US President Donald Trump Is On His Second State Visit To The UK. But On The First Day Itself, The Visit Has Been Hit By Controversies. Watch This Report From Gravitas.

Gravitas: Trump Kicks Off State Visit To The UK

President Donald Trump says the United States is committed to a "phenomenal" trade deal with Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has been dogged by her failure to achieve Brexit and is stepping down this week as head of her Conservative Party but will remain as prime minister until her successor is chosen. It will be the new prime minister's responsibility to achieve Brexit and any bilateral trade deal with the US.

Trump 'tremendous potential' in US-UK trade deal

Theresa May said, We are committed to trade deal with US after Brexit. She also said, We will work together to strengthen our alliance. Watch this complete video to know more.

Trump & May Hold Joint Press Conference

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 04th, 2019

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump were treated to a viewing of items from the Queen's priceless Royal Collection on Monday, shortly after their arrival in the U.K. for a state visit. The collection showcases items of historical significance to the U.S. They were displayed in the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery.

Queen Elizabeth shows Trump, Melania royal gift collection

Russia on Monday insisted&nbsp;that their military was targeting ''terrorists'' in Syria's Idlib after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">Trump asked them to stop ''this butchery.''</a>

"Terrorist fire in Idlib is of course unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "Measures are being taken to neutralise such firing positions."

Russia said that jihadists are targeting civilians and Moscow's troops in Idlib.

The jihadists have refused to leave the area, and a September deal, which was supposed to avert a full-out regime offensive on the province and adjacent areas held by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is on the verge of collapse as Syrian and Russian forces allied to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad ramp up air strikes and rocket fire.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel strikes Syria after rockets fired at Golan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-strikes-syria-after-rockets-fired-at-golan-223578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump on Sunday asked Syria and Russia to stop "bombing the hell" out of Syria's last jihadist stronghold Idlib.

"Hearing word that Russia, Syria and, to a lesser extent, Iran, are bombing the hell out of Idlib Province in Syria, and indiscriminately killing many innocent civilians. The World is watching this butchery. What is the purpose, what will it get you? STOP!" Trump tweeted.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday that almost 950 people had been killed in the latest clashes in Idlib.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Russia on Monday insisted that their military was targeting ''terrorists'' in Syria's Idlib after Trump asked them to stop ''this butchery.'' "Terrorist fire in Idlib is of course unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Russia on Monday insisted that their military was targeting ''terrorists'' in Syria's Idlib after Trump asked them to stop ''this butchery.'' "Terrorist fire in Idlib is of course unacceptable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "Measures are being taken to neutralise such firing positions." Russia said that jihadists are targeting civilians and Moscow's troops in Idlib. The jihadists have refused to leave the area, and a September deal, which was supposed to avert a full-out regime offensive on the province and adjacent areas held by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is on the verge of collapse as Syrian and Russian forces allied to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad ramp up air strikes and rocket fire. Watch: Israel strikes Syria after rockets fired at Golan Trump on Sunday asked Syria and Russia to stop "bombing the hell" out of Syria's last jihadist stronghold Idlib. "Hearing word that Russia, Syria and, to a lesser extent, Iran, are bombing the hell out of Idlib Province in Syria, and indiscriminately killing many innocent civilians. The World is watching this butchery. What is the purpose, what will it get you? STOP!" Trump tweeted. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Friday that almost 950 people had been killed in the latest clashes in Idlib. (With inputs from AFP)

After Trump tweets, Russia says military targeting 'terrorists' in Syria's Idlib

The "Trump Baby" inflatable balloon that was the focus of protests when the US president visited London last year will fly again this week when he returns for state visit including a lavish banquet hosted by the queen, activists said.

The team behind the blimp said on Sunday it would be flown at locations near Donald Trump throughout his visit, after a crowdfunding campaign raised a target of 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for groups backing causes from climate action to women`s rights.

This six-metre high blimp, which depicts Trump as a snarling, diaper-wearing orange baby, became a rallying symbol for hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters, who packed central London during his previous trip.

"Trump will try his best to avoid the public on his trip, but with Trump Baby flying we`re sending a very clear message of solidarity to those affected by his despicable politics," said Ajuub Faraji, one of the organisers who label themselves Trump blimp "Babysitters".

Trump and his wife Melania are due in Britain on June 3-5 for a state visit - a pomp-laden affair involving a banquet at Buckingham Palace. The invitation comes from Queen Elizabeth although the decision was taken on her behalf by politicians.

It is the most prestigious welcome Britain can offer a dignitary, a step above last year`s official visit.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who gave approval to demonstrators to fly the blimp last year, strongly criticised the government`s decision to offer such a high honour to Trump this year.

It is "un-British to be rolling out the red carpet this week for a formal state visit for a president whose divisive behaviour flies in the face of the ideals America was founded upon – equality, liberty and religious freedom," Khan wrote in the Observer newspaper.

Nigel Farage, a Trump ally and one of the leading campaigners to bring Britain out of the European Union, called the decision to allow the blimp last year "the biggest insult to a sitting US president ever".

While much of the British public is hostile to Trump, there have been calls to tone down protests against him during this visit, when he will attend observances of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing by U.S. and British forces on the beaches of Nazi-occupied France during World War Two.

"This is not, then, all about Donald Trump; it is about honouring a crucial offensive that helped bring an end to the war in Europe," the Evening Standard newspaper wrote in an editorial, noting that for many surviving veterans it was the last major anniversary they would be able to attend.&nbsp;

"The US president is right to attend; whatever we think of Mr Trump, we should make him welcome for this important anniversary."&nbsp;

The "Trump Baby" inflatable balloon that was the focus of protests when the US president visited London last year will fly again this week when he returns for state visit including a lavish banquet hosted by the queen, activists said.

