The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump.

"This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier."

"This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said.

Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela."

US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro.

Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country.

Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied informing the United States it was withdrawing personnel from Venezuela, as stated by US President Donald Trump. "This is apparently an indirect reference to some sources of information in newspapers because there have been no official messages from the Russian side about this and there couldn't have been any," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. He confirmed that Russian military specialists are still in Venezuela "working on servicing equipment supplied earlier." "This process is going according to plan. And what is meant by 'removed their people' we don't know," he said. Trump tweeted Monday during a state visit to Britain that "Russia has informed us that they have removed most of their people from Venezuela." US-Russian tensions have spiked over the months-long standoff in Venezuela, where Washington has thrown its weight behind a campaign to oust the Moscow-backed socialist president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump in March called on Russia to "get out" of Venezuela after Moscow -- in a significant show of solidarity for Maduro's badly isolated government -- deployed around 100 soldiers to the country. Russia's state defence contractor Rostec has played down any changes in deployment, dismissing a report in The Wall Street Journal saying that the overall Russian presence in Venezuela had been reduced from as many as 1,000 personnel to a few dozen.

Russia denies telling US of personnel withdrawal from Venezuela

Iranians in the capital Tehran set fire to effigies of President Donald Trump, while in the Iraqi capital, Iran-backed militiamen marched over a large Israeli flag as part of rallies Friday marking Quds, or Jerusalem Day. The annual protests come as the Trump administration tries to market its long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Protesters in Iran, Iraq burn Israel, US flags on ‘Quds Day’

US President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo for a four-day visit to Japan on Saturday. Under the threat of potentially devastating US tariffs on cars, Japan is rolling out the newest phase of its charm offensive targeting Trump, as it welcomed him on a state visit tailor-made to his whims and ego.

Trump arrives in Japan for four-day visit

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone Tuesday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eases-some-restrictions-on-chinas-huawei-to-keep-networks-operating-220249">US attempts to block his company's global ambitions</a>, saying the US "underestimates" the telecom giant's strength.

Ren spoke to Chinese state media days after President Donald Trump issued orders aimed at thwarting Huawei's business in the United States, capping months of efforts to stop the company's bid to become the world leader in next-generation 5G technology.

"The current practice of US politicians underestimates our strength," Ren said, according to CCTV.

"Huawei's 5G will absolutely not be affected. In terms of 5G technologies, others won't be able to catch up with Huawei in two or three years," he said.

Last week, Trump declared a "national emergency" empowering him to blacklist companies seen as "an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States" -- a move analysts said was clearly aimed at Huawei.

At the same time, the US Commerce Department announced the effective ban on American companies selling or transferring US technology to Huawei.

But the Commerce Department on Monday issued a 90-day reprieve on the ban on the transfer of technology.

Ren shrugged off the move, saying Huawei can make its own chips and "can't be isolated" from the world.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone Tuesday against US attempts to block his company's global ambitions, saying the US "underestimates" the telecom giant's strength.

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone Tuesday against US attempts to block his company's global ambitions, saying the US "underestimates" the telecom giant's strength. Ren spoke to Chinese state media days after President Donald Trump issued orders aimed at thwarting Huawei's business in the United States, capping months of efforts to stop the company's bid to become the world leader in next-generation 5G technology. "The current practice of US politicians underestimates our strength," Ren said, according to CCTV. "Huawei's 5G will absolutely not be affected. In terms of 5G technologies, others won't be able to catch up with Huawei in two or three years," he said. Last week, Trump declared a "national emergency" empowering him to blacklist companies seen as "an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States" -- a move analysts said was clearly aimed at Huawei. At the same time, the US Commerce Department announced the effective ban on American companies selling or transferring US technology to Huawei. But the Commerce Department on Monday issued a 90-day reprieve on the ban on the transfer of technology. Ren shrugged off the move, saying Huawei can make its own chips and "can't be isolated" from the world.

Huawei founder says US underestimates company, 'can't be isolated'

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, as his defense secretary. Watch this video to know more.

Patrick Shanahan to succeed Jim Mattis

President Donald Trump on Friday evening took to Twitter and slammed social media censorship in reaction to Facebook's recent crackdown of conspiracy theorists. Watch full video to know more.

US President Donald Trump slams censorship on social media

President Donald Trump said he briefly discussed special counsel Robert Mueller's report in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, but didn't warn his Russian counterpart to not meddle in the next US election.

Trump-Putin discusses nuclear weapon, Venezuela, North Korea & Mueller Report on phone call

President Donald Trump on Monday publicly recommended Boeing "re-brand" its troubled 737 Max planes after two fatal crashes led to the grounding of the model and widespread criticism against the company.

Donald Trump founds a new solution for Boeing crisis, suggests by a tweet

U.S. President Donald Trump designated Iran's elite force a foreign terrorist organization. Watch this video to know more.

Iran elite force a terror group for U.S

President Donald Trump visits US-Mexico in California

The Democratic head of a powerful <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/congressional-committee-to-investigate-ivanka-trumps-private-email-use-for-work-178467&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiutsKs4LXhAhWb8HMBHV5VDLAQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1x1xCPrH9_fve1yZ8cbc-W">US House committee</a> asked the Internal Revenue Service for six years of President Donald Trump's<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-seeks-to-depose-trump-tax-ethics-attorneys-200116&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjp0pfG4LXhAhWU7nMBHUkECh4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw14Z3EL5Xu-e7spe1oEwshh"> personal and business tax returns</a> on Wednesday, in a long-awaited move widely expected to lead to a long court battle with the White House.

The request, in a letter from Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, is viewed by Democrats in the House of Representatives as a vital first step toward oversight of Trump's income taxes and business network, which some lawmakers believe could be rife with conflicts of interest and potential tax law violations.

"It is critical to ensure the accountability of our government and elected officials. To maintain trust in our democracy, the American people must be assured that their government is operating properly, as laws intend," Neal said in a statement.

IRS and US Treasury officials were not immediately available for comment.

Trump defied decades of precedent as a presidential candidate by refusing to release the tax documents and has continued to keep them under wraps as president, saying his returns were "under audit" by the IRS.

Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen recently testified in Congress that he did not believe the president was being audited but may have used the audit claim to avoid the scrutiny that could lead to an audit and IRS<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taxpayers-face-bitter-surprise-after-trumps-tax-cuts-197279&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiqlprl4LXhAhX98HMBHUXGDvsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Tkt9L9VzMU6n_OXcUVmTy"> tax penalties</a>.

Trump was dismissive of the request but continued to make the audit argument in comments to reporters during a meeting with US military leaders on Wednesday.

"Is that all?" the president asked when told Democrats wanted to see six years of his returns.

"Usually it's 10, so I guess they're giving up," he said. "I've been under audit for many years because the numbers are big and I guess when you have a name, you're audited. But until such time as I'm not under audit, I would not be inclined to do that."

Neal based his request on his committee's oversight jurisdiction of the IRS, specifically its alleged audits of Trump and the extent to which the agency has enforced the tax laws against the president.

OVERSIGHT PRESSURE

Congressional Republicans oppose Neal's effort, saying such a move sets a dangerous precedent by turning the confidential tax documents of a US citizen into a political weapon.

"This particular request is an abuse of the tax-writing committees' statutory authority and violates the intent and safeguards of ... the Internal Revenue Code,” Representative <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/uspresident-donald-trump-says-he-will-propose-new-tax-cuts-prior-to-november-139008&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwig94v54LXhAhUDjuYKHcITBGgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1mdVmhJaOJy4aVnQa16r2u">Kevin Brady</a>, the committee's top Republican, said in a statement.

Independent analysts welcomed the move.

"The Ways and Means Committee's strongest oversight ability is making sure the IRS is operating properly," said Steve Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Centre think tank in Washington.

It was the third time this week a Democratic-led House committee exerted oversight pressure on Trump. Earlier on Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee authorized its chairman to subpoena Special Counsel Robert Mueller's full investigation report on Russia's role in the 2016 US election.

The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed a former White House security chief on Tuesday.

Neal's committee initially planned to request only Trump's personal tax returns. But some Democrats and independent analysts pressed for them to include business returns to better gauge the president's activity in the private sector.

The request includes returns for eight entities: Donald J Trump Revocable Trust, DJT Holdings LLC, DJT Holdings Managing Member LLC, DTTM Operations LLC, DTTM Operations Managing Member Corp, LFB Acquisition Member Corp, LFB Acquisition LLC and Trump National Golf Club.

A Democratic aide said the committee selected a manageable number of business entities that provide a vital window on Trump's business activity.

Although Trump has never released his returns, the New York Times last year cited a "vast trove" of returns and financial records saying it showed he engaged in tax schemes including cases of fraud in which he and his siblings helped their parents dodge millions of dollars in taxes. The White House called the report misleading.

The Democratic head of a powerful US House committee asked the Internal Revenue Service for six years of President Donald Trump's personal and business tax returns on Wednesday, in a long-awaited move widely expected to lead to a long court battle with the White House.

The Democratic head of a powerful US House committee asked the Internal Revenue Service for six years of President Donald Trump's personal and business tax returns on Wednesday, in a long-awaited move widely expected to lead to a long court battle with the White House. The request, in a letter from Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, is viewed by Democrats in the House of Representatives as a vital first step toward oversight of Trump's income taxes and business network, which some lawmakers believe could be rife with conflicts of interest and potential tax law violations. "It is critical to ensure the accountability of our government and elected officials. To maintain trust in our democracy, the American people must be assured that their government is operating properly, as laws intend," Neal said in a statement. IRS and US Treasury officials were not immediately available for comment. Trump defied decades of precedent as a presidential candidate by refusing to release the tax documents and has continued to keep them under wraps as president, saying his returns were "under audit" by the IRS. Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen recently testified in Congress that he did not believe the president was being audited but may have used the audit claim to avoid the scrutiny that could lead to an audit and IRS tax penalties. Trump was dismissive of the request but continued to make the audit argument in comments to reporters during a meeting with US military leaders on Wednesday. "Is that all?" the president asked when told Democrats wanted to see six years of his returns. "Usually it's 10, so I guess they're giving up," he said. "I've been under audit for many years because the numbers are big and I guess when you have a name, you're audited. But until such time as I'm not under audit, I would not be inclined to do that." Neal based his request on his committee's oversight jurisdiction of the IRS, specifically its alleged audits of Trump and the extent to which the agency has enforced the tax laws against the president. OVERSIGHT PRESSURE Congressional Republicans oppose Neal's effort, saying such a move sets a dangerous precedent by turning the confidential tax documents of a US citizen into a political weapon. "This particular request is an abuse of the tax-writing committees' statutory authority and violates the intent and safeguards of ... the Internal Revenue Code,” Representative Kevin Brady, the committee's top Republican, said in a statement. Independent analysts welcomed the move. "The Ways and Means Committee's strongest oversight ability is making sure the IRS is operating properly," said Steve Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Tax Policy Centre think tank in Washington. It was the third time this week a Democratic-led House committee exerted oversight pressure on Trump. Earlier on Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee authorized its chairman to subpoena Special Counsel Robert Mueller's full investigation report on Russia's role in the 2016 US election. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed a former White House security chief on Tuesday. Neal's committee initially planned to request only Trump's personal tax returns. But some Democrats and independent analysts pressed for them to include business returns to better gauge the president's activity in the private sector. The request includes returns for eight entities: Donald J Trump Revocable Trust, DJT Holdings LLC, DJT Holdings Managing Member LLC, DTTM Operations LLC, DTTM Operations Managing Member Corp, LFB Acquisition Member Corp, LFB Acquisition LLC and Trump National Golf Club. A Democratic aide said the committee selected a manageable number of business entities that provide a vital window on Trump's business activity. Although Trump has never released his returns, the New York Times last year cited a "vast trove" of returns and financial records saying it showed he engaged in tax schemes including cases of fraud in which he and his siblings helped their parents dodge millions of dollars in taxes. The White House called the report misleading.

