<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-pace-of-reforms-at-unsc-193928">India expresses dissatisfaction with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-pace-of-reforms-at-unsc-193928">pace</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-dissatisfaction-with-pace-of-reforms-at-unsc-193928"> of reforms at UNSC</a>

Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the &nbsp;United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event. However, there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-being-targeted-by-venezuelas-supreme-court-trump-193904">Guaido</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/guaido-being-targeted-by-venezuelas-supreme-court-trump-193904"> being targeted by Venezuela's Supreme Court: Trump</a>

After reports said&nbsp;Venezuela president Maduro&nbsp;was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-an-interim-budget-clarifies-finance-ministry-193892">Will present an interim Budget, clarifies Finance Ministry</a>

The Finance Ministry clarified on Wednesday that the 2019 Budget presented by the government&nbsp;will be an&nbsp;Interim Budget. The clarification came amid reports that stated that the Finance Minister has asked its staff to refer to the upcoming&nbsp;Budget&nbsp;as a General Budget.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/previous-govt-would-have-taken-25-more-years-to-do-the-work-we-have-done-so-far-pm-modi-in-surat-193884">Previous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/previous-govt-would-have-taken-25-more-years-to-do-the-work-we-have-done-so-far-pm-modi-in-surat-193884"> govt would have taken '25 more years' to do the work we have done so far: PM Modi in Surat</a>

Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday,&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi&nbsp;said that if the previous governments had to do the&nbsp;work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-spotted-at-nets-after-missing-out-third-odi-vs-new-zealand-193905">MS Dhoni spotted at nets after missing out third ODI against New Zealand</a>

MS Dhoni, who missed out on the third one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand with a sore hamstring, is back at the nets as India prepare to take on the Kiwis for the fourth ODI in Hamilton.&nbsp;

India expresses dissatisfaction with pace of reforms at UNSC Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event.

India expresses dissatisfaction with pace of reforms at UNSC Speaking at an informal meeting of the plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the increase in the membership of the Security Council at the United Nations General Assembly, India's permanent representative Syed Akbaruddin said,"Reform, we all know, at the UN is a process rather than an event. However, there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council". Guaido being targeted by Venezuela's Supreme Court: Trump After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Will present an interim Budget, clarifies Finance Ministry The Finance Ministry clarified on Wednesday that the 2019 Budget presented by the government will be an Interim Budget. The clarification came amid reports that stated that the Finance Minister has asked its staff to refer to the upcoming Budget as a General Budget. Previous govt would have taken '25 more years' to do the work we have done so far: PM Modi in Surat Taking a dig at the Congress party in a public gathering at Surat on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said that if the previous governments had to do the work that he has done so far, they would have needed "25 more years". MS Dhoni spotted at nets after missing out third ODI against New Zealand MS Dhoni, who missed out on the third one-day international (ODI) against New Zealand with a sore hamstring, is back at the nets as India prepare to take on the Kiwis for the fourth ODI in Hamilton.

News brief: Big stories of the day

After reports said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-he-is-ready-for-talks-with-the-opposition-russias-ria-193833">Venezuela president Maduro </a>was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

Juan Guaido who has declared himself as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781">interim</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-supreme-court-hits-juan-guaido-with-travel-ban-freezes-his-bank-accounts-193781"> president said the regime </a>only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General&nbsp;Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him.

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Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1090566017238093824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today

"Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said.

Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel.

Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power".

Maduro on Monday had accused&nbsp;the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced &nbsp;sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA. 
&nbsp;

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court.

After reports said Venezuela president Maduro was ready to negotiate' with opposition and call for elections, President Trump in a tweet said Guaido was being targeted by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Juan Guaido who has declared himself as interim president said the regime only thought about repression and persecution, adding it was nothing new. Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab had asked the Supreme Court to open a preliminary investigation against Guaido and freeze his assets and impose a travel ban on him. Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following U.S. sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2019 × The United States, several Latin American countries and Canada have recognized Guaido as interim president. Trump cautioned Americans from travelling to the country while informing that massive protests are expected today "Maduro willing to negotiate with opposition in Venezuela following US sanctions and the cutting off of oil revenues. Guaido is being targeted by Venezuelan Supreme Court. Massive protest expected today. Americans should not travel to Venezuela until further notice," the US president said. Maduro claimed that President Trump had ordered the government of Colombia to assassinate him. "If something happens to me one day then Donald Trump and Colombian President Ivan Duque will be responsible for everything that is happening to me," he told a local television channel. Russia and China have backed Muduro's regime with Kremlin denouncing the opposition's "usurpation of power". Maduro on Monday had accused the United States of trying to steal US refining arm Citgo Petroleum after the Trump administration annouced sweeping sanctions on Venezuelan state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

Guaido being targeted by Venezuela's Supreme Court: Trump

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday that US President Donald Trump's regular complaints about the alliance had not undermined it -- adding that his criticism on defence spending was having a positive impact.&nbsp;

Trump has frequently blasted members of the 29-nation western security partnership for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-nato-allies-to-more-than-double-defence-spending-150940">not paying more into their national defence budgets</a>.&nbsp;

Before taking office, he called NATO "obsolete" and recent media reports said he spoke to senior officials last year about pulling out.

"President Trump has been very clear, he is committed to NATO. He stated that clearly just a few days ago and also at the NATO summit in July," Stoltenberg said on "Fox News Sunday."

"But at the same time, he has clearly stated that NATO allies need to invest more. And therefore at the summit in July last year, we agreed to do more to step up -- and now we see the results."

NATO members agreed in 2014 to spend two percent of their gross domestic product on defence by 2024 but around half are not on course to make that target.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg said, however, that by the end of 2020, NATO allies would have added $100 billion extra toward defence spending.&nbsp;

"So we see some real money and some real results. And we see that the clear message from President Trump is having an impact," he added.

"NATO allies have heard the president loud and clear and now NATO allies are stepping up. So this is good news meaning that we actually see more fair burden sharing." &nbsp;

Earlier this month Trump repeated his view that close allies had been taking advantage of the US security umbrella for decades and that it was his mission to stop that.

"We cannot be the fools for others. We cannot be. We don't want to be called that. And I will tell you for many years behind your backs, that is what they were saying," he said during an address to the Pentagon.

The president acknowledged Stoltenberg's positive feedback soon after the interview aired, tweeting that sharing defence costs had made NATO "more united."

"Dems &amp; Fake News like to portray the opposite!" he added.

Stoltenberg was in Washington for meetings with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting Defence Secretary Pat Shanahan and national security adviser John Bolton.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday that US President Donald Trump's regular complaints about the alliance had not undermined it -- adding that his criticism on defence spending was having a positive impact.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday that US President Donald Trump's regular complaints about the alliance had not undermined it -- adding that his criticism on defence spending was having a positive impact. Trump has frequently blasted members of the 29-nation western security partnership for not paying more into their national defence budgets. Before taking office, he called NATO "obsolete" and recent media reports said he spoke to senior officials last year about pulling out. "President Trump has been very clear, he is committed to NATO. He stated that clearly just a few days ago and also at the NATO summit in July," Stoltenberg said on "Fox News Sunday." "But at the same time, he has clearly stated that NATO allies need to invest more. And therefore at the summit in July last year, we agreed to do more to step up -- and now we see the results." NATO members agreed in 2014 to spend two percent of their gross domestic product on defence by 2024 but around half are not on course to make that target. Stoltenberg said, however, that by the end of 2020, NATO allies would have added $100 billion extra toward defence spending. "So we see some real money and some real results. And we see that the clear message from President Trump is having an impact," he added. "NATO allies have heard the president loud and clear and now NATO allies are stepping up. So this is good news meaning that we actually see more fair burden sharing." Earlier this month Trump repeated his view that close allies had been taking advantage of the US security umbrella for decades and that it was his mission to stop that. "We cannot be the fools for others. We cannot be. We don't want to be called that. And I will tell you for many years behind your backs, that is what they were saying," he said during an address to the Pentagon. The president acknowledged Stoltenberg's positive feedback soon after the interview aired, tweeting that sharing defence costs had made NATO "more united." "Dems & Fake News like to portray the opposite!" he added. Stoltenberg was in Washington for meetings with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting Defence Secretary Pat Shanahan and national security adviser John Bolton.

Trump complains about defence spending by allies, NATO chief says it's having a positive impact

&nbsp;Democratic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-democratic-representative-tulsi-gabbard-says-she-will-run-for-president-in-2020-189711">presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard</a> has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists.

Gabbard, the first Hindu<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-the-day-189741"> elected to the US Congress</a>, wrote an op-ed for the Religious News Services on Sunday, describing the campaign against her, supporters and donors as "profiling and targeting of Hindu Americans and ascribing to them motives without any basis".

The 37-year-old had on January 11 announced that she would be running for the White House in 2020.

In the hard-hitting piece, Gabbard pointed out to the accusation against her of being a Hindu nationalist. "Tomorrow will it be Muslim or Jewish Americans? Japanese, Hispanic or African Americans?" she asked.

"My meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's democratically elected leader, have been highlighted as 'proof' of this and portrayed as somehow being out of the ordinary or somehow suspect, even though President (Barack) Obama, Secretary (Hillary) Clinton, President (Donald) Trump and many of my colleagues in Congress have met with and worked with him," Gabbard said.

"I am proud to be the first Hindu-American to have been elected to Congress, and now, the first Hindu-American to run for president," the four-term Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii said.&nbsp;

"And, while the headlines covering my announcement could have celebrated this historic first, maybe even informed Americans at large about the world's third-largest religion, some have instead fomented suspicion, fear, and religious bigotry about not only me but also my supporters," Gabbard said.

Gabbard said India was one of America's closest allies in Asia and is a country of growing importance in a critical region of the world.

"The strategic partnership between our two countries has been a priority for several decades now. To question my commitment to my country, while not questioning non-Hindu leaders, creates a double standard that can only be rooted in one thing: 'religious bigotry'. I am Hindu and they are not," Gabbard said.

She referred to the attack against her in the past by political opponents. "Religious bigotry and attempt to foment fear of Hindus and other minority religions persist. During my 2012 and 2014 elections, my Republican opponent stated publicly that a Hindu should not be allowed to serve in the US Congress and that Hinduism is incompatible with the US Constitution," she said.

In the 2016 race for Congress, her Republican opponent said repeatedly that a vote for her was a vote for the devil because of her religion, Gabbard wrote.

"Republicans like Ben Carson said in 2016 that a Muslim-American would be unqualified to serve as president. Democratic Senators have recently grilled and opposed Republican judicial nominees because of their connection to Catholicism," she alleged.

These actions and attitudes not only undermine the Constitution but also incite fear and force people into the shadows because of their religion, Gabbard said.

Gabbard said after her 2012 election, she made a personal decision to take "my congressional oath of office on the supreme yoga/Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna's teachings have provided wisdom and spiritual solace to me throughout my life, including when I was serving our country in the Middle East during the Iraq war."

"Those who are trying to foment anti-Hindu sentiment expose the dark underbelly of religious bigotry in politics and must be called out. To advocate voting for or against someone based on religion, race, or gender is simply un-American," she said.

Gabbard had last September refused to be the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, citing her differences with its organisers who were seen close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists.

Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has alleged that she had become a victim of "religious bigotry" and some media outlets were targeting her and accusing her supporters, who have Hindu names, of being Hindu nationalists. Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the US Congress, wrote an op-ed for the Religious News Services on Sunday, describing the campaign against her, supporters and donors as "profiling and targeting of Hindu Americans and ascribing to them motives without any basis". The 37-year-old had on January 11 announced that she would be running for the White House in 2020. In the hard-hitting piece, Gabbard pointed out to the accusation against her of being a Hindu nationalist. "Tomorrow will it be Muslim or Jewish Americans? Japanese, Hispanic or African Americans?" she asked. "My meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's democratically elected leader, have been highlighted as 'proof' of this and portrayed as somehow being out of the ordinary or somehow suspect, even though President (Barack) Obama, Secretary (Hillary) Clinton, President (Donald) Trump and many of my colleagues in Congress have met with and worked with him," Gabbard said. "I am proud to be the first Hindu-American to have been elected to Congress, and now, the first Hindu-American to run for president," the four-term Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii said. "And, while the headlines covering my announcement could have celebrated this historic first, maybe even informed Americans at large about the world's third-largest religion, some have instead fomented suspicion, fear, and religious bigotry about not only me but also my supporters," Gabbard said. Gabbard said India was one of America's closest allies in Asia and is a country of growing importance in a critical region of the world. "The strategic partnership between our two countries has been a priority for several decades now. To question my commitment to my country, while not questioning non-Hindu leaders, creates a double standard that can only be rooted in one thing: 'religious bigotry'. I am Hindu and they are not," Gabbard said. She referred to the attack against her in the past by political opponents. "Religious bigotry and attempt to foment fear of Hindus and other minority religions persist. During my 2012 and 2014 elections, my Republican opponent stated publicly that a Hindu should not be allowed to serve in the US Congress and that Hinduism is incompatible with the US Constitution," she said. In the 2016 race for Congress, her Republican opponent said repeatedly that a vote for her was a vote for the devil because of her religion, Gabbard wrote. "Republicans like Ben Carson said in 2016 that a Muslim-American would be unqualified to serve as president. Democratic Senators have recently grilled and opposed Republican judicial nominees because of their connection to Catholicism," she alleged. These actions and attitudes not only undermine the Constitution but also incite fear and force people into the shadows because of their religion, Gabbard said. Gabbard said after her 2012 election, she made a personal decision to take "my congressional oath of office on the supreme yoga/Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna's teachings have provided wisdom and spiritual solace to me throughout my life, including when I was serving our country in the Middle East during the Iraq war." "Those who are trying to foment anti-Hindu sentiment expose the dark underbelly of religious bigotry in politics and must be called out. To advocate voting for or against someone based on religion, race, or gender is simply un-American," she said. Gabbard had last September refused to be the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, citing her differences with its organisers who were seen close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Proud to be first Hindu-American to run for US president: Tulsi Gabbard

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky.

At a White House event on the Reciprocal Trade Act on Thursday, Trump flashed out a green colour board that had examples of non-reciprocal tariffs from various countries.

"Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal," the president said.

Trump pointed out to the high tariff by India on import of wines. "India has a very high tariff. They charge a lot of tariffs. You look at whisky... India gets 150 per cent, we get nothing."

India had last February slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US.

In his interaction with lawmakers at the White House, Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would give the US workers a fair and level-playing field against other countries.

The US, he alleged, had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world. "They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products.

"Whether they think we're very nice or not so smart, they've been doing it for many, many years and we want to end it. Many of these are friends, many of these are allies... But, sometimes, allies take advantage of us even more so than our non-allies," he said.

Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would help to solve the problem once and for all. "Whatever the tariff for a foreign country is, we place the same tariff on us."

"What's going to happen, I think, from a practical standpoint, is they won't be charging us tariffs anymore. We'll see. Or we'll charge them a lot.

Tremendous amount of money," he said.

The Reciprocal Trade Act will be an incredible tool to bring foreign countries to the negotiating table and to get them to lower tariffs on US products and also to get rid of their trade barriers, the president asserted.

America cannot lose almost US $800 billion on trade like has been done for many years, he said.

Congressman Sean Duffy, who introduced the Reciprocal Trade Act, has granite from India among his global list of non-reciprocal tariffs.

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky.