The "Trump Baby" inflatable balloon that was the focus of protests when the US president visited London last year will fly again this week when he returns for state visit including a lavish banquet hosted by the queen, activists said. The team behind the blimp said on Sunday it would be flown at locations near Donald Trump throughout his visit, after a crowdfunding campaign raised a target of 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for groups backing causes from climate action to women`s rights. This six-metre high blimp, which depicts Trump as a snarling, diaper-wearing orange baby, became a rallying symbol for hundreds of thousands of anti-Trump protesters, who packed central London during his previous trip. "Trump will try his best to avoid the public on his trip, but with Trump Baby flying we`re sending a very clear message of solidarity to those affected by his despicable politics," said Ajuub Faraji, one of the organisers who label themselves Trump blimp "Babysitters". Trump and his wife Melania are due in Britain on June 3-5 for a state visit - a pomp-laden affair involving a banquet at Buckingham Palace. The invitation comes from Queen Elizabeth although the decision was taken on her behalf by politicians. It is the most prestigious welcome Britain can offer a dignitary, a step above last year`s official visit. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who gave approval to demonstrators to fly the blimp last year, strongly criticised the government`s decision to offer such a high honour to Trump this year. It is "un-British to be rolling out the red carpet this week for a formal state visit for a president whose divisive behaviour flies in the face of the ideals America was founded upon – equality, liberty and religious freedom," Khan wrote in the Observer newspaper. Nigel Farage, a Trump ally and one of the leading campaigners to bring Britain out of the European Union, called the decision to allow the blimp last year "the biggest insult to a sitting US president ever". While much of the British public is hostile to Trump, there have been calls to tone down protests against him during this visit, when he will attend observances of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing by U.S. and British forces on the beaches of Nazi-occupied France during World War Two. "This is not, then, all about Donald Trump; it is about honouring a crucial offensive that helped bring an end to the war in Europe," the Evening Standard newspaper wrote in an editorial, noting that for many surviving veterans it was the last major anniversary they would be able to attend. "The US president is right to attend; whatever we think of Mr Trump, we should make him welcome for this important anniversary."

Trump Baby' blimp to fly in London for US president's visit

United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that he will officially announce his bid for a second term as president in 2020 on June 18 during a rally in Florida.

First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence will also be part of the event in Orlando, Trump said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/big-democratic-field-taking-shape-for-2020-us-presidential-race-213249">Big Democratic field taking shape for 2020 US presidential race</a>

Trump wrote on his official Twitter handle, "I will be announcing my Second Term Presidential Run with First Lady Melania, Vice President Mike Pence, and Second Lady Karen Pence on June 18th in Orlando, Florida, at the 20,000 seat Amway Center. Join us for this Historic Rally!".

In November 2016, Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the White House.

Trump had made it clear that he would seek re-election shortly after he assumed office in January 2017. Since then, he has conducted numerous political rallies, the first in February 2017, CNN reported.

If re-elected, Trump will become the 16th US President to retain office after completing the first term.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that he will officially announce his bid for a second term as president in 2020 on June 18 during a rally in Florida.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that he will officially announce his bid for a second term as president in 2020 on June 18 during a rally in Florida. First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence will also be part of the event in Orlando, Trump said on Twitter. Also read: Big Democratic field taking shape for 2020 US presidential race Trump wrote on his official Twitter handle, "I will be announcing my Second Term Presidential Run with First Lady Melania, Vice President Mike Pence, and Second Lady Karen Pence on June 18th in Orlando, Florida, at the 20,000 seat Amway Center. Join us for this Historic Rally!". In November 2016, Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the White House. Trump had made it clear that he would seek re-election shortly after he assumed office in January 2017. Since then, he has conducted numerous political rallies, the first in February 2017, CNN reported. If re-elected, Trump will become the 16th US President to retain office after completing the first term.

Trump to announce second term run at June Florida rally

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998">Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports</a> next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border.

Trump, incensed by a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, said late on Thursday a tariff of 5% would be imposed on all goods coming from Mexico, increasing gradually each month until reaching 25% on October 1, unless Mexico takes immediate action.

The move is likely to hit a broad range of industries, but the auto industry looks particularly vulnerable as many global carmakers manufacture vehicles in Mexico to take advantage of its cheap labour, trade deals and its proximity to the United States, the world's second-largest auto market.

"Margins are so thin in the US market right now that there's no way that any automaker is not going to pass on these tariffs to their customers," said Janet Lewis, an analyst at Macquarie Securities.

"The unknown factor is the impact on suppliers, as components can move back and forth between Mexico, the United States and Canada up to 20 times before they make their way into assembled cars."

General Motors Co is the biggest car producer and exporter in Mexico, and its global peers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV also have manufacturing presence there.

In Japan, shares in Toyota Motor Corp fell 2% while Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co fell about 3%. Mazda Motor Co took a bigger hit, tumbling nearly 7%. All four automakers operate vehicle assembly plants in Mexico, producing roughly one-third of the vehicles made in the country.

In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp fell 1.1% and 4.2% respectively. Hyundai Wia Corp, which supplies auto components to the duo, fell 5.2%.

"Although we have to wait and see whether the US tariffs plan will be really implemented, this is negatively affecting investor sentiment," said Chang Moon-Su, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities in Seoul.

Japan's top automakers and their suppliers, including Denso Corp and Aisin Seiko Co, for decades, have been building vehicles in Mexico not only for the domestic market but also to export to the United States, taking advantage of previous free-trade agreements between the two countries.

Among them, Nissan produces the most vehicles in Mexico, and its exports to the United States account for roughly one-quarter of the firm's total vehicle sales in the country, industry experts say. Its Sentra and Versa models are made in Mexico for the US market.

Smaller rival Mazda exports about 30% of its Mexico-produced cars to the United States, while the figure for Toyota, which has been expanding US&nbsp;production of pick-up trucks, and Honda is less than 10% each.

Japanese automakers together produced about 1.25 million vehicles in Mexico in 2018.

But production in Mexico is dwarfed by the number of cars Japanese automakers produce in the United States, their single largest market, where the top three manufacturers alone produce roughly 4 million vehicles each year.

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border.

Shares in Asia's major automakers and their suppliers sank on Friday after US President Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports next month, potentially affecting vehicles made in Mexico and sold north of the border. Trump, incensed by a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, said late on Thursday a tariff of 5% would be imposed on all goods coming from Mexico, increasing gradually each month until reaching 25% on October 1, unless Mexico takes immediate action. The move is likely to hit a broad range of industries, but the auto industry looks particularly vulnerable as many global carmakers manufacture vehicles in Mexico to take advantage of its cheap labour, trade deals and its proximity to the United States, the world's second-largest auto market. "Margins are so thin in the US market right now that there's no way that any automaker is not going to pass on these tariffs to their customers," said Janet Lewis, an analyst at Macquarie Securities. "The unknown factor is the impact on suppliers, as components can move back and forth between Mexico, the United States and Canada up to 20 times before they make their way into assembled cars." General Motors Co is the biggest car producer and exporter in Mexico, and its global peers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV also have manufacturing presence there. In Japan, shares in Toyota Motor Corp fell 2% while Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co fell about 3%. Mazda Motor Co took a bigger hit, tumbling nearly 7%. All four automakers operate vehicle assembly plants in Mexico, producing roughly one-third of the vehicles made in the country. In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp fell 1.1% and 4.2% respectively. Hyundai Wia Corp, which supplies auto components to the duo, fell 5.2%. "Although we have to wait and see whether the US tariffs plan will be really implemented, this is negatively affecting investor sentiment," said Chang Moon-Su, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities in Seoul. Japan's top automakers and their suppliers, including Denso Corp and Aisin Seiko Co, for decades, have been building vehicles in Mexico not only for the domestic market but also to export to the United States, taking advantage of previous free-trade agreements between the two countries. Among them, Nissan produces the most vehicles in Mexico, and its exports to the United States account for roughly one-quarter of the firm's total vehicle sales in the country, industry experts say. Its Sentra and Versa models are made in Mexico for the US market. Smaller rival Mazda exports about 30% of its Mexico-produced cars to the United States, while the figure for Toyota, which has been expanding US production of pick-up trucks, and Honda is less than 10% each. Japanese automakers together produced about 1.25 million vehicles in Mexico in 2018. But production in Mexico is dwarfed by the number of cars Japanese automakers produce in the United States, their single largest market, where the top three manufacturers alone produce roughly 4 million vehicles each year.

