President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it was not inevitable that the novel coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, as he said he is considering travel restrictions on Italy and South Korea and appointed his vice president to lead the response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-was-great-trip-very-successful-trump-after-his-two-day-india-visit-282956">'It was great, trip very successful': Trump after his two-day India visit</a>

His optimism about containing the pathogen contradicted a senior health official in his own administration and came as authorities said they had identified the first case in the US that was of unknown origin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-hails-harvey-weinsteins-conviction-282749">US President Donald Trump hails Harvey Weinstein's conviction</a>

"I don't think it's inevitable. I think that there's a chance that it could get worse, a chance it could get fairly substantially worse, but nothing's inevitable," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-confirms-latin-americas-first-coronavirus-case-us-reports-57-cases-282954">Brazil confirms Latin America's first coronavirus case; US reports 57 cases</a>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans Tuesday to be prepared to cancel mass gatherings and urged schools and businesses to develop teleworking plans, amid dire warnings that countries are not ready to contain an outbreak that has infected 80,000 people, mostly in China.

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"It's not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen," said the CDC's Nancy Messonnier.&nbsp;

As of Wednesday, there were 60 cases in the United States -- 15 detected through the public health system, and 45 repatriated from abroad, either from a cruise ship off Japan or from&nbsp;Wuhan, the Chinese city where the first cases were identified.

The CDC later said the latest case caught in California "did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient" -- meaning it could represent the first instance of "community spread" in the US, though this was not yet confirmed.

Community spread means the spread of an illness for which the source of the infection is unknown.

Foreign nationals travelling from China within the past two weeks are currently banned from entering the US, and Trump said more countries, including South Korea and Italy where the disease has rapidly spread, could also be added to the list.

"At the right time we may do it, right now it's not the right time," he said in response to a reporter's question.&nbsp;

"Italy is, you know, a deeper problem, and we're checking people coming in very, very strongly from those and at some point, we may cut that off," he later added.

On Wednesday night the State Department raised its travel advisory caution level for South Korea to the second-highest, now urging Americans to reconsider travelling there.

The president added that Vice President Mike Pence had been assigned to lead the charge in coordinating the government's response and reporting back to him, taking over the role from health secretary Alex Azar.&nbsp;

Trump's briefing came after US lawmakers accused the administration of downplaying the crisis and underfunding the response.

On Monday, the White House asked Congress to make at least $2.5 billion available for preparedness and response, including developing treatments and vaccines and buying equipment for a strategic national stockpile.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the figure was "too little and too late," proposing instead $8.5 billion. Trump later told reporters he would be happy to accept more money.

Trump also took to Twitter earlier in the day to insist his administration is "doing a GREAT job," blaming the media Wednesday for trying to stoke fear in a tweet in which he spelt the name of the virus incorrectly.

"Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) &amp; @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible," he tweeted, using a derogatory name for cable news network MSNBC that suggests it is connected to the Democratic National Committee

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Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action. USA in great shape! <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a>.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1232652371832004608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Wall Street stocks finished mostly lower Wednesday, stabilizing somewhat after a two-session rout amid growing worries over the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic.

With cases being reported in more countries&nbsp;and lockdowns in nations including Austria, Italy and Spain&nbsp;traders are worried about the impact on the global economy.

In the US, officials have voiced fears for the supply of medical products because a high proportion of ingredients used to make medicine comes from China.

The Food and Drug Administration has also identified personal protective equipment, such as face masks, respirators and gowns, as being among products at risk of shortages.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it was not inevitable that the novel coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, as he said he is considering travel restrictions on Italy and South Korea and appointed his vice president to lead the response.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said it was not inevitable that the novel coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, as he said he is considering travel restrictions on Italy and South Korea and appointed his vice president to lead the response. Also read: 'It was great, trip very successful': Trump after his two-day India visit His optimism about containing the pathogen contradicted a senior health official in his own administration and came as authorities said they had identified the first case in the US that was of unknown origin. Also read: US President Donald Trump hails Harvey Weinstein's conviction "I don't think it's inevitable. I think that there's a chance that it could get worse, a chance it could get fairly substantially worse, but nothing's inevitable," Trump told reporters at the White House. Also read: Brazil confirms Latin America's first coronavirus case; US reports 57 cases The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Americans Tuesday to be prepared to cancel mass gatherings and urged schools and businesses to develop teleworking plans, amid dire warnings that countries are not ready to contain an outbreak that has infected 80,000 people, mostly in China. × "It's not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen," said the CDC's Nancy Messonnier. As of Wednesday, there were 60 cases in the United States -- 15 detected through the public health system, and 45 repatriated from abroad, either from a cruise ship off Japan or from Wuhan, the Chinese city where the first cases were identified. The CDC later said the latest case caught in California "did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient" -- meaning it could represent the first instance of "community spread" in the US, though this was not yet confirmed. Community spread means the spread of an illness for which the source of the infection is unknown. Foreign nationals travelling from China within the past two weeks are currently banned from entering the US, and Trump said more countries, including South Korea and Italy where the disease has rapidly spread, could also be added to the list. "At the right time we may do it, right now it's not the right time," he said in response to a reporter's question. "Italy is, you know, a deeper problem, and we're checking people coming in very, very strongly from those and at some point, we may cut that off," he later added. On Wednesday night the State Department raised its travel advisory caution level for South Korea to the second-highest, now urging Americans to reconsider travelling there. The president added that Vice President Mike Pence had been assigned to lead the charge in coordinating the government's response and reporting back to him, taking over the role from health secretary Alex Azar. Trump's briefing came after US lawmakers accused the administration of downplaying the crisis and underfunding the response. On Monday, the White House asked Congress to make at least $2.5 billion available for preparedness and response, including developing treatments and vaccines and buying equipment for a strategic national stockpile. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the figure was "too little and too late," proposing instead $8.5 billion. Trump later told reporters he would be happy to accept more money. Trump also took to Twitter earlier in the day to insist his administration is "doing a GREAT job," blaming the media Wednesday for trying to stoke fear in a tweet in which he spelt the name of the virus incorrectly. "Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible," he tweeted, using a derogatory name for cable news network MSNBC that suggests it is connected to the Democratic National Committee Low Ratings Fake News MSDNC (Comcast) & @CNN are doing everything possible to make the Caronavirus look as bad as possible, including panicking markets, if possible. Likewise their incompetent Do Nothing Democrat comrades are all talk, no action. USA in great shape! @CDCgov..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 26, 2020 × Wall Street stocks finished mostly lower Wednesday, stabilizing somewhat after a two-session rout amid growing worries over the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic. With cases being reported in more countries and lockdowns in nations including Austria, Italy and Spain traders are worried about the impact on the global economy. In the US, officials have voiced fears for the supply of medical products because a high proportion of ingredients used to make medicine comes from China. The Food and Drug Administration has also identified personal protective equipment, such as face masks, respirators and gowns, as being among products at risk of shortages.

US coronavirus spread 'not inevitable,' mulls new travel bans: Donald Trump

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259.

China faced mounting isolation in the face of increasing international travel curbs and flight suspensions on Saturday, as the death toll from a spreading coronavirus outbreak rose to 259. The epidemic has led to mass evacuations of foreign citizens as world airlines halt flights, and risks exacerbating a slowdown in growth in the world's second-largest economy. China's National Health Commission said there were 2,102 new confirmed infections in China as of Friday, bringing the total to 11,791. Around two dozen other countries have reported more than 130 cases. All of the reported deaths from the virus have been in China. The Russian military was to start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday, Interfax and TASS news agencies reported. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying the evacuations would be from regions that had been most affected by the outbreak. Russia, which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner, also said it was suspending visa-free travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas. Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. Hubei has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week, with roads sealed off and public transport shut down. Elsewhere, Chinese authorities placed growing restrictions on travel and business. In Beijing, counters were set up at the entrances of housing estates, where volunteers wearing red armbands and masks noted details of residents coming back from their hometowns after the Lunar New Year holiday. [ A woman wears a face mask in a market alley in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province, China. (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death In Hubei, the provincial government extended the holiday break to Feb. 13 in a bid to contain the outbreak, the Hubei Daily reported. The World Health Organization, which this week declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed. But Singapore and the United States announced measures on Friday to ban foreign nationals who have recently been in China from entering their territories. Australia followed suit on Saturday. "We're operating with an abundance of caution in these circumstances so Australians can go about their daily lives with confidence," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Sydney. The Chinese data would suggest the flu-like virus is less deadly than the 2002-03 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people of the some 8,000 it infected, although such numbers can evolve rapidly. Evacuations The list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing. The latest was Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand, who said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from Feb. 9. All three major U.S. airlines said on Friday they would cancel flights to mainland China. The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately, officials said. U.S. health officials on Saturday confirmed an eighth case of the virus, a person in Massachusetts who recently returned from Hubei province. Many nations have sent charter flights to repatriate citizens from China and then place them in isolation for around two weeks, believed to be the incubation period of the virus. German Health Minister Jens Spahn called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt, none showing any symptoms of the virus. As of Saturday evening Germany had eight confirmed cases. Britain, which has had two confirmed cases, said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China. Many of the private clinics catering to foreigners in China have started to turn away people with fevers. Disruptions Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan, where the new virus is believed to have originated, raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions. In Huanggang, authorities asked households to designate one individual who can leave the home, a local newspaper said. The mayor of the city of about 7.5 million people said there could be a significant rise in cases this weekend. The northern city of Tianjin, home to some 15 million, suspended all schools and businesses until further notice. Efforts to contain the virus risk slowing economic growth in China. The virus impact prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its estimate for first-quarter growth to 4% from 5.6%. China's central bank said the impact was temporary and economic fundamentals remained sound, but that it would increase credit support, lowering lending costs for affected companies. Apple Inc said on Saturday it would close all of its official stores and corporate offices in China until Feb. 9, the latest of dozens of major companies, including IKEA and Walmart Inc, to restrict travel and operations due to the outbreak.

Coronavirus death toll rises; China faces global isolation deemed unnecessary by WHO

US President Donald Trump issued an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-set-to-add-couple-of-countries-on-travel-ban-list-275988">expanded version of his travel ban</a> on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory.

Of the six countries added to the ban, four are African nations and three have Muslim-majority populations. Democrats and immigration advocates accuse the Trump administration of seeking to expand its original 2017 ban that targeted Muslim-majority countries and of disproportionately focusing on African countries.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said during a call with reporters that the six countries failed to meet US security and information-sharing standards, which necessitated the new restrictions. The problems Wolf cited ranged from sub-par passport technology to a failure to sufficiently exchange information on terrorism suspects and criminals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-donald-trumps-travel-ban-really-looks-like-almost-two-years-in-258671">Also read: What Donald Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in</a>

Belarus, which had been under consideration for inclusion, took steps to remedy deficiencies in recent months and will not face visa restrictions, Wolf said.

The United States will suspend the issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency for nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria, a presidential proclamation said. Temporary visas for tourists, business people, students and workers from those nations will not be affected, it said.

The US government also will stop issuing "diversity visas" to nationals of Sudan and Tanzania, the proclamation said. The visas, which Trump has criticized, are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration.

"These countries, for the most part, want to be helpful," Wolf said, "but for a variety of different reasons simply failed to meet those minimum requirements that we laid out."

The original travel ban barred nearly all immigrants and travellers from seven countries with majority Muslim populations. The policy was revised amid court challenges, but the US Supreme Court ultimately upheld it in June 2018.

Trump has made cracking down on immigration a focus of his 2020 re-election campaign. His travel ban policy is popular with Republican supporters.

The existing version of the ban includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela also face visa bars, but those measures affect relatively few travellers. Those restrictions will remain in place.

The new travel ban will take effect on February 21, according to the proclamation.

Most visas from Nigeria

US Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Colorado and son of Eritrean refugees, said the updated ban unfairly singled out allied African nations.

"It is un-American to discriminate against immigrants solely because of where they come from or how they pray," Neguse told reporters.

In 2015, when he was running for president, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

Three nations included in the updated ban - Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Sudan - have majority Muslim populations. Eritrea and Tanzania have sizable Muslim minorities.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the ban, calling it "discrimination disguised as policy." She said the Democrats would introduce legislation barring religious discrimination in the US immigration system within a few weeks.

Nigeria sends the most immigrants to the United States. The US State Department issued approximately 7,900 immigrant visas to Nigerians in fiscal year 2018, which began October 1, 2017.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's foreign affairs minister, said he was "disappointed" by the decision. The US State Department will host meetings in Washington on Monday and Tuesday with Onyeama, other officials and business leaders.

The administration said the new ban was narrowly tailored.

Investor visas, which lead to permanent residence, will also be barred. But the restrictions will not apply to skilled foreign workers entering the United States on H-1B visas, according to a DHS official who briefed reporters. Such visas are temporary but can lead to permanent residence.

Immigrants already in the United States, or who have approved visas will be exempt from the ban, the official said. People with pending visa requests, some of whom have waited years, will be barred.

All applicants will be able to apply for a waiver, a process already in place under Trump's existing ban. But a federal lawsuit challenging the administration says the waiver process is opaque and difficult to navigate.

The visa restrictions will not apply to refugees, according to the official. Trump's administration has separately capped the number of refugees allowed into the United States at 18,000 for the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest level in decades.

