<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244">Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244">media</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244"> interaction</a>

A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/china-halts-activities-involved-with-baby-gene-editing-report-180239">China halts activities involved with baby gene editing: Report</a>

China today ordered a halt to activities of people involved in baby gene editing, state-run CCTV channel reported today.

The Chinese government had opened an investigation after a scientist He Jiankui claimed that he altered the genes of twin girls to create the first gene-edited babies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-temple-row-pm-mahathir-steps-in-180257">Malaysia temple row: PM Mahathir steps in after rioting over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-temple-row-pm-mahathir-steps-in-180257">relocation</a>

Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur.

The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhu-was-hugging-the-general-who-is-killing-our-men-union-minister-harsimrat-kaur-badal-180210">Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men: Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal</a>

Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.''

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-invited-brazils-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-us-john-bolton-180251">: John Bolton</a>

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at media interaction A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi.

Happy to meet PM Modi, there can't be a military solution to Kashmir: Pak PM Imran Khan at media interaction A day after laying the stone for the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacted with a group Indian journalists and said he would happy to PM Narendra Modi and talk to him while adding that he was "willing to wait for (general) elections to get over in India for a gesture from New Delhi." China halts activities involved with baby gene editing: Report China today ordered a halt to activities of people involved in baby gene editing, state-run CCTV channel reported today. The Chinese government had opened an investigation after a scientist He Jiankui claimed that he altered the genes of twin girls to create the first gene-edited babies. Malaysia temple row: PM Mahathir steps in after rioting over relocation Peace was disturbed in culturally diverse Malaysia for two days this week after rioting over the relocation of the oldest Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur. The violence had broken out when a group attacked Indian devotees praying at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, in Subang Jaya area. Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men: Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal Union minister for food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday took a jibe on at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said, ''Sidhu was hugging the General who is killing our men. He even spent 3 days with him there. Even his photo is out with the terrorist. He has become a Pakistan agent after going there. Rahul Gandhi should clearly state his stand on this.'' Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to US: John Bolton US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865">Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram</a>

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">Pak's Imran Khan to lay </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">foundation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871"> stone for Kartarpur Corridor today</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-gm-subsidies-in-retaliation-for-us-job-cuts-179852">After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies</a>

US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suggests-creating-worldwide-network-to-counter-cnns-unfair-reporting-179855">To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network'</a>

President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours. Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms. Pak's Imran Khan to lay foundation stone for Kartarpur Corridor today Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there. To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network' President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-pledges-50-million-to-un-palestinian-refugee-agency-179969">Saudi Arabia</a>'s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Human Rights Watch asked Argentina on Monday to use a war crimes clause in its constitution to investigate any involvement by the crown prince in possible crimes against humanity in Yemen and Khashoggi's murder.

Prince Mohammed arrived in Buenos Aires from Tunisia, where he was met by protesters who denounced him as a murderer for the killing of Khashoggi. He was greeted by Argentine foreign minister Jorge Faurie.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina later this week and to talk about trade barriers. It remains unclear whether the meeting will take place.

The G20 leaders summit begins on Friday.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for the G20 summit of industrialized nations, Argentine state television reported, a visit fraught with controversy over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Human Rights Watch asked Argentina on Monday to use a war crimes clause in its constitution to investigate any involvement by the crown prince in possible crimes against humanity in Yemen and Khashoggi's murder. Prince Mohammed arrived in Buenos Aires from Tunisia, where he was met by protesters who denounced him as a murderer for the killing of Khashoggi. He was greeted by Argentine foreign minister Jorge Faurie. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump at the G20 summit in Argentina later this week and to talk about trade barriers. It remains unclear whether the meeting will take place. The G20 leaders summit begins on Friday.

Saudi crown prince Salman arrives in Argentina for G20 summit

Several US Republican senators on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia after the murder of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggis-daughters-promise-to-keep-his-legacy-alive-179214">Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>, with some lawmakers from his party saying Congress must take additional action.

Trump vowed last week to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia and said it was not clear whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/senior-saudi-prince-says-cia-cannot-be-trusted-on-khashoggi-conclusion-179185">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> knew about the plan to kill Khashoggi last month at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

The president cast doubt on the CIA assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's killing, telling reporters that the agency had not formed a definitive conclusion.

"I disagree with the president's assessment. It's inconsistent with the intelligence I've seen," which implicates the crown prince, Republican Senator Mike Lee said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

He cited the Khashoggi killing as another reason why he has pushed against helping Saudi Arabia's war effort in Yemen.

The United States on Nov. 15 imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Khashoggi and senators from both major US parties introduced legislation that would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi and for its role in Yemen's civil war.

Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats regain control of the chamber in January, has promised investigations on the Khashoggi case as well as whether Trump's personal financial interests are dictating his Saudi policy.

"Look, the president is not being honest with the country about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," Schiff said on CNN's "State of the Union" program. "What's driving this?"

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince, was killed October 2. Riyadh initially denied knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, then offered contradictory explanations.

"I do think we need to look into this further," Republican Senator Joni Ernst said on CNN.

Ernst acknowledged Saudi Arabia's importance as a strategic partner.

"However, we also are a very strong nation when it comes to human rights, when it comes to the rule of law," Ernst said.

"And if there are indicators that the prince was involved in this murder then we need to absolutely consider further action."

Senator Ben Sasse, a frequent Trump critic, criticized Trump's stance on Khashoggi's killing as weak.

"Making the realist case is a different thing than being so weak that we failed to tell the truth, Sasse said on "Fox News Sunday." Crown Prince Mohammed "contributed to murdering somebody abroad and it is not strength to sort of mumble past that. Strength is telling the truth even when it's hard."

Other Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul and Bob Corker, have been unsparing in their assessments of Saudi Arabia's involvement in Khashoggi's killing.

"I never thought I’d see the day a White House would moonlight as a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia," Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on Twitter after Trump's comments on Tuesday.

Several US Republican senators on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with some lawmakers from his party saying Congress must take additional action.

Several US Republican senators on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with some lawmakers from his party saying Congress must take additional action. Trump vowed last week to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia and said it was not clear whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew about the plan to kill Khashoggi last month at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The president cast doubt on the CIA assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed ordered Khashoggi's killing, telling reporters that the agency had not formed a definitive conclusion. "I disagree with the president's assessment. It's inconsistent with the intelligence I've seen," which implicates the crown prince, Republican Senator Mike Lee said on NBC's "Meet the Press." He cited the Khashoggi killing as another reason why he has pushed against helping Saudi Arabia's war effort in Yemen. The United States on Nov. 15 imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Khashoggi and senators from both major US parties introduced legislation that would suspend weapon sales to Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi and for its role in Yemen's civil war. Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats regain control of the chamber in January, has promised investigations on the Khashoggi case as well as whether Trump's personal financial interests are dictating his Saudi policy. "Look, the president is not being honest with the country about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," Schiff said on CNN's "State of the Union" program. "What's driving this?" Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince, was killed October 2. Riyadh initially denied knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, then offered contradictory explanations. "I do think we need to look into this further," Republican Senator Joni Ernst said on CNN. Ernst acknowledged Saudi Arabia's importance as a strategic partner. "However, we also are a very strong nation when it comes to human rights, when it comes to the rule of law," Ernst said. "And if there are indicators that the prince was involved in this murder then we need to absolutely consider further action." Senator Ben Sasse, a frequent Trump critic, criticized Trump's stance on Khashoggi's killing as weak. "Making the realist case is a different thing than being so weak that we failed to tell the truth, Sasse said on "Fox News Sunday." Crown Prince Mohammed "contributed to murdering somebody abroad and it is not strength to sort of mumble past that. Strength is telling the truth even when it's hard." Other Republican senators, including Lindsey Graham, Rand Paul and Bob Corker, have been unsparing in their assessments of Saudi Arabia's involvement in Khashoggi's killing. "I never thought I’d see the day a White House would moonlight as a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia," Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote on Twitter after Trump's comments on Tuesday.

US Republican senators reject Trump's embrace of Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi killing

After capturing the US House of Representatives with a campaign that spoke of holding President Donald Trump accountable, some powerful House Democrats are now urging restraint and a focus on policy, at least at the outset.

An aggressive examination of the president is still needed, senior lawmakers and aides told Reuters. But Democratic leaders are trying to chart a measured path forward from early January when they will take over the House from Trump's Republicans.

That path will seek to avoid igniting political battles, for now, over matters such as Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, as well as possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign and obstruction of justice.

Many Democrats want to probe these volatile topics, using subpoenas to get at documents and testimony they say Republicans have ignored for two years, lawmakers and aides said.

They also said they want to dig into Trump's property holdings, son-in-law Jared Kushner's businesses and daughter Ivanka Trump's use of private emails for official business.

But the investigative hard-chargers do not appear to be prevailing in shaping the Democrats' early 2019 agenda.

That is because other Democrats - including key committee leaders - want to focus on immigration, rising student loan debt, high-cost prescription drugs and the federal response to hurricane disasters, especially in Puerto Rico.

The Democrats' agenda will solidify in six to eight weeks. When it does, it will greatly shape the relationship for the next two years between Capitol Hill and Trump, who has not yet dealt with a chamber of Congress under opposition control.

Voters handed a House majority to Democrats in the November 6 elections. With that comes more resources for investigations, but some members of key committees said they are concerned that rushing to wield that power could turn off voters.

Representative Jerrold Nadler, likely chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is discouraging talk of an immediate push to impeach Trump. Other Democrats are doing the same.

At the House Intelligence Committee, members are debating whether to reopen the panel's 2016 Russian election-meddling probe, said sources who requested anonymity.

Representative Adam Schiff, on track to become the panel's chairman, is leading a faction that wants to hold off on reopening the Russian inquiry, said sources.

At the same time, Schiff is talking publicly about investigating Trump's ties to Russia, which has denied interfering in the 2016 election to favour Trump.

Democrat Joaquin Castro, an Intelligence Committee member, favours committees starting the 2019-2020 Congress with hearings on issues such as the separation of immigrant children from their parents. But he told Reuters that Republicans have "turned a blind eye to key leads in the investigation into Russia’s interference in our 2016 election ...