US President Donald Trump has said the decision by India last year to cut the tariffs on motorcycles by half was a fair deal, but rued the high duties on American whisky. At a White House event on the Reciprocal Trade Act on Thursday, Trump flashed out a green colour board that had examples of non-reciprocal tariffs from various countries. "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal," the president said. Trump pointed out to the high tariff by India on import of wines. "India has a very high tariff. They charge a lot of tariffs. You look at whisky... India gets 150 per cent, we get nothing." India had last February slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US. In his interaction with lawmakers at the White House, Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would give the US workers a fair and level-playing field against other countries. The US, he alleged, had been taken advantage of by many countries all over the world. "They charge us tariffs and taxes, the likes of which nobody has any understanding. They're so high and so unfair! They also have barriers where we can't go in. They have trade barriers that make it impossible for us to sell our farm products and our other products. "Whether they think we're very nice or not so smart, they've been doing it for many, many years and we want to end it. Many of these are friends, many of these are allies... But, sometimes, allies take advantage of us even more so than our non-allies," he said. Trump said the Reciprocal Trade Act would help to solve the problem once and for all. "Whatever the tariff for a foreign country is, we place the same tariff on us." "What's going to happen, I think, from a practical standpoint, is they won't be charging us tariffs anymore. We'll see. Or we'll charge them a lot. Tremendous amount of money," he said. The Reciprocal Trade Act will be an incredible tool to bring foreign countries to the negotiating table and to get them to lower tariffs on US products and also to get rid of their trade barriers, the president asserted. America cannot lose almost US $800 billion on trade like has been done for many years, he said. Congressman Sean Duffy, who introduced the Reciprocal Trade Act, has granite from India among his global list of non-reciprocal tariffs.

In just 2 minutes, I got motorcycle tariffs in India down to 50%: Trump

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">clashes in Caracas</a> to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

Trouble erupted for Maduro after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-weighs-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-as-it-steps-up-pressure-192379">President Trump formally recognised</a> opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada.

"This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido.

In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy."

As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital.

Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion.

President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime.

The Russian government said today that "foreign interference in Venezuela was path to lawlessness and bloodshed" after four people died in clashes in Caracas to protest against President Nicolas Maduro regime. Trouble erupted for Maduro after President Trump formally recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela leading Maduro to sever ties with the US. The move was backed by Brazil, Columbia including US ally Canada. "This is a direct path to lawlessness and bloodshed," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Protests also broke out in Dominican Republic and Argentina as people protested against Maduro. Other Latin American countries Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru came out in support of Guaido. In a statement, Trump said the United States would continue to use economic and diplomatic power to press for "the restoration of Venezuelan democracy." As events began to turn, in a televised speech, Maduro accused the opposition of seeking to stage a coup with the support of the United States. As the crisis escalated, people took to the streets in the Venezuelan capital. Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" amid the confusion. President Maduro was elected last year with 67.84 per cent votes, and he took over the reins on January 10th but the election result was viewed with suspicion by several people in the country and abroad. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would cooperate with other members of the international community to deal with the situation in Venezuela.

Foreign interference in Venezuela path to lawlessness and bloodshed: Russia

As much as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-advance-trade-meeting-with-china-reports-192094">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January.

The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations.

With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks.

"We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US&nbsp;official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump.

"The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said.

Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.

The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled.

"With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report.

"The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal.

Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper.

"There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets.

The S&amp;P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday.

"We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday.

China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month.

That is not sufficient for Trump or his team.

"To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US&nbsp;official said.

Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US&nbsp;products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US&nbsp;concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said.

"These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said.

Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

"All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January. The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations. With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks. "We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump. "The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said. Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled. "With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report. "The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal. Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper. "There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions. Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets. The S&P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday. "We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month. That is not sufficient for Trump or his team. "To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US official said. Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said. "These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said. Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent. "All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers

As the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-govt-shutdown-enters-2nd-month-tuesday-no-quick-end-in-sight-yet-191897"> US government shutdown entered</a> its second month, President Trump in a series of tweets defended his decision on the Mexican border wall while blaming the Democrats of "playing politics".

President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shutdown-could-stunt-economic-growth-new-york-federal-reserve-chief-191315">Trump has been overseeing the</a> partial shutdown of key US government departments which began on December 22nd over funding for a wall to block illegal immigration at the border with Mexico.

"Without a wall our country can never have border or national security. With a powerful wall or steel barrier, crime rates (and drugs) will go substantially down all over the US," the president said, adding,"The Dems know this but want to play political games. Must finally be done correctly."

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Without a Wall our Country can never have Border or National Security. With a powerful Wall or Steel Barrier, Crime Rates (and Drugs) will go substantially down all over the U.S. The Dems know this but want to play political games. Must finally be done correctly. No Cave!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1087693453394432001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump has been demanding $5.7 billion from Democrats in the House of Representatives led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to build the Mexican border wall, however, the Democrats haven't agreed to the deal instead have agreed to just over $1 billion deal which includes several border security measures.&nbsp;

A number of departments have been hit as a result of the shutdown including the crucial homeland security, transport and the State Department.

The president has stood firm in the past month demanding the full amount from the Democrats leading to a standoff, in a tweet Trump said: "If we create a wall or barrier which prevents criminals and drugs from flowing into our Country, crime will go down by record numbers!"

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Never seen <a href="https://twitter.com/senatemajldr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@senatemajldr</a> and Republicans so united on an issue as they are on the Humanitarian Crisis &amp; Security on our Southern Border. If we create a Wall or Barrier which prevents Criminals and Drugs from flowing into our Country, Crime will go down by record numbers!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1087723755898658816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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About 800,000 workers have been furloughed or working without pay even as several national parks, museums and some airport security checkpoints have been closed.

In a tweet on Monday, Admiral Karl Schultz said: "Our USCG members sail across the world to protect US national interests while their loved ones cope with financial challenges &amp; no pay at home."

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Today, the 418-foot <a href="https://twitter.com/USCG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USCG</a> Cutter Bertholf departed for a multi-month deployment in support of a <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> Combatant Commander. Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USCG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USCG</a> members sail across the world to protect U.S. national interests while their loved ones cope w/ financial challenges &amp; no pay at home. <a href="https://t.co/GtSo1GTUnp">pic.twitter.com/GtSo1GTUnp</a>
— Admiral Karl Schultz (@ComdtUSCG) <a href="https://twitter.com/ComdtUSCG/status/1087190396663447553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As the logjam continued, The New York Times reported that Democrats had added more than $1 billion to their previous offer of $1.3 billion for new border security, even if that is still far short of Trump's $5.7 billion figure.&nbsp;

As the US government shutdown entered its second month, President Trump in a series of tweets defended his decision on the Mexican border wall while blaming the Democrats of "playing politics".

As the US government shutdown entered its second month, President Trump in a series of tweets defended his decision on the Mexican border wall while blaming the Democrats of "playing politics". President Trump has been overseeing the partial shutdown of key US government departments which began on December 22nd over funding for a wall to block illegal immigration at the border with Mexico. "Without a wall our country can never have border or national security. With a powerful wall or steel barrier, crime rates (and drugs) will go substantially down all over the US," the president said, adding,"The Dems know this but want to play political games. Must finally be done correctly." Without a Wall our Country can never have Border or National Security. With a powerful Wall or Steel Barrier, Crime Rates (and Drugs) will go substantially down all over the U.S. The Dems know this but want to play political games. Must finally be done correctly. No Cave! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2019 × Trump has been demanding $5.7 billion from Democrats in the House of Representatives led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to build the Mexican border wall, however, the Democrats haven't agreed to the deal instead have agreed to just over $1 billion deal which includes several border security measures. A number of departments have been hit as a result of the shutdown including the crucial homeland security, transport and the State Department. The president has stood firm in the past month demanding the full amount from the Democrats leading to a standoff, in a tweet Trump said: "If we create a wall or barrier which prevents criminals and drugs from flowing into our Country, crime will go down by record numbers!" Never seen @senatemajldr and Republicans so united on an issue as they are on the Humanitarian Crisis & Security on our Southern Border. If we create a Wall or Barrier which prevents Criminals and Drugs from flowing into our Country, Crime will go down by record numbers! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2019 × About 800,000 workers have been furloughed or working without pay even as several national parks, museums and some airport security checkpoints have been closed. In a tweet on Monday, Admiral Karl Schultz said: "Our USCG members sail across the world to protect US national interests while their loved ones cope with financial challenges & no pay at home." Today, the 418-foot @USCG Cutter Bertholf departed for a multi-month deployment in support of a @DeptofDefense Combatant Commander. Our #USCG members sail across the world to protect U.S. national interests while their loved ones cope w/ financial challenges & no pay at home. pic.twitter.com/GtSo1GTUnp — Admiral Karl Schultz (@ComdtUSCG) January 21, 2019 × As the logjam continued, The New York Times reported that Democrats had added more than $1 billion to their previous offer of $1.3 billion for new border security, even if that is still far short of Trump's $5.7 billion figure.

Without a wall our country can never have national security, says Trump as government shutdown enters second month

The United States on Tuesday enters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-shutdown-taking-larger-than-expected-toll-on-us-economy-190559">the second month of a partial government shutdown</a> over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation's economy and morale.

Since December 22, a quarter of the government has been paralyzed because of an impasse between opposition Democrats in Congress and the White House over funding for a wall to block illegal immigration at the border with Mexico.

President Donald Trump refuses to endorse a budget that does not contain $5.7 billion to build the barrier, the foundational promise of his 2016 election campaign.

Democrats oppose the wall, calling it "immoral," costly and ineffective. They want the government reopened before any discussion of the matter.

On Saturday, the Republican president made a new proposal which he said aimed to break the logjam. It offered to extend temporary protection to about a million immigrants facing expulsion, in return for the $5.7 billion he wants.&nbsp;

Although it was rejected by Democrats -- and even by some anti-immigrant voices -- the offer could serve as a basis for new discussions.

Visible impact 
The shutdown directly affects 0.5 percent of the labor force but has started to indirectly hit the morale of more than half of consumers, according to a survey by the University of Michigan.

Experts say it is also pressuring the world's largest economy, against the backdrop of already slowing global growth.

In the most sensitive government agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transport and the State Department, the number of affected employees has been kept to a minimum.

Elsewhere, the impact is clear.

National Parks no longer have security guards, numerous museums are shut, and some airport security checkpoints have been closed.

About 800,000 federal workers, from FBI agents to scientists and some food inspectors, are furloughed or working without pay while trying to meet their routine financial obligations.

US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz wrote in a Twitter post on Monday that "Our #USCG members sail across the world to protect U.S. national interests while their loved ones cope w/ financial challenges &amp; no pay at home."

The longest ever 
An economist for the Internal Revenue Service in New York, Carol Lopilato, 59, has been effectively unemployed since December 23.

With the IRS since 1987, she was lived through other shutdowns and said: "I never thought it would go on this long -- never."

Lopilato told AFP that she is "lucky in a sense" because so far she has not faced financial difficulty.

But "the longer it lasts, the more anxiety there is."

She and others will eventually get backpay but more than one million contractors for the government don't even have that to hope for.

"I'm about to lose my Medicaid, my car insurance" and driver's license, said Yvette Hicks, 40, a contractor with the Smithsonian museum complex.

The single mother of two added: "Right now, this shutdown is really destroying me and my family."

Hotels and bars have stepped in to offer free rooms and complementary snacks. There have been fund collections, and food banks -- which normally serve the most down-and-out -- have opened up their services.

'Unacceptable' 
The longest shutdown in US history is also beginning to have a political price.&nbsp;

A majority of Americans hold the Republicans and the White House responsible, according to several polls.

The political cost would have been even greater if Trump had followed through on threats to declare a national emergency in order to build his wall. Faced with likely court challenges, he backed off.

With his offer on Saturday, Trump held out protection from deportation for two categories of immigrants: 700,000 so-called "Dreamers," children of people who settled illegally in the United States, and who have become a favorite cause of the Democrats, as well as 300,000 other immigrants whose protected status is expiring.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, refused this "compilation of several previously rejected initiatives, each of which is unacceptable and in total, do not represent a good faith effort to restore certainty to people's lives."

Trump, at the same time, alienated the fringe of his electorate opposed to what they saw as tantamount to an amnesty for the undocumented migrants.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to submit Trump's proposal for a vote this week. He will have to convince several Democrats of its merit in order to pass the text which, in any case, has little chance of being endorsed by the House.

For the Republicans, the Senate vote should at least allow a resumption of discussions, and the text can be amended.&nbsp;

But according to a senior House Democrat, James Clyburn, it is essential to first reopen the government because "these negotiations could take three or four weeks." 
&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday enters the second month of a partial government shutdown over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation's economy and morale.

The United States on Tuesday enters the second month of a partial government shutdown over a lack of congressional funding, with no quick end in sight to the historic crisis weighing on the nation's economy and morale. Since December 22, a quarter of the government has been paralyzed because of an impasse between opposition Democrats in Congress and the White House over funding for a wall to block illegal immigration at the border with Mexico. President Donald Trump refuses to endorse a budget that does not contain $5.7 billion to build the barrier, the foundational promise of his 2016 election campaign. Democrats oppose the wall, calling it "immoral," costly and ineffective. They want the government reopened before any discussion of the matter. On Saturday, the Republican president made a new proposal which he said aimed to break the logjam. It offered to extend temporary protection to about a million immigrants facing expulsion, in return for the $5.7 billion he wants. Although it was rejected by Democrats -- and even by some anti-immigrant voices -- the offer could serve as a basis for new discussions. Visible impact The shutdown directly affects 0.5 percent of the labor force but has started to indirectly hit the morale of more than half of consumers, according to a survey by the University of Michigan. Experts say it is also pressuring the world's largest economy, against the backdrop of already slowing global growth. In the most sensitive government agencies, including the departments of Homeland Security, Transport and the State Department, the number of affected employees has been kept to a minimum. Elsewhere, the impact is clear. National Parks no longer have security guards, numerous museums are shut, and some airport security checkpoints have been closed. About 800,000 federal workers, from FBI agents to scientists and some food inspectors, are furloughed or working without pay while trying to meet their routine financial obligations. US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz wrote in a Twitter post on Monday that "Our #USCG members sail across the world to protect U.S. national interests while their loved ones cope w/ financial challenges & no pay at home." The longest ever An economist for the Internal Revenue Service in New York, Carol Lopilato, 59, has been effectively unemployed since December 23. With the IRS since 1987, she was lived through other shutdowns and said: "I never thought it would go on this long -- never." Lopilato told AFP that she is "lucky in a sense" because so far she has not faced financial difficulty. But "the longer it lasts, the more anxiety there is." She and others will eventually get backpay but more than one million contractors for the government don't even have that to hope for. "I'm about to lose my Medicaid, my car insurance" and driver's license, said Yvette Hicks, 40, a contractor with the Smithsonian museum complex. The single mother of two added: "Right now, this shutdown is really destroying me and my family." Hotels and bars have stepped in to offer free rooms and complementary snacks. There have been fund collections, and food banks -- which normally serve the most down-and-out -- have opened up their services. 'Unacceptable' The longest shutdown in US history is also beginning to have a political price. A majority of Americans hold the Republicans and the White House responsible, according to several polls. The political cost would have been even greater if Trump had followed through on threats to declare a national emergency in order to build his wall. Faced with likely court challenges, he backed off. With his offer on Saturday, Trump held out protection from deportation for two categories of immigrants: 700,000 so-called "Dreamers," children of people who settled illegally in the United States, and who have become a favorite cause of the Democrats, as well as 300,000 other immigrants whose protected status is expiring. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, refused this "compilation of several previously rejected initiatives, each of which is unacceptable and in total, do not represent a good faith effort to restore certainty to people's lives." Trump, at the same time, alienated the fringe of his electorate opposed to what they saw as tantamount to an amnesty for the undocumented migrants. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to submit Trump's proposal for a vote this week. He will have to convince several Democrats of its merit in order to pass the text which, in any case, has little chance of being endorsed by the House. For the Republicans, the Senate vote should at least allow a resumption of discussions, and the text can be amended. But according to a senior House Democrat, James Clyburn, it is essential to first reopen the government because "these negotiations could take three or four weeks."

US govt shutdown enters 2nd month Tuesday, no quick end in sight yet

United States President Donald Trump early on Sunday again took on House Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that he is still pondering over Pelosi's request to postpone addressing the State of Union amid the ongoing partial shutdown in the Federal government, which has lasted 30 days and is still counting.

"Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of the Union speech. There are so many options- including doing it as per your written offer (made during the Shutdown, security is no problem), and my written acceptance. While a contract is a contract, I`ll get back to you soon!" Trump tweeted.

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Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of the Union speech, there are so many options - including doing it as per your written offer (made during the Shutdown, security is no problem), and my written acceptance. While a contract is a contract, I’ll get back to you soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1086984547856732161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to The Hill, Pelosi, last week, had pleaded President Trump to reschedule his speech that was slated to take place on January 29 and had also suggested the latter to "work together to determine another suitable date after the government has re-opened."

President Trump on Thursday cancelled Pelosi`s planned seven-day trip to Brussels, Afghanistan, and Egypt, as a "public relations event", citing the government shutdown, adding that the trip would be rescheduled once the shutdown is "over."

Trump`s response came a day after Pelosi asked him to postpone his State of the Union address to a later date after raising concerns about the security apparatus due to the shutdown.

The House Speaker had also suggested the US President deliver his comments for the State of Union in writing.

In addition, the US President also termed Pelosi as a 'Radical Democrat'&nbsp;for behaving too`irrationally and has gone so far to the left`."Nancy Pelosi has behaved so irrationally and has gone so far to the left that she has now officially become a Radical Democrat. She is so petrified of the "lefties" in her party that she has lost control...And by the way, clean up the streets in San Francisco, they are disgusting!" Trump added.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump early on Sunday again took on House Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that he is still pondering over Pelosi's request to postpone addressing the State of Union amid the ongoing partial shutdown in the Federal government, which has lasted 30 days and is still counting.

United States President Donald Trump early on Sunday again took on House Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that he is still pondering over Pelosi's request to postpone addressing the State of Union amid the ongoing partial shutdown in the Federal government, which has lasted 30 days and is still counting. "Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of the Union speech. There are so many options- including doing it as per your written offer (made during the Shutdown, security is no problem), and my written acceptance. While a contract is a contract, I`ll get back to you soon!" Trump tweeted. Nancy, I am still thinking about the State of the Union speech, there are so many options - including doing it as per your written offer (made during the Shutdown, security is no problem), and my written acceptance. While a contract is a contract, I’ll get back to you soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2019 × According to The Hill, Pelosi, last week, had pleaded President Trump to reschedule his speech that was slated to take place on January 29 and had also suggested the latter to "work together to determine another suitable date after the government has re-opened." President Trump on Thursday cancelled Pelosi`s planned seven-day trip to Brussels, Afghanistan, and Egypt, as a "public relations event", citing the government shutdown, adding that the trip would be rescheduled once the shutdown is "over." Trump`s response came a day after Pelosi asked him to postpone his State of the Union address to a later date after raising concerns about the security apparatus due to the shutdown. The House Speaker had also suggested the US President deliver his comments for the State of Union in writing. In addition, the US President also termed Pelosi as a 'Radical Democrat' for behaving too`irrationally and has gone so far to the left`."Nancy Pelosi has behaved so irrationally and has gone so far to the left that she has now officially become a Radical Democrat. She is so petrified of the "lefties" in her party that she has lost control...And by the way, clean up the streets in San Francisco, they are disgusting!" Trump added.

Trump still 'thinking' on Pelosi's proposal of postponing State of Union speech

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump travelled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday to receive the remains of four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in northern Syria.

Trump, locked in a battle with congressional Democrats that has led to a nearly month-long partial government shutdown, announced his trip via a predawn tweet, saying he was going "to be with the families of 4 very special people who lost their lives in service to our Country!"

Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House prior to departure that he planned to meet the families, a duty which he said "might be the toughest thing I have to do as president."

He was greeted by military staff at Dover Air Force Base after a short flight from Joint Base Andrews, but did not speak to reporters before entering his motorcade.

Flanked by military officials, Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan filed up a ramp leading onto a military transport aircraft, where a prayer was given to honour the memory of Scott Wirtz, a civilian Department of Defense employee from St. Louis.

Trump filed down the plank and saluted while six service members clad in fatigues and white gloves carried an American flag-draped casket carrying Wirtz to a waiting grey van.

The Dover base is a traditional hub for returning the remains of American troops abroad.

The United States believes the attack that killed the Americans was the work of Islamic State militants.

Trump announced last month that he planned to speedily withdraw US&nbsp;troops from Syria, but has since said it does not need to go quickly as he tries to ensure safety of Kurdish allies in northern Syria who are at risk of attack from neighbouring Turkey.

Trump told reporters on Saturday that his Syria policy has made progress but that some work remained in destroying Islamic State targets. He defended his plans for a withdrawal.

"It's moving along very well, but when I took over it was a total mess. But you do have to ask yourself, we’re killing ISIS for Russia, for Iran, for Syria, for Iraq, for a lot of other places. At some point you want to bring our people back home," he said.

In addition to Wirtz, those who died during the Wednesday attack in Manbij, Syria, were Army Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent, 35, identified as being from upstate New York, the Department of Defense said in a statement.

The Pentagon did not identify the fourth person killed, a contractor working for a private company. U.S. media identified her as Ghadir Taher, a 27-year-old employee of defence contractor Valiant Integrated Services.

US President Donald Trump travelled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday to receive the remains of four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in northern Syria.

US President Donald Trump travelled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Saturday to receive the remains of four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in northern Syria. Trump, locked in a battle with congressional Democrats that has led to a nearly month-long partial government shutdown, announced his trip via a predawn tweet, saying he was going "to be with the families of 4 very special people who lost their lives in service to our Country!" Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House prior to departure that he planned to meet the families, a duty which he said "might be the toughest thing I have to do as president." He was greeted by military staff at Dover Air Force Base after a short flight from Joint Base Andrews, but did not speak to reporters before entering his motorcade. Flanked by military officials, Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan filed up a ramp leading onto a military transport aircraft, where a prayer was given to honour the memory of Scott Wirtz, a civilian Department of Defense employee from St. Louis. Trump filed down the plank and saluted while six service members clad in fatigues and white gloves carried an American flag-draped casket carrying Wirtz to a waiting grey van. The Dover base is a traditional hub for returning the remains of American troops abroad. The United States believes the attack that killed the Americans was the work of Islamic State militants. Trump announced last month that he planned to speedily withdraw US troops from Syria, but has since said it does not need to go quickly as he tries to ensure safety of Kurdish allies in northern Syria who are at risk of attack from neighbouring Turkey. Trump told reporters on Saturday that his Syria policy has made progress but that some work remained in destroying Islamic State targets. He defended his plans for a withdrawal. "It's moving along very well, but when I took over it was a total mess. But you do have to ask yourself, we’re killing ISIS for Russia, for Iran, for Syria, for Iraq, for a lot of other places. At some point you want to bring our people back home," he said. In addition to Wirtz, those who died during the Wednesday attack in Manbij, Syria, were Army Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent, 35, identified as being from upstate New York, the Department of Defense said in a statement. The Pentagon did not identify the fourth person killed, a contractor working for a private company. U.S. media identified her as Ghadir Taher, a 27-year-old employee of defence contractor Valiant Integrated Services.

Trump receives remains of 4 Americans killed in Syria

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday.

Brett McGurk, who quit as America's envoy to the anti-IS coalition after Trump declared victory over the group last month, warned a US withdrawal would shore up President Bashar al-Assad and lessen America's leverage with Russia and Iran.

And "the Islamic State and other extremist groups will fill the void opened by our departure, regenerating their capacity to threaten our friends in Europe —- as they did throughout 2016 —- and ultimately our own homeland," McGurk wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post.

McGurk, a Barack Obama-era appointee whom Trump kept on, said he was in the US embassy in Baghdad on December 17 when he got an urgent call from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informing him of Trump's decision.

Two days later, Trump tweeted, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria."

"But that was not true, and we have continued to conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State," McGurk said.

The decision came just days after National Security Advisor John Bolton had suggested an indefinite US troop presence in Syria, and as McGurk and then defense secretary Jim Mattis met coalition partners to confirm commitments for at least the next year.

"My counterparts in coalition capitals were bewildered," McGurk said.&nbsp;

"The president's decision to leave Syria was made without deliberation, consultation with allies or Congress, assessment of risk, or appreciation of facts."

Mattis quit after Trump's decision.

Female sailor killed

McGurk said Trump had made his decision after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had said Istanbul would lead the fight against IS remnants in Syria.&nbsp;

But Turkey has also vowed to take action against US-backed Syrian Kurds who have conducted the fight against IS and lost thousands of troops as they slowly wrested territory from the jihadists.&nbsp;

"The irony is that defeating the Islamic State is what the president said from the beginning was his goal," McGurk said.&nbsp;

"His recent choices, unfortunately, are already giving the Islamic State -- and other American adversaries -- new life."

Just one month after Trump declared victory over IS, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria this week.

Four Americans, including two services personnel, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago.

The Pentagon on Friday identified three of those killed.&nbsp;

Among them was Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent of New York. Her death marked the first time a female US service member was killed in Syria.

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday.

President Donald Trump's decision to pull US troops from Syria was made without deliberation, left allies "bewildered" and has rejuvenated the Islamic State group, the official formerly in charge of fighting the jihadists said Friday. Brett McGurk, who quit as America's envoy to the anti-IS coalition after Trump declared victory over the group last month, warned a US withdrawal would shore up President Bashar al-Assad and lessen America's leverage with Russia and Iran. And "the Islamic State and other extremist groups will fill the void opened by our departure, regenerating their capacity to threaten our friends in Europe —- as they did throughout 2016 —- and ultimately our own homeland," McGurk wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. McGurk, a Barack Obama-era appointee whom Trump kept on, said he was in the US embassy in Baghdad on December 17 when he got an urgent call from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informing him of Trump's decision. Two days later, Trump tweeted, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria." "But that was not true, and we have continued to conduct airstrikes against the Islamic State," McGurk said. The decision came just days after National Security Advisor John Bolton had suggested an indefinite US troop presence in Syria, and as McGurk and then defense secretary Jim Mattis met coalition partners to confirm commitments for at least the next year. "My counterparts in coalition capitals were bewildered," McGurk said. "The president's decision to leave Syria was made without deliberation, consultation with allies or Congress, assessment of risk, or appreciation of facts." Mattis quit after Trump's decision. Female sailor killed McGurk said Trump had made his decision after a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had said Istanbul would lead the fight against IS remnants in Syria. But Turkey has also vowed to take action against US-backed Syrian Kurds who have conducted the fight against IS and lost thousands of troops as they slowly wrested territory from the jihadists. "The irony is that defeating the Islamic State is what the president said from the beginning was his goal," McGurk said. "His recent choices, unfortunately, are already giving the Islamic State -- and other American adversaries -- new life." Just one month after Trump declared victory over IS, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria this week. Four Americans, including two services personnel, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago. The Pentagon on Friday identified three of those killed. Among them was Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent of New York. Her death marked the first time a female US service member was killed in Syria.

Trump giving 'new life' to IS, former envoy says

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-north-korean-holds-rare-washington-talks-to-prepare-summit-191312">Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator</a>.

The announcement came amid a diplomatic flurry in Washington surrounding the visit of Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, and marked a sign of movement in a denuclearisation effort that has stalled since a landmark meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12.

"President Donald J. Trump met with Kim Yong Chol for an hour and a half to discuss denuclearisation and a second summit, which will take place near the end of February," White House spokesman Sarah Sanders said. She said a location would be announced later.&nbsp;

The summit was announced despite the fact there has been no indication of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States and Pyongyang's demands for a lifting of punishing sanctions.

Sanders said that Trump's talks with the North Korean envoy were productive but added that the United States "is going to continue to keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea."

The first summit produced a vague commitment by Kim Jong Un to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction.

Nevertheless, both he and Trump had expressed an interest in arranging a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-willing-to-host-trump-kim-summit-report-191254">second meeting</a>, something some US-based analysts see as premature. Critics of US efforts say the first summit only boosted Kim's international stature without much to show for it.

Trump declared just after the Singapore meeting that the nuclear threat posed by North Korea was over. But hours before Kim Yong Chol's arrival on Thursday, the US president unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out the country as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat."

Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the conservative Washington-based Center for the National Interest, called the agreement to hold another summit positive. But he added: "Both nations must now show at least some tangible benefits from their diplomatic efforts during a second summit, or risk their efforts being panned as nothing more than reality TV."

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely site of the next summit. There has also been speculation about other possible venues, including Bangkok, Hawaii, or a return to Singapore.

Trump seeking 'win'?

A senior US administration official said there was an exchange of letters for the leaders during the White House meeting, but gave no details of their content.

On his last visit to Washington in June, Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that helped overcome obstacles ahead of the summit in Singapore.

Friday's meeting followed 45 minutes of talks between Kim Yong Chol, regarded as a member of Kim Jong Un's inner circle, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was joined by US special representative on North Korea, Stephen Biegun.

Pompeo had planned to meet the North Korean envoy last November, but that meeting was postponed at the last moment.

US-based analysts said that North Korea, which has developed missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, would likely be seeking a clearer message from the Trump administration on any concessions it may be willing to make.

"The North Koreans need a real indication of what the US is willing to put on the table," said Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at 38 North, a Washington-based think tank.

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Wednesday that if North Korea took concrete steps toward abandoning its weapons programs, Washington could offer a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, humanitarian aid or a permanent channel for bilateral dialogue.

Victor Cha, a former White House adviser on Asia under President George W&nbsp;Bush, suggested that Trump may be so desperate for a policy "win" that he could be vulnerable to a bad deal with North Korea.

"I worry that the timing works to North Korea's benefit," Cha said, citing pressures on Trump such as the partial US government shutdown and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian ties to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Earlier this month, Trump defended the stuttering progress on North Korea by saying that Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you'd be having a nice big fat war in Asia."

In another sign of diplomatic movement, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Stockholm, where she may be joined later at the weekend by Biegun. Washington has been keen to set up talks between the two but North Korea has resisted such contacts.

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator.

US President Donald Trump will hold a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February but will maintain economic sanctions on Pyongyang, the White House said on Friday after Trump met Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator. The announcement came amid a diplomatic flurry in Washington surrounding the visit of Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, and marked a sign of movement in a denuclearisation effort that has stalled since a landmark meeting between Trump and the North Korean leader in Singapore on June 12. "President Donald J. Trump met with Kim Yong Chol for an hour and a half to discuss denuclearisation and a second summit, which will take place near the end of February," White House spokesman Sarah Sanders said. She said a location would be announced later. The summit was announced despite the fact there has been no indication of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States and Pyongyang's demands for a lifting of punishing sanctions. Sanders said that Trump's talks with the North Korean envoy were productive but added that the United States "is going to continue to keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea." The first summit produced a vague commitment by Kim Jong Un to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction. Nevertheless, both he and Trump had expressed an interest in arranging a second meeting, something some US-based analysts see as premature. Critics of US efforts say the first summit only boosted Kim's international stature without much to show for it. Trump declared just after the Singapore meeting that the nuclear threat posed by North Korea was over. But hours before Kim Yong Chol's arrival on Thursday, the US president unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out the country as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat." Harry Kazianis, an analyst at the conservative Washington-based Center for the National Interest, called the agreement to hold another summit positive. But he added: "Both nations must now show at least some tangible benefits from their diplomatic efforts during a second summit, or risk their efforts being panned as nothing more than reality TV." Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely site of the next summit. There has also been speculation about other possible venues, including Bangkok, Hawaii, or a return to Singapore. Trump seeking 'win'? A senior US administration official said there was an exchange of letters for the leaders during the White House meeting, but gave no details of their content. On his last visit to Washington in June, Kim Yong Chol delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that helped overcome obstacles ahead of the summit in Singapore. Friday's meeting followed 45 minutes of talks between Kim Yong Chol, regarded as a member of Kim Jong Un's inner circle, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was joined by US special representative on North Korea, Stephen Biegun. Pompeo had planned to meet the North Korean envoy last November, but that meeting was postponed at the last moment. US-based analysts said that North Korea, which has developed missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, would likely be seeking a clearer message from the Trump administration on any concessions it may be willing to make. "The North Koreans need a real indication of what the US is willing to put on the table," said Jenny Town, a North Korea expert at 38 North, a Washington-based think tank. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said on Wednesday that if North Korea took concrete steps toward abandoning its weapons programs, Washington could offer a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War, humanitarian aid or a permanent channel for bilateral dialogue. Victor Cha, a former White House adviser on Asia under President George W Bush, suggested that Trump may be so desperate for a policy "win" that he could be vulnerable to a bad deal with North Korea. "I worry that the timing works to North Korea's benefit," Cha said, citing pressures on Trump such as the partial US government shutdown and the ongoing investigation into alleged Russian ties to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Earlier this month, Trump defended the stuttering progress on North Korea by saying that Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you'd be having a nice big fat war in Asia." In another sign of diplomatic movement, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui arrived in Stockholm, where she may be joined later at the weekend by Biegun. Washington has been keen to set up talks between the two but North Korea has resisted such contacts.

