Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a decree on Friday calling a much anticipated presidential <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-may-announce-lok-sabha-poll-schedule-in-march-first-week-sources-191262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjNu7-Br_ffAhWFq48KHceqDfcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3V_tomT07Q_rRCQIialXWv">election</a> for April 18 but without saying whether he will seek a new term.

The ailing 81-year-old, who uses a wheelchair and is rarely seen in public, completes a fourth term of office on April 28.

Despite his advanced age and poor health, there have been calls from his supporters for him to stand for a fifth term but he has yet to make his intentions clear.

By law, would-be candidates now have until March 4 to register with the constitutional court.

Uncertainty over whether Bouteflika will stand for re-election has frozen Algerian politics for months.

No candidate of note has thrown his or her hat into the ring while the president's intentions remain in doubt.

For the last presidential election in 2014, Bouteflika left it until just days before the deadline to register.

Algerian politics is notoriously opaque with the winner of every multiparty presidential election pre-selected by a shadowy elite, beginning in 1995 with a victory by retired General Liamine Zeroual.&nbsp;

For this year's election, the membership of the kingmaking elite has changed.

During his fourth term, Bouteflika finally made good on a longstanding pledge to reduce the power of the traditional powerbrokers by disbanding the DRS intelligence agency in 2016.

But under his watch, business networks have become increasingly entwined with the political structure, leaving it difficult to judge with confidence who will be put to voters as the regime's anointed candidate. &nbsp;

The president's brother and special adviser Said have been widely seen as Algeria's de facto ruler since Abdelaziz suffered a stroke in 2013 that severely impaired his speech.

But many believe Said will wish to remain in the shadows behind the throne, rather than be the public candidate.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a decree on Friday calling a much anticipated presidential election for April 18 but without saying whether he will seek a new term.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a decree on Friday calling a much anticipated presidential election for April 18 but without saying whether he will seek a new term. The ailing 81-year-old, who uses a wheelchair and is rarely seen in public, completes a fourth term of office on April 28. Despite his advanced age and poor health, there have been calls from his supporters for him to stand for a fifth term but he has yet to make his intentions clear. By law, would-be candidates now have until March 4 to register with the constitutional court. Uncertainty over whether Bouteflika will stand for re-election has frozen Algerian politics for months. No candidate of note has thrown his or her hat into the ring while the president's intentions remain in doubt. For the last presidential election in 2014, Bouteflika left it until just days before the deadline to register. Algerian politics is notoriously opaque with the winner of every multiparty presidential election pre-selected by a shadowy elite, beginning in 1995 with a victory by retired General Liamine Zeroual. For this year's election, the membership of the kingmaking elite has changed. During his fourth term, Bouteflika finally made good on a longstanding pledge to reduce the power of the traditional powerbrokers by disbanding the DRS intelligence agency in 2016. But under his watch, business networks have become increasingly entwined with the political structure, leaving it difficult to judge with confidence who will be put to voters as the regime's anointed candidate. The president's brother and special adviser Said have been widely seen as Algeria's de facto ruler since Abdelaziz suffered a stroke in 2013 that severely impaired his speech. But many believe Said will wish to remain in the shadows behind the throne, rather than be the public candidate.

Algeria calls April election with incumbent's plans unclear

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/understanding-the-afghanistan-parliamentary-elections-171961">Afghanistan's election</a> organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote.

The remarks come at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the Taliban step up their bloody offensive and President Donald Trump's plan to slash American troop numbers threatens to derail US-led peace efforts.

The Independent Election Commission, which was skewered over its handling of the parliamentary vote, was meeting with "relevant sides", including potential candidates, to discuss delaying the ballot.

"The purpose is reform and to avoid problems which occurred in the parliamentary election," IEC spokesman Zabi Sadat told AFP.

"No decision is final yet, but we will make an announcement soon."

The IEC is still finalising results of the parliamentary vote held two months ago and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organise a presidential election in April.

The IEC has already mulled delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time "on the demand of the people and parties".

Presidential, provincial council and district council elections are scheduled to take place across the country in 2019.

A parliamentary poll, which was held in 33 out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in October, also needs to be carried out in Ghazni where voting was delayed following protests.

The Afghan constitution requires the presidential election take place no later than April 22.

While there has been no official announcement of a US drawdown, the mere suggestion of the United States reducing its military presence has rattled the Afghan capital.&nbsp;

Trump's decision to pull out some 7,000 US forces apparently came last week as US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul.

There are fears the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses.

Many Afghans are worried that President Ashraf Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's election organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote.

Afghanistan's election organisers are again considering postponing April's presidential ballot for two months, an official said Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of October's shambolic legislative vote. The remarks come at a sensitive time for Afghanistan as the Taliban step up their bloody offensive and President Donald Trump's plan to slash American troop numbers threatens to derail US-led peace efforts. The Independent Election Commission, which was skewered over its handling of the parliamentary vote, was meeting with "relevant sides", including potential candidates, to discuss delaying the ballot. "The purpose is reform and to avoid problems which occurred in the parliamentary election," IEC spokesman Zabi Sadat told AFP. "No decision is final yet, but we will make an announcement soon." The IEC is still finalising results of the parliamentary vote held two months ago and observers have expressed concern that it would struggle to organise a presidential election in April. The IEC has already mulled delaying the poll once, but vowed in November to hold it on time "on the demand of the people and parties". Presidential, provincial council and district council elections are scheduled to take place across the country in 2019. A parliamentary poll, which was held in 33 out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in October, also needs to be carried out in Ghazni where voting was delayed following protests. The Afghan constitution requires the presidential election take place no later than April 22. While there has been no official announcement of a US drawdown, the mere suggestion of the United States reducing its military presence has rattled the Afghan capital. Trump's decision to pull out some 7,000 US forces apparently came last week as US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the Taliban in Abu Dhabi, part of efforts to bring the militants to the negotiating table with Kabul. There are fears the hasty move could undermine Khalilzad's negotiating position, embolden the Taliban, and further erode morale among Afghan forces, which are suffering record losses. Many Afghans are worried that President Ashraf Ghani's fragile unity government would collapse if US troops pulled out, enabling the Taliban to return to power and potentially sparking another bloody civil war.

Afghan election organisers mull delaying presidential vote

President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state.

The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.

In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution."

The notification further stated that the "powers of the legislature of the said state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament."

President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery.

Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly last month soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.

President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state. The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.

President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state. The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule. In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution." The notification further stated that the "powers of the legislature of the said state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament." President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly last month soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.

President's rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said.

McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month.

"You know, you got a rookie coming in and the&nbsp;Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters.

"They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay."

The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form.

The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley.

Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games.

"So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said.

"We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets."

Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic.

"They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said.

"We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it.

"So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday. McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said. McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month. "You know, you got a rookie coming in and the Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters. "They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay." The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form. The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley. Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games. "So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said. "We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets." Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic. "They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said. "We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it. "So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Georgia's first female president sworn in

An Indian-American woman has been elected as the president of the powerful student’s body of the prestigious Harvard University. Sruthi Palaniappan, 20, whose parents migrated to the US from Chennai in 1992, was elected as president of the Harvard University Undergraduate Council.&nbsp;

Her running mate Julia Huesa, 20, was elected as vice president, according to an announcement by the Undergraduate Council Election Commission.

Palaniappan said the duo planned to work on improving the Council’s communication with the student body in their initial days in office. “I think from the onset, better structuring the way we communicate with students is something that we need to already set the tone and plan for,” she said. “I think we’re going to work on it before we even leave for break and just get off the ground running,” she told Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper of the varsity. Palaniappan was the youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July 2016.

According to report, Palaniappan and Huesa garnered nearly 41.5 per cent of the votes as against their nearest opponent Nadine M Khoury and Arnav Agrawal, who received 26.6 per cent of the votes. They ran their campaign under the slogan “make Harvard home”.

The duo, a long-time member of the Undergraduate Council, are scheduled to take over from the outgoing president Catherine L Zhang ’19 and vice president Nicholas D Boucher ’19. Palaniappan is currently the council’s education committee chair.

An Indian-American woman has been elected as the president of the powerful student’s body of the prestigious Harvard University. Sruthi Palaniappan, 20, whose parents migrated to the US from Chennai in 1992, was elected as president of the Harvard University Undergraduate Council.

An Indian-American woman has been elected as the president of the powerful student’s body of the prestigious Harvard University. Sruthi Palaniappan, 20, whose parents migrated to the US from Chennai in 1992, was elected as president of the Harvard University Undergraduate Council. Her running mate Julia Huesa, 20, was elected as vice president, according to an announcement by the Undergraduate Council Election Commission. Palaniappan said the duo planned to work on improving the Council’s communication with the student body in their initial days in office. “I think from the onset, better structuring the way we communicate with students is something that we need to already set the tone and plan for,” she said. “I think we’re going to work on it before we even leave for break and just get off the ground running,” she told Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper of the varsity. Palaniappan was the youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July 2016. According to report, Palaniappan and Huesa garnered nearly 41.5 per cent of the votes as against their nearest opponent Nadine M Khoury and Arnav Agrawal, who received 26.6 per cent of the votes. They ran their campaign under the slogan “make Harvard home”. The duo, a long-time member of the Undergraduate Council, are scheduled to take over from the outgoing president Catherine L Zhang ’19 and vice president Nicholas D Boucher ’19. Palaniappan is currently the council’s education committee chair.

Indian-American woman, Sruthi Palaniappan elected president of Harvard student body

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported.

"In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview.

Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process.

Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week.

During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting.

A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established.

The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban.

He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further.

The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

The meeting in Moscow last week, which saw the participation of a Taliban delegation and officials from nearly a dozen countries, was the first and positive step towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in Afghanistan, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said. Karzai told Kazakhstan State TV on Friday that no representative from the Afghan government had participated in direct negotiations between the Taliban and US officials in Qatar. He also expressed hope that such meetings would break the ice in ending the decades-long war in the country, TOLOnews reported. "In the peace talks in Moscow, which was the first time such a talk was taking place in a major regional capital of the world with the neighbours of Afghanistan all present there including from Kazakhstan and where delegations of the Taliban and delegations of the Afghan Peace Council sat together, the Afghan ambassador was there in that meeting, so, we see it as a positive step, a first step, that will definitely give us results and we hope it will continue to keep convening and keep looking for a solution eventually that suits all of us," Karzai elaborated in the interview. Karzai's comments came as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador, who is on a four-nation visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from November 8 to 20, held the second round of talks pertaining to the Afghan peace process. Khalizad is slated to visit Afghanistan later on Saturday after concluding the deliberations with Afghan, Emirati and Saudi officials in Abu Dhabi. The US envoy also met with Taliban representatives in Doha earlier this week. During the meeting that was held in Moscow on November 9, the Taliban said that the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan is the only way for maintaining peace and security in the region. Quoting sources, Tolo News reported that the statement was passed by the Taliban representatives who attended the meeting. A delegation of Afghanistan's High Peace Council (HPC) members, which also attended the summit, in addition, said that the Afghan government would not need the help of any foreign power after peace is established. The meeting was inaugurated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who looked forward to establishing direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban. He said that the meeting was aimed at removing the Islamic State (IS) terrorists entirely from Afghanistan that has almost become a permanent base point from where terrorist attacks are being carried out in Central Asia and further. The Afghan foreign ministry said that the Ashraf Ghani administration would welcome efforts by any country that could help in establishing peace and stability in the war-torn country.