US President Donald Trump issued an expanded version of his travel ban on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory.

US President Donald Trump issued an expanded version of his travel ban on Friday that targets prospective immigrants from Nigeria and five other countries, a move that could affect thousands of people and reignite the debate on whether the policy is discriminatory. Of the six countries added to the ban, four are African nations and three have Muslim-majority populations. Democrats and immigration advocates accuse the Trump administration of seeking to expand its original 2017 ban that targeted Muslim-majority countries and of disproportionately focusing on African countries. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said during a call with reporters that the six countries failed to meet US security and information-sharing standards, which necessitated the new restrictions. The problems Wolf cited ranged from sub-par passport technology to a failure to sufficiently exchange information on terrorism suspects and criminals. Also read: What Donald Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in Belarus, which had been under consideration for inclusion, took steps to remedy deficiencies in recent months and will not face visa restrictions, Wolf said. The United States will suspend the issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency for nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Nigeria, a presidential proclamation said. Temporary visas for tourists, business people, students and workers from those nations will not be affected, it said. The US government also will stop issuing "diversity visas" to nationals of Sudan and Tanzania, the proclamation said. The visas, which Trump has criticized, are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration. "These countries, for the most part, want to be helpful," Wolf said, "but for a variety of different reasons simply failed to meet those minimum requirements that we laid out." The original travel ban barred nearly all immigrants and travellers from seven countries with majority Muslim populations. The policy was revised amid court challenges, but the US Supreme Court ultimately upheld it in June 2018. Trump has made cracking down on immigration a focus of his 2020 re-election campaign. His travel ban policy is popular with Republican supporters. The existing version of the ban includes Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. North Korea and Venezuela also face visa bars, but those measures affect relatively few travellers. Those restrictions will remain in place. The new travel ban will take effect on February 21, according to the proclamation. Most visas from Nigeria US Representative Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Colorado and son of Eritrean refugees, said the updated ban unfairly singled out allied African nations. "It is un-American to discriminate against immigrants solely because of where they come from or how they pray," Neguse told reporters. In 2015, when he was running for president, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Three nations included in the updated ban - Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria and Sudan - have majority Muslim populations. Eritrea and Tanzania have sizable Muslim minorities. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the ban, calling it "discrimination disguised as policy." She said the Democrats would introduce legislation barring religious discrimination in the US immigration system within a few weeks. Nigeria sends the most immigrants to the United States. The US State Department issued approximately 7,900 immigrant visas to Nigerians in fiscal year 2018, which began October 1, 2017. Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's foreign affairs minister, said he was "disappointed" by the decision. The US State Department will host meetings in Washington on Monday and Tuesday with Onyeama, other officials and business leaders. The administration said the new ban was narrowly tailored. Investor visas, which lead to permanent residence, will also be barred. But the restrictions will not apply to skilled foreign workers entering the United States on H-1B visas, according to a DHS official who briefed reporters. Such visas are temporary but can lead to permanent residence. Immigrants already in the United States, or who have approved visas will be exempt from the ban, the official said. People with pending visa requests, some of whom have waited years, will be barred. All applicants will be able to apply for a waiver, a process already in place under Trump's existing ban. But a federal lawsuit challenging the administration says the waiver process is opaque and difficult to navigate. The visa restrictions will not apply to refugees, according to the official. Trump's administration has separately capped the number of refugees allowed into the United States at 18,000 for the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest level in decades.

Trump's expanded travel ban targets Nigeria, five other countries

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wasnt-aware-of-anything-carlos-ghosns-wife-on -husbands-escape-after-japanese-authorities-issue-arrest-warrant-for-her- ...">Lebanon</a> banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said.

The 65-year-old businessman,&nbsp;for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan,&nbsp;fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million.

His shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot and prompted outrage from the Japanese government as well as from Nissan.

"The state prosecution issued a travel ban for Ghosn, and asked for his file from the Japanese authorities," said a judicial source.

A second judicial source said, "He has been banned from travelling until his judicial file arrives from Japan."

"According to what is inside the file, if it appears that the crimes he is accused of in Japan require being pursued in Lebanon, he will be tried," the source added.

"But if it doesn't require being pursued under Lebanese law, then he will be free."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-nissan-chairman-carlos-ghosn-holds-first-press-conference-since-escape-from-japan-273012">There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn</a>

Lebanon's judiciary received a "red notice" from Interpol last week urging Ghosn's arrest.

A "red notice" is a request to police across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant.

Lebanon does not have an extradition agreement with Japan.

Ghosn also made a statement to prosecutors on a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers that he had travelled to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan.

Lebanon and neighbouring Israel are still technically at war, and Beirut has forbidden its citizens from visiting or having contacts.

In early 2008, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to -bolster-borders-272500">Ghosn</a> travelled to Israel to announce the mass production of electric vehicles there with the cooperation of Renault-Nissan.

At a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, Ghosn apologised to the Lebanese people for having visited the neighbouring country.

He said he went as the head of Renault.

"I went as a Frenchman because of a contract between Renault and an Israeli company," said Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities.

"I always come back to Lebanon and nothing has ever happened before," he said.

Lebanon banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said.

Lebanon banned former auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn from travelling on Thursday after questioning him over an Interpol "red notice" of charges of financial misconduct in Japan, judicial sources said. The 65-year-old businessman, for years venerated in Japan for turning around once-ailing Nissan, fled while awaiting trial on charges including allegedly under-reporting his compensation to the tune of $85 million. His shock arrival in his native Lebanon last month was the latest twist in a story worthy of a Hollywood plot and prompted outrage from the Japanese government as well as from Nissan. "The state prosecution issued a travel ban for Ghosn, and asked for his file from the Japanese authorities," said a judicial source. A second judicial source said, "He has been banned from travelling until his judicial file arrives from Japan." "According to what is inside the file, if it appears that the crimes he is accused of in Japan require being pursued in Lebanon, he will be tried," the source added. "But if it doesn't require being pursued under Lebanese law, then he will be free." Also Read: There was no way I was going to be treated fairly: Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn Lebanon's judiciary received a "red notice" from Interpol last week urging Ghosn's arrest. A "red notice" is a request to police across the world to provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant. Lebanon does not have an extradition agreement with Japan. Ghosn also made a statement to prosecutors on a report submitted by Lebanese lawyers that he had travelled to neighbouring Israel as head of Renault-Nissan. Lebanon and neighbouring Israel are still technically at war, and Beirut has forbidden its citizens from visiting or having contacts. In early 2008, Ghosn travelled to Israel to announce the mass production of electric vehicles there with the cooperation of Renault-Nissan. At a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday, Ghosn apologised to the Lebanese people for having visited the neighbouring country. He said he went as the head of Renault. "I went as a Frenchman because of a contract between Renault and an Israeli company," said Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian nationalities. "I always come back to Lebanon and nothing has ever happened before," he said.

Lebanon bans Carlos Ghosn from foreign travel

The government of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-colleges-reopen-in-kashmir-witness-low-attendance-254695">Jammu and Kashmir</a> has withdrawn security advisory on tourists, as a result, Jammu and Kashmir is now open to tourists after nearly two months.&nbsp;

The government, in August, had&nbsp;issued a security advisory asking tourists to curtail their stay in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The statement issued by the J&amp;K government, dated October 9, states all "tourists desirous of undertaking visiting the state shall be provided with all necessary assistance and logistical support".&nbsp;

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Govt of Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Security advisory requesting tourists visiting J&amp;K to curtail their stay in the Kashmir valley, is hereby withdrawn. Tourists desirous of undertaking visiting to the state shall be provided all necessary assistance &amp; logistical support. <a href="https://t.co/LOUcFT7x4u">pic.twitter.com/LOUcFT7x4u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1182167749348319232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A high-level situation-cum-security review meeting, headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, was held on Monday during which it was decided that the advisory will be lifted from October 10.&nbsp;

The Central government had on August 5 scrapped the provision of Article 370, which took away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31.

After remaining closed since the abrogation of Article 370, schools, colleges and universities reopened on Wednesday following the government's directive issued earlier.

Last month, the government had directed schools to open but the move remained unsuccessful given the communication shutdown and uncertainty regarding the situation.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-will-get-statehood-wont-remain-union-territory-forever-says-amit-shah-254311">Amit Shah</a> this week said that Jammu and Kashmir would not remain a Union territory for forever and it will get back its statehood status once there is a favourable situation for that.

"Jammu and Kashmir would not remain a Union Territory forever and that the statehood would be returned once the situation is normalised," Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in an official statement quoting Shah.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has withdrawn security advisory on tourists, as a result, Jammu and Kashmir is now open to tourists after nearly two months. The government, in August, had issued a security advisory asking tourists to curtail their stay in Jammu and Kashmir.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has withdrawn security advisory on tourists, as a result, Jammu and Kashmir is now open to tourists after nearly two months. The government, in August, had issued a security advisory asking tourists to curtail their stay in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement issued by the J&K government, dated October 9, states all "tourists desirous of undertaking visiting the state shall be provided with all necessary assistance and logistical support". Govt of Jammu & Kashmir: Security advisory requesting tourists visiting J&K to curtail their stay in the Kashmir valley, is hereby withdrawn. Tourists desirous of undertaking visiting to the state shall be provided all necessary assistance & logistical support. pic.twitter.com/LOUcFT7x4u — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2019 × A high-level situation-cum-security review meeting, headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, was held on Monday during which it was decided that the advisory will be lifted from October 10. The Central government had on August 5 scrapped the provision of Article 370, which took away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The UTs will come into being on October 31. After remaining closed since the abrogation of Article 370, schools, colleges and universities reopened on Wednesday following the government's directive issued earlier. Last month, the government had directed schools to open but the move remained unsuccessful given the communication shutdown and uncertainty regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah this week said that Jammu and Kashmir would not remain a Union territory for forever and it will get back its statehood status once there is a favourable situation for that. "Jammu and Kashmir would not remain a Union Territory forever and that the statehood would be returned once the situation is normalised," Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in an official statement quoting Shah.

Jammu and Kashmir opens to tourists as government lifts security advisory on travel 

London warned British-Iranian dual nationals against all travel to Iran on Friday due to Tehran's "continued arbitrary detention and mistreatment" of such citizens.

The move comes as Britain continues to try to secure the release from jail of dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

Tehran has also recently sentenced an Iranian British Council employee, Aras Amiri, to 10 years in prison on charges of spying.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said British-Iranian dual nationals faced an "unacceptably higher risk of arbitrary detention and mistreatment" than nationals of other countries.

"The security forces may be suspicious of people with British connections, including those with links to institutions based in the UK, or which receive public funds from, or have perceived links to, the British government," the statement said.

British-Iranian mother Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested by Iranian authorities in 2016 as she was leaving Tehran.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was put on trial and is now serving a five-year jail sentence for allegedly trying to topple the Iranian government.

"Dual nationals face an intolerable risk of mistreatment if they visit Iran," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said.

"Despite the UK providing repeated opportunities to resolve this issue, the Iranian regime's conduct has worsened.

"Having exhausted all other options, I must now advise all British-Iranian dual nationals against travelling to Iran.

"The dangers they face include arbitrary detention and lack of access to basic legal rights, as we have seen in the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been separated from her family since 2016."

The Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality, meaning the Foreign Office's ability to provide consular support is limited.

Hunt added: "Regrettably, I must also offer a message of caution to Iranian nationals resident in the UK -- but who return to visit family and friends -- especially where the Iranian government may perceive them to have personal links to UK institutions or the British government."

London warned British-Iranian dual nationals against all travel to Iran on Friday due to Tehran's "continued arbitrary detention and mistreatment" of such citizens.

London warned British-Iranian dual nationals against all travel to Iran on Friday due to Tehran's "continued arbitrary detention and mistreatment" of such citizens. The move comes as Britain continues to try to secure the release from jail of dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Tehran has also recently sentenced an Iranian British Council employee, Aras Amiri, to 10 years in prison on charges of spying. In a statement, the Foreign Office said British-Iranian dual nationals faced an "unacceptably higher risk of arbitrary detention and mistreatment" than nationals of other countries. "The security forces may be suspicious of people with British connections, including those with links to institutions based in the UK, or which receive public funds from, or have perceived links to, the British government," the statement said. British-Iranian mother Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested by Iranian authorities in 2016 as she was leaving Tehran. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who worked for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, was put on trial and is now serving a five-year jail sentence for allegedly trying to topple the Iranian government. "Dual nationals face an intolerable risk of mistreatment if they visit Iran," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said. "Despite the UK providing repeated opportunities to resolve this issue, the Iranian regime's conduct has worsened. "Having exhausted all other options, I must now advise all British-Iranian dual nationals against travelling to Iran. "The dangers they face include arbitrary detention and lack of access to basic legal rights, as we have seen in the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been separated from her family since 2016." The Iranian government does not recognise dual nationality, meaning the Foreign Office's ability to provide consular support is limited. Hunt added: "Regrettably, I must also offer a message of caution to Iranian nationals resident in the UK -- but who return to visit family and friends -- especially where the Iranian government may perceive them to have personal links to UK institutions or the British government."