Trump, North Korea's Kim to hold second summit in late February

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-discussed-missile-defence-cooperation-with-india-pentagons-missile-defence-review-2019-191084">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-discussed-missile-defence-cooperation-with-india-pentagons-missile-defence-review-2019-191084"> discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019</a>

Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India. The MDR 2019 said the discussion is part of "natural outgrowth" of India’s status as a major defence partner and "a key element of our Indo-Pacific Strategy."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cancels-us-delegations-trip-to-davos-amid-shutdown-191091">Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown</a>

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the&nbsp;US delegation's trip to the annual&nbsp;international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-to-get-satellite-from-isro-to-strengthen-border-security-191102">Ministry of Home Affairs to get satellite from ISRO to strengthen border security</a>

A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111">Food surpluses have led to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111">dip</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/food-surpluses-have-led-to-dip-in-farmers-income-jaitley-191111"> in farmers' income: Arun Jaitley</a>

Amid speculation that the BJP-led central government may introduce an income support scheme, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said food surpluses have caused both food prices and farmers' income to plunge, posing a policy challenge.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-prince-philip-97-escapes-unhurt-from-car-crash-191090">UK's Prince Philip escapes unhurt in car crash</a>

Queen Elizabeth's 97-year-old husband&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Philip escaped uninjured from a car crash while driving on Thursday near the Sandringham estate in eastern England.

&nbsp;

US discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019 Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India.

US discussed missile defence cooperation with India: Pentagon's missile defence review 2019 Pentagon's missile defence review (MDR) 2019 has said the United States has discussed "potential missile defence cooperation" with India. The MDR 2019 said the discussion is part of "natural outgrowth" of India’s status as a major defence partner and "a key element of our Indo-Pacific Strategy." Trump cancels US delegation's trip to Davos amid shutdown President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the US delegation's trip to the annual international conference at Davos, saying the officials were needed in Washington to tackle the shutdown of the federal government. Ministry of Home Affairs to get satellite from ISRO to strengthen border security A satellite for exclusive use by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)The satellite will be used for the purpose of utilising space resources for security, operational planning and border infrastructure development. Food surpluses have led to dip in farmers' income: Arun Jaitley Amid speculation that the BJP-led central government may introduce an income support scheme, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said food surpluses have caused both food prices and farmers' income to plunge, posing a policy challenge. UK's Prince Philip escapes unhurt in car crash Queen Elizabeth's 97-year-old husband Prince Philip escaped uninjured from a car crash while driving on Thursday near the Sandringham estate in eastern England.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-bound-honduran-migrant-caravan-grows-as-trump-argues-for-wall-190630">Hundreds of Hondurans</a> have set out on a trek to the United States, forming another caravan that US President Donald Trump cited Tuesday to justify building a wall on the border with Mexico.

"A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!"

As the procession left the town of San Pedro Sula under a steady rain Monday night, one of the migrants summed up their plight: "We are leaving because there is crime and no work," said Juan Garcia, 52.

Many said they had answered an anonymous social media posting referring to a January 15 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/need-to-solve-a-border-dispute-look-to-ethiopia-and-uzbekistan-188937">migrant </a>caravan leaving Honduras' second city. Most are young men, but the caravan also includes older people, including women carrying children. Some had wrapped themselves in the blue-and-white Honduran flag.

"In this country, there is nothing. Only unemployment, corruption, violence, extortion, which is why we fled the country," said Darwin Omar Reyes, 19, from the capital Tegucigalpa.

More than 500 people set out from the center of San Pedro Sula, which is 180 kilometers (110 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa.

It was from the same transport hub that some 2,000 Hondurans left on October 13 in the first of a series of US-bound caravans. That and other migrant flows from El Salvador and Guatemala came to total some 13,000 people.

Tougher border policies

More than half turned around and went home, eventually. Hundreds -- down from much larger numbers late last year -- remain at the Mexican border with the United States, held back by tougher border policies under Trump and support among his base for his proposed border wall.

Marlin Alcantara, 31, said from among a group of people in the back of a pick-up truck that she was fleeing domestic violence and had documentation that would support her entry to the US. She was travelling with two daughters aged nine and 13.

"My particular case is delicate. We were victims of my mother's husband. The miserable man is in prison now but it's not enough. The worst thing is that she is on his side," said Alcantara. "That's why I made the decision to go," she said.

Kevin Ramos, 18, worked at a coffee plantation in western Honduras before he was made unemployed two months ago.&nbsp;

"With God's help, we can get a job in the United States," he said. He said his father had urged him to join the caravan.

Many said they had lost hope under President Juan Orlando Hernandez. "We don't want that president, who is destroying our lives," said Javier Moran.

Hernandez's rise to power in 2014 elections provided a surge of hope for Hondurans, but Moran said that a year into his second term, that hope had dissipated.&nbsp;

Living in shelters

According to Honduras' embassy in Mexico, around 2,500 Hondurans from earlier caravans are currently living in shelters in Mexico, and that only about 3 per cent of them are likely to achieve their goal of asylum in the United States.

The Honduran foreign ministry estimates that, in all, around 13,000 Hondurans arrived in Mexico in recent months, of which around 7,200 voluntarily returned to their country after being blocked at the Mexico-US border. A total of 11 migrants had died.

The first caravan, on October 13, sparked a Twitter-borne stream of anti-migrant invective from the US president.

Trump has refused to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments in a showdown with Democrats over funding for his border wall project, leading to the longest government shutdown in US history.

The president has made the migrant caravans one of his main targets as part of his broader anti-immigration drive in mid-term elections last November.

Hundreds of Hondurans have set out on a trek to the United States, forming another caravan that US President Donald Trump cited Tuesday to justify building a wall on the border with Mexico.

Hundreds of Hondurans have set out on a trek to the United States, forming another caravan that US President Donald Trump cited Tuesday to justify building a wall on the border with Mexico. "A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!" As the procession left the town of San Pedro Sula under a steady rain Monday night, one of the migrants summed up their plight: "We are leaving because there is crime and no work," said Juan Garcia, 52. Many said they had answered an anonymous social media posting referring to a January 15 migrant caravan leaving Honduras' second city. Most are young men, but the caravan also includes older people, including women carrying children. Some had wrapped themselves in the blue-and-white Honduran flag. "In this country, there is nothing. Only unemployment, corruption, violence, extortion, which is why we fled the country," said Darwin Omar Reyes, 19, from the capital Tegucigalpa. More than 500 people set out from the center of San Pedro Sula, which is 180 kilometers (110 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa. It was from the same transport hub that some 2,000 Hondurans left on October 13 in the first of a series of US-bound caravans. That and other migrant flows from El Salvador and Guatemala came to total some 13,000 people. Tougher border policies More than half turned around and went home, eventually. Hundreds -- down from much larger numbers late last year -- remain at the Mexican border with the United States, held back by tougher border policies under Trump and support among his base for his proposed border wall. Marlin Alcantara, 31, said from among a group of people in the back of a pick-up truck that she was fleeing domestic violence and had documentation that would support her entry to the US. She was travelling with two daughters aged nine and 13. "My particular case is delicate. We were victims of my mother's husband. The miserable man is in prison now but it's not enough. The worst thing is that she is on his side," said Alcantara. "That's why I made the decision to go," she said. Kevin Ramos, 18, worked at a coffee plantation in western Honduras before he was made unemployed two months ago. "With God's help, we can get a job in the United States," he said. He said his father had urged him to join the caravan. Many said they had lost hope under President Juan Orlando Hernandez. "We don't want that president, who is destroying our lives," said Javier Moran. Hernandez's rise to power in 2014 elections provided a surge of hope for Hondurans, but Moran said that a year into his second term, that hope had dissipated. Living in shelters According to Honduras' embassy in Mexico, around 2,500 Hondurans from earlier caravans are currently living in shelters in Mexico, and that only about 3 per cent of them are likely to achieve their goal of asylum in the United States. The Honduran foreign ministry estimates that, in all, around 13,000 Hondurans arrived in Mexico in recent months, of which around 7,200 voluntarily returned to their country after being blocked at the Mexico-US border. A total of 11 migrants had died. The first caravan, on October 13, sparked a Twitter-borne stream of anti-migrant invective from the US president. Trump has refused to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments in a showdown with Democrats over funding for his border wall project, leading to the longest government shutdown in US history. The president has made the migrant caravans one of his main targets as part of his broader anti-immigration drive in mid-term elections last November.

Hondurans form a new US-bound caravan, drawing fire from Trump

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-shutdown-starting-to-hurt-trumps-financial-deregulation-agenda-191010">US government shutdown</a> escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address.&nbsp;

The rising tension suggested that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-impact-on-us-government-widens-on-25th-day-of-shutdown-190682">shutdown</a>, now in its 27th day, remains far from being resolved.&nbsp;

In the meantime, the Trump administration continued to try to mitigate the shutdown's impact. The State Department said it would call its furloughed employees back to work next week for national security reasons.

Pelosi had been scheduled to travel on a military aircraft as part of a congressional delegation to Belgium, where NATO is based, and Afghanistan to visit American troops stationed there.&nbsp;

In a letter to Pelosi denying her delegation the use of a plane, the Republican president called the trip an "excursion" but the Democrat`s spokesman said the trip to the Afghanistan war zone was for security and intelligence briefings.&nbsp;

"In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate," Trump wrote.

He told Pelosi she could make the trip by flying commercial.

Trump`s intervention stopped the trip just as Pelosi and other lawmakers were about to travel.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump had acted within his authority as commander in chief.&nbsp;

"He postponed her ability to use military air, which must be approved" by the Department of Defense, Sanders said.

A spokesman for Pelosi, Drew Hammill, said the trip to Brussels was intended "to affirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the NATO alliance."&nbsp;

The Afghanistan leg of the trip would have obtained "critical national security and intelligence briefings from those on the front lines," Hammill said.

A House Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that details of the trip were not supposed to be revealed for security reasons, as is customary. The White House, however, made the letter to Pelosi detailing the itinerary public.

A US&nbsp;defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pelosi had requested and been granted Defense Department support for overseas travel, although the president has the authority to cancel Pelosi`s travel.

At the Capitol, members of the delegation had already boarded a bus bound for Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, from which the plane was set to depart when news of Trump`s decision broke.&nbsp;

It appeared to be a response to a letter Pelosi sent to Trump on Tuesday, suggesting he delay the annual State of the Union address to Congress, scheduled for January 29, to some point after the government reopens.&nbsp;

Pelosi cited concerns over the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service to safeguard the Capitol during the event. The agency later said it was capable of securing the venue.&nbsp;

Trump`s action drew criticism from one of his Republican allies in the Senate. "One sophomoric response does not deserve another," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

He criticised Pelosi`s move on the State of the Union as "blatantly political" but said, "President Trump denying Speaker Pelosi military travel to visit our troops in Afghanistan, our allies in Egypt and NATO is also inappropriate."

Democratic Representative Elaine Luria, a first-year lawmaker and a 20-year Navy veteran, had harsh words for Trump.&nbsp;

"The president’s comment that lawmakers visiting Afghanistan is a ‘public relations event’ is an insult to the brave men and women serving in harm’s way,” Luria said.&nbsp;

Also on Thursday, the State Department said it would recall its employees and take steps to pay them salaries - a departure from other agencies.

"As a national security agency, it is imperative that the Department of State carries out its mission," Deputy Under Secretary of State Bill Todd said in a statement. "We are best positioned to do so with fully staffed embassies, consulates and domestic offices."

Todd said the department`s employees would be paid on February 14 for work performed beginning on or after this coming Sunday. The department would review its available funds and "legal authorities" beyond the upcoming pay period to try to cover future payments, he said.

About one-quarter of federal agencies have been shuttered since December 22, with Democratic lawmakers refusing to accede to Trump`s demands to pay for a wall along the US border with Mexico.

Trump is holding out for $5.7 billion for a border wall. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have rejected his demands, saying there are cheaper, more effective ways of enhancing border security.

Before leaving for the weekend, the House passed another bill that would fund the government through February 28, but the vote was later vacated and held over until next week after a procedural objection from Republicans.&nbsp;

The Senate, however, has refused to bring any funding bill to the floor for a vote that Trump does not support.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial US government shutdown escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address.

President Donald Trump's conflict with Democrats over a partial US government shutdown escalated on Thursday with Trump denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi use of military aircraft for an overseas trip in apparent retaliation for her suggestion that he delay the annual State of the Union address. The rising tension suggested that the shutdown, now in its 27th day, remains far from being resolved. In the meantime, the Trump administration continued to try to mitigate the shutdown's impact. The State Department said it would call its furloughed employees back to work next week for national security reasons. Pelosi had been scheduled to travel on a military aircraft as part of a congressional delegation to Belgium, where NATO is based, and Afghanistan to visit American troops stationed there. In a letter to Pelosi denying her delegation the use of a plane, the Republican president called the trip an "excursion" but the Democrat`s spokesman said the trip to the Afghanistan war zone was for security and intelligence briefings. "In light of the 800,000 great American workers not receiving pay, I am sure you would agree that postponing this public relations event is totally appropriate," Trump wrote. He told Pelosi she could make the trip by flying commercial. Trump`s intervention stopped the trip just as Pelosi and other lawmakers were about to travel. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump had acted within his authority as commander in chief. "He postponed her ability to use military air, which must be approved" by the Department of Defense, Sanders said. A spokesman for Pelosi, Drew Hammill, said the trip to Brussels was intended "to affirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the NATO alliance." The Afghanistan leg of the trip would have obtained "critical national security and intelligence briefings from those on the front lines," Hammill said. A House Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that details of the trip were not supposed to be revealed for security reasons, as is customary. The White House, however, made the letter to Pelosi detailing the itinerary public. A US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pelosi had requested and been granted Defense Department support for overseas travel, although the president has the authority to cancel Pelosi`s travel. At the Capitol, members of the delegation had already boarded a bus bound for Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, from which the plane was set to depart when news of Trump`s decision broke. It appeared to be a response to a letter Pelosi sent to Trump on Tuesday, suggesting he delay the annual State of the Union address to Congress, scheduled for January 29, to some point after the government reopens. Pelosi cited concerns over the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service to safeguard the Capitol during the event. The agency later said it was capable of securing the venue. Trump`s action drew criticism from one of his Republican allies in the Senate. "One sophomoric response does not deserve another," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on Twitter. He criticised Pelosi`s move on the State of the Union as "blatantly political" but said, "President Trump denying Speaker Pelosi military travel to visit our troops in Afghanistan, our allies in Egypt and NATO is also inappropriate." Democratic Representative Elaine Luria, a first-year lawmaker and a 20-year Navy veteran, had harsh words for Trump. "The president’s comment that lawmakers visiting Afghanistan is a ‘public relations event’ is an insult to the brave men and women serving in harm’s way,” Luria said. Also on Thursday, the State Department said it would recall its employees and take steps to pay them salaries - a departure from other agencies. "As a national security agency, it is imperative that the Department of State carries out its mission," Deputy Under Secretary of State Bill Todd said in a statement. "We are best positioned to do so with fully staffed embassies, consulates and domestic offices." Todd said the department`s employees would be paid on February 14 for work performed beginning on or after this coming Sunday. The department would review its available funds and "legal authorities" beyond the upcoming pay period to try to cover future payments, he said. About one-quarter of federal agencies have been shuttered since December 22, with Democratic lawmakers refusing to accede to Trump`s demands to pay for a wall along the US border with Mexico. Trump is holding out for $5.7 billion for a border wall. Democrats, who took over the US House of Representatives this month, have rejected his demands, saying there are cheaper, more effective ways of enhancing border security. Before leaving for the weekend, the House passed another bill that would fund the government through February 28, but the vote was later vacated and held over until next week after a procedural objection from Republicans. The Senate, however, has refused to bring any funding bill to the floor for a vote that Trump does not support.