'Moscow summit first step towards peace in Afghanistan', says former president

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16.

Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said yesterday that he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As two prime ministers struggle to cobble up a majority, WION speaks to sacked Prime Minister- Ranil Wickremesinghe on who is to blame.

Blaming President Maithripala Sirisena for the political crisis in Sri Lanka Wickremesinghe said: Sirisena eyeing a second term and his decision led to this crisis.

"Insulting remarks made by Sirisena is a sign of desperation. I never insulted him. It shows how desperate he is," he said.

'This political crisis hurts people's right to franchise. Sri Lankans did not want Rajapaksa in power. People wanted parliamentary democracy," he added.

"I am confident of gaining a majority in parliament, I have enough support. I have the support of more than 113 lawmakers," said Ranil.

On the question of expectations from India he said that the international community wants the constitution to be followed and want parliament to convene as soon as possible.

"We can always put our economy on the right path. But it has cost us a lot. We have to tackle economic issues," said Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is attempting to guarantee authenticity as the nation's chief, after President Maithripala Sirisena selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place and therefore prorogued Parliament until November 16. Sri Lankan Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said yesterday that he wanted a floor test in parliament to resolve the issue of two prime ministers in the country which arose following the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with Mahinda Rajapaksa. As two prime ministers struggle to cobble up a majority, WION speaks to sacked Prime Minister- Ranil Wickremesinghe on who is to blame. Blaming President Maithripala Sirisena for the political crisis in Sri Lanka Wickremesinghe said: Sirisena eyeing a second term and his decision led to this crisis. "Insulting remarks made by Sirisena is a sign of desperation. I never insulted him. It shows how desperate he is," he said. 'This political crisis hurts people's right to franchise. Sri Lankans did not want Rajapaksa in power. People wanted parliamentary democracy," he added. "I am confident of gaining a majority in parliament, I have enough support. I have the support of more than 113 lawmakers," said Ranil. On the question of expectations from India he said that the international community wants the constitution to be followed and want parliament to convene as soon as possible. "We can always put our economy on the right path. But it has cost us a lot. We have to tackle economic issues," said Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sirisena's decision led to the political crisis in Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe to WION

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo.

The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest.

Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT.

One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19.

Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors.&nbsp;

Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013.

The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters.&nbsp;

The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana.

Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers.

He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected.

"I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice.

Bloody protests&nbsp;

The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP.

The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina.

"The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life.

"It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round.

Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising.

Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty.

Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities.

The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future.

"It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst.

An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote.

"The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana.

Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly.

'Disgusted'&nbsp;

The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes.

The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators.

Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013.

Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office,&nbsp;is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided.

Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support.

Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis.

Madagascar votes on Wednesday for a new president in unprecedented polls in which the three front-runners are former heads of state facing-off amid efforts to defuse a political crisis. Attempts by the most recent president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to change the large Indian Ocean island's electoral laws backfired, sparking nearly three months of sometimes violent protests in the capital Antananarivo. The demonstrators forced Rajaonarimampianina to accept a "consensus" government tasked with organising the election in the poor country with a history of coups and unrest. Nearly 10 million voters are eligible to cast ballots for one of 36 candidates who, as well as the three front-runners, include two ex-prime ministers, pastors and a rock star. Polling stations open at 0300 GMT and are due to close by 1400 GMT. One presidential contender must win 50 per cent of votes cast or a second round will be held on December 19. Rajaonarimampianina is competing against two of his predecessors. Marc Ravalomanana, a milk mogul, ruled from 2002 to 2009 and Andry Rajoelina, a former party organiser nicknamed "the disc jockey", succeeded him and was in power until 2013. The trio staged massive rallies over the weekend in the capital, each attracting tens of thousands of supporters. The former French colony has struggled to overcome political divisions after a disputed 2001 election that sparked clashes and a 2009 military-backed coup that ousted Ravalomanana. Apart from protests earlier this year, Rajaonarimampianina's tenure was mostly peaceful but anger over the past still simmers. He has promised "a new phase" in Madagascar's development if elected. "I'm poor. I live hand to mouth, day to day. I don't have anything to eat for tomorrow," said Coledette, a mother-of-four angered by recent increases in the price of rice. Bloody protests The key battle will be between Rajaonarimampianina and the former presidents Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, according to analysts and the findings of a banned pre-vote poll seen by AFP. The survey, commissioned by the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation, gave Rajoelina support of 25 percent, Ravalomanana 17 percent and four percent for Rajaonarimampianina. "The big risk of this election is that it will return us to an era of crisis," said Sahondra Rabenarivo, an analyst at the Malagasy Observatory on Public Life. "It's very important that the results are credible and that the third-placed candidate accepts them," added Rabenarivo referring to the leading hopeful who will not advance to any second round. Tensions are high between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, who succeeded him with the backing of the army in the 2009 uprising. Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, according to World Bank data, with almost four in five people living in grinding poverty. Many voters see the delivery of basic resources like water, electricity and jobs as their priorities. The trio of main contenders -- armed with significant campaign resources -- have criss-crossed the island of 25 million by helicopter promising voters a better future. "It's a circus," added Rabenarivo, the analyst. An EU-sponsored study found that Rajaonarimampianina spent $43 million on his 2013 campaign -- $21.50 for each vote. "The people are sick of the (leading) three candidates. Their time in power has been fruitless," said rural voter Mari Rajafinniana who told AFP he planned to vote for candidate number 11, Ny Rado Rafalimanana. Although there were bloody protests in April that left two people dead, campaigning has so far gone smoothly. 'Disgusted' The candidates have however been accused of vote buying. The head of Transparency International in Madagascar, Ketakandriana Rafitoson, is "disgusted" by what she says is the handing out of T-shirts, sewing machines and even floor tiles to buy votes. The election will be seen as an important opportunity for rivals Ravalomanana and Rajoelina to settle their scores through the ballot box, according to commentators. Both were banned from contesting the last elections in 2013. Ravalomanana, who until 2014 lived in exile in South Africa after his removal from office, is still bitter after his ouster by Rajoelina in the coup that left the island internationally isolated and bitterly divided. Rajoelina, a former mayor, party planner and successful entrepreneur is banking on his youth and communication skills to rally support. Around 20 lower-profile candidates have alleged irregularities in the electoral roll and have unsuccessfully called for the poll to be delayed.

Madagascar goes to the polls to pick next president

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil.

Sri Lanka was plunged into the crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island.

Wickremesinghe said his sacking was illegal and he maintained that he was still prime minister, leading to a standoff between his party and labour unions loyal to Sirisena.

On Sunday, Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office, leading to clashes in which one person was killed and two were injured.

The crisis has important ramifications in a battle for influence in south Asia between Sri Lanka's traditional ally India and China, a country that is playing an increasing role in the region.

China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, has already congratulated him on becoming prime minister.

But India, the European Union and the United States have all urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution.

"We call on the president, in consultation with the speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Sources in diplomatic missions said most foreign envoys had yet to send congratulatory messages to Rajapaksa as it could be interpreted as legitimising the new government while there were still complaints his appointment was unconstitutional.

Rajapaksa was not immediately reachable for comment on Monday.

A 2015 constitutional amendment diluted the powers of the president, making Sirisena's action unconstitutional, said Kalana Senaratne, a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya.

CRITICAL TIME FOR ECONOMY

Despite Wickremesinghe's insistence he was still prime minister, his police security detail had been drastically reduced, media reported.

Early on Monday, guards were seen leaving his official residence in lorries with their bags, a Reuters witness said.

Sirisena also replaced the heads of three state media organisations on Sunday, to complaints from Wickremesinghe's party.

The political turmoil comes at a critical time for a Sri Lankan economy struggling with slow growth and a weakening currency.

If tensions continue, Sri Lanka could struggle to refinance government debt that comes due in early 2019 at an affordable rate, credit rating agency Moody's said.

The country's bonds sold off on Monday, while the Sri Lankan rupee fell 0.58 percent to an all-time low.

"The president’s sudden appointment of Mr Rajapaksa as prime minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty," said Matthew Circosta, an analyst at Moody's Sovereign Risk Group

"Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly."

India and western countries have previously expressed concern about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against ethnic Tamil separatists in 2009.

That investment has since put Sri Lanka deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena is under increasing pressure to uphold the island nation's constitution and reconvene parliament after his decision to replace the prime minister triggered political turmoil. Sri Lanka was plunged into the crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe said his sacking was illegal and he maintained that he was still prime minister, leading to a standoff between his party and labour unions loyal to Sirisena. On Sunday, Arjuna Ranatunga, petroleum minister in the ousted cabinet, tried to re-enter his office, leading to clashes in which one person was killed and two were injured. The crisis has important ramifications in a battle for influence in south Asia between Sri Lanka's traditional ally India and China, a country that is playing an increasing role in the region. China, long seen as a supporter of Rajapaksa, has already congratulated him on becoming prime minister. But India, the European Union and the United States have all urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution. "We call on the president, in consultation with the speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government," U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. Sources in diplomatic missions said most foreign envoys had yet to send congratulatory messages to Rajapaksa as it could be interpreted as legitimising the new government while there were still complaints his appointment was unconstitutional. Rajapaksa was not immediately reachable for comment on Monday. A 2015 constitutional amendment diluted the powers of the president, making Sirisena's action unconstitutional, said Kalana Senaratne, a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya. CRITICAL TIME FOR ECONOMY Despite Wickremesinghe's insistence he was still prime minister, his police security detail had been drastically reduced, media reported. Early on Monday, guards were seen leaving his official residence in lorries with their bags, a Reuters witness said. Sirisena also replaced the heads of three state media organisations on Sunday, to complaints from Wickremesinghe's party. The political turmoil comes at a critical time for a Sri Lankan economy struggling with slow growth and a weakening currency. If tensions continue, Sri Lanka could struggle to refinance government debt that comes due in early 2019 at an affordable rate, credit rating agency Moody's said. The country's bonds sold off on Monday, while the Sri Lankan rupee fell 0.58 percent to an all-time low. "The president’s sudden appointment of Mr Rajapaksa as prime minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty," said Matthew Circosta, an analyst at Moody's Sovereign Risk Group "Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly." India and western countries have previously expressed concern about Rajapaksa's ties to China, after he ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year war against ethnic Tamil separatists in 2009. That investment has since put Sri Lanka deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic port to China.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena under increasing global pressure to end political crisis

Sri&nbsp;Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation.

Rajapaksa, a former pro-China president, ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to help rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year civil war against Tamil separatists in 2009.