UK warns British-Iranians against all travel to Iran

A Briton whose bride died on their honeymoon two days after arriving in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-army-investigates-man-in-uniform-watching-rioters-during-communal-violence-218981&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6haqey53iAhXLinAKHUhmAfcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07fXAKniK7uZvAYGt7HNeC">Sri Lanka</a> was allowed to return home after a court lifted a travel ban Wednesday.

Khilan Chandaria, 33, said he would probably return home Thursday after thanking several <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6haqey53iAhXLinAKHUhmAfcQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw20irUbL9mOXs0wil1-mEXM">Sri Lankans </a>who helped him during the tragedy.

"When I heard that I can go back, the realisation finally hit me that I am going back to a life without my wife," Chandaria told AFP by telephone from the southern resort town of Galle.

He said the remains of his wife Usheila Patel, 31, were repatriated Wednesday as the courts decided to put off a full inquest into the death until August.

A court official told AFP that Galle magistrate Pavithra Pathirana revoked the travel ban as Chandaria was not regarded as a suspect in the death of his wife.

Chandaria was in court with three lawyers.

He said he was touched by the kindness shown by Sri Lankans and wanted to thank all of them before leaving the island.

"If I was a foreigner in the UK and this happened, no one would have helped me as much as the help I got here," he said adding that friends and relatives back home too were very supportive.

He said he wanted to keep his wife's memory alive by offering his time for charity work.

The inquest into Patel's death will resume in August, officials said, but Chandaria is not required to attend.&nbsp;

"The forensic reports were not available today. Therefore the inquest proceedings were postponed until August 7," the court official told AFP from Galle, south of Colombo.

The couple checked into the Amari Galle hotel on April 23, four days after their wedding, and were taken ill two days later.&nbsp;

Amari spokesman Russell Cool told AFP last week that the couple initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital, but asked for help a few hours later.

Patel died at the hospital.

"The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," Cool told AFP.

A Briton whose bride died on their honeymoon two days after arriving in Sri Lanka was allowed to return home after a court lifted a travel ban Wednesday. Khilan Chandaria, 33, said he would probably return home Thursday after thanking several Sri Lankans who helped him during the tragedy.

A Briton whose bride died on their honeymoon two days after arriving in Sri Lanka was allowed to return home after a court lifted a travel ban Wednesday. Khilan Chandaria, 33, said he would probably return home Thursday after thanking several Sri Lankans who helped him during the tragedy. "When I heard that I can go back, the realisation finally hit me that I am going back to a life without my wife," Chandaria told AFP by telephone from the southern resort town of Galle. He said the remains of his wife Usheila Patel, 31, were repatriated Wednesday as the courts decided to put off a full inquest into the death until August. A court official told AFP that Galle magistrate Pavithra Pathirana revoked the travel ban as Chandaria was not regarded as a suspect in the death of his wife. Chandaria was in court with three lawyers. He said he was touched by the kindness shown by Sri Lankans and wanted to thank all of them before leaving the island. "If I was a foreigner in the UK and this happened, no one would have helped me as much as the help I got here," he said adding that friends and relatives back home too were very supportive. He said he wanted to keep his wife's memory alive by offering his time for charity work. The inquest into Patel's death will resume in August, officials said, but Chandaria is not required to attend. "The forensic reports were not available today. Therefore the inquest proceedings were postponed until August 7," the court official told AFP from Galle, south of Colombo. The couple checked into the Amari Galle hotel on April 23, four days after their wedding, and were taken ill two days later. Amari spokesman Russell Cool told AFP last week that the couple initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital, but asked for help a few hours later. Patel died at the hospital. "The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," Cool told AFP.

Sri Lanka lifts travel ban on grieving British groom

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said.

The court is stacked with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-goes-after-venezuelas-oil-to-hit-maduro-193555">Maduro loyalists</a>.

The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido&nbsp;— the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency.

"This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new."

"I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly.

Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage."

"You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added.

'Serious consequences' 
In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader.

"Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted.

The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president.

At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court.

On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections.

To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do.

At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva.

- 'Blood on his hands' - 
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government.

A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela.

In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat.

Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death.&nbsp;

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change."

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems."

The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate.

Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades.

'All options' 
Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power."

He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table."

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia.

But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said.

Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief.

Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice barred self-declared president Juan Guaido from leaving the country and froze his bank accounts Tuesday, as leader Nicolas Maduro seeks to neutralize the American-backed opposition chief. The 35-year-old head of the National Assembly legislature "is prohibited from leaving the country until the end of the (preliminary) investigation" for having "caused harm to peace in the republic," high court president Maikel Moreno said. The court is stacked with Maduro loyalists. The move came after the State Department revealed that Guaido — the National Assembly head and self-proclaimed interim president — has been handed control of Venezuela's US bank accounts. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the order last week, which was then followed on Monday by US sanctions targeting Venezuela's state oil giant PDVSA, the cash-strapped government's main source of hard currency. "This certification will help Venezuela's legitimate government safeguard those assets for the benefit of the Venezuelan people," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement. Guaido shrugged off Maduro's efforts to choke his progress as "nothing new." "I'm not dismissing the threats, the persecution at this time, but we're here, we're continuing to do our jobs," he told reporters as he arrived at the National Assembly. Guaido, who has been recognized as interim president by US President Donald Trump, sent a message to the country's top court on Twitter warning that "the regime is in its final stage." "You shouldn't sacrifice yourselves for the usurper and his gang," he added. 'Serious consequences' In Washington, Trump's national security advisor warned of "serious consequences" if any harm comes to the Venezuelan opposition leader. "Let me reiterate -- there will be serious consequences for those who attempt to subvert democracy and harm Guaido," Trump advisor John Bolton tweeted. The opposition-controlled legislature, meanwhile, named "diplomatic representatives" to a dozen countries that, like the US, have recognized Guaido as the interim president. At the White House, US Vice President Mike Pence met with Guaido's appointed charge d'affaires in the United States, Carlos Vecchio, to discuss the crisis. The 35-year-old engineer stormed onto the political stage as a virtual unknown on January 3, when he was sworn in as the president of the National Assembly, a body that had been largely neutralized by the Supreme Court. On January 23, he declared himself the country's acting president and vowed to lead a transitional government that would hold democratic elections. To keep up the pressure, he has called two more mass demonstrations against the government this week, and has appealed to the powerful military to change sides, offering amnesty to those who do. At least 40 people have been killed in clashes with security forces nationwide and at least 850 arrested since January 21 when a brief military rebellion was put down in Caracas, according to the UN human rights office in Geneva. - 'Blood on his hands' - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the sanctions against PDVSA would prevent Maduro from diverting resources from the country until power could be transferred to an interim or democratically-elected government. A furious Maduro, 56, said Trump would have "blood all over his hands" if violence breaks out in Venezuela. In a tweet, he urged the opposition to "ignore the imperialist calls" and reiterated his offer of dialogue to Guaido. He has previously accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup d'etat. Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela's new pro-Guaido representative to the Organization of American States, rejected the coup accusation and cast doubt on the staying power of Maduro's regime, saying no one would defend him to the death. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the new sanctions "violate all possible international norms" and said the US has "publicly taken a course toward illegal regime change." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said his country opposes "unilateral sanctions" as they "will only complicate the situation and will not help solve practical problems." The oil-rich country is already reeling from a deep economic crisis that has pushed millions into poverty and driven 2.3 million more to migrate. Hyperinflation, shortages of food and medicine and failing public services has spread misery, undermining support for a leftist regime that has held power for two decades. 'All options' Trump's national security advisor Bolton called Monday for Venezuela's security forces "to accept the peaceful, democratic and constitutional transfer of power." He also reiterated Trump's position that "all options are on the table." Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan did not rule out a US military deployment to Colombia. But the Lima Group of Latin American countries and Canada is opposed to "military intervention" in the Venezuela, Peru's Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio said. Six European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain -- have said they would follow suit unless Maduro calls elections by February 3.

Venezuela bars Juan Guaido from leaving country, freezes his bank accounts

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'.

As many as 172 suspects were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendations of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the apex court.

A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the ECL.

The Supreme Court, in a detailed judgement, ordered the government to remove the names of opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah from the ECL.

It, however, referred the report and material collected by the JIT in the Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case' to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Dawn news reported.

The JIT probe focused on "32 fake accounts" which were allegedly used to give massive financial benefits to former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and several others.

"Removing of the names will not prevent (the) NAB to probe and in case sufficient material is found connecting these individuals with cognisable offences, it will not be precluded from making an appropriate request to the federal government to place their names on (the) ECL again or take any appropriate action provided by law," according to the judgement authored by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan.

The apex court in its earlier instructions asked the government to delete names of Bilawal and Shah from the ECL but the Cabinet waited for the detailed judgment.

After the judgement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government will decide whether it should implement the court orders or file a review petition.

Justice Ahsan was part of the three-judge bench that last year took a suo-motu cognisance after it emerged that several big names were involved in money laundering through fake accounts.

Currently, a Karachi court is hearing the case against Zardari and Talpur for alleged money laundering.

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'.

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'. As many as 172 suspects were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendations of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the apex court. A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the ECL. The Supreme Court, in a detailed judgement, ordered the government to remove the names of opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah from the ECL. It, however, referred the report and material collected by the JIT in the Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case' to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Dawn news reported. The JIT probe focused on "32 fake accounts" which were allegedly used to give massive financial benefits to former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and several others. "Removing of the names will not prevent (the) NAB to probe and in case sufficient material is found connecting these individuals with cognisable offences, it will not be precluded from making an appropriate request to the federal government to place their names on (the) ECL again or take any appropriate action provided by law," according to the judgement authored by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan. The apex court in its earlier instructions asked the government to delete names of Bilawal and Shah from the ECL but the Cabinet waited for the detailed judgment. After the judgement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government will decide whether it should implement the court orders or file a review petition. Justice Ahsan was part of the three-judge bench that last year took a suo-motu cognisance after it emerged that several big names were involved in money laundering through fake accounts. Currently, a Karachi court is hearing the case against Zardari and Talpur for alleged money laundering.

Pakistan SC asks Imran Khan government to lift travel ban on opposition leaders

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hopeful-on-pastors-release-unaware-of-any-deal-with-turkey-170961">American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey</a>.

The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail.

However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban.

"I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," Brunson said in his final defence.

When the verdict was read out, he wept and hugged his wife Norine.

It was not immediately clear where Brunson would go next, although some reports suggested he could fly to the United States imminently.

Brunson was arrested in 2016 on the charges of having&nbsp;links with Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric who is&nbsp;blamed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-resist-us-sanctions-over-pastor-erdogan-168833">Turkey</a> for a failed coup attempt.

He has been under arrest in Turkey&nbsp;for the past two years.

Brunson had earlier denied the accusations and Washington had demanded his immediate release.

A Turkish prosecutor on Friday asked a court to end the house arrest and foreign travel ban of Brunson.

The prosecutor requested that Brunson be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail on charges of membership of a terror group, state-run TRT Haber TV said.&nbsp;

But crucially, the prosecutor had also requested that the court lifts the house arrest and travel ban of Brunson.

Meanwhile, the witnesses that were presented in the court claimed that the previous testimonies attributed to them against an American pastor were inaccurate.

In the wake of the detention of the US pastor, the US had imposed tariffs against Turkey.&nbsp;

With Washington slapping sanctions on Ankara, the crisis also sparked a crash in the Turkish lira in August that exposed Turkey's economic fragility.

Brunson appeared in the courtroom in the western coastal town of Aliaga wearing a black suit, white shirt and red tie. His wife Norine looked on from the visitors' seating area as he listened to testimony from defence and prosecution witnesses.

Brunson's detention deepened a rift between NATO allies Washington and Ankara, who are also at odds over the Syrian war and Turkey's plan to buy missile defences from Russia. The row has also exacerbated a slide in the lira's value which has lost 40 per cent against the dollar this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail.

A Turkish court on Friday ordered the release of an American pastor held for the last two years in Turkey. The court in the western town of Aliaga convicted Andrew Brunson on terror-related charges and sentenced him to three years, one month and 15 days in jail. However, he was freed taking into account time served and his good conduct in the trial, with the court lifting his house arrest and overseas travel ban. "I am an innocent man. I love Jesus. I love Turkey," Brunson said in his final defence. When the verdict was read out, he wept and hugged his wife Norine. It was not immediately clear where Brunson would go next, although some reports suggested he could fly to the United States imminently. Brunson was arrested in 2016 on the charges of having links with Kurdish militants and supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the cleric who is blamed by Turkey for a failed coup attempt. He has been under arrest in Turkey for the past two years. Brunson had earlier denied the accusations and Washington had demanded his immediate release. A Turkish prosecutor on Friday asked a court to end the house arrest and foreign travel ban of Brunson. The prosecutor requested that Brunson be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail on charges of membership of a terror group, state-run TRT Haber TV said. But crucially, the prosecutor had also requested that the court lifts the house arrest and travel ban of Brunson. Meanwhile, the witnesses that were presented in the court claimed that the previous testimonies attributed to them against an American pastor were inaccurate. In the wake of the detention of the US pastor, the US had imposed tariffs against Turkey. With Washington slapping sanctions on Ankara, the crisis also sparked a crash in the Turkish lira in August that exposed Turkey's economic fragility. Brunson appeared in the courtroom in the western coastal town of Aliaga wearing a black suit, white shirt and red tie. His wife Norine looked on from the visitors' seating area as he listened to testimony from defence and prosecution witnesses. Brunson's detention deepened a rift between NATO allies Washington and Ankara, who are also at odds over the Syrian war and Turkey's plan to buy missile defences from Russia. The row has also exacerbated a slide in the lira's value which has lost 40 per cent against the dollar this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey court sentences US pastor to over 3 years in jail but allows him to go free

Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani on Monday moved a court here against the travel ban imposed on him at the request of army over a controversial book he co-authored with a former Indian intelligence head.