"In the next Congress, we will be sure to revisit all those leads, while at the same time actively examining whether Russians were money laundering through the Trump Organization, gaining any leverage over the president."

Republicans have already begun criticizing Democrats, even before their first investigation is launched, embracing the term "presidential harassment" that Trump likes to use.

At the same time, Republicans reopened 2016's wounds on Friday when the House Judiciary Committee said Republican Bob Goodlatte, with only weeks to go as committee chairman, issued subpoenas for former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch to give depositions in a probe of their handling of an inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails.

A committee statement said Comey would be deposed on December 3 and Lynch on December 4 about the long-festering email issue involving Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump in 2016.

Before the current lame-duck Congress ends in mid-December, House Democrats will choose a party leader for 2019-2020, with their current leader Nancy Pelosi the front-runner.

The leader and committee chairs have a "vision" for the investigative agenda, but details are still being discussed, a senior aide said.

The wide-ranging House Oversight Committee is likely to be chaired by Representative Elijah Cummings. He has called an examination of high prescription drug costs a top priority.

Still, Cummings told Reuters the panel has asked for information on the reported use by Ivanka Trump, who serves as a senior aide to her father, of personal email to contact other administration officials, a possible records preservation law violation.

The White House has ignored the request, Cummings said. "We need those documents to ensure that Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and other officials are complying with federal records laws," he said.

Democratic committee member Carolyn Maloney said she was pushing Cummings to probe the administration's decision to add a question about citizenship to the US Census.

Matt Cartwright, another Oversight Democrat, said, "I'm against weaponizing the committee, however, I don't want to defang the committee by the same token ... Our committee should be more than a political loudspeaker."

After capturing the US House of Representatives with a campaign that spoke of holding President Donald Trump accountable, some powerful House Democrats are now urging restraint and a focus on policy, at least at the outset.

After capturing the US House of Representatives with a campaign that spoke of holding President Donald Trump accountable, some powerful House Democrats are now urging restraint and a focus on policy, at least at the outset. An aggressive examination of the president is still needed, senior lawmakers and aides told Reuters. But Democratic leaders are trying to chart a measured path forward from early January when they will take over the House from Trump's Republicans. That path will seek to avoid igniting political battles, for now, over matters such as Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, as well as possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign and obstruction of justice. Many Democrats want to probe these volatile topics, using subpoenas to get at documents and testimony they say Republicans have ignored for two years, lawmakers and aides said. They also said they want to dig into Trump's property holdings, son-in-law Jared Kushner's businesses and daughter Ivanka Trump's use of private emails for official business. But the investigative hard-chargers do not appear to be prevailing in shaping the Democrats' early 2019 agenda. That is because other Democrats - including key committee leaders - want to focus on immigration, rising student loan debt, high-cost prescription drugs and the federal response to hurricane disasters, especially in Puerto Rico. The Democrats' agenda will solidify in six to eight weeks. When it does, it will greatly shape the relationship for the next two years between Capitol Hill and Trump, who has not yet dealt with a chamber of Congress under opposition control. Voters handed a House majority to Democrats in the November 6 elections. With that comes more resources for investigations, but some members of key committees said they are concerned that rushing to wield that power could turn off voters. Representative Jerrold Nadler, likely chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is discouraging talk of an immediate push to impeach Trump. Other Democrats are doing the same. At the House Intelligence Committee, members are debating whether to reopen the panel's 2016 Russian election-meddling probe, said sources who requested anonymity. Representative Adam Schiff, on track to become the panel's chairman, is leading a faction that wants to hold off on reopening the Russian inquiry, said sources. At the same time, Schiff is talking publicly about investigating Trump's ties to Russia, which has denied interfering in the 2016 election to favour Trump. Democrat Joaquin Castro, an Intelligence Committee member, favours committees starting the 2019-2020 Congress with hearings on issues such as the separation of immigrant children from their parents. But he told Reuters that Republicans have "turned a blind eye to key leads in the investigation into Russia’s interference in our 2016 election ... "In the next Congress, we will be sure to revisit all those leads, while at the same time actively examining whether Russians were money laundering through the Trump Organization, gaining any leverage over the president." Republicans have already begun criticizing Democrats, even before their first investigation is launched, embracing the term "presidential harassment" that Trump likes to use. At the same time, Republicans reopened 2016's wounds on Friday when the House Judiciary Committee said Republican Bob Goodlatte, with only weeks to go as committee chairman, issued subpoenas for former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch to give depositions in a probe of their handling of an inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails. A committee statement said Comey would be deposed on December 3 and Lynch on December 4 about the long-festering email issue involving Clinton, the Democrat defeated by Trump in 2016. Before the current lame-duck Congress ends in mid-December, House Democrats will choose a party leader for 2019-2020, with their current leader Nancy Pelosi the front-runner. The leader and committee chairs have a "vision" for the investigative agenda, but details are still being discussed, a senior aide said. The wide-ranging House Oversight Committee is likely to be chaired by Representative Elijah Cummings. He has called an examination of high prescription drug costs a top priority. Still, Cummings told Reuters the panel has asked for information on the reported use by Ivanka Trump, who serves as a senior aide to her father, of personal email to contact other administration officials, a possible records preservation law violation. The White House has ignored the request, Cummings said. "We need those documents to ensure that Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and other officials are complying with federal records laws," he said. Democratic committee member Carolyn Maloney said she was pushing Cummings to probe the administration's decision to add a question about citizenship to the US Census. Matt Cartwright, another Oversight Democrat, said, "I'm against weaponizing the committee, however, I don't want to defang the committee by the same token ... Our committee should be more than a political loudspeaker."

Senior US House Democrats tap brakes on investigating Trump

&nbsp;A US federal judge on Sunday denied a motion by George Papadopoulos, a former aide for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, seeking to postpone his sentence pending a separate case he hoped would lead to his conviction being overturned.

Papadopoulos will report to jail on Monday to start his 14- day sentence after judge Randolph Moss dismissed his 11th-hour bid to remain on bail.

Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents probing ties between the campaign and Russia, had sought to delay his sentence while a separate case challenging the legality of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appointment is ongoing. Moss said Papadopoulos' motion lacked merit.

"The court, accordingly, concludes that Papadopoulos' motion for a stay pending his appeal of this decision lacks merit," Moss wrote in his ruling. "Plaintiff's motion to continue bail and motion to stay his surrender date is hereby denied."

A US federal judge on Sunday denied a motion by George Papadopoulos, a former aide for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, seeking to postpone his sentence pending a separate case he hoped would lead to his conviction being overturned.

A US federal judge on Sunday denied a motion by George Papadopoulos, a former aide for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, seeking to postpone his sentence pending a separate case he hoped would lead to his conviction being overturned. Papadopoulos will report to jail on Monday to start his 14- day sentence after judge Randolph Moss dismissed his 11th-hour bid to remain on bail. Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents probing ties between the campaign and Russia, had sought to delay his sentence while a separate case challenging the legality of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appointment is ongoing. Moss said Papadopoulos' motion lacked merit. "The court, accordingly, concludes that Papadopoulos' motion for a stay pending his appeal of this decision lacks merit," Moss wrote in his ruling. "Plaintiff's motion to continue bail and motion to stay his surrender date is hereby denied."

US federal judge orders former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos to jail

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470">Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470">religious</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-clerics-in-afghan-capital-50-killed-178470"> event</a>

A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hasnt-altered-its-unfair-market-distorting-trade-practices-says-ustr-ahead-of-trump-xi-meet-178468">China hasn't altered its unfair, market-distorting trade practices, says USTR ahead of Trump, Xi meet</a>

The Trump administration on Tuesday said that China has failed to alter its "unfair" practices at the heart of the US-China trade conflict, adding to tensions ahead of a high-stakes meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-take-anything-for-granted-says-kohli-ahead-of-t20-match-against-australia-178471">Won't take anything for granted, says Kohli ahead of T20 match against Australia</a>

Ahead of the crucial T20 match, India captain Virat Kohli insisted Australia have the quality to upset the odds in their Twenty20 series and said his team will be focusing on the "little things" to come out on top.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congressional-committee-to-investigate-ivanka-trumps-private-email-use-for-work-178467">Congressional committee to investigate Ivanka Trump's private email use for work</a>

A Congressional committee will investigate Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter and a White House adviser, following reports that she repeatedly used a personal email account for government work, a House Democrat said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-stands-by-saudi-prince-despite-journalist-khashoggis-murder-178466">Donald Trump stands by Saudi prince despite journalist Khashoggi's murder</a>

Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China.

Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at religious event A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said.

Kabul suicide attack: Death toll rises to 50 as bomber targets clerics at religious event A suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting hall where Islamic religious scholars had gathered in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing more than 50 people, three government officials said. China hasn't altered its unfair, market-distorting trade practices, says USTR ahead of Trump, Xi meet The Trump administration on Tuesday said that China has failed to alter its "unfair" practices at the heart of the US-China trade conflict, adding to tensions ahead of a high-stakes meeting later this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Won't take anything for granted, says Kohli ahead of T20 match against Australia Ahead of the crucial T20 match, India captain Virat Kohli insisted Australia have the quality to upset the odds in their Twenty20 series and said his team will be focusing on the "little things" to come out on top. Congressional committee to investigate Ivanka Trump's private email use for work A Congressional committee will investigate Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter and a White House adviser, following reports that she repeatedly used a personal email account for government work, a House Democrat said on Tuesday. Donald Trump stands by Saudi prince despite journalist Khashoggi's murder Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US</a>

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">Four killed, including </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282"> and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital</a>

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297"> phase amid heavy security</a>

Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security.

The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">Two terrorists reportedly killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291"> in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian</a>

Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon</a>

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. Four killed, including gunman and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media. Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in second phase amid heavy security Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security. The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise. Two terrorists reportedly killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday. Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market.

Conflicting signals over the state of play between the United States and China on their trade dispute added to caution in the market.

Shares of Apple Inc fell after the Wall Street Journal reported the company had cut production orders in recent weeks for all three iPhone models launched in September.

The iPhone maker's stock dropped 4.0 per cent to $185.86 and is now down 19.9 per cent from its October 3 record closing high in the wake of a disappointing holiday quarter sales forecast and weak outlooks from several suppliers. The S&amp;P 500 technology index, down 3.8 per cent, led sector losses.