But that investment has since put the tiny island in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic southern port to China, seen as part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, drawing criticism from India and the United States.

President Sirisena administered the oath of office to Rajapaksa after sacking premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was away touring the south of the country, following months of infighting.

But Wickremesinghe later told reporters he remained the prime minister. "I have the majority and I remain as the prime minister and I will function as the prime minister," he said.

Under&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's constitution, modelled on the French system of government, the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament.

There was no immediate reaction from India which has long seen&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, located just off its southern tip, as part of its area of influence and had been concerned about Rajapaksa's wooing of China. Both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe were in India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent weeks.

Underlining the risk of chaos in the islands, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the powers of the president.

"This is an anti-democratic coup," Samaraweera tweeted.

State-run Rupavahini briefly went off-air when three ministers, including Samaraweera and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, tried to address the nation during a live programme.

Earlier Sirisensa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had said it would quit the ruling coalition, capping months of rising tensions between the president's bloc and Wickremesinghe's centre-right United National Party (UNP).

UPFA lawmaker Susil Premajayantha told reporters that a new cabinet would be sworn in soon.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's US $87 billion economy has been under pressure in recent years, with growth slowing to a 16-year low of 3.3 per cent last year due to tight monetary and fiscal conditions, droughts and floods.

The ruling coalition had been further strained in recent days by strong criticism from Sirisena and his allies that ministers from Wickremesinghe's party did not act properly in investigating an alleged assassination plot to kill the president and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the new prime minister's younger brother.

The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;and India, after a report that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement - a claim that New Delhi and Colombo have both denied.

Sirisena, along with some UPFA lawmakers including from his centre-left&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Freedom Party (SLFP), formed a coalition government with Wickremesinghe's UNP soon after Sirisena unexpectedly defeated former ally Rajapaksa in a presidential election in January 2015.

The UNP and UPFA, an alliance of several political parties, consolidated their coalition after a parliamentary election in August 2015.

But both coalition partners suffered heavy defeats in local elections in February this year to a party backed by Rajapaksa. Sirisena loyalists backed a no-confidence motion in April against the prime minister, who survived after a majority of legislators voted to support his coalition government.

In early September, Rajapaksa had led thousands of opposition demonstrators who blocked a main road in Colombo in protest at economic hardship and the delaying of provincial polls.

Sri Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation.

Sri Lankan opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed prime minister on Friday after President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the incumbent in a surprise move that threatens political turmoil in the Indian Ocean nation. Rajapaksa, a former pro-China president, ushered in billions of dollars of investment from Beijing to help rebuild the country following the end of a 26-year civil war against Tamil separatists in 2009. But that investment has since put the tiny island in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic southern port to China, seen as part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative, drawing criticism from India and the United States. President Sirisena administered the oath of office to Rajapaksa after sacking premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was away touring the south of the country, following months of infighting. But Wickremesinghe later told reporters he remained the prime minister. "I have the majority and I remain as the prime minister and I will function as the prime minister," he said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, modelled on the French system of government, the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament. There was no immediate reaction from India which has long seen Sri Lanka, located just off its southern tip, as part of its area of influence and had been concerned about Rajapaksa's wooing of China. Both Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe were in India and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent weeks. Underlining the risk of chaos in the islands, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the powers of the president. "This is an anti-democratic coup," Samaraweera tweeted. State-run Rupavahini briefly went off-air when three ministers, including Samaraweera and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, tried to address the nation during a live programme. Earlier Sirisensa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had said it would quit the ruling coalition, capping months of rising tensions between the president's bloc and Wickremesinghe's centre-right United National Party (UNP). UPFA lawmaker Susil Premajayantha told reporters that a new cabinet would be sworn in soon. Sri Lanka's US $87 billion economy has been under pressure in recent years, with growth slowing to a 16-year low of 3.3 per cent last year due to tight monetary and fiscal conditions, droughts and floods. The ruling coalition had been further strained in recent days by strong criticism from Sirisena and his allies that ministers from Wickremesinghe's party did not act properly in investigating an alleged assassination plot to kill the president and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the new prime minister's younger brother. The alleged plot briefly threatened to cause tension between Sri Lanka and India, after a report that Sirisena had accused India's intelligence services of involvement - a claim that New Delhi and Colombo have both denied. Sirisena, along with some UPFA lawmakers including from his centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), formed a coalition government with Wickremesinghe's UNP soon after Sirisena unexpectedly defeated former ally Rajapaksa in a presidential election in January 2015. The UNP and UPFA, an alliance of several political parties, consolidated their coalition after a parliamentary election in August 2015. But both coalition partners suffered heavy defeats in local elections in February this year to a party backed by Rajapaksa. Sirisena loyalists backed a no-confidence motion in April against the prime minister, who survived after a majority of legislators voted to support his coalition government. In early September, Rajapaksa had led thousands of opposition demonstrators who blocked a main road in Colombo in protest at economic hardship and the delaying of provincial polls.

Turmoil in Sri Lanka as ex-president Rajapaksa sworn in as PM

President Donald Trump accused the US&nbsp;news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him.

Hours after a Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was arrested in Florida in the bomb case, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that political violence must never be tolerated.

"I will do all I can to stop it," he said.

But any major attempt to heal political divisions was quickly set aside as Trump renewed attacks on his usual targets: the news media and his Democratic opponents.

"We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party," Trump said.

Trump appeared to be commenting on cable news blanket coverage of the bomb case and how the people targeted are frequently criticized by the president.

Trump was in Charlotte campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the hotly contested November&nbsp;6 US&nbsp;congressional elections, with Republicans are trying to hang on to control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Some in the crowd on Friday quickly chimed in with a cry that is a familiar one at Trump's political rallies: "CNN sucks."

Trump paused while the CNN chant continued, then added: "And they do have a major role to play as far as tone. The media's constant unfair coverage ... and negative attacks only serve to drive people apart and to undermine healthy debate."

When Trump criticized Democrats, the crowd chanted "lock her up," a refrain from the Republican president's 2016 campaign when he called Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton "Crooked Hillary." Trump again referred to Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" on Friday night when he listed Democrats who supposedly had supported building a wall on the US&nbsp;border with Mexico.

Clinton was the target of one of the bombs sent this week, which was intercepted during a routine off-site mail screening.

"They're gonna be reporting about you tonight," Trump told the crowd in North Carolina.

Trump said Republicans did not try to seek political gain over the Democrats when a supporter of democratic socialist Bernie Sanders opened fire on congressional Republicans at a baseball field last year and severely wounded Representative Steve Scalise.

"We did not use that heinous attempt at mass murder for political gain because that would have been wrong. ... Nor do we blame the Democrat party every time radical leftists seize and destroy public property and unleash violence and mayhem," he said.

Trump made similar comments on Thursday, blaming the news media for stirring up anger and hateful political rhetoric as two more suspicious packages were discovered. In a post on Twitter he referred to "purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media."

Trump hinted earlier on Friday in a tweet that the news media's coverage of the bomb case was taking attention away from the midterm elections at a time when Republicans may be hitting their stride.

"Republicans all over the country, we're hot," Trump said in Charlotte. "We're hot and I don't think they’re going to cool us off. They try so hard. But I don't think that's going to happen."

President Donald Trump accused the US news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him.

President Donald Trump accused the US news media on Friday of using reporting on the suspect in least 14 bombs sent to some of his prominent critics to score political points against him. Hours after a Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was arrested in Florida in the bomb case, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that political violence must never be tolerated. "I will do all I can to stop it," he said. But any major attempt to heal political divisions was quickly set aside as Trump renewed attacks on his usual targets: the news media and his Democratic opponents. "We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party," Trump said. Trump appeared to be commenting on cable news blanket coverage of the bomb case and how the people targeted are frequently criticized by the president. Trump was in Charlotte campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the hotly contested November 6 US congressional elections, with Republicans are trying to hang on to control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Some in the crowd on Friday quickly chimed in with a cry that is a familiar one at Trump's political rallies: "CNN sucks." Trump paused while the CNN chant continued, then added: "And they do have a major role to play as far as tone. The media's constant unfair coverage ... and negative attacks only serve to drive people apart and to undermine healthy debate." When Trump criticized Democrats, the crowd chanted "lock her up," a refrain from the Republican president's 2016 campaign when he called Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton "Crooked Hillary." Trump again referred to Clinton as "Crooked Hillary" on Friday night when he listed Democrats who supposedly had supported building a wall on the US border with Mexico. Clinton was the target of one of the bombs sent this week, which was intercepted during a routine off-site mail screening. "They're gonna be reporting about you tonight," Trump told the crowd in North Carolina. Trump said Republicans did not try to seek political gain over the Democrats when a supporter of democratic socialist Bernie Sanders opened fire on congressional Republicans at a baseball field last year and severely wounded Representative Steve Scalise. "We did not use that heinous attempt at mass murder for political gain because that would have been wrong. ... Nor do we blame the Democrat party every time radical leftists seize and destroy public property and unleash violence and mayhem," he said. Trump made similar comments on Thursday, blaming the news media for stirring up anger and hateful political rhetoric as two more suspicious packages were discovered. In a post on Twitter he referred to "purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media." Trump hinted earlier on Friday in a tweet that the news media's coverage of the bomb case was taking attention away from the midterm elections at a time when Republicans may be hitting their stride. "Republicans all over the country, we're hot," Trump said in Charlotte. "We're hot and I don't think they’re going to cool us off. They try so hard. But I don't think that's going to happen."

Trump says media using bomb case to score political points against him

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers.

In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people.

"Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said.

Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency.

On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict.

"I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court.

The president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, said on Wednesday he had no complaints or reservations about any of his decisions while in office, and that he was preparing to step down, despite having challenged his election defeat in court. In a surprise result, Yameen lost his re-election bid last month and initially conceded defeat. Last week, however, his lawyers went to the Supreme Court, saying his supporters had complained about rigging of votes and fraudulent ballot papers. In a televised speech on Wednesday, Yameen said all his decisions when in power were made in the interest of the people. "Even today, as I prepare to take leave from official duties, I would like to say that I have no complaints or reservations about my decisions," he said. Yameen is due to hand over power next month, but the opposition has flagged concerns that he could prolong the transition in the Indian Ocean island that has been in upheaval since February, when he imposed a state of emergency. On Sunday, hundreds of Maldivians demanded Yameen's arrest as the Supreme Court began hearing his election challenge. It has yet to deliver a verdict. "I did everything I had to do on behalf of the majority of Maldivians or in the interests of the nation. So, even today, I won't say I regret it," Yameen added.

Maldives President says preparing to step down with no regrets on any decisions

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said that the Indian Government’s mechanism to connect with overseas Indian community has been majorly changed in recent years, adding that India’s emotional, cultural, economic and institutional relations with its diaspora have become stronger Addressing the “Friends of India in Tajikistan” event, hosted by Somnath Ghosh, India’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, here, President Kovind assured members of the Indian community that India will continue to give its cooperation to Tajikistan in capacity building and development The President further instructed missions to promptly respond to diaspora members in need of assistance.