US House committee seeks Trump tax returns from IRS

President <a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&amp;ai=DChcSEwjr9vfW1bXhAhXFHCsKHdTOAysYABAAGgJzZg&amp;sig=AOD64_3iM9q50Huq9d4W92Y2X1Yd4qT8YQ&amp;adurl=&amp;q=&amp;nb=0&amp;res_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DTrade%2Btalks%2Bbetween%2Bthe%2BUnited%2BStates%2Band%2BChina%2B&amp;rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2F&amp;nm=12&amp;nx=430&amp;ny=13&amp;is=1202x105&amp;clkt=20&amp;bg=!EhGlEQlEFGBdG9h9VrwCAAAALFIAAAARmQFtJ1BE-hTq7AQejpu8uUOsXzV7EqbgOGioj0lzBrI21i0JSvzA9hyaSxnaY9-DDlocsOM4BuVuJPYAvEml0LFGXwetJNMi5XMlZIaxLMJFx_feByFvCOFrZZxua_svpJYUDYehCRhO3WtVP_nHdw3LmlAwhk0XkRsCCMJAAzxkdsJUOvHJoQhm6kRGGZRbpSdhVNdy_O2zZdUKbo7fPWt5HYmrQSAKL5CTcp9ssCwSvhZtLEBojgmCjPrNG-cksEhHwopEnSWZ3444FvgJ6SoUobCqI2R17uJ9BgSYuTt_V06VkDxwM57mIipvL-NEd5mbjk83VpQ90j50wkMxo6velR_854KMAXbELPgrlnudETNBZj0MBVrdA_lIRPqm0MSnRnPMSz3uy4aRUHbOQfjmpkPGnzkEMQJwPNJtoY_pYUR9qw5bxpw32zaNRtCuYGI_oAAwAG2GKRjLT3jsk7ahju-rm8LJIj7X6MdiYTo">Donald Trump</a> is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-china-open-trade-talks-in-beijing-197284&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiw1Lfj1bXhAhU26XMBHZs2DRkQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2obpWY6kbNmqwi0SyUEZzI">Liu He</a> on Thursday, officials said, signalling that a deal to end a<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-team-has-no-plan-to-go-to-china-for-trade-talks-official-202115&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjByt_w1bXhAhUzg-YKHTdPAMUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3AdFL3cS9Uk-sOMu8jIh7t"> tariff battle </a>between the two countries may be close.

Trump will meet Liu, who is also China's top trade negotiator, in the afternoon at the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/white-houses-kudlow-says-us-china-talks-making-progress-could-extend-207811&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMwoaR1rXhAhWB_XMBHW_SDlQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Cl3Dj3QFPadw60YxYvAcC"> White House</a>, according to an official scheduling note from the president's office.

US and Chinese negotiators are working to find a binding agreement to address Trump's complaints about years of unfair treatment of US companies by China, which would allow a rollback of the tariffs hitting businesses in both countries.

US officials say that China has been using unfair trade practices for years by heavily subsidizing its companies while snatching the technological know-how of American firms.

On March 29, Trump said that negotiations to end the bruising tariffs battle with Beijing were going "very well," but reiterated that he will only accept a "great deal."

Trump said that US and Chinese negotiators were close to a deal, but US officials, however, played down expectations of an imminent agreement.

The research "provides evidence that healthy cells in mammals can also efficiently repopulate adult tissues, replacing unfit or damaged cells," wrote professors Ganna Bilousova and James DeGregori.

And they said the research offered "proof-of-principle" that the two chemical compounds could combat ageing.

"Future studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of cell competition in other tissues, and to identify compounds capable of reversing ageing in other organs," they said.

Nishimura told AFP that the work could eventually lead to products like creams or tablets that could stop skin deterioration and promote repair.

"We are going to collaborate with the pharmaceutical or cosmetic companies for the clinical use of the chemicals," she said.

She said additional research would investigate whether the same process might also be at work in other parts of the body that have so-called epithelial cells as skin does.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Thursday, officials said, signalling that a deal to end a tariff battle between the two countries may be close.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Thursday, officials said, signalling that a deal to end a tariff battle between the two countries may be close. Trump will meet Liu, who is also China's top trade negotiator, in the afternoon at the White House, according to an official scheduling note from the president's office. US and Chinese negotiators are working to find a binding agreement to address Trump's complaints about years of unfair treatment of US companies by China, which would allow a rollback of the tariffs hitting businesses in both countries. US officials say that China has been using unfair trade practices for years by heavily subsidizing its companies while snatching the technological know-how of American firms. On March 29, Trump said that negotiations to end the bruising tariffs battle with Beijing were going "very well," but reiterated that he will only accept a "great deal." Trump said that US and Chinese negotiators were close to a deal, but US officials, however, played down expectations of an imminent agreement. The research "provides evidence that healthy cells in mammals can also efficiently repopulate adult tissues, replacing unfit or damaged cells," wrote professors Ganna Bilousova and James DeGregori. And they said the research offered "proof-of-principle" that the two chemical compounds could combat ageing. "Future studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of cell competition in other tissues, and to identify compounds capable of reversing ageing in other organs," they said. Nishimura told AFP that the work could eventually lead to products like creams or tablets that could stop skin deterioration and promote repair. "We are going to collaborate with the pharmaceutical or cosmetic companies for the clinical use of the chemicals," she said. She said additional research would investigate whether the same process might also be at work in other parts of the body that have so-called epithelial cells as skin does.

Trump to meet China's top trade negotiator in White House

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-sign-shutdown-bill-but-will-also-issue-emergency-declaration-senator-mcconnell-197500">President Donald Trump</a> is technically obese and has put on weight since last year, but his official doctor declared him Thursday to be in "very good health."

The presidential physician, Sean Conley, said Trump, 72, passed his medical exam last week with flying colours.

"It is my determination that the president remains in very good health overall," he said in a brief statement.

Trump, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighs 243 pounds (110 kg), the report said.

This is a little bulkier than the 239 pounds recorded last year, which was already considered too much. The resting heart rate has gone up too, at 70 beats a minute, compared to 68 beats last year.

Doctor Theodore Strange, associate chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, said after reviewing the findings that Trump is technically obese.

The results "show a 72-year-old male who meets criteria for obesity with a BMI (body mass index) of 30," Strange said.

That contributes to the fact that "his cardiac risk scores are higher than normal," Strange said in a statement. However, the president is "in good health despite being mildly obese."

Trump has a history of high cholesterol and this year the dosage of his anti-cholesterol medicine Rosuvastatin was raised from a low 10mg a day to 40mg, Conley said.

"There were no findings of significance or changes to report on his physical exam, including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth/gums, heart, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal, and neurologic systems," Conley's medical summary said.

Trump may have an unhealthy lifestyle and a stressful job, but on the plus side he doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer.

Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events. A slightly more active pastime is his beloved golf.

President Donald Trump is technically obese and has put on weight since last year, but his official doctor declared him Thursday to be in "very good health." The presidential physician, Sean Conley, said Trump, 72, passed his medical exam last week with flying colours.

President Donald Trump is technically obese and has put on weight since last year, but his official doctor declared him Thursday to be in "very good health." The presidential physician, Sean Conley, said Trump, 72, passed his medical exam last week with flying colours. "It is my determination that the president remains in very good health overall," he said in a brief statement. Trump, who has confounded health experts with his penchant for junk food and avoidance of strenuous exercise, weighs 243 pounds (110 kg), the report said. This is a little bulkier than the 239 pounds recorded last year, which was already considered too much. The resting heart rate has gone up too, at 70 beats a minute, compared to 68 beats last year. Doctor Theodore Strange, associate chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, said after reviewing the findings that Trump is technically obese. The results "show a 72-year-old male who meets criteria for obesity with a BMI (body mass index) of 30," Strange said. That contributes to the fact that "his cardiac risk scores are higher than normal," Strange said in a statement. However, the president is "in good health despite being mildly obese." Trump has a history of high cholesterol and this year the dosage of his anti-cholesterol medicine Rosuvastatin was raised from a low 10mg a day to 40mg, Conley said. "There were no findings of significance or changes to report on his physical exam, including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth/gums, heart, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal, and neurologic systems," Conley's medical summary said. Trump may have an unhealthy lifestyle and a stressful job, but on the plus side he doesn't smoke and is a noted teetotaler. He says he's never even had a beer. Trump has described his chief exercise as walking around the White House compound and standing up at public events. A slightly more active pastime is his beloved golf.

Trump puts on weight, but in 'very good health:' Doctor

&nbsp;The United States is likely just weeks away from starting the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-backed-syrian-fighters-close-in-on-last-islamic-state-held-area-in-eastern-syria-196469">withdrawal of ground troops from Syria</a> ordered by President Donald Trump, the top US commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East said on Sunday.

US Army General Joseph Votel, head of the US Central Command, cautioned that the exact timing would depend on the situation in Syria, where US-backed fighters have launched a final assault against Islamic State enclaves near the Iraqi border.

The US military has already started withdrawing equipment from Syria. Asked whether the withdrawal of America's more than 2,000 troops would begin in days or weeks, Votel said: "Probably weeks. But again, it will all be driven by the situation on the ground."

"In terms of the withdrawal ... I think we're right on track with where we wanted to be," Votel told reporters travelling with him during a trip to the Middle East.

"Moving people is easier than moving equipment and so what we're trying to do right now is again (to) kind of clear out those materials, that equipment, that we do not need."

Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was withdrawing American troops from Syria helped trigger the resignation of his defence secretary, Jim Mattis, and sent US&nbsp;military officials scrambling to construct a withdrawal plan that preserves as many gains as possible.

Hundreds of additional troops have been sent to Syria to facilitate the withdrawal.

US officials have long estimated that the Syria pullout could take until sometime in March or April to execute fully, but have been reluctant to set an exact timeline given hard-to-predict battlefield conditions.

Votel did not speculate about when the drawdown would be completed.

IRAQ TROOPS STEADY

One big question has been whether some US forces in Syria might move to neighbour Iraq, where the United States has more than 5,000 troops helping Baghdad fight Islamic State and prevent the group's resurgence.

Votel said he did not believe the United States would broadly increase overall troop numbers in Iraq. He did leave open the possibility of changing the composition of forces to help the United States keep pressure on the militant group.

Referring to future US troop levels in Iraq, Votel said: "I think it's going to remain more or less steady."

"This isn't just wholesale -- 'Everybody in Syria move over to Iraq.' That doesn't make sense," Votel said.

Votel is one of many current and former US officials who have warned of the risk of a resurgence by Islamic State unless the United States and its allies can keep pressure on the group following the US withdrawal. They say Islamic State still has enough leaders, fighters, facilitators and financial resources to fuel a menacing insurgency.