Durrani, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from August 1990 till March 1992, along with former RAW chief A S Dulat, published the book titled 'The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' in India.

Durrani's name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) in May. The ECL lists those not allowed to fly out of Pakistan.

Durrani filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ban after failing to get any relief from his former institution as well as the federal government.

In his petition, Durrani said he wanted to fly out to attend a conference and also meet his grandchildren.

Durrani was summoned in May at the General Headquarters of army to explain his position but apparently failed to address concerns of the powerful army, following which his named was added to the ECL on May 29.

According to the petition, Durrani on September 5 requested the adjutant general of the Pakistan Army to remove his name from the ECL but to no avail.

Later, he approached the ministry of interior on September 13 but again failed to get any relief.

Durrani said in the petition that he was invited to the Herat Security Dialogue to be held on October 26-27 in Herat, Afghanistan and should be allowed to travel.

Durrani retired from Pakistan Army in 1993 as a three-star general. Later, he also served as ambassador to Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The two former spy chiefs have touched upon some thorny issues in the book, including terrorism, particularly Mumbai attack, Kashmir and the influence of intelligence agencies.

In the book, Durrani has revealed that track-II diplomacy was in place since long aimed at averting war between the two nuclear-armed neigbours.

Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani on Monday moved a court here against the travel ban imposed on him at the request of army over a controversial book he co-authored with a former Indian intelligence head.

Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani on Monday moved a court here against the travel ban imposed on him at the request of army over a controversial book he co-authored with a former Indian intelligence head. Durrani, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from August 1990 till March 1992, along with former RAW chief A S Dulat, published the book titled 'The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' in India. Durrani's name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) in May. The ECL lists those not allowed to fly out of Pakistan. Durrani filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ban after failing to get any relief from his former institution as well as the federal government. In his petition, Durrani said he wanted to fly out to attend a conference and also meet his grandchildren. Durrani was summoned in May at the General Headquarters of army to explain his position but apparently failed to address concerns of the powerful army, following which his named was added to the ECL on May 29. According to the petition, Durrani on September 5 requested the adjutant general of the Pakistan Army to remove his name from the ECL but to no avail. Later, he approached the ministry of interior on September 13 but again failed to get any relief. Durrani said in the petition that he was invited to the Herat Security Dialogue to be held on October 26-27 in Herat, Afghanistan and should be allowed to travel. Durrani retired from Pakistan Army in 1993 as a three-star general. Later, he also served as ambassador to Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two former spy chiefs have touched upon some thorny issues in the book, including terrorism, particularly Mumbai attack, Kashmir and the influence of intelligence agencies. In the book, Durrani has revealed that track-II diplomacy was in place since long aimed at averting war between the two nuclear-armed neigbours.

Pak ex-ISI chief Asad Durrani moves court against travel ban

As the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-government-plans-to-stop-work-visa-for-spouses-of-h-1b-visa-holders-132524">US government gets ready to </a>terminate the H-4 visa for spouses of visa holders who hold the coveted H-1B visa, two US Democratic lawmakers have decided to oppose the move by the Trump administration.

The US Citizenship <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/h1-b-approvals-for-indian-it-companies-dropped-by-43-between-2015-17-report-132720">and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis </a>Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer. Indians are the majority of H-4 visa holders with 93 per cent, according to a report.

"I will say that the H-4 visas go to women who are just as qualified, sometimes more qualified, than their spouses but haven't been able to work," Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said.

The H-4 visas was started by the Obama administration, a move the Trump government is determined to overturn.

"Our plans include proposing regulatory changes to remove H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation, thereby reversing the 2015 final rule that granted such eligibility," Cissna said in the letter to Senator Chuck Grassley.

Democratic Congressmen Joe Crowley, Ami Bera and Raja Krishnamoorthi also joined hands with Jayapal over the H-1B and H4 visa issue.

Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal, asserting that President Trump wants to have an immigration system that "attracts and retains talent in the country".

"The business people that I know in the Indian American community in North Carolina who have gotten American citizenship are extraordinary people. They love this country as much as I do as an American born citizen. They add a richness to our society that is very important," the Republican Senator from North Carolina said.

"The president of the United States has a view that there is a place for legal immigration, work visas and green cards. Because I've heard him say it more than once. What we're trying to do is debate how you actually get to that policy," Tillis added.&nbsp

Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal

As the US government gets ready to terminate the H-4 visa for spouses of visa holders who hold the coveted H-1B visa, two US Democratic lawmakers have decided to oppose the move by the Trump administration. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer. Indians are the majority of H-4 visa holders with 93 per cent, according to a report. "I will say that the H-4 visas go to women who are just as qualified, sometimes more qualified, than their spouses but haven't been able to work," Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said. The H-4 visas was started by the Obama administration, a move the Trump government is determined to overturn. "Our plans include proposing regulatory changes to remove H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation, thereby reversing the 2015 final rule that granted such eligibility," Cissna said in the letter to Senator Chuck Grassley. Democratic Congressmen Joe Crowley, Ami Bera and Raja Krishnamoorthi also joined hands with Jayapal over the H-1B and H4 visa issue. Trump's party man Republican Senator Thom Tillis backed Congressman Jayapal, asserting that President Trump wants to have an immigration system that "attracts and retains talent in the country". "The business people that I know in the Indian American community in North Carolina who have gotten American citizenship are extraordinary people. They love this country as much as I do as an American born citizen. They add a richness to our society that is very important," the Republican Senator from North Carolina said. "The president of the United States has a view that there is a place for legal immigration, work visas and green cards. Because I've heard him say it more than once. What we're trying to do is debate how you actually get to that policy," Tillis added.

H1-B visa row: Democrat Congresswoman, Republican Senator back US visa for spouses

The first big showdown at the US&nbsp;Supreme Court over President Donald Trump's immigration policies is set for Wednesday when the justices hear a challenge to the lawfulness of his travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries.

The case represents a test of the limits of presidential power. Trump's policy, announced in September, blocks entry into the United States of most people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Chad previously was on the list but Trump lifted those restrictions on April 10.

The high court has never decided the legal merits of the travel ban or any other major Trump immigration policy, including his move to rescind protections for young immigrants sometimes called Dreamers brought into the United States illegally as children. It has previously acted on Trump requests to undo lower court orders blocking those two policies, siding with him on the travel ban and opposing him on the Dreamers.

Trump's immigration policies - also including actions taken against states and cities that protect illegal immigrants, intensified deportation efforts and limits on legal immigration - have been among his most contentious.

The conservative-majority Supreme Court is due to hear arguments on Wednesday on the third version of a travel ban policy Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January 2017, and issue a ruling by the end of June.

The lead challenger is the state of Hawaii, which argues the ban violates federal immigration law and the US&nbsp;Constitution's prohibition on the government favoring one religion over another.

"Right now, the travel ban is keeping families apart. It is degrading our values by subjecting a specific set of people to be denigrated and marginalized," Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Doug Chin said in an interview.

The Supreme Court on Dec. 4 signaled it may lean toward backing Trump when it granted the administration's request to let the ban go into full effect while legal challenges played out.

In another immigration-related case, the justices on April 17 invalidated a provision in a US&nbsp;law requiring deportation of immigrants convicted of certain crimes of violence. Trump's administration and the prior Obama administration had defended the provision.

'Politically correct'

Trump has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism by Islamic militants. Just before the latest ban was announced, Trump wrote on Twitter that the restrictions "should be far larger, tougher and more specific - but stupidly that would not be politically correct!"

The challengers have argued the policy was motivated by Trump's enmity toward Muslims, pressing that point in lower courts with some success by citing statements he made as a candidate and as president. As a candidate, Trump promised "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."

The Justice Department argues Trump's statements as a candidate carry no weight because he was not yet president. The policy's challengers also point to views he has expressed as president, including his retweets in November of anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British political figure.

In a court filing last week, US&nbsp;Solicitor General Noel Francisco, representing Trump in court, said those retweets "do not address the meaning" of the travel ban policy.

Francisco cited Trump statements complimentary toward Muslims and Islam, including in a May 2017 speech in Saudi Arabia.

In defending the ban, the administration has pointed to a waiver provision allowing people from targeted countries to seek entry if they meet certain criteria. The State Department said that as of last month 375 waivers to the travel ban had been granted since the policy went into effect on Dec 8.

Some former Republican senators and officials who served in Republican former President George W. Bush's administration have signed onto legal briefs asking the high court to invalidate the ban.

"I think the travel ban is a terribly misguided policy that appeared to be motivated more by a political intention of the president than by any real national security need," John Bellinger, the State Department's top legal advisor during the Bush administration, said in an interview.

The arguments in the case follow US&nbsp;missile strikes this month in one of the targeted countries, Syria, after Trump's administration blamed President Bashar al-Assad for a chemical weapons attack on Syrian people near Damascus.

"Lots of people have pointed out the hypocrisy of the president, on the one hand, being willing to bomb Syria and on the other hand being unwilling to accept refugees and immigrants from that country who are trying to escape," lawyer Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the travel ban in a separate case in Maryland, said in an interview.

Venezuela and North Korea also were targeted in the travel ban but those restrictions were not challenged in court.

Trump's policy, announced in September, blocks entry into the United States of most people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen

The first big showdown at the US Supreme Court over President Donald Trump's immigration policies is set for Wednesday when the justices hear a challenge to the lawfulness of his travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries. The case represents a test of the limits of presidential power. Trump's policy, announced in September, blocks entry into the United States of most people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Chad previously was on the list but Trump lifted those restrictions on April 10. The high court has never decided the legal merits of the travel ban or any other major Trump immigration policy, including his move to rescind protections for young immigrants sometimes called Dreamers brought into the United States illegally as children. It has previously acted on Trump requests to undo lower court orders blocking those two policies, siding with him on the travel ban and opposing him on the Dreamers. Trump's immigration policies - also including actions taken against states and cities that protect illegal immigrants, intensified deportation efforts and limits on legal immigration - have been among his most contentious. The conservative-majority Supreme Court is due to hear arguments on Wednesday on the third version of a travel ban policy Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January 2017, and issue a ruling by the end of June. The lead challenger is the state of Hawaii, which argues the ban violates federal immigration law and the US Constitution's prohibition on the government favoring one religion over another. "Right now, the travel ban is keeping families apart. It is degrading our values by subjecting a specific set of people to be denigrated and marginalized," Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Doug Chin said in an interview. The Supreme Court on Dec. 4 signaled it may lean toward backing Trump when it granted the administration's request to let the ban go into full effect while legal challenges played out. In another immigration-related case, the justices on April 17 invalidated a provision in a US law requiring deportation of immigrants convicted of certain crimes of violence. Trump's administration and the prior Obama administration had defended the provision. 'Politically correct' Trump has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism by Islamic militants. Just before the latest ban was announced, Trump wrote on Twitter that the restrictions "should be far larger, tougher and more specific - but stupidly that would not be politically correct!" The challengers have argued the policy was motivated by Trump's enmity toward Muslims, pressing that point in lower courts with some success by citing statements he made as a candidate and as president. As a candidate, Trump promised "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." The Justice Department argues Trump's statements as a candidate carry no weight because he was not yet president. The policy's challengers also point to views he has expressed as president, including his retweets in November of anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British political figure. In a court filing last week, US Solicitor General Noel Francisco, representing Trump in court, said those retweets "do not address the meaning" of the travel ban policy. Francisco cited Trump statements complimentary toward Muslims and Islam, including in a May 2017 speech in Saudi Arabia. In defending the ban, the administration has pointed to a waiver provision allowing people from targeted countries to seek entry if they meet certain criteria. The State Department said that as of last month 375 waivers to the travel ban had been granted since the policy went into effect on Dec 8. Some former Republican senators and officials who served in Republican former President George W. Bush's administration have signed onto legal briefs asking the high court to invalidate the ban. "I think the travel ban is a terribly misguided policy that appeared to be motivated more by a political intention of the president than by any real national security need," John Bellinger, the State Department's top legal advisor during the Bush administration, said in an interview. The arguments in the case follow US missile strikes this month in one of the targeted countries, Syria, after Trump's administration blamed President Bashar al-Assad for a chemical weapons attack on Syrian people near Damascus. "Lots of people have pointed out the hypocrisy of the president, on the one hand, being willing to bomb Syria and on the other hand being unwilling to accept refugees and immigrants from that country who are trying to escape," lawyer Omar Jadwat of the American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the travel ban in a separate case in Maryland, said in an interview. Venezuela and North Korea also were targeted in the travel ban but those restrictions were not challenged in court.

