US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS. 
 
"The United States appreciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis," said Blinken in a statement. 
 
The statement was released after Blinken while speaking to the reporters, extended support for the efforts made by ECOWAS without mentioning the&nbsp;potential military option. 
 
"ECOWAS, an organisation that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS' leadership and work on this," Blinken said while speaking at a news conference alongside his Mexican counterpart.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ecowas-prepares-for-military-intervention-niger-coup-leaders-threaten-to-kill-ousted-prez-bazoum-624367">As ECOWAS prepares for military intervention, Niger coup leaders threaten to kill ousted prez Bazoum</a>

During a summit in Abuja, a standby military force was backed by the West African bloc for Niger after its military toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. 
 
Blinken said that the ECOWAS and the United States are standing united in their demand for the safety of Bazoum, with whom he stated he has held conversations half a dozen times since the coup. 
 
"Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government," he stated in the statement, referring to military leaders of Niger. 
 
Recently, Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said that Bazoum was being held with his wife and son without water or electricity.

<h2>EU, African Union slam&nbsp;Niger president's detention conditions&nbsp;</h2>

The European Union&nbsp;on Friday (August 11)&nbsp;slammed&nbsp;the detained&nbsp;Niger&nbsp;President Mohamed Bazoum's worsening conditions&nbsp;and appealed for his immediate release after he was deposed in a coup.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Niger coup: Junta denies meeting US envoy, UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation | WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/niger-coup-junta-denies-meeting-us-envoy-un-au-ecowas-delegation-wion-623706/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The EU reiterates it is deeply concerned at the deteriorating conditions in which the president is being detained. Mohamed Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted online.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The African Union also expressed "deep concern" at the poor conditions of&nbsp;detention, and said that his treatment was "unacceptable".

"Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable," said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat in a statement. "Concordant sources attest to a worrying deterioration" of conditions, said Faki.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-26="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (August 10) appealed for a peaceful solution to reverse the coup of Niger after a "standby" military force was approved by the West African bloc ECOWAS. "The United States appreciates the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis," said Blinken in a statement. The statement was released after Blinken while speaking to the reporters, extended support for the efforts made by ECOWAS without mentioning the potential military option. "ECOWAS, an organisation that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS' leadership and work on this," Blinken said while speaking at a news conference alongside his Mexican counterpart. ALSO READ | As ECOWAS prepares for military intervention, Niger coup leaders threaten to kill ousted prez Bazoum During a summit in Abuja, a standby military force was backed by the West African bloc for Niger after its military toppled elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. Blinken said that the ECOWAS and the United States are standing united in their demand for the safety of Bazoum, with whom he stated he has held conversations half a dozen times since the coup. "Like ECOWAS, the United States will hold the Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum, his family, and detained members of the government," he stated in the statement, referring to military leaders of Niger. Recently, Niger's Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou said that Bazoum was being held with his wife and son without water or electricity. EU, African Union slam Niger president's detention conditions The European Union on Friday (August 11) slammed the detained Niger President Mohamed Bazoum's worsening conditions and appealed for his immediate release after he was deposed in a coup. WATCH | Niger coup: Junta denies meeting US envoy, UN, AU, ECOWAS delegation | WION "The EU reiterates it is deeply concerned at the deteriorating conditions in which the president is being detained. Mohamed Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted online. The African Union also expressed "deep concern" at the poor conditions of detention, and said that his treatment was "unacceptable". "Such treatment of a democratically elected president through a regular electoral process is unacceptable," said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat in a statement. "Concordant sources attest to a worrying deterioration" of conditions, said Faki. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Blinken supports 'peaceful resolution' after ECOWAS forces decision in Niger

The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden. The highly anticipated visit of President Joe Biden to Papua New Guinea was cancelled earlier this week due to the ongoing debt crisis in the United States.

President Biden, who was en route to the G7 summit in Japan, took the opportunity to call Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape from Air Force One. During the call, Biden explained the need for his sudden return to the United States to participate in negotiations with Republican opponents, with the aim of averting a potential default.

<h2>Biden regrets his absence at the Pacific summit</h2>

In a statement issued by the White House, it was highlighted that President Biden emphasised the United States' commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific Islands. He conveyed his regret for being unable to personally attend the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting and assured Prime Minister Marape that Secretary Blinken would represent him.

Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to visit Japan's Hiroshima for G7 summit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-to-visit-japans-hiroshima-for-g7-summit-593446/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The planned visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday would have marked the first time a sitting US president visited the Pacific island nation. The Biden administration has been striving to reinvigorate US leadership in the Pacific region amidst growing influence from China. However, the president's trip to the Asia-Pacific region has been disrupted due to the ongoing negotiations with Republicans on raising the national debt limit.

<h2>Quad summit in Australia also cancelled</h2>

In addition to cancelling the visit to Papua New Guinea, President Biden also had to axe a scheduled meeting with the leaders of the Quad regional grouping, consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, during his visit to Australia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-holds-talks-with-japans-kishida-ahead-of-g7-summit-in-hiroshima-593683">Also Read |&nbsp;US President Biden holds talks with Japan’s Kishida ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima</a>

Despite the setbacks, the White House has expressed its commitment to further engagement with Pacific leaders. President Biden extended an invitation to Prime Minister Marape and other Pacific leaders to visit Washington, D.C. later this year for the second US summit with the Pacific Islands Forum.

<h2>The debt crisis in the US</h2>

Although the US economy has grown over the past years, the total national debt has also soared from $9.49 trillion in June 2008 to over $31.4 trillion now. The ratio of the entire US government's debt to its GDP in June 2008 was 63.85 per cent. The percentage has now crossed the 120 per cent mark.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden.

The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden. The highly anticipated visit of President Joe Biden to Papua New Guinea was cancelled earlier this week due to the ongoing debt crisis in the United States. President Biden, who was en route to the G7 summit in Japan, took the opportunity to call Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape from Air Force One. During the call, Biden explained the need for his sudden return to the United States to participate in negotiations with Republican opponents, with the aim of averting a potential default. Biden regrets his absence at the Pacific summit In a statement issued by the White House, it was highlighted that President Biden emphasised the United States' commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific Islands. He conveyed his regret for being unable to personally attend the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting and assured Prime Minister Marape that Secretary Blinken would represent him. Watch: US President Joe Biden to visit Japan's Hiroshima for G7 summit × The planned visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday would have marked the first time a sitting US president visited the Pacific island nation. The Biden administration has been striving to reinvigorate US leadership in the Pacific region amidst growing influence from China. However, the president's trip to the Asia-Pacific region has been disrupted due to the ongoing negotiations with Republicans on raising the national debt limit. Quad summit in Australia also cancelled In addition to cancelling the visit to Papua New Guinea, President Biden also had to axe a scheduled meeting with the leaders of the Quad regional grouping, consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, during his visit to Australia. Also Read | US President Biden holds talks with Japan’s Kishida ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima Despite the setbacks, the White House has expressed its commitment to further engagement with Pacific leaders. President Biden extended an invitation to Prime Minister Marape and other Pacific leaders to visit Washington, D.C. later this year for the second US summit with the Pacific Islands Forum. The debt crisis in the US Although the US economy has grown over the past years, the total national debt has also soared from $9.49 trillion in June 2008 to over $31.4 trillion now. The ratio of the entire US government's debt to its GDP in June 2008 was 63.85 per cent. The percentage has now crossed the 120 per cent mark. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Secretary of State Antony Blinken to attend US-Pacific Islands summit as Biden cancels his PNG trip

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi tweeted his response to the release of the United States State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom,&nbsp;a day after United States’ secretary of state Anthony Blinken spoke of “rising attacks on people and places of worship” in India, on Friday, June 3.

Bagchi said, "We have noted the release of the U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and the ill-informed comments by the senior U.S. officials.

It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided.

As a naturally pluralistic society, India values religious freedom and human rights. In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our response to media queries regarding the release of U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom:<a href="https://t.co/zlwdjgzoOn">https://t.co/zlwdjgzoOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBkJaVpxq5">pic.twitter.com/rBkJaVpxq5</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1532672941460434944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

In February, the United States had expressed concern over the current situation of religious freedom in India and raised the issue with Indian officials, a senior State Department official said. The remarks came in the wake of widespread protests held across India against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

As reported by Press Trust of India, the senior State Department official, on condition of anonymity had said, "We are concerned about what's taking place in India. I have met with the Indian foreign minister. I've met with the Indian ambassador (to express my concern),"&nbsp; 
India maintains that the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including its minority communities.