But a clear US plan on how to keep up the pressure has yet to be articulated. It is also unclear whether the United States will be able to satisfy the security concerns in Syria of its NATO ally Turkey without sacrificing the interests of US-backed Kurdish fighters there.

Ankara sees the Kurdish militia as terrorists.

Washington views the Kurdish militia as loyal partners in the fight against Islamic State, whose help will likely continue to be needed to prevent the group's resurgence.

The Pentagon's own internal watchdog released a report last week warning about the risks still posed by Islamic State. It cautioned that absent sustained pressure, the group would likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months and retake some limited territory.

A UN report seen by Reuters last week estimated there are up to 18,000 Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, including up to 3,000 foreign fighters. It warned the group was interested in attacking aviation and using chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials.

The United States is likely just weeks away from starting the withdrawal of ground troops from Syria ordered by President Donald Trump, the top US commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East said on Sunday.

The United States is likely just weeks away from starting the withdrawal of ground troops from Syria ordered by President Donald Trump, the top US commander overseeing American forces in the Middle East said on Sunday. US Army General Joseph Votel, head of the US Central Command, cautioned that the exact timing would depend on the situation in Syria, where US-backed fighters have launched a final assault against Islamic State enclaves near the Iraqi border. The US military has already started withdrawing equipment from Syria. Asked whether the withdrawal of America's more than 2,000 troops would begin in days or weeks, Votel said: "Probably weeks. But again, it will all be driven by the situation on the ground." "In terms of the withdrawal ... I think we're right on track with where we wanted to be," Votel told reporters travelling with him during a trip to the Middle East. "Moving people is easier than moving equipment and so what we're trying to do right now is again (to) kind of clear out those materials, that equipment, that we do not need." Trump's surprise announcement in December that he was withdrawing American troops from Syria helped trigger the resignation of his defence secretary, Jim Mattis, and sent US military officials scrambling to construct a withdrawal plan that preserves as many gains as possible. Hundreds of additional troops have been sent to Syria to facilitate the withdrawal. US officials have long estimated that the Syria pullout could take until sometime in March or April to execute fully, but have been reluctant to set an exact timeline given hard-to-predict battlefield conditions. Votel did not speculate about when the drawdown would be completed. IRAQ TROOPS STEADY One big question has been whether some US forces in Syria might move to neighbour Iraq, where the United States has more than 5,000 troops helping Baghdad fight Islamic State and prevent the group's resurgence. Votel said he did not believe the United States would broadly increase overall troop numbers in Iraq. He did leave open the possibility of changing the composition of forces to help the United States keep pressure on the militant group. Referring to future US troop levels in Iraq, Votel said: "I think it's going to remain more or less steady." "This isn't just wholesale -- 'Everybody in Syria move over to Iraq.' That doesn't make sense," Votel said. Votel is one of many current and former US officials who have warned of the risk of a resurgence by Islamic State unless the United States and its allies can keep pressure on the group following the US withdrawal. They say Islamic State still has enough leaders, fighters, facilitators and financial resources to fuel a menacing insurgency. But a clear US plan on how to keep up the pressure has yet to be articulated. It is also unclear whether the United States will be able to satisfy the security concerns in Syria of its NATO ally Turkey without sacrificing the interests of US-backed Kurdish fighters there. Ankara sees the Kurdish militia as terrorists. Washington views the Kurdish militia as loyal partners in the fight against Islamic State, whose help will likely continue to be needed to prevent the group's resurgence. The Pentagon's own internal watchdog released a report last week warning about the risks still posed by Islamic State. It cautioned that absent sustained pressure, the group would likely resurge in Syria within six to 12 months and retake some limited territory. A UN report seen by Reuters last week estimated there are up to 18,000 Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, including up to 3,000 foreign fighters. It warned the group was interested in attacking aviation and using chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials.

Withdrawal of US forces in Syria likely to start in 'weeks': US army general

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign.

The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party’s progressive wing, will make her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign.

She is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending the weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in Minnesota.

Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny last week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s.

She has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership.

In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate large banks.

"The part of Elizabeth Warren’s history that we should be most worried about right now is the fact that Republicans are trying to dismantle her signature achievement, the CFPB," said Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive.

Warren and the other women running, including Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US House of Representatives in November's congressional elections.

"I like her anger," said Christiane Alsop, who has donated to Warren's previous campaigns and is backing her presidential bid. "I like her fighting spirit."

Warren heads next to Iowa, where US Senator Cory Booker and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who also is running, campaigned on Friday.

"I am running for president right now because I believe Americans have surrendered to cynicism," Booker said at an event in Waterloo, Iowa. “I want to see a revival of civic grace."

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign. The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party’s progressive wing, will make her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign. She is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending the weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in Minnesota. Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny last week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s. She has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership. In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate large banks. "The part of Elizabeth Warren’s history that we should be most worried about right now is the fact that Republicans are trying to dismantle her signature achievement, the CFPB," said Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive. Warren and the other women running, including Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US House of Representatives in November's congressional elections. "I like her anger," said Christiane Alsop, who has donated to Warren's previous campaigns and is backing her presidential bid. "I like her fighting spirit." Warren heads next to Iowa, where US Senator Cory Booker and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who also is running, campaigned on Friday. "I am running for president right now because I believe Americans have surrendered to cynicism," Booker said at an event in Waterloo, Iowa. “I want to see a revival of civic grace."

US Senator Warren seeks to quiet critics with 2020 campaign launch

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-stain-the-presidency-with-blood-venezuelas-maduro-to-trump-194921">President Nicolas Maduro</a>.

The fund would receive income accrued by state-run oil firm PDVSA's US unit Citgo Petroleum Corp since last month when US President Donald Trump recognised Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters.

Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, last month declared himself to be the South American country's interim ruler.

White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the United States would consider lifting sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they recognise Guaido as interim leader. "If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton wrote on Twitter.

Aside from one senior general, who recognised Guaido in a video and urged others in the military to do the same, most of Venezuela's top military officers have not defected from Maduro.

Citgo, the eighth-largest US refiner and Venezuela's top foreign asset, is in the middle of a tug of war as the United States has made aggressive moves to remove it from Maduro's control and imposed sanctions on OPEC-member Venezuela's oil industry.

"This is already quite advanced, I hope that next week it can be announced by our representative in the United States," Paparoni said, though he did not give details about the nature of the US-based fund or the financial institution involved.

Pressure is building on Maduro, a socialist, to resign amid an economic crisis marked by widespread shortages and hyperinflation. Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote critics have called a sham.

Yon Goicoechea, a member of Guaido's policy team, told Reuters that Guaido was in contact with PDVSA's international partners and they were willing to keep operating in Venezuela. He did not identify the partners.

Guaido's team is planning for a post-Maduro government with an emergency arrangement to supply fuel domestically, given widespread shortages across Venezuela, Goicoechea said.

Most Latin American and European countries also recognise Guaido, although Italy so far has not. Guaido has reached out to Italy's ruling coalition seeking its support.

Maduro, who retains control over the state, denounces Guaido as a US puppet who is seeking to foment a coup against him. He is supported by China and Russia, while Slovakia on Wednesday joined Italy in defying the coordinated action of European Union nations and the United States.

GOLD SALES

The opposition has also sought to prevent the government from selling gold, believing that it is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as the sanctions cut off other revenue streams.

But Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, Paparoni told a news conference. Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, and a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes, Paparoni said.

"We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold," Paparoni said.

Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank's vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data.

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Noor Capital said it "does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions."

In recent days, at least five tankers carrying gasoline, gas oil for power generation and naphtha have been ordered to unload at Venezuela's ports as fuel inventories dwindle. PDVSA issued court orders for most of the tankers to discharge, according to shipping and PDVSA sources.

Guaido asked Italy's ruling coalition leaders in a letter to meet with his representatives as he seeks their explicit backing. Italy's hard-right League has expressed strong support for Guaido, but coalition partner the 5-Star Movement has not, making Italy the only major European Union nation not to recognise him as Venezuela's interim head of state.

League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini's office on Wednesday said he would meet Guaido's envoys on February 11.

As the world's countries line up to support either Maduro or Guaido, the United Nations warned against using aid as a pawn. The United States has sent food and medicine to Venezuela's border, even though it is unclear how it will get past the objections of Maduro.

"Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has doubled its budget in Venezuela in recent weeks and is also helping Venezuelan migrants in neighbouring Colombia and Brazil, ICRC President Peter Maurer said in Geneva. 
&nbsp;

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday said it would use a US-based fund to receive some of the country's oil income in a key step to bankroll its efforts to dislodge President Nicolas Maduro. The fund would receive income accrued by state-run oil firm PDVSA's US unit Citgo Petroleum Corp since last month when US President Donald Trump recognised Juan Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state, opposition legislator Carlos Paparoni told Reuters. Guaido, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, last month declared himself to be the South American country's interim ruler. White House national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the United States would consider lifting sanctions on senior Venezuelan military officers if they recognise Guaido as interim leader. "If not, the international financial circle will be closed off completely," Bolton wrote on Twitter. Aside from one senior general, who recognised Guaido in a video and urged others in the military to do the same, most of Venezuela's top military officers have not defected from Maduro. Citgo, the eighth-largest US refiner and Venezuela's top foreign asset, is in the middle of a tug of war as the United States has made aggressive moves to remove it from Maduro's control and imposed sanctions on OPEC-member Venezuela's oil industry. "This is already quite advanced, I hope that next week it can be announced by our representative in the United States," Paparoni said, though he did not give details about the nature of the US-based fund or the financial institution involved. Pressure is building on Maduro, a socialist, to resign amid an economic crisis marked by widespread shortages and hyperinflation. Maduro was re-elected last year in a vote critics have called a sham. Yon Goicoechea, a member of Guaido's policy team, told Reuters that Guaido was in contact with PDVSA's international partners and they were willing to keep operating in Venezuela. He did not identify the partners. Guaido's team is planning for a post-Maduro government with an emergency arrangement to supply fuel domestically, given widespread shortages across Venezuela, Goicoechea said. Most Latin American and European countries also recognise Guaido, although Italy so far has not. Guaido has reached out to Italy's ruling coalition seeking its support. Maduro, who retains control over the state, denounces Guaido as a US puppet who is seeking to foment a coup against him. He is supported by China and Russia, while Slovakia on Wednesday joined Italy in defying the coordinated action of European Union nations and the United States. GOLD SALES The opposition has also sought to prevent the government from selling gold, believing that it is using the proceeds to try to stay solvent as the sanctions cut off other revenue streams. But Maduro's government last year sold 73 tonnes of gold to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates without the required approval of the opposition-led National Assembly, Paparoni told a news conference. Abu Dhabi investment firm Noor Capital bought the largest amount, 27.3 tonnes of gold, and a Turkish firm bought 23.9 tonnes, Paparoni said. "We will keep working so that not one more gram of gold can be sold," Paparoni said. Venezuela had gold reserves of 132 tonnes between the central bank's vaults and the Bank of England at the end of November, according to central bank data. Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Noor Capital said it "does not engage in any illegal or prohibited transactions." In recent days, at least five tankers carrying gasoline, gas oil for power generation and naphtha have been ordered to unload at Venezuela's ports as fuel inventories dwindle. PDVSA issued court orders for most of the tankers to discharge, according to shipping and PDVSA sources. Guaido asked Italy's ruling coalition leaders in a letter to meet with his representatives as he seeks their explicit backing. Italy's hard-right League has expressed strong support for Guaido, but coalition partner the 5-Star Movement has not, making Italy the only major European Union nation not to recognise him as Venezuela's interim head of state. League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini's office on Wednesday said he would meet Guaido's envoys on February 11. As the world's countries line up to support either Maduro or Guaido, the United Nations warned against using aid as a pawn. The United States has sent food and medicine to Venezuela's border, even though it is unclear how it will get past the objections of Maduro. "Humanitarian action needs to be independent of political, military or other objectives," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. The International Committee of the Red Cross has doubled its budget in Venezuela in recent weeks and is also helping Venezuelan migrants in neighbouring Colombia and Brazil, ICRC President Peter Maurer said in Geneva.