Trump's travel ban faces US Supreme Court showdown

Described as North Korea`s "biggest hit of the year," next month`s Pyongyang Marathon is expected to have half as many foreign participants as last year, tour operators say, as political tensions and a ban on U.S. visitors take their toll.

International tourism to North Korea dropped last year as tension increased over the county`s testing and development of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

In July last year, the United States banned its citizens from visiting North Korea after the death of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died after being released from 17 months of detention in North Korean.

"Tourism came close to collapse, there were far fewer tourists," said Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, noting that the market was small and easily susceptible to swings.

Tourism numbers have slowly risen amid an easing in those tensions over the past few months - driven by a revival of inter-Korean talks and a push for a summit between Pyongyang and Washington - but that hasn`t translated to a major turnout for the year`s biggest tourism event, operators said.

"Our tourist numbers for our scheduled group tours to North Korea have steadily grown. However, the amount of attendees to this year`s Pyongyang marathon event are down considerately," said Rowan Beard, a manager with Young Pioneer Tours, who noted one of the biggest reasons for the drop is a lack of Americans.&nbsp;

"The majority of the runners who had joined us previously were Americans," he said, describing the marathon as "the biggest hit" of last year. "They were really keen to come to Pyongyang, compete against the locals and check out the country they constantly saw in the news back home."

Last year saw an unusually large number of foreign runners, with around 1,000 participating, while this year around 500 are expected, Cockerell said.

"The marathon, the biggest event that draws tourists at the moment, is less than half the size it was last year," he said.

The American travel ban remains in place for all except a few categories of humanitarian workers and journalists, and in January the U.S. State Department began warning Americans who travel to North Korea or other risky countries to draft a will and discuss their funeral wishes with family members before leaving.

North Korea`s National Tourism Administration launched a revamped tourism website last week, promoting a range of sightseeing and travel itineraries, according to NK News, a website that monitors North Korea. 
Cockerell said he was convinced that tourism could help reduce tensions.

"Honestly I think Americans visiting in jeans and t-shirts can do more than Americans in full combat gear," he said.

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Political tensions and a ban on U.S. visitors take their toll

Described as North Korea`s "biggest hit of the year," next month`s Pyongyang Marathon is expected to have half as many foreign participants as last year, tour operators say, as political tensions and a ban on U.S. visitors take their toll. International tourism to North Korea dropped last year as tension increased over the county`s testing and development of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. In July last year, the United States banned its citizens from visiting North Korea after the death of Otto Warmbier, an American university student who died after being released from 17 months of detention in North Korean. "Tourism came close to collapse, there were far fewer tourists," said Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, noting that the market was small and easily susceptible to swings. Tourism numbers have slowly risen amid an easing in those tensions over the past few months - driven by a revival of inter-Korean talks and a push for a summit between Pyongyang and Washington - but that hasn`t translated to a major turnout for the year`s biggest tourism event, operators said. "Our tourist numbers for our scheduled group tours to North Korea have steadily grown. However, the amount of attendees to this year`s Pyongyang marathon event are down considerately," said Rowan Beard, a manager with Young Pioneer Tours, who noted one of the biggest reasons for the drop is a lack of Americans. "The majority of the runners who had joined us previously were Americans," he said, describing the marathon as "the biggest hit" of last year. "They were really keen to come to Pyongyang, compete against the locals and check out the country they constantly saw in the news back home." Last year saw an unusually large number of foreign runners, with around 1,000 participating, while this year around 500 are expected, Cockerell said. "The marathon, the biggest event that draws tourists at the moment, is less than half the size it was last year," he said. The American travel ban remains in place for all except a few categories of humanitarian workers and journalists, and in January the U.S. State Department began warning Americans who travel to North Korea or other risky countries to draft a will and discuss their funeral wishes with family members before leaving. North Korea`s National Tourism Administration launched a revamped tourism website last week, promoting a range of sightseeing and travel itineraries, according to NK News, a website that monitors North Korea. Cockerell said he was convinced that tourism could help reduce tensions. "Honestly I think Americans visiting in jeans and t-shirts can do more than Americans in full combat gear," he said. Related Rupee hits a 4-week high, up 9 paise against US dollar Seven Pakistan firms listed by US for posing risk to national... WION Morning News brief, March 27, 2018 US: Man makes rocket, gets in, hits launch

US travel ban hits foreign attendance figures for North Korea marathon

A US appeals court on Friday said President Donald Trump&#39;s hotly contested travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries should not be applied to people with strong US ties.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers several West Coast states, also said its ruling would be put on hold pending a decision on the latest version of the travel ban from the Trump administration by the US&nbsp;Supreme Court.

Since taking office in January, Trump has been struggling to enact a ban that passes court muster.

A three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit narrowed a previous injunction from a lower federal court to those people &quot;with a credible bona fide relationship with the United States.&quot;

It also said that while the US president has broad powers to regulate the entry of immigrants into the United States, those powers are not without limits.

&quot;We conclude that the President&rsquo;s issuance of the Proclamation once again exceeds the scope of his delegated authority,&quot; the panel said.

The ban targets people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism.

The state of Hawaii, however, challenged it in court, and a Honolulu federal judge said it exceeded Trump&#39;s powers under immigration law.

Trump&#39;s ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect.

The same three judge 9th Circuit panel, which limited a previous version of Trump&#39;s ban, heard arguments earlier this month. Some of the judges appeared more cautious toward the idea of blocking the president&#39;s policy.

Trump issued his first travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries in January, which caused chaos at airports and mass protests.

He issued a revised one in March after the first was blocked by federal courts.

That expired in September after a long court fight, and was replaced with the current version.

The ban has some exceptions. Certain people from each targeted country can still apply for a visa for tourism, business or education purposes, and any applicant can ask for an individual waiver.

U.S. Justice Department officials were not immediately available for comment.

The US?Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit also said its ruling will be put on hold pending a decision on the travel ban by US?Supreme Court.

A US appeals court on Friday said President Donald Trump's hotly contested travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries should not be applied to people with strong US ties. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers several West Coast states, also said its ruling would be put on hold pending a decision on the latest version of the travel ban from the Trump administration by the US Supreme Court. Since taking office in January, Trump has been struggling to enact a ban that passes court muster. A three-judge panel from the 9th Circuit narrowed a previous injunction from a lower federal court to those people "with a credible bona fide relationship with the United States." It also said that while the US president has broad powers to regulate the entry of immigrants into the United States, those powers are not without limits. "We conclude that the President’s issuance of the Proclamation once again exceeds the scope of his delegated authority," the panel said. The ban targets people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism. The state of Hawaii, however, challenged it in court, and a Honolulu federal judge said it exceeded Trump's powers under immigration law. Trump's ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect. The same three judge 9th Circuit panel, which limited a previous version of Trump's ban, heard arguments earlier this month. Some of the judges appeared more cautious toward the idea of blocking the president's policy. Trump issued his first travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries in January, which caused chaos at airports and mass protests. He issued a revised one in March after the first was blocked by federal courts. That expired in September after a long court fight, and was replaced with the current version. The ban has some exceptions. Certain people from each targeted country can still apply for a visa for tourism, business or education purposes, and any applicant can ask for an individual waiver. U.S. Justice Department officials were not immediately available for comment.

Trump travel ban should not be applied to people with strong US ties: Court

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The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

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Google has said it will deploy, by 2018, a total of 10,000 people to hunt down content on YouTube that is extremist or could endanger children, media reports said. &nbsp;

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki admitted to Britain&#39;s Daily Telegraph that &ldquo;bad actors are exploiting&rdquo; the video-sharing site to &ldquo;mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm&rdquo;.

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US defence secretary Mattis asks Pakistan to &#39;redouble efforts to confront terrorists&#39;

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday asked Pakistan&#39;s civilian and military leaders to &quot;redouble&quot; their efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

US Supreme Court lets Trump's latest travel ban go into full effect The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts. Supreme Court to commence final hearing in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute today The Supreme Court is likely to commence its final hearing in the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute from today, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the medieval-era structure. Sharad Yadav, Anwar Ali disqualified from Rajya Sabha Rebel JD(U) Members of Parliament (MPs) Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on Monday night after the Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu agreed to the Janata Dal (United)'s contention that the two senior leaders had "voluntarily given up" their membership by defying their party's directives and attending events of opposition parties. 10,000 Google staff to police YouTube content Google has said it will deploy, by 2018, a total of 10,000 people to hunt down content on YouTube that is extremist or could endanger children, media reports said. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki admitted to Britain's Daily Telegraph that “bad actors are exploiting” the video-sharing site to “mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm”. Trump delays decision to move US embassy to Jerusalem Facing dark warnings of a historic misstep and widespread unrest, US President Donald Trump on Monday delayed a decision on whether to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and move the US embassy there. US defence secretary Mattis asks Pakistan to 'redouble efforts to confront terrorists' US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday asked Pakistan's civilian and military leaders to "redouble" their efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

WION morning news brief, November 5, 2017

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

The nine-member court, with two liberal justices dissenting, granted his administration&#39;s request to lift two injunctions imposed by lower courts that had partially blocked the ban, which is the third version of a contentious policy that Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January.&nbsp;

The high court&#39;s action means that the ban will now go fully into effect for people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism by Islamic militants.&nbsp;

In a statement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the Supreme Court`s action &quot;a substantial victory for the safety and security of the American people.&quot; Sessions said the Trump administration was heartened that a clear majority of the justices &quot;allowed the president`s lawful proclamation protecting our country`s national security to go into full effect.&quot;

The ban was challenged in separate lawsuits by the state of Hawaii and the American Civil Liberties Union. Both sets of challengers said the latest ban, like the earlier ones, discriminates against Muslims in violation of the US&nbsp;Constitution and is not permissible under immigration laws.&nbsp;

Trump had promised as a candidate to impose &quot;a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.&quot; Last week he shared on Twitter anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British party leader.

&quot;President Trump&#39;s anti-Muslim prejudice is no secret - he has repeatedly confirmed it, including just last week on Twitter,&quot; ACLU lawyer Omar Jadwat said.

&quot;It&#39;s unfortunate that the full ban can move forward for now, but this order does not address the merits of our claims. We continue to stand for freedom, equality and for those who are unfairly being separated from their loved ones,&quot; Jadwat added.

Lower courts had previously limited the scope of the ban to people without either certain family connections to the United States or formal relationships with US-based entities such as universities and resettlement agencies.

Trump&#39;s ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect.

The high court said in two similar one-page orders that lower court rulings that partly blocked the latest ban should be put on hold while federal appeals courts in San Francisco and Richmond, Virginia weigh the cases. Both courts are due to hear arguments in those cases this week.

The Supreme Court said the ban will remain in effect regardless of what the appeals courts rule, at least until the justices ultimately decide whether to take up the issue on the merits, which they are highly likely to do. The court&#39;s order said the appeals courts should decide the cases &quot;with appropriate dispatch.&quot;

&quot;We agree a speedy resolution is needed for the sake of our universities, our businesses and most of all, for people marginalized by this unlawful order,&quot; Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor said they would have denied the administration&#39;s request.

Strong signal&nbsp;

Monday&#39;s action sent a strong signal that the court is likely to uphold the ban on the merits when the case likely returns to the justices in the coming months. 
 
There are some exceptions to the ban. Certain people from each targeted country can still apply for a visa for tourism, business or education purposes, and any applicant can ask for an individual waiver.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on the merits of Hawaii`s challenge on Wednesday in Seattle. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will arguments on the merits of case spearheaded by the ACLU on Friday in Richmond.

Trump issued his first travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries in January, then issued a revised one in March after the first was blocked by federal courts. The second one expired in September after a long court fight and was replaced with the present version.

The Trump administration said the president put the latest restrictions in place after a worldwide review of the ability of each country in the world to issue reliable passports and share data with the United States.

The administration argues that a president has broad authority to decide who can come into the United States, but detractors say the expanded ban violates a law forbidding the government from discriminating based on nationality when issuing immigrant visas.