It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrant democracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect fundamental rights, a senior official of the Ministry of External Affairs said.

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, following religious persecution there will get Indian citizenship.

The Indian government has been emphasising that the new law will not deny any citizenship rights but has been brought to protect the oppressed minorities of neighbouring countries and give them citizenship.

[With inputs from agencies]

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi tweeted his response to the release of the United States State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, a day after United States’ secretary of state Anthony Blinken spoke of “rising attacks on people and places of worship” in India, on Friday, June 3.

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi tweeted his response to the release of the United States State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, a day after United States’ secretary of state Anthony Blinken spoke of “rising attacks on people and places of worship” in India, on Friday, June 3. Bagchi said, "We have noted the release of the U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, and the ill-informed comments by the senior U.S. officials. It is unfortunate that vote bank politics is being practised in international relations. We would urge that assessments based on motivated inputs and biased views be avoided. As a naturally pluralistic society, India values religious freedom and human rights. In our discussions with the US, we have regularly highlighted issues of concern there, including racially and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes and gun violence." Our response to media queries regarding the release of U.S. State Department 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom:https://t.co/zlwdjgzoOn pic.twitter.com/rBkJaVpxq5 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) June 3, 2022 × In February, the United States had expressed concern over the current situation of religious freedom in India and raised the issue with Indian officials, a senior State Department official said. The remarks came in the wake of widespread protests held across India against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). As reported by Press Trust of India, the senior State Department official, on condition of anonymity had said, "We are concerned about what's taking place in India. I have met with the Indian foreign minister. I've met with the Indian ambassador (to express my concern)," India maintains that the Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all its citizens, including its minority communities. It is widely acknowledged that India is a vibrant democracy where the Constitution provides protection of religious freedom, and where democratic governance and rule of law further promote and protect fundamental rights, a senior official of the Ministry of External Affairs said. According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, following religious persecution there will get Indian citizenship. The Indian government has been emphasising that the new law will not deny any citizenship rights but has been brought to protect the oppressed minorities of neighbouring countries and give them citizenship. [With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MEA India says vote bank politics is being practised in international relations

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. He mistakenly referred to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as secretary of state. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden also used Austin's former military title. The incident happened when Biden was thanking 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers stationed in Rzeszow, Poland, for their service. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-heavy-casualties-distraught-russian-troops-turn-on-own-commander-run-him-over-says-report-465590">Distraught Russian troops turn on own commander, run him over, says report &nbsp;</a>

This comes as the US troops are stationed in different NATO countries amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine across the border. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Biden calls Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin "Secretary of State" 🤦‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/H36jk34D4y">pic.twitter.com/H36jk34D4y</a>
— 3sidedstory 🇺🇲 (@3sidedstory) <a href="https://twitter.com/3sidedstory/status/1507383115118899208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The general, secretary of state, asked me if I would send over 12,000 troops. There are 100,000 American forces here now. We haven't had that in a long, long time, because we are the organising principle for the rest of the world. He said you sent the best, the best available in America, and that's all of you," Biden told members of the Army airborne infantry division on Friday. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/witness-us-president-joe-bidens-most-memorable-gaffes-447380">In&nbsp;Pics:&nbsp;Witness US President Joe Biden’s most memorable gaffes</a>

Earlier, Biden also dropped into a makeshift barbershop at the G2A Arena, which is next to the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport where a group of service members were waiting for their haircuts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden also ate a slice of jalapeno pizza with the personnel in the cafeteria of the facility. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Biden calls for unity among democracies ahead of meeting with Polish President Duda

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-calls-for-unity-among-democracies-ahead-of-meeting-with-polish-president-duda-465583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The jalapenos made his eyes water, so he dabbed at them with a napkin and someone got him a glass of water," pool reporter Ashley Parker said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. He mistakenly referred to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as secretary of state. Biden also used Austin's former military title.

Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden has done it again. He mistakenly referred to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as secretary of state. Biden also used Austin's former military title. The incident happened when Biden was thanking 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers stationed in Rzeszow, Poland, for their service. Also Read: Distraught Russian troops turn on own commander, run him over, says report This comes as the US troops are stationed in different NATO countries amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine across the border. Biden calls Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin "Secretary of State" 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/H36jk34D4y — 3sidedstory 🇺🇲 (@3sidedstory) March 25, 2022 × "The general, secretary of state, asked me if I would send over 12,000 troops. There are 100,000 American forces here now. We haven't had that in a long, long time, because we are the organising principle for the rest of the world. He said you sent the best, the best available in America, and that's all of you," Biden told members of the Army airborne infantry division on Friday. Also Read | In Pics: Witness US President Joe Biden’s most memorable gaffes Earlier, Biden also dropped into a makeshift barbershop at the G2A Arena, which is next to the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport where a group of service members were waiting for their haircuts. Biden also ate a slice of jalapeno pizza with the personnel in the cafeteria of the facility. Watch: US President Biden calls for unity among democracies ahead of meeting with Polish President Duda × "The jalapenos made his eyes water, so he dabbed at them with a napkin and someone got him a glass of water," pool reporter Ashley Parker said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: US President Joe Biden mistakenly refers to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as secretary of state  

As part of the Group of 20 summit on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It was an outreach designed to ensure that the troubled relationship between the world's two large economies doesn’t evolve into an open conflict. &nbsp;

The conversation was described as candid, constructive and productive by the senior state department officials. &nbsp;

During the roughly hour-long meeting, Blinken conveyed US concerns to his counterpart. The officials, shared the information on the condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ahead-of-cop26-summit-us-president-bidens-85-vehicle-motorcade-raises-emissions-concerns-425520">Watch: Ahead of COP26 summit, Biden's motorcade raises emissions' concerns</a>

At the meeting, Blinken said China has increased tensions with regard to Taiwan, and US wants to continue its 'one-China policy’, which recognises Beijing but allows informal relations and defence ties with Taipei. &nbsp;

The goal of the US was to maintain an open line of communication with China, and set a virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later this year. &nbsp;

Earlier, the United States Air Force General John Hyten has called China a ''pacing threat'' after confirmation of the country's hypersonic weapons test. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/en-route-to-italy-for-g20-summit-indian-pm-modis-flight-flew-over-pakistani-airspace-425578" hreflang="en">En route to Italy for G20 Summit, Indian PM Modi’s flight flew over Pakistani airspace</a>

Slamming the ''brutal'' bureaucracy in the US, Hyten said, ''China will surpass Russia and the United States if we don't do something to change it. It will happen. So, I think we have to do something." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As part of the Group of 20 summit on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It was an outreach designed to ensure that the troubled relationship between the world's two large economies doesn’t evolve into an open conflict.

As part of the Group of 20 summit on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It was an outreach designed to ensure that the troubled relationship between the world's two large economies doesn’t evolve into an open conflict. The conversation was described as candid, constructive and productive by the senior state department officials. During the roughly hour-long meeting, Blinken conveyed US concerns to his counterpart. The officials, shared the information on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | Watch: Ahead of COP26 summit, Biden's motorcade raises emissions' concerns At the meeting, Blinken said China has increased tensions with regard to Taiwan, and US wants to continue its 'one-China policy’, which recognises Beijing but allows informal relations and defence ties with Taipei. The goal of the US was to maintain an open line of communication with China, and set a virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later this year. Earlier, the United States Air Force General John Hyten has called China a ''pacing threat'' after confirmation of the country's hypersonic weapons test. Also Read: En route to Italy for G20 Summit, Indian PM Modi’s flight flew over Pakistani airspace Slamming the ''brutal'' bureaucracy in the US, Hyten said, ''China will surpass Russia and the United States if we don't do something to change it. It will happen. So, I think we have to do something." (With inputs from agencies)

US secretary of state meets Chinese foreign minister, raises Taiwan concern

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.&nbsp;

Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC." &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to US Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Secblinken</a>. 
 
Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1431675500083113984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The US secretary of state also said he and Jaishankar discussed shared priorities of the two countries, which include continued coordination on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the US secretary of state said, "Spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today to discuss our shared priorities including continued coordination on Afghanistan and in the United Nations. Look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership."&nbsp;

Watch | News Alert: United States Lawmakers question President Joe Biden

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/news-alert-united-states-lawmakers-question-president-joe-biden-409032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also said Blinken and Jaishankar agreed to remain "closely coordinated on shared goals and priorities to deepen the US-India partnership."&nbsp;

Earlier, India had strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul. The statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs read, "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-highly-likely-in-next-24-36-hours-says-biden-on-kabul-airport-409079" hreflang="en">Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport</a>

"Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," the statement added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and the United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Jaishankar said on Twitter, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Blinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC." Spoke to US Secretary of State @Secblinken. Continued our discussions on Afghanistan. Also exchanged views on the agenda of UNSC. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 28, 2021 × The US secretary of state also said he and Jaishankar discussed shared priorities of the two countries, which include continued coordination on Afghanistan. In a tweet, the US secretary of state said, "Spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today to discuss our shared priorities including continued coordination on Afghanistan and in the United Nations. Look forward to continuing to deepen our partnership." Watch | News Alert: United States Lawmakers question President Joe Biden × US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also said Blinken and Jaishankar agreed to remain "closely coordinated on shared goals and priorities to deepen the US-India partnership." Earlier, India had strongly condemned the deadly bomb blasts that rocked Afghanistan's capital city Kabul. The statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs read, "India strongly condemns the bomb blasts in Kabul today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of this terrorist attack." Also Read: Attack highly likely in next 24-36 hours, says Biden on Kabul airport "Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured. Today’s attacks reinforce the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists," the statement added. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks and the United States President Joe Biden said that he has seen "no evidence" that the Taliban colluded with Islamic State militants in carrying out the deadly attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian external affairs minister, US secretary of state discuss Afghan crisis

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. &nbsp;

On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.”&nbsp;

He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” &nbsp;

When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.”&nbsp;

Blinken was also reminded by the&nbsp;interviewer&nbsp;that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”&nbsp;

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday.

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.” He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.” Blinken was also reminded by the interviewer that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”

US to recognise a future Afghan govt only if it upholds basic rights: Blinken 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday met Iraq Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein at State Department. The meet took place ahead of discussions on the role of the US military in Iraq.

The United States and Iraq are expected to formalize the end of Washington's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year and continue the transition toward training and advising Iraqi forces, US officials said on Thursday.

Currently, there are 2500 troops in Iraq. They are largely focussing on countering remnantsb os Islamic State. The US has already moved towards the focus of training Iraqi forces.

President Joe Biden meets his Iraqi counterpart, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in Washington next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday met Iraq Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein at State Department. The meet took place ahead of discussions on the role of the US military in Iraq.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday met Iraq Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein at State Department. The meet took place ahead of discussions on the role of the US military in Iraq. The United States and Iraq are expected to formalize the end of Washington's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year and continue the transition toward training and advising Iraqi forces, US officials said on Thursday. Currently, there are 2500 troops in Iraq. They are largely focussing on countering remnantsb os Islamic State. The US has already moved towards the focus of training Iraqi forces. President Joe Biden meets his Iraqi counterpart, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in Washington next week. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken meets Iraq foreign minister in Washington

US&nbsp;Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for the second leg of a regional tour, making her the most senior US&nbsp;official to visit China's closest ally in Southeast Asia in almost a decade. 
 
The deputy secretary of state's trip comes amid an ongoing crackdown on opposition figures and against rights activists for speaking up about issues, such as illegal logging. 
 
Sherman, who is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, civil society groups and journalists, has faced calls from rights groups for her to bring up human rights and the country's record on media freedom during her time in the country. 
 
The main opposition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was banned and its leader Kem Sokha arrested before the 2018 election, allowing Hun Sen's ruling party to win every parliamentary seat, prompting international concern. 
 
"Freedom of expression is under threat in Cambodia like never before, and now facing internet censorship and controls, so Sherman should demand an end to government censorship and persecution of its critics," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. 
 
"Sherman should also publicly call for restoring respect for basic civil and political rights, like the right to peacefully protest which has been totally repressed in Phnom Penh and elsewhere in the country," Robertson said. 
 
The visit also takes place as China has become an increasingly important economic ally for Cambodia, which has seen its ties with the United States and the European Union deteriorate in recent years. 
 
Government spokesman Phay Siphan called for dialogue between Cambodia and the United States. 
 
"There are some issues that the United States doesn't understand clearly about Cambodia and that Cambodia does not understand the intentions of the United States," Phay Siphan said. 
 
"So for this meeting, if we are honest with each other and put issues on the table, then we can solve the problems," he added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for the second leg of a regional tour, making her the most senior US official to visit China's closest ally in Southeast Asia in almost a decade.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday for the second leg of a regional tour, making her the most senior US official to visit China's closest ally in Southeast Asia in almost a decade. The deputy secretary of state's trip comes amid an ongoing crackdown on opposition figures and against rights activists for speaking up about issues, such as illegal logging. Sherman, who is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, civil society groups and journalists, has faced calls from rights groups for her to bring up human rights and the country's record on media freedom during her time in the country. The main opposition, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was banned and its leader Kem Sokha arrested before the 2018 election, allowing Hun Sen's ruling party to win every parliamentary seat, prompting international concern. "Freedom of expression is under threat in Cambodia like never before, and now facing internet censorship and controls, so Sherman should demand an end to government censorship and persecution of its critics," Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. "Sherman should also publicly call for restoring respect for basic civil and political rights, like the right to peacefully protest which has been totally repressed in Phnom Penh and elsewhere in the country," Robertson said. The visit also takes place as China has become an increasingly important economic ally for Cambodia, which has seen its ties with the United States and the European Union deteriorate in recent years. Government spokesman Phay Siphan called for dialogue between Cambodia and the United States. "There are some issues that the United States doesn't understand clearly about Cambodia and that Cambodia does not understand the intentions of the United States," Phay Siphan said. "So for this meeting, if we are honest with each other and put issues on the table, then we can solve the problems," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

US deputy secretary of state visits Cambodia amid worsening rights record

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that the United States was no longer interested in buying Greenland, scuttling for good a quixotic 2019 proposal by the Trump administration to annex the self-governing Danish territory.

“I can confirm that’s correct,” Blinken said during an appearance in Greenland with Danish officials and the premier of Greenland, Mute Egede, in response to a reporter who asked him to “definitively say that the United States does not seek to buy Greenland.” Earlier in the day, the secretary of state toured the territory and met privately with the premier to discuss “bilateral trade and investment.”

Blinken’s brief remarks closed the book on a bizarre episode in U.S. foreign policy. The Wall Street Journal had first reported in August 2019 that President Donald Trump had repeatedly asked aides to pursue a purchase of Greenland, in part to exploit the territory’s abundant natural resources. Trump’s advisers were highly sceptical of the idea but agreed to investigate the matter.

News of Trump’s interest in annexing Greenland quickly became the butt of jokes online while receiving a cold reception both from residents of the semiautonomous territory and among Danish leadership, who took umbrage at the then-president’s suggestion that the territory could be bought as, essentially, “a large real estate deal.”

“Greenland is not for sale,” Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, told a Danish newspaper at the time. “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously.”

Trump, angered at the Danish response to his idea, abruptly cancelled a diplomatic visit to Denmark and described Frederiksen as “nasty,” sparking an international incident.

“All they had to do is say, ‘No, we’d rather not do that or ‘We’d rather not talk about it,’” Trump said to reporters on the day he cancelled the trip. “Don’t say, ‘What an absurd idea that is.’”

Pele Broberg, Greenland’s foreign minister, alluded to the diplomatic rupture during his appearance with Blinken on Thursday.

