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."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-confirms-saturdays-multiple-projectiles-test-216146/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<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

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- 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

North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-needs-security-guarantees-in-exchange-for-denuclearisation-says-putin-after-meeting-kim-213419">Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

Kim's remarks were seen as keeping pressure on the United States to be more flexible in accepting Pyongyang's demands to ease sanctions, compared to the US stance during his unsuccessful second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February.

The North Korean leader said at the time he would wait until the end of the year for the United States to become more flexible.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula and the region is now at a standstill and has reached a critical point where it may return to its original state as the US took a unilateral attitude in bad faith at the recent second DPRK-US summit talks," KCNA reported Kim as saying, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The DPRK will gird itself for every possible situation." Kim said.

Kim invited Putin to North Korea at a convenient time and Putin accepted, KCNA said.

There was no immediate comment on the summit from the US State Department but William Hagerty, the US ambassador to Japan, told a Washington think tank Kim’s contact with Russia and China was part of an effort to seek relief from international sanctions.

"The fact you see Kim Jong-un meeting with Vladimir Putin underscores the fact that the sanctions are working and the sanctions are putting extreme economic pressure on the North Korean regime," Hagerty said.

"What we see is an outreach to try to find a way to deal with it. There is a much simpler way to deal with it and that is to denuclearise," he said.

He said it was important the international community enforced UN sanctions against North Korea that were imposed because of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes.

The first face-to-face talks between Putin and Kim, held on an island off the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok on Thursday, did not appear to yield any major breakthrough.

The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on ways for their countries to promote strategic communication and tactical collaboration in the course of ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region, KCNA said.

Putin said he thought a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear programme was possible and that the way to get there was to move forward step by step in order to build trust.

But any US guarantees might need to be supported by the other nations involved in previous six-way talks on the nuclear issue, Putin said, which was seen as a way to use the summit to strengthen Russia's diplomatic clout as a global player.

Russia and North Korea agreed to take measures to further cooperate in trade, economy, science and technology, KCNA said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin peace and security on the Korean peninsula depend entirely on the future US attitude, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday. Kim's remarks were seen as keeping pressure on the United States to be more flexible in accepting Pyongyang's demands to ease sanctions, compared to the US stance during his unsuccessful second summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February. The North Korean leader said at the time he would wait until the end of the year for the United States to become more flexible. "The situation on the Korean peninsula and the region is now at a standstill and has reached a critical point where it may return to its original state as the US took a unilateral attitude in bad faith at the recent second DPRK-US summit talks," KCNA reported Kim as saying, using North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The DPRK will gird itself for every possible situation." Kim said. Kim invited Putin to North Korea at a convenient time and Putin accepted, KCNA said. There was no immediate comment on the summit from the US State Department but William Hagerty, the US ambassador to Japan, told a Washington think tank Kim’s contact with Russia and China was part of an effort to seek relief from international sanctions. "The fact you see Kim Jong-un meeting with Vladimir Putin underscores the fact that the sanctions are working and the sanctions are putting extreme economic pressure on the North Korean regime," Hagerty said. "What we see is an outreach to try to find a way to deal with it. There is a much simpler way to deal with it and that is to denuclearise," he said. He said it was important the international community enforced UN sanctions against North Korea that were imposed because of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. The first face-to-face talks between Putin and Kim, held on an island off the Russian Pacific city of Vladivostok on Thursday, did not appear to yield any major breakthrough. The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on ways for their countries to promote strategic communication and tactical collaboration in the course of ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region, KCNA said. Putin said he thought a deal on Pyongyang's nuclear programme was possible and that the way to get there was to move forward step by step in order to build trust. But any US guarantees might need to be supported by the other nations involved in previous six-way talks on the nuclear issue, Putin said, which was seen as a way to use the summit to strengthen Russia's diplomatic clout as a global player. Russia and North Korea agreed to take measures to further cooperate in trade, economy, science and technology, KCNA said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says peace on Korean peninsula depends on US attitude: State media

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-misses-tax-return-deadline-legal-battle-likely-213110">President Donald Trump</a> is opposed to current and former White House aides testifying to congressional committees on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report, the Washington Post quoted him as saying on Tuesday.

In an interview with the newspaper, Trump said the White House cooperated with Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and did not need to comply with congressional committees, which are probing possible obstruction of justice by Trump.

"There is no reason to go any further, and especially in Congress where it’s very partisan - obviously very partisan," Trump said, according to the Post.

Earlier, the Post reported that the White House was planning to oppose a subpoena issued by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee for former White House Counsel Don McGahn to testify.

The Post said the White House planned to assert executive privilege to prevent McGahn and other current and former Trump administration officials from testifying.

Trump said the White House lawyers had not "made a final, final decision" about whether to assert executive privilege, according to the Post.

But Trump said he opposed cooperating with House Democrats, who he said were trying to score political points against him.

''I don’t want people testifying to a party, because that is what they’re doing if they do this,''&nbsp;the Post quoted Trump as saying.

According to the Mueller report, Trump called McGahn in June 2017 to say he should tell Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to remove the special counsel because he had conflicts of interest. McGahn did not carry out the order.