He also appreciated the work of Tajikistan’s Indologists and recalled that the Padma Shri, India’s highest civilian award, had been conferred to famous Indologist, Professor Habibullo Rajabov, this year for his contribution in education and literature The President landed at the Dushanbe International Airport in Tajikistan on Sunday afternoon, where along with First Lady Savita Kovind, he was received by Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Zokirzoda Mahmadtoir and First Deputy Foreign Minister, Nizomiddin Zohidi amongst other dignitaries As part of his three-day visit to the country, President Kovind is scheduled to meet his Tajik counterpart Emamoli Rahmon.

He will also be visiting the Tajik National University to deliver an address on ‘Countering Radicalisation: Challenges in Modern Societies’ Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Subhash Bhamre and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Shamsher Singh Manhas are also part of the President’s delegation on his first official visit to the Central Asian country.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said that the Indian Government’s mechanism to connect with overseas Indian community has been majorly changed in recent years, adding that India’s emotional, cultural, economic and institutional relations with its diaspora have become stronger Addressing the “Friends of India in Tajikistan” event, hosted by Somnath Ghosh, India’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, here, President Kovind assured members of the Indian community that India will continue to give its cooperation to Tajikistan in capacity building and development The President further instructed missions to promptly respond to diaspora members in need of assistance.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said that the Indian Government’s mechanism to connect with overseas Indian community has been majorly changed in recent years, adding that India’s emotional, cultural, economic and institutional relations with its diaspora have become stronger Addressing the “Friends of India in Tajikistan” event, hosted by Somnath Ghosh, India’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, here, President Kovind assured members of the Indian community that India will continue to give its cooperation to Tajikistan in capacity building and development The President further instructed missions to promptly respond to diaspora members in need of assistance. He also appreciated the work of Tajikistan’s Indologists and recalled that the Padma Shri, India’s highest civilian award, had been conferred to famous Indologist, Professor Habibullo Rajabov, this year for his contribution in education and literature The President landed at the Dushanbe International Airport in Tajikistan on Sunday afternoon, where along with First Lady Savita Kovind, he was received by Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Zokirzoda Mahmadtoir and First Deputy Foreign Minister, Nizomiddin Zohidi amongst other dignitaries As part of his three-day visit to the country, President Kovind is scheduled to meet his Tajik counterpart Emamoli Rahmon. He will also be visiting the Tajik National University to deliver an address on ‘Countering Radicalisation: Challenges in Modern Societies’ Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Subhash Bhamre and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Shamsher Singh Manhas are also part of the President’s delegation on his first official visit to the Central Asian country.

India’s connection with overseas diaspora has strengthened: President Ram Nath Kovind in Tajikistan

Hilda Heine,&nbsp;Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and&nbsp;shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.&nbsp;

She is the first woman president of any Micronesian country, and only the fourth woman to serve as head of government for any independent Pacific nation following Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark of New Zealand and Julia Gillard of Australia.

On ties with India, Heine told WION that the two countries have a developing partnership and hopes for stronger ties, calling India a world power.&nbsp;

She further lauded the solar alliance partnership saying that India will be able to assist them. Heine hopes to develop a yoga curriculum with India's help.

Marshall Island hailed prime minister Narendra Modi's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-inaugurates-first-health-centre-under-ayushman-bharat-scheme-130470">"Ayushman Bharat" </a>which aims to provide a service to create a healthy, capable and content new India.&nbsp;

Heine said that India's plan on healthcare initiative is exciting which she looks forward to.&nbsp;

She also said that Marshall Islands is encouraging partnership with Pacific island countries.

Heine addressed the ongoing climate issues saying that they plan on launching strategies in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-pacts-needed-to-fight-climate-change-emmanuel-macron-35364">Paris agreement</a> and further discouraged countries which have stepped out. She further called for India's support in the agreement.&nbsp;

Marshall Islands is playing an important role in the issues of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-raise-food-shortage-globally-study-127813">climate chang</a>e and nuclear non-proliferation.

Talking about gender equality and women leadership Heine said that 50% of the world population is constituted by women who need to be better represented.&nbsp;

Her biggest challenge is to empower women all across Pacific Island countries.&nbsp;She was the first person in the Marshall Islands to earn a doctorate degree and also founded Women United Together Marshall Islands, a woman rights group.&nbsp;

She urged for multilateralism, adding that Marshall Islands may be small but exerts a moral leadership. "Bigger countries should understand that small countries have a role," Heine told WION.&nbsp;

The president also said that big countries like China are interested in an establishment in the Pacific and further require a rule of law. She said that one must understand the intentions of the countries.&nbsp;

Heine told WION that Marshall Islands have been presented by Indo-Pacific strategy by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australia-us-japan-in-indo-pacific-infrastructure-push-155981">US, Japan and Australia</a>, adding that most island countries are on board.&nbsp;

From 1946 to 1958, Marshall Islands was the site where the US conducted 67 nuclear tests.&nbsp;

US tested the world's first hydrogen bomb, code-named "Mike", at the Enewetak atoll in the Marshall islands in 1952.&nbsp;

Nuclear testing began in 1946 on bikini atoll. Several tests later, authorities were forced to give up. The 15-megaton castle bravo test in 1958 led to a significant fallout in the region.&nbsp;

Today, Marshall Islands is the most vocal opponent of nuclear tests. With its focus on non-proliferation and global peace, Marshall Islands is touted to play a significant role in the indo-pacific region.&nbsp;

Lastly, Heine shared her interest in Bollywood. "I have seen Bollywood movies. Your culture is very vibrant, rich and diverse. I invite Bollywood to come to Pacific," she said.

Watch the full interview on WION on Saturday at 2100 IST and Sunday at 2000 IST.

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood. She is the first woman president of any Micronesian country, and only the fourth woman to serve as head of government for any independent Pacific nation following Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark of New Zealand and Julia Gillard of Australia. On ties with India, Heine told WION that the two countries have a developing partnership and hopes for stronger ties, calling India a world power. She further lauded the solar alliance partnership saying that India will be able to assist them. Heine hopes to develop a yoga curriculum with India's help. Marshall Island hailed prime minister Narendra Modi's "Ayushman Bharat" which aims to provide a service to create a healthy, capable and content new India. Heine said that India's plan on healthcare initiative is exciting which she looks forward to. She also said that Marshall Islands is encouraging partnership with Pacific island countries. Heine addressed the ongoing climate issues saying that they plan on launching strategies in the Paris agreement and further discouraged countries which have stepped out. She further called for India's support in the agreement. Marshall Islands is playing an important role in the issues of climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. Talking about gender equality and women leadership Heine said that 50% of the world population is constituted by women who need to be better represented. Her biggest challenge is to empower women all across Pacific Island countries. She was the first person in the Marshall Islands to earn a doctorate degree and also founded Women United Together Marshall Islands, a woman rights group. She urged for multilateralism, adding that Marshall Islands may be small but exerts a moral leadership. "Bigger countries should understand that small countries have a role," Heine told WION. The president also said that big countries like China are interested in an establishment in the Pacific and further require a rule of law. She said that one must understand the intentions of the countries. Heine told WION that Marshall Islands have been presented by Indo-Pacific strategy by US, Japan and Australia, adding that most island countries are on board. From 1946 to 1958, Marshall Islands was the site where the US conducted 67 nuclear tests. US tested the world's first hydrogen bomb, code-named "Mike", at the Enewetak atoll in the Marshall islands in 1952. Nuclear testing began in 1946 on bikini atoll. Several tests later, authorities were forced to give up. The 15-megaton castle bravo test in 1958 led to a significant fallout in the region. Today, Marshall Islands is the most vocal opponent of nuclear tests. With its focus on non-proliferation and global peace, Marshall Islands is touted to play a significant role in the indo-pacific region. Lastly, Heine shared her interest in Bollywood. "I have seen Bollywood movies. Your culture is very vibrant, rich and diverse. I invite Bollywood to come to Pacific," she said. Watch the full interview on WION on Saturday at 2100 IST and Sunday at 2000 IST.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION

Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu were conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The annual National Sports Awards were bestowed on the best athletes that the country has seen in the past one year.

Kohli is the third cricketer to be awarded the Khel Ratna after Sachin Tendulkar (1997) and MS Dhoni (2007).&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian skipper Virat Kohli receives Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/wqBKArEOJ3">pic.twitter.com/wqBKArEOJ3</a>
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Earlier in the day, Chanu reflected on her excitement at the honour.&nbsp;

“A really big day for me as I receive the prestigious #RajivGandhiKhelRatnaAward at the #RashtrapatiBhawan today. A big thanks to everyone who have supported me all throughout this journey. Special thanks to my family, my coaches, Govt, Federation, and my fans. Indeed grateful!” she wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

Chanu is also the third weightlifter to win the prize after Karnam Malleswari (1995) and Nameirakpam Kunjarani (1996).

Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu were conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu were conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The annual National Sports Awards were bestowed on the best athletes that the country has seen in the past one year. Kohli is the third cricketer to be awarded the Khel Ratna after Sachin Tendulkar (1997) and MS Dhoni (2007). #WATCH: Indian skipper Virat Kohli receives Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/wqBKArEOJ3 — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × President Ram Nath Kovind awards Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Indian skipper Virat Kohli at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/mIrP46Wpom — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Earlier in the day, Chanu reflected on her excitement at the honour. “A really big day for me as I receive the prestigious #RajivGandhiKhelRatnaAward at the #RashtrapatiBhawan today. A big thanks to everyone who have supported me all throughout this journey. Special thanks to my family, my coaches, Govt, Federation, and my fans. Indeed grateful!” she wrote in a tweet. Chanu is also the third weightlifter to win the prize after Karnam Malleswari (1995) and Nameirakpam Kunjarani (1996).

Virat Kohli, Mirabai Chanu conferred Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's brother and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif has asked India to resume peace talks with Islamabad, saying the Singapore summit between the US and North Korea should set a good precedent for both the bickering neighbours to follow.

Marking an epoch in the history of the decades-long tense relationship between the US and North Korea, leaders of the two countries yesterday met in Singapore for a summit where the North's Kim Jong-un pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation" in return for security guarantees from Washington.&nbsp;

"Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other.

"If the United States and North Korea can return from the brink of a nuclear flashpoint, there is no reason why Pakistan and India cannot do the same ... Beginning with a dialogue on Kashmir whose heroic people have resisted and rejected Indian occupation," Shahbaz Sharif said in a series of tweets.

He further said: "It is time for comprehensive peace talks in our region. International community must focus on the peace process in Afghanistan. Dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir should also resume so that the long-festering Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions."

This is a rare statement from Shahbaz Sharif on India, contrary to his elder brother (Nawaz Sharif) whose one of the major reasons behind his ouster, as many political pundits here say, was his efforts to normalise ties with New Delhi.

Shahbaz, who is a prime ministerial candidate from his party, also asked India to leave behind the past tensions between the arch-rivals and starts afresh.