Asian automaker shares hit as Trump threatens Mexico with tariffs

Mike Pompeo has said the US is attempting to check reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang’s nuclear negotiations with Washington had been executed.

North Korea executes nuclear envoy to US after failed Trump summit

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers.

McGahn would "respect the President's instruction" and not testify, his lawyer said later, in a letter sent to the head of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

The committee is investigating whether Trump illegally obstructed the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. It wants to quiz McGahn after he figured prominently in a report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller about the Russia probe and whether Trump committed obstruction of justice.

But in a letter to the committee, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said McGahn should not appear due to both "constitutional immunity" and "in order to protect the prerogatives of the Office of the Presidency."

The committee's Democratic chairman, Jerrold Nadler, responded by saying Trump was trying to block damaging testimony about his obstruction of justice.

"The President acted again and again - perhaps criminally - to protect himself from federal law enforcement. Don McGahn personally witnessed the most egregious of these acts. President Trump knows this. He clearly does not want the American people to hear firsthand about his alleged misconduct," Nadler said in a statement.

He said his committee would meet on Tuesday morning and expected McGahn to show up and testify.

Another Democrat on the committee, David Cicilline, warned that if McGahn stays away on Tuesday, lawmakers might need to push ahead with an impeachment inquiry against Trump in order to compel his administration to produce witnesses and documents.

"There are a number of colleagues who have suggested that if Mr McGahn doesn't appear tomorrow and answer questions that it's an appropriate time to open an impeachment inquiry," Cicilline told reporters.

He said an inquiry would begin the process to determine whether or not articles of impeachment should be voted on.

In his report, Mueller cited McGahn as saying that Trump called him several times in June 2017 to tell him to direct the Justice Department to remove Mueller because of conflicts of interest.

McGahn did not carry out Trump's order. Later, when news articles about the incident surfaced, McGahn told Mueller's investigators that Trump tried to get him to dispute the accuracy of the reports. McGahn again refused.

Obstruction?

Many Democratic lawmakers, as well as many former prosecutors not involved in the investigation, have said the alleged order by the president to fire Mueller and attempt to coerce McGahn to lie about it could amount to committing the crime of obstruction.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not ask McGahn to have Mueller removed.

Mueller's report described numerous links between Trump's 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow.

Mueller also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede the investigation, but stopped short of declaring the president had committed a crime.

Attorney General William Barr determined after reviewing Mueller's findings that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal obstruction charges against the president.

Nadler's committee has been locked in multiple battles with the Trump administration over access to information contained in the Mueller report.

Trump said following the release of the report in March that it showed he was exonerated of colluding with Russia and obstruction of justice.

He has hardened his administration's position of defying the legal demands of Democrats in Congress, who want more information on the Russia investigation and Trump's taxes and business dealings.

Earlier this month, the committee voted to hold Barr in contempt after he defied a subpoena seeking an unredacted copy of the Mueller report and its underlying investigative materials.

Nadler also issued a subpoena last month compelling McGahn to testify on Tuesday, and he has previously said he would hold the attorney in contempt if he did not show up.

The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion on Monday that gave legal cover to the decision to block McGahn from testifying.

"Congress may not constitutionally compel the President's senior advisers to testify about their official duties," Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel wrote.

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers.

US President Donald Trump on Monday told former White House counsel Don McGahn to defy a subpoena to testify before Congress about the Russia investigation, deepening his fight with Democratic lawmakers. McGahn would "respect the President's instruction" and not testify, his lawyer said later, in a letter sent to the head of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. The committee is investigating whether Trump illegally obstructed the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. It wants to quiz McGahn after he figured prominently in a report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller about the Russia probe and whether Trump committed obstruction of justice. But in a letter to the committee, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said McGahn should not appear due to both "constitutional immunity" and "in order to protect the prerogatives of the Office of the Presidency." The committee's Democratic chairman, Jerrold Nadler, responded by saying Trump was trying to block damaging testimony about his obstruction of justice. "The President acted again and again - perhaps criminally - to protect himself from federal law enforcement. Don McGahn personally witnessed the most egregious of these acts. President Trump knows this. He clearly does not want the American people to hear firsthand about his alleged misconduct," Nadler said in a statement. He said his committee would meet on Tuesday morning and expected McGahn to show up and testify. Another Democrat on the committee, David Cicilline, warned that if McGahn stays away on Tuesday, lawmakers might need to push ahead with an impeachment inquiry against Trump in order to compel his administration to produce witnesses and documents. "There are a number of colleagues who have suggested that if Mr McGahn doesn't appear tomorrow and answer questions that it's an appropriate time to open an impeachment inquiry," Cicilline told reporters. He said an inquiry would begin the process to determine whether or not articles of impeachment should be voted on. In his report, Mueller cited McGahn as saying that Trump called him several times in June 2017 to tell him to direct the Justice Department to remove Mueller because of conflicts of interest. McGahn did not carry out Trump's order. Later, when news articles about the incident surfaced, McGahn told Mueller's investigators that Trump tried to get him to dispute the accuracy of the reports. McGahn again refused. Obstruction? Many Democratic lawmakers, as well as many former prosecutors not involved in the investigation, have said the alleged order by the president to fire Mueller and attempt to coerce McGahn to lie about it could amount to committing the crime of obstruction. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he did not ask McGahn to have Mueller removed. Mueller's report described numerous links between Trump's 2016 campaign and various Russians but did not find sufficient evidence to establish there was a criminal conspiracy with Moscow. Mueller also described numerous attempts by Trump to impede the investigation, but stopped short of declaring the president had committed a crime. Attorney General William Barr determined after reviewing Mueller's findings that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal obstruction charges against the president. Nadler's committee has been locked in multiple battles with the Trump administration over access to information contained in the Mueller report. Trump said following the release of the report in March that it showed he was exonerated of colluding with Russia and obstruction of justice. He has hardened his administration's position of defying the legal demands of Democrats in Congress, who want more information on the Russia investigation and Trump's taxes and business dealings. Earlier this month, the committee voted to hold Barr in contempt after he defied a subpoena seeking an unredacted copy of the Mueller report and its underlying investigative materials. Nadler also issued a subpoena last month compelling McGahn to testify on Tuesday, and he has previously said he would hold the attorney in contempt if he did not show up. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion on Monday that gave legal cover to the decision to block McGahn from testifying. "Congress may not constitutionally compel the President's senior advisers to testify about their official duties," Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel wrote.