President Donald Trump is opposed to current and former White House aides testifying to congressional committees on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report, the Washington Post quoted him as saying on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump is opposed to current and former White House aides testifying to congressional committees on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report, the Washington Post quoted him as saying on Tuesday. In an interview with the newspaper, Trump said the White House cooperated with Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election and did not need to comply with congressional committees, which are probing possible obstruction of justice by Trump. "There is no reason to go any further, and especially in Congress where it’s very partisan - obviously very partisan," Trump said, according to the Post. Earlier, the Post reported that the White House was planning to oppose a subpoena issued by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee for former White House Counsel Don McGahn to testify. The Post said the White House planned to assert executive privilege to prevent McGahn and other current and former Trump administration officials from testifying. Trump said the White House lawyers had not "made a final, final decision" about whether to assert executive privilege, according to the Post. But Trump said he opposed cooperating with House Democrats, who he said were trying to score political points against him. ''I don’t want people testifying to a party, because that is what they’re doing if they do this,'' the Post quoted Trump as saying. According to the Mueller report, Trump called McGahn in June 2017 to say he should tell Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to remove the special counsel because he had conflicts of interest. McGahn did not carry out the order.

Trump opposed to aides testifying to Congress on Mueller report

The White House has refused to meet a Tuesday deadline to deliver six years of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-complained-to-twitter-ceo-about-lost-followers-source-213104">President Donald Trump</a>'s tax returns to Congress, escalating a battle that is expected to head to court.

The House Ways and Means Committee's chairman, Richard Neal, had given the Internal Revenue Service until April 10 to turn over the president's personal tax returns, and those of several entities connected to Trump, for 2013 through 2018.

That deadline was extended to April 23. But Trump has signalled he does not want his financial information disclosed, repeating his oft-used excuse during the 2016 presidential campaign that he would not release his tax returns while under audit by the IRS.

Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 elections by refusing to release the returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law.

"The president is pretty clear: Once he's out of the audit, he will think about doing it," White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley told Fox News on Tuesday.

"He's not inclined to do so at this time."

The US Treasury Department said it was reviewing Neal's request and consulting with the Justice Department, and that there were "serious constitutional questions" related to the request.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, in a letter to Neal, said the department would render a final decision by May 6 on whether or not to comply.&nbsp;

But Mnuchin also warned that congressional Democrats, through the Ways and Means demand, were seeking "to obtain and expose the president's tax returns."

Democrats have warned that legal action, such as a subpoena of financial data, could follow if the Trump administration does not comply, precipitating a lengthy battle in the courts.

In requesting the tax returns, Democrats have cited a little-known law that allows Congress to review anyone's returns to conduct an investigation.

The White House has refused to meet a Tuesday deadline to deliver six years of President Donald Trump's tax returns to Congress, escalating a battle that is expected to head to court.

The White House has refused to meet a Tuesday deadline to deliver six years of President Donald Trump's tax returns to Congress, escalating a battle that is expected to head to court. The House Ways and Means Committee's chairman, Richard Neal, had given the Internal Revenue Service until April 10 to turn over the president's personal tax returns, and those of several entities connected to Trump, for 2013 through 2018. That deadline was extended to April 23. But Trump has signalled he does not want his financial information disclosed, repeating his oft-used excuse during the 2016 presidential campaign that he would not release his tax returns while under audit by the IRS. Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 elections by refusing to release the returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law. "The president is pretty clear: Once he's out of the audit, he will think about doing it," White House Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley told Fox News on Tuesday. "He's not inclined to do so at this time." The US Treasury Department said it was reviewing Neal's request and consulting with the Justice Department, and that there were "serious constitutional questions" related to the request. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, in a letter to Neal, said the department would render a final decision by May 6 on whether or not to comply. But Mnuchin also warned that congressional Democrats, through the Ways and Means demand, were seeking "to obtain and expose the president's tax returns." Democrats have warned that legal action, such as a subpoena of financial data, could follow if the Trump administration does not comply, precipitating a lengthy battle in the courts. In requesting the tax returns, Democrats have cited a little-known law that allows Congress to review anyone's returns to conduct an investigation.

Trump misses tax return deadline, legal battle likely

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mueller-report-is-it-a-clean-chit-for-donald-trump-211973">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> but said they would first need to complete <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lawyers-reviewed-mueller-report-for-10-hours-before-it-was-made-public-211967">their own investigations </a>into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe.

Party leaders have cautioned against impeachment just 18 months before the November 2020 presidential election, although prominent liberals have demanded the start of proceedings to remove Trump from office since the release of a redacted version of Mueller`s report on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-agreed-to-testify-on-mueller-report-says-trump-211835">I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump</a>

US&nbsp;House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, whose panel would spearhead any impeachment proceedings, said Democrats would press ahead with investigations of Trump in Congress and "see where the facts lead us."

"Obstruction of justice, if proven, would be impeachable," Nadler said on NBC`s "Meet the Press."

The redacted version of Mueller`s long-awaited report on Russian interference in the 2016 election, the product of a 22-month investigation, outlined multiple instances where Trump tried to thwart the probe. While it stopped short of concluding Trump had committed a crime, it did not exonerate him.

Mueller also noted that Congress has the power to address whether Trump violated the law, and Democrats said it would be a matter of discussion in the coming weeks. 
"That`s going to be a very consequential decision and one I`m going to reserve judgment on until we have a chance to fully deliberate on it," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on "Fox News Sunday."

Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, planned a conference call for Monday afternoon to discuss their next steps in response to the Mueller report. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote lawmakers last week to notify them of the call "to discuss this grave matter."

Nadler on Friday issued a subpoena to the Justice Department to hand over the full, unredacted Mueller report and underlying evidence by May 1. The Justice Department called the request "premature and unnecessary."&nbsp;

Before drawing any conclusions, Nadler said Democrats want to hear from Mueller and Attorney General William Barr, who is scheduled to testify in early May. Nadler also said he would call former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify.

Republicans have stood by Trump and an impeachment effort was unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led Senate.