The administration has said the ban is not discriminatory and pointed out that many Muslim-majority countries are unaffected by it. 
&nbsp;

The nine-member court, with two liberal justices dissenting, granted his administration`s request to lift two injunctions imposed by lower courts

The US Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts. The nine-member court, with two liberal justices dissenting, granted his administration's request to lift two injunctions imposed by lower courts that had partially blocked the ban, which is the third version of a contentious policy that Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January. The high court's action means that the ban will now go fully into effect for people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism by Islamic militants. In a statement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the Supreme Court`s action "a substantial victory for the safety and security of the American people." Sessions said the Trump administration was heartened that a clear majority of the justices "allowed the president`s lawful proclamation protecting our country`s national security to go into full effect." The ban was challenged in separate lawsuits by the state of Hawaii and the American Civil Liberties Union. Both sets of challengers said the latest ban, like the earlier ones, discriminates against Muslims in violation of the US Constitution and is not permissible under immigration laws. Trump had promised as a candidate to impose "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Last week he shared on Twitter anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British party leader. "President Trump's anti-Muslim prejudice is no secret - he has repeatedly confirmed it, including just last week on Twitter," ACLU lawyer Omar Jadwat said. "It's unfortunate that the full ban can move forward for now, but this order does not address the merits of our claims. We continue to stand for freedom, equality and for those who are unfairly being separated from their loved ones," Jadwat added. Lower courts had previously limited the scope of the ban to people without either certain family connections to the United States or formal relationships with US-based entities such as universities and resettlement agencies. Trump's ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect. The high court said in two similar one-page orders that lower court rulings that partly blocked the latest ban should be put on hold while federal appeals courts in San Francisco and Richmond, Virginia weigh the cases. Both courts are due to hear arguments in those cases this week. The Supreme Court said the ban will remain in effect regardless of what the appeals courts rule, at least until the justices ultimately decide whether to take up the issue on the merits, which they are highly likely to do. The court's order said the appeals courts should decide the cases "with appropriate dispatch." "We agree a speedy resolution is needed for the sake of our universities, our businesses and most of all, for people marginalized by this unlawful order," Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin said. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor said they would have denied the administration's request. Strong signal Monday's action sent a strong signal that the court is likely to uphold the ban on the merits when the case likely returns to the justices in the coming months. There are some exceptions to the ban. Certain people from each targeted country can still apply for a visa for tourism, business or education purposes, and any applicant can ask for an individual waiver. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on the merits of Hawaii`s challenge on Wednesday in Seattle. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will arguments on the merits of case spearheaded by the ACLU on Friday in Richmond. Trump issued his first travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries in January, then issued a revised one in March after the first was blocked by federal courts. The second one expired in September after a long court fight and was replaced with the present version. The Trump administration said the president put the latest restrictions in place after a worldwide review of the ability of each country in the world to issue reliable passports and share data with the United States. The administration argues that a president has broad authority to decide who can come into the United States, but detractors say the expanded ban violates a law forbidding the government from discriminating based on nationality when issuing immigrant visas. The administration has said the ban is not discriminatory and pointed out that many Muslim-majority countries are unaffected by it.

US Supreme Court lets Trump's latest travel ban go into full effect

China will allow travel agencies in Beijing and Shandong to partly resume sales of group tours to South Korea, in a sign of thawing relations between the nations that have been locked in a year-long diplomatic standoff.

However, executives from tour agencies in the regions said they had been told not to include in their travel packages units of South Korean retail-to-chemicals giant Lotte Group - which provided land for the installation of a US-backed anti-missile system that Beijing vehemently opposed.

China had banned all group tours to the neighbouring country since March in the wake of South Korea&#39;s decision to install the US&nbsp;Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. Beijing worries the THAAD&#39;s powerful radar can penetrate Chinese territory.

In South Korea, a halving of inbound Chinese tourists in the first nine months of the year cost the economy $6.5 billion in lost revenue based on the average spending of Chinese visitors in 2016, official data shows.

But a late October agreement between the countries to move past the dispute had boosted hopes group tours may be allowed in the near future.&nbsp;

China National Tourism Administration will allow resumption of only over-the-counter sales of package tours from Beijing and Shandong to South Korea, Park Yong-hwan, deputy director at Korea Tourism Organization, and executives at Chinese travel agencies said on Tuesday.

Online sales of package tours, and chartering flights or cruise trips are still banned, Park said.

According to the executives at travel agencies, restrictions on including Lotte Group units, such as Lotte Duty Free, in tour packages also remain. The executives declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;

Lotte, South Korea&#39;s No.5 conglomerate, has faced a major setback in the wake of deteriorating bilateral relations, with most of its hypermarkets in China being shut down after fire inspections.

The South Korean travel ban is expected to be in place for other Chinese regions for now and be gradually lifted going forward, Park said.&nbsp;

Shares in South Korean tourism and retail companies rallied after the news of the partial lifting of the ban, first reported by Yonhap earlier in the day.

Asiana Airlines gained 3.1 per cent and duty-free store operator Hotel Shilla rose 2.8 per cent. Casino operator Paradise rose 2.2 per cent, while cosmetics maker LG Household &amp; Health Care added 3.7 per cent.&nbsp;

China had banned all group tours to the neighbouring country since March in the wake of South Korea`s decision to install the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system

China will allow travel agencies in Beijing and Shandong to partly resume sales of group tours to South Korea, in a sign of thawing relations between the nations that have been locked in a year-long diplomatic standoff. However, executives from tour agencies in the regions said they had been told not to include in their travel packages units of South Korean retail-to-chemicals giant Lotte Group - which provided land for the installation of a US-backed anti-missile system that Beijing vehemently opposed. China had banned all group tours to the neighbouring country since March in the wake of South Korea's decision to install the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. Beijing worries the THAAD's powerful radar can penetrate Chinese territory. In South Korea, a halving of inbound Chinese tourists in the first nine months of the year cost the economy $6.5 billion in lost revenue based on the average spending of Chinese visitors in 2016, official data shows. But a late October agreement between the countries to move past the dispute had boosted hopes group tours may be allowed in the near future. China National Tourism Administration will allow resumption of only over-the-counter sales of package tours from Beijing and Shandong to South Korea, Park Yong-hwan, deputy director at Korea Tourism Organization, and executives at Chinese travel agencies said on Tuesday. Online sales of package tours, and chartering flights or cruise trips are still banned, Park said. According to the executives at travel agencies, restrictions on including Lotte Group units, such as Lotte Duty Free, in tour packages also remain. The executives declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. Lotte, South Korea's No.5 conglomerate, has faced a major setback in the wake of deteriorating bilateral relations, with most of its hypermarkets in China being shut down after fire inspections. The South Korean travel ban is expected to be in place for other Chinese regions for now and be gradually lifted going forward, Park said. Shares in South Korean tourism and retail companies rallied after the news of the partial lifting of the ban, first reported by Yonhap earlier in the day. Asiana Airlines gained 3.1 per cent and duty-free store operator Hotel Shilla rose 2.8 per cent. Casino operator Paradise rose 2.2 per cent, while cosmetics maker LG Household & Health Care added 3.7 per cent.

China partly lifts ban on group tours to South Korea, online curbs stay

A US federal judge on Tuesday barred the White House from implementing yet <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-venezuela-chad-among-8-countries-on-new-us-travel-ban-20577" target="_blank">another version of President Donald Trump&#39;s controversial executive order on immigration</a>, hours before it was due to go into full effect.

The decision by US District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii, which the White House signaled it would appeal, marks the latest blow to Trump&#39;s long-running efforts to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-refuses-to-reinstate-trumps-travel-ban-on-six-muslim-countries-16047" target="_blank"> restrict entry of travelers from targeted countries into the United States</a>.

Watson said the third rendition of the travel ban, covering people from six mainly Muslim countries, as well as North Korea and some officials from Venezuela, could not be justified under the law.

In his decision, Watson wrote the ban &quot;suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor, it lacks sufficient findings that the entry of more than 150 million nationals from six specific countries would be &#39;detrimental to the interests of the United States.&#39;&quot;

The ruling means the Trump administration could again ask the Supreme Court to decide whether his immigration orders are legal.

Legal saga

The newest order was announced last month to replace an expiring 90-day temporary ban on travelers from the Muslim-majority nations of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The September decree removed Sudan from the list but added Chad and North Korea for full bans and Venezuela for a ban limited to certain classes of officials.

The White House justified the measure as needed to protect US national security, but critics said it appeared virtually the same as the original order of January 27.

Courts shot that version down saying it targeted Muslims, violating the US constitutional protections for religious freedom.

A second version was only slightly adjusted and was quickly tied up in similar legal wrangling.

In June, the Supreme Court accepted to review the case but let the 90-day ban go mostly into effect in the meantime.

When the ban expired, the court said there was nothing to rule on.

Trump went forward with a new version with no expiry date, tacking on North Korea and Venezuela to the list of targeted countries and implying the updated measure did not simply target Muslim countries.

But Watson, who also issued freezes on the first two attempts, said the order does not improve US security since individuals who pose risks can already be denied entry under existing law.

The order &quot;plainly discriminates based on nationality&quot; in a manner antithetical to US laws &quot;and the founding principles of this nation,&quot; he wrote.

Watson placed a freeze on the ban on travelers from the six countries but allowed it to be implemented on North Korea, which sent only a handful of people to the United States last year, and Venezuela, where US sanctions have also already made travel to the United States difficult for many officials.

&#39;Dangerously flawed&#39;&nbsp;

The White House quickly rejected his argument, calling it &quot;dangerously flawed&quot; and promising to fight the action.

&quot;The entry restrictions in the proclamation apply to countries based on their inability or unwillingness to share critical information necessary to safely vet applications, as well as a threat assessment related to terrorism, instability and other grave national security concerns,&quot; it said.

&quot;We are therefore confident that the judiciary will ultimately uphold the president&#39;s lawful and necessary action and swiftly restore its vital protections for the safety of the American people.&quot;

One of the most controversial changes in the latest version of the White House order was the addition of Chad, whose forces are working with US troops in the battle against Boko Haram extremists.

But the administration appeared to be preparing to back away from this widely-criticized position.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert announced that in recent weeks the Chad government had shown a &quot;clear willingness to work closely with us on these issues.&quot;

She did not give any timeline, but said the US &quot;is committed to working with Chad to address the deficiencies, toward the goal of improving vetting capabilities and lifting visa restrictions.&quot;

The White House signalled it would appeal

A US federal judge on Tuesday barred the White House from implementing yet another version of President Donald Trump's controversial executive order on immigration, hours before it was due to go into full effect. The decision by US District Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii, which the White House signaled it would appeal, marks the latest blow to Trump's long-running efforts to restrict entry of travelers from targeted countries into the United States. Watson said the third rendition of the travel ban, covering people from six mainly Muslim countries, as well as North Korea and some officials from Venezuela, could not be justified under the law. In his decision, Watson wrote the ban "suffers from precisely the same maladies as its predecessor, it lacks sufficient findings that the entry of more than 150 million nationals from six specific countries would be 'detrimental to the interests of the United States.'" The ruling means the Trump administration could again ask the Supreme Court to decide whether his immigration orders are legal. Legal saga The newest order was announced last month to replace an expiring 90-day temporary ban on travelers from the Muslim-majority nations of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The September decree removed Sudan from the list but added Chad and North Korea for full bans and Venezuela for a ban limited to certain classes of officials. The White House justified the measure as needed to protect US national security, but critics said it appeared virtually the same as the original order of January 27. Courts shot that version down saying it targeted Muslims, violating the US constitutional protections for religious freedom. A second version was only slightly adjusted and was quickly tied up in similar legal wrangling. In June, the Supreme Court accepted to review the case but let the 90-day ban go mostly into effect in the meantime. When the ban expired, the court said there was nothing to rule on. Trump went forward with a new version with no expiry date, tacking on North Korea and Venezuela to the list of targeted countries and implying the updated measure did not simply target Muslim countries. But Watson, who also issued freezes on the first two attempts, said the order does not improve US security since individuals who pose risks can already be denied entry under existing law. The order "plainly discriminates based on nationality" in a manner antithetical to US laws "and the founding principles of this nation," he wrote. Watson placed a freeze on the ban on travelers from the six countries but allowed it to be implemented on North Korea, which sent only a handful of people to the United States last year, and Venezuela, where US sanctions have also already made travel to the United States difficult for many officials. 'Dangerously flawed' The White House quickly rejected his argument, calling it "dangerously flawed" and promising to fight the action. "The entry restrictions in the proclamation apply to countries based on their inability or unwillingness to share critical information necessary to safely vet applications, as well as a threat assessment related to terrorism, instability and other grave national security concerns," it said. "We are therefore confident that the judiciary will ultimately uphold the president's lawful and necessary action and swiftly restore its vital protections for the safety of the American people." One of the most controversial changes in the latest version of the White House order was the addition of Chad, whose forces are working with US troops in the battle against Boko Haram extremists. But the administration appeared to be preparing to back away from this widely-criticized position. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert announced that in recent weeks the Chad government had shown a "clear willingness to work closely with us on these issues." She did not give any timeline, but said the US "is committed to working with Chad to address the deficiencies, toward the goal of improving vetting capabilities and lifting visa restrictions."

US judge blocks latest -- the third -- version of Trump travel ban

Visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries must have a close family relationship to a US&nbsp;individual or formal ties to a US&nbsp;entity to be admitted to the United States under guidance distributed by the US&nbsp;State Department on Wednesday.

The guidance defined a close familial relationship as being a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step siblings and other step family relations, according to a copy of a cable distributed to all US&nbsp;diplomatic posts and seen by Reuters.

The cable, first reported by the Associated Press, said close family &quot;does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-laws and sisters-in-law, fianc&eacute;s, and any other &#39;extended&#39; family members.&quot;

It also specified that any relationship with a US&nbsp;entity &quot;must be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course, rather than for the purpose of evading the EO&quot; a reference to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s March 6 executive order temporarily barring most US&nbsp;travel by citizens of six nations.

The cable provides advice to US&nbsp;consular officers on how to interpret Monday&#39;s Supreme Court ruling that allowed parts of the executive order, which had been blocked by the courts, to be implemented while the highest US&nbsp;court considers the matter.

<a href="http://time.com/4806735/donald-trump-twitter-travel-ban/" target="_blank">Time </a>reports that&nbsp;when Trump was running for the presidency, he called for a &quot;Muslim ban&quot;, a phrase that came back to haunt him when the courts determined that the executive order was &quot;rooted in religious animus and intended to bar Muslims from this country&quot;.

