The new <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-national-strategy-for-counterterrorism-169506">country terrorism strategy unveiled by the Trump administration</a> on Thursday has listed Babbar Khalsa International terrorist group as a "risk to the US personnel and interests overseas".

The National Strategy for Counterterrorism said that Babbar Khalsa International "is responsible for significant terrorist attacks in India and elsewhere that have claimed the lives of innocent civilians".

The group has been associated with the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1981 that killed 329 people on the Emperor Kanishka, a Boeing 747 airliner.

Based in Vancouver, the Babbar Khalsa International group was founded by a Canadian citizen.

Pictures of late Talwinder Singh Parmar, the founder of Babbar Khalsa International are displayed at public events in Canada.

Parmar was killed in 1992 during a confrontation with police when he returned to India from Canada.

Canada had earlier refused to extradite Parmar, who was wanted in India in connection with the killing of two Punjab police officers.

Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, the third largest in Canada's House of Commons, has admitted Parmar's role in the terrorist attack.

A day before the National Strategy for Counter-terrorism also listed Pakistan-based terrorist outfits the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trumps-counter-terrorism-strategy-identifies-let-ttp-as-potential-threat-to-us-169575">Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan </a>(TTP) among radical Islamist groups.

In addition to the ISIS and al-Qaeda, dozens of other radical Islamist terrorist groups are working to advance more locally focused insurgent or terrorist campaigns, while still posing a threat to United States persons and interests overseas, said the strategy.

About groups like the Babbar Khalsa International, it said they "may avoid or deprioritise targeting US interests for now to avoid detracting from their core goals but frequently conduct assassinations and bombings against major economic, political, and social targets, heightening the risk to United States personnel and interests overseas".

(With inputs from agencies)

The new country terrorism strategy unveiled by the Trump administration on Thursday has listed Babbar Khalsa International terrorist group as a "risk to the US personnel and interests overseas".

The new country terrorism strategy unveiled by the Trump administration on Thursday has listed Babbar Khalsa International terrorist group as a "risk to the US personnel and interests overseas". The National Strategy for Counterterrorism said that Babbar Khalsa International "is responsible for significant terrorist attacks in India and elsewhere that have claimed the lives of innocent civilians". The group has been associated with the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1981 that killed 329 people on the Emperor Kanishka, a Boeing 747 airliner. Based in Vancouver, the Babbar Khalsa International group was founded by a Canadian citizen. Pictures of late Talwinder Singh Parmar, the founder of Babbar Khalsa International are displayed at public events in Canada. Parmar was killed in 1992 during a confrontation with police when he returned to India from Canada. Canada had earlier refused to extradite Parmar, who was wanted in India in connection with the killing of two Punjab police officers. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, the third largest in Canada's House of Commons, has admitted Parmar's role in the terrorist attack. A day before the National Strategy for Counter-terrorism also listed Pakistan-based terrorist outfits the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) among radical Islamist groups. In addition to the ISIS and al-Qaeda, dozens of other radical Islamist terrorist groups are working to advance more locally focused insurgent or terrorist campaigns, while still posing a threat to United States persons and interests overseas, said the strategy. About groups like the Babbar Khalsa International, it said they "may avoid or deprioritise targeting US interests for now to avoid detracting from their core goals but frequently conduct assassinations and bombings against major economic, political, and social targets, heightening the risk to United States personnel and interests overseas". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's terror strategy declares Babbar Khalsa International 'risk to US personnel and interests overseas'

Pakistan-based terrorist outfits -- the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- are among radical Islamist groups identified as a potential threat to the US in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-national-strategy-for-counterterrorism-169506">Trump administration's new counterterrorism strategy</a>.&nbsp;

In addition to the ISIS and al-Qaeda, dozens of other radical Islamist terrorist groups are working to advance more locally focused insurgent or terrorist campaigns, while still posing a threat to United States persons and interests overseas, said the National Strategy for Counter-terrorism released by the White House on Thursday.&nbsp;

"These groups, including Boko Haram, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and the Lashkar-e Taiba, employ a range of political and terrorist tactics to undermine local governments and conduct attacks," it said.

The LeT is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.&nbsp;

According to the strategy, these organisations will probably prioritise regional goals over attacks against the homeland or United States interests because of resource constraints or political considerations.&nbsp;

"However, many of these groups are hostile to the United States, maintain networks of sympathisers around the world, and retain ties to the ISIS or al-Qaeda, underscoring their potential threat to United States interests," said the strategy, according to which radical Islamist terrorists remain the primary transnational terrorist threat to the US and its vital national interests.&nbsp;

Prominent terrorist organisations, particularly the ISIS and al-Qaeda, have repeatedly demonstrated the intent and capability to attack the homeland and United States interests and continue to plot new attacks and inspire susceptible people to commit acts of violence inside the United States, it said.

"These groups stoke and exploit weak governance, conflict, instability, and longstanding political and religious grievances to pursue their goal of eliminating Western influence in majority Muslim countries and remaking Islamic society," the strategy said.

Radical Islamist terrorist groups have developed and used methods that have challenged the US counterterrorism efforts, including establishing state-like governing institutions within their safe havens, deploying sophisticated explosive devices to defeat aviation security measures, and using high-quality media products to recruit extremists in the West, it said.&nbsp;

Future radical Islamist terrorists and other terrorists will continually adapt these and other tactics to their circumstances and the technological advances of the age.&nbsp;

"It is, therefore, critical that the United States counterterrorism posture be agile enough to adapt as well," said the strategy.&nbsp;

Radical Islamist terrorists have a violent extremist ideology that serves to create a common identity and sense of purpose for those susceptible to its core message, it alleged.&nbsp;

"This vile ideology is used to indoctrinate new recruits to accept terrorist groups' goals and directives without question, and also allows these groups to maintain cohesion, ensure conformity, and justify the use of violence to meet the ideology's goals.&nbsp;

"It avails terrorists of a worldview that helps unify their efforts by fomenting conflict and attempts to legitimize terrorism by elevating the social status of group members and absolving individuals from culpability for their participation in violence," it said.