Trump, who denounces the investigation as a witch hunt, claimed vindication from Mueller`s report. He has called for an investigation of how the FBI began the probe, and has tried to blame Democrats.&nbsp;

"How do you impeach a Republican President for a crime that was committed by the Democrats?" he wrote on Twitter.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren became the first major contender for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination to call for the start of impeachment proceedings, saying on Friday that "the severity of this misconduct" demanded it.&nbsp;

Julian Castro, former housing secretary under President Barack Obama and another 2020 contender, joined Warren.

Democratic House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, however, said, "I`m not there yet."

He told CBS` "Face the Nation" that Congress needed to look at Trump`s finances and gauge Mueller`s intentions with his report. Even if Senate Republicans blocked any eventual Democratic impeachment effort, Cummings said, "I think history would smile upon us for standing up for the Constitution."

Representative Tim Ryan, another Democratic presidential contender, said the party should wait until multiple ongoing investigations of Trump in Congress have had a chance to uncover more evidence.

"Let the process play itself out," he said on CNN`s "State of the Union."

While Trump`s team had indicated it would release a rebuttal to Mueller`s report, Rudy Giuliani, said that was not imminent.

"We planned to do it if we needed to. So far, we don`t think we need to," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of US President Donald Trump but said they would first need to complete their own investigations into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe.

Top congressional Democrats left the door open on Sunday to the impeachment of US President Donald Trump but said they would first need to complete their own investigations into whether he obstructed justice in Special Counsel Robert Mueller`s Russia probe. Party leaders have cautioned against impeachment just 18 months before the November 2020 presidential election, although prominent liberals have demanded the start of proceedings to remove Trump from office since the release of a redacted version of Mueller`s report on Thursday. Also read: I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump US House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, whose panel would spearhead any impeachment proceedings, said Democrats would press ahead with investigations of Trump in Congress and "see where the facts lead us." "Obstruction of justice, if proven, would be impeachable," Nadler said on NBC`s "Meet the Press." The redacted version of Mueller`s long-awaited report on Russian interference in the 2016 election, the product of a 22-month investigation, outlined multiple instances where Trump tried to thwart the probe. While it stopped short of concluding Trump had committed a crime, it did not exonerate him. Mueller also noted that Congress has the power to address whether Trump violated the law, and Democrats said it would be a matter of discussion in the coming weeks. "That`s going to be a very consequential decision and one I`m going to reserve judgment on until we have a chance to fully deliberate on it," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on "Fox News Sunday." Democrats, who control the House of Representatives, planned a conference call for Monday afternoon to discuss their next steps in response to the Mueller report. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote lawmakers last week to notify them of the call "to discuss this grave matter." Nadler on Friday issued a subpoena to the Justice Department to hand over the full, unredacted Mueller report and underlying evidence by May 1. The Justice Department called the request "premature and unnecessary." Before drawing any conclusions, Nadler said Democrats want to hear from Mueller and Attorney General William Barr, who is scheduled to testify in early May. Nadler also said he would call former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify. Republicans have stood by Trump and an impeachment effort was unlikely to succeed in the Republican-led Senate. Trump, who denounces the investigation as a witch hunt, claimed vindication from Mueller`s report. He has called for an investigation of how the FBI began the probe, and has tried to blame Democrats. "How do you impeach a Republican President for a crime that was committed by the Democrats?" he wrote on Twitter. US Senator Elizabeth Warren became the first major contender for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination to call for the start of impeachment proceedings, saying on Friday that "the severity of this misconduct" demanded it. Julian Castro, former housing secretary under President Barack Obama and another 2020 contender, joined Warren. Democratic House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings, however, said, "I`m not there yet." He told CBS` "Face the Nation" that Congress needed to look at Trump`s finances and gauge Mueller`s intentions with his report. Even if Senate Republicans blocked any eventual Democratic impeachment effort, Cummings said, "I think history would smile upon us for standing up for the Constitution." Representative Tim Ryan, another Democratic presidential contender, said the party should wait until multiple ongoing investigations of Trump in Congress have had a chance to uncover more evidence. "Let the process play itself out," he said on CNN`s "State of the Union." While Trump`s team had indicated it would release a rebuttal to Mueller`s report, Rudy Giuliani, said that was not imminent. "We planned to do it if we needed to. So far, we don`t think we need to," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

Top Democrats leave open option of Trump impeachment after Mueller report

Russia on Friday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-mueller-report-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it-211667">Mueller report again</a>, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections.

"As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information".

"We regret that documents of such quality have a direct influence on the development of US-Russian bilateral relations which are not in the best shape as it is," Peskov added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/attorney-general-william-barr-releases-mueller-report-211656/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US Department of Justice released a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/redacted-mueller-report-released-by-us-justice-department-211618">redacted version on Thursday</a> of special counsel Robert Mueller's report.

The report officially titled 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election' runs nearly in 400 pages.&nbsp;

However, some pages of the 400-page report were blacked out by Attorney General Bill Barr to protect ongoing investigations and for other reasons.

The Attorney General, however, said Russians did try to interfere in the US presidential elections. Barr while releasing the report also clarified that the president did not obstruct justice and that the White House freely cooperated in the report.

Also, Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either.

(With inputs from AFP)

Russia on Friday dismissed the Mueller report again, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections. "As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information".