“We will underscore this is not considered a real estate deal,” Broberg said of talks with U.S. officials, quoting Trump. “Secretary Blinken has made it very clear that he is here for the people living in the Arctic, for the people living in Greenland.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that the United States was no longer interested in buying Greenland, scuttling for good a quixotic 2019 proposal by the Trump administration to annex the self-governing Danish territory.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that the United States was no longer interested in buying Greenland, scuttling for good a quixotic 2019 proposal by the Trump administration to annex the self-governing Danish territory. “I can confirm that’s correct,” Blinken said during an appearance in Greenland with Danish officials and the premier of Greenland, Mute Egede, in response to a reporter who asked him to “definitively say that the United States does not seek to buy Greenland.” Earlier in the day, the secretary of state toured the territory and met privately with the premier to discuss “bilateral trade and investment.” Blinken’s brief remarks closed the book on a bizarre episode in U.S. foreign policy. The Wall Street Journal had first reported in August 2019 that President Donald Trump had repeatedly asked aides to pursue a purchase of Greenland, in part to exploit the territory’s abundant natural resources. Trump’s advisers were highly sceptical of the idea but agreed to investigate the matter. News of Trump’s interest in annexing Greenland quickly became the butt of jokes online while receiving a cold reception both from residents of the semiautonomous territory and among Danish leadership, who took umbrage at the then-president’s suggestion that the territory could be bought as, essentially, “a large real estate deal.” “Greenland is not for sale,” Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, told a Danish newspaper at the time. “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously.” Trump, angered at the Danish response to his idea, abruptly cancelled a diplomatic visit to Denmark and described Frederiksen as “nasty,” sparking an international incident. “All they had to do is say, ‘No, we’d rather not do that or ‘We’d rather not talk about it,’” Trump said to reporters on the day he cancelled the trip. “Don’t say, ‘What an absurd idea that is.’” Pele Broberg, Greenland’s foreign minister, alluded to the diplomatic rupture during his appearance with Blinken on Thursday. “We will underscore this is not considered a real estate deal,” Broberg said of talks with U.S. officials, quoting Trump. “Secretary Blinken has made it very clear that he is here for the people living in the Arctic, for the people living in Greenland.”

Secretary of state confirms the US does not want to buy Greenland

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that the United States was no longer interested in buying Greenland, scuttling for good a quixotic 2019 proposal by the Trump administration to annex the self-governing Danish territory.

“I can confirm that’s correct,” Blinken said during an appearance in Greenland with Danish officials and the premier of Greenland, Mute Egede, in response to a reporter who asked him to “definitively say that the United States does not seek to buy Greenland.” Earlier in the day, the secretary of state toured the territory and met privately with the premier to discuss “bilateral trade and investment.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-plants-buried-deep-beneath-greenlands-ice-sheet-what-does-this-mean-370824">Scientists discover plants buried deep beneath Greenland's ice sheet. What does this mean?</a>

Blinken’s brief remarks closed the book on a bizarre episode in US foreign policy. The Wall Street Journal had first reported in August 2019 that President Donald Trump had repeatedly asked aides to pursue a purchase of Greenland, in part to exploit the territory’s abundant natural resources. Trump’s advisers were highly skeptical of the idea, but agreed to investigate the matter.

News of Trump’s interest in annexing Greenland quickly became the butt of jokes online, while receiving a cold reception both from residents of the semiautonomous territory and among Danish leadership, who took umbrage at the then-president’s suggestion that the territory could be bought as, essentially, “a large real estate deal.”

“Greenland is not for sale,” Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, told a Danish newspaper at the time. “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously.”

Trump, angered at the Danish response to his idea, abruptly canceled a diplomatic visit to Denmark and described Frederiksen as “nasty,” sparking an international incident.

“All they had to do is say, ‘No, we’d rather not do that’ or ‘We’d rather not talk about it,’” Trump said to reporters on the day he canceled the trip. “Don’t say, ‘What an absurd idea that is.’”

Pele Broberg, Greenland’s foreign minister, alluded to the diplomatic rupture during his appearance with Blinken on Thursday.

“We will underscore this is not considered a real estate deal,” Broberg said of talks with US officials, quoting Trump. “Secretary Blinken has made it very clear that he is here for the people living in the Arctic, for the people living in Greenland.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that the United States was no longer interested in buying Greenland, scuttling for good a quixotic 2019 proposal by the Trump administration to annex the self-governing Danish territory. “I can confirm that’s correct,” Blinken said during an appearance in Greenland with Danish officials and the premier of Greenland, Mute Egede, in response to a reporter who asked him to “definitively say that the United States does not seek to buy Greenland.” Earlier in the day, the secretary of state toured the territory and met privately with the premier to discuss “bilateral trade and investment.” Also read | Scientists discover plants buried deep beneath Greenland's ice sheet. What does this mean? Blinken’s brief remarks closed the book on a bizarre episode in US foreign policy. The Wall Street Journal had first reported in August 2019 that President Donald Trump had repeatedly asked aides to pursue a purchase of Greenland, in part to exploit the territory’s abundant natural resources. Trump’s advisers were highly skeptical of the idea, but agreed to investigate the matter. News of Trump’s interest in annexing Greenland quickly became the butt of jokes online, while receiving a cold reception both from residents of the semiautonomous territory and among Danish leadership, who took umbrage at the then-president’s suggestion that the territory could be bought as, essentially, “a large real estate deal.” “Greenland is not for sale,” Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark, told a Danish newspaper at the time. “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously.” Trump, angered at the Danish response to his idea, abruptly canceled a diplomatic visit to Denmark and described Frederiksen as “nasty,” sparking an international incident. “All they had to do is say, ‘No, we’d rather not do that’ or ‘We’d rather not talk about it,’” Trump said to reporters on the day he canceled the trip. “Don’t say, ‘What an absurd idea that is.’” Pele Broberg, Greenland’s foreign minister, alluded to the diplomatic rupture during his appearance with Blinken on Thursday. “We will underscore this is not considered a real estate deal,” Broberg said of talks with US officials, quoting Trump. “Secretary Blinken has made it very clear that he is here for the people living in the Arctic, for the people living in Greenland.”

Secretary of State confirms the US does not want to buy Greenland

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis.&nbsp;

The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said the alliance was at a pivotal moment but could emerge stronger after internal disputes over Turkey and Russian gas.&nbsp;

"I've come here to express the United States' steadfast commitment (to NATO)," Blinken told reporters as he met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "The United States wants to rebuild our partnerships, first and foremost with our NATO allies, we want to revitalise the alliance."&nbsp;

After four years of friction with Washington under the presidency of Donald Trump, who said the alliance was obsolete and harangued allies over defence spending targets, NATO's European members have welcomed the change in tone, saying they are once again being consulted on strategy.&nbsp;

"The last thing we can afford to do is take this alliance for granted," said Blinken, a longtime Biden confidant, who is seeking to repair damage done by Trump's 'America First' policy.&nbsp;

"The process of confronting our own shortcomings can be very painful. It can be ugly. But ultimately, at least today, we've emerged the better and the stronger for it," he said.&nbsp;

Blinken said China's military rise and Russia's attempts to destabilise the West were threats that required NATO to come together, urging Turkey to embrace the alliance.&nbsp;

Having already bought Russian weapons, Turkey briefly blocked NATO defence plans in 2019 and launched an offensive on US-backed rebels in Syria, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to assert that NATO was 'experiencing brain death'.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian welcomed Blinken's overtures, saying that NATO, founded in 1949 to contain a military threat from the Soviet Union, had 'rediscovered' it's better self.&nbsp;

"There will be no European defence without NATO and there will be no efficient and relevant NATO without Europeans," he said at NATO headquarters, where foreign ministers were meeting for the first time in person in a year, due to Covid-19.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg has set out areas where NATO could modernise - from climate measures to more sustainable funding of military operations and refocusing the alliance to help the West face China's technological prowess and growing armed forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis. The first top US official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said the alliance was at a pivotal moment but could emerge stronger after internal disputes over Turkey and Russian gas. "I've come here to express the United States' steadfast commitment (to NATO)," Blinken told reporters as he met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "The United States wants to rebuild our partnerships, first and foremost with our NATO allies, we want to revitalise the alliance." After four years of friction with Washington under the presidency of Donald Trump, who said the alliance was obsolete and harangued allies over defence spending targets, NATO's European members have welcomed the change in tone, saying they are once again being consulted on strategy. "The last thing we can afford to do is take this alliance for granted," said Blinken, a longtime Biden confidant, who is seeking to repair damage done by Trump's 'America First' policy. "The process of confronting our own shortcomings can be very painful. It can be ugly. But ultimately, at least today, we've emerged the better and the stronger for it," he said. Blinken said China's military rise and Russia's attempts to destabilise the West were threats that required NATO to come together, urging Turkey to embrace the alliance. Having already bought Russian weapons, Turkey briefly blocked NATO defence plans in 2019 and launched an offensive on US-backed rebels in Syria, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to assert that NATO was 'experiencing brain death'. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian welcomed Blinken's overtures, saying that NATO, founded in 1949 to contain a military threat from the Soviet Union, had 'rediscovered' it's better self. "There will be no European defence without NATO and there will be no efficient and relevant NATO without Europeans," he said at NATO headquarters, where foreign ministers were meeting for the first time in person in a year, due to Covid-19. Stoltenberg has set out areas where NATO could modernise - from climate measures to more sustainable funding of military operations and refocusing the alliance to help the West face China's technological prowess and growing armed forces. (With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State pledges to revitalise NATO alliance in Brussels 