The ISIS, the strategy, said remains the foremost radical Islamist terrorist group and the primary transnational terrorist threat to the US, despite ongoing us and coalition civilian and military efforts that have diminished the group's footprint in Iraq and Syria, killed thousands of its members, and curtailed its global expansion.

"The ISIS retains the financial and material resources and expertise to launch external attacks&nbsp;including against United States interests and its senior leaders continue to call for attacks against the United States," it said.

Meanwhile, al-Qaeda's global network remains resilient and poses an enduring threat to the homeland and United States interests around the world, the strategy said.&nbsp;

Consistent&nbsp;United States-led counterterrorism pressure has removed many of its senior leaders and reduced the group's ability to operate in South Asia, but its affiliates continue to plan and carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and our allies, as well as raise funds from individual supporters through the international financial system, it said.&nbsp;

"Affiliate resources are primarily focused on local and regional conflicts, but key operatives and elements within the network continue to seek out new opportunities to strike the homeland and United States interests and to inspire attacks inside the United States.&nbsp;

"Veteran al-Qaeda leaders are working to consolidate and expand the group's presence in several regions, including in Syria, from which it aspires to launch new attacks against the United States and our allies," said the strategy.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based terrorist outfits -- the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- are among radical Islamist groups identified as a potential threat to the US in the Trump administration's new counterterrorism strategy.

Pakistan-based terrorist outfits -- the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- are among radical Islamist groups identified as a potential threat to the US in the Trump administration's new counterterrorism strategy. In addition to the ISIS and al-Qaeda, dozens of other radical Islamist terrorist groups are working to advance more locally focused insurgent or terrorist campaigns, while still posing a threat to United States persons and interests overseas, said the National Strategy for Counter-terrorism released by the White House on Thursday. "These groups, including Boko Haram, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and the Lashkar-e Taiba, employ a range of political and terrorist tactics to undermine local governments and conduct attacks," it said. The LeT is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. According to the strategy, these organisations will probably prioritise regional goals over attacks against the homeland or United States interests because of resource constraints or political considerations. "However, many of these groups are hostile to the United States, maintain networks of sympathisers around the world, and retain ties to the ISIS or al-Qaeda, underscoring their potential threat to United States interests," said the strategy, according to which radical Islamist terrorists remain the primary transnational terrorist threat to the US and its vital national interests. Prominent terrorist organisations, particularly the ISIS and al-Qaeda, have repeatedly demonstrated the intent and capability to attack the homeland and United States interests and continue to plot new attacks and inspire susceptible people to commit acts of violence inside the United States, it said. "These groups stoke and exploit weak governance, conflict, instability, and longstanding political and religious grievances to pursue their goal of eliminating Western influence in majority Muslim countries and remaking Islamic society," the strategy said. Radical Islamist terrorist groups have developed and used methods that have challenged the US counterterrorism efforts, including establishing state-like governing institutions within their safe havens, deploying sophisticated explosive devices to defeat aviation security measures, and using high-quality media products to recruit extremists in the West, it said. Future radical Islamist terrorists and other terrorists will continually adapt these and other tactics to their circumstances and the technological advances of the age. "It is, therefore, critical that the United States counterterrorism posture be agile enough to adapt as well," said the strategy. Radical Islamist terrorists have a violent extremist ideology that serves to create a common identity and sense of purpose for those susceptible to its core message, it alleged. "This vile ideology is used to indoctrinate new recruits to accept terrorist groups' goals and directives without question, and also allows these groups to maintain cohesion, ensure conformity, and justify the use of violence to meet the ideology's goals. "It avails terrorists of a worldview that helps unify their efforts by fomenting conflict and attempts to legitimize terrorism by elevating the social status of group members and absolving individuals from culpability for their participation in violence," it said. The ISIS, the strategy, said remains the foremost radical Islamist terrorist group and the primary transnational terrorist threat to the US, despite ongoing us and coalition civilian and military efforts that have diminished the group's footprint in Iraq and Syria, killed thousands of its members, and curtailed its global expansion. "The ISIS retains the financial and material resources and expertise to launch external attacks including against United States interests and its senior leaders continue to call for attacks against the United States," it said. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda's global network remains resilient and poses an enduring threat to the homeland and United States interests around the world, the strategy said. Consistent United States-led counterterrorism pressure has removed many of its senior leaders and reduced the group's ability to operate in South Asia, but its affiliates continue to plan and carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and our allies, as well as raise funds from individual supporters through the international financial system, it said. "Affiliate resources are primarily focused on local and regional conflicts, but key operatives and elements within the network continue to seek out new opportunities to strike the homeland and United States interests and to inspire attacks inside the United States. "Veteran al-Qaeda leaders are working to consolidate and expand the group's presence in several regions, including in Syria, from which it aspires to launch new attacks against the United States and our allies," said the strategy.

Trump's counter terrorism strategy identifies LeT, TTP as potential threat to United States

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-probe-does-not-support-kavanaugh-assault-claims-senate-judiciary-chairman-169489">responded positively to an FBI report</a> on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kavanaugh-would-win-senate-confirmation-once-fbi-finishes-probe-trump-169066">Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation once FBI finishes probe: Trump</a>

The report, sent by the White House to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the middle of the night, was denounced by Democrats as a whitewash that was too narrow in scope and ignored critical witnesses.

Thousands of anti-Kavanaugh protesters rallied outside the Supreme Court and entered a Senate office building, holding signs such as "Believe Survivors" and "Kava-Nope." Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested including actress Amy Schumer.&nbsp;

But Republicans moved forward with plans for a key procedural vote on Friday and a final vote on Saturday on confirming the conservative federal appeals judge for a lifetime job on the top US court.