"The US and North Korea talks should be a role model for Pakistan and Indian. If they can return from their previous hostile positions of attacking each other, Pakistan and India can also resume composite dialogue," he said.

The leader said a dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir was needed to resolve the long-festering dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.

The PML-N chief said if his party returns to power in&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;elections, it will promote peace in the region with a focus on Afghanistan, as peace in Afghanistan is "inextricably intertwined" with peace and security in Pakistan.

He welcomed the initiatives mooted by the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban for ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid-ul-Fitr.

Terming it as a positive first step towards promoting an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process, Shahbaz said the PML-N government had played a pivotal role in initiating steps for peace in Afghanistan, including hosting the first-ever direct, face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban in Murree in July 2015.

Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's brother and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif has asked India to resume peace talks with Islamabad, saying the Singapore summit between the US and North Korea should set a good precedent for both the bickering neighbours to follow. Marking an epoch in the history of the decades-long tense relationship between the US and North Korea, leaders of the two countries yesterday met in Singapore for a summit where the North's Kim Jong-un pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation" in return for security guarantees from Washington. "Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other. "If the United States and North Korea can return from the brink of a nuclear flashpoint, there is no reason why Pakistan and India cannot do the same ... Beginning with a dialogue on Kashmir whose heroic people have resisted and rejected Indian occupation," Shahbaz Sharif said in a series of tweets. He further said: "It is time for comprehensive peace talks in our region. International community must focus on the peace process in Afghanistan. Dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir should also resume so that the long-festering Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions." This is a rare statement from Shahbaz Sharif on India, contrary to his elder brother (Nawaz Sharif) whose one of the major reasons behind his ouster, as many political pundits here say, was his efforts to normalise ties with New Delhi. Shahbaz, who is a prime ministerial candidate from his party, also asked India to leave behind the past tensions between the arch-rivals and starts afresh. "The US and North Korea talks should be a role model for Pakistan and Indian. If they can return from their previous hostile positions of attacking each other, Pakistan and India can also resume composite dialogue," he said. The leader said a dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir was needed to resolve the long-festering dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. The PML-N chief said if his party returns to power in July 25 elections, it will promote peace in the region with a focus on Afghanistan, as peace in Afghanistan is "inextricably intertwined" with peace and security in Pakistan. He welcomed the initiatives mooted by the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban for ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid-ul-Fitr. Terming it as a positive first step towards promoting an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process, Shahbaz said the PML-N government had played a pivotal role in initiating steps for peace in Afghanistan, including hosting the first-ever direct, face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban in Murree in July 2015.

After US-North Korea summit, PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif asks India to follow suit

China urges all parties concerned to the Korean Peninsula issue to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts to find a political settlement of the Peninsula issue, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang.

Geng, the spokesman, made the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met in Singapore&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;for a landmark summit. The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit. The United States would be committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Geng said that a good beginning is half done.

"We think that after a long time of hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the US, it was of great and positive historic significance for the top leaders of the two countries to sit together and have dialogue on an equal footing. The achievements reached by the two leaders are an important step toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ending hostility and confrontation, and pursuing lasting peace and prosperity of the peninsula. The Korean Peninsula issue has its complexity and particularity, which cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts over the Korean Peninsula issue," said Geng.

Geng said China hopes and supports the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the Peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process.

"As a close neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the issue, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a mechanism for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and make positive efforts and contribution to early realization of long-term peace and stability of the peninsula," said Geng.

Geng also reiterated China's stance over the sanctions that United Nations (UN) has imposed on DPRK when answering a reporter's question.

"China always believes that sanctions are not the goals. All parties should support and cooperate with the efforts of diplomatic dialogues and denuclearization, and push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," said Geng.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit

China urges all parties concerned to the Korean Peninsula issue to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts to find a political settlement of the Peninsula issue, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang. Geng, the spokesman, made the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met in Singapore on Tuesday for a landmark summit. The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit. The United States would be committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Geng said that a good beginning is half done. "We think that after a long time of hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the US, it was of great and positive historic significance for the top leaders of the two countries to sit together and have dialogue on an equal footing. The achievements reached by the two leaders are an important step toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ending hostility and confrontation, and pursuing lasting peace and prosperity of the peninsula. The Korean Peninsula issue has its complexity and particularity, which cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts over the Korean Peninsula issue," said Geng. Geng said China hopes and supports the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the Peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process. "As a close neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the issue, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a mechanism for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and make positive efforts and contribution to early realization of long-term peace and stability of the peninsula," said Geng. Geng also reiterated China's stance over the sanctions that United Nations (UN) has imposed on DPRK when answering a reporter's question. "China always believes that sanctions are not the goals. All parties should support and cooperate with the efforts of diplomatic dialogues and denuclearization, and push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," said Geng.

China urges perseverance, patience from all parties over Korean Peninsula

China said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure.

China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks.

China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US&nbsp;and South Korea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing

China said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure. China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks. China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US and South Korea.

China says its proposal practical after Trump says to halt Korean drills

The Kremlin said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that a summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore&nbsp;on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour.

"We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago."

Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises.

Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;- had been right all along.

"In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting.

"But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue."

Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms.

Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour. "We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago." Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises. Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow on Thursday - had been right all along. "In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting. "But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue." Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms. Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin says Trump-Kim summit proves Putin was right about North Korea

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian criticised Donald Trump's "destabilising" foreign policy today after the US leader fell out with historic US allies then "practically hugged" North Korea's dictator in a matter of days.

Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was "an undoubted step forward", but he expressed concern about the US president's diplomatic manoeuvres.

"In the space of just a day you see President Trump attacking Mr Trudeau who is a historic ally, and you see President Trump breaking with his collective allies after the G7 meeting in Quebec, and the next day practically hugged a dictator born into a Communist dictatorship which just a few days ago he said he was completely opposed to," he said.

"We are in a destabilising situation," Le Drian told CNews television.

"President Trump has decided to progressively dismantle the tools of multilateralism created after the last war. It is a period of uncertainty and risk... America is shutting itself away in its fortress of power."

Trump's critics have seized on his warm embrace of Kim, days after a spectacular bust-up with G7 allies at a summit in Canada, as the latest sign of his rapport with autocrats.

Trump clashed badly with leaders of the G7's Western democracies over tariffs and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "dishonest and weak" at a summit that ended in farce last weekend.

Like many officials, Le Drian raised questions over how Kim's promise to help rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons could be achieved.

"There have already been in the past gestures towards denuclearisation by the father of Kim Jong Un that came to nothing," Le Drian said.

"So today it's good news, let's take it as such, but let's make sure this principle of denuclearisation which was flaunted at this summit is really irreversible and verifiable."

Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was 'an undoubted step forward'

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian criticised Donald Trump's "destabilising" foreign policy today after the US leader fell out with historic US allies then "practically hugged" North Korea's dictator in a matter of days. Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was "an undoubted step forward", but he expressed concern about the US president's diplomatic manoeuvres. "In the space of just a day you see President Trump attacking Mr Trudeau who is a historic ally, and you see President Trump breaking with his collective allies after the G7 meeting in Quebec, and the next day practically hugged a dictator born into a Communist dictatorship which just a few days ago he said he was completely opposed to," he said. "We are in a destabilising situation," Le Drian told CNews television. "President Trump has decided to progressively dismantle the tools of multilateralism created after the last war. It is a period of uncertainty and risk... America is shutting itself away in its fortress of power." Trump's critics have seized on his warm embrace of Kim, days after a spectacular bust-up with G7 allies at a summit in Canada, as the latest sign of his rapport with autocrats. Trump clashed badly with leaders of the G7's Western democracies over tariffs and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "dishonest and weak" at a summit that ended in farce last weekend. Like many officials, Le Drian raised questions over how Kim's promise to help rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons could be achieved. "There have already been in the past gestures towards denuclearisation by the father of Kim Jong Un that came to nothing," Le Drian said. "So today it's good news, let's take it as such, but let's make sure this principle of denuclearisation which was flaunted at this summit is really irreversible and verifiable."

France alarmed after Trump 'practically hugged' Kim: Minister

Just hours after Kim Jong Unwrapped up a surprise evening sightseeing tour of Singapore&nbsp;on Monday, the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun crammed its front page with photographs snapped of the reclusive leader.

The official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea featured 14 photographs, covering more than half of the front page of its&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;issue, showing Kim jovially walking with officials from the city-state at a tropical garden as well as beside an infinity pool.

The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen.

The sense of fun in the reporting is also a contrast with the more sober way in which the North Korean media would usually handle an official trip.

It appears to reflect a new confidence among officials in North Korea that the isolated country has really been accepted onto the world stage. This is the furthest Kim is known to have travelled since he came to power in 2011 and there has never previously been a meeting between a US&nbsp;president and a North Korean leader.

Despite all pomp and circumstance, ordinary North Koreans are not confident that improvement in relations between the North and the United States will last long and give them a better economy, defectors say.

"They weren't too excited about the summit. North Korea had rice and medicine aid from the United States and other countries before, but that did not trickle down to ordinary people," said Park Hyun-sook, a defector who spoke to two relatives inside the North by phone&nbsp;on Saturday.

"Under sanctions, we have figured out the way to live on our own. Even under any better relationship with the US, it would be the same," Park told Reuters. Park used to smuggle North Korean goods into China to make a living near the border.

Many North Koreans are still filled with deep-rooted distrust towards Trump, which state media previously called a "lunatic old man", said Daily NK, a news website run by North Korean defectors who retain contacts with sources inside.

North Korea's official media brought a large number of reporters and camera operators to Singapore for the Kim trip, and they had access to various locations that was denied to media from elsewhere in the world.

For previous trips by Kim to China, state media had mostly reported the visits after Kim had returned to Pyongyang. In the case of the inter-Korea summit - which began on the morning of&nbsp;April 27&nbsp;- the coverage was largely delayed until early the next day.

In addition to the pictures of Kim on the tour&nbsp;on Tuesday, separate landscape shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, and a bird's-eye view of Singapore from the hotel's observation deck were also shown.

KCNA reported Kim as saying of the sightseeing tour that "Singapore is clean and beautiful and every building is stylish as he heard of in the past, adding he is going to learn a lot from the good knowledge and experience of Singapore in various fields in the future."

On Monday, Rodong Sinmun had shown Kim just before departing Pyongyang for Singapore, shaking hands with his officials and waving his hand inside the entrance of an Air China airplane ahead of takeoff.

State television aired the same photographs of Kim's departure as well as his arrival in Singapore and the North Korean leader's meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace.

The North Korean media still faces some barriers, though. It doesn't go live for such sensitive events.

In the capital of Pyongyang, North Koreans watched a big TV screen playing still photographs of Kim's visit to Singapore and read a newspaper about the trip at a subway station, media photographs showed.