Russia on Friday dismissed the Mueller report again, stating that it does not show any kind of proof of meddling by Moscow in the 2016 US elections. "As a whole, the report as before does not present any reasonable proof at all that Russia allegedly meddled in the electoral process in the US," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying it contained "no new information". "We regret that documents of such quality have a direct influence on the development of US-Russian bilateral relations which are not in the best shape as it is," Peskov added. The US Department of Justice released a redacted version on Thursday of special counsel Robert Mueller's report. The report officially titled 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election' runs nearly in 400 pages. However, some pages of the 400-page report were blacked out by Attorney General Bill Barr to protect ongoing investigations and for other reasons. The Attorney General, however, said Russians did try to interfere in the US presidential elections. Barr while releasing the report also clarified that the president did not obstruct justice and that the White House freely cooperated in the report. Also, Mueller did not make a conclusion on whether Trump, whose presidency has been overshadowed by the Russia investigation, had committed obstruction of justice but did not exonerate him either. (With inputs from AFP)

Mueller report shows 'no reasonable proof' of Russian meddling: Kremlin

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 15th, 2019

Dressed in a black suit, an unmistakable blonde wig and an extra-long red tie, "Trump" leads a Cantonese opera troupe during a rehearsal in Hong Kong. Dubbed 'Trump on Show', the absurd drama shows a mish-mash of current and imagined events including the US president's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

'Trump' debuts in Cantonese opera

US Attorney General William Barr left senators confused about whether he believed that unauthorized spying on President Trump's campaign had occurred, as he was pressed on the impending release of special counsel Robert Mueller's final report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

William Barr: Spying "did occur" on Trump campaign'16

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling on President Donald Trump to sign into law a resolution ending American involvement in the war in Yemen.

Historic resolution to end US role in Yemen war

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday accused the United States of being the real "leader of world terrorism", hitting back after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-irans-revolutionary-guards-as-a-terrorist-organisation-donald-trump-208837">Washington blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards</a> as a terrorist organisation.

Tehran was quick to retaliate on Monday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-declares-us-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-state-media-208866">declaring US troops "terrorists"</a> following Washington's move, which was welcomed by Iran's regional arch-rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia.

It was the first time that Washington has branded part of a foreign government a terrorist group, meaning that anyone who deals with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face prison in the United States.

"Who are you to label revolutionary institutions as terrorists?" an angry Rouhani demanded in a speech broadcast live by state television.

Rouhani hailed the Guards for fighting terrorism since their creation in 1979, and accused US forces of having always been involved with terrorist groups or acts of terrorism.

"You want to use terrorist groups as tools against the nations of the region... you are the leader of world terrorism.

"Who is propagating and encouraging terrorism in today's world? Who wanted to use ISIS (the Islamic State group) as a tool?" Rouhani asked, saying that the US is "hiding" the leaders of the jihadist organisation.

The Revolutionary Guards are the ideological arm of the country's military and deeply embedded in Iranian political and economic life.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-calls-us-blacklisting-of-guards-a-vicious-move-209028">Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> praised the Guards on their National Day, saying they were at the "forefront' of defending the country and its interests, according to his official website.

He lashed out at US officials, saying: "Their vice and deceit will return boomerang on them, leading the enemies of the Islamic Republic such as (US President Donald) Trump and those around him at the US ruling apparatus to go down the drain."

'Everything imaginable'

To support his accusations, Rouhani cited the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in July 1988 by missiles fired from the US naval ship the USS Vincennes.

"You have done everything imaginable. Which force was it that shot down our civil airliner in the waters of the Persian Gulf?" he said, adding that it was aimed at intimidating Iran.

"You wanted to tell the Iranian nation that we do not have any red lines, you wanted to say that we also kill children, you wanted to say that we also kill women," Rouhani said, concluding that the US was transmitting "a message of terrorism in the whole world."

The US move comes on top of Trump's decision last year to pull the United States out of an international deal with Iran that was meant to lift crippling economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Washington had been encouraged to blacklist the Guards by Trump's allies Saudi Arabia and Israel, which both cheered the declaration.

"The US decision (follows) the kingdom's repeated demands to the international community to address the issue of Iranian-backed terrorism," the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying on Tuesday.

The source welcomed the US move as a "practical and serious step" in curbing what the kingdom describes as Iranian meddling in the region.

The US decision came hours before an Israeli election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a close race for re-election.

In a statement, Netanyahu thanked his "dear friend" Trump who he said had responded to a "request of mine".

In a statement carried by the Iranian official news agency IRNA, the Supreme National Security Council declared the United States a "state sponsor of terrorism" and its forces in the region "terror groups".

Quickly adapting to the decision, the semi-official Fars News Agency, close to ultra-conservatives, described the US casualties in the latest suicide bombing on a military convoy in Afghanistan as "terrorists."

In a report on the attack, Fars said Tuesday: "American army terrorists killed in Afghanistan."