Comments by two crucial Republican senators - Jeff Flake and Susan Collins - indicated the FBI report, which was the latest twist in the pitched political battle over Kavanaugh, may have allayed their concerns about him. Flake, a frequent Trump critic, was instrumental in getting the president to order the FBI investigation last Friday.

Trump, himself accused by numerous women during the 2016 presidential race of sexual misconduct, wrote on Twitter that the FBI report showed that the allegations against Kavanaugh were "totally uncorroborated."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-hearing-kavanaugh-accuser-100-cent-certain-he-assaulted-her-168053">'100 per cent' certain he assaulted me, says Brett Kavanaugh accuser in US Senate hearing</a>

Collins said the FBI investigation appeared to be thorough. Flake said he saw no additional corroborating information against Kavanaugh, although he was "still reading" it. Another undecided Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski, did not offer her view on the FBI report.

Republicans control the Senate by a 51-49 margin. If all the Democrats oppose Kavanaugh, Trump cannot afford to lose the support of more than one Republican for his nominee, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tiebreaking vote. No Republicans have said they will vote against Kavanaugh. 
While the comments by Flake and Collins were positive, neither explicitly announced support for Kavanaugh.&nbsp;

A previously undecided Democratic Senator, Heidi Heitkamp, said she would vote against Kavanaugh, citing "concerns about his past conduct" and questions about his "temperament, honesty and impartiality" after his angry, defiant testimony a week ago to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senator Joe Manchin, the only remaining undecided Democrat, said he would finish reading the report on Friday morning.

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein noted that the FBI did not interview Kavanaugh himself or Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor from California who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 1982.

"It smacks of a whitewash," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told reporters, saying the report should not give political cover for Republicans to vote for Kavanaugh because "it is blatantly incomplete."

Most Democrats opposed Trump's nomination of Kavanaugh from the outset. If confirmed, he would deepen conservative control of the court. The sharply partisan battle became an intense political drama when Ford and two other women emerged to accuse Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s when he was in high school and college. Kavanaugh has denied the accusations.

The Kavanaugh fight has riveted Americans weeks before November 6 elections in which Democrats are trying to take control of Congress from the Republicans.&nbsp;

Kavanaugh's nomination has become a flashpoint in the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault. The nomination battle boiled down to a "he said, she said" conflict requiring senators to decide between diametrically opposed accounts offered by Kavanaugh and Ford.

Trump on Tuesday mocked Ford during a political rally in Mississippi.

On Thursday afternoon, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens told a small gathering in Boca Raton, Florida that Kavanaugh should not be confirmed, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Stevens, an appointee of Republican President Gerald Ford who often sided with liberal justices on key rulings, told a group of retirees that he initially thought Kavanaugh was qualified, but that "his performance at the hearings ultimately changed my mind."&nbsp;

Behind closed doors

The FBI report was not released to the public. Senators were allowed to read it behind closed doors in a secure location in the Capitol, without taking notes or making copies.

A senior Senate Republican aide said there was growing confidence that Collins, Flake and Manchin - all swing votes - would support Kavanaugh. If so, that could be enough for a Trump victory.&nbsp;

White House spokesman Raj Shah said the Trump administration was "fully confident" Kavanaugh had the necessary support.

"I feel pretty good about where we are," added Senator John Thune, a member of Senate Republican leadership.

Some protesters, many dressed in black, crowded into the Hart Senate Office Building after rallying in front of the Supreme Court on a sunny, warm autumn day.

"I'm sick and tired of seeing women's experiences not be given weight," demonstrator Christine Zagrobelny, 29, a software engineer from New York City, said outside the Supreme Court.

Republican leaders sounded unmoved.

"When the noise fades, when the uncorroborated mud washes away, what`s left is the distinguished nominee who stands before us," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said after receiving a staff briefing on the report, "There`s nothing in it that we didn`t already know."

"These uncorroborated accusations have been unequivocally and repeatedly rejected by Judge Kavanaugh, and neither the Judiciary Committee nor the FBI could locate any third parties who can attest to any of the allegations," Grassley added.

White House spokesman Shah told CNN the FBI reached out to 10 people and "comprehensively interviewed" nine of them.

"The White House didn`t micromanage the FBI," he said.

In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Ford`s lawyers noted that the agency declined to interview Ford or any of more than a dozen people they identified to provide relevant information, calling the five-day investigation "a stain on the process, on the FBI and on our American ideal of justice."

Ford testified last week at a dramatic Judiciary Committee hearing that when she was 15, a drunken 17-year-old Kavanaugh pinned her down, tried to remove her clothing and covered her mouth after she screamed. Kavanaugh denied the allegation and painted himself as the victim of a "political hit."

Attorneys for Deborah Ramirez, who has said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her when they were students at Yale University, wrote a separate letter to Wray expressing disappointment that FBI agents had not followed up on their interview with her by talking to more than 20 witnesses she identified as being able to corroborate her account.