But,&nbsp;on Tuesday, while all other international networks went live with Kim and Trump's first handshake and opening remarks at their meeting, the official Korean Central Television remained blank, choosing not to break with its usual broadcast schedule that usually begins&nbsp;five hours later.

The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen

Just hours after Kim Jong Unwrapped up a surprise evening sightseeing tour of Singapore on Monday, the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun crammed its front page with photographs snapped of the reclusive leader. The official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea featured 14 photographs, covering more than half of the front page of its Tuesday issue, showing Kim jovially walking with officials from the city-state at a tropical garden as well as beside an infinity pool. The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen. The sense of fun in the reporting is also a contrast with the more sober way in which the North Korean media would usually handle an official trip. It appears to reflect a new confidence among officials in North Korea that the isolated country has really been accepted onto the world stage. This is the furthest Kim is known to have travelled since he came to power in 2011 and there has never previously been a meeting between a US president and a North Korean leader. Despite all pomp and circumstance, ordinary North Koreans are not confident that improvement in relations between the North and the United States will last long and give them a better economy, defectors say. "They weren't too excited about the summit. North Korea had rice and medicine aid from the United States and other countries before, but that did not trickle down to ordinary people," said Park Hyun-sook, a defector who spoke to two relatives inside the North by phone on Saturday. "Under sanctions, we have figured out the way to live on our own. Even under any better relationship with the US, it would be the same," Park told Reuters. Park used to smuggle North Korean goods into China to make a living near the border. Many North Koreans are still filled with deep-rooted distrust towards Trump, which state media previously called a "lunatic old man", said Daily NK, a news website run by North Korean defectors who retain contacts with sources inside. North Korea's official media brought a large number of reporters and camera operators to Singapore for the Kim trip, and they had access to various locations that was denied to media from elsewhere in the world. For previous trips by Kim to China, state media had mostly reported the visits after Kim had returned to Pyongyang. In the case of the inter-Korea summit - which began on the morning of April 27 - the coverage was largely delayed until early the next day. In addition to the pictures of Kim on the tour on Tuesday, separate landscape shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, and a bird's-eye view of Singapore from the hotel's observation deck were also shown. KCNA reported Kim as saying of the sightseeing tour that "Singapore is clean and beautiful and every building is stylish as he heard of in the past, adding he is going to learn a lot from the good knowledge and experience of Singapore in various fields in the future." On Monday, Rodong Sinmun had shown Kim just before departing Pyongyang for Singapore, shaking hands with his officials and waving his hand inside the entrance of an Air China airplane ahead of takeoff. State television aired the same photographs of Kim's departure as well as his arrival in Singapore and the North Korean leader's meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace. The North Korean media still faces some barriers, though. It doesn't go live for such sensitive events. In the capital of Pyongyang, North Koreans watched a big TV screen playing still photographs of Kim's visit to Singapore and read a newspaper about the trip at a subway station, media photographs showed. But, on Tuesday, while all other international networks went live with Kim and Trump's first handshake and opening remarks at their meeting, the official Korean Central Television remained blank, choosing not to break with its usual broadcast schedule that usually begins five hours later.

North Korea state media plasters front pages with leader's Singapore trip

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit.

"We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical.

Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point."

Earlier&nbsp;on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted&nbsp;on Friday.

"Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet.

In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them&nbsp;tomorrow."

On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, What about subsidies? Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit. "We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical. Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point." Earlier on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted on Friday. "Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow." On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Trump pitches ending trade tariffs at G-7 summit: Reports

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California.

The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors.

The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history."

Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

&nbsp

The travelling exhibition entitled The Daily Show Presents: The Donald J. Trump PresidentialTwitter Library

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California. The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors. The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history." Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

Donald Trump Twitter library opens in Los Angeles

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he expects his meeting with United States President Donald Trump to be "constructive."

He is a serious-minded person who knows how to listen to people and respond to their arguments. This leads me to believe that dialogue may prove to be constructive," TASS quoted Putin as saying.

The two leaders are likely to meet this year as Trump, in April, extended an invitation to meet with the Russian President.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov earlier said such a meeting is vital for improving relations between Moscow and Washington.

This will be the third time that both the leaders would meet face-to-face.

Putin and Trump first met during the G20 summit in Germany`s Hamburg in July last year and again met for the second time in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam in November last year.

Earlier in March this year, the two leaders held a telephonic conversation, where Trump had invited Putin to visit Washington DC

It is to be noted that relations between US and Russia are greatly strained due to the crisis in Ukraine, Russia`s annexation of Crimea in 2015, differences regarding Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, and the alleged meddling of 2016 US presidential election.

The two leaders are likely to meet this year as Trump, in April, extended an invitation to meet with the Russian President

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he expects his meeting with United States President Donald Trump to be "constructive." He is a serious-minded person who knows how to listen to people and respond to their arguments. This leads me to believe that dialogue may prove to be constructive," TASS quoted Putin as saying. The two leaders are likely to meet this year as Trump, in April, extended an invitation to meet with the Russian President. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov earlier said such a meeting is vital for improving relations between Moscow and Washington. This will be the third time that both the leaders would meet face-to-face. Putin and Trump first met during the G20 summit in Germany`s Hamburg in July last year and again met for the second time in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam in November last year. Earlier in March this year, the two leaders held a telephonic conversation, where Trump had invited Putin to visit Washington DC It is to be noted that relations between US and Russia are greatly strained due to the crisis in Ukraine, Russia`s annexation of Crimea in 2015, differences regarding Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war, and the alleged meddling of 2016 US presidential election.

Putin expects 'constructive' meeting with Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in China on Saturday&nbsp;on a two-day visit to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit where India is likely to pitch for concerted regional and global action against terror networks and favour effective connectivity links to boost trade.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the eight-member group's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Hours after his arrival in this central port city, Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;during which the two leaders are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation.

The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in central China's Wuhan city during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers.

In&nbsp;tomorrow's&nbsp;meeting, Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit.

About the SCO summit, officials said India will pitch for evolving effective ways to deal with the growing challenge of terrorism and enhancing security cooperation among SCO countries.

India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.&nbsp;

The officials said India is also likely to focus on the importance of regional connectivity projects to boost trade among members of the SCO countries.

India has been strongly pushing for connectivity projects like the Chabahar port project and International North-South Transport Corridor to gain access to resource-rich Central Asian countries.

Sources indicated that India's focus would be to include its concerns over cross-border terrorism in the final outcome document.

India has been raising the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in various multilateral forums with an aim to build pressure on Islamabad to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from that country.

Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in China on Saturday on a two-day visit to attend the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit where India is likely to pitch for concerted regional and global action against terror networks and favour effective connectivity links to boost trade. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the eight-member group's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Hours after his arrival in this central port city, Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which the two leaders are expected to explore ways to deepen ties in areas of trade and investment besides reviewing the overall bilateral cooperation. The meeting is taking place weeks after the two leaders held an informal summit in central China's Wuhan city during which they exchanged views on solidifying the relationship between the two Asian powers. In tomorrow's meeting, Modi and Xi are likely to take stock of the progress in the implementation of decisions they had taken at the informal summit. About the SCO summit, officials said India will pitch for evolving effective ways to deal with the growing challenge of terrorism and enhancing security cooperation among SCO countries. India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The officials said India is also likely to focus on the importance of regional connectivity projects to boost trade among members of the SCO countries. India has been strongly pushing for connectivity projects like the Chabahar port project and International North-South Transport Corridor to gain access to resource-rich Central Asian countries. Sources indicated that India's focus would be to include its concerns over cross-border terrorism in the final outcome document. India has been raising the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in various multilateral forums with an aim to build pressure on Islamabad to dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from that country. Modi is expected to hold nearly half a dozen bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO countries. However, there is no official word on whether there will be any interaction between Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in China.

PM Modi to attend SCO summit tomorrow; terror, trade on agenda

United States President Donald Trump will depart from his visit at the Group of Seven summit in Canada several hours early&nbsp;on Saturday.

The development reportedly comes after Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, both of whom he will meet face-to-face&nbsp;on Friday.

Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, scheduled to take place on June 12, and will skip sessions on climate change and the environment.

The US President will depart the G-7 summit mid-morning&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;after a session on women`s empowerment.

A White House aide will represent the US&nbsp;for the remainder of the summit the Hill quoted White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying.

Earlier in the day, Trump lashed out at Trudeau and Macron in a series of tweets over the criticism on US&nbsp;imposition of trade tariff.

"Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies.

Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted&nbsp;on Friday."Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US&nbsp;and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US&nbsp;massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers.

The EU trade surplus with the US&nbsp;is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them&nbsp;tomorrow.

"On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). Thereafter, Trudeau dubbed the trade tariffs as `insulting and unacceptable` and announced that the country would impose its own tariffs on US` goods in retaliation.

Meanwhile, Macron tweeted, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force."

Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

United States President Donald Trump will depart from his visit at the Group of Seven summit in Canada several hours early on Saturday. The development reportedly comes after Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, both of whom he will meet face-to-face on Friday. Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, scheduled to take place on June 12, and will skip sessions on climate change and the environment. The US President will depart the G-7 summit mid-morning on Saturday after a session on women`s empowerment. A White House aide will represent the US for the remainder of the summit the Hill quoted White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying. Earlier in the day, Trump lashed out at Trudeau and Macron in a series of tweets over the criticism on US imposition of trade tariff. "Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted on Friday."Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow. "On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). Thereafter, Trudeau dubbed the trade tariffs as `insulting and unacceptable` and announced that the country would impose its own tariffs on US` goods in retaliation. Meanwhile, Macron tweeted, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force."

Trump to leave G7 summit early

Abdullah Abdullah, the political leader who twice backed down from election disputes that plunged&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;into crisis, said on Thursday he had not ruled out standing again next year and might agree to share power with his opponent.

Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent. Both times, standoffs after the vote paralyzed the country for months and threatened to unravel a political system backed by thousands of US troops.

He now serves under his most recent opponent, President Ashraf Ghani, as "chief executive" of a unity government in an ad hoc, US-brokered power-sharing arrangement that ended the second electoral impasse four years ago.

Abdullah is the heir to the powerful political faction once known as the Northern Alliance, a multi-ethnic coalition of guerrilla movements that fought against the Taliban and allied with the United States after the September 11 attacks.

Asked in an interview with Reuters in London if he would stand again next year, Abdullah laughed at the suggestion he might announce it while abroad, but he also did not deny it.

"Do you think that to make that announcement here would be the right thing to do?" he said with a chuckle. "No. I am not saying this will not be the case, but I have not decided yet."

But he said it was vital that&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;find a way to ensure that it can hold elections without a repeat of the existential crises that erupted the last two times he stood.

"That's our hope. I don't want anyone to go through the same thing and see the same risk involved," he said.

The best way to achieve peaceful transitions of power was to reform the constitution, which places too much authority in the hands of whoever becomes president and leaves the followers of the winner's opponents in the wilderness.

"There is an inherent problem in such a highly centralised system, which leads to challenges and has led to challenges in the past," said Abdullah.