Trump tells ex-White House counsel McGahn not to appear before Congress

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-pennsylvania-voters-that-trade-war-has-helped-economy-220284">US President Donald Trump</a> announced Tuesday he had nominated a former ambassador and Arizona businesswoman to lead the Air Force.

Barbara Barrett, 68, served as the US ambassador to Finland from 2008 to 2009 under the George W&nbsp;Bush administration. She also chaired an aeronautics research and development centre, The Aerospace Corporation, until 2017.

"She will be an outstanding Secretary!" Trump tweeted.

A former lawyer and test pilot, Barrett is also a board member at the Rand Corporation, a think tank that provides research and analysis to the US armed forces.

She and her husband Craig, the former CEO of American technology giant Intel, are major Republican donors. Barrett ran for governor of Arizona on the GOP ticket in 1994, the first woman to do so, but she failed to secure her party's nomination.

If she is confirmed, Barrett will succeed another woman, Heather Wilson, in the position of secretary of the air force.

Wilson's name had come up as a potential replacement for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in December because of differences over Trump's policies on Syria and other issues.

Wilson stepped down in March, the highest level Pentagon departure since that of Mattis, once it became apparent that interim Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan would stay in that post.

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he had nominated a former ambassador and Arizona businesswoman to lead the Air Force. Barbara Barrett, 68, served as the US ambassador to Finland from 2008 to 2009 under the George W Bush administration.

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he had nominated a former ambassador and Arizona businesswoman to lead the Air Force. Barbara Barrett, 68, served as the US ambassador to Finland from 2008 to 2009 under the George W Bush administration. She also chaired an aeronautics research and development centre, The Aerospace Corporation, until 2017. "She will be an outstanding Secretary!" Trump tweeted. A former lawyer and test pilot, Barrett is also a board member at the Rand Corporation, a think tank that provides research and analysis to the US armed forces. She and her husband Craig, the former CEO of American technology giant Intel, are major Republican donors. Barrett ran for governor of Arizona on the GOP ticket in 1994, the first woman to do so, but she failed to secure her party's nomination. If she is confirmed, Barrett will succeed another woman, Heather Wilson, in the position of secretary of the air force. Wilson's name had come up as a potential replacement for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in December because of differences over Trump's policies on Syria and other issues. Wilson stepped down in March, the highest level Pentagon departure since that of Mattis, once it became apparent that interim Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan would stay in that post.

Trump nominates a woman as head of US Air Force

Share markets in Asia got off to a steady start on Monday as investors tried to catch their breath following another week of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.

In early trade, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.6% after a steep 3% loss the previous week. US S&amp;P 500 e-mini futures also turned higher, rising 0.5% following losses on Wall Street on Friday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.38%, the S&amp;P 500 lost 0.58% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.04%.

Australian shares jumped 1.4% after the centre-right Liberal-National Coalition pulled off a shock win in federal elections, beating the left-wing Labor Party.

Japan's Nikkei stock index added 0.4%, after data showed growth in the world's third-biggest economy unexpectedly accelerated in the first quarter.

The modest gains on Monday came even as financial markets remained on edge over the intensifying Sino-US&nbsp;trade war, with the Trump administration last week adding Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist.

The repercussions of that move were evident as Alphabet Inc's Google suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing.

Google's suspension of business with Huawei "signals that even though the trade talks are being characterised as being stalled, when we factor in China saying there is no point (in) US negotiators coming to Beijing in current circumstances as they did Friday, then the chance of a G20 deal seem more remote," Greg McKenna, strategist at McKenna Macro said in a note to clients.

Noting the festering trade war, continued uncertainty over Brexit and rising tensions between the United States and Iran, McKenna said investors are currently "headline trading."

"(It's) too soon to see the economic consequences of the battle escalating. And so belief can be suspended until that time," he said.

Oil markets, however, saw some active trade early on after Saudi Arabia's energy minister said on Sunday that there was consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories.

Both U.S. crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1% following the minister's comments, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.51 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.05 per barrel.

In currency markets, China's offshore yuan rebounded after touching its weakest level against the dollar since November on Friday. It was last trading at 6.9280 per dollar.

In onshore trading on Friday, the yuan weakened past the psychologically important 6.9 per dollar level to end at its softest level in 19 weeks. However, sources say the country's central bank is expected to use foreign exchange intervention and monetary policy tools to stop it weakening past the 7-per-dollar level in the near term.

On Monday, the dollar added 0.2% against the yen to 110.30, and the euro was up 0.1% at $1.1165.

The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was down a touch at 97.980.

The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 2.4068% compared with a US close of 2.393% on Friday, while the two-year yield touched 2.2187%, up from Friday's US close of 2.202%.

Spot gold was 0.1% higher at $1,278.42 per ounce.

Share markets in Asia got off to a steady start on Monday as investors tried to catch their breath following another week of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.

Share markets in Asia got off to a steady start on Monday as investors tried to catch their breath following another week of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. In early trade, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.6% after a steep 3% loss the previous week. US S&P 500 e-mini futures also turned higher, rising 0.5% following losses on Wall Street on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.38%, the S&P 500 lost 0.58% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.04%. Australian shares jumped 1.4% after the centre-right Liberal-National Coalition pulled off a shock win in federal elections, beating the left-wing Labor Party. Japan's Nikkei stock index added 0.4%, after data showed growth in the world's third-biggest economy unexpectedly accelerated in the first quarter. The modest gains on Monday came even as financial markets remained on edge over the intensifying Sino-US trade war, with the Trump administration last week adding Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist. The repercussions of that move were evident as Alphabet Inc's Google suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing. Google's suspension of business with Huawei "signals that even though the trade talks are being characterised as being stalled, when we factor in China saying there is no point (in) US negotiators coming to Beijing in current circumstances as they did Friday, then the chance of a G20 deal seem more remote," Greg McKenna, strategist at McKenna Macro said in a note to clients. Noting the festering trade war, continued uncertainty over Brexit and rising tensions between the United States and Iran, McKenna said investors are currently "headline trading." "(It's) too soon to see the economic consequences of the battle escalating. And so belief can be suspended until that time," he said. Oil markets, however, saw some active trade early on after Saudi Arabia's energy minister said on Sunday that there was consensus among the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain production cuts to "gently" reduce inventories. Both U.S. crude and Brent crude jumped more than 1% following the minister's comments, with West Texas Intermediate fetching $63.51 a barrel and Brent crude at $73.05 per barrel. In currency markets, China's offshore yuan rebounded after touching its weakest level against the dollar since November on Friday. It was last trading at 6.9280 per dollar. In onshore trading on Friday, the yuan weakened past the psychologically important 6.9 per dollar level to end at its softest level in 19 weeks. However, sources say the country's central bank is expected to use foreign exchange intervention and monetary policy tools to stop it weakening past the 7-per-dollar level in the near term. On Monday, the dollar added 0.2% against the yen to 110.30, and the euro was up 0.1% at $1.1165. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major rivals, was down a touch at 97.980. The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 2.4068% compared with a US close of 2.393% on Friday, while the two-year yield touched 2.2187%, up from Friday's US close of 2.202%. Spot gold was 0.1% higher at $1,278.42 per ounce.