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge. Also read: Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation once FBI finishes probe: Trump The report, sent by the White House to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the middle of the night, was denounced by Democrats as a whitewash that was too narrow in scope and ignored critical witnesses. Thousands of anti-Kavanaugh protesters rallied outside the Supreme Court and entered a Senate office building, holding signs such as "Believe Survivors" and "Kava-Nope." Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested including actress Amy Schumer. But Republicans moved forward with plans for a key procedural vote on Friday and a final vote on Saturday on confirming the conservative federal appeals judge for a lifetime job on the top US court. Comments by two crucial Republican senators - Jeff Flake and Susan Collins - indicated the FBI report, which was the latest twist in the pitched political battle over Kavanaugh, may have allayed their concerns about him. Flake, a frequent Trump critic, was instrumental in getting the president to order the FBI investigation last Friday. Trump, himself accused by numerous women during the 2016 presidential race of sexual misconduct, wrote on Twitter that the FBI report showed that the allegations against Kavanaugh were "totally uncorroborated." Also read: '100 per cent' certain he assaulted me, says Brett Kavanaugh accuser in US Senate hearing Collins said the FBI investigation appeared to be thorough. Flake said he saw no additional corroborating information against Kavanaugh, although he was "still reading" it. Another undecided Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski, did not offer her view on the FBI report. Republicans control the Senate by a 51-49 margin. If all the Democrats oppose Kavanaugh, Trump cannot afford to lose the support of more than one Republican for his nominee, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tiebreaking vote. No Republicans have said they will vote against Kavanaugh. While the comments by Flake and Collins were positive, neither explicitly announced support for Kavanaugh. A previously undecided Democratic Senator, Heidi Heitkamp, said she would vote against Kavanaugh, citing "concerns about his past conduct" and questions about his "temperament, honesty and impartiality" after his angry, defiant testimony a week ago to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Joe Manchin, the only remaining undecided Democrat, said he would finish reading the report on Friday morning. Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein noted that the FBI did not interview Kavanaugh himself or Christine Blasey Ford, a university professor from California who has accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault in 1982. "It smacks of a whitewash," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told reporters, saying the report should not give political cover for Republicans to vote for Kavanaugh because "it is blatantly incomplete." Most Democrats opposed Trump's nomination of Kavanaugh from the outset. If confirmed, he would deepen conservative control of the court. The sharply partisan battle became an intense political drama when Ford and two other women emerged to accuse Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct in the 1980s when he was in high school and college. Kavanaugh has denied the accusations. The Kavanaugh fight has riveted Americans weeks before November 6 elections in which Democrats are trying to take control of Congress from the Republicans. Kavanaugh's nomination has become a flashpoint in the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault. The nomination battle boiled down to a "he said, she said" conflict requiring senators to decide between diametrically opposed accounts offered by Kavanaugh and Ford. Trump on Tuesday mocked Ford during a political rally in Mississippi. On Thursday afternoon, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens told a small gathering in Boca Raton, Florida that Kavanaugh should not be confirmed, according to the Palm Beach Post. Stevens, an appointee of Republican President Gerald Ford who often sided with liberal justices on key rulings, told a group of retirees that he initially thought Kavanaugh was qualified, but that "his performance at the hearings ultimately changed my mind." Behind closed doors The FBI report was not released to the public. Senators were allowed to read it behind closed doors in a secure location in the Capitol, without taking notes or making copies. A senior Senate Republican aide said there was growing confidence that Collins, Flake and Manchin - all swing votes - would support Kavanaugh. If so, that could be enough for a Trump victory. White House spokesman Raj Shah said the Trump administration was "fully confident" Kavanaugh had the necessary support. "I feel pretty good about where we are," added Senator John Thune, a member of Senate Republican leadership. Some protesters, many dressed in black, crowded into the Hart Senate Office Building after rallying in front of the Supreme Court on a sunny, warm autumn day. "I'm sick and tired of seeing women's experiences not be given weight," demonstrator Christine Zagrobelny, 29, a software engineer from New York City, said outside the Supreme Court. Republican leaders sounded unmoved. "When the noise fades, when the uncorroborated mud washes away, what`s left is the distinguished nominee who stands before us," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor. Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said after receiving a staff briefing on the report, "There`s nothing in it that we didn`t already know." "These uncorroborated accusations have been unequivocally and repeatedly rejected by Judge Kavanaugh, and neither the Judiciary Committee nor the FBI could locate any third parties who can attest to any of the allegations," Grassley added. White House spokesman Shah told CNN the FBI reached out to 10 people and "comprehensively interviewed" nine of them. "The White House didn`t micromanage the FBI," he said. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Ford`s lawyers noted that the agency declined to interview Ford or any of more than a dozen people they identified to provide relevant information, calling the five-day investigation "a stain on the process, on the FBI and on our American ideal of justice." Ford testified last week at a dramatic Judiciary Committee hearing that when she was 15, a drunken 17-year-old Kavanaugh pinned her down, tried to remove her clothing and covered her mouth after she screamed. Kavanaugh denied the allegation and painted himself as the victim of a "political hit." Attorneys for Deborah Ramirez, who has said Kavanaugh exposed himself to her when they were students at Yale University, wrote a separate letter to Wray expressing disappointment that FBI agents had not followed up on their interview with her by talking to more than 20 witnesses she identified as being able to corroborate her account.

Republicans aim to confirm Brett Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-aim-to-confirm-kavanaugh-this-weekend-protesters-arrested-169504">Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested</a>

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers&nbsp;responded positively to an FBI report&nbsp;on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509">Going extra length to find </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509">substitute</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509"> for Iranian oil for countries like India: US</a>

The White House on Thursday said that it's&nbsp;going extra length for countries like India and Iraq to find substitute for Iranian oil.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pushes-pakistan-for-an-effective-campaign-against-terrorist-169513">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pushes-pakistan-for-an-effective-campaign-against-terrorist-169513"> pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists</a>

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.&nbsp;​

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-national-strategy-for-counterterrorism-169506">Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism​​​​​​</a>

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.​

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nike-concerned-about-ronaldo-rape-claims-169517">Nike 'concerned' about Ronaldo rape claims</a>

Sportswear maker Nike Inc and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc (EA) said on Thursday they were concerned about rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best football players.

&nbsp;

Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge. Going extra length to find substitute for Iranian oil for countries like India: US The White House on Thursday said that it's going extra length for countries like India and Iraq to find substitute for Iranian oil. US pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said. Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might. Nike 'concerned' about Ronaldo rape claims Sportswear maker Nike Inc and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc (EA) said on Thursday they were concerned about rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best football players.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US voters will soon render their verdict on Donald Trump and his ruling Republican Party after two tumultuous years that have deeply shaken the world's oldest existing democracy.