In the last two elections, he narrowly lost to rivals - first Hamid Karzai and then Ghani - who drew a greater share of their support from the south of the country and from the Pashtun community, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group.

In both cases, the rival candidates accused their opponents' followers of widespread fraud in parts of the country controlled by their allies. The disputes threatened to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;on regional, ethnic, sectarian and linguistic lines, and were finally resolved under intense pressure from the United States.

Abdullah said it was only his own personal decision to step aside that ended both crises, and Afghans should create a system that encourages power-sharing so that they do not have to rely on future politicians behaving as he had.

"The point is, that the country wouldn't have survived without the unity government," he said of the 2014 crisis.

"I'm not taking the credit for myself, but the reality was, that had it been any other politician that I have known in the country, he would have reacted differently... So that was a big risk for the country, to rely on the faith of one person to make the right decision or a bad decision. The country should never be put in that sort of situation anymore."

To prevent it, he would create a parliamentary system with an executive prime minister, similar to the post that he now holds but as a permanent feature of the constitution, rather than the result of an ad hoc political deal.

Such reform has been held back by a delay in holding parliamentary elections, which are now set for next year, two years later than agreed under the 2014 unity deal, he said.

Asked if presidential candidates might agree to extend the 2014 unity pact beyond the next election, by offering in advance to give the chief executive post to whoever came second, he nodded: "Could be. Could be."

If he did choose to run, he said, he would be open to making such an offer to his opponent, although that remained a hypothetical question.

"When I believe that there has to be this sort of power-sharing arrangement, it's not that if I were the president I wouldn't want this because I would want everything for myself," he said. "That's my understanding of the society and the needs of the country and the necessity."

Ultimately, he said, it would be up to Afghan voters to choose as their next president someone who believed in sharing power with opponents.

"If somebody is elected and he believes in a highly centralised system and a one-man-show, that's a different issue."

Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent

Abdullah Abdullah, the political leader who twice backed down from election disputes that plunged Afghanistan into crisis, said on Thursday he had not ruled out standing again next year and might agree to share power with his opponent. Abdullah narrowly lost presidential elections in 2009 and 2014 that he disputed as fraudulent. Both times, standoffs after the vote paralyzed the country for months and threatened to unravel a political system backed by thousands of US troops. He now serves under his most recent opponent, President Ashraf Ghani, as "chief executive" of a unity government in an ad hoc, US-brokered power-sharing arrangement that ended the second electoral impasse four years ago. Abdullah is the heir to the powerful political faction once known as the Northern Alliance, a multi-ethnic coalition of guerrilla movements that fought against the Taliban and allied with the United States after the September 11 attacks. Asked in an interview with Reuters in London if he would stand again next year, Abdullah laughed at the suggestion he might announce it while abroad, but he also did not deny it. "Do you think that to make that announcement here would be the right thing to do?" he said with a chuckle. "No. I am not saying this will not be the case, but I have not decided yet." But he said it was vital that Afghanistan find a way to ensure that it can hold elections without a repeat of the existential crises that erupted the last two times he stood. "That's our hope. I don't want anyone to go through the same thing and see the same risk involved," he said. The best way to achieve peaceful transitions of power was to reform the constitution, which places too much authority in the hands of whoever becomes president and leaves the followers of the winner's opponents in the wilderness. "There is an inherent problem in such a highly centralised system, which leads to challenges and has led to challenges in the past," said Abdullah. In the last two elections, he narrowly lost to rivals - first Hamid Karzai and then Ghani - who drew a greater share of their support from the south of the country and from the Pashtun community, Afghanistan's biggest ethnic group. In both cases, the rival candidates accused their opponents' followers of widespread fraud in parts of the country controlled by their allies. The disputes threatened to leave Afghanistan on regional, ethnic, sectarian and linguistic lines, and were finally resolved under intense pressure from the United States. Abdullah said it was only his own personal decision to step aside that ended both crises, and Afghans should create a system that encourages power-sharing so that they do not have to rely on future politicians behaving as he had. "The point is, that the country wouldn't have survived without the unity government," he said of the 2014 crisis. "I'm not taking the credit for myself, but the reality was, that had it been any other politician that I have known in the country, he would have reacted differently... So that was a big risk for the country, to rely on the faith of one person to make the right decision or a bad decision. The country should never be put in that sort of situation anymore." To prevent it, he would create a parliamentary system with an executive prime minister, similar to the post that he now holds but as a permanent feature of the constitution, rather than the result of an ad hoc political deal. Such reform has been held back by a delay in holding parliamentary elections, which are now set for next year, two years later than agreed under the 2014 unity deal, he said. Asked if presidential candidates might agree to extend the 2014 unity pact beyond the next election, by offering in advance to give the chief executive post to whoever came second, he nodded: "Could be. Could be." If he did choose to run, he said, he would be open to making such an offer to his opponent, although that remained a hypothetical question. "When I believe that there has to be this sort of power-sharing arrangement, it's not that if I were the president I wouldn't want this because I would want everything for myself," he said. "That's my understanding of the society and the needs of the country and the necessity." Ultimately, he said, it would be up to Afghan voters to choose as their next president someone who believed in sharing power with opponents. "If somebody is elected and he believes in a highly centralised system and a one-man-show, that's a different issue."

Afghanistan's Abdullah won't rule out running for president, sharing power

&nbsp;Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced for the first time an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban, coinciding with the end of the Muslim fasting month, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State.

The decision came after a meeting of Islamic clerics this week declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul, the capital.

The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, announcing a laying down of arms until June 20.

Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014.

"This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to introspect (sic) that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds," Ghani said in a message on social network Twitter after a televised address.

There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban but an international political analyst based in Kabul was unimpressed.

"It's a one-sided love story," he said.

US&nbsp;Forces-Afghanistan&nbsp;said they would honour the ceasefire.

"We will adhere to the wishes of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;for the country to enjoy a peaceful end to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and support the search for an end to the conflict," Gen. John Nicholson, US&nbsp;Forces-Afghanistan&nbsp;and the NATO-led Resolute Support commander, said in a statement.

The ceasefire would not include US&nbsp;counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State and al Qaeda, it said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the announcement which he said: "shows the seriousness of President Ghani and the Afghan government". Both he and the United Nations urged the Taliban to reciprocate.

The United States and Russia also praised the decision.

"The Afghan government’s offer of a temporary ceasefire underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility," the State Department said in a statement.

But former Afghan army general Atiqullah Amarkhel said the ceasefire would give the Taliban a chance to regroup.

"From a military prospect, it is not a good move," he told Reuters.

He also said he doubted the Taliban would lay down arms and deny themselves the opportunity of fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, in which attacks have intensified.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday ending Ramadan falls at the end of next week.

Ghani in February offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners among options including new elections involving the militants and a constitutional review in a pact with the Taliban to end a conflict that last year alone killed or wounded more than 10,000 civilians.

In August, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump unveiled a more hawkish military approach to Afghanistan, including a surge in air strikes, aimed at forcing the Taliban to the negotiating table.

Afghan security forces say the impact has been significant, but the Taliban roam huge swaths of the country and, with foreign troop levels of about 15,600, down from 140,000 in 2014, there appears little hope of outright victory.

Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday announced for the first time an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban, coinciding with the end of the Muslim fasting month, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State. The decision came after a meeting of Islamic clerics this week declared a fatwa, or ruling, against suicide bombings, one of which, claimed by Islamic State, killed 14 people at the entrance to the clerics' peace tent in Kabul, the capital. The clerics also recommended a ceasefire with the Taliban, who are seeking to reimpose strict Islamic law after their ouster in 2001, and Ghani endorsed the recommendation, announcing a laying down of arms until June 20. Ghani has urged ceasefires with the Taliban before, but this was the first unconditional offer since he was elected in 2014. "This ceasefire is an opportunity for Taliban to introspect (sic) that their violent campaign is not winning them hearts and minds," Ghani said in a message on social network Twitter after a televised address. There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban but an international political analyst based in Kabul was unimpressed. "It's a one-sided love story," he said. US Forces-Afghanistan said they would honour the ceasefire. "We will adhere to the wishes of Afghanistan for the country to enjoy a peaceful end to the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and support the search for an end to the conflict," Gen. John Nicholson, US Forces-Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute Support commander, said in a statement. The ceasefire would not include US counterterrorism efforts against Islamic State and al Qaeda, it said. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the announcement which he said: "shows the seriousness of President Ghani and the Afghan government". Both he and the United Nations urged the Taliban to reciprocate. The United States and Russia also praised the decision. "The Afghan government’s offer of a temporary ceasefire underscores its commitment to peace as both a national and religious responsibility," the State Department said in a statement. But former Afghan army general Atiqullah Amarkhel said the ceasefire would give the Taliban a chance to regroup. "From a military prospect, it is not a good move," he told Reuters. He also said he doubted the Taliban would lay down arms and deny themselves the opportunity of fighting during the holy month of Ramadan, in which attacks have intensified. The Eid al-Fitr holiday ending Ramadan falls at the end of next week. Ghani in February offered recognition of the Taliban as a legitimate political group in a proposed political process that he said could lead to talks to end more than 16 years of war. Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners among options including new elections involving the militants and a constitutional review in a pact with the Taliban to end a conflict that last year alone killed or wounded more than 10,000 civilians. In August, US President Donald Trump unveiled a more hawkish military approach to Afghanistan, including a surge in air strikes, aimed at forcing the Taliban to the negotiating table. Afghan security forces say the impact has been significant, but the Taliban roam huge swaths of the country and, with foreign troop levels of about 15,600, down from 140,000 in 2014, there appears little hope of outright victory.

Afghanistan announces Eid ceasefire with Taliban until June 20

&nbsp;Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminium they fear could lead to a trade war.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues.

Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, twice attacked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;and officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense.

"There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late&nbsp;on Thursday.

Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron said&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;leaders needed to be civil at the summit but he is clearly losing patience with the US President, suggesting the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary.

British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal.

Trump showed no sign of backing down&nbsp;on Thursday, first taking to Twitter to accuse both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Trudeau of "being so indignant."

In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;"and they will have lots to talk about," the official added.

The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving&nbsp;on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans.

The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminium they fear could lead to a trade war. The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues. Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, twice attacked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter on Thursday and officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense. "There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday. Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday leaders needed to be civil at the summit but he is clearly losing patience with the US President, suggesting the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary. British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal. Trump showed no sign of backing down on Thursday, first taking to Twitter to accuse both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Trudeau of "being so indignant." In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added. The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions. The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans. The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

G7 leaders set to clash with combative Trump over tariffs, trade

North Korea has confirmed to the US its willingness to denuclearise, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said today, asserting that President Donald Trump will not stand by a "bad deal" in his summit with Kim Jong-un in Singapore next week.

Any deal reached as a result of the meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader Kim would be brought before the Congress for its stamp of approval so that it cannot be reversed by any future administration, said Pompeo, who is spearheading the American efforts for talks with Pyongyang.