Trump blocks Pelosi's trip as tensions mount over US government shutdown

&nbsp;In a victory for President Donald Trump, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-says-assumption-is-russia-sanctions-will-stay-the-same-181465">US&nbsp;Senate on Wednesday rejected</a> legislation to keep sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including aluminum firm Rusal.

Senators voted 57-42 to end debate on the measure, as 11 of Trump's fellow Republicans broke from party leaders to join Democrats in favour of the resolution, amid questions about Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

That result fell short of the 60 votes necessary to advance to a final passage vote in the 100-member Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 seat majority.

A similar measure will be brought up for a vote on Thursday in the House of Representatives, where Democrats control a majority of seats. But its long-term fate was uncertain. To keep the administration from lifting the sanctions, the measure must pass both the House and Senate and muster the two-thirds majority needed in both chambers to override an expected Trump veto.

Many members of Congress have been questioning the US&nbsp;Treasury Department's decision in December to ease sanctions imposed in April on the core businesses of Deripaska - Rusal, its parent, En, and power firm EuroSibEnergo - watering down the toughest penalties imposed on Russian entities since Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Deripaska, an influential businessman close to Putin, himself would remain subject to US&nbsp;sanctions.

The Trump administration pushed Republican lawmakers not to support the resolution introduced by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, which would have prevented the administration from lifting the sanctions.

"Forty-two Republican senators chose today to stand with Vladimir Putin," Schumer said in a statement. "I’m extremely disappointed that many of my Republican colleagues are too afraid of breaking with President Trump to stand up to a thug."

Senate aides said Treasury officials had approached senators and staff repeatedly in recent days to argue that it was appropriate to lift the sanctions because Deripaska had agreed to cut back his controlling stakes.

They said the sanctions on Deripaska would punish him, but lifting restrictions on the companies would avoid potential effects on companies in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

Rusal is the world's largest aluminum producer outside China. The sanctions on the company spurred demand for Chinese metal. China's aluminum exports jumped to a record high in 2018.

The Russian companies, along with some European governments, also lobbied for months for the sanctions to be eased.

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney welcomed the outcome of the Senate vote, saying he hoped it would pave the way for sanctions to be lifted that affect the Irish company Aughinish Alumina, a Rusal unit.

"We respect different views in US&nbsp;on sanctions, but our focus has always been on protecting jobs and livelihoods in Ireland and EU," he said on Twitter.

Democrats had been optimistic they would get 60 votes on Wednesday, after 11 Republicans made the unusual break from Trump policies and supported the resolution in procedural voting on Tuesday.

Backers of the resolution of disapproval said it was too soon to ease sanctions, given Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine, the finding by U.S. intelligence that Moscow interfered in the 2016 U.S. election to boost Trump, and Russia's support for the Syrian government in that country's civil war.

The US&nbsp;military said on Wednesday that four Americans had been killed in Syria in a bomb attack claimed by Islamic State militants.

Deripaska had ties with Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign manager, documents have shown. Manafort is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States.

The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, dismissed the Democratic-led resolution as a political stunt.

In a victory for President Donald Trump, the US Senate on Wednesday rejected legislation to keep sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including aluminum firm Rusal.

In a victory for President Donald Trump, the US Senate on Wednesday rejected legislation to keep sanctions on companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including aluminum firm Rusal. Senators voted 57-42 to end debate on the measure, as 11 of Trump's fellow Republicans broke from party leaders to join Democrats in favour of the resolution, amid questions about Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That result fell short of the 60 votes necessary to advance to a final passage vote in the 100-member Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 seat majority. A similar measure will be brought up for a vote on Thursday in the House of Representatives, where Democrats control a majority of seats. But its long-term fate was uncertain. To keep the administration from lifting the sanctions, the measure must pass both the House and Senate and muster the two-thirds majority needed in both chambers to override an expected Trump veto. Many members of Congress have been questioning the US Treasury Department's decision in December to ease sanctions imposed in April on the core businesses of Deripaska - Rusal, its parent, En, and power firm EuroSibEnergo - watering down the toughest penalties imposed on Russian entities since Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Deripaska, an influential businessman close to Putin, himself would remain subject to US sanctions. The Trump administration pushed Republican lawmakers not to support the resolution introduced by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, which would have prevented the administration from lifting the sanctions. "Forty-two Republican senators chose today to stand with Vladimir Putin," Schumer said in a statement. "I’m extremely disappointed that many of my Republican colleagues are too afraid of breaking with President Trump to stand up to a thug." Senate aides said Treasury officials had approached senators and staff repeatedly in recent days to argue that it was appropriate to lift the sanctions because Deripaska had agreed to cut back his controlling stakes. They said the sanctions on Deripaska would punish him, but lifting restrictions on the companies would avoid potential effects on companies in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. Rusal is the world's largest aluminum producer outside China. The sanctions on the company spurred demand for Chinese metal. China's aluminum exports jumped to a record high in 2018. The Russian companies, along with some European governments, also lobbied for months for the sanctions to be eased. Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney welcomed the outcome of the Senate vote, saying he hoped it would pave the way for sanctions to be lifted that affect the Irish company Aughinish Alumina, a Rusal unit. "We respect different views in US on sanctions, but our focus has always been on protecting jobs and livelihoods in Ireland and EU," he said on Twitter. Democrats had been optimistic they would get 60 votes on Wednesday, after 11 Republicans made the unusual break from Trump policies and supported the resolution in procedural voting on Tuesday. Backers of the resolution of disapproval said it was too soon to ease sanctions, given Russia's continuing aggression in Ukraine, the finding by U.S. intelligence that Moscow interfered in the 2016 U.S. election to boost Trump, and Russia's support for the Syrian government in that country's civil war. The US military said on Wednesday that four Americans had been killed in Syria in a bomb attack claimed by Islamic State militants. Deripaska had ties with Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign manager, documents have shown. Manafort is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States. The Senate's Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, dismissed the Democratic-led resolution as a political stunt.

US Senate rejects sanctions on Russia's aluminium firm Rusal, tycoon Deripaska

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-opened-probe-into-whether-trump-working-for-russians-report-189750">US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia</a>.&nbsp;

"Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told a briefing after a journalist asked if Trump was a Russian agent.

Ushakov said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them."

The intriguing question of whether Trump is a Russian agent — he has been uncharacteristically soft on Putin — was raised after reports in the New York Times and the Washington Post.&nbsp;

The Post said Trump had gone out of his way to keep the details of his meetings with Putin — they have met five times since Trump became president — secret, even from his own aides.&nbsp;

The Times meanwhile reported that the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was actually working for Russia after he fired former FBI director James Comey.&nbsp;

Trump was then asked by Fox News' Jeanine Pirro whether he did or had ever worked for Russia. The question was friendly but Trump seemed to exacerbate the situation by saying that "was the most insulting thing he had ever been asked", while refusing to say a simple no.&nbsp;

Trump later said that he had "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question."&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia. "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?

A top Putin aide said Wednesday it was "stupid" to suggest US President Donald Trump might be working for Russia. "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told a briefing after a journalist asked if Trump was a Russian agent. Ushakov said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them." The intriguing question of whether Trump is a Russian agent — he has been uncharacteristically soft on Putin — was raised after reports in the New York Times and the Washington Post. The Post said Trump had gone out of his way to keep the details of his meetings with Putin — they have met five times since Trump became president — secret, even from his own aides. The Times meanwhile reported that the FBI had opened an investigation into whether Trump was actually working for Russia after he fired former FBI director James Comey. Trump was then asked by Fox News' Jeanine Pirro whether he did or had ever worked for Russia. The question was friendly but Trump seemed to exacerbate the situation by saying that "was the most insulting thing he had ever been asked", while refusing to say a simple no. Trump later said that he had "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question." (With inputs from AFP)

'Stupid' to suggest Trump is working for Russia: Top Putin aide

Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general said Tuesday he does not believe the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia is a "witch hunt," contradicting the president.

"I don't believe Mr&nbsp;Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Bill Barr said, referring to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading the probe.

Barr made the comment <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-justice-nominee-faces-questions-over-russia-probe-189944">under questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee</a> on the first day of hearings into his nomination by Trump to lead the Justice Department.

Barr was under pressure to guarantee he would protect the 20-month-old Mueller investigation from interference by Trump, a possible target of the probe.

Democrats suggested the Trump has recruited Barr, who was previously attorney general from 1991-1993, to protect him from the investigation, which focuses on whether Trump's 2016 election campaign colluded with Russians and whether Trump obstructed the probe.

Before his nomination in December, Barr had written a memo to the Justice Department and the White House, including to Trump's private lawyers, arguing that the president's May 2017 firing of FBI director James Comey over the Russia probe did not constitute obstruction of justice.

"Your memo also shows a large sweeping view of presidential authority and a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller," said Senator Dianne Feinstein, the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

"The attorney general must be willing to resist political pressure and be committed to protecting this investigation," she said.

Barr's confirmation by the majority Republican committee is expected. But Democrats were using the occasion to extract pledges from him to defend Mueller from White House interference and to make public whatever conclusions the investigation comes up with.

But Republican committee Chairman Lindsey Graham opened the hearing with a strong criticism of individuals in the Justice Department and the FBI who were involved in launching the Russia investigation, echoing Trump's accusation that they were "corrupt."

"We're relying upon you to clean this place up," Graham said.

Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general said Tuesday he does not believe the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia is a "witch hunt," contradicting the president.

Donald Trump's nominee for US attorney general said Tuesday he does not believe the investigation into possible election collusion with Russia is a "witch hunt," contradicting the president. "I don't believe Mr Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Bill Barr said, referring to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is heading the probe. Barr made the comment under questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee on the first day of hearings into his nomination by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Barr was under pressure to guarantee he would protect the 20-month-old Mueller investigation from interference by Trump, a possible target of the probe. Democrats suggested the Trump has recruited Barr, who was previously attorney general from 1991-1993, to protect him from the investigation, which focuses on whether Trump's 2016 election campaign colluded with Russians and whether Trump obstructed the probe. Before his nomination in December, Barr had written a memo to the Justice Department and the White House, including to Trump's private lawyers, arguing that the president's May 2017 firing of FBI director James Comey over the Russia probe did not constitute obstruction of justice. "Your memo also shows a large sweeping view of presidential authority and a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller," said Senator Dianne Feinstein, the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. "The attorney general must be willing to resist political pressure and be committed to protecting this investigation," she said. Barr's confirmation by the majority Republican committee is expected. But Democrats were using the occasion to extract pledges from him to defend Mueller from White House interference and to make public whatever conclusions the investigation comes up with. But Republican committee Chairman Lindsey Graham opened the hearing with a strong criticism of individuals in the Justice Department and the FBI who were involved in launching the Russia investigation, echoing Trump's accusation that they were "corrupt." "We're relying upon you to clean this place up," Graham said.

Trump nominee for attorney general says Mueller probe is no 'witch hunt'

The United States and North Korea plan to hold <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-latest-defection-tells-us-about-hopes-for-peace-on-korean-peninsula-189130">high-level talks in Washington</a> this week to discuss a second summit of their leaders, following a prolonged stalemate in nuclear talks, a South Korean newspaper said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The meeting, led by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, would happen on Thursday or Friday, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing an unnamed diplomatic source familiar with the talks.

Both sides are expected to finalise the date and location of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-expected-summit-with-trump-in-talks-in-china-report-189075">second summit</a> between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and the North`s envoy is likely to meet Trump, the paper said.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the White House. Asked about the report, a State Department official said, "We don`t have any meetings to announce."

If confirmed, this week`s meeting could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after a months-long standoff over how to move forward in ending North Korea`s nuclear and missile programmes.

Pompeo, who made several trips to Pyongyang last year, sought to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute.&nbsp;

Contact was resumed after Kim`s New Year`s speech, in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week.&nbsp;

Interim measures

Washington and Seoul have been discussing potential US measures to reciprocate North Korea`s possible steps toward denuclearisation, such as dismantling the Yongbyon main nuclear complex or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) aimed at the United States, South Korean officials told Reuters.&nbsp;

The United States is considering partially easing sanctions in exchange for the North`s discarding and sending abroad its ICBMs, in addition to a freeze in its nuclear programme, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing the source.&nbsp;

Potential US corresponding action also includes exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and tour ventures and opening a liaison office as a prelude to a formal launch of diplomatic relations, Seoul officials said.&nbsp;

"Those ideas are being discussed as interim measures, not as an end state, in order to expedite the denuclearisation process because the North wouldn`t respond to any demand for a declaration of facilities and weapons," a senior South Korean official said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;

"The end goal remains unchanged, whether it be complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, or final, fully verified denuclearisation."&nbsp;

The official said a second summit between Trump and Kim might happen in late February or early March, though "No one knows what Trump is thinking."

Kim renewed his resolve to meet Trump again during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week.

Trump also said this month he had received a "great" letter from Kim and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future.&nbsp;

"At the second summit, they`ll probably focus on reaching a possible interim deal rather than a comprehensive roadmap for denuclearisation," said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea`s Sejong Institute.&nbsp;

"Whether Pyongyang is willing to abolish ICBMs, in addition to disabling the Yongbyon complex, would be key, and if so, the North will likely demand sanctions relief in return."

The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second summit of their leaders, following a prolonged stalemate in nuclear talks, a South Korean newspaper said on Tuesday.

The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second summit of their leaders, following a prolonged stalemate in nuclear talks, a South Korean newspaper said on Tuesday. The meeting, led by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, would happen on Thursday or Friday, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing an unnamed diplomatic source familiar with the talks. Both sides are expected to finalise the date and location of a second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and the North`s envoy is likely to meet Trump, the paper said. There was no immediate comment from the White House. Asked about the report, a State Department official said, "We don`t have any meetings to announce." If confirmed, this week`s meeting could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after a months-long standoff over how to move forward in ending North Korea`s nuclear and missile programmes. Pompeo, who made several trips to Pyongyang last year, sought to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute. Contact was resumed after Kim`s New Year`s speech, in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. Interim measures Washington and Seoul have been discussing potential US measures to reciprocate North Korea`s possible steps toward denuclearisation, such as dismantling the Yongbyon main nuclear complex or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) aimed at the United States, South Korean officials told Reuters. The United States is considering partially easing sanctions in exchange for the North`s discarding and sending abroad its ICBMs, in addition to a freeze in its nuclear programme, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing the source. Potential US corresponding action also includes exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and tour ventures and opening a liaison office as a prelude to a formal launch of diplomatic relations, Seoul officials said. "Those ideas are being discussed as interim measures, not as an end state, in order to expedite the denuclearisation process because the North wouldn`t respond to any demand for a declaration of facilities and weapons," a senior South Korean official said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. "The end goal remains unchanged, whether it be complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, or final, fully verified denuclearisation." The official said a second summit between Trump and Kim might happen in late February or early March, though "No one knows what Trump is thinking." Kim renewed his resolve to meet Trump again during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week. Trump also said this month he had received a "great" letter from Kim and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future. "At the second summit, they`ll probably focus on reaching a possible interim deal rather than a comprehensive roadmap for denuclearisation," said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea`s Sejong Institute. "Whether Pyongyang is willing to abolish ICBMs, in addition to disabling the Yongbyon complex, would be key, and if so, the North will likely demand sanctions relief in return."