Have Americans had enough? The answer comes at polling stations one month from Saturday, with Republicans battling to keep control of the US Congress and Democrats hoping a "blue wave" will wash them out.&nbsp;

Trump -- among the most polarizing US leaders ever -- is not on the ballot, but his presence looms large over the midterms, which he has declared "the most important congressional elections of our lifetime."

He has hit the campaign trail for political allies and to rally his base, attacking "obstructionist" Democrats and touting his success in improving the US economy.

"I'm not on the ticket," he told supporters at a Mississippi rally Tuesday. "But I am on the ticket, because this is also a referendum about me."

Some Republicans, especially those who prevailed in 2016 in districts won by Hillary Clinton, are running at arm's length from Trump, whose poll ratings remain under water.

But many candidates have wholeheartedly embraced the president and acknowledged their election fortunes will rise or fall with him.

'Defining moment'

Democrats are energized, with well-funded campaigns aiming to snatch seats in Tennessee and other red states like Georgia, Kansas and Texas as they aim to reclaim the 435-member House of Representatives and the 100-member Senate.

"Folks are sensing a sea change coming here," Tariq Thowfeek of the Texas Democratic Party told AFP in Austin.

He pointed to the compelling grassroots candidacy of Beto O'Rourke, whose bid to oust Republican Senator Ted Cruz would send shockwaves through the nation if it succeeds on November 6.

O'Rourke often speaks of this being "a defining moment for our country," and embraces the opportunity to engage with Texans of all stripes.

He drills down on kitchen table issues including health care -- a top priority for Democratic voters -- jobs and education, while demanding criminal justice reform, more rational immigration policies and gun safety legislation.

But the man in the White House is still expected to have the predominant impact on the midterms.

"For Democrats the top issue by a mile is Donald Trump," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

"He is the reason they're turning out to vote, and almost unanimously they're voting against him."

In the first midterms of the anti-harassment #MeToo era, the power of the female vote is certain to be tested -- even more so with the dramatic debate currently roiling the US Senate.&nbsp;

The election season is occurring in the shadow of a bitter Supreme Court battle, in which Democrats are aiming to spoil the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, a federal judge who stands accused of sexual assault.

'Rallying cry'

It remains unclear just how that partisan fight might impact the midterms. But Trump is confident his nominee, whose confirmation would shift the nine-justice high court rightward, will energize his base -- a necessity if the party wants to hold ground in November.

Kavanaugh "is like a rallying cry for the Republicans," Trump told reporters Tuesday.

If Kavanaugh gets confirmed, it would mean Republicans control the White House, both chambers of Congress, and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, potentially diminishing the sense of urgency among Republican voters.

Depressed turnout could spell disaster for Republicans, who face a hostile election climate.&nbsp;

Democrats must gain 23 seats to retake the House. Dave Wasserman of the non-partisan Cook Political Report predicts Democrats will flip 25 to 40 seats, while the Center for Politics says that number could near 50.

In a sign of 2018's Democratic tilt, a hefty 29 Republican-held House seats are rated a "toss up" by Cook, compared to just two Democratic seats.&nbsp;

"It's getting ugly" for Republicans, tweeted Wasserman, as he pointed to the GOP closing the funding spigot for some embattled candidates in districts won by Trump in 2016.

Trump has employed fear-mongering to counter the Democrats' enthusiasm edge.

"If Democrats get control, they will raise your taxes, flood your streets with criminal aliens, weaken our military, outlaw private health insurance and replace freedom with socialism," Trump said in Mississippi.

Meanwhile, Democrats are promoting a diverse collection of candidates. Native Americans, Muslims, and Latinas are seeking to make history in many races, while Florida, Georgia and Maryland could elect their first black governors.&nbsp;

A new Quinnipiac Poll gives conservatives some hope, as it showed Republicans cutting the general Democratic lead in House races from 14 points to seven.

In the Senate, Democrats have a steeper climb, even though Republicans have a slim 51-49 majority.&nbsp;

Of the 35 Senate seats in contention in November, Democrats are defending 26 of them -- including 10 in states Trump won. Republicans are defending just nine seats.&nbsp;

US voters will soon render their verdict on Donald Trump and his ruling Republican Party after two tumultuous years that have deeply shaken the world's oldest existing democracy.