NATO announced on Monday that a suicide car bomb on a convoy in Iran's eastern neighbour had killed three US troops and a military contractor and wounded three more.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday accused the United States of being the real "leader of world terrorism", hitting back after Washington blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday accused the United States of being the real "leader of world terrorism", hitting back after Washington blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. Tehran was quick to retaliate on Monday by declaring US troops "terrorists" following Washington's move, which was welcomed by Iran's regional arch-rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia. It was the first time that Washington has branded part of a foreign government a terrorist group, meaning that anyone who deals with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face prison in the United States. "Who are you to label revolutionary institutions as terrorists?" an angry Rouhani demanded in a speech broadcast live by state television. Rouhani hailed the Guards for fighting terrorism since their creation in 1979, and accused US forces of having always been involved with terrorist groups or acts of terrorism. "You want to use terrorist groups as tools against the nations of the region... you are the leader of world terrorism. "Who is propagating and encouraging terrorism in today's world? Who wanted to use ISIS (the Islamic State group) as a tool?" Rouhani asked, saying that the US is "hiding" the leaders of the jihadist organisation. The Revolutionary Guards are the ideological arm of the country's military and deeply embedded in Iranian political and economic life. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the Guards on their National Day, saying they were at the "forefront' of defending the country and its interests, according to his official website. He lashed out at US officials, saying: "Their vice and deceit will return boomerang on them, leading the enemies of the Islamic Republic such as (US President Donald) Trump and those around him at the US ruling apparatus to go down the drain." 'Everything imaginable' To support his accusations, Rouhani cited the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 in July 1988 by missiles fired from the US naval ship the USS Vincennes. "You have done everything imaginable. Which force was it that shot down our civil airliner in the waters of the Persian Gulf?" he said, adding that it was aimed at intimidating Iran. "You wanted to tell the Iranian nation that we do not have any red lines, you wanted to say that we also kill children, you wanted to say that we also kill women," Rouhani said, concluding that the US was transmitting "a message of terrorism in the whole world." The US move comes on top of Trump's decision last year to pull the United States out of an international deal with Iran that was meant to lift crippling economic sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Washington had been encouraged to blacklist the Guards by Trump's allies Saudi Arabia and Israel, which both cheered the declaration. "The US decision (follows) the kingdom's repeated demands to the international community to address the issue of Iranian-backed terrorism," the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying on Tuesday. The source welcomed the US move as a "practical and serious step" in curbing what the kingdom describes as Iranian meddling in the region. The US decision came hours before an Israeli election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a close race for re-election. In a statement, Netanyahu thanked his "dear friend" Trump who he said had responded to a "request of mine". In a statement carried by the Iranian official news agency IRNA, the Supreme National Security Council declared the United States a "state sponsor of terrorism" and its forces in the region "terror groups". Quickly adapting to the decision, the semi-official Fars News Agency, close to ultra-conservatives, described the US casualties in the latest suicide bombing on a military convoy in Afghanistan as "terrorists." In a report on the attack, Fars said Tuesday: "American army terrorists killed in Afghanistan." NATO announced on Monday that a suicide car bomb on a convoy in Iran's eastern neighbour had killed three US troops and a military contractor and wounded three more.

US 'leader of world terrorism', Trump's 'vice and deceit' will destroy him: Iran President Hassan Rouhani

Three influential US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to oppose the proposed multi-billion bailout package being sought by<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-likely-to-give-6-billion-us-dollar-bailout-package-to-pakistan-197059&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJjra__L_hAhVb6XMBHbH_BoUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Yz2Y6jnL--0SFpiK5pHdQ"> Pakistan </a>from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imf-to-reach-agreement-soon-on-bailout-package-finance-minister-205590&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJjra__L_hAhVb6XMBHbH_BoUQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0aHiv5FTSk9KCdrOKhs5-z">International Monetary Fund </a>(IMF) arguing it could be used to repay the Chinese debt.

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the bipartisan group of three lawmakers Ted Yoho, Ami Bera and George Holding&nbsp;expressed their "deep concern" over the likely use of IMF's bailout package to repay the massive Chinese debt that Pakistan has accumulated under<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-imf-close-to-reaching-deal-on-bailout-207334&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjJjra__L_hAhVb6XMBHbH_BoUQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw09oE_u3daZZ4sFEyG4Qn2l"> China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)</a>.

We write to express our deep concern over attempts made by the Government of Pakistan to seek a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund to retrieve debts incurred from predatory Chinese infrastructure projects," the Congressmen said in a letter dated April 5.

China, they said, is investing $62 billion in Pakistan under CPEC. "Its debt repayment and profit repatriation terms are not transparent and have understandably raised concerns inside Pakistan,"&nbsp;they said.

"Illustrative of the dangers of China's debt-trap diplomacy, Sri Lanka became unable to make payments on the Chinese debt it had taken for the Hambantota Port Development Project," the letter said.

Under "heavy pressure" from China, Sri Lanka ultimately handed over 1,500 acres of land around the port for a 99-year lease, they said. 
"The impact of Chinese predatory financing in Pakistan, as already seen in the case of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, cannot be ruled out,"&nbsp;the letter said.

Asserting that there is a "critical need for transparency in projects" including loan terms and contractual details, the Congressmen said "unless the terms are subjected to strict scrutiny" the Islamabad may use the IMF bailout package to repay Pakistan's debt obligations to China.

Noting that Pakistan's history with the IMF gives further cause for concern, the US lawmakers said having spent 22 of the past 30 years in a dozen different IMF bailout programs, Pakistan has failed to carry out necessary structural economic problems.

"Another bailout that fails to provide transparency and address issues of balance of payment, high fiscal deficit, and unsustainable debt will again be doomed to fail, instead of enriching China,"&nbsp;the three Congressmen warned.

They said it is critical that the US continues to work to counter China's attempts to hold "hostage countries that are unable to repay unfavourable loans" in an attempt to further their geostrategic goals.&nbsp;

Three influential US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to oppose the proposed multi-billion bailout package being sought by Pakistan from International Monetary Fund (IMF) arguing it could be used to repay the Chinese debt.