Other market leaders - including the 'FANG' stocks - also fell sharply. Shares of Facebook&nbsp;were down 5.7 per cent, Amazon.com was down 5.1 per cent, Netflix fell 5.5 per cent and Alphabet fell 3.8 per cent.

Since the FANG outperformance run peaked on August 30, the group has underperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 16.25 per cent. That is their worst underperformance since the first half of 2014 when they underperformed by around 20 per cent.

"You're seeing that rotation away from tech. Certainly, the indexes are much more growth-oriented because of the sheer size of those companies now, and they dominate the indexes," said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago. "You're going to have more underperformance of the growth names."

The S&amp;P utilities and real estate sectors were the only two that ended in positive territory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 395.78 points, or 1.56 per cent, to 25,017.44, the S&amp;P 500 lost 45.54 points, or 1.66 per cent, to 2,690.73 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 219.40 points, or 3.03 per cent, to 7,028.48.

Comments by New York Federal Reserve President John Williams on Monday that the US central bank is pushing ahead with gradual rate-hike plans next month as it marches towards a more normal policy stance may have added pressure to stocks.

Some investors questioned whether the Fed will be able to continue raising interest rates, possibly harming growth.

Richard Clarida, the Fed's newly appointed vice chair, said on Friday that US rates are nearing Fed estimates of a neutral rate, which "makes sense."

Over the weekend, Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea failed to agree on a communique for the first time, with US-China trade worries on the forefront.

US Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday the United States will not back down from its trade dispute with China unless Beijing bows to US demands, dampening Friday's trade optimism that was fuelled by comments from President Donald Trump.

Shares of Apple suppliers were also hit, including Lumentum Holdings Inc, Universal Display Corp, Cirrus Logic Inc and Skyworks Solutions Inc.

The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index, which includes some Apple suppliers, dropped 3.9 per cent, extending losses from the previous session.

"Lots of times we get a rally started the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is this week. If some of these dominos fall on the positive side, we could see this trend reverse," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&amp;T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama.

"But right now there are several things working against the market - the Fed, the uncertainty with regard to the trade deal with China and some sector disappointments, particularly in technology."

Trading volumes were thin at the start of the holiday-shortened week ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday and a shorter session on Friday, which brings slight volatility to markets, traders said.

About 7.7 billion shares changed hands on US exchanges. That compares with the 8.7 billion daily average for the past 20 trading days.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.72-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.94-to-1 ratio favoured decliners.

The S&amp;P 500 posted 28 new 52-week highs and 18 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 17 new highs and 159 new lows.

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market.

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market. Conflicting signals over the state of play between the United States and China on their trade dispute added to caution in the market. Shares of Apple Inc fell after the Wall Street Journal reported the company had cut production orders in recent weeks for all three iPhone models launched in September. The iPhone maker's stock dropped 4.0 per cent to $185.86 and is now down 19.9 per cent from its October 3 record closing high in the wake of a disappointing holiday quarter sales forecast and weak outlooks from several suppliers. The S&P 500 technology index, down 3.8 per cent, led sector losses. Other market leaders - including the 'FANG' stocks - also fell sharply. Shares of Facebook were down 5.7 per cent, Amazon.com was down 5.1 per cent, Netflix fell 5.5 per cent and Alphabet fell 3.8 per cent. Since the FANG outperformance run peaked on August 30, the group has underperformed the S&P 500 by 16.25 per cent. That is their worst underperformance since the first half of 2014 when they underperformed by around 20 per cent. "You're seeing that rotation away from tech. Certainly, the indexes are much more growth-oriented because of the sheer size of those companies now, and they dominate the indexes," said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago. "You're going to have more underperformance of the growth names." The S&P utilities and real estate sectors were the only two that ended in positive territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 395.78 points, or 1.56 per cent, to 25,017.44, the S&P 500 lost 45.54 points, or 1.66 per cent, to 2,690.73 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 219.40 points, or 3.03 per cent, to 7,028.48. Comments by New York Federal Reserve President John Williams on Monday that the US central bank is pushing ahead with gradual rate-hike plans next month as it marches towards a more normal policy stance may have added pressure to stocks. Some investors questioned whether the Fed will be able to continue raising interest rates, possibly harming growth. Richard Clarida, the Fed's newly appointed vice chair, said on Friday that US rates are nearing Fed estimates of a neutral rate, which "makes sense." Over the weekend, Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea failed to agree on a communique for the first time, with US-China trade worries on the forefront. US Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday the United States will not back down from its trade dispute with China unless Beijing bows to US demands, dampening Friday's trade optimism that was fuelled by comments from President Donald Trump. Shares of Apple suppliers were also hit, including Lumentum Holdings Inc, Universal Display Corp, Cirrus Logic Inc and Skyworks Solutions Inc. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index, which includes some Apple suppliers, dropped 3.9 per cent, extending losses from the previous session. "Lots of times we get a rally started the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is this week. If some of these dominos fall on the positive side, we could see this trend reverse," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama. "But right now there are several things working against the market - the Fed, the uncertainty with regard to the trade deal with China and some sector disappointments, particularly in technology." Trading volumes were thin at the start of the holiday-shortened week ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday and a shorter session on Friday, which brings slight volatility to markets, traders said. About 7.7 billion shares changed hands on US exchanges. That compares with the 8.7 billion daily average for the past 20 trading days. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.72-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.94-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 28 new 52-week highs and 18 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 17 new highs and 159 new lows.

Wall Street tumbles as Apple, internet stocks swoon

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, during his meeting with his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in Tehran on Monday, stated that Iran is used to pressuring and will survive the newly imposed US sanctions.&nbsp;

He added that Tehran will resist the pressure imposed by the United States and will even thrive while surviving it.&nbsp;Zarif called for a political commitment from Britain on the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Britain's Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt was in Tehran on Monday on his first official visit in Tehran to hold talks with Iranian authorities on issues including the future of the 2015 nuclear deal.

"The Europeans should accelerate their efforts to save the deal...We are ready for all scenarios, including a return to pre-deal era," the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, told Hunt, Iranian state television reported.

Hunt said Britain was committed to the nuclear deal and discussed European efforts to maintain nuclear-related sanctions relief, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.

"The Iran nuclear deal remains a vital component of stability in the Middle East by eliminating the threat of a nuclearised Iran. It needs 100 per cent compliance though to survive," Hunt said in a statement ahead of the visit.

The top diplomats also discussed the conflict in Yemen and other issues in meetings.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said <a href="http://wioneews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-to-continue-oil-exports-and-resist-us-economic-war-178271">Tehran will continue to export oil despite US sanctions</a>, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"We will not yield to this pressure, which is part of the psychological war launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a speech in the city of Khoy, broadcast live on state television.&nbsp;

"They have failed to stop our oil exports. We will keep exporting it ... Your regional policies have failed and you blame Iran for that failure from Afghanistan to Yemen and Syria," he added.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, during his meeting with his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in Tehran on Monday, stated that Iran is used to pressuring and will survive the newly imposed US sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, during his meeting with his British counterpart Jeremy Hunt in Tehran on Monday, stated that Iran is used to pressuring and will survive the newly imposed US sanctions. He added that Tehran will resist the pressure imposed by the United States and will even thrive while surviving it. Zarif called for a political commitment from Britain on the nuclear deal. Britain's Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt was in Tehran on Monday on his first official visit in Tehran to hold talks with Iranian authorities on issues including the future of the 2015 nuclear deal. "The Europeans should accelerate their efforts to save the deal...We are ready for all scenarios, including a return to pre-deal era," the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, told Hunt, Iranian state television reported. Hunt said Britain was committed to the nuclear deal and discussed European efforts to maintain nuclear-related sanctions relief, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported. "The Iran nuclear deal remains a vital component of stability in the Middle East by eliminating the threat of a nuclearised Iran. It needs 100 per cent compliance though to survive," Hunt said in a statement ahead of the visit. The top diplomats also discussed the conflict in Yemen and other issues in meetings. Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said Tehran will continue to export oil despite US sanctions, news agency Reuters reported. "We will not yield to this pressure, which is part of the psychological war launched against Iran," Rouhani said in a speech in the city of Khoy, broadcast live on state television. "They have failed to stop our oil exports. We will keep exporting it ... Your regional policies have failed and you blame Iran for that failure from Afghanistan to Yemen and Syria," he added. (With inputs from Reuters)

Won't yield to this pressure, will survive and thrive: Iran on newly imposed US sanctions

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests.

Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks.

"Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted.

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Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064352254231289863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said.

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The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions."

"We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry &amp; intolerance. A relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions," Asif tweeted.

Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this&nbsp;living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer."

The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. 
"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added.

"And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests. Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks. "Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted. Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × "The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals & sanctions." "We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry & intolerance. A relationship of betrayals & sanctions," Asif tweeted. Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer." The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added. "And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

President Trump's tirade against Pakistan shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Minister

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">Donald Trump’s recent tirade </a>against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that&nbsp;the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror.&nbsp;

"Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari.

"@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US. Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror. "Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari. "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's tirade shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Pakistan minister

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the number of missing had soared from 631 on Thursday to 1,011 on Friday as more reports of missing were being sent in and as emergency calls made when the fire broke out on November 8 are being reviewed.

The eight additional victims bring to 71 the number of people who have died in the so-called Camp Fire.

Meanwhile, the White House in a statement said President Trump would visit the state to review the situation. The county town of Paradise in northern California has been worst hit by the wildfire with most of those missing reported to be in the age group of 70s, 80s and 90s.

A number of celebrities have lost their homes in Malibu including Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Young, Robin Thicke and Shannen Doherty.

California fire department had said that that the wildfire had destroyed 56,655 hectares but was only 40 per cent contained. At least 5,500 firefighters were battling the blaze.

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the number of missing had soared from 631 on Thursday to 1,011 on Friday as more reports of missing were being sent in and as emergency calls made when the fire broke out on November 8 are being reviewed. The eight additional victims bring to 71 the number of people who have died in the so-called Camp Fire. Meanwhile, the White House in a statement said President Trump would visit the state to review the situation. The county town of Paradise in northern California has been worst hit by the wildfire with most of those missing reported to be in the age group of 70s, 80s and 90s. A number of celebrities have lost their homes in Malibu including Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Young, Robin Thicke and Shannen Doherty. California fire department had said that that the wildfire had destroyed 56,655 hectares but was only 40 per cent contained. At least 5,500 firefighters were battling the blaze.

Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump left for California early Saturday morning (November 17) to assess the damage from deadly wildfires that have killed at least 70 people and displaced hundreds on the US&nbsp;west coast.

Recovery teams are scouring the flamed-ravaged northern California town of Paradise for more victims as authorities sought clues to the fate of about 1,000 people reported missing in the state's deadliest wildfire on record.

Authorities attribute the Camp Fire's high death toll partly to the speed with which flames raced through the town with little advance warning, driven by howling winds and fueled by drought-desiccated scrub and trees.

Trump, who has taken to Twitter to blame the recent spate of fires on forest mismanagement, doubled down on Saturday, telling reporters at the White House he would discuss the issue of forest management during his visit.

Trump is due to tour the fire zones to meet residents displaced by the giant blaze. Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom are expected to join Trump on his tour.

This is Trump's second visit to California since taking office.

US President Donald Trump left for California early Saturday morning (November 17) to assess the damage from deadly wildfires that have killed at least 70 people and displaced hundreds on the US west coast.

US President Donald Trump left for California early Saturday morning (November 17) to assess the damage from deadly wildfires that have killed at least 70 people and displaced hundreds on the US west coast. Recovery teams are scouring the flamed-ravaged northern California town of Paradise for more victims as authorities sought clues to the fate of about 1,000 people reported missing in the state's deadliest wildfire on record. Authorities attribute the Camp Fire's high death toll partly to the speed with which flames raced through the town with little advance warning, driven by howling winds and fueled by drought-desiccated scrub and trees. Trump, who has taken to Twitter to blame the recent spate of fires on forest mismanagement, doubled down on Saturday, telling reporters at the White House he would discuss the issue of forest management during his visit. Trump is due to tour the fire zones to meet residents displaced by the giant blaze. Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom are expected to join Trump on his tour. This is Trump's second visit to California since taking office.

Trump heads to California to visit wildfire victims

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth.

Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all.

Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty.

"We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour.

China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative.

Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

"It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it."

There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted.

"Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said.

Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity.

Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road.

Regional security

Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US&nbsp;base in World War Two.

The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US&nbsp;bases in Guam.

"The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said.

In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang.

Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity.

Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement.

Double tariffs?&nbsp;

There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought.

Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail.

But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs.

"The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said.

Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease.

Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies.

China has denied that US&nbsp;companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US&nbsp;demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise.

Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution.

"This is a very good opportunity to ask the US&nbsp;and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum.

"Both countries will have to change course."

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting. Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth. Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all. Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty. "We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour. China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States. US President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative. Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. "It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it." There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted. "Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said. Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity. Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road. Regional security Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US base in World War Two. The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US bases in Guam. "The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said. In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity. Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement. Double tariffs? There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought. Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail. But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs. "The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said. Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease. Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies. China has denied that US companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise. Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution. "This is a very good opportunity to ask the US and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum. "Both countries will have to change course."

US-China discord dominates APEC summit in Papua New Guinea

In a major blow to US President, a&nbsp;federal judge on Friday ordered the White House to reinstate the press credentials of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127">CNN reporter Jim Acosta</a>, whose pass was revoked after a heated exchange with Trump, the network said.

Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order that requires the White House to restore Acosta's access until a full hearing is held, according to the network.

CNN and other media groups, including Trump-endorsed Fox News, backed the lawsuit which claimed the revoking of Acosta's pass violated constitutional guarantees of a free press.

White House had barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange at a news conference when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants." 
&nbsp; 
The news conference, which stretched close to 90 minutes, quickly turned raucous when some reporters pushed him on whether his campaign rhetoric on migrants from central America was divisive - and on developments in a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any coordination between Moscow and the Trump campaign, reported news agency Reuters.

After which, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cnn-sues-us-president-donald-trump-top-white-house-aides-177129">CNN sued US President Donald Trump</a> and top White House aides over the revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta's White House press pass.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters report, in its lawsuit filed on Tuesday in US District Court in Washington, the cable news network said the White House violated the First Amendment right to free speech as well as the due process clause of the Constitution providing fair treatment through judicial process.

The network asked for a temporary restraining order.

In a major blow to US President, a federal judge on Friday ordered the White House to reinstate the press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta, whose pass was revoked after a heated exchange with Trump, the network said.

In a major blow to US President, a federal judge on Friday ordered the White House to reinstate the press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta, whose pass was revoked after a heated exchange with Trump, the network said. Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order that requires the White House to restore Acosta's access until a full hearing is held, according to the network. CNN and other media groups, including Trump-endorsed Fox News, backed the lawsuit which claimed the revoking of Acosta's pass violated constitutional guarantees of a free press. White House had barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange at a news conference when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants." The news conference, which stretched close to 90 minutes, quickly turned raucous when some reporters pushed him on whether his campaign rhetoric on migrants from central America was divisive - and on developments in a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any coordination between Moscow and the Trump campaign, reported news agency Reuters. After which, CNN sued US President Donald Trump and top White House aides over the revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta's White House press pass. According to a Reuters report, in its lawsuit filed on Tuesday in US District Court in Washington, the cable news network said the White House violated the First Amendment right to free speech as well as the due process clause of the Constitution providing fair treatment through judicial process. The network asked for a temporary restraining order.

Judge rules in favour of CNN's request for emergency order restoring White House credentials for Jim Acosta

<a href="All terror attacks finally lead back to 'single source': Modi to Mike Pence">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes.

The United States and North Korea have been discussing the second meeting between their leaders to follow up the Singapore summit in June and lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes.

"The plans are ongoing. We believe that the summit will likely occur after the 1st of the year but the when and the where of that is still being worked out," Pence told reporters after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

"We don’t want to repeat the mistakes that prior administrations, frankly in both political parties, have made over the last several decades where promises are made, sanctions are lifted, economic support comes and then promises are broken."

Pence and Moon were meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit hosted by Singapore.

A US think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programmes.

North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction.

With scant sign of progress on negotiations since the June summit and recent high-level meetings cancelled, Trump said last week he's now in "no rush" but still wants to meet with Kim for the second time.

US officials have said sanctions forced North Korea to the negotiating table and vowed to keep pressure until complete denuclearisation. But North Korea has credited its nuclear and missile breakthroughs for providing it the standing to meet the world's biggest powers.

Pence said Moon agreed to work closely with the United States towards the second US-North Korea summit, as Washington maintains the "maximum pressure" campaign by keeping the sanctions against Pyongyang in place.

North Korea has not tested a nuclear device or ballistic missile since last year and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities.

But it has warned it could restart its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop the sanctions regime.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes.

US Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday President Donald Trump plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the new year but won't repeat past mistakes of allowing promises to be broken on pledges to end arms programmes. The United States and North Korea have been discussing the second meeting between their leaders to follow up the Singapore summit in June and lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes. "The plans are ongoing. We believe that the summit will likely occur after the 1st of the year but the when and the where of that is still being worked out," Pence told reporters after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in. "We don’t want to repeat the mistakes that prior administrations, frankly in both political parties, have made over the last several decades where promises are made, sanctions are lifted, economic support comes and then promises are broken." Pence and Moon were meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit hosted by Singapore. A US think tank said on Monday it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programmes. North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction. With scant sign of progress on negotiations since the June summit and recent high-level meetings cancelled, Trump said last week he's now in "no rush" but still wants to meet with Kim for the second time. US officials have said sanctions forced North Korea to the negotiating table and vowed to keep pressure until complete denuclearisation. But North Korea has credited its nuclear and missile breakthroughs for providing it the standing to meet the world's biggest powers. Pence said Moon agreed to work closely with the United States towards the second US-North Korea summit, as Washington maintains the "maximum pressure" campaign by keeping the sanctions against Pyongyang in place. North Korea has not tested a nuclear device or ballistic missile since last year and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities. But it has warned it could restart its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop the sanctions regime.

Trump to meet North Korea's Kim Jong-un next year: US vice president Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-sirisena-rejects-lankan-parliaments-no-confidence-motion-against-rajapaksa-177417">President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa</a>

A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence &nbsp;motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-fires-senior-advisor-criticized-by-first-lady-melania-177395">President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania</a>

An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/troops-on-alert-as-central-american-migrant-caravan-reaches-us-border-177415">Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border</a>

As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-slashed-petrol-at-rs-7728-per-litre-in-delhi-rs-8220-in-mumbai-177402">Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral</a>

The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday.

In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary.

President Sirisena rejects Lankan Parliament's no-confidence motion against Rajapaksa A day after the Sri Lankan Parliament passed a no-confidence motion against prime minister Rajapaksa, President Sirisena said the Parliament "tried to override the Constitutional powers of the president and the judiciary." President Trump fires senior advisor criticised by first lady Melania An angry Donald Trump removed a senior advisor Wednesday after First Lady Melania Trump demanded her sacking, with more heads set to roll in a White House reshuffle triggered by infighting and setbacks in the midterm elections. Live: PM Modi attends India-ASEAN breakfast meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other leaders participated in the 16th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Breakfast Summit, followed by the 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore on Thursday. Troops on alert as central American 'migrant caravan' reaches US border As US defence secretary Jim Mattis visited troops at the border, the so-called migrant caravan comprising of hundreds of central Americans arrived at the US southern border on Thursday. Fuel prices drop in Delhi, Mumbai as global prices continue downward spiral The fuel prices continued to decline on Thursday with price of petrol reaching Rs 77.28 per litre in Delhi, 0.15 paise lower from Wednesday. In Mumbai, petrol is being sold at Rs 82.20 per litre after a decrease of 0.14 paise.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the Russia investigation, branding it a "disgrace to our Nation" a week after he fired his attorney general, raising questions about the probe's future.

"They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want," Trump wrote on Twitter.

"They are a disgrace to our Nation and don't care how many lives (they) ruin."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want. They are a disgrace to our Nation and don’t...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1063042585802039296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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....care how many lives the ruin. These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They won’t even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1063046973857718272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The president has frequently lashed out at the probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller into Moscow's interference in the 2016 US elections and whether there was collusion by the Trump campaign.