US voters will soon render their verdict on Donald Trump and his ruling Republican Party after two tumultuous years that have deeply shaken the world's oldest existing democracy. Have Americans had enough? The answer comes at polling stations one month from Saturday, with Republicans battling to keep control of the US Congress and Democrats hoping a "blue wave" will wash them out. Trump -- among the most polarizing US leaders ever -- is not on the ballot, but his presence looms large over the midterms, which he has declared "the most important congressional elections of our lifetime." He has hit the campaign trail for political allies and to rally his base, attacking "obstructionist" Democrats and touting his success in improving the US economy. "I'm not on the ticket," he told supporters at a Mississippi rally Tuesday. "But I am on the ticket, because this is also a referendum about me." Some Republicans, especially those who prevailed in 2016 in districts won by Hillary Clinton, are running at arm's length from Trump, whose poll ratings remain under water. But many candidates have wholeheartedly embraced the president and acknowledged their election fortunes will rise or fall with him. 'Defining moment' Democrats are energized, with well-funded campaigns aiming to snatch seats in Tennessee and other red states like Georgia, Kansas and Texas as they aim to reclaim the 435-member House of Representatives and the 100-member Senate. "Folks are sensing a sea change coming here," Tariq Thowfeek of the Texas Democratic Party told AFP in Austin. He pointed to the compelling grassroots candidacy of Beto O'Rourke, whose bid to oust Republican Senator Ted Cruz would send shockwaves through the nation if it succeeds on November 6. O'Rourke often speaks of this being "a defining moment for our country," and embraces the opportunity to engage with Texans of all stripes. He drills down on kitchen table issues including health care -- a top priority for Democratic voters -- jobs and education, while demanding criminal justice reform, more rational immigration policies and gun safety legislation. But the man in the White House is still expected to have the predominant impact on the midterms. "For Democrats the top issue by a mile is Donald Trump," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "He is the reason they're turning out to vote, and almost unanimously they're voting against him." In the first midterms of the anti-harassment #MeToo era, the power of the female vote is certain to be tested -- even more so with the dramatic debate currently roiling the US Senate. The election season is occurring in the shadow of a bitter Supreme Court battle, in which Democrats are aiming to spoil the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, a federal judge who stands accused of sexual assault. 'Rallying cry' It remains unclear just how that partisan fight might impact the midterms. But Trump is confident his nominee, whose confirmation would shift the nine-justice high court rightward, will energize his base -- a necessity if the party wants to hold ground in November. Kavanaugh "is like a rallying cry for the Republicans," Trump told reporters Tuesday. If Kavanaugh gets confirmed, it would mean Republicans control the White House, both chambers of Congress, and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, potentially diminishing the sense of urgency among Republican voters. Depressed turnout could spell disaster for Republicans, who face a hostile election climate. Democrats must gain 23 seats to retake the House. Dave Wasserman of the non-partisan Cook Political Report predicts Democrats will flip 25 to 40 seats, while the Center for Politics says that number could near 50. In a sign of 2018's Democratic tilt, a hefty 29 Republican-held House seats are rated a "toss up" by Cook, compared to just two Democratic seats. "It's getting ugly" for Republicans, tweeted Wasserman, as he pointed to the GOP closing the funding spigot for some embattled candidates in districts won by Trump in 2016. Trump has employed fear-mongering to counter the Democrats' enthusiasm edge. "If Democrats get control, they will raise your taxes, flood your streets with criminal aliens, weaken our military, outlaw private health insurance and replace freedom with socialism," Trump said in Mississippi. Meanwhile, Democrats are promoting a diverse collection of candidates. Native Americans, Muslims, and Latinas are seeking to make history in many races, while Florida, Georgia and Maryland could elect their first black governors. A new Quinnipiac Poll gives conservatives some hope, as it showed Republicans cutting the general Democratic lead in House races from 14 points to seven. In the Senate, Democrats have a steeper climb, even though Republicans have a slim 51-49 majority. Of the 35 Senate seats in contention in November, Democrats are defending 26 of them -- including 10 in states Trump won. Republicans are defending just nine seats.

With US midterms a month away, verdict on Trump looms

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.

The strategy for counterterrorism focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support, the US administration said.

"Guided by the National Strategy for Counterterrorism, we will use all instruments of American power to protect our great nation, and we will defeat our enemies with the full force of American might," Trump said after basic contours of National Strategy for Counterterrorism were made public.

The strategy, Trump said, outlines the approach of the US to counter the increasingly complex and evolving terrorist threats and represents the nation's first fully articulated counterterrorism strategy since 2011.

"It provides the strategic guidance needed to protect the United States against all terrorist threats, while simultaneously fostering the agility to anticipate, prevent, and respond to new threats," he said.

Describing the strategy as a significant departure from the previous Obama Administration, his National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters that the strategy focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support.

It also involves modernising and integrating US's counterterrorism tools, protecting infrastructure and enhancing preparedness, countering terrorist radicalisation and recruitment and strengthening the counterterrorism abilities of its international partners, he said.&nbsp;

"The strategy articulates a counterterrorism approach that is sustainable, more efficient, prioritized and less reliant on only United States' capabilities," Bolton said.&nbsp;

"Because the global threat posed by terrorist groups is more complex and diffuse than ever, this strategy provides the framework to protect the United States against all terrorists who threaten our country," he said.

As part of the strategy, the top Trump advisor said the US will not focus on a single organisation, but will counter all terrorists with the ability and intent to harm the United States, citizens, and its interests.&nbsp;

"We will place greater emphasis on targeting terrorist networks that threaten the US and our allies, and focus our efforts on disrupting and denying the ways and means terrorists use to radicalize, recruit, mobilize, finance, travel, communicate, and inspire new followers," he said.

"We will deny terrorists the freedom to travel and communicate across international borders, and take action to limit their ability to recruit and radicalize online. We will counter the violent, extreme, and twisted ideologies that purport to justify and excuse the murder of innocents," Bolton said.

Bolton asserted this strategy stresses better integration of national power, both, military and non-military, to combat terrorism and terrorist ideologies, with an increased emphasis on non-kinetic means.&nbsp;

The strategy also places greater emphasis on protecting the homeland, preventing attacks, and mitigating the impact of an attack, should one occur, he said.

This includes building strong borders, securing ports of entry, protecting critical U.S. Infrastructure, and promoting a culture of preparedness.&nbsp; 
Welcoming the new strategy, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strategy recognises the need for all nations to equitably share the burden of confronting terrorism.

"As such, the State Department, in close coordination with other federal agencies, will continue to work with our allies and partners to implement the policies and tools necessary to eliminate our terrorist enemies and their networks of support,&nbsp;he said.

The Pentagon said, "By standing with traditional and non-traditional partners, the DoD (Department of Defense) advances shared counterterrorism efforts by employing military and non-military capabilities to disrupt and deny terrorist mobility, financing, communication and recruitment."

According to Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, the strategy addresses the complex and evolving terrorism landscape in its emphasis on denying terrorists the resources and recruits to fuel their nefarious aims, and outlines the need to leverage the strong partnerships that the US has to built at home and abroad to solve this global problem.