Three influential US lawmakers have urged the Trump administration to oppose the proposed multi-billion bailout package being sought by Pakistan from International Monetary Fund (IMF) arguing it could be used to repay the Chinese debt. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the bipartisan group of three lawmakers Ted Yoho, Ami Bera and George Holding expressed their "deep concern" over the likely use of IMF's bailout package to repay the massive Chinese debt that Pakistan has accumulated under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). We write to express our deep concern over attempts made by the Government of Pakistan to seek a bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund to retrieve debts incurred from predatory Chinese infrastructure projects," the Congressmen said in a letter dated April 5. China, they said, is investing $62 billion in Pakistan under CPEC. "Its debt repayment and profit repatriation terms are not transparent and have understandably raised concerns inside Pakistan," they said. "Illustrative of the dangers of China's debt-trap diplomacy, Sri Lanka became unable to make payments on the Chinese debt it had taken for the Hambantota Port Development Project," the letter said. Under "heavy pressure" from China, Sri Lanka ultimately handed over 1,500 acres of land around the port for a 99-year lease, they said. "The impact of Chinese predatory financing in Pakistan, as already seen in the case of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, cannot be ruled out," the letter said. Asserting that there is a "critical need for transparency in projects" including loan terms and contractual details, the Congressmen said "unless the terms are subjected to strict scrutiny" the Islamabad may use the IMF bailout package to repay Pakistan's debt obligations to China. Noting that Pakistan's history with the IMF gives further cause for concern, the US lawmakers said having spent 22 of the past 30 years in a dozen different IMF bailout programs, Pakistan has failed to carry out necessary structural economic problems. "Another bailout that fails to provide transparency and address issues of balance of payment, high fiscal deficit, and unsustainable debt will again be doomed to fail, instead of enriching China," the three Congressmen warned. They said it is critical that the US continues to work to counter China's attempts to hold "hostage countries that are unable to repay unfavourable loans" in an attempt to further their geostrategic goals.

Prevent IMF bailout to Pakistan to repay 'Chinese debt'

WION Gravitas: Amidst US shutdown, Trump admin spends $100 million of public money

Mexicans tries to emigrate to US by crossing under the border fence

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 2nd, 2019

President Donald Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the White House on April 9 for talks on strengthening their strategic partnership and working on shared priorities in the Middle East, the White House said on Friday.

The White House said in a statement the two leaders would discuss "building on our robust military, economic and counterterrorism cooperation" as well as regional economic integration and "Egypt’s longstanding role as a lynchpin of regional stability."

The visit by al Sisi comes at a time of renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza after a rocket fired from the coastal enclave wounded seven Israelis near Tel Aviv.

Israel responded with air strikes and warnings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel was prepared to wage a broad military campaign in Gaza if needed.

Trump on Monday signed a decree recognizing Israel`s annexation of the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in the 1967 war. The decision, which was criticised by Arab states, came as Israel gears up for elections on April 9.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Golan decision would help resolve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians by removing uncertainty. White House advisers Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt have been working to put together a peace proposal to address the conflict.

President Donald Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the White House on April 9 for talks on strengthening their strategic partnership and working on shared priorities in the Middle East, the White House said on Friday.

President Donald Trump will host Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the White House on April 9 for talks on strengthening their strategic partnership and working on shared priorities in the Middle East, the White House said on Friday. The White House said in a statement the two leaders would discuss "building on our robust military, economic and counterterrorism cooperation" as well as regional economic integration and "Egypt’s longstanding role as a lynchpin of regional stability." The visit by al Sisi comes at a time of renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza after a rocket fired from the coastal enclave wounded seven Israelis near Tel Aviv. Israel responded with air strikes and warnings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel was prepared to wage a broad military campaign in Gaza if needed. Trump on Monday signed a decree recognizing Israel`s annexation of the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in the 1967 war. The decision, which was criticised by Arab states, came as Israel gears up for elections on April 9. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Golan decision would help resolve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians by removing uncertainty. White House advisers Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt have been working to put together a peace proposal to address the conflict.

Trump to host Egypt's Sisi on April 9: White House

Trump discusses China, 'political fairness' with Google CEO

‘Russia has to get out’ of Venezuela: Trump

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1-billion-from-pentagon-for-trumps-wall-us-congress-committee-says-move-not-permitted-205901">$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted</a>

A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">Boeing 737 MAX makes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">emergency</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906"> landing in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-makes-emergency-landing-in-us-faa-205906">: FAA</a>

A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said.

"The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/737-max-pivotal-day-today-for-boeing-as-it-meets-with-pilots-airlines-205915">737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines</a>

Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners.

Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall.

Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-released-from-jail-after-he-gets-bail-205903">Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail</a>

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds.

On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mma-star-conor-mcgregor-under-investigation-for-sexual-assault-nyt-205909">MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT</a>

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.

$1 billion from Pentagon for Trump's wall: US Congress committee says move not permitted A Democrat-led congressional committee challenged Tuesday the Pentagon's plan to divert $1 billion to support President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border. Less than one day after acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan authorized moving the funds from existing Defense Department projects to border construction, the House Armed Services Committee said this move was not permitted. Boeing 737 MAX makes emergency landing in US: FAA A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated by Southwest Airlines made an emergency landing Tuesday after experiencing an engine problem as it was being ferried from Florida to California, the US Federal Aviation Agency said. "The aircraft returned and landed safely in Orlando," the FAA said in a statement, adding that no passengers were on board the aircraft, which was being transferred to Victorville, California for storage. 737 MAX: Pivotal day today for Boeing as it meets with pilots, airlines Wednesday will be a pivotal day for aircraft maker Boeing Co and federal aviation safety regulators as they try to rebuild trust following two deadly crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airliners. Boeing has scheduled a briefing on Wednesday for about 200 pilots and airline representatives in Renton, Washington, home of its 737 assembly complex. The company is expected to outline changes to software that controls a system designed to automatically prevent a mid-flight stall. Also on Wednesday in Washington, DC, a US Senate panel plans to question the acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Department's inspector general and the head of the National Transportation Safety Board about how thoroughly the 737 MAX's automated flight control system was tested, and what will be done to assure that any fixes work. Nawaz Sharif released from jail after he gets bail Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from a jail here in the early hours of Wednesday after the Supreme Court granted him bail for six weeks on medical grounds. On Tuesday, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country. MMA star Conor McGregor under investigation for sexual assault: NYT Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday. The report, in which the Times cited four unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon.