"The United States and North Korea have been holding direct talks in preparation for a summit, and North Korea has confirmed to us its willingness to denuclearise," he told reporters at a White House news conference.

Noting that a comprehensive whole-of-government effort in support of Trump's upcoming summit was underway, Pompeo said a White House and State Department-led advance teams were finalising logistical preparations and will remain in place in Singapore until the summit begins.

Trump continues to follow every development closely and is getting daily briefings from his national security team, he said.

The fact that the two leaders are coming to the table shows that they are very serious, Pompeo said, noting that the diplomatic model that they have used to date is different from past efforts.

The efforts gives them hope that they can find real success where past efforts have fallen short, he added.

Pompeo said Trump was hopeful, but he is also going into the summit with his eyes wide open. "We've seen how many inadequate agreements have been struck in the past. You can be sure that President Trump will not stand for a bad deal," he said.?&nbsp;

"The US has been clear, time and time again, that complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the only outcome that we will find acceptable," Pompeo said.

Trump, he said, recognises that North Korea has great potential, and he looks forward to a day when sanctions on it can begin to be removed.

However, that cannot happen until the Pyongyang completely and verifiably eliminates its weapons of mass destruction programs, he reiterated.

Pompeo said Trump and Kim will certainly also discuss security assurances for North Korea, establishing a peace regime and improving relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

"Until we achieve our goals, the measures that the world, alongside the US, has put on the regime will remain. In the event diplomacy does not move in the right direction, these measures will increase. Throughout the entire process, the United States has been unified with Japan and South Korea in response to the threats from North Korea," he said.

Trump has been, and continues to be, committed to ridding the US and the world of threats posed by North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes, he said.&nbsp;

"These programmes threaten our homeland, our allies and partners, and the broader non-proliferation regime. North Korea's past activities also make clear that it is proliferation to other actors that creates a risk, in addition to the primary risks. It has supporting infrastructure that is also of concern," he said.

Pompeo, who has met Kim twice in the recent past, said the North Korean leader was very capable of articulating the things that he was prepared to do, presents clearly the challenges that they all have to overcome.?&nbsp;

"It's why the two leaders are meeting. It's the opportunity to lay those out clearly between the two leaders so that we can see if we can find a path forward together that achieves the outcomes that both countries want," he said.

"He (Kim) has indicated to me, personally, that he is prepared to denuclearise that he understands that the current model doesn't work, that he's prepared to denuclearise.&nbsp;He understands that we can't do it the way we've done it before -- that this has to be big and bold, and we have to agree to making major changes," he said.

"We can't step through this over years, but rather need to acknowledge it will take some amount of time, that this doesn't happen instantaneously. But that the model for succeeding -- security assurance and political normalization and denuclearisation completely, verifiably, and irreversibly -- for that to take place, we've got to make bold decisions," Pompeo said.

Leading the American efforts in negotiating with the North Koreans, he said the US is making progress, inch by inch.&nbsp;

"We are going to travel there," the US Secretary of State said.

Asserting that the approach that Trump was taking is fundamentally different, the top American diplomat said in the past, there have been months and months of detailed negotiations, and it "got nowhere".&nbsp;"This has already driven us to a place we've not been able to achieve before," he said.&nbsp;

Pompeo said the Trump administration is hoping to submit a document that Congress would give currency and strength and elongation to the process so that when administrations do change, as they inevitably do, Chairman Kim will have comfort that American policy will continue down the same path.&nbsp;

The United States and North Korea have been holding direct talks in preparation for a summit, and North Korea has confirmed to us its willingness to denuclearise

North Korea has confirmed to the US its willingness to denuclearise, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said today, asserting that President Donald Trump will not stand by a "bad deal" in his summit with Kim Jong-un in Singapore next week. Any deal reached as a result of the meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader Kim would be brought before the Congress for its stamp of approval so that it cannot be reversed by any future administration, said Pompeo, who is spearheading the American efforts for talks with Pyongyang. "The United States and North Korea have been holding direct talks in preparation for a summit, and North Korea has confirmed to us its willingness to denuclearise," he told reporters at a White House news conference. Noting that a comprehensive whole-of-government effort in support of Trump's upcoming summit was underway, Pompeo said a White House and State Department-led advance teams were finalising logistical preparations and will remain in place in Singapore until the summit begins. Trump continues to follow every development closely and is getting daily briefings from his national security team, he said. The fact that the two leaders are coming to the table shows that they are very serious, Pompeo said, noting that the diplomatic model that they have used to date is different from past efforts. The efforts gives them hope that they can find real success where past efforts have fallen short, he added. Pompeo said Trump was hopeful, but he is also going into the summit with his eyes wide open. "We've seen how many inadequate agreements have been struck in the past. You can be sure that President Trump will not stand for a bad deal," he said.? "The US has been clear, time and time again, that complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the only outcome that we will find acceptable," Pompeo said. Trump, he said, recognises that North Korea has great potential, and he looks forward to a day when sanctions on it can begin to be removed. However, that cannot happen until the Pyongyang completely and verifiably eliminates its weapons of mass destruction programs, he reiterated. Pompeo said Trump and Kim will certainly also discuss security assurances for North Korea, establishing a peace regime and improving relations between the two countries. "Until we achieve our goals, the measures that the world, alongside the US, has put on the regime will remain. In the event diplomacy does not move in the right direction, these measures will increase. Throughout the entire process, the United States has been unified with Japan and South Korea in response to the threats from North Korea," he said. Trump has been, and continues to be, committed to ridding the US and the world of threats posed by North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes, he said. "These programmes threaten our homeland, our allies and partners, and the broader non-proliferation regime. North Korea's past activities also make clear that it is proliferation to other actors that creates a risk, in addition to the primary risks. It has supporting infrastructure that is also of concern," he said. Pompeo, who has met Kim twice in the recent past, said the North Korean leader was very capable of articulating the things that he was prepared to do, presents clearly the challenges that they all have to overcome.? "It's why the two leaders are meeting. It's the opportunity to lay those out clearly between the two leaders so that we can see if we can find a path forward together that achieves the outcomes that both countries want," he said. "He (Kim) has indicated to me, personally, that he is prepared to denuclearise that he understands that the current model doesn't work, that he's prepared to denuclearise. He understands that we can't do it the way we've done it before -- that this has to be big and bold, and we have to agree to making major changes," he said. "We can't step through this over years, but rather need to acknowledge it will take some amount of time, that this doesn't happen instantaneously. But that the model for succeeding -- security assurance and political normalization and denuclearisation completely, verifiably, and irreversibly -- for that to take place, we've got to make bold decisions," Pompeo said. Leading the American efforts in negotiating with the North Koreans, he said the US is making progress, inch by inch. "We are going to travel there," the US Secretary of State said. Asserting that the approach that Trump was taking is fundamentally different, the top American diplomat said in the past, there have been months and months of detailed negotiations, and it "got nowhere". "This has already driven us to a place we've not been able to achieve before," he said. Pompeo said the Trump administration is hoping to submit a document that Congress would give currency and strength and elongation to the process so that when administrations do change, as they inevitably do, Chairman Kim will have comfort that American policy will continue down the same path.

North Korea has confirmed to US willingness to denuclearise: Pompeo

Despite the fact that the confirmation of the meeting between leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) came on a short notice, experts believe Singapore is well prepared for the historic event given the city-state's rich experience in security measures.

The White House has announced that U.S. President Donald Trump and top leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un will meet at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's southern coast, on June 12.

With Singapore's good track record in hosting major events, observers are confident that the country is able to put up good security measures for this historic meeting, even within a short period of time.

"We already have existing security infrastructure, which is good to go, meaning that whatever preparation that we are experiencing right now is going to be very little, I would say, because all the security resources, security personnel, the basic blueprints for all the different locations across Singapore are already there. All we have to do is just activate those resources," said Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

In addition to the infrastructure, security experts believe Singapore is also keeping close tabs on the latest security developments.

"Not to mention the close relationship that Singapore security agencies have with security agencies in the region - we work closely with the U.S. we also work closely with all the security agencies from around the country, around the region, and we are aware of all the latest intelligence required where security is concerned," said Lim How Kiat, general manager of Singapore office of the Ademco Security Group.

In preparation for the summit, Singapore police have tightened security measures to various areas where summit activities would be held. These include having enhanced powers to search people and vehicles.

Singapore airspace will also be restricted from June 10 to 14. During this period, flight delays might be expected.

Although preparation is the key to success, it’s only the beginning of the process.

"Regardless of your maximum amount of resources you put into doing good security, there will also be some residue risks, we don't know what these are. Nevertheless, I am sure that the security panels have put a whole range of contingencies in place for whatever may happen, whether it's about undesirable weather, heavy rainstorm that affects visibility that affects the movement of people, you know, wet weather can change all sorts of things. We can't foresee these things, but what we can do is to preempt the possibilities by putting all the resources in the area so that they are good to go and can be deployed in a short moment notice if they need to be," he said.

With all these security measures in place, Singapore is doing its best to make sure that its guests have a peace of mind, to focus on making the world a more secure place.

The White House has announced that US President Donald Trump and top leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un will meet at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa

Despite the fact that the confirmation of the meeting between leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) came on a short notice, experts believe Singapore is well prepared for the historic event given the city-state's rich experience in security measures. The White House has announced that U.S. President Donald Trump and top leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un will meet at the Capella Hotel in Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's southern coast, on June 12. With Singapore's good track record in hosting major events, observers are confident that the country is able to put up good security measures for this historic meeting, even within a short period of time. "We already have existing security infrastructure, which is good to go, meaning that whatever preparation that we are experiencing right now is going to be very little, I would say, because all the security resources, security personnel, the basic blueprints for all the different locations across Singapore are already there. All we have to do is just activate those resources," said Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University. In addition to the infrastructure, security experts believe Singapore is also keeping close tabs on the latest security developments. "Not to mention the close relationship that Singapore security agencies have with security agencies in the region - we work closely with the U.S. we also work closely with all the security agencies from around the country, around the region, and we are aware of all the latest intelligence required where security is concerned," said Lim How Kiat, general manager of Singapore office of the Ademco Security Group. In preparation for the summit, Singapore police have tightened security measures to various areas where summit activities would be held. These include having enhanced powers to search people and vehicles. Singapore airspace will also be restricted from June 10 to 14. During this period, flight delays might be expected. Although preparation is the key to success, it’s only the beginning of the process. "Regardless of your maximum amount of resources you put into doing good security, there will also be some residue risks, we don't know what these are. Nevertheless, I am sure that the security panels have put a whole range of contingencies in place for whatever may happen, whether it's about undesirable weather, heavy rainstorm that affects visibility that affects the movement of people, you know, wet weather can change all sorts of things. We can't foresee these things, but what we can do is to preempt the possibilities by putting all the resources in the area so that they are good to go and can be deployed in a short moment notice if they need to be," he said. With all these security measures in place, Singapore is doing its best to make sure that its guests have a peace of mind, to focus on making the world a more secure place.

Singapore well prepared for Trump-Kim Summit with tight security measures

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