"The strategy places America first, emphasizing strong borders, strengthening security at points of entry, protecting critical infrastructure, and facilitating preparedness. However, America First does not mean America alone.&nbsp;The new strategy commits us to expand our partnerships at home and abroad to encourage partners' assistance in counterterrorism activities,&nbsp;the White House said, adding that this includes working with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and partners.&nbsp;

Trump said under his leadership, the United States has accelerated efforts to defeat terrorists. Working with coalition partners, we have decimated ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he said.

"Likewise, I ended United States participation in the horrible Iran deal, which had provided a windfall for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies, funding Iran's malign activities throughout the world.&nbsp;Importantly, I have also secured historic increases in defense funding to rebuild our Nation's military," said the US President.

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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might. The strategy for counterterrorism focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support, the US administration said. "Guided by the National Strategy for Counterterrorism, we will use all instruments of American power to protect our great nation, and we will defeat our enemies with the full force of American might," Trump said after basic contours of National Strategy for Counterterrorism were made public. The strategy, Trump said, outlines the approach of the US to counter the increasingly complex and evolving terrorist threats and represents the nation's first fully articulated counterterrorism strategy since 2011. "It provides the strategic guidance needed to protect the United States against all terrorist threats, while simultaneously fostering the agility to anticipate, prevent, and respond to new threats," he said. Describing the strategy as a significant departure from the previous Obama Administration, his National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters that the strategy focuses efforts on pursuing terrorists to their source and isolating terrorists from their support. It also involves modernising and integrating US's counterterrorism tools, protecting infrastructure and enhancing preparedness, countering terrorist radicalisation and recruitment and strengthening the counterterrorism abilities of its international partners, he said. "The strategy articulates a counterterrorism approach that is sustainable, more efficient, prioritized and less reliant on only United States' capabilities," Bolton said. "Because the global threat posed by terrorist groups is more complex and diffuse than ever, this strategy provides the framework to protect the United States against all terrorists who threaten our country," he said. As part of the strategy, the top Trump advisor said the US will not focus on a single organisation, but will counter all terrorists with the ability and intent to harm the United States, citizens, and its interests. "We will place greater emphasis on targeting terrorist networks that threaten the US and our allies, and focus our efforts on disrupting and denying the ways and means terrorists use to radicalize, recruit, mobilize, finance, travel, communicate, and inspire new followers," he said. "We will deny terrorists the freedom to travel and communicate across international borders, and take action to limit their ability to recruit and radicalize online. We will counter the violent, extreme, and twisted ideologies that purport to justify and excuse the murder of innocents," Bolton said. Bolton asserted this strategy stresses better integration of national power, both, military and non-military, to combat terrorism and terrorist ideologies, with an increased emphasis on non-kinetic means. The strategy also places greater emphasis on protecting the homeland, preventing attacks, and mitigating the impact of an attack, should one occur, he said. This includes building strong borders, securing ports of entry, protecting critical U.S. Infrastructure, and promoting a culture of preparedness. Welcoming the new strategy, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the strategy recognises the need for all nations to equitably share the burden of confronting terrorism. "As such, the State Department, in close coordination with other federal agencies, will continue to work with our allies and partners to implement the policies and tools necessary to eliminate our terrorist enemies and their networks of support, he said. The Pentagon said, "By standing with traditional and non-traditional partners, the DoD (Department of Defense) advances shared counterterrorism efforts by employing military and non-military capabilities to disrupt and deny terrorist mobility, financing, communication and recruitment." According to Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, the strategy addresses the complex and evolving terrorism landscape in its emphasis on denying terrorists the resources and recruits to fuel their nefarious aims, and outlines the need to leverage the strong partnerships that the US has to built at home and abroad to solve this global problem. "The strategy places America first, emphasizing strong borders, strengthening security at points of entry, protecting critical infrastructure, and facilitating preparedness. However, America First does not mean America alone. The new strategy commits us to expand our partnerships at home and abroad to encourage partners' assistance in counterterrorism activities, the White House said, adding that this includes working with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and partners. Trump said under his leadership, the United States has accelerated efforts to defeat terrorists. Working with coalition partners, we have decimated ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he said. "Likewise, I ended United States participation in the horrible Iran deal, which had provided a windfall for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies, funding Iran's malign activities throughout the world. Importantly, I have also secured historic increases in defense funding to rebuild our Nation's military," said the US President. ×

Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism 

A video showing US President Donald Trump walking with a paper stuck onto his left shoe went viral on social media today.

The incident which shows President Trump walking up the stairs of the plane with a white paper stuck onto his left foot&nbsp;happened on Thursday at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

The incident happened when President Trump was departing for the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

The paper got detached from his foot when he reached the top and turned to wave back at his people.

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Social media exploded over the incident with several users speculating that the paper which got stuck to Trump's foot was a toilet tissue.

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A video showing US President Donald Trump walking with a paper stuck onto his left shoe went viral on social media today. The incident which shows President Trump walking up the stairs of the plane with a white paper stuck onto his left foot happened on Thursday at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

A video showing US President Donald Trump walking with a paper stuck onto his left shoe went viral on social media today. The incident which shows President Trump walking up the stairs of the plane with a white paper stuck onto his left foot happened on Thursday at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The incident happened when President Trump was departing for the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota. The paper got detached from his foot when he reached the top and turned to wave back at his people. × Social media exploded over the incident with several users speculating that the paper which got stuck to Trump's foot was a toilet tissue.

Watch: 'Toilet paper' stuck to Trump's foot as he boards plane

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-set-ink-s-400-defence-deal-during-india-visit-us-warns-against-missile-pact-169213">Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/american-frances-arnold-george-smith-british-researcher-gregory-winter-win-nobel-prize">American Frances Arnold, George Smith &amp; British researcher Gregory Winter win Nobel Prize in Chemistry</a>

Two American scientists - Frances Arnold and George Smith, including a British researcher Gregory Winter have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-fan-bingbing-fined-authorities-china-tax-evasion-169085">Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing emerges; ordered to pay $129 million for tax evasion</a>

China's taxation authorities fined A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing $129 million for tax evasion, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170">Plea in Supreme Court against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170">deportation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170"> of seven Rohingyas to Myanmar</a>

A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran: International Court of Justice to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">US</a>

The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems.