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-will-not-reopen-until-we-have-the-mexican-border-wall-trump-to-us-troops-186467">US President's Donald Trump's wall</a> along the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.&nbsp;

Shanahan "authorized the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning and executing up to $1 billion in support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol," a Pentagon statement read.&nbsp;

The statement was released just hours before Shanahan was due to testify in Congress to present and defend the Pentagon's draft budget.&nbsp;

The acting defence secretary defended the move by citing a federal law that he said "gives the Department of Defense the authority to construct roads and fences and to install lighting to block drug-smuggling corridors across international boundaries of the United States in support of counter-narcotic activities of federal law enforcement agencies."

The $1 billion will go towards building 92 kilometres of 18-foot-high fencing, building and improving roads, and installing lighting along sections of the border.&nbsp;

The border wall with Mexico was one of Trump's central campaign promises. He had said then that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-will-pay-for-border-wall-trump-5838">Mexico would pay for the wall</a>.&nbsp;

Trump had in December last year shut down the US government for 35 days — the longest in US history — after the Democrats refused to sign off on a funding bill giving him $5.7 billion for his wall.&nbsp;

In February, Trump declared a national emergency at the border — he said illegal immigration from Mexico was an "invasion" — which would allow the government to route funds meant for emergencies towards building the border wall.&nbsp;Trump is looking to unlock as much as $8 billion via the emergency funding route.

The move drew condemnation from both the president's rival Democrats and fellow Republicans, who warned it was an abuse of presidential powers and created a dangerous precedent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan. Shanahan "authorized the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning and executing up to $1 billion in support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol," a Pentagon statement read. The statement was released just hours before Shanahan was due to testify in Congress to present and defend the Pentagon's draft budget. The acting defence secretary defended the move by citing a federal law that he said "gives the Department of Defense the authority to construct roads and fences and to install lighting to block drug-smuggling corridors across international boundaries of the United States in support of counter-narcotic activities of federal law enforcement agencies." The $1 billion will go towards building 92 kilometres of 18-foot-high fencing, building and improving roads, and installing lighting along sections of the border. The border wall with Mexico was one of Trump's central campaign promises. He had said then that Mexico would pay for the wall. Trump had in December last year shut down the US government for 35 days — the longest in US history — after the Democrats refused to sign off on a funding bill giving him $5.7 billion for his wall. In February, Trump declared a national emergency at the border — he said illegal immigration from Mexico was an "invasion" — which would allow the government to route funds meant for emergencies towards building the border wall. Trump is looking to unlock as much as $8 billion via the emergency funding route. The move drew condemnation from both the president's rival Democrats and fellow Republicans, who warned it was an abuse of presidential powers and created a dangerous precedent. (With inputs from AFP)

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-authorises-1-bn-for-trumps-border-wall-205641">Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall</a>

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day</a>

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">55</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">%</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636"> Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey</a>

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-lawyer-charged-with-trying-to-extort-20-million-from-nike-205631">Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike</a>

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-unveils-apple-tv-streaming-service-credit-card-205624">Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon</a>

Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan. British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again. 55% Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night. Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million. Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

Donald Trump's inner circle piled in Monday on the US news media, which was plunged into soul-searching over coverage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-complete-exoneration-after-mueller-report-finds-no-collusion-205408">a two-year probe that failed to show collusion</a> between the president's 2016 campaign and Russia.

With America's political landscape reset by the bombshell findings, some continued to defend aggressive reporting of a story still unfolding — but other observers warned a "reckoning" was in store over potentially biased coverage.

The White House wasted little time in sharpening its attacks.

"I think Democrats and the liberal media owe the president, and they owe the American people an apology," Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders charged on NBC, echoing similar demands from the president's sons, Donald Jr and Eric.

But well beyond the Trump camp, there was an acknowledgement that the summary of Robert Mueller's conclusions released Sunday risked badly damaging the credibility of many news outlets in the eyes of the public.

"It's official: Russiagate is this generation's WMD," ran the headline of a damning analysis by Rolling Stone editor and author Matt Taibbi — alluding to flawed coverage of Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction arsenal in the run-up to the Iraq war.

Taibbi called the special counsel's findings a "death-blow for the reputation of the American news media."

"Nothing Trump is accused of from now on by the press will be believed by huge chunks of the population," he wrote.

Glenn Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept, argued cable news outlets in particular need to face up to errors of judgment.

"Check every MSNBC personality, CNN law 'expert,' liberal-centrist outlets and #Resistance scam artist and see if you see even an iota of self-reflection, humility or admission of massive error," Greenwald said on Twitter.

"If there's no media reckoning for what they did, don't ever complain again when people attack the media as 'Fake News.'"

'No time to retreat' 
Many media analysts were more nuanced, arguing it was too soon to make judgments on coverage of the Russia probe based on Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing Mueller's still-secret report.

"I don't think the media can be charged with being unfair to Donald Trump," said Stephen Ward, a media ethicist and former director of the University of Wisconsin's Center for Journalism Ethics.

"With a president so aggressive and so challenging the constitution, the media had to report on him."

Instead of being cowed, Ward argued media outlets should do their job to get the full report to the public.

"They've got to get their hands on a copy and publish it immediately," he said.

Washington Post media writer Margaret Sullivan said media "should be proud" of its coverage, arguing "this is no time to retreat."

"American citizens would have been far worse off if skilled reporters hadn't dug into the connections between Trump's associates -- up to and including his son Don Jr — and Russians," Sullivan wrote.

"I don't see how anyone could say this was overhyped," echoed Northeastern University journalism professor Dan Kennedy.

But Kennedy conceded there were legitimate questions over the coverage of outlets such as CNN and MSNBC.