But his latest missive takes on new significance in the wake of his appointment of Matthew Whitaker, a past public critic of the probe, as acting attorney general replacing the sacked Jeff Sessions.

The move puts Whitaker, Sessions' former chief of staff, in charge of overseeing the Mueller probe.

On Wednesday, Republican Senator Jeff Flake, a critic of the president, and Democratic Senator Chris Coons attempted to introduced a measure to protect Mueller, but it was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer has said that if Whitaker refuses to recuse himself from the probe, as Sessions had done, Democrats will seek to attach legislation protecting Mueller to a must-pass spending bill that will be up for consideration in the coming weeks.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the Russia investigation, branding it a "disgrace to our Nation" a week after he fired his attorney general, raising questions about the probe's future.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the Russia investigation, branding it a "disgrace to our Nation" a week after he fired his attorney general, raising questions about the probe's future. "They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want," Trump wrote on Twitter. "They are a disgrace to our Nation and don't care how many lives (they) ruin." The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want. They are a disgrace to our Nation and don’t... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2018 × ....care how many lives the ruin. These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They won’t even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2018 × The president has frequently lashed out at the probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller into Moscow's interference in the 2016 US elections and whether there was collusion by the Trump campaign. But his latest missive takes on new significance in the wake of his appointment of Matthew Whitaker, a past public critic of the probe, as acting attorney general replacing the sacked Jeff Sessions. The move puts Whitaker, Sessions' former chief of staff, in charge of overseeing the Mueller probe. On Wednesday, Republican Senator Jeff Flake, a critic of the president, and Democratic Senator Chris Coons attempted to introduced a measure to protect Mueller, but it was blocked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer has said that if Whitaker refuses to recuse himself from the probe, as Sessions had done, Democrats will seek to attach legislation protecting Mueller to a must-pass spending bill that will be up for consideration in the coming weeks.

Russia investigation 'disgrace to our nation,' says Trump

In pictures: Trump celebrates Diwali at White House with Indian-Americans

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore</a>

We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing. Technology is defining competitiveness and power in the new world. And it is creating boundless opportunities to transform lives: PM Modi in Singapore

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-climbs-to-48-in-californias-most-lethal-wildfire-disaster-177208">Death toll climbs to 48 in California's most lethal wildfire disaster</a>

The remains of six more victims were found on Tuesday in and around a northern California town overrun by flames last week, raising the death toll to 48 in a wildfire disaster already ranked as California's most lethal and destructive in state history.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indians-are-very-good-traders-and-negotiators-says-trump-during-diwali-celebrations-177186">Indians are very good traders and negotiators, says Trump during Diwali celebrations</a>

US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators".

"I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180">Harry Winston jeweller buys 'Pink Legacy' diamond for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180">record</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/harry-winston-jeweller-buys-pink-legacy-diamond-for-record-50-million-christies-177180"> $50 million</a>

The "Pink Legacy", a diamond weighing just under 19 carats, fetched a record 50.375 million Swiss francs ($50 million), purchased by US-based luxury jeweller Harry Winston, Christie's said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175">US judge to hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175">hearing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-to-hold-hearing-on-cnns-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-177175"> on CNN's lawsuit against Trump administration</a>

A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing.

Live: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. The character of the global economy is changing. Technology is defining competitiveness and power in the new world. And it is creating boundless opportunities to transform lives: PM Modi in Singapore Death toll climbs to 48 in California's most lethal wildfire disaster The remains of six more victims were found on Tuesday in and around a northern California town overrun by flames last week, raising the death toll to 48 in a wildfire disaster already ranked as California's most lethal and destructive in state history. Indians are very good traders and negotiators, says Trump during Diwali celebrations US President Trump while celebrating Diwali at the White House joked that Indians are "very good traders" and "very good negotiators". "I am grateful for my friendship with Prime Minister Modi. We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. But they're very good traders. They're very good negotiators, the best," the US president said. Harry Winston jeweller buys 'Pink Legacy' diamond for record $50 million The "Pink Legacy", a diamond weighing just under 19 carats, fetched a record 50.375 million Swiss francs ($50 million), purchased by US-based luxury jeweller Harry Winston, Christie's said on Tuesday. US judge to hold hearing on CNN's lawsuit against Trump administration A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

In its lawsuit filed on Tuesday in US District Court in Washington, the cable news network said the White House violated the First Amendment right to free speech as well as the due process clause of the Constitution providing fair treatment through judicial process. The network asked for a temporary restraining order.

Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, dismissed the action as "just more grandstanding from CNN, and we will vigorously defend against this lawsuit."

US District Judge Timothy Kelly on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to respond to the lawsuit by 11 am (1600 GMT) on Wednesday and he set a hearing for 3:30 pm (2030 GMT) that day on the request for a restraining order. Kelly, a former lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee, was nominated to the bench by Trump last year.

The White House revoked Acosta's credentials last week in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on the news media, which he has dubbed the "enemy of the people."

Trump has intensified his criticism of the reporters who cover him, making personal jabs in response to questions he does not like, including those about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of whether his campaign worked with Russia to sway the 2016 presidential election. Trump denies any collusion took place.

CNN, and Acosta in particular, have been regular targets of the president.

The day after the November 6 congressional elections, Trump erupted into anger during a news conference when Acosta questioned him about the Russia probe and a migrant caravan travelling through Mexico.

"That's enough, that's enough," Trump told Acosta last Wednesday, as a White House intern attempted to take the microphone away from the correspondent. "You are a rude, terrible person."

The White House suspended his credentials later that day, with Sanders alleging that Acosta had put his hands on the intern who was trying to take the microphone from him. Videos of the encounter show Acosta pulling back as the intern moved to take the microphone.

'COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANYONE'

"While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone," CNN said in a statement. "If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials."

The lawsuit noted that Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday there "could be others also."

Theodore Boutrous, a lawyer for CNN and Acosta, said the White House was punishing Acosta for the contents of his reporting. "The White House cannot be permitted to cast out and punish reporters with whom it disagrees," CNN said in its court filing.

The White House Correspondents Association said revoking Acosta's credentials was a disproportionate reaction to what happened at the news conference.

"The President of the United States should not be in the business of arbitrarily picking the men and women who cover him," it said.

US Representative Jerrold Nadler, who is likely to become the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in January, supported the CNN lawsuit.

"@CNN is right to fight back against the cynical, unfair, and authoritarian treatment of @Acosta for doing his job," he said in a Twitter post.

A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump.

A federal judge said he would hold a hearing on Wednesday on CNN's lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking the speedy reinstatement of press credentials for White House correspondent Jim Acosta, a frequent target of President Donald Trump. In its lawsuit filed on Tuesday in US District Court in Washington, the cable news network said the White House violated the First Amendment right to free speech as well as the due process clause of the Constitution providing fair treatment through judicial process. The network asked for a temporary restraining order. Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, dismissed the action as "just more grandstanding from CNN, and we will vigorously defend against this lawsuit." US District Judge Timothy Kelly on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to respond to the lawsuit by 11 am (1600 GMT) on Wednesday and he set a hearing for 3:30 pm (2030 GMT) that day on the request for a restraining order. Kelly, a former lawyer for the Senate Judiciary Committee, was nominated to the bench by Trump last year. The White House revoked Acosta's credentials last week in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on the news media, which he has dubbed the "enemy of the people." Trump has intensified his criticism of the reporters who cover him, making personal jabs in response to questions he does not like, including those about Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of whether his campaign worked with Russia to sway the 2016 presidential election. Trump denies any collusion took place. CNN, and Acosta in particular, have been regular targets of the president. The day after the November 6 congressional elections, Trump erupted into anger during a news conference when Acosta questioned him about the Russia probe and a migrant caravan travelling through Mexico. "That's enough, that's enough," Trump told Acosta last Wednesday, as a White House intern attempted to take the microphone away from the correspondent. "You are a rude, terrible person." The White House suspended his credentials later that day, with Sanders alleging that Acosta had put his hands on the intern who was trying to take the microphone from him. Videos of the encounter show Acosta pulling back as the intern moved to take the microphone. 'COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ANYONE' "While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone," CNN said in a statement. "If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials." The lawsuit noted that Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday there "could be others also." Theodore Boutrous, a lawyer for CNN and Acosta, said the White House was punishing Acosta for the contents of his reporting. "The White House cannot be permitted to cast out and punish reporters with whom it disagrees," CNN said in its court filing. The White House Correspondents Association said revoking Acosta's credentials was a disproportionate reaction to what happened at the news conference. "The President of the United States should not be in the business of arbitrarily picking the men and women who cover him," it said. US Representative Jerrold Nadler, who is likely to become the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in January, supported the CNN lawsuit. "@CNN is right to fight back against the cynical, unfair, and authoritarian treatment of @Acosta for doing his job," he said in a Twitter post.

US judge to hold hearing on CNN's lawsuit against Trump administration

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday.

The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016.

Hate crimes of all types -- based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation -- were higher.

African-Americans were the leading target of crimes based on race, and Jews were the most-targeted group by religion, according to the FBI.

The total number of hate crimes was the highest since 2008.

The FBI did not explain the increase, which came amid a perceived general rise in social and political tensions across the country marked by the election of the divisive Trump.

But it did note that more law enforcement jurisdictions were reporting hate crimes than previous years.&nbsp;

The report came after the country was shocked in recent weeks by two mass shootings, including one in which 11 Jewish worshippers were killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue by an anti-Semitic gunman, and a series of pipe bombs sent to foes of Donald Trump by a Florida supporter of the president. None of the bombs exploded.

"This report is a call to action -- and we will heed that call," said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in a statement.

"The Department of Justice's top priority is to reduce violent crime in America, and hate crimes are violent crimes.... I am particularly troubled by the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes," he said.

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday. The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016.

