley had endorsed Florida senator Marco Rubio during the primaries and was also critical of Trump in her Republican response to the State of the Union Address by US President Barack Obama in January.

However, before the general elections, Haley came out in support of Trump, saying that she would be voting for the billionaire tycoon from New York.

The Trump transition team has so far not given any indication of who all will be filling various cabinet positions. The president-elect himself has tweeted that only he knows the final list.

McMaster, who started speaking with the Trump team soon after their historic victory told the local South Carolina daily that the first women governor of the State, who is also the first Indian-American woman governor, is being considered for various cabinet position, including the secretary of state.

Neither the office of the South Carolina governor nor the Trump transition team have responded to this report so far.

While the news was welcomed in South Carolina, a political analyst appeared to be skeptical of such a proposal. &quot;Secretary of state is going to be a bit of a stretch for Haley&#39;s area of expertise. Haley has yet to be vetted about foreign policy, trade and protectionism,&quot; said College of Charleston political scientist Kendra Stewart.

Haley is the second Indian-American name being floated for a cabinet position in the Trump administration. Former Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal is also appearing in many short-lists of potential cabinet names.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Trump is considering his trusted military advisor Lt Gen&nbsp;Michael Flynn as his national security advisor, the reports said.

Flynn, 56, was one of the top military leaders to have endorsed Trump and has been his closest military advisor for more than a year now.

&quot;Lieutenant General Michael Flynn has emerged as Donald Trump&#39;s leading candidate for national security adviser, according to people familiar with the president- elect&#39;s transition planning,&quot; National Review reported yesterday.

If selected, he would succeed Susan Rice as the National Security Advisor.

&quot;Like the president-elect, Flynn, a self-described &#39;maverick&#39;&nbsp;and longtime Democrat, shares a penchant for unvarnished straight talk that has earned him praise from some and condemnation from others,&quot; the National Review said.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The two-term Governor of South Carolina will meet Donald Trump today, the presidential transition team said

Indian-American politician Nikki Haley will meet US President-elect Donald Trump today, the presidential transition team has said amid reports that the two-term Governor of South Carolina is being considered for a Cabinet position, particularly for the high-profile post of secretary of state. In a conference call with reporters last night, the transition teams spokesman Sean Spicer listed 44-year-old Haley as one of the candidates Trump would be meeting today. Among others the 70-year-old Trump would be meeting include former secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General Jack Keane, Admiral Mike Rogers and Ken Blackwell. While some of these meetings are about potential cabinet members, others are about sharing ideas and advice. Earlier in the day, a close aide of Trump from South Carolina said that Haley was being considered for a cabinet position, including that of the secretary of state. "It would be like how Mr Trump is bringing fresh eyes to running our government," South Carolina Lt Governor Henry McMaster told The Post and Courier. The daily did not provide any other details. McMaster was one of the earliest to endorse Trump during the primaries and has been praised by the president-elect several times in the past. Haley had endorsed Florida senator Marco Rubio during the primaries and was also critical of Trump in her Republican response to the State of the Union Address by US President Barack Obama in January. However, before the general elections, Haley came out in support of Trump, saying that she would be voting for the billionaire tycoon from New York. The Trump transition team has so far not given any indication of who all will be filling various cabinet positions. The president-elect himself has tweeted that only he knows the final list. McMaster, who started speaking with the Trump team soon after their historic victory told the local South Carolina daily that the first women governor of the State, who is also the first Indian-American woman governor, is being considered for various cabinet position, including the secretary of state. Neither the office of the South Carolina governor nor the Trump transition team have responded to this report so far. While the news was welcomed in South Carolina, a political analyst appeared to be skeptical of such a proposal. "Secretary of state is going to be a bit of a stretch for Haley's area of expertise. Haley has yet to be vetted about foreign policy, trade and protectionism," said College of Charleston political scientist Kendra Stewart. Haley is the second Indian-American name being floated for a cabinet position in the Trump administration. Former Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal is also appearing in many short-lists of potential cabinet names. Meanwhile, Trump is considering his trusted military advisor Lt Gen Michael Flynn as his national security advisor, the reports said. Flynn, 56, was one of the top military leaders to have endorsed Trump and has been his closest military advisor for more than a year now. "Lieutenant General Michael Flynn has emerged as Donald Trump's leading candidate for national security adviser, according to people familiar with the president- elect's transition planning," National Review reported yesterday. If selected, he would succeed Susan Rice as the National Security Advisor. "Like the president-elect, Flynn, a self-described 'maverick' and longtime Democrat, shares a penchant for unvarnished straight talk that has earned him praise from some and condemnation from others," the National Review said. (PTI)

Indian-American governor Nikki Haley considered for secretary of state: Report

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