Venezuela opposition plans to get oil money from US-based fund

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/a-nuclear-treaty-between-russia-and-the-us-is-falling-apart-can-it-be-saved-195585">Russia</a> would be prepared to consider new proposals from the United States to replace a suspended Cold War-era nuclear pact with a broader treaty that includes more countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday.

Russia suspended the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty at the weekend after Washington announced it would withdraw in six months unless Russia ends what it says are violations of the pact, allegations rejected by Moscow.

The 1987 treaty eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers but leaves other countries free to produce and deploy them.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said last week he would like to hold talks aimed at creating a new arms control treaty.

"We, of course, saw the reference in president Trump's statement to the possibility of a new treaty that could be signed in a beautiful room and that this treaty should also include other countries as its participants," Ryabkov said.

"We look forward to this proposal being made concrete and put on paper or by other means..." Ryabkov said at a news conference in Moscow.

Ryabkov said the United States had not sent Moscow any concrete proposals for a new pact.

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Russia would be prepared to consider new proposals from the United States to replace a suspended Cold War-era nuclear pact with a broader treaty that includes more countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday.

Russia would be prepared to consider new proposals from the United States to replace a suspended Cold War-era nuclear pact with a broader treaty that includes more countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday. Russia suspended the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty at the weekend after Washington announced it would withdraw in six months unless Russia ends what it says are violations of the pact, allegations rejected by Moscow. The 1987 treaty eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers but leaves other countries free to produce and deploy them. US President Donald Trump said last week he would like to hold talks aimed at creating a new arms control treaty. "We, of course, saw the reference in president Trump's statement to the possibility of a new treaty that could be signed in a beautiful room and that this treaty should also include other countries as its participants," Ryabkov said. "We look forward to this proposal being made concrete and put on paper or by other means..." Ryabkov said at a news conference in Moscow. Ryabkov said the United States had not sent Moscow any concrete proposals for a new pact.

Open to US proposals for new nuclear treaty: Russia

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-begin-amid-deep-differences-193945">China-US trade talks</a> ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month.

After the much-anticipated gathering, Donald Trump hailed "tremendous progress" between the world's top two economies but warned the "hard deadline" of March 1 remained in place, after which US tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods will be imposed.

For its part, Beijing said they held "candid, specific and fruitful" discussions and had agreed to increase cooperation on intellectual property — a major source of White House anger with China — and boost imports of US goods.

Trump's top two economic officials will visit Beijing later this month, after which he said he will meet his counterpart Xi Jinping to hammer out the final deal.

While the negotiations ended with no agreement, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "For the markets, which are clearly in 'risk-on' mood, it was a case of no news is good news."

However, an early surge across the region petered out to leave markets mixed.

Tokyo ended 0.1 per cent higher and Hong Kong was marginally lower, while Shanghai jumped 1.3 per cent as traders welcomed news that authorities had relaxed certain rules to make investing easier.

Sydney and Singapore were both flat and Seoul dipped 0.1 per cent, though Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta were all up.

In early trade, London rose 0.3 per cent, while Frankfurt and Paris each added 0.2 per cent.

"The statement certainly signals progress, but at best-limited progress on the core long-term structural issues that separate the two sides," Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University, told Bloomberg News.

"The statement ends with a not-so-veiled threat that China will need to offer more substantive concessions to enable a deal that would take further tariffs off the table."

The tepid movement in markets also comes after an impressive month that saw Hong Kong pile on more than eight per cent and Tokyo more than four per cent, a much-needed bounce after December's hammering.

Next on the agenda is the release of US jobs data later Friday, which comes days after the Federal Reserve fueled a rally by signalling a slowdown in its pace of interest rate hikes this year.

The non-farm payrolls figures will be closely watched for an idea about the state of the world's number-one economy, with the Fed having warned of a global slowdown.

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as China-US trade talks ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month.

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as China-US trade talks ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month. After the much-anticipated gathering, Donald Trump hailed "tremendous progress" between the world's top two economies but warned the "hard deadline" of March 1 remained in place, after which US tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods will be imposed. For its part, Beijing said they held "candid, specific and fruitful" discussions and had agreed to increase cooperation on intellectual property — a major source of White House anger with China — and boost imports of US goods. Trump's top two economic officials will visit Beijing later this month, after which he said he will meet his counterpart Xi Jinping to hammer out the final deal. While the negotiations ended with no agreement, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "For the markets, which are clearly in 'risk-on' mood, it was a case of no news is good news." However, an early surge across the region petered out to leave markets mixed. Tokyo ended 0.1 per cent higher and Hong Kong was marginally lower, while Shanghai jumped 1.3 per cent as traders welcomed news that authorities had relaxed certain rules to make investing easier. Sydney and Singapore were both flat and Seoul dipped 0.1 per cent, though Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta were all up. In early trade, London rose 0.3 per cent, while Frankfurt and Paris each added 0.2 per cent. "The statement certainly signals progress, but at best-limited progress on the core long-term structural issues that separate the two sides," Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University, told Bloomberg News. "The statement ends with a not-so-veiled threat that China will need to offer more substantive concessions to enable a deal that would take further tariffs off the table." The tepid movement in markets also comes after an impressive month that saw Hong Kong pile on more than eight per cent and Tokyo more than four per cent, a much-needed bounce after December's hammering. Next on the agenda is the release of US jobs data later Friday, which comes days after the Federal Reserve fueled a rally by signalling a slowdown in its pace of interest rate hikes this year. The non-farm payrolls figures will be closely watched for an idea about the state of the world's number-one economy, with the Fed having warned of a global slowdown.

Asian markets mixed as China, US agree to further trade talks

The investigation into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-adviser-roger-stone-arrested-on-indictment-by-robert-mueller-report-192764">President Donald Trump's longtime political consultant Roger Stone </a>could broaden from the charges of lying, obstruction and witness-tampering on which he was arrested last week, according to a court filing by Special Counsel Robert Mueller Thursday.

The prosecutor asked the federal court in Washington to give his team and the defence more time to review "terabytes" of evidence, including multiple communications devices and hard drives, email and cloud computing accounts, and bank and financial records going back years.

Investigators already appeared to have sufficient email and witness evidence to press last Friday's indictment of Stone on five counts of lying to Congress over his contacts with WikiLeaks, and one count each of obstruction and witness tampering.

The need to sift through that much more material suggested that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-open-to-talk-with-mueller-in-russia-probe-193312">Mueller</a>, who leads the Russia meddling probe, is casting his net wider in terms of offences and investigation targets.

"Perhaps they want Stone to have this information now because there could be additional charges down the line, or because they think his knowledge that they possess this information could encourage him to flip," said former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti.

Mueller has charged six former aides of Trump, including his lawyer Michael Cohen, campaign chair Paul Manafort, and national security advisor Michael Flynn, in the 20-month-old investigation into whether the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russians.

All have been accused of lying to investigators, and some also of financial and tax-related charges.

But none has yet been charged with any crime involving collusion with Russia, and Mueller has given no indication on whether or not any such charges could be forthcoming.

The Stone case is the closest Mueller has gotten to suggesting there was an illegal conspiracy to collude — yet that was not among the charges.

Stone allegedly lied about contacts with WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy website that published embarrassing documents from Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton that were allegedly hacked by Russian intelligence.

In a news conference Thursday, Stone said his alleged lies were simply memory lapses and were immaterial to the Russia collusion investigation.

"I'm not accused of collaboration, I'm not accused of conspiracy," he said.

"There is no underlying crime."

The investigation into President Donald Trump's longtime political consultant Roger Stone could broaden from the charges of lying, obstruction and witness-tampering on which he was arrested last week, according to a court filing by Special Counsel Robert Mueller Thursday.

The investigation into President Donald Trump's longtime political consultant Roger Stone could broaden from the charges of lying, obstruction and witness-tampering on which he was arrested last week, according to a court filing by Special Counsel Robert Mueller Thursday. The prosecutor asked the federal court in Washington to give his team and the defence more time to review "terabytes" of evidence, including multiple communications devices and hard drives, email and cloud computing accounts, and bank and financial records going back years. Investigators already appeared to have sufficient email and witness evidence to press last Friday's indictment of Stone on five counts of lying to Congress over his contacts with WikiLeaks, and one count each of obstruction and witness tampering. The need to sift through that much more material suggested that Mueller, who leads the Russia meddling probe, is casting his net wider in terms of offences and investigation targets. "Perhaps they want Stone to have this information now because there could be additional charges down the line, or because they think his knowledge that they possess this information could encourage him to flip," said former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti. Mueller has charged six former aides of Trump, including his lawyer Michael Cohen, campaign chair Paul Manafort, and national security advisor Michael Flynn, in the 20-month-old investigation into whether the 2016 Trump campaign colluded with Russians. All have been accused of lying to investigators, and some also of financial and tax-related charges. But none has yet been charged with any crime involving collusion with Russia, and Mueller has given no indication on whether or not any such charges could be forthcoming. The Stone case is the closest Mueller has gotten to suggesting there was an illegal conspiracy to collude — yet that was not among the charges. Stone allegedly lied about contacts with WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy website that published embarrassing documents from Trump's election rival Hillary Clinton that were allegedly hacked by Russian intelligence. In a news conference Thursday, Stone said his alleged lies were simply memory lapses and were immaterial to the Russia collusion investigation. "I'm not accused of collaboration, I'm not accused of conspiracy," he said. "There is no underlying crime."

US-Russia probe filing suggests broader case against Trump ally Roger Stone

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition.

Republican and Democratic senators and representatives said on Wednesday they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

The lawmakers - an alliance of progressive Democrats and Republican constitutional conservatives - deplored the "humanitarian disaster" in Yemen but also said they wanted Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to decide whether the United States should be involved in military conflict.

"That decision has never been debated and discussed and voted on and approved by Congress," Republican Senator Mike Lee, one of the measure's sponsors, told a news conference.

The United States has supported the Saudi-led air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with mid-air refuelling support, intelligence and targeting assistance.

Opponents of the resolution are reluctant to risk disrupting the strategic US relationship with Saudi Arabia, seen as an essential counterweight in the Middle East to Iran, the arch-enemy of close US ally Israel.

The embassy of Yemen in Washington issued a statement opposing the resolution, saying it would "deliver a massive victory to Iran" if Washington were to stop supporting the coalition.

December's Senate vote was the first time either chamber of Congress backed a resolution to withdraw US forces from a military engagement under the War Powers Act. That law, passed in 1973, limits the president's ability to commit US forces to potential hostilities without congressional approval.

The measure never went further in December because the Republicans who then controlled the House of Representatives did not allow a vote in that chamber before the end of the year.

However, the measure's sponsors insisted it had helped lead to a ceasefire in Yemen that began in December. "Sometimes we underestimate how much influence we have," Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said.