Hate crimes surged 17 per cent in the United States in Donald Trump's first year as president, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in a new report Tuesday. The FBI said that 7,175 hate crimes were reported during 2017, compared to 6,121 in 2016. Hate crimes of all types -- based on race, religion, gender and sexual orientation -- were higher. African-Americans were the leading target of crimes based on race, and Jews were the most-targeted group by religion, according to the FBI. The total number of hate crimes was the highest since 2008. The FBI did not explain the increase, which came amid a perceived general rise in social and political tensions across the country marked by the election of the divisive Trump. But it did note that more law enforcement jurisdictions were reporting hate crimes than previous years. The report came after the country was shocked in recent weeks by two mass shootings, including one in which 11 Jewish worshippers were killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue by an anti-Semitic gunman, and a series of pipe bombs sent to foes of Donald Trump by a Florida supporter of the president. None of the bombs exploded. "This report is a call to action -- and we will heed that call," said Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker in a statement. "The Department of Justice's top priority is to reduce violent crime in America, and hate crimes are violent crimes.... I am particularly troubled by the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes," he said.

US hate crimes surged in Trump's first year: FBI

Donald Trump on Tuesday unleashed an extraordinary <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/with-trump-sitting-nearby-macron-calls-nationalism-betrayal-176693">attack on Emmanuel Macron</a>, mocking the French president's approval rating and lashing him over European defence proposals, on the heels of a rocky trip to Paris to mark the World War I centenary.

In a caustic series of early-morning tweets the US president lambasted Macron's support for a European army, while renewing his frequent charge that America's European allies in NATO spend too little on defence.

"Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

"They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US&nbsp;came along," Trump said, in a low blow sure to gall French allies. "Pay for NATO or not!"

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Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062311785787744256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S. The problem is that France makes it very hard for the U.S. to sell its wines into France, and charges big Tariffs, whereas the U.S. makes it easy for French wines, and charges very small Tariffs. Not fair, must change!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062331024426913792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%. He was just trying to get onto another subject. By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!........
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062333534214520832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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......MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062333882610171907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The fierce broadside against a traditional US ally -- for whom Trump rolled out the red carpet in Washington earlier this year -- came just two days after Trump joined dozens of world leaders in Paris for events to mark the 100 years since the end of the Great War.&nbsp;

After slamming Macron on defence, Trump's went on to attack his standing as president: "The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%."

"He was just trying to get onto another subject," Trump said, appearing to reference Macron's push for a European military. "By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!"&nbsp;

"MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!" the mercurial Trump continued in a play on his own campaign slogan, before turning to what he said were protectionist tariffs on wine -- which he said were "not fair, must change!"

Macron's office declined to comment on Trump's broadside.

'Bromance' dead?&nbsp;

Trump and Macron had seemed to share a special camaraderie in the early days of their respective presidencies, a "bromance" of sorts that included touching, kissing and playful banter.

The US president even seemed to flick a piece of dandruff off of Macron's jacket on national television during the French president's state visit to the US capital, saying "we have to make him perfect. He is perfect."

But the relationship took a turn for the worse after Macron angered Trump by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European cybersecurity.

Trump set a combative tone for his visit to Paris, tweeted right after he landed that Macron's call for a "real European army" was "insulting."

In an interview recorded Saturday with CNN after talks with Trump, Macron said the two leaders had spoken about what his office has portrayed as a misunderstanding.

Both leaders agree there should be "better burden-sharing within NATO," meaning Europe should be less reliant on US spending for its defense, Macron said.

But Macron told CNN: "To be very direct with you, what I don't want to see is European countries increasing the budget in defence in order to buy American and other arms or materials coming from your industry."

The president's trip to France was further clouded by controversy over the cancellation of a visit to a World War I US military cemetery -- after his helicopter was grounded by the rain -- a decision that was widely criticized.

"I suggested driving. Secret Service said NO," Trump tweeted in his defence -- pointing out that he had delivered a speech the following day at another American cemetery in the Paris suburbs "in pouring rain!"&nbsp;

"Little reported-Fake News!" he charged.

Donald Trump on Tuesday unleashed an extraordinary attack on Emmanuel Macron, mocking the French president's approval rating and lashing him over European defence proposals, on the heels of a rocky trip to Paris to mark the World War I centenary.

Donald Trump on Tuesday unleashed an extraordinary attack on Emmanuel Macron, mocking the French president's approval rating and lashing him over European defence proposals, on the heels of a rocky trip to Paris to mark the World War I centenary. In a caustic series of early-morning tweets the US president lambasted Macron's support for a European army, while renewing his frequent charge that America's European allies in NATO spend too little on defence. "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along," Trump said, in a low blow sure to gall French allies. "Pay for NATO or not!" Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S. The problem is that France makes it very hard for the U.S. to sell its wines into France, and charges big Tariffs, whereas the U.S. makes it easy for French wines, and charges very small Tariffs. Not fair, must change! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%. He was just trying to get onto another subject. By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!........ — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × ......MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × The fierce broadside against a traditional US ally -- for whom Trump rolled out the red carpet in Washington earlier this year -- came just two days after Trump joined dozens of world leaders in Paris for events to mark the 100 years since the end of the Great War. After slamming Macron on defence, Trump's went on to attack his standing as president: "The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%." "He was just trying to get onto another subject," Trump said, appearing to reference Macron's push for a European military. "By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!" "MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!" the mercurial Trump continued in a play on his own campaign slogan, before turning to what he said were protectionist tariffs on wine -- which he said were "not fair, must change!" Macron's office declined to comment on Trump's broadside. 'Bromance' dead? Trump and Macron had seemed to share a special camaraderie in the early days of their respective presidencies, a "bromance" of sorts that included touching, kissing and playful banter. The US president even seemed to flick a piece of dandruff off of Macron's jacket on national television during the French president's state visit to the US capital, saying "we have to make him perfect. He is perfect." But the relationship took a turn for the worse after Macron angered Trump by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European cybersecurity. Trump set a combative tone for his visit to Paris, tweeted right after he landed that Macron's call for a "real European army" was "insulting." In an interview recorded Saturday with CNN after talks with Trump, Macron said the two leaders had spoken about what his office has portrayed as a misunderstanding. Both leaders agree there should be "better burden-sharing within NATO," meaning Europe should be less reliant on US spending for its defense, Macron said. But Macron told CNN: "To be very direct with you, what I don't want to see is European countries increasing the budget in defence in order to buy American and other arms or materials coming from your industry." The president's trip to France was further clouded by controversy over the cancellation of a visit to a World War I US military cemetery -- after his helicopter was grounded by the rain -- a decision that was widely criticized. "I suggested driving. Secret Service said NO," Trump tweeted in his defence -- pointing out that he had delivered a speech the following day at another American cemetery in the Paris suburbs "in pouring rain!" "Little reported-Fake News!" he charged.

After Macron rubbishes nationalism, Trump goes on massive Twitter tirade against him

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army.

"Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US&nbsp;came along. Pay for NATO or not!"

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Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One &amp; Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1062311785787744256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Over the weekend, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-macron-agree-on-defence-after-insulting-european-army-spat-176575">Macron angered Trump</a> by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European security.

Trump and Mcron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".

Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past.

"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump.

"We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Macron delivered a speech&nbsp;condemning the rise of nationalism&nbsp;as dozens of world leaders—including President Donald Trump—gathered in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

“Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Macron said. “By saying, ‘Our interests first, who cares about the others,’ we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what gives it grace and what is essential: its moral values.”

Macron didn’t mention Trump or the United States by name in his remarks, and his message was likely meant for several world leaders in the audience and listeners worldwide, given&nbsp;the rise of nationalist movements&nbsp;throughout Europe.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army. "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched another attack against Emmanuel Macron over the French president's call for a European army. "Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the US, China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France?" Trump tweeted. "They were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along. Pay for NATO or not!" Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2018 × Over the weekend, Macron angered Trump by saying Europe needed its own army and listing the US along with Russia and China as a threat to European security. Trump and Mcron agreed on Saturday on the need for more European defence spending, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that had described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting". Meeting for talks at the Elysee a day before commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump under rainy Parisian skies with a firm handshake. But there appeared to be less immediate warmth in the greeting between the two than in the past. "We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States." Meanwhile, Macron delivered a speech condemning the rise of nationalism as dozens of world leaders—including President Donald Trump—gathered in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. “Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,” Macron said. “By saying, ‘Our interests first, who cares about the others,’ we erase what a nation holds dearest, what gives it life, what gives it grace and what is essential: its moral values.” Macron didn’t mention Trump or the United States by name in his remarks, and his message was likely meant for several world leaders in the audience and listeners worldwide, given the rise of nationalist movements throughout Europe.

Trump criticises Macron again over European defense remarks

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report showed that as of early November, Iran had been complying with the restrictions to its nuclear programme laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Sweeping new American sanctions against Iran, which came into effect on 5 November, have raised fears about whether the deal can survive.

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country.

Iran has been abiding by the terms of its nuclear deal with global powers, the latest report from the UN atomic watchdog indicated Monday, days after fresh US sanctions hit the country. The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest report showed that as of early November, Iran had been complying with the restrictions to its nuclear programme laid down in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Sweeping new American sanctions against Iran, which came into effect on 5 November, have raised fears about whether the deal can survive.

Iran sticking to nuclear deal conditions: IAEA

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values.

With US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting just a few feet away listening to the speech via translation earpieces, Macron denounced those who evoke nationalist sentiment to disadvantage others.

"Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism," Macron said in a 20-minute address delivered from under the Arc de Triomphe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

"By pursuing our own interests first, with no regard to others', we erase the very thing that a nation holds most precious, that which gives it life and makes it great: its moral values."

Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since entering the White House and in the run-up to the congressional elections this month declared himself a "nationalist", sat still and stony-faced in the front row as Macron spoke.

There was no immediate response from either the White House or the Kremlin to Macron's comments.

"Old demons"

In the week ahead of Sunday's commemoration, Macron spent time touring World War One battlefields in northern and eastern France, repeatedly warning in speeches of the resurgence of nationalism, saying it threatened the unity so carefully rebuilt in Europe over the past 70 years.

In one interview, he compared the political tone now to the 1930s, saying complacency towards unbridled nationalism then had opened the way for the rise of Hitler.

In part, his warnings seemed aimed at far-right parties that have gained ground across Europe in recent elections, including in France, where the National Front, now renamed the National Rally, has nudged ahead of Macron's En Marche movement in the polls ahead of European Parliament elections next May.

Besides France, right-wing nationalist or populist parties are on the rise or now have a stake in power in Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Slovenia, among others.