US, North Korea to hold talks this week after nuclear standoff: Report

US President &nbsp;Trump has said that his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fed-could-rethink-rate-hikes-as-trump-trade-wars-drag-on-economy-185760">trade and tariff policies have started</a> working and many countries, including India, have opened up their markets for American poultry and agricultural products that were not allowed previously.

Addressing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">100th annual convention of the American Farm</a> Bureau Federation on Monday, he said, "India and Morocco have opened their markets to our poultry exports. We do so much for them, it's incredible. Japan opened its market to US exports of potatoes from Idaho and lamb from the great State of Texas."

He also said that under the Trump administration, the US is turning all of that around with fair trade deals that put American farmers, ranchers, and in fact put America first.&nbsp;

"That's what I'm interested in, American first," he added.

For the first time in a quarter of a century, Argentina recently opened its market for American pork exports, Trump said.&nbsp;

"They (Argentina) needed something. I said, you have to open it up to pork, and they said, okay. I said, why didn't you do it before? They said, nobody ever asked us. A lot of it is that. You would be amazed. Nobody ever asked us," the US President said.&nbsp;

Similarly, he said that beef from the US has been shipped to Brazil for the first time since 2003. "They're going to have a great new leader. They say he's the Donald Trump of South America. Do you believe it," Trump told the cheering farmers.

Asserting that the US has taken the toughest ever actions to confront China's unfair trade practices that hurt American farmers and ranchers, he said,"This includes China's theft of trade secrets from American agribusiness."

He said he could not believe how complicated their business is with the seeds and the genetic farming.&nbsp;

"It's incredible. People don't know this. But your secrets were being stolen by China and, in all fairness, other countries. We want a fair deal for American farmers removing China's arbitrary bans on agricultural imports, safeguarding our intellectual property, and providing fair market access to all American producers," the US President said.

Trump said the US has also made history by finalising an agreement to replace the "horrible" North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a brand-new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, called the USMCA.&nbsp;

Alleging that the NAFTA was one of the worst trade deals ever made by a country, he said the new landmark trade deal will increase exports of wheat from Montana, dairy from Wisconsin, chicken from Georgia, and products from farmers and ranchers all across the country.

"As part of the USMCA, Canada agreed to give fair treatment to the US wheat farmers. They will now grade American wheat just like they grade their own," he said.

According to Trump, over the last 15 years there has been a continual decline in the US' share of agricultural trade all throughout the world.&nbsp;

"It's all going in the wrong direction. It's changing now. Wait till you see what happens. We do the right deal with China, you're talking about massive - and they're already backordering, right? They're already back. I told them. I said you got to start ordering. You're going to order. They're going to order, and they're already started," he said.

"We're turning all of that around with fair trade deals that put American farmers, ranchers, and in fact put America first. That's what I'm interested in, American first," the US President said.

US President Trump has said that his trade and tariff policies have started working and many countries, including India, have opened up their markets for American poultry and agricultural products that were not allowed previously.

US President Trump has said that his trade and tariff policies have started working and many countries, including India, have opened up their markets for American poultry and agricultural products that were not allowed previously. Addressing the 100th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation on Monday, he said, "India and Morocco have opened their markets to our poultry exports. We do so much for them, it's incredible. Japan opened its market to US exports of potatoes from Idaho and lamb from the great State of Texas." He also said that under the Trump administration, the US is turning all of that around with fair trade deals that put American farmers, ranchers, and in fact put America first. "That's what I'm interested in, American first," he added. For the first time in a quarter of a century, Argentina recently opened its market for American pork exports, Trump said. "They (Argentina) needed something. I said, you have to open it up to pork, and they said, okay. I said, why didn't you do it before? They said, nobody ever asked us. A lot of it is that. You would be amazed. Nobody ever asked us," the US President said. Similarly, he said that beef from the US has been shipped to Brazil for the first time since 2003. "They're going to have a great new leader. They say he's the Donald Trump of South America. Do you believe it," Trump told the cheering farmers. Asserting that the US has taken the toughest ever actions to confront China's unfair trade practices that hurt American farmers and ranchers, he said,"This includes China's theft of trade secrets from American agribusiness." He said he could not believe how complicated their business is with the seeds and the genetic farming. "It's incredible. People don't know this. But your secrets were being stolen by China and, in all fairness, other countries. We want a fair deal for American farmers removing China's arbitrary bans on agricultural imports, safeguarding our intellectual property, and providing fair market access to all American producers," the US President said. Trump said the US has also made history by finalising an agreement to replace the "horrible" North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with a brand-new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, called the USMCA. Alleging that the NAFTA was one of the worst trade deals ever made by a country, he said the new landmark trade deal will increase exports of wheat from Montana, dairy from Wisconsin, chicken from Georgia, and products from farmers and ranchers all across the country. "As part of the USMCA, Canada agreed to give fair treatment to the US wheat farmers. They will now grade American wheat just like they grade their own," he said. According to Trump, over the last 15 years there has been a continual decline in the US' share of agricultural trade all throughout the world. "It's all going in the wrong direction. It's changing now. Wait till you see what happens. We do the right deal with China, you're talking about massive - and they're already backordering, right? They're already back. I told them. I said you got to start ordering. You're going to order. They're going to order, and they're already started," he said. "We're turning all of that around with fair trade deals that put American farmers, ranchers, and in fact put America first. That's what I'm interested in, American first," the US President said.

Tariff policies working, India, Morocco have opened markets to our poultry exports: Trump

The United States is extending until <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-entirely-close-us-mexico-border-unless-wall-demands-met-187046">September 30 the deployment of </a>active duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the border with Mexico, officials said Monday.

As part of the move to extend the mission <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/military-will-build-mexico-border-wall-if-democrats-refuse-trump-183450">past the original January 31 deadline</a>, the Pentagon said it was "transitioning its support at the southwestern border from hardening ports of entry to mobile surveillance and detection, as well as concertina wire emplacement between ports of entry."

"DoD will continue to provide aviation support," the statement added, referring to the Department of Defense.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan approved the extension in response to a request from the Homeland Security Department, the Pentagon said in a statement. There are about 2,350 troops assigned to the border mission.

The impasse has paralysed Washington - its impact felt increasingly around the country - with the president refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute.

As a result, 800,000 federal employees - including FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff - received no paychecks on Friday.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents challenges, but Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a crusade.&nbsp;

He tweeted Sunday that "The building of the Wall on the Southern Border will bring down the crime rate throughout the entire Country!"&nbsp;

Some studies show that illegal immigrants commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States.

Only in recent days has Trump begun describing the problem as "humanitarian," referring in a tweet Saturday to "a massive Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border."

President Donald Trump has refused to back away from his demand that lawmakers approve funding to build a Mexico border wall.

Due to&nbsp;the US government shutdown, small business administration loans to help mom-and-pop businesses trying to invest, hire and grow have been delayed.

There are no government loans for seeds or cattle feed and none of the regular Agriculture Department data about crop yields and commodity prices that farmers depend on to plan for the coming year.

Permits from some oil and gas drilling - which feeds into GDP calculations - are delayed.

The United States is extending until September 30 the deployment of active duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the border with Mexico, officials said Monday.

The United States is extending until September 30 the deployment of active duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the border with Mexico, officials said Monday. As part of the move to extend the mission past the original January 31 deadline, the Pentagon said it was "transitioning its support at the southwestern border from hardening ports of entry to mobile surveillance and detection, as well as concertina wire emplacement between ports of entry." "DoD will continue to provide aviation support," the statement added, referring to the Department of Defense. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan approved the extension in response to a request from the Homeland Security Department, the Pentagon said in a statement. There are about 2,350 troops assigned to the border mission. The impasse has paralysed Washington - its impact felt increasingly around the country - with the president refusing to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments unrelated to the dispute. As a result, 800,000 federal employees - including FBI agents, air traffic controllers and museum staff - received no paychecks on Friday. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the US-Mexican border presents challenges, but Trump has turned his single-minded push for more walls into a crusade. He tweeted Sunday that "The building of the Wall on the Southern Border will bring down the crime rate throughout the entire Country!" Some studies show that illegal immigrants commit fewer crimes than people born in the United States. Only in recent days has Trump begun describing the problem as "humanitarian," referring in a tweet Saturday to "a massive Humanitarian Crisis at our Southern Border." President Donald Trump has refused to back away from his demand that lawmakers approve funding to build a Mexico border wall. Due to the US government shutdown, small business administration loans to help mom-and-pop businesses trying to invest, hire and grow have been delayed. There are no government loans for seeds or cattle feed and none of the regular Agriculture Department data about crop yields and commodity prices that farmers depend on to plan for the coming year. Permits from some oil and gas drilling - which feeds into GDP calculations - are delayed.

US troop deployment at Mexico border extended till September: Pentagon

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. The&nbsp;projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION from Kabul, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar said, "These projects will help local communities in education, employment and livelihood generation and capacity building."

These projects are part of 577 development projects being funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million.

To appreciate India's efforts, Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah tweeted in Hindi, thank you India-- "#थैंक यू इंडिया"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today, together with HE Vinay Kumar <a href="https://twitter.com/vkumar1969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vkumar1969</a>, India’s Ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a>, we signed MoUs for implementing 26 projects worth $9.5 million; part of 577 development projects at total cost of $120 million, funded by India from 2005-2021. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#थैंक</a> यू इंडिया <a href="https://t.co/Oft9LsDYXs">pic.twitter.com/Oft9LsDYXs</a>
— Dr. Abdullah (@afgexecutive) <a href="https://twitter.com/afgexecutive/status/1084773818802016257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The tripartite agreement was signed between the government of India, Afghan ministry of economy and implementing ministries such as education, energy and water, public health, justice, rural rehabilitation and development. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar signed the MoU on behalf of India in the event which was presided over by Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah at the Sapedar palace.

According to a release by the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, "These projects come under the ambit of community-based Small Development Projects (SDP) which are aimed at building capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and institutions for governance and delivery of public service, developing socio-economic infrastructure, securing and promoting livelihood options"&nbsp;

The development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan and questioned the use of "library" India built in the country. US President in the first cabinet meet of 2019 had said, even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but he "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".

India immediately slammed the US with top sources telling WION, "Partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people."

Since 2001, India has undertaken projects worth over $2 billion in Afghanistan. In 2016, India pledged to allocate an additional $1 billion&nbsp;over the next five years as part of its commitment to assist Afghanistan. India's development partnership in the country can be classified into five sectors--infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, human resource development and capacity building, economic development, connectivity.

On the infrastructure front, India has built the Afghan Parliament, the India Afghanistan friendship dam and is currently building Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. On Capacity Building, more than 3500 Afghans undergoing various training programmes in India with New Delhi also offering 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. On, Humanitarian Assistance India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. To connect Afghanistan with India, Direct Air Freight Corridor was established in 2017 and Chabahar provides port connectivity.

ITEM FOR BOX

--India signs 11 MoUs with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth $ 9.5 million

--Projects include construction of classrooms, building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women.

--Projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. &nbsp;--Projects part of 577 development projects funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million

--Development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women.

India has signed 11 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth 9.5 million dollars. These projects include construction of classrooms, the building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. The projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. Speaking to WION from Kabul, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar said, "These projects will help local communities in education, employment and livelihood generation and capacity building." These projects are part of 577 development projects being funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million. To appreciate India's efforts, Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah tweeted in Hindi, thank you India-- "#थैंक यू इंडिया" Today, together with HE Vinay Kumar @vkumar1969, India’s Ambassador to #Afghanistan @IndianEmbKabul, we signed MoUs for implementing 26 projects worth $9.5 million; part of 577 development projects at total cost of $120 million, funded by India from 2005-2021. #थैंक यू इंडिया pic.twitter.com/Oft9LsDYXs — Dr. Abdullah (@afgexecutive) January 14, 2019 × The tripartite agreement was signed between the government of India, Afghan ministry of economy and implementing ministries such as education, energy and water, public health, justice, rural rehabilitation and development. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar signed the MoU on behalf of India in the event which was presided over by Afghanistan's chief executive Dr Abdullah Abdullah at the Sapedar palace. According to a release by the Indian embassy in Afghanistan, "These projects come under the ambit of community-based Small Development Projects (SDP) which are aimed at building capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and institutions for governance and delivery of public service, developing socio-economic infrastructure, securing and promoting livelihood options" The development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan and questioned the use of "library" India built in the country. US President in the first cabinet meet of 2019 had said, even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but he "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India immediately slammed the US with top sources telling WION, "Partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the Government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people." Since 2001, India has undertaken projects worth over $2 billion in Afghanistan. In 2016, India pledged to allocate an additional $1 billion over the next five years as part of its commitment to assist Afghanistan. India's development partnership in the country can be classified into five sectors--infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, human resource development and capacity building, economic development, connectivity. On the infrastructure front, India has built the Afghan Parliament, the India Afghanistan friendship dam and is currently building Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. On Capacity Building, more than 3500 Afghans undergoing various training programmes in India with New Delhi also offering 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. On, Humanitarian Assistance India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. To connect Afghanistan with India, Direct Air Freight Corridor was established in 2017 and Chabahar provides port connectivity. ITEM FOR BOX --India signs 11 MoUs with Afghanistan for 26 projects worth $ 9.5 million --Projects include construction of classrooms, building of orphanages, health clinics, canal protection walls and enhancing economic opportunities for women. --Projects will be developed in seven provinces of Afghanistan-- Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kabul, Bamyan, Badghis and Kapisa. --Projects part of 577 development projects funded by India from 2005-2021 worth $120 million --Development comes days after US President Donald Trump mocked India's Development assistance in Afghanistan

Days after Trump jibe, India signs MoU with Afghanistan to build classrooms, orphanages

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-turkey-of-economic-devastation-if-it-hits-kurds-190087">Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump</a>

President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the&nbsp;US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095">Fuel prices continue to rise on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095">fifth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-on-fifth-consecutive-day-petrol-crosses-rs-70-in-delhi-190095"> consecutive day, petrol crosses Rs 70 in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-maria-sharapova-hands-harriet-dart-a-double-bagel-in-campaign-opener-190097">Australia Open: Maria Sharapova hands Harriet Dart a double bagel in campaign opener</a>

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098">Theresa May heads to Brexit-backing city to make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098">last-ditch</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-heads-to-brexit-backing-city-to-make-last-ditch-plea-to-rebel-mps-190098"> plea to rebel MPs</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday repeat weekend&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/theresa-may-requests-mps-to-back-brexit-deal-190017">warnings to MPs</a>poised to reject her EU divorce deal that failing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-dates-from-leave-shock-to-no-confidence-vote-183632">Brexit&nbsp;</a>would be "catastrophic" for British democracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-republicans-oppose-border-emergency-as-shutdown-drags-on-190088">Top Republicans oppose border 'emergency' as shutdown drags on</a>

Top Republican lawmakers on Sunday warned against Donald&nbsp;Trump declaring a national emergency&nbsp;to secure funds for a border wall, signalling doubts within the president's party as a government shutdown was set to enter the fourth workweek.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara. Fuel prices continue to rise on fifth consecutive day, petrol crosses Rs 70 in Delhi Fuel prices continued to increase for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with prices of petrol crossing over Rs 70 in Delhi. While petrol witnessed an increase of 38 paise in Delhi and Mumbai, prices of diesel rose by 49 paise in Delhi and 52 paise in Mumbai. Australia Open: Maria Sharapova hands Harriet Dart a double bagel in campaign opener Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova took just 63 minutes to beat British qualifier Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in the first match on Rod Laver Arena at this year’s Australian Open on Monday. Theresa May heads to Brexit-backing city to make last-ditch plea to rebel MPs Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday repeat weekend warnings to MPspoised to reject her EU divorce deal that failing to deliver Brexit would be "catastrophic" for British democracy. Top Republicans oppose border 'emergency' as shutdown drags on Top Republican lawmakers on Sunday warned against Donald Trump declaring a national emergency to secure funds for a border wall, signalling doubts within the president's party as a government shutdown was set to enter the fourth workweek.