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor.&nbsp;

"This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19.&nbsp;

"The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-approves-covishield-vaccine-for-emergency-use-364055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations.&nbsp;

Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-accused-of-joining-devils-army-for-voting-to-impeach-donald-trump-364108">Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump</a>

"All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said.&nbsp;

"And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."&nbsp;

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The United States will pay more than $200 million to the World Health Organization by the end of the month after reversing Donald Trump's plan to withdraw, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. The sum amounts to the commitments the United States had made to the global health body, to which it has been the largest donor. "This is a key step forward in fulfilling our financial obligations as a WHO member and it reflects our renewed commitment to ensuring the WHO has the support it needs to lead the global response to the pandemic," Blinken told a virtual UN Security Council session on Covid-19. "The United States will work as a partner to address global challenges. This pandemic is one of those challenges and gives us an opportunity not only to get through the current crisis, but also to become more prepared and more resilient for the future." × Blinken said the United States would also 'provide significant financial support' to Covax, a global plan to distribute vaccines to the poorest nations. Trump, who faced criticism for his handling of Covid in the United States, which has suffered the highest death toll of any nation, announced a pullout from the World Health Organization, saying it was beholden to China and did not do enough to stop the pandemic. President Joe Biden immediately reversed the decision although his administration has also pressed China to be more forthcoming to a WHO team investigating the origins of the devastating virus. Also Read: Republican accused of joining 'devil's army' for voting to impeach Donald Trump "All countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak," Blinken said. "And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies so the world learns as much as possible, as soon as possible."

US to pay $200 million in WHO obligations: Blinken

US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is all set to announce his&nbsp;cabinet picks shortly, and one of the main positions of Secretary of State might be filled by the&nbsp;veteran diplomat Antony Blinken, sources have revealed.

Blinken has earlier served as one of the top officials at the State Department and as deputy&nbsp;national security adviser in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/barack-obama">Obama</a> administration — with Joe Biden as the Vice President.

A close Biden ally has now revealed to local media houses that the 58-year-old is most likely to be Joe Biden's most likely pick to replace Mike Pompeo from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>'s cabinet, after Biden's historic win in the recently-held <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US elections.</a>

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-name-his-cabinet-ministers-on-tuesday-344730">Joe Biden to name his cabinet ministers on Tuesday</a>

Married to Evan Ryan — who has served as&nbsp;Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs — Blinken and his family has been a longtime confidante of Biden.

Often referred to as "diplomat's diplomat," Blinken is known to be deliberative and relatively soft-spoken, with expertise in nuances of foreign policy. The Harvard-educated scholar started his political career in&nbsp;late 1980s when he helped Michael Dukakis' presidential campaign raise money, and later joined&nbsp;President Bill Clinton's White House as a speechwriter and became one of his national security aides.

Blinken was also a strong support for the Biden-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Harris</a>&nbsp;campaign, lending them a helping hand his expert thoughts in matters beyond foreign policy too.

US President-elect Joe Biden is all set to announce his cabinet picks shortly, and one of the main positions of Secretary of State might be filled by the veteran diplomat Antony Blinken, sources have revealed.

US President-elect Joe Biden is all set to announce his cabinet picks shortly, and one of the main positions of Secretary of State might be filled by the veteran diplomat Antony Blinken, sources have revealed. Blinken has earlier served as one of the top officials at the State Department and as deputy national security adviser in the Obama administration — with Joe Biden as the Vice President. A close Biden ally has now revealed to local media houses that the 58-year-old is most likely to be Joe Biden's most likely pick to replace Mike Pompeo from Donald Trump's cabinet, after Biden's historic win in the recently-held US elections. Also read| Joe Biden to name his cabinet ministers on Tuesday Married to Evan Ryan — who has served as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs — Blinken and his family has been a longtime confidante of Biden. Often referred to as "diplomat's diplomat," Blinken is known to be deliberative and relatively soft-spoken, with expertise in nuances of foreign policy. The Harvard-educated scholar started his political career in late 1980s when he helped Michael Dukakis' presidential campaign raise money, and later joined President Bill Clinton's White House as a speechwriter and became one of his national security aides. Blinken was also a strong support for the Biden-Harris campaign, lending them a helping hand his expert thoughts in matters beyond foreign policy too.

Joe Biden to name Antony Blinken as Secretary of State: Reports

North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete.

Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, after the joint statement from the US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue.

"We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons.

Washington's top diplomat is in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-got-along-from-the-beginning-trump-says-of-kim-commentators-say-us-prez-got-outfoxed-144089">'We got along from the beginning,' Trump says of Kim. Commentators say Trump got outfoxed</a>

Following the summit, Trump said the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul by surprise.

But the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever", Seoul's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference with Pompeo and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono.

Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul.

The comment was made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who added that there would be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete

North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, after the joint statement from the US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat is in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". Also read: 'We got along from the beginning,' Trump says of Kim. Commentators say Trump got outfoxed Following the summit, Trump said the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul by surprise. But the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever", Seoul's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference with Pompeo and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono. Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul.

Kim Jong-Un knows denuclearisation must be 'quick': US

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week.

"With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel.

"The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution.

Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders.

Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state.

VIOLENCE

Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East.

"(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.

"We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism.

Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence.

Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south.

Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

'With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome,' Pompeo said

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week. "With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel. "The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution. Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority. Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders. Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state. VIOLENCE Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East. "(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said. The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence. Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south. Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

Pompeo says US open to 'two-party solution' for Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The US Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as President Donald Trump's secretary of state on Thursday, putting the former CIA director in a pivotal role to handle U.S. foreign policy challenges such as North Korea and Iran.

Pompeo, a former Army officer who was a Republican congressman, is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views.

He is already deeply involved in diplomacy. Trump sent Pompeo to North Korea three weeks ago to meet with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ahead of a summit with the U.S. president to address Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Senators voted 57-42 in favour of Pompeo, who had faced stiff resistance from Democrats worried about his reputation for hawkishness and past harsh statements about homosexuality and Islam.

Pompeo will be forced quickly to address a wide array of other international challenges, including long conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Chinese expansionism in Asia and Russian assertiveness.

Washington is also working with European allies such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to decide whether to toughen an international nuclear agreement with Iran.

Pompeo narrowly avoided a historic rebuke by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Pompeo, who became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months at the CIA, faced stiff opposition from Democrats, who worried he might be too closely aligned with the president.

While in Congress, Pompeo was an outspoken opponent of the Iran nuclear accord.

But he said during his confirmation hearing that he was open to fixing, rather than blowing apart, the pact, which the West believes is key to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear bomb.

Trump picked the CIA's deputy director, Gina Haspel, to replace Pompeo as head of the spy agency. If confirmed by the Senate, she would become the first woman to hold the post.

Pompeo avoided being the first nominee for secretary of state ever rejected by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee only when Republican Senator Rand Paul, who had vowed to oppose him, announced his support minutes before the committee voted on Monday after pressure from the party.

While in Congress, Pompeo was an outspoken opponent of the Iran nuclear accord.