Asian shares steady after steep losses; Saudi comments lift oil

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-restricted-from-using-us-suppliers-219260">Google has suspended business with Huawei</a> that requires the transfer of hardware and software products except those covered by open source licenses, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Sunday, in a blow to the Chinese technology company that the US government has sought to blacklist around the world.

Huawei will immediately lose access to updates to the Android operating system, and the next version of its smartphones outside of China will also lose access to popular applications and services including the Google Play Store and Gmail app.

Details of the specific services were still being discussed internally at Google, according to the source. Huawei attorneys are also studying the impact of the US&nbsp;Commerce Department's actions, a Huawei spokesman said on Friday. Huawei was not immediately reachable for further comment.

Representatives of the US Commerce Department did not immediately have comment.

Huawei will continue to have access to the version of the Android operating system available through the open source license that is freely open to anyone who wishes to use it.

But Google will stop providing any technical support and collaboration for Android and Google services to Huawei going forward, the source said.

On Thursday the Trump administration officially added Huawei to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the technology giant to do business with US companies.

Google has suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware and software products except those covered by open source licenses, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Sunday, in a blow to the Chinese technology company that the US government has sought to blacklist around the world.

Google has suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware and software products except those covered by open source licenses, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Sunday, in a blow to the Chinese technology company that the US government has sought to blacklist around the world. Huawei will immediately lose access to updates to the Android operating system, and the next version of its smartphones outside of China will also lose access to popular applications and services including the Google Play Store and Gmail app. Details of the specific services were still being discussed internally at Google, according to the source. Huawei attorneys are also studying the impact of the US Commerce Department's actions, a Huawei spokesman said on Friday. Huawei was not immediately reachable for further comment. Representatives of the US Commerce Department did not immediately have comment. Huawei will continue to have access to the version of the Android operating system available through the open source license that is freely open to anyone who wishes to use it. But Google will stop providing any technical support and collaboration for Android and Google services to Huawei going forward, the source said. On Thursday the Trump administration officially added Huawei to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the technology giant to do business with US companies.

Google suspends some business with Huawei after Trump blacklist: Source

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 18th, 2019

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US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/is-a-war-coming-between-the-us-and-iran-219109">war with Iran</a>, three US officials said on Thursday.

"He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Trump has communicated to his national security team and other aides that wants to keep tensions with Tehran from boiling over into an armed conflict, the officials said.

But he has also made clear that he will protect US&nbsp;interests in the region, one official said. US intelligence showed heightened activity by Iran or its proxies that US officials took as a threat against American targets in the region.

Trump won the 2016 election in part by promising to stay out of conflicts abroad after what he viewed as costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Earlier this year he ordered US&nbsp;troops out of Syria but was persuaded to leave some in.

Trump told reporters on Thursday that he hoped the United States was not heading to war with Iran as he met with Switzerland President Ueli Maurer, whose nation has served as a liaison conduit between the two countries since they do not have diplomatic relations.&nbsp;

"Hope not," Trump said when asked by reporters if Washington was going to war with Tehran.

Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict. Earlier this week the United States pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf.

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"The president has been clear, the United States does not seek military conflict with Iran, and he is open to talks with Iranian leadership. However, Iran’s default option for 40 years has been violence, and we will protect US&nbsp;personnel and interests in the region," said Garrett Marquis, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.

A White House statement said the two leaders discussed "a range of international issues, including the crises in the Middle East and in Venezuela."

Trump has said publicly he wants to pursue a diplomatic route with Iran a year after withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He has said privately that he was worried that some of his advisers, such as White House national security adviser John Bolton, were pushing for war, two officials said.

The Pentagon has prepared options for potentially sending US&nbsp;troops to the region if needed ranging from a relatively small number of troops up to 120,000, although officials stressed these are the types of options that are always considered for hot zones.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News Channel`s "Fox &amp; Friends" that there is no friction between Trump and his advisers and he welcomes different viewpoints.

"He’s the one the American people elected. He’s going to take in the information and the guidance from all of his national security team and he then will make a decision on what he thinks is the best and safest thing for the American people," she said.

US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday welcomed what she called Trump`s lack of "appetite" for military conflict with Tehran.

US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war.

US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Trump has communicated to his national security team and other aides that wants to keep tensions with Tehran from boiling over into an armed conflict, the officials said. But he has also made clear that he will protect US interests in the region, one official said. US intelligence showed heightened activity by Iran or its proxies that US officials took as a threat against American targets in the region. Trump won the 2016 election in part by promising to stay out of conflicts abroad after what he viewed as costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Earlier this year he ordered US troops out of Syria but was persuaded to leave some in. Trump told reporters on Thursday that he hoped the United States was not heading to war with Iran as he met with Switzerland President Ueli Maurer, whose nation has served as a liaison conduit between the two countries since they do not have diplomatic relations. "Hope not," Trump said when asked by reporters if Washington was going to war with Tehran. Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict. Earlier this week the United States pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf. × "The president has been clear, the United States does not seek military conflict with Iran, and he is open to talks with Iranian leadership. However, Iran’s default option for 40 years has been violence, and we will protect US personnel and interests in the region," said Garrett Marquis, spokesman for the White House National Security Council. A White House statement said the two leaders discussed "a range of international issues, including the crises in the Middle East and in Venezuela." Trump has said publicly he wants to pursue a diplomatic route with Iran a year after withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He has said privately that he was worried that some of his advisers, such as White House national security adviser John Bolton, were pushing for war, two officials said. The Pentagon has prepared options for potentially sending US troops to the region if needed ranging from a relatively small number of troops up to 120,000, although officials stressed these are the types of options that are always considered for hot zones. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News Channel`s "Fox & Friends" that there is no friction between Trump and his advisers and he welcomes different viewpoints. "He’s the one the American people elected. He’s going to take in the information and the guidance from all of his national security team and he then will make a decision on what he thinks is the best and safest thing for the American people," she said. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday welcomed what she called Trump`s lack of "appetite" for military conflict with Tehran.