Democrats now have a House majority, but Trump's fellow Republicans have increased their edge in the Senate by two seats to hold a 53-47 margin.

It would take a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to overcome a Trump veto. Trump had threatened a veto in December. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he still intended to do so.

"President Trump is going to have to make a decision," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition.

US lawmakers said on Wednesday they expect Congress will pass a resolution ending US involvement in the Yemen war, which would force President Donald Trump to issue the first veto of his presidency in order to continue supporting the Saudi-led coalition. Republican and Democratic senators and representatives said on Wednesday they were re-introducing a war powers resolution that passed the Senate by 56-41 in December, a rebuke of Trump amid anger at Saudi Arabia not just over civilian deaths in Yemen, but also the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. The lawmakers - an alliance of progressive Democrats and Republican constitutional conservatives - deplored the "humanitarian disaster" in Yemen but also said they wanted Congress to reassert its constitutional authority to decide whether the United States should be involved in military conflict. "That decision has never been debated and discussed and voted on and approved by Congress," Republican Senator Mike Lee, one of the measure's sponsors, told a news conference. The United States has supported the Saudi-led air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen with mid-air refuelling support, intelligence and targeting assistance. Opponents of the resolution are reluctant to risk disrupting the strategic US relationship with Saudi Arabia, seen as an essential counterweight in the Middle East to Iran, the arch-enemy of close US ally Israel. The embassy of Yemen in Washington issued a statement opposing the resolution, saying it would "deliver a massive victory to Iran" if Washington were to stop supporting the coalition. December's Senate vote was the first time either chamber of Congress backed a resolution to withdraw US forces from a military engagement under the War Powers Act. That law, passed in 1973, limits the president's ability to commit US forces to potential hostilities without congressional approval. The measure never went further in December because the Republicans who then controlled the House of Representatives did not allow a vote in that chamber before the end of the year. However, the measure's sponsors insisted it had helped lead to a ceasefire in Yemen that began in December. "Sometimes we underestimate how much influence we have," Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said. Democrats now have a House majority, but Trump's fellow Republicans have increased their edge in the Senate by two seats to hold a 53-47 margin. It would take a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to overcome a Trump veto. Trump had threatened a veto in December. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he still intended to do so. "President Trump is going to have to make a decision," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

US lawmakers seek to force Trump decision on Saudi-Yemen war

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/roger-stone-open-to-talk-with-mueller-in-russia-probe-193312">Roger Stone</a>, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

Senator Lindsey Graham said he was concerned about the number of agents involved, tactics employed and the timing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-advisor-stone-indicted-in-mueller-probe-192975">Stone's arrest</a> on Friday in Florida. Graham asked for the briefing to take place no later than February 5.

A video of Stone's arrest broadcast on CNN showed an FBI team taking him away from his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home in the dark just before 6 am and Stone surrendering without any issue.

"Although I am sure these tactics would be standard procedure for the arrest of a violent offender, I have questions regarding their necessity in this case," Graham wrote in the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The top Republican on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Representative Doug Collins, expressed similar concerns in a letter to Wray.

Collins asked Wray for answers by February 13 to a series of questions, including whether Wray was aware of what Collins called the FBI's "immense show of force" during the raid.

"Given the nature of the charges in Stone's indictment, many believe the FBI used an excessive amount of force during his arrest," Collins wrote.

Some law enforcement experts said in the aftermath that when a person has not agreed to give themselves up to authorities voluntarily, such procedures were standard.

Trump, in an interview with the conservative website Daily Caller on Wednesday, said Stone's arrest was a "very, very disappointing scene" and he would "think about" asking the FBI to review its policies.

"When you have 29 people and you have armoured vehicles, and you had all of the other - you know, many people know Roger, and Roger is not a person that they would have to worry about from that standpoint," Trump said.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors accuse Stone, a self-proclaimed "dirty trickster" and longtime Republican operative, of obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating US allegations that Russia meddled in the election and whether members of the campaign of then-Republican candidate Trump coordinated with Moscow officials. So far, the investigation has ensnared 34 people. Moscow denies interference and Trump dismisses the probe as a political witch hunt.

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of Roger Stone, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election.

The Republican chairman of the US Senate judiciary panel on Wednesday requested a briefing from the FBI on the arrest of Roger Stone, a longtime associate of President Donald Trump, in an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US election. Senator Lindsey Graham said he was concerned about the number of agents involved, tactics employed and the timing of Stone's arrest on Friday in Florida. Graham asked for the briefing to take place no later than February 5. A video of Stone's arrest broadcast on CNN showed an FBI team taking him away from his Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home in the dark just before 6 am and Stone surrendering without any issue. "Although I am sure these tactics would be standard procedure for the arrest of a violent offender, I have questions regarding their necessity in this case," Graham wrote in the letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The top Republican on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, Representative Doug Collins, expressed similar concerns in a letter to Wray. Collins asked Wray for answers by February 13 to a series of questions, including whether Wray was aware of what Collins called the FBI's "immense show of force" during the raid. "Given the nature of the charges in Stone's indictment, many believe the FBI used an excessive amount of force during his arrest," Collins wrote. Some law enforcement experts said in the aftermath that when a person has not agreed to give themselves up to authorities voluntarily, such procedures were standard. Trump, in an interview with the conservative website Daily Caller on Wednesday, said Stone's arrest was a "very, very disappointing scene" and he would "think about" asking the FBI to review its policies. "When you have 29 people and you have armoured vehicles, and you had all of the other - you know, many people know Roger, and Roger is not a person that they would have to worry about from that standpoint," Trump said. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors accuse Stone, a self-proclaimed "dirty trickster" and longtime Republican operative, of obstruction, witness tampering, and lying to Congress. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating US allegations that Russia meddled in the election and whether members of the campaign of then-Republican candidate Trump coordinated with Moscow officials. So far, the investigation has ensnared 34 people. Moscow denies interference and Trump dismisses the probe as a political witch hunt.

US Senate judiciary chair requests FBI briefing on arrest of Trump ally

God "wanted" Donald Trump to become President, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has said, in surprising remarks, and claimed that he had done a "tremendous job" in supporting "a lot of the things that people of faith really care about".

"I think God calls all of us to fill different roles at different times and I think that he wanted Donald Trump to become President," Sanders, the White House Press Secretary told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), on Wednesday."That's why he's there and I think he has done a tremendous job in supporting a lot of the things that people of faith really care about," she added.

Sanders took on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the interview and blasted the Democrats for supporting late-term abortion.

"Honestly, it's very hard at this point to even take a lecture from Democrats on what is moral and what isn't," she said in an apparent reference to Pelosi labelling the construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border as an "immorality".

The Press Secretary continued: "People who are willing to allow legislation to pass supporting late-term abortion. The idea that they would take out "So help me God," in the platform that House Democrats have raised this week. But the idea that protecting the people of your country, which is the fundamental duty of being President of the United States would in some way be immoral is a ridiculous charge and something that I think probably, I would think Speaker Pelosi may even regret making that comment because she's seen how ridiculous that sounds and how the evidence is so contrary to that comment."

The impasse between the US Congress and Trump over 5 billion US dollars in funding for the construction of the barrier triggered the longest-ever partial government shutdown in the United States.&nbsp;

800,000 federal workers went without pay for the entirety of the 35-day shutdown — starting from December 22 to January 25 — due to a lack of budget allocation.

"I would argue he's the most conservative President that we've ever had," Sanders also stated."

You look at the judicial nominations alone I think that will be one of the greatest legacies that the president has after his eight years in office is how he has completely remade the judiciary and started to stop this activist court that we've started to see over the last 8 years.&nbsp;

There's a reason evangelicals are sticking with the President, and that's because he's delivered on all the things he said he would do," the Press Secretary remarked.

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court by Trump had sparked major outrage all across the nation, after professor and psychologist, Dr Christine Blassey Ford came forward with allegations of sexual assault against the now Associate Justice of Supreme Court.

Trump, a Republican, came into power as the 45th US President after the 2016 Presidential elections by defeating his Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton. The next round of Presidential elections is scheduled for November 2020.&nbsp;

God "wanted" Donald Trump to become President, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has said, in surprising remarks, and claimed that he had done a "tremendous job" in supporting "a lot of the things that people of faith really care about".

God "wanted" Donald Trump to become President, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has said, in surprising remarks, and claimed that he had done a "tremendous job" in supporting "a lot of the things that people of faith really care about". "I think God calls all of us to fill different roles at different times and I think that he wanted Donald Trump to become President," Sanders, the White House Press Secretary told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), on Wednesday."That's why he's there and I think he has done a tremendous job in supporting a lot of the things that people of faith really care about," she added. Sanders took on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the interview and blasted the Democrats for supporting late-term abortion. "Honestly, it's very hard at this point to even take a lecture from Democrats on what is moral and what isn't," she said in an apparent reference to Pelosi labelling the construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border as an "immorality". The Press Secretary continued: "People who are willing to allow legislation to pass supporting late-term abortion. The idea that they would take out "So help me God," in the platform that House Democrats have raised this week. But the idea that protecting the people of your country, which is the fundamental duty of being President of the United States would in some way be immoral is a ridiculous charge and something that I think probably, I would think Speaker Pelosi may even regret making that comment because she's seen how ridiculous that sounds and how the evidence is so contrary to that comment." The impasse between the US Congress and Trump over 5 billion US dollars in funding for the construction of the barrier triggered the longest-ever partial government shutdown in the United States. 800,000 federal workers went without pay for the entirety of the 35-day shutdown — starting from December 22 to January 25 — due to a lack of budget allocation. "I would argue he's the most conservative President that we've ever had," Sanders also stated." You look at the judicial nominations alone I think that will be one of the greatest legacies that the president has after his eight years in office is how he has completely remade the judiciary and started to stop this activist court that we've started to see over the last 8 years. There's a reason evangelicals are sticking with the President, and that's because he's delivered on all the things he said he would do," the Press Secretary remarked. Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court by Trump had sparked major outrage all across the nation, after professor and psychologist, Dr Christine Blassey Ford came forward with allegations of sexual assault against the now Associate Justice of Supreme Court. Trump, a Republican, came into power as the 45th US President after the 2016 Presidential elections by defeating his Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton. The next round of Presidential elections is scheduled for November 2020.

God wanted Trump to be President, says Sarah Sanders

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-advisor-stone-indicted-in-mueller-probe-192975">Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump </a>and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Arrested at his waterfront home in Florida on Friday in a dawn raid by FBI agents, Stone told reporters he would not "bear false witness against the president."

Stone was charged with lying to Congress about the Trump campaign's efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Asked on ABC's "This Week" if he would cooperate with Mueller, he said, "You know, that's a question I would have to – I have to determine after my attorneys have some discussion."

"I'd also testify honestly about any other matter, including any communications with the president," he said. "It's true that we spoke on the phone, but those communications are political in nature, they're benign, and there is certainly no conspiracy with Russia."

Stone, 66, will be arraigned in federal court in Washington on Tuesday.

Stone's indictment cut deeply into Trump's inner circle and revealed a link between his campaign and WikiLeaks, the online publisher of secret documents, to damage Clinton with material that US intelligence agencies have said was stolen by Russians.

Stone shared with Trump campaign staffers advance knowledge that he had of WikiLeaks' plan to release senior Democrats' emails, Mueller said in court papers.