The US Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as President Donald Trump's secretary of state on Thursday, putting the former CIA director in a pivotal role to handle U.S. foreign policy challenges such as North Korea and Iran. Pompeo, a former Army officer who was a Republican congressman, is regarded as a Trump loyalist with hawkish world views. He is already deeply involved in diplomacy. Trump sent Pompeo to North Korea three weeks ago to meet with the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, ahead of a summit with the U.S. president to address Pyongyang's nuclear program. Senators voted 57-42 in favour of Pompeo, who had faced stiff resistance from Democrats worried about his reputation for hawkishness and past harsh statements about homosexuality and Islam. Pompeo will be forced quickly to address a wide array of other international challenges, including long conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Chinese expansionism in Asia and Russian assertiveness. Washington is also working with European allies such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to decide whether to toughen an international nuclear agreement with Iran. Pompeo narrowly avoided a historic rebuke by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pompeo, who became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months at the CIA, faced stiff opposition from Democrats, who worried he might be too closely aligned with the president. While in Congress, Pompeo was an outspoken opponent of the Iran nuclear accord. But he said during his confirmation hearing that he was open to fixing, rather than blowing apart, the pact, which the West believes is key to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Trump picked the CIA's deputy director, Gina Haspel, to replace Pompeo as head of the spy agency. If confirmed by the Senate, she would become the first woman to hold the post. Pompeo avoided being the first nominee for secretary of state ever rejected by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee only when Republican Senator Rand Paul, who had vowed to oppose him, announced his support minutes before the committee voted on Monday after pressure from the party.

US Senate confirms Mike Pompeo as US secretary of state

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday dismissed reports that President Donald Trump wants him to resign.

Asked by reporters whether leaks from the White House were designed to force him out, Tillerson said: &quot;It&#39;s laughable.&quot;

The Newyork Times first reported that the White House had developed a plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, within weeks, a senior Trump administration official said on Thursday.

Under the plan, Republican Senator Tom Cotton would be tapped to replace Pompeo at the CIA, the New York Times reported, citing senior officials.

The Times, the first to report the plan, said it was not immediately clear whether President Donald Trump had given final approval to the shakeup.

Asked by reporters whether leaks from the White House were designed to force him out, Tillerson said: "It`s laughable."

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday dismissed reports that President Donald Trump wants him to resign. Asked by reporters whether leaks from the White House were designed to force him out, Tillerson said: "It's laughable." The Newyork Times first reported that the White House had developed a plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, within weeks, a senior Trump administration official said on Thursday. Under the plan, Republican Senator Tom Cotton would be tapped to replace Pompeo at the CIA, the New York Times reported, citing senior officials. The Times, the first to report the plan, said it was not immediately clear whether President Donald Trump had given final approval to the shakeup.

'It's laughable,' says Tillerson on Trump firing him

The White House has developed a plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, within weeks, a senior Trump administration official said on Thursday.

Under the plan, Republican Senator Tom Cotton would be tapped to replace Pompeo at the CIA, the New York Times reported, citing senior officials.

The Times, the first to report the plan, said it was not immediately clear whether President Donald Trump had given final approval to the shakeup.

Tillerson&#39;s departure would end a troubled tenure for the former Exxon Mobile chief executive who has found himself increasingly at odds with Trump over policy challenges such as North Korea and under fire for his planned cuts at the State Department.

John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, developed the transition plan and has discussed it with other officials, the Times reported. Under his plan, the staff reshuffle would happen around the end of the year or shortly afterwards.

Tillerson&#39;s departure has been widely rumoured for months, with attention focused on Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as his likely replacement.

But Pompeo, a former three-term member of Congress, has increasingly moved to the forefront as he has gained Trump&#39;s trust on national security matters.

Under the plan, Republican Senator Tom Cotton would be tapped to replace Pompeo at the CIA, the New York Times reported, citing senior officials

The White House has developed a plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, within weeks, a senior Trump administration official said on Thursday. Under the plan, Republican Senator Tom Cotton would be tapped to replace Pompeo at the CIA, the New York Times reported, citing senior officials. The Times, the first to report the plan, said it was not immediately clear whether President Donald Trump had given final approval to the shakeup. Tillerson's departure would end a troubled tenure for the former Exxon Mobile chief executive who has found himself increasingly at odds with Trump over policy challenges such as North Korea and under fire for his planned cuts at the State Department. John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, developed the transition plan and has discussed it with other officials, the Times reported. Under his plan, the staff reshuffle would happen around the end of the year or shortly afterwards. Tillerson's departure has been widely rumoured for months, with attention focused on Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, as his likely replacement. But Pompeo, a former three-term member of Congress, has increasingly moved to the forefront as he has gained Trump's trust on national security matters.

White House has plan to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with CIA chief: US official

India has welcomed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson&rsquo;s statement where he called upon India to &quot;take leadership role in regional security&quot;.

Speaking at&nbsp;the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Wednesday, Tillerson had said, &quot;Security and stability is important for economic growth.&nbsp;India and the US are working towards shared security goals.&quot;&nbsp;&quot;India must take leadership role in regional security,&quot; he added.

&quot;US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future. He brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order,&quot; the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

We appreciate Tillerson&#39;s positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions, it added.

Tillerson made the remarks ahead of his&nbsp;week-long five-nation tour beginning Saturday which will take him to Pakistan,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland apart from India.

Tillerson is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi next week, where he will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening of strategic partnership between India and the US and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

&quot;The Secretary&#39;s visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister&#39;s visit to the White House in June,&quot;&nbsp;State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

Tillerson, in the first major foreign policy speech on October 18, said the US is India&#39;s &quot;reliable partner&quot; at the world stage in this period of uncertainty and angst, sending a strong signal to side with India amidst China&#39;s &quot;provocative actions&quot; in the region.

In the speech, he said the emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values and free trade.

(With inputs from PTI)

India has welcomed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson?s statement where he called upon India to "take leadership role in regional security".

India has welcomed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s statement where he called upon India to "take leadership role in regional security". Speaking at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Wednesday, Tillerson had said, "Security and stability is important for economic growth. India and the US are working towards shared security goals." "India must take leadership role in regional security," he added. "US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future. He brought out its various strengths and highlighted our shared commitment to a rule-based international order," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday. We appreciate Tillerson's positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions, it added. Tillerson made the remarks ahead of his week-long five-nation tour beginning Saturday which will take him to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland apart from India. Tillerson is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi next week, where he will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening of strategic partnership between India and the US and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. "The Secretary's visit to India will advance the ambitious agenda laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. Tillerson, in the first major foreign policy speech on October 18, said the US is India's "reliable partner" at the world stage in this period of uncertainty and angst, sending a strong signal to side with India amidst China's "provocative actions" in the region. In the speech, he said the emerging Delhi-Washington strategic partnership stands upon a shared commitment upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, universal values and free trade. (With inputs from PTI)

Tillerson's statement significant, we share the same optimism about Indo-US ties: MEA

Donald Trump winning the US presidency was one of the defining moments of 2016.

All through his campaign, he had pitched himself as the &quot;outsider&quot; -- someone not part of Washington&rsquo;s political and bureaucratic elite.

He also promised to &ldquo;drain the swamp&rdquo; should he win the Oval Office.

So, now that he has won, who are the people that he&#39;s brought in? The ones that will take up key positions in a Donald Trump presidency?

Click on the graphic below to find out:&nbsp;

<iframe src="https://app.wisemapping.com/c/maps/497662/embed?zoom=1" style="width:770px;height:430px;border: 1px
solid black"></iframe>

A one-stop guide to the people who will be key in a Trump presidency

Donald Trump winning the US presidency was one of the defining moments of 2016. All through his campaign, he had pitched himself as the "outsider" -- someone not part of Washington’s political and bureaucratic elite. He also promised to “drain the swamp” should he win the Oval Office. So, now that he has won, who are the people that he's brought in? The ones that will take up key positions in a Donald Trump presidency? Click on the graphic below to find out:

Interactive: All the president's men

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump&#39;s choice for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, will have to explain his relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at his confirmation hearing, senior Republican senator John McCain said on Thursday.

McCain, who is chairman of the US&nbsp;Senate Armed Services Committee, also called President Putin &quot;a thug and a murderer&quot;.

Speaking on a tour of the Baltic states, where there is widespread concern that Moscow wants to reassert its power across the region, McCain said he had concerns about Tillerson, who opposed sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea.

&quot;I and several of my colleagues have concerns about Mr Tillerson, and some of his past activities, specifically his relationship with Vladimir Putin,&quot; McCain told reporters.

&quot;I have concerns but at the same time I&#39;m certain we will give Mr Tillerson an opportunity to make his case about why he is qualified to be Secretary of State.&quot;

Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Tillerson could face a rocky confirmation process, given worries among both Democrats and Republicans about his connections with Russia and possible conflicts of interest related to his business ties.