President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-us-begins-process-of-pulling-out-from-syria-189878">US troop pullout from Syria</a>, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

Trump took to Twitter to reveal some of his latest thoughts in the slow drip-drip of information being released by his administration after his shocking December announcement of the troop withdrawal.

His top <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-optimistic-syria-kurds-turkey-can-be-protected-189910">diplomat Mike Pompeo</a> is on a whirlwind regional tour aimed at reassuring allies amid rising tensions between the US and Turkey over the fate of Washington's Syrian Kurdish allies in the fight against the Islamic State group.

Pompeo also sought to reassure Washington's Kurdish allies in the fight against IS, who fear the departure of American troops would allow Turkey to attack them.

Turkey had reacted angrily to suggestions that Trump's plan to withdraw troops was conditional on the safety of the US-backed Kurdish fighters, seen by the Turkish government as terrorists.

"Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds," Trump tweeted while pushing for the creation of a 20-mile (30-kilometer) "safe zone."

"Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey."

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Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1084584259510304768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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....Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1084586625672376322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump did not detail who would create, enforce or pay for the safe zone, or where it would be located.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-led-coalition-withdrawing-equipment-from-syria-189689">US-led operations </a>against IS in Syria have been spearheaded on the ground by the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Ankara sees the backbone of that alliance, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), as a terrorist group linked to the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) which has fought a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.

On Saturday, more than 600 people were evacuated from the remaining IS holdout in eastern Syria, a monitor said, as US-backed fighters prepare for a final assault on the area.

"Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms," Trump said.

"Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term US policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!"

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head Rami Abdel Rahman said that several dozen jihadist fighters were among those evacuated to areas held by the Kurdish-Arab alliance.&nbsp;

Abdel Rahman said some 16,000 people, including 760 IS fighters, have fled the area since the start of December, though this marked the first time the SDF and the coalition provided buses, suggesting a deal struck between the warring sides.

Civilians still trapped

The United Nations said Friday that overall some 25,000 people have fled the violence over the last six months as the die-hard jihadists have battled to defend their dwindling bastions.&nbsp;

An estimated 2,000 civilians remain trapped in the area around the town of Hajin, the United Nations said.

The US-led coalition on Saturday fired over 20 missiles against jihadist positions, the Observatory said.&nbsp;

The monitor said some 300 SDF combatants had deployed near the village of Sousa in preparations for a final assault.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

President Donald Trump warned Turkey on Sunday of economic devastation if it attacks Kurdish forces in the wake of the US troop pullout from Syria, while also urging the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara. Trump took to Twitter to reveal some of his latest thoughts in the slow drip-drip of information being released by his administration after his shocking December announcement of the troop withdrawal. His top diplomat Mike Pompeo is on a whirlwind regional tour aimed at reassuring allies amid rising tensions between the US and Turkey over the fate of Washington's Syrian Kurdish allies in the fight against the Islamic State group. Pompeo also sought to reassure Washington's Kurdish allies in the fight against IS, who fear the departure of American troops would allow Turkey to attack them. Turkey had reacted angrily to suggestions that Trump's plan to withdraw troops was conditional on the safety of the US-backed Kurdish fighters, seen by the Turkish government as terrorists. "Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds," Trump tweeted while pushing for the creation of a 20-mile (30-kilometer) "safe zone." "Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey." Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2019 × ....Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term U.S. policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2019 × Trump did not detail who would create, enforce or pay for the safe zone, or where it would be located. US-led operations against IS in Syria have been spearheaded on the ground by the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ankara sees the backbone of that alliance, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), as a terrorist group linked to the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) which has fought a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. On Saturday, more than 600 people were evacuated from the remaining IS holdout in eastern Syria, a monitor said, as US-backed fighters prepare for a final assault on the area. "Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms," Trump said. "Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term US policy of destroying ISIS in Syria - natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS!" Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head Rami Abdel Rahman said that several dozen jihadist fighters were among those evacuated to areas held by the Kurdish-Arab alliance. Abdel Rahman said some 16,000 people, including 760 IS fighters, have fled the area since the start of December, though this marked the first time the SDF and the coalition provided buses, suggesting a deal struck between the warring sides. Civilians still trapped The United Nations said Friday that overall some 25,000 people have fled the violence over the last six months as the die-hard jihadists have battled to defend their dwindling bastions. An estimated 2,000 civilians remain trapped in the area around the town of Hajin, the United Nations said. The US-led coalition on Saturday fired over 20 missiles against jihadist positions, the Observatory said. The monitor said some 300 SDF combatants had deployed near the village of Sousa in preparations for a final assault.

Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds: Trump

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated.

According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February.

The reports have mentioned Vietnam as the potential venue for the meeting.

Vietnam which hosts a North Korean embassy is also located within the limited flying range of Kim's personal jet.&nbsp;

The North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho had met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi in December.&nbsp;

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had also visited Vietnam in June last year during which he called on Kim to "seize the moment and replicate Hanoi's economic reforms".

Trump had said earlier that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-nkorea-negotiating-on-location-for-next-kim-summit-188593">negotiations were underway</a> to decide on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said: "We are negotiating a location".

He had also mentioned about a receiving a "great letter" from North Korean leader.

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated. According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February.

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated. According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February. The reports have mentioned Vietnam as the potential venue for the meeting. Vietnam which hosts a North Korean embassy is also located within the limited flying range of Kim's personal jet. The North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho had met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi in December. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had also visited Vietnam in June last year during which he called on Kim to "seize the moment and replicate Hanoi's economic reforms". Trump had said earlier that negotiations were underway to decide on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said: "We are negotiating a location". He had also mentioned about a receiving a "great letter" from North Korean leader.

Second Trump-Kim Summit likely in February: Report

Amid reports of United States beginning to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-led-coalition-withdrawing-equipment-from-syria-189689">pullout&nbsp;from Syria</a>, the focus now shifts to Afghanistan. Reports suggest that the US president will do the same in Afghanistan -- withdraw troops from America's longest war.&nbsp;

Just like Syria, while US lawmakers and policymakers remain divided over the pullout move with respect to Afghanistan, the man who shaped the post-Taliban Afghanistan believes this would be a good decision.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's former president talked about his views on Trump's policy on Afghanistan, China's growing presence around the region and India's role as one of Afghanistan's strategic allies.&nbsp;

Karzai said that America will never leave Afghanistan owing to its strategic placement on the world map.&nbsp;

Watch the full interview here:

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"We have a very strategic location, we have all the other superpowers in our neighbourhood -- Russia is there, China is there, India is there and we have regional powers surrounding us as well, therefore our location is surely to interest the United States. Truly, that is one of the reasons why the US is there. The US will stay in Afghanistan and would like to stay in Afghanistan," former Afghan president said.&nbsp;

He agreed that the Americans have turned his country into a war lab. As per a UNICEF report, the violence in Afghanistan maimed or killed some 5,000 children within the first three quarters of 2018. Many have been wounded, thousands lost their lives.

"This is one of the worst things they could have done to Afghanistan and they did it; that is the reason why they lost the support of the Afghan people. This is something that I have condemned very strongly and I would do it again and again. I would raise my condemnation against that atrocity again," Karzai told WION.&nbsp;

Karzai identified India as a key ally and stated that it can play a greater role in Afghanistan.&nbsp;India's work has been consistent in Afghanistan. Over the years, India has built more than four thousand kilometres of roads, dams and hydropower plants. But Karzai thinks that India has the ability to do more.&nbsp;

"India has the ability, the stature and the presence in Afghanistan, in the minds and the hearts of the people, to be able to do things independently. India is the most strategic of Afghanistan's allies in terms of the bilateral relations between the two countries, in terms of the help that India has given to Afghanistan. India has and will continue to play a role in Afghanistan," ex-Afghan president said.&nbsp;

Beijing wants to extend the China-Pakistan Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. Karzai says Kabul welcomes provided it brings a 'win-win' situation to both China and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"We all have political ambitions, Afghanistan has political ambitions, India has. Economic power brings you the power to reach political ambitions. It is legitimate, there is nothing wrong in that as long as you do it not at the cost of others; as long as you do it in a win-win&nbsp;situation," he noted.&nbsp;

Karzai further added that he doesn't think US president Donald Trump intended to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">mock India on the library incident</a>.&nbsp;

"I don't think his intention was to mock India. I think it did not occur to him at that time that it was not a library but a parliament house. People make mistakes and say things," he said.&nbsp;

Amid reports of United States beginning to pullout from Syria, the focus now shifts to Afghanistan. Reports suggest that the US president will do the same in Afghanistan -- withdraw troops from America's longest war.

Amid reports of United States beginning to pullout from Syria, the focus now shifts to Afghanistan. Reports suggest that the US president will do the same in Afghanistan -- withdraw troops from America's longest war. Just like Syria, while US lawmakers and policymakers remain divided over the pullout move with respect to Afghanistan, the man who shaped the post-Taliban Afghanistan believes this would be a good decision. In an exclusive interview with WION, Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's former president talked about his views on Trump's policy on Afghanistan, China's growing presence around the region and India's role as one of Afghanistan's strategic allies. Karzai said that America will never leave Afghanistan owing to its strategic placement on the world map. Watch the full interview here: × "We have a very strategic location, we have all the other superpowers in our neighbourhood -- Russia is there, China is there, India is there and we have regional powers surrounding us as well, therefore our location is surely to interest the United States. Truly, that is one of the reasons why the US is there. The US will stay in Afghanistan and would like to stay in Afghanistan," former Afghan president said. He agreed that the Americans have turned his country into a war lab. As per a UNICEF report, the violence in Afghanistan maimed or killed some 5,000 children within the first three quarters of 2018. Many have been wounded, thousands lost their lives. "This is one of the worst things they could have done to Afghanistan and they did it; that is the reason why they lost the support of the Afghan people. This is something that I have condemned very strongly and I would do it again and again. I would raise my condemnation against that atrocity again," Karzai told WION. Karzai identified India as a key ally and stated that it can play a greater role in Afghanistan. India's work has been consistent in Afghanistan. Over the years, India has built more than four thousand kilometres of roads, dams and hydropower plants. But Karzai thinks that India has the ability to do more. "India has the ability, the stature and the presence in Afghanistan, in the minds and the hearts of the people, to be able to do things independently. India is the most strategic of Afghanistan's allies in terms of the bilateral relations between the two countries, in terms of the help that India has given to Afghanistan. India has and will continue to play a role in Afghanistan," ex-Afghan president said. Beijing wants to extend the China-Pakistan Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. Karzai says Kabul welcomes provided it brings a 'win-win' situation to both China and Afghanistan. "We all have political ambitions, Afghanistan has political ambitions, India has. Economic power brings you the power to reach political ambitions. It is legitimate, there is nothing wrong in that as long as you do it not at the cost of others; as long as you do it in a win-win situation," he noted. Karzai further added that he doesn't think US president Donald Trump intended to mock India on the library incident. "I don't think his intention was to mock India. I think it did not occur to him at that time that it was not a library but a parliament house. People make mistakes and say things," he said.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai tells WION why he thinks US would like to stay in Afghanistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462">President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday he would not declare a national emergency "right now" to end a standoff over border security that has idled large swaths of the US government, all but guaranteeing that he will preside over the longest shutdown in US history.

The dispute has disrupted everything from air travel to tax collection and suspended pay for 800,000 government workers.

Trump has repeatedly described the situation at the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refuses-to-sign-us-government-shutdown-legislation-over-mexico-wall-funding-185571&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi__cy2ieffAhWJv48KHX_iDGkQFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ICS4HGTNKnSKjSI8j7hnX"> US-Mexico border </a>as a "humanitarian crisis" as speculation has increased this week that he would circumvent Congress to begin building his signature wall - a move that would be sure to draw a court challenge from Democrats who say the barrier would be barbaric and ineffective.

Instead, the president urged lawmakers to provide him the $5.7 billion he is seeking for border security.

"The easy solution is for me to call a national emergency. I could do that very quickly," Trump said during a White House event on border security. "I have the absolute right to do it. But I'm not going to do it so fast. Because this is something Congress should do."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mocked the president as she told reporters it was up to Trump to make the next move.

"Let's give him time to think it through. Think? Did I say think?" she said.

Trump spoke after lawmakers had adjourned for the weekend, precluding any possible action until next week. On Saturday, the shutdown will become the longest in US history.

Earlier on Friday, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 240-179 to restore funding for the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, two of the agencies that have been shuttered since December 22.

But Republicans who control the Senate have so far stood with Trump and insisted that any spending bills include money for his wall. The chamber wrapped up business for the week without taking up the House-passed bill.

A national emergency would allow Trump to divert money from other projects to pay for the wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 campaign. That, in turn, could prompt him to sign bills that restore funding to agencies that have been affected by the shutdown.

Diverting money to the wall could shortchange flood-control efforts in California and reconstruction programs in Puerto Rico, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, according to Democratic Representative John Garamendi, who represents a district in California that would potentially be affected.

Trump already has threatened to withhold disaster-recovery approved in the wake of California wildfires.

"He has done everything he can to harm California," Garamendi told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Some of Trump's fellow Republicans are warning against a disaster declaration, saying it would undercut Congress's power under the U.S. Constitution to control government spending - and make it easier for a future Democratic president to bypass Capitol Hill.

"It's a bad precedent," Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on CNBC.

SHUTDOWN IMPACT

Meanwhile, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prolonged-us-shutdown-threatens-to-unsettle-economy-187290"> impact of the shutdown </a>began to mount.

Miami International Airport said it will close one of its terminals early over the next several days due to a possible shortage of security screeners, who have been calling in sick at twice the normal rate.

A union that represents thousands of air traffic controllers sued the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday, saying it had violated federal wage law by failing to pay workers. It is at least the third lawsuit filed by unions on behalf of unpaid workers.

Roughly 800,000 federal workers did not receive paychecks that would have gone out on Friday. Some have resorted to selling their possessions or posting appeals on online fundraising sites to help pay their bills.

"Most of them are living from paycheck to paycheck and now they approach this day on Friday having moved from paycheck to no check," Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings said in debate on the House floor.

The head of the US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting Trump, warned employees that financial stress can lead to depression and anxiety. "Keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble," Director RD&nbsp;"Tex" Alles wrote in a memo seen by Reuters.

Vice President Mike Pence said Trump will sign legislation passed in Congress that will provide back pay to federal workers once the government reopens.

"Your families will get your paychecks," he told US Customs and Border Protection officers at the agency's Washington headquarters.

Separately, Senator Rob Portman and eight other Republican senators introduced legislation that would permanently outlaw the closing of government operations during budget fights, underscoring the growing frustration in Washington.

During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged that Mexico would pay for the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. But the Mexican government has refused and Trump is now demanding that Congress provide funding.

"They can name it 'peaches.' I don't care what they name it. But we need money for that barrier," Trump said.

President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not declare a national emergency "right now" to end a standoff over border security that has idled large swaths of the US government, all but guaranteeing that he will preside over the longest shutdown in US history.