The special counsel's indictment also said a top Trump campaign official was directed to contact Stone about additional damaging information that WikiLeaks had on Clinton.

Jerome Corsi, a right-wing commentator and conspiracy theorist, said on Friday that he is the "Person 1" cited in the indictment as having communicated with Stone about the stolen emails and WikiLeaks' plan to release them.

He also said the information in the indictment was accurate and that he would testify against Stone. "I will be happy to testify," he told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "And I will let the testimony fall wherever it falls."

'FIGHT FOR MY LIFE' &nbsp;

Stone said the evidence in Mueller's indictment was thin, "so I'm prepared to fight for my life."

US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said, however, that the indictment presented specific allegations of lies and witness intimidation that were unambiguous and provable.

"They are very detailed and I think he's going to need a much better defence than the one you just heard," he told ABC.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio said working with WikiLeaks should be considered a crime because it was tantamount to cooperating with a foreign intelligence agency.

"It should have been clear to people a long time ago that WikiLeaks and others like that could have been tools of foreign intelligence used to divide America," Rubio said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

The Kremlin denies US intelligence agencies’ findings that Russia interfered to sway the 2016 election away from Clinton and toward Trump, who denies any collusion.

Schiff said his panel would give Mueller access to all transcripts of testimony before the committee, including Trump's son Donald Trump Jr, for prosecution purposes. He also pledged to continue congressional probes of any Trump-Russia ties.

"We are determined the public is going to know exactly what Donald Trump did, what his family did, what his campaign did, what the Russians did and what we need to do to protect the country,” Schiff said.

Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. Arrested at his waterfront home in Florida on Friday in a dawn raid by FBI agents, Stone told reporters he would not "bear false witness against the president." Stone was charged with lying to Congress about the Trump campaign's efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Asked on ABC's "This Week" if he would cooperate with Mueller, he said, "You know, that's a question I would have to – I have to determine after my attorneys have some discussion." "I'd also testify honestly about any other matter, including any communications with the president," he said. "It's true that we spoke on the phone, but those communications are political in nature, they're benign, and there is certainly no conspiracy with Russia." Stone, 66, will be arraigned in federal court in Washington on Tuesday. Stone's indictment cut deeply into Trump's inner circle and revealed a link between his campaign and WikiLeaks, the online publisher of secret documents, to damage Clinton with material that US intelligence agencies have said was stolen by Russians. Stone shared with Trump campaign staffers advance knowledge that he had of WikiLeaks' plan to release senior Democrats' emails, Mueller said in court papers. The special counsel's indictment also said a top Trump campaign official was directed to contact Stone about additional damaging information that WikiLeaks had on Clinton. Jerome Corsi, a right-wing commentator and conspiracy theorist, said on Friday that he is the "Person 1" cited in the indictment as having communicated with Stone about the stolen emails and WikiLeaks' plan to release them. He also said the information in the indictment was accurate and that he would testify against Stone. "I will be happy to testify," he told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "And I will let the testimony fall wherever it falls." 'FIGHT FOR MY LIFE' Stone said the evidence in Mueller's indictment was thin, "so I'm prepared to fight for my life." US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said, however, that the indictment presented specific allegations of lies and witness intimidation that were unambiguous and provable. "They are very detailed and I think he's going to need a much better defence than the one you just heard," he told ABC. Republican Senator Marco Rubio said working with WikiLeaks should be considered a crime because it was tantamount to cooperating with a foreign intelligence agency. "It should have been clear to people a long time ago that WikiLeaks and others like that could have been tools of foreign intelligence used to divide America," Rubio said on NBC's "Meet the Press." The Kremlin denies US intelligence agencies’ findings that Russia interfered to sway the 2016 election away from Clinton and toward Trump, who denies any collusion. Schiff said his panel would give Mueller access to all transcripts of testimony before the committee, including Trump's son Donald Trump Jr, for prosecution purposes. He also pledged to continue congressional probes of any Trump-Russia ties. "We are determined the public is going to know exactly what Donald Trump did, what his family did, what his campaign did, what the Russians did and what we need to do to protect the country,” Schiff said.

Roger Stone open to talk with Mueller in Russia probe

US President Donald Trump's administration on Sunday lifted sanctions on the core empire of Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, including aluminium giant Rusal and its parent En+, despite a Democrat-led push to maintain them.

The move, which sent the Russian stock index to an all-time high, has watered down the toughest penalties imposed since Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea, following a lobbying campaign in the United States that lasted almost 10 months.

Hong-Kong listed shares in Rusal, the world's largest aluminium producer outside of China, hit their highest since April on Monday, rising 9 per cent.

Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) dropped as much as 1.4 per cent after the open. The sanctions had sent London aluminium to a seven-year high when they were announced in April last year amid fears of a supply squeeze.

On Monday, the LME said it had lifted its suspension on storing Rusal-produced metal in LME-approved warehouses with immediate effect.

"Members may freely enter into contracts with Rusal and its affiliates," the LME said in a statement.

DISPUTED DECISION

The decision to lift the sanctions, imposed by the US&nbsp;Treasury in response to what it called Russia's "malign activities", defied a Democratic-led push in the US Congress to maintain the restrictions.

Earlier this month, Democrats were joined by 11 of Trump's fellow Republicans in the US Senate in an effort to keep the sanctions on Rusal, En+ Group and power firm JSC EuroSibEnergo.

Advocates for keeping the sanctions had argued that Deripaska, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, retained too much control over the companies.

Some lawmakers, from both parties, also said it was inappropriate to ease the sanctions while Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Moscow, something the US president denies.

But in its statement on Sunday, the US Treasury Department said the three companies had reduced Deripaska's direct and indirect shareholding stake and severed his control.

That action, it said, ensured that most directors on the En+ and Rusal boards would be independent, including Americans and Europeans who had no business, professional or family ties to Deripaska or any other person designated for sanctions.

It added that the companies had agreed to "unprecedented transparency for the Treasury into their operations" including extensive auditing, certification and reporting requirements.

Deripaska himself remains subject to US sanctions.

CHANGES IN RUSAL, En+

After the Treasury announcement, Rusal said its chairman, Jean-Pierre Thomas, had resigned as part of the deal to lift the US sanctions.

Its parent company, En+ Group, also announced the resignation of several of its board members and the appointment of new directors, a move intended to satisfy US Treasury demands that the boards of both Rusal and En+ Group be made up of independent directors.

"The new board of directors will take additional actions ... to demonstrate the board's absolute commitment to transparency, accountability and good corporate governance," En+'s board chairman Greg Barker said in a statement.

These will include the establishment of a separate board committee for compliance and the retention of an independent expert counsel to advise the board, Barker said.

In addition, En+ announced that Swiss company Glencore would swap shares in Rusal for a direct ownership interest in En+.

Trump administration officials and many Republicans who had supported lifting the sanctions had said they were worried about the effect on the global aluminium industry. Rusal is the world's largest aluminium producer after China's Hongqiao.

They also said Deripaska's decision to lower his stakes in the companies so that he no longer controlled them showed that the sanctions had worked.

Moscow has denied seeking to influence the US election. Deripaska had ties with Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager. Manafort pleaded guilty in September 2018 to attempted witness tampering and conspiring against the United States.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Sunday lifted sanctions on the core empire of Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, including aluminium giant Rusal and its parent En+, despite a Democrat-led push to maintain them.

US President Donald Trump's administration on Sunday lifted sanctions on the core empire of Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, including aluminium giant Rusal and its parent En+, despite a Democrat-led push to maintain them. The move, which sent the Russian stock index to an all-time high, has watered down the toughest penalties imposed since Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea, following a lobbying campaign in the United States that lasted almost 10 months. Hong-Kong listed shares in Rusal, the world's largest aluminium producer outside of China, hit their highest since April on Monday, rising 9 per cent. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) dropped as much as 1.4 per cent after the open. The sanctions had sent London aluminium to a seven-year high when they were announced in April last year amid fears of a supply squeeze. On Monday, the LME said it had lifted its suspension on storing Rusal-produced metal in LME-approved warehouses with immediate effect. "Members may freely enter into contracts with Rusal and its affiliates," the LME said in a statement. DISPUTED DECISION The decision to lift the sanctions, imposed by the US Treasury in response to what it called Russia's "malign activities", defied a Democratic-led push in the US Congress to maintain the restrictions. Earlier this month, Democrats were joined by 11 of Trump's fellow Republicans in the US Senate in an effort to keep the sanctions on Rusal, En+ Group and power firm JSC EuroSibEnergo. Advocates for keeping the sanctions had argued that Deripaska, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, retained too much control over the companies. Some lawmakers, from both parties, also said it was inappropriate to ease the sanctions while Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigates whether Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Moscow, something the US president denies. But in its statement on Sunday, the US Treasury Department said the three companies had reduced Deripaska's direct and indirect shareholding stake and severed his control. That action, it said, ensured that most directors on the En+ and Rusal boards would be independent, including Americans and Europeans who had no business, professional or family ties to Deripaska or any other person designated for sanctions. It added that the companies had agreed to "unprecedented transparency for the Treasury into their operations" including extensive auditing, certification and reporting requirements. Deripaska himself remains subject to US sanctions. CHANGES IN RUSAL, En+ After the Treasury announcement, Rusal said its chairman, Jean-Pierre Thomas, had resigned as part of the deal to lift the US sanctions. Its parent company, En+ Group, also announced the resignation of several of its board members and the appointment of new directors, a move intended to satisfy US Treasury demands that the boards of both Rusal and En+ Group be made up of independent directors. "The new board of directors will take additional actions ... to demonstrate the board's absolute commitment to transparency, accountability and good corporate governance," En+'s board chairman Greg Barker said in a statement. These will include the establishment of a separate board committee for compliance and the retention of an independent expert counsel to advise the board, Barker said. In addition, En+ announced that Swiss company Glencore would swap shares in Rusal for a direct ownership interest in En+. Trump administration officials and many Republicans who had supported lifting the sanctions had said they were worried about the effect on the global aluminium industry. Rusal is the world's largest aluminium producer after China's Hongqiao. They also said Deripaska's decision to lower his stakes in the companies so that he no longer controlled them showed that the sanctions had worked. Moscow has denied seeking to influence the US election. Deripaska had ties with Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager. Manafort pleaded guilty in September 2018 to attempted witness tampering and conspiring against the United States.

Rusal shares soar, aluminium falls as US lifts sanctions

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report.

Harris, 54, officially launched her campaign for the US presidential election in 2020 to take on President Donald Trump on Monday, saying she was "honoured" to announce her bid on a day when Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr who sought inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi.

In the 24 hours after Harris made the announcement on ABC's "Good Morning America", 38,000 donors gave $1.5 million to her campaign, the Fox News reported.&nbsp;

"Thanks to you, we surpassed $1.5 million in grassroots contributions in under 24 hours," Harris tweeted.

In fact, within the first 12 hours alone, Harris' campaign registered $1 million in funding, and the average donation was around $37, the report said mentioning the Wall Street Journal.

Harris also raised more than $110,000 from merchandise, which includes a tote bag, a T-shirt featuring her "Kamala Harris for the people" slogan and a hat, according to the Journal.

A vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Harris is the fourth Democrat to join the battle for the party's nomination in the 2020 election.