Tillerson owns approximately $218 million in ExxonMobil stock, and a&nbsp;pension worth about&nbsp;$70 million, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/profits-are-down-at-exxonmobil-but-dont-cry-for-ceo-rex-tillerson/2016/04/29/d6401e0c-0d60-11e6-a6b6-2e6de3695b0e_story.html?utm_term=.1bbbfc675e44">Washington Post reports.</a>&nbsp;

When&nbsp;Obama administation slapped sanctions on Russia after Putin annexed Crimea, Tillerson voiced opposition--Exxon had just discovered an enormous reserve of oil in the Kara Sea, and Obama&#39;s sanctions prevented the company from making an enormous profit.

Assuming the senate confirms the appointment&nbsp;and he does become&nbsp;Trump&#39;s secretary of state, Tillerson, a man who&nbsp;personally received the &quot;Russian Order of Friendship award&quot; from Vladimir Putin himself, would&nbsp;be in a position to decide whether or not to continue sanctions against Putin&#39;s Russia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Relations between Moscow and Washington have deteriorated following Russia&#39;s annexation of the Crimea in 2014, with the two nations also at loggerheads over Syria.

The Obama administration also plans a series of retaliatory measures against Russia for hacking into US&nbsp;political institutions and individuals and leaking information.

Trump, who before he won the election complained for weeks that it was rigged and when pressed on the issue refused to say that he would accept its result, has now said&nbsp;that the United States should move on from the controversy.

McCain, however, said the United States needed to reassure voters there and abroad that elections would not be influenced by foreign powers.

&quot;I agree with president elect that we need to get on of our lives - without having elections being affected by any outside influence, especially Vladimir Putin, who is a thug and a murderer,&quot; he said.

Fellow Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who is travelling with McCain, called for sanctions against Russia to be widened to target areas like energy and to be directly aimed at Putin.

&quot;I think the sanctions need to go beyond what it is today, they need to name Putin as an individual and his inner circle because nothing happens in Russia without his knowledge and approval,&quot; Graham said.

Graham has also stated that &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/99-senators-believe-russia-interfered-in-us-elections-republican-senator-graham-10642">99&nbsp;per cent</a>&quot; of US&nbsp;Senators&nbsp;believe&nbsp;Russia interfered in the election. He never named the one per cent who apparently disagrees.

(With inputs from Reuters)

He, and many Democrats and Republicans, are wary of Tillerson's personal and business connections to Vladimir Putin

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, will have to explain his relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at his confirmation hearing, senior Republican senator John McCain said on Thursday. McCain, who is chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, also called President Putin "a thug and a murderer". Speaking on a tour of the Baltic states, where there is widespread concern that Moscow wants to reassert its power across the region, McCain said he had concerns about Tillerson, who opposed sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea. "I and several of my colleagues have concerns about Mr Tillerson, and some of his past activities, specifically his relationship with Vladimir Putin," McCain told reporters. "I have concerns but at the same time I'm certain we will give Mr Tillerson an opportunity to make his case about why he is qualified to be Secretary of State." Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Tillerson could face a rocky confirmation process, given worries among both Democrats and Republicans about his connections with Russia and possible conflicts of interest related to his business ties. Tillerson owns approximately $218 million in ExxonMobil stock, and a pension worth about $70 million, the Washington Post reports. When Obama administation slapped sanctions on Russia after Putin annexed Crimea, Tillerson voiced opposition--Exxon had just discovered an enormous reserve of oil in the Kara Sea, and Obama's sanctions prevented the company from making an enormous profit. Assuming the senate confirms the appointment and he does become Trump's secretary of state, Tillerson, a man who personally received the "Russian Order of Friendship award" from Vladimir Putin himself, would be in a position to decide whether or not to continue sanctions against Putin's Russia. Relations between Moscow and Washington have deteriorated following Russia's annexation of the Crimea in 2014, with the two nations also at loggerheads over Syria. The Obama administration also plans a series of retaliatory measures against Russia for hacking into US political institutions and individuals and leaking information. Trump, who before he won the election complained for weeks that it was rigged and when pressed on the issue refused to say that he would accept its result, has now said that the United States should move on from the controversy. McCain, however, said the United States needed to reassure voters there and abroad that elections would not be influenced by foreign powers. "I agree with president elect that we need to get on of our lives - without having elections being affected by any outside influence, especially Vladimir Putin, who is a thug and a murderer," he said. Fellow Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who is travelling with McCain, called for sanctions against Russia to be widened to target areas like energy and to be directly aimed at Putin. "I think the sanctions need to go beyond what it is today, they need to name Putin as an individual and his inner circle because nothing happens in Russia without his knowledge and approval," Graham said. Graham has also stated that "99 per cent" of US Senators believe Russia interfered in the election. He never named the one per cent who apparently disagrees. (With inputs from Reuters)

US Senator McCain has 'concerns' about Tillerson nomination

The FBI will recommend to the Justice Department that no prosecution is warranted as a result of its year-long investigation into Hillary&nbsp;Clinton&#39;s use of a private email server while secretary of state, agency Director James Comey said today.

Comey said the probe found there was evidence of extremely careless handling of emails by Clinton, now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and that at least 110 emails contained classified information at the time they were sent.

But he said the FBI&#39;s judgment was that &quot;no reasonable prosecutor&quot; would bring charges against&nbsp;Clinton, who had a voluntary 3-1/2-hour interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Saturday in Washington.

&quot;We cannot find a case that would support bringing criminal charges on these facts,&quot; Comey told reporters in Washington.

The FBI has been investigating whether&nbsp;Clinton&nbsp;broke the law as result of a personal email server kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. One of the questions is whether she mishandled classified information on the server.

The investigation has dogged&nbsp;Clinton&#39;s campaign for the past year, as she and her staff struggled to respond to accusations that her use of the server in violation of State Department protocol indicated she was untrustworthy and considered herself above the law.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said the investigation should disqualify Clinton&nbsp;from being president. 
 
(Reuters)

The bureau found evidence of extremely careless handing of emails but said 'no reasonable prosecutor' would bring charges against her

The FBI will recommend to the Justice Department that no prosecution is warranted as a result of its year-long investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state, agency Director James Comey said today. Comey said the probe found there was evidence of extremely careless handling of emails by Clinton, now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and that at least 110 emails contained classified information at the time they were sent. But he said the FBI's judgment was that "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring charges against Clinton, who had a voluntary 3-1/2-hour interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Saturday in Washington. "We cannot find a case that would support bringing criminal charges on these facts," Comey told reporters in Washington. The FBI has been investigating whether Clinton broke the law as result of a personal email server kept in her Chappaqua, New York, home while she was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. One of the questions is whether she mishandled classified information on the server. The investigation has dogged Clinton's campaign for the past year, as she and her staff struggled to respond to accusations that her use of the server in violation of State Department protocol indicated she was untrustworthy and considered herself above the law. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said the investigation should disqualify Clinton from being president. (Reuters)

Prosecution of Clinton not warranted in email case, FBI to tell Justice Department

Congressional Republicans on Tuesday accused Hillary Clinton&#39;s state department of failing to protect four Americans killed in a 2012 attack in Libya in a final report that contained no major new revelations, but rekindled debate on the US presidential campaign trail. 
 
In an 800-page report that Democrats derided as a political vendetta, Republicans said Clinton, who served as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 and is now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and her staff, showed a &quot;shameful&quot; lack of response to congressional investigators looking into the attacks on a US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. 
 
The report, the culmination of a two-year investigation by a special congressional committee led by Republican representative Trey Gowdy, is likely to be the last official attempt to investigate the attack. Seven other congressional panels have also investigated the attack on the US diplomatic and CIA posts in Benghazi. 
 
The latest investigation has been used by Republicans to attack Clinton&rsquo;s national-security credentials. Opinion polls have shown Americans deeply split along partisan lines over the probe. 
 
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has repeatedly charged that Clinton is personally responsible for the deaths of a US ambassador and three other Americans killed by militia groups in the September &nbsp;11, 2012 incident. 
 