There has been a similar resurgence in nationalist-populist sentiment from Brazil to Turkey and the Philippines, echoing trends in Russia and the United States and challenging the multilateralism that leaders like Macron are keen to preserve.

In his address on Sunday, Macron said that "old demons are reawakening" and warned against ignoring the past.

"History sometimes threatens to repeat its tragic patterns, and undermine the legacy of peace we thought we had sealed with the blood of our ancestors," he said.

Asked in late October what he meant when he described himself as a nationalist, Trump cited his love of the country and said it was about putting it first economically.

"We're giving all of our wealth, all of our money, to other countries and then they don't treat us properly," he said.

"For many years other countries that are allies of ours... they have not treated our country fairly. So in that sense, I am absolutely a nationalist and I'm proud of it."

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values.

French President Emmanuel Macron used an address to world leaders gathered in Paris for Armistice commemorations on Sunday to send a stern message about the dangers of nationalism, calling it a betrayal of moral values. With US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sitting just a few feet away listening to the speech via translation earpieces, Macron denounced those who evoke nationalist sentiment to disadvantage others. "Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism," Macron said in a 20-minute address delivered from under the Arc de Triomphe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. "By pursuing our own interests first, with no regard to others', we erase the very thing that a nation holds most precious, that which gives it life and makes it great: its moral values." Trump, who has pursued "America First" policies since entering the White House and in the run-up to the congressional elections this month declared himself a "nationalist", sat still and stony-faced in the front row as Macron spoke. There was no immediate response from either the White House or the Kremlin to Macron's comments. "Old demons" In the week ahead of Sunday's commemoration, Macron spent time touring World War One battlefields in northern and eastern France, repeatedly warning in speeches of the resurgence of nationalism, saying it threatened the unity so carefully rebuilt in Europe over the past 70 years. In one interview, he compared the political tone now to the 1930s, saying complacency towards unbridled nationalism then had opened the way for the rise of Hitler. In part, his warnings seemed aimed at far-right parties that have gained ground across Europe in recent elections, including in France, where the National Front, now renamed the National Rally, has nudged ahead of Macron's En Marche movement in the polls ahead of European Parliament elections next May. Besides France, right-wing nationalist or populist parties are on the rise or now have a stake in power in Italy, Hungary, Poland, Austria and Slovenia, among others. There has been a similar resurgence in nationalist-populist sentiment from Brazil to Turkey and the Philippines, echoing trends in Russia and the United States and challenging the multilateralism that leaders like Macron are keen to preserve. In his address on Sunday, Macron said that "old demons are reawakening" and warned against ignoring the past. "History sometimes threatens to repeat its tragic patterns, and undermine the legacy of peace we thought we had sealed with the blood of our ancestors," he said. Asked in late October what he meant when he described himself as a nationalist, Trump cited his love of the country and said it was about putting it first economically. "We're giving all of our wealth, all of our money, to other countries and then they don't treat us properly," he said. "For many years other countries that are allies of ours... they have not treated our country fairly. So in that sense, I am absolutely a nationalist and I'm proud of it."

With Trump sitting nearby, Macron calls nationalism a betrayal; adds 'old demons are reawakening'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/100-years-of-end-of-wwi-trump-cancels-trip-to-memorial-because-of-rain-176591">100 years of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/100-years-of-end-of-wwi-trump-cancels-trip-to-memorial-because-of-rain-176591">end</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/100-years-of-end-of-wwi-trump-cancels-trip-to-memorial-because-of-rain-176591"> of WWI: Trump cancels memorial service for fallen US soldiers — because of rain</a>

President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said.

The last minute cancellation prompted widespread criticism on social media and from some officials in Britain and the United States that Trump had "dishonoured" US servicemen.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-army-soldier-killed-in-sniper-fire-along-line-of-control-176587">J&amp;K: In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-army-soldier-killed-in-sniper-fire-along-line-of-control-176587">2nd</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-army-soldier-killed-in-sniper-fire-along-line-of-control-176587"> attack in 2 days, Indian Army soldier killed in sniper fire along Line of Control</a>

An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani.

This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-gubernatorial-candidate-andrew-gillum-recalls-concession-after-state-orders-vote-recount-176586">US midterms: After Florida orders recount, Democratic candidate recalls concession from Governor's race</a>

Florida authorities on Saturday ordered a statewide recount in the contentious races for US Senate and governor, amid tit-for-tat accusations of fraud from the candidates -- plunging the state once again into election uncertainty.

Eighteen years after the Sunshine State found itself at the heart of a battle for the US presidency, it was once again in the spotlight after Tuesday's vote, which left the contests for statewide offices undecided.

Florida's 67 counties had been given until midday (1700 GMT) on Saturday to submit unofficial totals.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-california-fire-rises-to-23-report-176596">California forest fires: Death toll rises to 23</a>

The death toll in California fire rose to 23 on Saturday after rescue workers recovered several bodies of people killed in the devastating fire; news agency AFP reported while quoting a sheriff.

"Today 14 additional bodies were located, which brings our total number to 23," Sheriff Kory Honea said.

The bodies were recovered in and around Paradise, California, a mountain community some 90 miles (145 km) north of Sacramento left devastated by the 'Camp Fire'.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-a-quality-remained-severe-on-sunday-construction-ban-extended-till-november-12-176593">Delhi: Air quality remains hazardous, construction ban extended to Nov 12</a>

Delhi air quality remained hazardous on Sunday, with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 633 at Mundka.&nbsp;

AQI remained well above 300 in most parts of the city which poses a major health risk.&nbsp;

On Saturday too, the air quality remained 'severe' and though the pollution level dipped marginally for a brief period in the morning, it turned severe again by evening. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

100 years of end of WWI: Trump cancels memorial service for fallen US soldiers — because of rain President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said.

100 years of end of WWI: Trump cancels memorial service for fallen US soldiers — because of rain President Donald Trump could not attend a commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during World War One on Saturday because rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the White House said. The last minute cancellation prompted widespread criticism on social media and from some officials in Britain and the United States that Trump had "dishonoured" US servicemen. J&K: In 2nd attack in 2 days, Indian Army soldier killed in sniper fire along Line of Control An Army soldier was killed Saturday in sniper fire by Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The spokesman identified the soldier as rifleman Varun Kattal (21), a resident of Mawa-Rajpura area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his parents, father Anchal Singh and mother Pinki Rani. This was the second sniper attack along the LoC in two days. An Army porter lost his life in a similar attack in Akhnoor sector of Jammu Friday. US midterms: After Florida orders recount, Democratic candidate recalls concession from Governor's race Florida authorities on Saturday ordered a statewide recount in the contentious races for US Senate and governor, amid tit-for-tat accusations of fraud from the candidates -- plunging the state once again into election uncertainty. Eighteen years after the Sunshine State found itself at the heart of a battle for the US presidency, it was once again in the spotlight after Tuesday's vote, which left the contests for statewide offices undecided. Florida's 67 counties had been given until midday (1700 GMT) on Saturday to submit unofficial totals. California forest fires: Death toll rises to 23 The death toll in California fire rose to 23 on Saturday after rescue workers recovered several bodies of people killed in the devastating fire; news agency AFP reported while quoting a sheriff. "Today 14 additional bodies were located, which brings our total number to 23," Sheriff Kory Honea said. The bodies were recovered in and around Paradise, California, a mountain community some 90 miles (145 km) north of Sacramento left devastated by the 'Camp Fire'. Delhi: Air quality remains hazardous, construction ban extended to Nov 12 Delhi air quality remained hazardous on Sunday, with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 633 at Mundka. AQI remained well above 300 in most parts of the city which poses a major health risk. On Saturday too, the air quality remained 'severe' and though the pollution level dipped marginally for a brief period in the morning, it turned severe again by evening.

The United States wants a "strong Europe" and is willing to help its ally, but Europe must be fair when it comes to sharing the defence burden, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday.

"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," Trump said in remarks after being greeted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Asked what he meant when he tweeted that he felt insulted by Macron's comments that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States for security, Trump said: "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."

Macron said he shared Trump's view that Europe needed to finance a greater share of the NATO military alliance's costs. "That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are fully consistent with that," he said, speaking in English.

The two leaders would discuss issues including Iran, the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, climate change and trade during an hour-long meeting, Macron said.

Trump has toned down his threat of tariffs on cars manufactured in the European Union while the two sides discussed the removal of tariffs on EU aluminium and steel imports.

Trump said negotiations were making progress.

"We'll see if we can get it over the line," Trump added.

The United States wants a "strong Europe" and is willing to help its ally, but Europe must be fair when it comes to sharing the defence burden, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday.

The United States wants a "strong Europe" and is willing to help its ally, but Europe must be fair when it comes to sharing the defence burden, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday. "We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," Trump said in remarks after being greeted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Asked what he meant when he tweeted that he felt insulted by Macron's comments that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States for security, Trump said: "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States." Macron said he shared Trump's view that Europe needed to finance a greater share of the NATO military alliance's costs. "That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are fully consistent with that," he said, speaking in English. The two leaders would discuss issues including Iran, the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, climate change and trade during an hour-long meeting, Macron said. Trump has toned down his threat of tariffs on cars manufactured in the European Union while the two sides discussed the removal of tariffs on EU aluminium and steel imports. Trump said negotiations were making progress. "We'll see if we can get it over the line," Trump added.

Trump says wants 'strong Europe', but more defence cost-sharing

Two monster wildfires burned out of control on Saturday in northern and southern California, having already killed at least nine people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

President Donald Trump blamed the fires on forest mismanagement and threatened to withdraw related federal funding.

In Los Angeles County, the 35,000-acre (14,164 hectares) Woolsey Fire was threatening 75,000 homes and more than 200,000 people were under mandatory evacuation early on Saturday.

Some of the evacuation orders were for residents within the City of Los Angeles in the West Hills area. It was unclear how many homes have been evacuated within the City of Los Angeles.

About 500 miles (800 km) to the north, nine people were found dead in and around the Northern California town of Paradise, where more than 6,700 homes and businesses were burned down by the Camp Fire. That made it one of the most destructive blazes in state history, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire protection data.

"This event was the worst-case scenario. It was the event we have feared for a long time," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a Friday evening press conference. "Regrettably, not everybody made it out."