Trump tells aides he does not want US war with Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-says-needs-more-time-to-form-new-government-218056">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday</a> that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway.

"I promised that we would establish a community named after President Trump," Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.

"I would like to inform you that we have already selected a site in the Golan Heights where this new community will be established, and we have started the process," he said in Hebrew.

Netanyahu pledged such a move last month, in appreciation of Trump's recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over part of the strategic plateau.

Trump broke with longstanding international consensus on March 25 when he recognised Israel's claim of sovereignty over the part of the Golan it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

In December 2017, he said Washington would recognise the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking outrage among the Palestinians who claim Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their own future state.

The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and inaugurated on May 14, 2018.

Netanyahu said he would submit the new settlement plan for cabinet approval when a new government takes office in the wake of last month's snap general election.

Netanyahu has been conducting low-key meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition.

He has until the end of May to put together an alliance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway. "I promised that we would establish a community named after President Trump," Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "I would like to inform you that we have already selected a site in the Golan Heights where this new community will be established, and we have started the process," he said in Hebrew. Netanyahu pledged such a move last month, in appreciation of Trump's recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over part of the strategic plateau. Trump broke with longstanding international consensus on March 25 when he recognised Israel's claim of sovereignty over the part of the Golan it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. In December 2017, he said Washington would recognise the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking outrage among the Palestinians who claim Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their own future state. The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and inaugurated on May 14, 2018. Netanyahu said he would submit the new settlement plan for cabinet approval when a new government takes office in the wake of last month's snap general election. Netanyahu has been conducting low-key meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition. He has until the end of May to put together an alliance.

Israel says site found for Golan 'Trump' settlement

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Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">US President Donald Trump</a> agreed completely on the need for North Korea to promptly denuclearise.

"Regarding our response to North Korea going forward, I completely agreed with President Trump in all respects," Abe told reporters after a phone call with the US leader. "Going forward, the United States and Japan will respond together, completely agreeing with a singular understanding on responding together."

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-oversaw-testing-of-multiple-rocket-launchers-state-media-216095">North Korea fired several "unidentified short-range projectiles"</a> into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, prompting the South to urge its communist neighbour to "stop acts that escalate military tension on the Korean peninsula".

Trump also said that he had spoken with Abe about North Korea and trade after North Korea raised doubts about the future of denuclearization dialogue with new weapons tests.

In a tweet, Trump described his talk with Abe, a close ally, as a "Very good conversation!" but gave no other details.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he and US President Donald Trump agreed completely on the need for North Korea to promptly denuclearise. "Regarding our response to North Korea going forward, I completely agreed with President Trump in all respects," Abe told reporters after a phone call with the US leader.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he and US President Donald Trump agreed completely on the need for North Korea to promptly denuclearise. "Regarding our response to North Korea going forward, I completely agreed with President Trump in all respects," Abe told reporters after a phone call with the US leader. "Going forward, the United States and Japan will respond together, completely agreeing with a singular understanding on responding together." North Korea fired several "unidentified short-range projectiles" into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, prompting the South to urge its communist neighbour to "stop acts that escalate military tension on the Korean peninsula". Trump also said that he had spoken with Abe about North Korea and trade after North Korea raised doubts about the future of denuclearization dialogue with new weapons tests. In a tweet, Trump described his talk with Abe, a close ally, as a "Very good conversation!" but gave no other details.

Agree with Trump that North Korea must denuclearise: Japan PM Shinzo Abe

A man robbed a number of stores in a shopping centre near Brisbane, wearing what appeared to be a Donald Trump mask.

Trump masked thief robs jewellery store

Political unrest in Venezuela Continued once again. Watch this video to know more.

Political unrest in Venezuela continues

Palestinians were mostly concerned on Wednesday (April 10) after Israeli election results showed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a clear path to reelection.

Palestinians voice concern over Netanyahu win

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news- April 30th, 2019

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending a slump from Friday that ended weeks of rallying, after President Donald Trump demanded that producer club OPEC raise output to soften the impact of US sanctions against Iran.

Brent crude futures were at $71.80 per barrel at 0215 GMT, down 35 cents, or 0.5 per cent, from their last close.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.91 per barrel, down 39 cents, or 0.6 per cent, from their previous settlement.

Both benchmarks fell around 3 per cent in the previous session.

ANZ bank said on Monday oil prices "took a hit after President Trump indicated he had spoken with Saudi Arabia about reducing the impact of lower Iranian oil exports by increasing flows elsewhere."

Trump said on Friday he called the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and told the cartel to lower oil prices.

"Gasoline prices are coming down. I called up OPEC, I said you've got to bring them down. You've got to bring them down," Trump told reporters.

The statement triggered a selloff, putting at least a temporary ceiling on a 40 per cent price rally in oil prices since the start of the year.

The rally had gained momentum in April after Trump tightened sanctions against Iran by ending all exemptions that major buyers especially in Asia previously had.

Traders said the market was shifting its focus on the voluntary supply cuts led by the Middle East dominated producer club OPEC since the start of the year.

The cuts have been supported by some non-OPEC producers, most notably Russia, but analysts said this cooperation may not last beyond a meeting between OPEC and its other allies, a group known as OPEC+, scheduled for June.

Russia has said it would be able to meet China's oil demand needs as Beijing tries to replace the imports it usually gets from Iran.

"Russia appears to have every reason to resume ramping up production levels and the base case should start to become we will not see OPEC+ agree upon extending production cuts, with tweaks to cover the shortfall from Iran," said Edward Moya, senior analyst at futures brokerage OANDA.

Meanwhile, Russia hopes to restore oil pipeline supplies to central and western Europe in two weeks, after they were suspended last week over crude quality problems.

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending a slump from Friday that ended weeks of rallying, after President Donald Trump demanded that producer club OPEC raise output to soften the impact of US sanctions against Iran.