At various times, Trump&#39;s administration has denied the&nbsp;executive order was a &quot;travel ban&quot;, with White House spokesman <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/317144-spicer-trump-executive-order-not-a-travel-ban" target="_blank">Sean Spicer </a>saying in late January:&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s not a Muslim ban. It&#39;s not a travel ban. It&#39;s a vetting system to keep America safe.&quot;

But the president himself has also specifically framed it as a&nbsp;&quot;travel ban&quot;.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/871143765473406976">June 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Family 'does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-laws and sisters-in-law, fianc?s' and others

Visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries must have a close family relationship to a US individual or formal ties to a US entity to be admitted to the United States under guidance distributed by the US State Department on Wednesday. The guidance defined a close familial relationship as being a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or sibling, including step siblings and other step family relations, according to a copy of a cable distributed to all US diplomatic posts and seen by Reuters. The cable, first reported by the Associated Press, said close family "does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-laws and sisters-in-law, fiancés, and any other 'extended' family members." It also specified that any relationship with a US entity "must be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course, rather than for the purpose of evading the EO" a reference to US President Donald Trump's March 6 executive order temporarily barring most US travel by citizens of six nations. The cable provides advice to US consular officers on how to interpret Monday's Supreme Court ruling that allowed parts of the executive order, which had been blocked by the courts, to be implemented while the highest US court considers the matter. Time reports that when Trump was running for the presidency, he called for a "Muslim ban", a phrase that came back to haunt him when the courts determined that the executive order was "rooted in religious animus and intended to bar Muslims from this country". At various times, Trump's administration has denied the executive order was a "travel ban", with White House spokesman Sean Spicer saying in late January: "It's not a Muslim ban. It's not a travel ban. It's a vetting system to keep America safe." But the president himself has also specifically framed it as a "travel ban". We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2017 × (With inputs from agencies)

US sets criteria for visa applicants from six Muslim nations

The US&nbsp;government might expand a ban on larger electronics like laptops in airplane cabins to flights originating from dozens of airports in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the head of Homeland Security said, though an expansion could be avoided if countries agree to improved security procedures.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/laptop-flight-ban-by-us-uk-was-triggered-by-is-threat-report-13656">Also </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/laptop-flight-ban-by-us-uk-was-triggered-by-is-threat-report-13656">Read:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/laptop-flight-ban-by-us-uk-was-triggered-by-is-threat-report-13656">&nbsp;Laptop flight ban by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/laptop-flight-ban-by-us-uk-was-triggered-by-is-threat-report-13656">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/laptop-flight-ban-by-us-uk-was-triggered-by-is-threat-report-13656">, UK was triggered by IS threat</a>

The US&nbsp;restrictions imposed in March currently cover about 350 flights a week originating from 10 airports, primarily in the Middle East. Extending the ban to all European airports that directly serve US&nbsp;airports would affect nearly 400 flights a day and cover 30 million travellers and pose major logistical challenges, airlines and security officials say.

&quot;We are looking right now at an additional 71 airports,&quot; Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly told a House of Representatives panel.

&quot;We&#39;re also looking at ways that we think we can mitigate the threat&nbsp;without expanding the ban,&quot; he added.

Kelly said his deputy will attend a conference in Malta next week &quot;to present what we think are the minimum increased security standards ... and present those to people to say if you meet these standards we will not ban large electronics.&quot;

The restrictions on laptops announced in March, including on flights originating from airports in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, came amid fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft.

Britain quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes.&nbsp;Kelly said many countries are working to not be added to the ban list by improving screening to &quot;detect this very sophisticated device&quot;.

He called the danger &quot;real&quot;. &quot;This is a very serious constant threat to knock down an airplane,&quot; Kelly said.

Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan declined to identify the 71 airports that are under consideration.

Any move to restrict carrying larger electronics to the cargo hold of aircraft has potential safety implications related to past problems with laptop batteries. Kelly said he is reviewing those concerns.

US&nbsp;Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao at a Senate hearing on Wednesday said lithium ion batteries on airplanes can be a problem.

&quot;This is a difficult issue that the administration is grappling with especially from a security point of view,&quot; Chao said.

A laptop fire in a cabin can be detected quickly, versus a device stored in a cargo hold. On May 30, a New York JetBlue Airways Corp flight bound for San Francisco was diverted to Michigan because of a lithium battery fire from a passenger laptop in the airplane cabin.

(Reuters)

The US restrictions imposed in March currently cover about 350 flights a week originating from 10 airports, primarily in the Middle East

The US government might expand a ban on larger electronics like laptops in airplane cabins to flights originating from dozens of airports in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the head of Homeland Security said, though an expansion could be avoided if countries agree to improved security procedures. Also Read: Laptop flight ban by US, UK was triggered by IS threat The US restrictions imposed in March currently cover about 350 flights a week originating from 10 airports, primarily in the Middle East. Extending the ban to all European airports that directly serve US airports would affect nearly 400 flights a day and cover 30 million travellers and pose major logistical challenges, airlines and security officials say. "We are looking right now at an additional 71 airports," Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly told a House of Representatives panel. "We're also looking at ways that we think we can mitigate the threat without expanding the ban," he added. Kelly said his deputy will attend a conference in Malta next week "to present what we think are the minimum increased security standards ... and present those to people to say if you meet these standards we will not ban large electronics." The restrictions on laptops announced in March, including on flights originating from airports in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, came amid fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft. Britain quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes. Kelly said many countries are working to not be added to the ban list by improving screening to "detect this very sophisticated device". He called the danger "real". "This is a very serious constant threat to knock down an airplane," Kelly said. Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan declined to identify the 71 airports that are under consideration. Any move to restrict carrying larger electronics to the cargo hold of aircraft has potential safety implications related to past problems with laptop batteries. Kelly said he is reviewing those concerns. US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao at a Senate hearing on Wednesday said lithium ion batteries on airplanes can be a problem. "This is a difficult issue that the administration is grappling with especially from a security point of view," Chao said. A laptop fire in a cabin can be detected quickly, versus a device stored in a cargo hold. On May 30, a New York JetBlue Airways Corp flight bound for San Francisco was diverted to Michigan because of a lithium battery fire from a passenger laptop in the airplane cabin. (Reuters)

US may expand laptop ban to 71 airports worldwide: Homeland Security

The state of Hawaii said it will ask a federal court on Wednesday for an emergency halt to President Donald Trump&#39;s new executive order restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries, becoming the first state to challenge the ban in court.

In a court filing on Tuesday, Hawaii said it would seek a temporary restraining order against the new travel ban. Hawaii&#39;s suit against the original executive order was put on hold.

The Trump administration this week issued the new executive order that supplanted an earlier, more sweeping one which had been challenged in court by several states in addition to Hawaii.

The new order is much more narrowly tailored than the first one issued in January. It keeps a 90-day ban on travel to the United States by citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen but excludes Iraq, and applies the restriction only to new visa applicants.

&quot;To be sure, the new executive order covers fewer people than the old one,&quot; Neal Katyal, one of the lead attorneys for Hawaii, said in an interview with CNN. He said the new travel ban still &quot;suffers from the same constitutional and statutory defects&quot;.

&quot;We are confident that the president&#39;s actions are lawful to protect the national security of our country,&quot; the Justice Department said in a statement.

In a joint filing, Hawaii and the US&nbsp;government asked for oral arguments in the case to be held March 15, a day before the new travel order is set to take effect.

Separately, in a case brought by Washington state against the first Trump travel order, the Justice Department on Tuesday said it would voluntarily dismiss its own appeal of a Seattle federal court ruling that had suspended the order.

Washington state did not oppose the administration&#39;s request to end its appeal, the filing said.

Immigration advocates said the new ban still discriminates against Muslims and fails to address some of their concerns with the previous directive. Legal experts said the new ban would be harder to challenge because it affects fewer people living in the United States and allows more exemptions to protect them.

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Monday said his office was evaluating whether it would challenge the new order and would likely decide this week.

The 9th US&nbsp;Circuit Court of Appeals last month had blocked Trump&#39;s first order, saying Washington state would likely be able to prove that it violated constitutional protections.

That appeals court ruling has not been withdrawn and its legal reasoning can still be cited as precedent in future cases, Washington attorney general spokesman Peter Lavallee said on Tuesday.

(Reuters)

Immigration advocates said the new ban still discriminates against Muslims, but legal experts say it'll be harder to challenge

The state of Hawaii said it will ask a federal court on Wednesday for an emergency halt to President Donald Trump's new executive order restricting travel from six Muslim-majority countries, becoming the first state to challenge the ban in court. In a court filing on Tuesday, Hawaii said it would seek a temporary restraining order against the new travel ban. Hawaii's suit against the original executive order was put on hold. The Trump administration this week issued the new executive order that supplanted an earlier, more sweeping one which had been challenged in court by several states in addition to Hawaii. The new order is much more narrowly tailored than the first one issued in January. It keeps a 90-day ban on travel to the United States by citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen but excludes Iraq, and applies the restriction only to new visa applicants. "To be sure, the new executive order covers fewer people than the old one," Neal Katyal, one of the lead attorneys for Hawaii, said in an interview with CNN. He said the new travel ban still "suffers from the same constitutional and statutory defects". "We are confident that the president's actions are lawful to protect the national security of our country," the Justice Department said in a statement. In a joint filing, Hawaii and the US government asked for oral arguments in the case to be held March 15, a day before the new travel order is set to take effect. Separately, in a case brought by Washington state against the first Trump travel order, the Justice Department on Tuesday said it would voluntarily dismiss its own appeal of a Seattle federal court ruling that had suspended the order. Washington state did not oppose the administration's request to end its appeal, the filing said. Immigration advocates said the new ban still discriminates against Muslims and fails to address some of their concerns with the previous directive. Legal experts said the new ban would be harder to challenge because it affects fewer people living in the United States and allows more exemptions to protect them. Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Monday said his office was evaluating whether it would challenge the new order and would likely decide this week. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals last month had blocked Trump's first order, saying Washington state would likely be able to prove that it violated constitutional protections. That appeals court ruling has not been withdrawn and its legal reasoning can still be cited as precedent in future cases, Washington attorney general spokesman Peter Lavallee said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Hawaii to file first court challenge to new Trump travel order

Demonstrators gathered at a pro-Muslim rally in New York&#39;s Times Square on Sunday&nbsp;organised in response to the Trump administration&#39;s travel ban.

Demonstrators carried flags and posters with messages of support towards Muslims, many of whom have been affected by President Trump&#39;s executive order that curtailed the entry of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.

The &quot;I am Muslim Too&quot; rally brought together demonstrators of different faiths and walks of life, including celebrities Susan Sarandon and Russell Simmons.

&quot;He (Trump) will leave a legacy of hate and America is moving towards greater love. All of the diversity that we see here today will prevail and Americans will go back to moving towards a more loving place,&quot; said Simmons, who hosted the event.

&quot;I&#39;m here to indicate particularly with regard to the Muslim ban that we are here to stand for each other, that we&#39;re here to defend immigrants and refugees, to protect one another in this situation of such hatred and we&#39;re here all as one,&quot; said New York rabbi Rolando Matalon.

Trump&#39;s original order, which he said was meant to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and excluded all refugees for 120 days, except those from Syria, who were banned indefinitely.

The ban was struck down in court, but the administration is weighing a new version of Trump&#39;s executive order that aims to put restrictions on citizens of the same seven Muslim-majority countries covered by the initial order, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cites an internal State Department memo.

(Reuters)

The 'I am Muslim Too' rally brought together a wide variety of demonstrators to Times Square as the White House mulls over a new Muslim ban

Demonstrators gathered at a pro-Muslim rally in New York's Times Square on Sunday organised in response to the Trump administration's travel ban. Demonstrators carried flags and posters with messages of support towards Muslims, many of whom have been affected by President Trump's executive order that curtailed the entry of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. The "I am Muslim Too" rally brought together demonstrators of different faiths and walks of life, including celebrities Susan Sarandon and Russell Simmons. "He (Trump) will leave a legacy of hate and America is moving towards greater love. All of the diversity that we see here today will prevail and Americans will go back to moving towards a more loving place," said Simmons, who hosted the event. "I'm here to indicate particularly with regard to the Muslim ban that we are here to stand for each other, that we're here to defend immigrants and refugees, to protect one another in this situation of such hatred and we're here all as one," said New York rabbi Rolando Matalon. Trump's original order, which he said was meant to head off attacks by Islamist militants, barred people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering for 90 days and excluded all refugees for 120 days, except those from Syria, who were banned indefinitely. The ban was struck down in court, but the administration is weighing a new version of Trump's executive order that aims to put restrictions on citizens of the same seven Muslim-majority countries covered by the initial order, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cites an internal State Department memo. (Reuters)

New Yorkers rally to support Muslims during Trump's presidency

Several technology giants, including Apple, Google and Microsoft have banded together to file a legal brief opposing President Donald Trump&#39;s temporary immigration ban, arguing that it &quot;inflicts significant harm on American business.&quot;

The brief, filed in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, included other top tech firms including Facebook, Twitter and Intel, as well as non-tech companies such as Levi Strauss and Chobani. In all nearly 100 firms, including eBay, Netflix and Uber signed onto the brief.