While it's too early to say on the results of the grilling presidential primary that would conclude with the Democratic National Convention in July 2020, the Indian-American community leaders said Harris - who is of mixed parental heritage from India and the Caribbean - has a fair and clear shot at the White House.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report. Harris, 54, officially launched her campaign for the US presidential election in 2020 to take on President Donald Trump on Monday, saying she was "honoured" to announce her bid on a day when Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr who sought inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. In the 24 hours after Harris made the announcement on ABC's "Good Morning America", 38,000 donors gave $1.5 million to her campaign, the Fox News reported. "Thanks to you, we surpassed $1.5 million in grassroots contributions in under 24 hours," Harris tweeted. In fact, within the first 12 hours alone, Harris' campaign registered $1 million in funding, and the average donation was around $37, the report said mentioning the Wall Street Journal. Harris also raised more than $110,000 from merchandise, which includes a tote bag, a T-shirt featuring her "Kamala Harris for the people" slogan and a hat, according to the Journal. A vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Harris is the fourth Democrat to join the battle for the party's nomination in the 2020 election. While it's too early to say on the results of the grilling presidential primary that would conclude with the Democratic National Convention in July 2020, the Indian-American community leaders said Harris - who is of mixed parental heritage from India and the Caribbean - has a fair and clear shot at the White House.

Kamala Harris raises over $1 million within 24 hours of her presidential bid announcement

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday.

The Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the agency had identified many more children in addition to the 2,737 that were included as part of a class action lawsuit challenging the separations brought by the American Civil Liberties Union last year.

The administration of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rigging-polls-was-at-the-direction-sole-benefit-of-trump-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-191059">President Donald Trump</a> implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy to criminally prosecute and jail all illegal border crossers even those travelling with their children, leading to a wave of separations last year.

But the auditor said in a report that prior to the officially announced policy the government had ramped up separations for other reasons related to a child's safety and well-being, including separating parents with criminal records or lack of proper documents. Those separations were only tracked informally, making it impossible for the auditor to know the exact number.

The policy sparked outrage when it became public, and the backlash led Trump to sign an executive order reversing course on June 20.

But separations have continued since then, the report said. HHS, which runs the Office of Refugee Resettlement that is responsible for the children's care, told the auditor that at least 118 had been separated between July 1 and November 7, 2018.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that 65 of those 118 children were separated because the parents had a criminal history but in some cases the agency did not provide the details of that history.

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report's findings.

The auditor raised concerns that the government is still not adequately counting separation cases.

"It is not yet clear whether recent changes to ORR's systems and processes are sufficient to ensure consistent and accurate data about separated children," the report said.

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday.

The US government may have separated "thousands" more immigrant children from their parents than previously known but inadequate record-keeping means the exact number is still unclear, an internal watchdog said on Wednesday. The Office of Inspector General at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the agency had identified many more children in addition to the 2,737 that were included as part of a class action lawsuit challenging the separations brought by the American Civil Liberties Union last year. The administration of President Donald Trump implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy to criminally prosecute and jail all illegal border crossers even those travelling with their children, leading to a wave of separations last year. But the auditor said in a report that prior to the officially announced policy the government had ramped up separations for other reasons related to a child's safety and well-being, including separating parents with criminal records or lack of proper documents. Those separations were only tracked informally, making it impossible for the auditor to know the exact number. The policy sparked outrage when it became public, and the backlash led Trump to sign an executive order reversing course on June 20. But separations have continued since then, the report said. HHS, which runs the Office of Refugee Resettlement that is responsible for the children's care, told the auditor that at least 118 had been separated between July 1 and November 7, 2018. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that 65 of those 118 children were separated because the parents had a criminal history but in some cases the agency did not provide the details of that history. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report's findings. The auditor raised concerns that the government is still not adequately counting separation cases. "It is not yet clear whether recent changes to ORR's systems and processes are sufficient to ensure consistent and accurate data about separated children," the report said.

US separated 'thousands' more immigrant children: Watchdog

As a partial US&nbsp;government shutdown hit the two-week mark, President Donald Trump and congressional leaders were scheduled on Friday to discuss ways to break an impasse pitting his demand for building a border wall against Democrats' call for alternative security measures.

About 800,000 federal workers have been affected by the Dec. 22 closure of about one-quarter of the federal government as Trump withheld his support for new funding until he secures $5 billion to start building the wall along the US-Mexico border that he promised during his campaign.

Such a wall, he has argued, is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs over the southwestern border. When he ran for president in 2016, he vowed Mexico would pay for the wall, which it has refused to do.

On Thursday, Trump tried to keep the pressure on Democrats, even as they gained significant new power with their takeover of the House of Representatives at the start of a new Congress.

"Build the Wall," the Republican president demanded on Twitter. In remarks to reporters that same day, Trump said: "You can call it a barrier. You can call it whatever you want. But essentially, we need protection in our country."

As Trump dug in, so did opposition Democrats, leaving many to wonder just how much progress might be made during Friday's White House meeting scheduled for 11:30 a.m. (1630 GMT).

"We're not doing a wall," Democrat Nancy Pelosi said late on Thursday, several hours after she was sworn in as the new speaker of the House of Representatives.

"It has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with a wall is an immorality between countries. It's an old way of thinking. It isn't cost effective," Pelosi added.

Late on Thursday, the House passed two Democratic bills to immediately reopen government agencies for varying lengths of time, despite a White House veto threat. Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, labeled the House effort "political theater, not productive lawmaking," even though the Senate last month approved identical legislation.

AGENCIES HOBBLED

Democratic Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, speaking to reporters late on Thursday, argued that funding a border wall, which ultimately could cost more than $24 billion, would hamper other, more important national security protections.

She noted that more federal law enforcement agents were needed to intercept illegal opioids and other "contraband" moving through U.S. ports of entry. She added more money was needed for the Coast Guard to beef up the U.S. presence in the Arctic at a time when Russia and China increasingly were on the prowl for that region's natural resources.

Without a deal to end the partial government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security will not be able to bring some furloughed workers back to their jobs while others continue to be forced to work without paychecks for the time being.

An array of other federal agencies are similarly hobbled, including the Justice Department, Commerce Department and departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior and Treasury.

Visitors to Smithsonian museums, among Washington's most popular tourist attractions, were being turned away during the shutdown, as were visitors to many of the nation's federal parks.

As a partial US government shutdown hit the two-week mark, President Donald Trump and congressional leaders were scheduled on Friday to discuss ways to break an impasse pitting his demand for building a border wall against Democrats' call for alternative security measures.

As a partial US government shutdown hit the two-week mark, President Donald Trump and congressional leaders were scheduled on Friday to discuss ways to break an impasse pitting his demand for building a border wall against Democrats' call for alternative security measures. About 800,000 federal workers have been affected by the Dec. 22 closure of about one-quarter of the federal government as Trump withheld his support for new funding until he secures $5 billion to start building the wall along the US-Mexico border that he promised during his campaign. Such a wall, he has argued, is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs over the southwestern border. When he ran for president in 2016, he vowed Mexico would pay for the wall, which it has refused to do. On Thursday, Trump tried to keep the pressure on Democrats, even as they gained significant new power with their takeover of the House of Representatives at the start of a new Congress. "Build the Wall," the Republican president demanded on Twitter. In remarks to reporters that same day, Trump said: "You can call it a barrier. You can call it whatever you want. But essentially, we need protection in our country." As Trump dug in, so did opposition Democrats, leaving many to wonder just how much progress might be made during Friday's White House meeting scheduled for 11:30 a.m. (1630 GMT). "We're not doing a wall," Democrat Nancy Pelosi said late on Thursday, several hours after she was sworn in as the new speaker of the House of Representatives. "It has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with a wall is an immorality between countries. It's an old way of thinking. It isn't cost effective," Pelosi added. Late on Thursday, the House passed two Democratic bills to immediately reopen government agencies for varying lengths of time, despite a White House veto threat. Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, labeled the House effort "political theater, not productive lawmaking," even though the Senate last month approved identical legislation. AGENCIES HOBBLED Democratic Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard, speaking to reporters late on Thursday, argued that funding a border wall, which ultimately could cost more than $24 billion, would hamper other, more important national security protections. She noted that more federal law enforcement agents were needed to intercept illegal opioids and other "contraband" moving through U.S. ports of entry. She added more money was needed for the Coast Guard to beef up the U.S. presence in the Arctic at a time when Russia and China increasingly were on the prowl for that region's natural resources. Without a deal to end the partial government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security will not be able to bring some furloughed workers back to their jobs while others continue to be forced to work without paychecks for the time being. An array of other federal agencies are similarly hobbled, including the Justice Department, Commerce Department and departments of Agriculture, Labor, Interior and Treasury. Visitors to Smithsonian museums, among Washington's most popular tourist attractions, were being turned away during the shutdown, as were visitors to many of the nation's federal parks.

Trump, Congress leaders set to huddle on border wall, government shutdown

Democrats don't care about border security: President Donald Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/standing-by-saudi-crown-prince-despite-pleas-from-senate-trump-183368">President Donald Trump</a> said on Tuesday he was not concerned that he could be impeached and that hush payment made ahead of the 2016 election by his former personal attorney Michael Cohen to two women did not violate campaign finance laws.

"It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," Trump told Reuters in an Oval Office interview.

"I'm not concerned, no. I think that the people would revolt if that happened," he said.

Federal prosecutors in New York said last week that Trump directed Cohen to make six-figure payments to two women so they would not discuss their alleged affairs with the candidate ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

They said the payments violated laws that stipulate that campaign contributions, defined as things of value given to a campaign to influence an election, must be disclosed, and limited to $2,700 per person.

Democrats said such a campaign law violation would be an impeachable offence, although senior party leaders in Congress have questioned whether it is a serious enough crime to warrant politically charged impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment requires a simple majority to pass the House of Representatives, where Democrats will take control in January. But removal of the president from office further requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans hold sway.

Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday in New York for his role in the payments to the two women - adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump has denied having affairs with them.

Earlier this year, Trump acknowledged repaying Cohen for $130,000 paid to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. He previously disputed knowing anything about the payments.

'PEANUT STUFF'

Trump has slammed Cohen for cooperating with prosecutors, alleging that the lawyer is telling lies about him in a bid to get a lighter prison term. He has called for Cohen to get a long sentence and said on Tuesday his ex-lawyer should have known the campaign finance laws.

"Michael Cohen is a lawyer. I assume he would know what he's doing," Trump said when asked if he had discussed campaign finance laws with Cohen.

"Number one, it wasn't a campaign contribution. If it were, it's only civil, and even if it's only civil, there was no violation based on what we did. OK?"

Asked about prosecutors' assertions that a number of people who had worked for him met or had business dealings with Russians before and during his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump said: "The stuff you're talking about is peanut stuff."

He then sought to turn the subject to his 2016 Democratic opponent.

"I haven't heard this, but I can only tell you this: Hillary Clinton - her husband got money, she got money, she paid money, why doesn't somebody talk about that?" Trump said.

The president said he could work with Democrats in Congress, but suggested that would not happen if they issued subpoenas and pursued investigations against him.

"We’re going to go down one of two tracks. We’re either going to start the campaign and they’re going to do presidential harassment. Or we’re going to get tremendous amounts of legislation passed working together. There’s not a third track," he said.

"Look, they’ve been looking for two years about collusion. There’s no collusion," he said.