President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not declare a national emergency "right now" to end a standoff over border security that has idled large swaths of the US government, all but guaranteeing that he will preside over the longest shutdown in US history. The dispute has disrupted everything from air travel to tax collection and suspended pay for 800,000 government workers. Trump has repeatedly described the situation at the US-Mexico border as a "humanitarian crisis" as speculation has increased this week that he would circumvent Congress to begin building his signature wall - a move that would be sure to draw a court challenge from Democrats who say the barrier would be barbaric and ineffective. Instead, the president urged lawmakers to provide him the $5.7 billion he is seeking for border security. "The easy solution is for me to call a national emergency. I could do that very quickly," Trump said during a White House event on border security. "I have the absolute right to do it. But I'm not going to do it so fast. Because this is something Congress should do." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mocked the president as she told reporters it was up to Trump to make the next move. "Let's give him time to think it through. Think? Did I say think?" she said. Trump spoke after lawmakers had adjourned for the weekend, precluding any possible action until next week. On Saturday, the shutdown will become the longest in US history. Earlier on Friday, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 240-179 to restore funding for the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, two of the agencies that have been shuttered since December 22. But Republicans who control the Senate have so far stood with Trump and insisted that any spending bills include money for his wall. The chamber wrapped up business for the week without taking up the House-passed bill. A national emergency would allow Trump to divert money from other projects to pay for the wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 campaign. That, in turn, could prompt him to sign bills that restore funding to agencies that have been affected by the shutdown. Diverting money to the wall could shortchange flood-control efforts in California and reconstruction programs in Puerto Rico, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, according to Democratic Representative John Garamendi, who represents a district in California that would potentially be affected. Trump already has threatened to withhold disaster-recovery approved in the wake of California wildfires. "He has done everything he can to harm California," Garamendi told Reuters in a telephone interview. Some of Trump's fellow Republicans are warning against a disaster declaration, saying it would undercut Congress's power under the U.S. Constitution to control government spending - and make it easier for a future Democratic president to bypass Capitol Hill. "It's a bad precedent," Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on CNBC. SHUTDOWN IMPACT Meanwhile, the impact of the shutdown began to mount. Miami International Airport said it will close one of its terminals early over the next several days due to a possible shortage of security screeners, who have been calling in sick at twice the normal rate. A union that represents thousands of air traffic controllers sued the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday, saying it had violated federal wage law by failing to pay workers. It is at least the third lawsuit filed by unions on behalf of unpaid workers. Roughly 800,000 federal workers did not receive paychecks that would have gone out on Friday. Some have resorted to selling their possessions or posting appeals on online fundraising sites to help pay their bills. "Most of them are living from paycheck to paycheck and now they approach this day on Friday having moved from paycheck to no check," Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings said in debate on the House floor. The head of the US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting Trump, warned employees that financial stress can lead to depression and anxiety. "Keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble," Director RD "Tex" Alles wrote in a memo seen by Reuters. Vice President Mike Pence said Trump will sign legislation passed in Congress that will provide back pay to federal workers once the government reopens. "Your families will get your paychecks," he told US Customs and Border Protection officers at the agency's Washington headquarters. Separately, Senator Rob Portman and eight other Republican senators introduced legislation that would permanently outlaw the closing of government operations during budget fights, underscoring the growing frustration in Washington. During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged that Mexico would pay for the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. But the Mexican government has refused and Trump is now demanding that Congress provide funding. "They can name it 'peaches.' I don't care what they name it. But we need money for that barrier," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump stops short of emergency declaration in border wall fight

Mexican authorities said Thursday they had found 21 bodies on the US-Mexican border after a drug-gang shootout in a town near where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;visited&nbsp;later in the day.

The bodies -- some of them badly burned -- were found Wednesday in the border town of Miguel Aleman, about 170 miles (270 kilometres) from McAllen, Texas, the city Trump was due to visit as he continues his push to build his long-sought border wall.

"We have reports there was a shootout yesterday (Wednesday) between two criminal groups that ended with 21 people dead," the security spokesman for the state of Tamaulipas, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, told Mexican TV news channel Milenio.

"Some of them were burned. Seven vehicles were also located... It was a confrontation between two rival groups that are involved in a turf war over drug-trafficking routes."

The Mexican army found the bodies in a remote area following a tip-off, he said.

Tamaulipas has become one of the most violent states in Mexico as rival drug cartels fight each other for its strategic position on the US border.

Mexico has been racked by drug-related violence in recent years -- something Trump has alluded to in arguing his wall is needed to keep out violent criminals and narcotics.

McAllen, where he was meeting with border patrol agents, sits across from Tamaulipas. The US State Department has issued its most severe travel warning for the state because of violent crime, classifying it alongside countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

More than 200,000 people have been murdered in Mexico since the government deployed the army to fight the country's powerful drug cartels in 2006, including a record 28,711 in 2017.

Preliminary figures indicate the homicide record was broken again in 2018.

Mexican authorities said Thursday they had found 21 bodies on the US-Mexican border after a drug-gang shootout in a town near where President Donald Trump visited later in the day.

Mexican authorities said Thursday they had found 21 bodies on the US-Mexican border after a drug-gang shootout in a town near where President Donald Trump visited later in the day. The bodies -- some of them badly burned -- were found Wednesday in the border town of Miguel Aleman, about 170 miles (270 kilometres) from McAllen, Texas, the city Trump was due to visit as he continues his push to build his long-sought border wall. "We have reports there was a shootout yesterday (Wednesday) between two criminal groups that ended with 21 people dead," the security spokesman for the state of Tamaulipas, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, told Mexican TV news channel Milenio. "Some of them were burned. Seven vehicles were also located... It was a confrontation between two rival groups that are involved in a turf war over drug-trafficking routes." The Mexican army found the bodies in a remote area following a tip-off, he said. Tamaulipas has become one of the most violent states in Mexico as rival drug cartels fight each other for its strategic position on the US border. Mexico has been racked by drug-related violence in recent years -- something Trump has alluded to in arguing his wall is needed to keep out violent criminals and narcotics. McAllen, where he was meeting with border patrol agents, sits across from Tamaulipas. The US State Department has issued its most severe travel warning for the state because of violent crime, classifying it alongside countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 200,000 people have been murdered in Mexico since the government deployed the army to fight the country's powerful drug cartels in 2006, including a record 28,711 in 2017. Preliminary figures indicate the homicide record was broken again in 2018.

21 bodies found after drug gang shootout on US-Mexico border as Trump visits

President Donald <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-knew-hush-money-payments-were-wrong-ex-lawyer-cohen-184068">Trump's former personal attorney </a>Michael Cohen said on Thursday he had agreed to testify publicly before a congressional panel on February 7, as US House of Representatives Democrats began kicking off numerous <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-was-at-meeting-in-2015-when-hush-payments-were-discussed-source-183942">investigations of Trump</a>, his business interests and his administration.

Cohen said in a statement he had accepted an invitation to testify from Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

"I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired," Cohen said.

Cummings said the committee has no intention of interfering in ongoing criminal probes. He said, "To that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel Mueller’s office."

Special Counsel Robert Mueller for many months has been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election, possible collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign and potential obstruction of justice.

Russia has denied US intelligence agencies' findings that it meddled in the 2016 campaign, while Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and called Mueller's probe a "witch hunt." The investigation has clouded Trump's presidency.

Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to two women to help Trump in 2016 in violation of campaign laws, and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia.

Cohen once said he would take a bullet for Trump, who called his former close confidante a "Rat" on Twitter in mid-December.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said he hoped to schedule a closed-door hearing with Cohen later to discuss the Russia probe.

"Mr. Cohen has expressed an interest in telling his personal story in open session, and we welcome his testimony before the Committee on Oversight and Reform," Schiff said in a statement.

After Cohen was sentenced, Lanny Davis, an attorney who has been advising him on his media strategy, said Cohen wanted to speak publicly about Trump.

"I look forward to assisting Michael to state publicly all he knows about Mr. Trump - and that includes any appropriate congressional committee interested in the search for truth and the difference between facts and lies," Davis said in a statement at the time.

Cohen, Trump's self-described longtime "fixer," pleaded guilty to the campaign finance charge in August and to making false statements in November.

At a hearing last August in federal court in New York, Cohen testified that Trump had directed him to commit a crime by arranging payments before the 2016 election to two women who said they had engaged in extramarital affairs with Trump.

Adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, was paid $130,000 and former Playboy model Karen McDougal was paid $150,000 by Cohen.

President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen said on Thursday he had agreed to testify publicly before a congressional panel on February 7, as US House of Representatives Democrats began kicking off numerous investigations of Trump, his business interests and his administration.

President Donald Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen said on Thursday he had agreed to testify publicly before a congressional panel on February 7, as US House of Representatives Democrats began kicking off numerous investigations of Trump, his business interests and his administration. Cohen said in a statement he had accepted an invitation to testify from Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. "I look forward to having the privilege of being afforded a platform with which to give a full and credible account of the events which have transpired," Cohen said. Cummings said the committee has no intention of interfering in ongoing criminal probes. He said, "To that end, we are in the process of consulting with Special Counsel Mueller’s office." Special Counsel Robert Mueller for many months has been investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election, possible collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign and potential obstruction of justice. Russia has denied US intelligence agencies' findings that it meddled in the 2016 campaign, while Trump has denied any collusion with Moscow and called Mueller's probe a "witch hunt." The investigation has clouded Trump's presidency. Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to two women to help Trump in 2016 in violation of campaign laws, and for lying to Congress about a proposed Trump Tower project in Russia. Cohen once said he would take a bullet for Trump, who called his former close confidante a "Rat" on Twitter in mid-December. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said he hoped to schedule a closed-door hearing with Cohen later to discuss the Russia probe. "Mr. Cohen has expressed an interest in telling his personal story in open session, and we welcome his testimony before the Committee on Oversight and Reform," Schiff said in a statement. After Cohen was sentenced, Lanny Davis, an attorney who has been advising him on his media strategy, said Cohen wanted to speak publicly about Trump. "I look forward to assisting Michael to state publicly all he knows about Mr. Trump - and that includes any appropriate congressional committee interested in the search for truth and the difference between facts and lies," Davis said in a statement at the time. Cohen, Trump's self-described longtime "fixer," pleaded guilty to the campaign finance charge in August and to making false statements in November. At a hearing last August in federal court in New York, Cohen testified that Trump had directed him to commit a crime by arranging payments before the 2016 election to two women who said they had engaged in extramarital affairs with Trump. Adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, was paid $130,000 and former Playboy model Karen McDougal was paid $150,000 by Cohen.

Ex-Trump lawyer Cohen to testify publicly before US Congress

Reggie Singh, the brother of Indian-origin policeman Ronil "Ron" Singh killed in California and described a national hero by Donald Trump, has said he supported the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-skip-davos-meeting-if-us-government-shutdown-continues-189462">US president's efforts on border security </a>so that others do not experience what his family has been going through since the incident.

Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop on December 26 allegedly by an illegal immigrant.

During a visit to the southern border state Texas on Thursday to push for his controversial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pushes-wall-plan-in-us-mexico-border-visit-189471">US-Mexico border wall plan</a>, Trump attended a border patrol roundtable at McAllen, where Reggie Singh was seated next to the president.

There the US president said, "I watched a family right around Christmas time... Suffer and I'd like to ask Reggie, maybe you could say a few words about your incredible brother, the job he was doing. He was so beloved by the people of the department and beyond the department."

To this, Reggie Singh told the president, "The way he (Ronil Singh) was killed, what my family is going through right now, I do not want any other family, law enforcement person to go through that."

"Whatever it takes to minimize... Put a stop to it, my family fully supports it," Reggie Singh said.

In the last few days, Trump has made it a point to mention the killing of Ronil Singh by an illegal immigrant to build a strong case in favour of a stronger border security to prevent entry of illegal immigrants.

"We are deeply moved to have with us Reggie Singh, whose brother, Ronil Singh, incredible guy. I mean, I watched, and I've rarely felt worse and watching news of our nation than watching your family and the love that you have for your brother," Trump said.

During the roundtable meeting, Reggie Singh said he and his brother are originally from Fiji.

"He (Ronil) always wanted to be in law enforcement. So legally we migrated to America to fulfil his dream of joining the law enforcement," he said.

"English is our second language. He worked on that, got his education, applied for law enforcement agency and he was asked to get his citizenship. He worked towards that and he became a cop, K-9, Corporal K-9," Reggie Singh said.

"At 33, Ronil Singh was cremated and I had to pick up his remains. It breaks my heart and no one should ever go through that. Seeing a five-month-old baby looking for his dad, no one should ever go through that on Christmas Day," he told Trump.

The president replied, "We are with you. You know that, right."

"That was a tough one, too. That was a tough one for a lot of people, not only the family, for a lot of people in this country. That was a tough thing to watch," Trump said.

"I can see that, the way it came through. It came through loud and clear. And there are so many other people who have the same -- nobody covers them..., nobody talks about how unfair it is to the victims of these brutal killings," he said.

On Tuesday, Trump spoke with the family members and law enforcement colleagues of Singh, a native of Fiji who joined the force in July 2011 and said America's heart broke the day the young officer was "savagely murdered" in cold blood by an "illegal alien".

Trump has asked for US $5.6 billion from the Congress to construct a wall along the US-Mexico border, which he said is crucial to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and smuggling of drugs into the country.

The Democrats argue that constructing a wall is not the best use of taxpayers' money.

The sharp differences between the Trump administration and the opposition Democrats over border security has resulted in a partial government shutdown, which entered its 20th day on Thursday, making it the second-longest in history after the 21-day shutdown in 1995-96.

Reggie Singh, the brother of Indian-origin policeman Ronil "Ron" Singh killed in California and described a national hero by Donald Trump, has said he supported the US president's efforts on border security so that others do not experience what his family has been going through since the incident.

Reggie Singh, the brother of Indian-origin policeman Ronil "Ron" Singh killed in California and described a national hero by Donald Trump, has said he supported the US president's efforts on border security so that others do not experience what his family has been going through since the incident. Corporal Ronil Singh, 33, of the Newman Police Department was shot and killed during a traffic stop on December 26 allegedly by an illegal immigrant. During a visit to the southern border state Texas on Thursday to push for his controversial US-Mexico border wall plan, Trump attended a border patrol roundtable at McAllen, where Reggie Singh was seated next to the president. There the US president said, "I watched a family right around Christmas time... Suffer and I'd like to ask Reggie, maybe you could say a few words about your incredible brother, the job he was doing. He was so beloved by the people of the department and beyond the department." To this, Reggie Singh told the president, "The way he (Ronil Singh) was killed, what my family is going through right now, I do not want any other family, law enforcement person to go through that." "Whatever it takes to minimize... Put a stop to it, my family fully supports it," Reggie Singh said. In the last few days, Trump has made it a point to mention the killing of Ronil Singh by an illegal immigrant to build a strong case in favour of a stronger border security to prevent entry of illegal immigrants. "We are deeply moved to have with us Reggie Singh, whose brother, Ronil Singh, incredible guy. I mean, I watched, and I've rarely felt worse and watching news of our nation than watching your family and the love that you have for your brother," Trump said. During the roundtable meeting, Reggie Singh said he and his brother are originally from Fiji. "He (Ronil) always wanted to be in law enforcement. So legally we migrated to America to fulfil his dream of joining the law enforcement," he said. "English is our second language. He worked on that, got his education, applied for law enforcement agency and he was asked to get his citizenship. He worked towards that and he became a cop, K-9, Corporal K-9," Reggie Singh said. "At 33, Ronil Singh was cremated and I had to pick up his remains. It breaks my heart and no one should ever go through that. Seeing a five-month-old baby looking for his dad, no one should ever go through that on Christmas Day," he told Trump. The president replied, "We are with you. You know that, right." "That was a tough one, too. That was a tough one for a lot of people, not only the family, for a lot of people in this country. That was a tough thing to watch," Trump said. "I can see that, the way it came through. It came through loud and clear. And there are so many other people who have the same -- nobody covers them..., nobody talks about how unfair it is to the victims of these brutal killings," he said. On Tuesday, Trump spoke with the family members and law enforcement colleagues of Singh, a native of Fiji who joined the force in July 2011 and said America's heart broke the day the young officer was "savagely murdered" in cold blood by an "illegal alien". Trump has asked for US $5.6 billion from the Congress to construct a wall along the US-Mexico border, which he said is crucial to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and smuggling of drugs into the country. The Democrats argue that constructing a wall is not the best use of taxpayers' money. The sharp differences between the Trump administration and the opposition Democrats over border security has resulted in a partial government shutdown, which entered its 20th day on Thursday, making it the second-longest in history after the 21-day shutdown in 1995-96.

Brother of slain Indian-origin cop supports Trump on border security

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