"I think when we look to what's bad in the media, it's natural to look to cable news, which has to sell hours of air time with talk and speculation," Kennedy said.

"There was speculation that Donald Trump Jr would be indicted, that (Trump son-in-law) Jared Kushner would be indicted."

Donald Trump Jr set the tone for the counterattack, assailing "more than 2 years of non-stop conspiracy theories from CNN, MSNBC, BuzzFeed and the rest of the mainstream media."

His brother Eric chimed in, tweeting: "How about a simple apology from the #MSM for the hell everyone has been put through for the past two + years?"

Visibly emboldened by the turn of the events, the White House sent a memo out to television producers urging them to "employ basic journalistic standards" when booking six high-profile Trump critics who, it said, had "made outlandish, false claims" on air.

The figures singled out included Democrats Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Richard Blumenthal, Tom Perez and Eric Swalwell, as well as former CIA director John Brennan.

Partisan divide 
Deborah Potter, a former CBS News correspondent who now runs media and ethics training programs, said much cable coverage was "based on speculation, because there were zero leaks from Mueller."

She also stressed that "many responsible news organizations were giving the correct impression" of where the probe was headed.

But Potter warned the heightened scrutiny triggered by Mueller's findings would make it harder for the sector to regain the public's trust, badly eroded in recent years.

"We've seen a rebound in general trust in the media, but the partisan divide is as deep as ever," Potter said.

"Republicans distrust the media by a wide margin and that is a symbol of where things stand, and troubling for democracy."

Donald Trump's inner circle piled in Monday on the US news media, which was plunged into soul-searching over coverage of a two-year probe that failed to show collusion between the president's 2016 campaign and Russia.

Donald Trump's inner circle piled in Monday on the US news media, which was plunged into soul-searching over coverage of a two-year probe that failed to show collusion between the president's 2016 campaign and Russia. With America's political landscape reset by the bombshell findings, some continued to defend aggressive reporting of a story still unfolding — but other observers warned a "reckoning" was in store over potentially biased coverage. The White House wasted little time in sharpening its attacks. "I think Democrats and the liberal media owe the president, and they owe the American people an apology," Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders charged on NBC, echoing similar demands from the president's sons, Donald Jr and Eric. But well beyond the Trump camp, there was an acknowledgement that the summary of Robert Mueller's conclusions released Sunday risked badly damaging the credibility of many news outlets in the eyes of the public. "It's official: Russiagate is this generation's WMD," ran the headline of a damning analysis by Rolling Stone editor and author Matt Taibbi — alluding to flawed coverage of Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction arsenal in the run-up to the Iraq war. Taibbi called the special counsel's findings a "death-blow for the reputation of the American news media." "Nothing Trump is accused of from now on by the press will be believed by huge chunks of the population," he wrote. Glenn Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept, argued cable news outlets in particular need to face up to errors of judgment. "Check every MSNBC personality, CNN law 'expert,' liberal-centrist outlets and #Resistance scam artist and see if you see even an iota of self-reflection, humility or admission of massive error," Greenwald said on Twitter. "If there's no media reckoning for what they did, don't ever complain again when people attack the media as 'Fake News.'" 'No time to retreat' Many media analysts were more nuanced, arguing it was too soon to make judgments on coverage of the Russia probe based on Attorney General Bill Barr's letter to Congress summarizing Mueller's still-secret report. "I don't think the media can be charged with being unfair to Donald Trump," said Stephen Ward, a media ethicist and former director of the University of Wisconsin's Center for Journalism Ethics. "With a president so aggressive and so challenging the constitution, the media had to report on him." Instead of being cowed, Ward argued media outlets should do their job to get the full report to the public. "They've got to get their hands on a copy and publish it immediately," he said. Washington Post media writer Margaret Sullivan said media "should be proud" of its coverage, arguing "this is no time to retreat." "American citizens would have been far worse off if skilled reporters hadn't dug into the connections between Trump's associates -- up to and including his son Don Jr — and Russians," Sullivan wrote. "I don't see how anyone could say this was overhyped," echoed Northeastern University journalism professor Dan Kennedy. But Kennedy conceded there were legitimate questions over the coverage of outlets such as CNN and MSNBC. "I think when we look to what's bad in the media, it's natural to look to cable news, which has to sell hours of air time with talk and speculation," Kennedy said. "There was speculation that Donald Trump Jr would be indicted, that (Trump son-in-law) Jared Kushner would be indicted." Donald Trump Jr set the tone for the counterattack, assailing "more than 2 years of non-stop conspiracy theories from CNN, MSNBC, BuzzFeed and the rest of the mainstream media." His brother Eric chimed in, tweeting: "How about a simple apology from the #MSM for the hell everyone has been put through for the past two + years?" Visibly emboldened by the turn of the events, the White House sent a memo out to television producers urging them to "employ basic journalistic standards" when booking six high-profile Trump critics who, it said, had "made outlandish, false claims" on air. The figures singled out included Democrats Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Richard Blumenthal, Tom Perez and Eric Swalwell, as well as former CIA director John Brennan. Partisan divide Deborah Potter, a former CBS News correspondent who now runs media and ethics training programs, said much cable coverage was "based on speculation, because there were zero leaks from Mueller." She also stressed that "many responsible news organizations were giving the correct impression" of where the probe was headed. But Potter warned the heightened scrutiny triggered by Mueller's findings would make it harder for the sector to regain the public's trust, badly eroded in recent years. "We've seen a rebound in general trust in the media, but the partisan divide is as deep as ever," Potter said. "Republicans distrust the media by a wide margin and that is a symbol of where things stand, and troubling for democracy."

After Russia probe clears Trump, 'reckoning' looms for US media

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