Trump has dismissed the special counsel's probe into possible collusion between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia as a witch hunt.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was not concerned that he could be impeached and that hush payment made ahead of the 2016 election by his former personal attorney Michael Cohen to two women did not violate campaign finance laws.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was not concerned that he could be impeached and that hush payment made ahead of the 2016 election by his former personal attorney Michael Cohen to two women did not violate campaign finance laws. "It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," Trump told Reuters in an Oval Office interview. "I'm not concerned, no. I think that the people would revolt if that happened," he said. Federal prosecutors in New York said last week that Trump directed Cohen to make six-figure payments to two women so they would not discuss their alleged affairs with the candidate ahead of the 2016 presidential election. They said the payments violated laws that stipulate that campaign contributions, defined as things of value given to a campaign to influence an election, must be disclosed, and limited to $2,700 per person. Democrats said such a campaign law violation would be an impeachable offence, although senior party leaders in Congress have questioned whether it is a serious enough crime to warrant politically charged impeachment proceedings. Impeachment requires a simple majority to pass the House of Representatives, where Democrats will take control in January. But removal of the president from office further requires a two-thirds majority in the Senate, where Trump's fellow Republicans hold sway. Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday in New York for his role in the payments to the two women - adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump has denied having affairs with them. Earlier this year, Trump acknowledged repaying Cohen for $130,000 paid to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. He previously disputed knowing anything about the payments. 'PEANUT STUFF' Trump has slammed Cohen for cooperating with prosecutors, alleging that the lawyer is telling lies about him in a bid to get a lighter prison term. He has called for Cohen to get a long sentence and said on Tuesday his ex-lawyer should have known the campaign finance laws. "Michael Cohen is a lawyer. I assume he would know what he's doing," Trump said when asked if he had discussed campaign finance laws with Cohen. "Number one, it wasn't a campaign contribution. If it were, it's only civil, and even if it's only civil, there was no violation based on what we did. OK?" Asked about prosecutors' assertions that a number of people who had worked for him met or had business dealings with Russians before and during his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump said: "The stuff you're talking about is peanut stuff." He then sought to turn the subject to his 2016 Democratic opponent. "I haven't heard this, but I can only tell you this: Hillary Clinton - her husband got money, she got money, she paid money, why doesn't somebody talk about that?" Trump said. The president said he could work with Democrats in Congress, but suggested that would not happen if they issued subpoenas and pursued investigations against him. "We’re going to go down one of two tracks. We’re either going to start the campaign and they’re going to do presidential harassment. Or we’re going to get tremendous amounts of legislation passed working together. There’s not a third track," he said. "Look, they’ve been looking for two years about collusion. There’s no collusion," he said. Trump has dismissed the special counsel's probe into possible collusion between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia as a witch hunt.

Not concerned about being impeached: Trump

Brett Kavanaugh, the embattled US Supreme Court nominee put forward by President Donald Trump, was poised to win Senate confirmation on Saturday, weathering sexual misconduct allegations and attacks on his character and temperament.

After weeks of intense debate that has gripped the nation, the conservative appeals court judge on Friday won vows of support from two centrist senators, leaving no clear path in the Senate for Kavanaugh's opponents to block him.

Earlier on Friday, he barely survived a procedural test, when senators voted 51-49 to advance his nomination to a final vote that was set for around 5 pm (2100 GMT) on Saturday. It could come slightly sooner, however.

Confirmation of Kavanaugh would give Trump a clear win in his drive to cement conservative dominance of the high court, a bitter outcome for Democrats who could not get their own liberal nominee confirmed due to Republican delaying tactics in 2016.

Republicans held open an empty seat that year, which Trump filled in 2017 with conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch. Justice Anthony Kennedy, whom Kavanaugh would replace, retired this year after decades of being a swing vote on the court.

With divisive cases on abortion rights, immigration, transgender rights and business regulation headed for the court, Kavanaugh likely would give conservatives the upper hand.

His confirmation would also allow Trump to hit the campaign trail ahead of the November 6 congressional elections bragging that he has kept his 2016 promise to mold a more conservative American judiciary.

Capping a suspenseful day on Friday, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine declared on the Senate floor, "I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh."

She praised his judicial record and argued there was no corroboration of sexual assault charges made against him by psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford. Two other women also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct decades ago. Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations.

Moments after Collins pledged to back Kavanaugh, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, in a tough race for re-election in West Virginia where Trump is popular, also declared his support, leaving little doubt of a Republican victory.

Senators then endured a rare all-night session to satisfy the requirement of 30 hours of debate following Friday's vote.

Amid tighter-than-usual security, a large group of protesters assembled on the grounds of the Capitol, chanting "We believe (sexual assault) survivors" and "Shame on you."

Senate Republicans, except for Lisa Murkowski, stood by Kavanaugh in a move that could resonate, particularly with women voters, in the November 6 elections to determine control of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Even before the lurid sexual assault charges surfaced, Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate were fighting hard to stop Kavanaugh, saying his conservative judicial philosophy could result in rolling back abortion rights, gay rights and protections for immigrants. They also challenged the veracity of some of his Judiciary Committee testimony.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Kavanaugh represents "a hard-right, conservative jurisprudence, far, far away from what average Americans believe."

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell led the nominee's defense, calling him "one of the most impressive, stunningly qualified nominees in our nation's history" and accusing Democrats of a "smear" campaign.

Brett Kavanaugh, the embattled US Supreme Court nominee put forward by President Donald Trump, was poised to win Senate confirmation on Saturday, weathering sexual misconduct allegations and attacks on his character and temperament.

Brett Kavanaugh, the embattled US Supreme Court nominee put forward by President Donald Trump, was poised to win Senate confirmation on Saturday, weathering sexual misconduct allegations and attacks on his character and temperament. After weeks of intense debate that has gripped the nation, the conservative appeals court judge on Friday won vows of support from two centrist senators, leaving no clear path in the Senate for Kavanaugh's opponents to block him. Earlier on Friday, he barely survived a procedural test, when senators voted 51-49 to advance his nomination to a final vote that was set for around 5 pm (2100 GMT) on Saturday. It could come slightly sooner, however. Confirmation of Kavanaugh would give Trump a clear win in his drive to cement conservative dominance of the high court, a bitter outcome for Democrats who could not get their own liberal nominee confirmed due to Republican delaying tactics in 2016. Republicans held open an empty seat that year, which Trump filled in 2017 with conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch. Justice Anthony Kennedy, whom Kavanaugh would replace, retired this year after decades of being a swing vote on the court. With divisive cases on abortion rights, immigration, transgender rights and business regulation headed for the court, Kavanaugh likely would give conservatives the upper hand. His confirmation would also allow Trump to hit the campaign trail ahead of the November 6 congressional elections bragging that he has kept his 2016 promise to mold a more conservative American judiciary. Capping a suspenseful day on Friday, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine declared on the Senate floor, "I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh." She praised his judicial record and argued there was no corroboration of sexual assault charges made against him by psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford. Two other women also accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct decades ago. Kavanaugh has denied all the allegations. Moments after Collins pledged to back Kavanaugh, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, in a tough race for re-election in West Virginia where Trump is popular, also declared his support, leaving little doubt of a Republican victory. Senators then endured a rare all-night session to satisfy the requirement of 30 hours of debate following Friday's vote. Amid tighter-than-usual security, a large group of protesters assembled on the grounds of the Capitol, chanting "We believe (sexual assault) survivors" and "Shame on you." Senate Republicans, except for Lisa Murkowski, stood by Kavanaugh in a move that could resonate, particularly with women voters, in the November 6 elections to determine control of the Senate and House of Representatives. Even before the lurid sexual assault charges surfaced, Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate were fighting hard to stop Kavanaugh, saying his conservative judicial philosophy could result in rolling back abortion rights, gay rights and protections for immigrants. They also challenged the veracity of some of his Judiciary Committee testimony. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Kavanaugh represents "a hard-right, conservative jurisprudence, far, far away from what average Americans believe." Republican Leader Mitch McConnell led the nominee's defense, calling him "one of the most impressive, stunningly qualified nominees in our nation's history" and accusing Democrats of a "smear" campaign.

US Senate heads to final vote on Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination

The US trade deficit ballooned in August to its highest level in six months as exports of tariff-targeted goods fell while American consumers snapped up imported cars and mobile phones, the government reported Friday.

With US imports of goods and services at their highest on record, the result pushed the goods deficits with China and Mexico to all-time-highs, according to the Commerce Department report.

The total US trade deficit rose 6.4 per cent over July to $53.2 billion, overshooting analyst forecasts which called for a smaller five per cent increase. That was on record imports of $262.7 billion and exports of $209.4 billion.

The result came at a triumphant moment for President Donald Trump, who has hailed a new agreement to remodel North America's trading system and is waging a battle of tariffs with Beijing.

The August figures suggested retaliatory tariffs imposed by China continued to whipsaw American farmers, whose rural counties Trump's Republican party traditionally counts on for political support.

The numbers also reflect reports that businesses have rushed to import goods before tariffs hit on China, including importing products needed in stores for the holiday shopping season, driving up the trade gap.

The gap in goods trade with China rose to $38.6 billion for August and hit $8.7 billion with Mexico -- both the highest monthly totals ever.

At $31.1 billion, imports from Mexico also were the highest ever.

And soybean exports, a sector highly dependent on trade with China, plunged $1 billion from July, when Beijing unveiled retaliatory duties in response to Trump's escalating trade fight.

Meanwhile, US exports of crude oil and other petroleum products fell by a combined $1.6 billion for the month, but was offset by $1.6 billion jump in exports of artwork, antiques and pharmaceuticals, the Commerce Department reported.

On the other side of the ledger, imports of autos rose $1 billion while imports of mobile phones and other household goods rose by $900 million.

The US trade deficit ballooned in August to its highest level in six months as exports of tariff-targeted goods fell while American consumers snapped up imported cars and mobile phones, the government reported Friday.

The US trade deficit ballooned in August to its highest level in six months as exports of tariff-targeted goods fell while American consumers snapped up imported cars and mobile phones, the government reported Friday. With US imports of goods and services at their highest on record, the result pushed the goods deficits with China and Mexico to all-time-highs, according to the Commerce Department report. The total US trade deficit rose 6.4 per cent over July to $53.2 billion, overshooting analyst forecasts which called for a smaller five per cent increase. That was on record imports of $262.7 billion and exports of $209.4 billion. The result came at a triumphant moment for President Donald Trump, who has hailed a new agreement to remodel North America's trading system and is waging a battle of tariffs with Beijing. The August figures suggested retaliatory tariffs imposed by China continued to whipsaw American farmers, whose rural counties Trump's Republican party traditionally counts on for political support. The numbers also reflect reports that businesses have rushed to import goods before tariffs hit on China, including importing products needed in stores for the holiday shopping season, driving up the trade gap. The gap in goods trade with China rose to $38.6 billion for August and hit $8.7 billion with Mexico -- both the highest monthly totals ever. At $31.1 billion, imports from Mexico also were the highest ever. And soybean exports, a sector highly dependent on trade with China, plunged $1 billion from July, when Beijing unveiled retaliatory duties in response to Trump's escalating trade fight. Meanwhile, US exports of crude oil and other petroleum products fell by a combined $1.6 billion for the month, but was offset by $1.6 billion jump in exports of artwork, antiques and pharmaceuticals, the Commerce Department reported. On the other side of the ledger, imports of autos rose $1 billion while imports of mobile phones and other household goods rose by $900 million.

Record US imports drive goods trade deficit with China to high in August

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