Trump&#39;s temporary immigration ban, the most contentious policy move of his first two weeks in offices, faces crucial legal hurdles.

His administration has a deadline on Monday to justify the executive order temporarily barring immigrants from seven mostly Muslim countries and the entry of refugees, after a federal judge in Seattle blocked it with a temporary restraining order on Friday.

&quot;The Order represents a significant departure from the principles of fairness and predictability that have governed the immigration system of the United States for more than fifty years,&quot; the brief stated.

&quot;The Order inflicts significant harm on American business, innovation, and growth as a result,&quot; it added.

&quot;Immigrants or their children founded more than 200 of the companies on the Fortune 500 list.&quot;

US tech firms have been among the more vocal sectors speaking out against the policy, with many of its staff made up of foreign-born nationals.

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco over the weekend denied the Trump administration&#39;s request for an immediate stay of the federal judge&#39;s temporary restraining order that blocked nationwide the implementation of key parts of the travel ban.

But the court said it would reconsider the government&#39;s request after receiving more information.

 
(Reuters)

On January 27, Trump had issued an order imposing a 90-day ban affecting citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria & Yemen

Several technology giants, including Apple, Google and Microsoft have banded together to file a legal brief opposing President Donald Trump's temporary immigration ban, arguing that it "inflicts significant harm on American business." The brief, filed in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, included other top tech firms including Facebook, Twitter and Intel, as well as non-tech companies such as Levi Strauss and Chobani. In all nearly 100 firms, including eBay, Netflix and Uber signed onto the brief. Trump's temporary immigration ban, the most contentious policy move of his first two weeks in offices, faces crucial legal hurdles. His administration has a deadline on Monday to justify the executive order temporarily barring immigrants from seven mostly Muslim countries and the entry of refugees, after a federal judge in Seattle blocked it with a temporary restraining order on Friday. "The Order represents a significant departure from the principles of fairness and predictability that have governed the immigration system of the United States for more than fifty years," the brief stated. "The Order inflicts significant harm on American business, innovation, and growth as a result," it added. "Immigrants or their children founded more than 200 of the companies on the Fortune 500 list." US tech firms have been among the more vocal sectors speaking out against the policy, with many of its staff made up of foreign-born nationals. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco over the weekend denied the Trump administration's request for an immediate stay of the federal judge's temporary restraining order that blocked nationwide the implementation of key parts of the travel ban. But the court said it would reconsider the government's request after receiving more information. (Reuters)

Apple, Facebook and other tech giants to urge Trump to alter US travel ban

US Vice President Mike Pence has&nbsp;called the federal judge&#39;s ruling suspending the travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations a &quot;wrong decision&quot; and vowed the Trump administration will take &quot;all legal means&quot; to protect the country.

&quot;We believe the judge made the wrong decision, the Boston court made the right decision. We&#39;re going to continue to use all legal means at our disposal to stay that order and move forward to take the steps necessary to protect our country,&quot; Pence told Fox News.

Pence said from the very outset of his campaign for the president and the outset of this administration, President Donald Trump has made it clear that he is going to put the safety and security of the American people first.

The executive order he signed suspending travel from seven mainly Muslim countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - that have been compromised by terror is consistent with that objective, and it&#39;s consistent with his powers as president of the United States of America - both under the Constitution and under statutory law, he asserted.

&quot;It&#39;s quite clear that the president has the ability to determine who has access to this country when it comes to national security,&quot; Pence said as he expressed his frustration over the judge&#39;s decision in the Washington court.

&quot;We don&#39;t appoint judges to our district courts to conduct foreign policy or to make decisions about the national security. Under statutory law and under the Constitution, that authority belongs to the president of the United States,&quot; he said.

&quot;While the court did not impose a stay of that order at this point, we&#39;re going to move very quickly into the merits of this argument. As the President said, we are going to in the arguments because we&#39;re going to take the steps necessary to protect the country, which the president of the United States has the authority to do,&quot; Pence said.

When asked about Trump slamming the judge which is quite unusual in the US, Pence told ABC News in another interview that American people are very accustomed to this president speaking his mind and speaking very straight with them.

&quot;There&#39;s simply no question under &#39;The Constitution,&#39; and, frankly, under federal law, that the president of the US has the authority, in the interest of national security, to determine who has the right to come into this country,&quot; he said.

&quot;And we&#39;re going to challenge the judge&#39;s order on that basis, because the reality is, we face a dangerous enemy and the president is determined to use the authority that he has under &#39;The Constitution&#39; and under the law,&quot; Pence said.

&quot;The administration is complying with that order as we speak. We will go through the process in the courts to get a stay of that order, so that again, we can implement this action that is entirely focused on the safety and security of the American people,&quot; he said.

&quot;We have got to do things differently. The Obama administration and the last Congress identified these seven countries repeatedly as seven countries that have been compromised by terrorism,&quot; he added.

As the ban lifted, refugees and thousands of travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who had been stopped in their tracks last weekend by Trump&#39;s executive order scrambled to get flights to quickly enter the United States.

The sudden reversal of the ban catapulted would-be immigrants back to airports, with uncertainty over how long the window to enter the United States will remain open.

(WION with agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence said the Trump administration will take 'all legal means' to protect the country

US Vice President Mike Pence has called the federal judge's ruling suspending the travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations a "wrong decision" and vowed the Trump administration will take "all legal means" to protect the country. "We believe the judge made the wrong decision, the Boston court made the right decision. We're going to continue to use all legal means at our disposal to stay that order and move forward to take the steps necessary to protect our country," Pence told Fox News. Pence said from the very outset of his campaign for the president and the outset of this administration, President Donald Trump has made it clear that he is going to put the safety and security of the American people first. The executive order he signed suspending travel from seven mainly Muslim countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen - that have been compromised by terror is consistent with that objective, and it's consistent with his powers as president of the United States of America - both under the Constitution and under statutory law, he asserted. "It's quite clear that the president has the ability to determine who has access to this country when it comes to national security," Pence said as he expressed his frustration over the judge's decision in the Washington court. "We don't appoint judges to our district courts to conduct foreign policy or to make decisions about the national security. Under statutory law and under the Constitution, that authority belongs to the president of the United States," he said. "While the court did not impose a stay of that order at this point, we're going to move very quickly into the merits of this argument. As the President said, we are going to in the arguments because we're going to take the steps necessary to protect the country, which the president of the United States has the authority to do," Pence said. When asked about Trump slamming the judge which is quite unusual in the US, Pence told ABC News in another interview that American people are very accustomed to this president speaking his mind and speaking very straight with them. "There's simply no question under 'The Constitution,' and, frankly, under federal law, that the president of the US has the authority, in the interest of national security, to determine who has the right to come into this country," he said. "And we're going to challenge the judge's order on that basis, because the reality is, we face a dangerous enemy and the president is determined to use the authority that he has under 'The Constitution' and under the law," Pence said. "The administration is complying with that order as we speak. We will go through the process in the courts to get a stay of that order, so that again, we can implement this action that is entirely focused on the safety and security of the American people," he said. "We have got to do things differently. The Obama administration and the last Congress identified these seven countries repeatedly as seven countries that have been compromised by terrorism," he added. As the ban lifted, refugees and thousands of travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who had been stopped in their tracks last weekend by Trump's executive order scrambled to get flights to quickly enter the United States. The sudden reversal of the ban catapulted would-be immigrants back to airports, with uncertainty over how long the window to enter the United States will remain open. (WION with agency inputs)

Judge's ruling on travel ban a 'wrong decision', says US Vice President

The US embassy in Berlin said on its Facebook page on Monday that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals, or dual nationals, of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

 
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&quot;As per US presidential executive order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification,&quot; it said.

&quot;If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time,&quot; the embassy added.

President Trump got on the act and tweeted on the status of people detained or held for questioning as US authorities continued their clampdown on visitors setting foot on American soil.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,.....
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/826041397232943104">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/826044059647107073">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the head of the 54-member African Union said that a US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries including three in Africa heralded &quot;turbulent times&quot; for the continent.

AU commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made the remarks in a speech to open an AU summit, after President Donald Trump&#39;s executive order halted travel by people with passports from Libya, Somalia, Sudan and four other Middle East nations for 90 days, and stopped refugee resettlement for 120 days.

&quot;We are entering very turbulent times. The very country to which many of our people were taken as slaves during the transatlantic slave trade has now decided to ban refugees from some of our countries. What do we do about this? Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges to our unity and solidarity,&quot; she told African leaders in the Ethiopian capital.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also criticised President Trump&#39;s visa ban saying asserting it harmed the common struggle against radicalism.

&quot;Such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists,&quot; the group said in a statement on its website.

&quot;(The move) will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations.&quot;

(Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US embassy's Berlin Facebook page said that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Syria

The US embassy in Berlin said on its Facebook page on Monday that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals, or dual nationals, of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. "As per US presidential executive order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification," it said. "If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time," the embassy added. President Trump got on the act and tweeted on the status of people detained or held for questioning as US authorities continued their clampdown on visitors setting foot on American soil. Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 × There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 × Meanwhile, the head of the 54-member African Union said that a US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries including three in Africa heralded "turbulent times" for the continent. AU commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made the remarks in a speech to open an AU summit, after President Donald Trump's executive order halted travel by people with passports from Libya, Somalia, Sudan and four other Middle East nations for 90 days, and stopped refugee resettlement for 120 days. "We are entering very turbulent times. The very country to which many of our people were taken as slaves during the transatlantic slave trade has now decided to ban refugees from some of our countries. What do we do about this? Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges to our unity and solidarity," she told African leaders in the Ethiopian capital. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also criticised President Trump's visa ban saying asserting it harmed the common struggle against radicalism. "Such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists," the group said in a statement on its website. "(The move) will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations." (Reuters)

US embassy in Berlin suspends visas for nationals on Trump's travel ban list

A prominent Kashmiri activist was on Wednesday barred from boarding a flight headed out of New Delhi airport for Geneva. The group he represents said he held a valid visa and the move was aimed at denying human rights in Kashmir Valley. The northern-most Indian state has been witnessing violent protests and counter-strikes by security forces for over two months. 
&nbsp; 
Khurram Pervez is coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and &nbsp;was on his way to attend a UN Human Rights Council session from September 14-24 in Geneva, Switzerland. Pervez was expected to brief officials on the ongoing situation in Kashmir that has been reeling from daily protests and violence. 
 
He was not only blocked from boarding his flight, but also detained at Delhi&#39;s Indira Gandhi International airport. 
 
Pervez was reportedly told that his trip to Geneva was being stopped because of orders from India&#39;s Intelligence Bureau.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Khurram Parvez prevented from attending UN Human Rights Council Session by India 
 
Press Statement 
14 September... <a href="https://t.co/5EFwDJlbb0">https://t.co/5EFwDJlbb0</a>
&mdash; Khurram Parvez (@KhurramParvez) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhurramParvez/status/776034221164941312">September 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
 
 
&quot;It appears that Khurram Parvez is not being allowed to travel because he has been highlighting violations of human rights,&quot; Parvez Imroz, president of JKCCS, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;The Indian State seeks to isolate the people of... Kashmir at all costs, and disallowing human rights activists access to the UN is a part of this attempt to isolate and ensure impunity for violence and denial of human rights.&quot; 
 
More than 80 have died in violent skirmishes with the security forces since July 8 when a militant leader was shot dead by Indian soldiers during a gun battle. Kashmir has literally been under siege for two months and curfew was imposed on Eid for the first time in over two decades on Tuesday. 
 
(WION, with inputs from AFP)

Khurram Pervez was reportedly told his trip to Geneva was being stopped because of orders from India's Intelligence Bureau

A prominent Kashmiri activist was on Wednesday barred from boarding a flight headed out of New Delhi airport for Geneva. The group he represents said he held a valid visa and the move was aimed at denying human rights in Kashmir Valley. The northern-most Indian state has been witnessing violent protests and counter-strikes by security forces for over two months. Khurram Pervez is coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and was on his way to attend a UN Human Rights Council session from September 14-24 in Geneva, Switzerland. Pervez was expected to brief officials on the ongoing situation in Kashmir that has been reeling from daily protests and violence. He was not only blocked from boarding his flight, but also detained at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport. Pervez was reportedly told that his trip to Geneva was being stopped because of orders from India's Intelligence Bureau. Khurram Parvez prevented from attending UN Human Rights Council Session by India Press Statement 14 September... https://t.co/5EFwDJlbb0 — Khurram Parvez (@KhurramParvez) September 14, 2016 "It appears that Khurram Parvez is not being allowed to travel because he has been highlighting violations of human rights," Parvez Imroz, president of JKCCS, said in a statement. "The Indian State seeks to isolate the people of... Kashmir at all costs, and disallowing human rights activists access to the UN is a part of this attempt to isolate and ensure impunity for violence and denial of human rights." More than 80 have died in violent skirmishes with the security forces since July 8 when a militant leader was shot dead by Indian soldiers during a gun battle. Kashmir has literally been under siege for two months and curfew was imposed on Eid for the first time in over two decades on Tuesday. (WION, with inputs from AFP)

Kashmiri activist says blocked from leaving India

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