Clinton&#39;s campaign dismissed the committee&#39;s report, saying it had not found anything that had not been discovered by previous congressional probes. White House press secretary Josh Earnest labelled the effort a &quot;political exercise.&quot; 
 
Clinton, speaking in Denver, said it was crucial to &quot;learn the right lessons&quot; from the Benghazi tragedy. 
 
&quot;No one has thought more about or lost more sleep over the lives that we lost - the four Americans - which was devastating,&quot; said Clinton. 
 
Trump waited until hours after the report&#39;s release to comment. &quot;Benghazi is just another Hillary Clinton failure,&quot; he said on Twitter. &quot;It just never seems to work the way it&#39;s supposed to with Clinton.&quot; 
 
Republican national committee chairman Reince Priebus said Clinton&#39;s actions as secretary of state were &quot;disqualifying.&quot; 
 
&quot;Hillary Clinton was in charge, knew the risks, and did nothing&quot; to protect personnel on the ground in Libya, he said. 
 
Professor Julian Zelizer, a political analyst at Princeton University, called the report &quot;old news&quot; but said that would not stop Trump from trying to exploit the issue going forward. &quot;A story like this, even though it seems familiar, can still serve to mobilise Republicans, and certainly Donald Trump will do that. He&rsquo;ll certainly try,&rdquo; Zelizer said. 
 
Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist, said he doubted the report would influence undecided voters. &quot;Those who are willing to believe that there was wrongdoing on secretary Clinton&rsquo;s part were unlikely willing to vote for her in the first place,&quot; he said. 
 
Systematic security lapses&nbsp; 
 
At a news conference on Capitol Hill, Gowdy, chairman of the special congressional panel, said there was a disconnect between the violence unfolding in Benghazi and the perception among top Obama administration officials that &quot;the fighting had subsided&quot; at the US diplomatic compound. 
 
The committee&#39;s report faulted the state department for providing inadequate security for the US compound in Benghazi, state department officials and the CIA for failing to properly evaluate the threat to US personnel on the ground, and the Pentagon for not being in position to aid the Americans under siege. The report did not dispute assertions by the Obama administration that such a mission would have come too late to help the four who were killed. 
 
None of those conclusions, however, came as revelations. All had been reached by previous probes. 
 
The report also accused the White House of stonewalling the investigation, something aides to Obama have denied. 
 
Democrats on the Benghazi committee issued their own report a day before Tuesday&#39;s release, accusing Republicans of conducting an overzealous investigation. 
 
According to a website maintained by committee Democrats, the investigation cost more than $7.1 million, a figure that excludes money spent on investigations by the seven other congressional committees that investigated the attacks. 
 
The Gowdy committee investigation lasted 782 days, longer than congressional probes of Pearl Harbour, the Kennedy assassination, the Iran-Contra scandal and Hurricane Katrina. 
 
Since it was established in May 2014, the Gowdy committee has held four public hearings, according to its website, which said that it interviewed 107 witnesses, mostly behind closed doors, including 81 who never appeared before the other committees that investigated the attacks. It reviewed about 75,000 pages of previously unexamined documents. 
 
Clinton rebuffed charges 
 
Last October, Clinton, already a Democratic presidential candidate, calmly deflected harsh Republican criticism of her handling of the attack during a testy 11-hour hearing before the Gowdy committee. 
 
In testimony that stretched deep into the night, Clinton rejected Republican accusations that she ignored requests for security upgrades in Libya and misinformed the public about the cause of the attack. 
 
Clinton&#39;s appearance before the panel followed months of controversy about her use of a private home email server for her state department work, a disclosure that emerged in part because of the panel&#39;s demand to see her official records. 
 
A 2012 report by a government accountability review board faulted state department officials for providing &quot;grossly&quot; insufficient security in Benghazi, despite upgrade requests from ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and others in Libya. 
 
(Reuters)

The killing of an ambassador and three other Americans in a US compound in Benghazi has been used by Republicans to flay Clinton repeatedly

Congressional Republicans on Tuesday accused Hillary Clinton's state department of failing to protect four Americans killed in a 2012 attack in Libya in a final report that contained no major new revelations, but rekindled debate on the US presidential campaign trail. In an 800-page report that Democrats derided as a political vendetta, Republicans said Clinton, who served as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 and is now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and her staff, showed a "shameful" lack of response to congressional investigators looking into the attacks on a US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. The report, the culmination of a two-year investigation by a special congressional committee led by Republican representative Trey Gowdy, is likely to be the last official attempt to investigate the attack. Seven other congressional panels have also investigated the attack on the US diplomatic and CIA posts in Benghazi. The latest investigation has been used by Republicans to attack Clinton’s national-security credentials. Opinion polls have shown Americans deeply split along partisan lines over the probe. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has repeatedly charged that Clinton is personally responsible for the deaths of a US ambassador and three other Americans killed by militia groups in the September 11, 2012 incident. Clinton's campaign dismissed the committee's report, saying it had not found anything that had not been discovered by previous congressional probes. White House press secretary Josh Earnest labelled the effort a "political exercise." Clinton, speaking in Denver, said it was crucial to "learn the right lessons" from the Benghazi tragedy. "No one has thought more about or lost more sleep over the lives that we lost - the four Americans - which was devastating," said Clinton. Trump waited until hours after the report's release to comment. "Benghazi is just another Hillary Clinton failure," he said on Twitter. "It just never seems to work the way it's supposed to with Clinton." Republican national committee chairman Reince Priebus said Clinton's actions as secretary of state were "disqualifying." "Hillary Clinton was in charge, knew the risks, and did nothing" to protect personnel on the ground in Libya, he said. Professor Julian Zelizer, a political analyst at Princeton University, called the report "old news" but said that would not stop Trump from trying to exploit the issue going forward. "A story like this, even though it seems familiar, can still serve to mobilise Republicans, and certainly Donald Trump will do that. He’ll certainly try,” Zelizer said. Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist, said he doubted the report would influence undecided voters. "Those who are willing to believe that there was wrongdoing on secretary Clinton’s part were unlikely willing to vote for her in the first place," he said. Systematic security lapses At a news conference on Capitol Hill, Gowdy, chairman of the special congressional panel, said there was a disconnect between the violence unfolding in Benghazi and the perception among top Obama administration officials that "the fighting had subsided" at the US diplomatic compound. The committee's report faulted the state department for providing inadequate security for the US compound in Benghazi, state department officials and the CIA for failing to properly evaluate the threat to US personnel on the ground, and the Pentagon for not being in position to aid the Americans under siege. The report did not dispute assertions by the Obama administration that such a mission would have come too late to help the four who were killed. None of those conclusions, however, came as revelations. All had been reached by previous probes. The report also accused the White House of stonewalling the investigation, something aides to Obama have denied. Democrats on the Benghazi committee issued their own report a day before Tuesday's release, accusing Republicans of conducting an overzealous investigation. According to a website maintained by committee Democrats, the investigation cost more than $7.1 million, a figure that excludes money spent on investigations by the seven other congressional committees that investigated the attacks. The Gowdy committee investigation lasted 782 days, longer than congressional probes of Pearl Harbour, the Kennedy assassination, the Iran-Contra scandal and Hurricane Katrina. Since it was established in May 2014, the Gowdy committee has held four public hearings, according to its website, which said that it interviewed 107 witnesses, mostly behind closed doors, including 81 who never appeared before the other committees that investigated the attacks. It reviewed about 75,000 pages of previously unexamined documents. Clinton rebuffed charges Last October, Clinton, already a Democratic presidential candidate, calmly deflected harsh Republican criticism of her handling of the attack during a testy 11-hour hearing before the Gowdy committee. In testimony that stretched deep into the night, Clinton rejected Republican accusations that she ignored requests for security upgrades in Libya and misinformed the public about the cause of the attack. Clinton's appearance before the panel followed months of controversy about her use of a private home email server for her state department work, a disclosure that emerged in part because of the panel's demand to see her official records. A 2012 report by a government accountability review board faulted state department officials for providing "grossly" insufficient security in Benghazi, despite upgrade requests from ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and others in Libya. (Reuters)

Clinton's culpability over Benghazi attack debate reignites after panel's report

secretary-of-state

Secretary Of State, News on Secretary Of State, stories on Secretary Of State, articles on Secretary Of State, Secretary Of State stories at Wion, Secretary Of State news, Secretary Of State latest news

secretary of-state