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending a slump from Friday that ended weeks of rallying, after President Donald Trump demanded that producer club OPEC raise output to soften the impact of US sanctions against Iran. Brent crude futures were at $71.80 per barrel at 0215 GMT, down 35 cents, or 0.5 per cent, from their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.91 per barrel, down 39 cents, or 0.6 per cent, from their previous settlement. Both benchmarks fell around 3 per cent in the previous session. ANZ bank said on Monday oil prices "took a hit after President Trump indicated he had spoken with Saudi Arabia about reducing the impact of lower Iranian oil exports by increasing flows elsewhere." Trump said on Friday he called the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and told the cartel to lower oil prices. "Gasoline prices are coming down. I called up OPEC, I said you've got to bring them down. You've got to bring them down," Trump told reporters. The statement triggered a selloff, putting at least a temporary ceiling on a 40 per cent price rally in oil prices since the start of the year. The rally had gained momentum in April after Trump tightened sanctions against Iran by ending all exemptions that major buyers especially in Asia previously had. Traders said the market was shifting its focus on the voluntary supply cuts led by the Middle East dominated producer club OPEC since the start of the year. The cuts have been supported by some non-OPEC producers, most notably Russia, but analysts said this cooperation may not last beyond a meeting between OPEC and its other allies, a group known as OPEC+, scheduled for June. Russia has said it would be able to meet China's oil demand needs as Beijing tries to replace the imports it usually gets from Iran. "Russia appears to have every reason to resume ramping up production levels and the base case should start to become we will not see OPEC+ agree upon extending production cuts, with tweaks to cover the shortfall from Iran," said Edward Moya, senior analyst at futures brokerage OANDA. Meanwhile, Russia hopes to restore oil pipeline supplies to central and western Europe in two weeks, after they were suspended last week over crude quality problems.

Oil falls after Trump urges greater OPEC output to replace Iranian oil

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-troops-kill-two-suspected-is-gunmen-explosives-found-during-raid-213815">Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid&nbsp;</a>

Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade</a>

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-the-clear-leader-in-social-media-213822">Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media</a>

Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-raises-63-million-in-first-24-hours-of-campaign-213809">Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign</a>

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-citizens-to-reconsider-travel-to-sri-lanka-over-terror-threat-213813">US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat</a>

The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman. Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty. Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday. Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">President Donald Trump</a> said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade.

Trump and Abe held one-on-one talks in the Oval Office prior to a White House dinner to celebrate the birthday of Trump's wife, Melania. While making progress in negotiations with China on a new trade deal, Trump made clear he wants to seal a new agreement with Japan soon as well.

Abe's visit, which is to include a round of golf on Saturday with Trump, is to set the stage for a trip to Japan that Trump is taking in late May to celebrate Crown Prince Naruhito's becoming the new emperor of Japan.

Trump announced that he and Abe may take in a sumo wrestling match during the trip to Tokyo.

Naruhito is set to become Japan's emperor on May 1. He will assume the throne after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates on April 30.

Trump said negotiators for the United States and Japan are making progress in his drive to rebalance their trade relationship in a way that reduces chronic US trade deficits with Japan.

"I think it can go fairly quickly. Maybe by the time I'm over there. Maybe we sign it over there. But it's moving along very nicely and we'll see what happens," Trump said about the trade deal.

A senior Japanese government official told Reuters after the Oval Office discussions that "based upon the trust between the two countries," the two leaders "agreed to accelerate the discussions in order to achieve an early result on Japan-US trade talks."

Still, areas of tension surfaced during their session with the news media. Trump cited Japanese tariffs on American agricultural products as an irritant, and Abe brought up US tariffs on Japanese autos.

"We'll be discussing very strongly agriculture because, as the prime minister knows, Japan puts very massive tariffs on our agriculture...and we want to get rid of those tariffs," Trump said.

Trump has made clear he is unhappy with Japan's trade surplus with the United States - much of it from auto exports - and wants a two-way deal to change it.

Abe pointed out that while Japan has no tariffs on American autos, "the United States has put on 2.5 per cent tariffs on Japanese autos," and said he would like to proceed toward a "mutually beneficial outcome" in the trade talks.

Trump said he felt it was possible to work out a long-term trade deal with Japan.

"We are trying to bring some balance to the surplus that they have with the United States for many, many years, but it'll all work out," he said.

"Free and open Indo-Pacific"

The senior Japanese government official said the two leaders agreed that the governments would coordinate closely with each other and with South Korea to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. He said Abe thanked Trump for twice raising the issue of Japanese abductees held in North Korea during his February summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The official said Abe and Trump also agreed to enhance the "deterrence and capabilities" of the US-Japan alliance and reaffirmed their intention to cooperate further to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region.

Looking ahead to the June 28-29 Group of 20 meeting in Osaka, the two agreed to seek a summit agreement on key issues, including trade, the digital economy, the issue of maritime plastic waste, infrastructure investment, and women’s empowerment, said the official, who did not want to be otherwise identified.

In the Oval Office, Trump joked that when Abe originally invited him to Tokyo as the first official guest after the new emperor takes over, he was not sure he could attend.

"I said, 'Gee I don't know if I can make it. Let me ask you a question. How big is that event compared to the Super Bowl, for the Japanese? And the prime minister said, It's about 100 times bigger. I said, I'll be there, if that's the case, I'll be there," Trump said.

Abe said Japan will enter a new era, to be called Reiwa, on May 1 when the Japanese crown prince accedes to the throne. He said Trump and the first lady would be the first state guests of the new era.

"This state visit will show both inside and outside that still under the new era, Reiwa, the bonds between Japan and the United States under our alliance will remain unwavering. And also we will demonstrate our strong commitment to addressing various challenges that we see in the international community," Abe said through a translator.

President Donald Trump said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade.

President Donald Trump said on Friday it is possible that the United States and Japan could reach a new bilateral trade deal by the time he visits Tokyo in May, but he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cited areas where they differ on trade. Trump and Abe held one-on-one talks in the Oval Office prior to a White House dinner to celebrate the birthday of Trump's wife, Melania. While making progress in negotiations with China on a new trade deal, Trump made clear he wants to seal a new agreement with Japan soon as well. Abe's visit, which is to include a round of golf on Saturday with Trump, is to set the stage for a trip to Japan that Trump is taking in late May to celebrate Crown Prince Naruhito's becoming the new emperor of Japan. Trump announced that he and Abe may take in a sumo wrestling match during the trip to Tokyo. Naruhito is set to become Japan's emperor on May 1. He will assume the throne after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates on April 30. Trump said negotiators for the United States and Japan are making progress in his drive to rebalance their trade relationship in a way that reduces chronic US trade deficits with Japan. "I think it can go fairly quickly. Maybe by the time I'm over there. Maybe we sign it over there. But it's moving along very nicely and we'll see what happens," Trump said about the trade deal. A senior Japanese government official told Reuters after the Oval Office discussions that "based upon the trust between the two countries," the two leaders "agreed to accelerate the discussions in order to achieve an early result on Japan-US trade talks." Still, areas of tension surfaced during their session with the news media. Trump cited Japanese tariffs on American agricultural products as an irritant, and Abe brought up US tariffs on Japanese autos. "We'll be discussing very strongly agriculture because, as the prime minister knows, Japan puts very massive tariffs on our agriculture...and we want to get rid of those tariffs," Trump said. Trump has made clear he is unhappy with Japan's trade surplus with the United States - much of it from auto exports - and wants a two-way deal to change it. Abe pointed out that while Japan has no tariffs on American autos, "the United States has put on 2.5 per cent tariffs on Japanese autos," and said he would like to proceed toward a "mutually beneficial outcome" in the trade talks. Trump said he felt it was possible to work out a long-term trade deal with Japan. "We are trying to bring some balance to the surplus that they have with the United States for many, many years, but it'll all work out," he said. "Free and open Indo-Pacific" The senior Japanese government official said the two leaders agreed that the governments would coordinate closely with each other and with South Korea to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. He said Abe thanked Trump for twice raising the issue of Japanese abductees held in North Korea during his February summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The official said Abe and Trump also agreed to enhance the "deterrence and capabilities" of the US-Japan alliance and reaffirmed their intention to cooperate further to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region. Looking ahead to the June 28-29 Group of 20 meeting in Osaka, the two agreed to seek a summit agreement on key issues, including trade, the digital economy, the issue of maritime plastic waste, infrastructure investment, and women’s empowerment, said the official, who did not want to be otherwise identified. In the Oval Office, Trump joked that when Abe originally invited him to Tokyo as the first official guest after the new emperor takes over, he was not sure he could attend. "I said, 'Gee I don't know if I can make it. Let me ask you a question. How big is that event compared to the Super Bowl, for the Japanese? And the prime minister said, It's about 100 times bigger. I said, I'll be there, if that's the case, I'll be there," Trump said. Abe said Japan will enter a new era, to be called Reiwa, on May 1 when the Japanese crown prince accedes to the throne. He said Trump and the first lady would be the first state guests of the new era. "This state visit will show both inside and outside that still under the new era, Reiwa, the bonds between Japan and the United States under our alliance will remain unwavering. And also we will demonstrate our strong commitment to addressing various challenges that we see in the international community," Abe said through a translator.