Trump early on Saturday tweeted that "gross mismanagement of forests" was to blame for the two unchecked wildfires.

"There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor," he wrote in a Twitter post.

"Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" he added.

The remains of five of the victims in Northern California were discovered in or near burned out cars, three outside residences and one inside a home, Butte County's Honea said.

Another 35 people had been reported missing and three firefighters had been injured.

The flames descended on Paradise so quickly that many people were forced to abandon their cars and run for their lives down the sole road through the mountain town.

The Camp Fire, which broke out on Thursday at the edge of the Plumas National Forest northeast of Sacramento, has since blackened more than 90,000 acres and was only 5 per cent contained as of nightfall on Friday.

FIRE BURNS TOWARD MALIBU

The Woolsey Fire broke out on Thursday and quickly jumped the 101 Freeway, a major north-south artery, in several places. On Friday, it moved over the Santa Monica Mountains toward Malibu, where flames driven by hot Santa Ana winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour (80 kph) raced down hillsides and through canyons toward multi-million dollar homes.

Thousands of residents took to the Pacific Coast Highway to head south or took refuge on beaches, along with their horses and other pets.

Among those forced to flee were celebrities including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, who said on Twitter that flames had damaged the home she shares in nearby Calabasas with Kanye West.

"Fire is now burning out of control and heading into populated areas of Malibu," the city said in a statement online. "All residents must evacuate immediately."

Some 95,000 residents have been evacuated in Ventura County alone, the county's fire department said on Twitter on Friday night.

The blaze also threatened parts of the nearby town of Thousand Oaks, where a gunman killed 12 people earlier this week in a shooting rampage.

Elsewhere, the Hill Fire in Ventura County's Santa Rosa Valley had charred about 6,000 acres (2,428 hectares) as of Friday evening, according to Cal Fire.

In Los Angeles, another, smaller fire in Griffith Park forced the Los Angeles Zoo to evacuate a number of show birds and some small primates on Friday as flames came within less than 2 miles (3 km) of the facility, zoo officials said in a statement.

Two monster wildfires burned out of control on Saturday in northern and southern California, having already killed at least nine people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Two monster wildfires burned out of control on Saturday in northern and southern California, having already killed at least nine people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. President Donald Trump blamed the fires on forest mismanagement and threatened to withdraw related federal funding. In Los Angeles County, the 35,000-acre (14,164 hectares) Woolsey Fire was threatening 75,000 homes and more than 200,000 people were under mandatory evacuation early on Saturday. Some of the evacuation orders were for residents within the City of Los Angeles in the West Hills area. It was unclear how many homes have been evacuated within the City of Los Angeles. About 500 miles (800 km) to the north, nine people were found dead in and around the Northern California town of Paradise, where more than 6,700 homes and businesses were burned down by the Camp Fire. That made it one of the most destructive blazes in state history, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire protection data. "This event was the worst-case scenario. It was the event we have feared for a long time," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a Friday evening press conference. "Regrettably, not everybody made it out." Trump early on Saturday tweeted that "gross mismanagement of forests" was to blame for the two unchecked wildfires. "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor," he wrote in a Twitter post. "Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" he added. The remains of five of the victims in Northern California were discovered in or near burned out cars, three outside residences and one inside a home, Butte County's Honea said. Another 35 people had been reported missing and three firefighters had been injured. The flames descended on Paradise so quickly that many people were forced to abandon their cars and run for their lives down the sole road through the mountain town. The Camp Fire, which broke out on Thursday at the edge of the Plumas National Forest northeast of Sacramento, has since blackened more than 90,000 acres and was only 5 per cent contained as of nightfall on Friday. FIRE BURNS TOWARD MALIBU The Woolsey Fire broke out on Thursday and quickly jumped the 101 Freeway, a major north-south artery, in several places. On Friday, it moved over the Santa Monica Mountains toward Malibu, where flames driven by hot Santa Ana winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour (80 kph) raced down hillsides and through canyons toward multi-million dollar homes. Thousands of residents took to the Pacific Coast Highway to head south or took refuge on beaches, along with their horses and other pets. Among those forced to flee were celebrities including Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, who said on Twitter that flames had damaged the home she shares in nearby Calabasas with Kanye West. "Fire is now burning out of control and heading into populated areas of Malibu," the city said in a statement online. "All residents must evacuate immediately." Some 95,000 residents have been evacuated in Ventura County alone, the county's fire department said on Twitter on Friday night. The blaze also threatened parts of the nearby town of Thousand Oaks, where a gunman killed 12 people earlier this week in a shooting rampage. Elsewhere, the Hill Fire in Ventura County's Santa Rosa Valley had charred about 6,000 acres (2,428 hectares) as of Friday evening, according to Cal Fire. In Los Angeles, another, smaller fire in Griffith Park forced the Los Angeles Zoo to evacuate a number of show birds and some small primates on Friday as flames came within less than 2 miles (3 km) of the facility, zoo officials said in a statement.

No reason for these massive forest fires in California except that management is so poor: Trump

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

During a round of high-level talks in Washington, the two sides aired in sometimes blunt terms many of their main differences, including a bitter trade dispute, freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters, self-ruled Taiwan, and China’s crackdown on its Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

Two visiting senior Chinese officials also seized the opportunity to warn publicly that a trade war between the world’s two largest economies would end up hurting both sides and to call for keeping channels of communication open to resolve an issue that has unsettled global financial markets.

Despite the airing of grievances, the talks appeared aimed at controlling the damage to relations that has worsened in recent months and at paving the way for an encounter between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina at the end of November.

"The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with respect to China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a joint news conference.

Even as the United States and China confront difficult challenges, “cooperation remains essential on many issues,” he said, citing efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program.

The meeting paired Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The annual US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue was originally set for Beijing last month but had been called off amid rising tensions.

Pompeo took aim at China over its continued building of military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the South China Sea, where China insists it has sovereignty despite competing claims from some smaller neighbours.

“We have continued concerns about China's activities and militarization in the South China Sea,” Pompeo said following the talks. “We pressed China to live up to its past commitments in this area."

Yang said China was committed to "non-confrontation” but that Beijing had the right to build "necessary defence facilities" on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims.

Mattis made clear that this demand goes unheeded by Washington, which insists it is acting under international law to preserve access for it and others to the South China Sea.

In a statement on Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry described the talks as "frank, constructive and very fruitful."

TAIWAN

Responding sharply to Pompeo's mention of Taiwan, which China considers a wayward province but which is armed by Washington, Wei said Beijing would defend its claim on the island "at any cost."

But Wei and Mattis agreed on the need to lower US-China military tensions to avoid unintended clashes, with the Chinese general saying confrontation "will spell disaster to all." Washington has protested to Beijing about recent behaviour by its warships that the US Navy considered unsafe.

While Pompeo spoke little about trade in his public comments, Yang said he hoped the two sides would find a mutually acceptable solution on the issue “before long.”

China and the United States have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, jolting global financial markets, and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the trade dispute cannot be resolved.

Trump's administration has also accused China of meddling in US politics ahead of this week’s congressional elections, charges China strongly denies.

Reflecting growing US concerns about the Chinese cyber threat, a senior US intelligence official on Thursday accused China of violating a 2015 agreement aimed at stopping cyberespionage through the hacking of government and corporate data.

Pompeo also reiterated US criticism of China's "repression of religious groups," citing treatment of Buddhists in Tibet and minority Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region that has drawn condemnation from human rights groups.

Yang defended China's policies in Xinjiang as measures against "ethnic separatist activities and violent terrorist crimes" but said it was a Chinese internal affair and foreign governments should not interfere.

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing. During a round of high-level talks in Washington, the two sides aired in sometimes blunt terms many of their main differences, including a bitter trade dispute, freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters, self-ruled Taiwan, and China’s crackdown on its Muslim minority in Xinjiang. Two visiting senior Chinese officials also seized the opportunity to warn publicly that a trade war between the world’s two largest economies would end up hurting both sides and to call for keeping channels of communication open to resolve an issue that has unsettled global financial markets. Despite the airing of grievances, the talks appeared aimed at controlling the damage to relations that has worsened in recent months and at paving the way for an encounter between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina at the end of November. "The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with respect to China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a joint news conference. Even as the United States and China confront difficult challenges, “cooperation remains essential on many issues,” he said, citing efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The meeting paired Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The annual US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue was originally set for Beijing last month but had been called off amid rising tensions. Pompeo took aim at China over its continued building of military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the South China Sea, where China insists it has sovereignty despite competing claims from some smaller neighbours. “We have continued concerns about China's activities and militarization in the South China Sea,” Pompeo said following the talks. “We pressed China to live up to its past commitments in this area." Yang said China was committed to "non-confrontation” but that Beijing had the right to build "necessary defence facilities" on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims. Mattis made clear that this demand goes unheeded by Washington, which insists it is acting under international law to preserve access for it and others to the South China Sea. In a statement on Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry described the talks as "frank, constructive and very fruitful." TAIWAN Responding sharply to Pompeo's mention of Taiwan, which China considers a wayward province but which is armed by Washington, Wei said Beijing would defend its claim on the island "at any cost." But Wei and Mattis agreed on the need to lower US-China military tensions to avoid unintended clashes, with the Chinese general saying confrontation "will spell disaster to all." Washington has protested to Beijing about recent behaviour by its warships that the US Navy considered unsafe. While Pompeo spoke little about trade in his public comments, Yang said he hoped the two sides would find a mutually acceptable solution on the issue “before long.” China and the United States have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, jolting global financial markets, and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the trade dispute cannot be resolved. Trump's administration has also accused China of meddling in US politics ahead of this week’s congressional elections, charges China strongly denies. Reflecting growing US concerns about the Chinese cyber threat, a senior US intelligence official on Thursday accused China of violating a 2015 agreement aimed at stopping cyberespionage through the hacking of government and corporate data. Pompeo also reiterated US criticism of China's "repression of religious groups," citing treatment of Buddhists in Tibet and minority Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region that has drawn condemnation from human rights groups. Yang defended China's policies in Xinjiang as measures against "ethnic separatist activities and violent terrorist crimes" but said it was a Chinese internal affair and foreign governments should not interfere.

US presses China to halt militarization of South China Sea

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