Trump says sees possibility of US-Japan trade deal by May

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-appreciate-russia-china-helping-us-says-trump-after-putin-kim-talks-213740">President Donald Trump</a> announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

The US Senate never ratified the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty after former president Barack Obama endorsed it. Trump said he was revoking his predecessor's signature.

"We will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone," Trump said in a speech to the National Rifle Association in Indianapolis. "We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom," he said, referring to the constitutional right to bear arms.

"And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN arms trade treaty."

"I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment (sic). We're taking our signature back."

The treaty, which entered into effect in December 2014, seeks to regulate the flow of weapons into conflict zones.

It requires member countries to keep records of international transfers of weapons and to prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations or attacks on civilians.

While 130 countries originally signed the treaty, only 101 have ratified and joined it. Those include major powers like France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

UN praises landmark achievement

The world's largest arms traders, the United States, China and Russia, have not joined.

Asked about Trump's announcement, the United Nations praised the arms trade treaty as a "landmark achievement" in efforts to ensure responsibility in international arms transfers. &nbsp;

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the ATT is "the only global instrument aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the international arms trade."

He said the treaty was "particularly important in present times when we witness growing international tensions and renewed interest in expanding and modernizing arsenals."

In a statement, the White House said the treaty "fails to truly address the problem of irresponsible arms transfers, while providing a platform for those who would seek to constrain our ability to sell arms to our allies and partners."

It also claimed that some groups are trying to use the treaty to overturn "sovereign national decisions" on arms exports -- pointing to one effort to block the British government's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.

"The ATT is simply not needed for the United States to engage in responsible arms trade," the White House said.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty. The US Senate never ratified the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty after former president Barack Obama endorsed it. Trump said he was revoking his predecessor's signature. "We will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone," Trump said in a speech to the National Rifle Association in Indianapolis. "We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom," he said, referring to the constitutional right to bear arms. "And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN arms trade treaty." "I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment (sic). We're taking our signature back." The treaty, which entered into effect in December 2014, seeks to regulate the flow of weapons into conflict zones. It requires member countries to keep records of international transfers of weapons and to prohibit cross-border shipments that could be used in human rights violations or attacks on civilians. While 130 countries originally signed the treaty, only 101 have ratified and joined it. Those include major powers like France, Germany and the United Kingdom. UN praises landmark achievement The world's largest arms traders, the United States, China and Russia, have not joined. Asked about Trump's announcement, the United Nations praised the arms trade treaty as a "landmark achievement" in efforts to ensure responsibility in international arms transfers. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the ATT is "the only global instrument aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the international arms trade." He said the treaty was "particularly important in present times when we witness growing international tensions and renewed interest in expanding and modernizing arsenals." In a statement, the White House said the treaty "fails to truly address the problem of irresponsible arms transfers, while providing a platform for those who would seek to constrain our ability to sell arms to our allies and partners." It also claimed that some groups are trying to use the treaty to overturn "sovereign national decisions" on arms exports -- pointing to one effort to block the British government's sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia. "The ATT is simply not needed for the United States to engage in responsible arms trade," the White House said.

Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade

US Democratic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-vice-president-joe-biden-enters-2020-presidential-race-213423">presidential candidate Joe Biden</a> raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals.

Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200.

He bested the rest of the Democratic field in first-day fundraising, including Bernie Sanders, who raised $5.9 million, and Beto O'Rourke, who brought in $6.1 million.

Prior to entering the race on Thursday, Biden faced speculation that he was going to be unable to raise small-dollar donations via the Internet - which has been viewed as a test of viability and support in the Democratic Party.

To qualify for the first debate in June, candidates need to receive donations from 65,000 different donors. Biden reached that mark in the first 12 hours of his campaign, Ducklo said.

Biden has joined most of the rest of the Democratic field in swearing off donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs associated with corporations. But he did hold a fundraiser on the first day of his campaign at the Philadelphia home of David Cohen, a Comcast executive.

Biden served as former President Barack Obama's vice president for two terms. He is competing with 19 others for the Democratic presidential nomination and the chance to likely face President Donald Trump next year in the general election.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. Biden, 76, brought in the bulk of that haul through smaller contributions, his campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo wrote on Twitter, with 97 per cent of those donations under $200. He bested the rest of the Democratic field in first-day fundraising, including Bernie Sanders, who raised $5.9 million, and Beto O'Rourke, who brought in $6.1 million. Prior to entering the race on Thursday, Biden faced speculation that he was going to be unable to raise small-dollar donations via the Internet - which has been viewed as a test of viability and support in the Democratic Party. To qualify for the first debate in June, candidates need to receive donations from 65,000 different donors. Biden reached that mark in the first 12 hours of his campaign, Ducklo said. Biden has joined most of the rest of the Democratic field in swearing off donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs associated with corporations. But he did hold a fundraiser on the first day of his campaign at the Philadelphia home of David Cohen, a Comcast executive. Biden served as former President Barack Obama's vice president for two terms. He is competing with 19 others for the Democratic presidential nomination and the chance to likely face President Donald Trump next year in the general election.

Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign

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