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported. American Frances Arnold, George Smith & British researcher Gregory Winter win Nobel Prize in Chemistry Two American scientists - Frances Arnold and George Smith, including a British researcher Gregory Winter have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year. Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing emerges; ordered to pay $129 million for tax evasion China's taxation authorities fined A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing $129 million for tax evasion, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday. Plea in Supreme Court against deportation of seven Rohingyas to Myanmar A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday. Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran: International Court of Justice to US The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

Angry Democrats objected as the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee set a vote for later on Friday on the nomination of President Trump's US Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh after a key senator, Jeff Flake, threw his support behind the judge.

Republicans appeared to have the votes to approve Kavanaugh in the panel after Flake's announcement.&nbsp;

The committee's meeting came the morning after a jarring and emotional hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh that gripped the country and reflected the larger US political divide, with a university professor accusing the judge of sexual misconduct and the nominee angrily denying it.

The committee, with 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, set the vote for 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) over strenuous objections from Democrats, some of whom left the room in protest. "What a railroad job," Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono said.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, praised Kavanaugh as he pressed forward with the vote.

A committee vote to approve Kavanaugh which pave the way for a final debate and vote on the Senate floor in the coming days.

Democrats have urged a delay to allow for an FBI investigation, a move backed late Thursday by the American Bar Association, which had earlier endorsed his nomination.

"Why are they shutting it down? I believe it's because they are trying to hide something," Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat on the committee, told NBC's "Today" program on Friday.

Kavanaugh could be the deciding vote on several contentious cases if he is confirmed, with disputes involving abortion, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading to the court soon.

Confirmation of Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, would cement conservative control of the nation's highest court.

After a procedural vote that could come over the weekend, the full 100-member Senate could take action next week.

Angry Democrats objected as the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee set a vote for later on Friday on the nomination of President Trump's US Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh after a key senator, Jeff Flake, threw his support behind the judge.

Angry Democrats objected as the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee set a vote for later on Friday on the nomination of President Trump's US Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh after a key senator, Jeff Flake, threw his support behind the judge. Republicans appeared to have the votes to approve Kavanaugh in the panel after Flake's announcement. The committee's meeting came the morning after a jarring and emotional hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh that gripped the country and reflected the larger US political divide, with a university professor accusing the judge of sexual misconduct and the nominee angrily denying it. The committee, with 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats, set the vote for 1:30 pm (1730 GMT) over strenuous objections from Democrats, some of whom left the room in protest. "What a railroad job," Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono said. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, praised Kavanaugh as he pressed forward with the vote. A committee vote to approve Kavanaugh which pave the way for a final debate and vote on the Senate floor in the coming days. Democrats have urged a delay to allow for an FBI investigation, a move backed late Thursday by the American Bar Association, which had earlier endorsed his nomination. "Why are they shutting it down? I believe it's because they are trying to hide something," Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat on the committee, told NBC's "Today" program on Friday. Kavanaugh could be the deciding vote on several contentious cases if he is confirmed, with disputes involving abortion, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading to the court soon. Confirmation of Kavanaugh, a federal appeals court judge, would cement conservative control of the nation's highest court. After a procedural vote that could come over the weekend, the full 100-member Senate could take action next week.

Over Democratic objections, Senate panel sets vote on Trump's court pick Kavanaugh

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe.

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Just started, tonight, our 7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1045832351211835392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318">Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-rage-us-court-nominee-kavanaugh-faces-first-vote-168318"> vote</a>

After a dramatic day-long hearing at which a university professor accused Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party in the 1980s, the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier Friday approved his nomination in a preliminary vote along party lines.

But committee chair Chuck Grassley then bowed to intense pressure from inside and outside Congress and announced he was asking Trump to order the new background review that "must be completed no later than one week from today." Trump, who repeatedly blasted Democratic opposition to Kavanaugh as a political "con-job," agreed.

"I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week," the president said in a statement.

Trump's order and the decision to put off a final vote came after a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake, threatened to break ranks with his party because of the clouds hanging over Kavanaugh's head.

At least three women have now accused the 53-year-old conservative judge of sexual misconduct while drunk, as a high school and later a university student.

Democrats have repeatedly demanded those charges be assessed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine if he is suitable for the lifetime high court appointment.

Flake's stunning 11th-hour move played out on national television amid heated partisan debate and raucous protests in the halls of the Capital, where one woman cornered the Arizona senator in an elevator demanding he oppose Kavanaugh, citing her own experience with sexual assault.

"This country's being ripped apart," said Flake. "And we have to ensure that we do due diligence here." His move earned the endorsement of another Republican seen as wavering on the nomination, Lisa Murkowski.

With the Republicans holding a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, that placed pressure on Trump to order the FBI probe.

Republicans see Kavanaugh as pivotal to their gaining control of the nine-member Supreme Court bench. Trump nominated him to replace Anthony Kennedy, who for years was a swing vote between four conservative and four liberal justices.

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe.

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe. Just started, tonight, our 7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 29, 2018 × Lawmakers rage as US supreme court nominee Brett Kavanaugh faces first vote After a dramatic day-long hearing at which a university professor accused Kavanaugh of pinning her down and assaulting her at a party in the 1980s, the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier Friday approved his nomination in a preliminary vote along party lines. But committee chair Chuck Grassley then bowed to intense pressure from inside and outside Congress and announced he was asking Trump to order the new background review that "must be completed no later than one week from today." Trump, who repeatedly blasted Democratic opposition to Kavanaugh as a political "con-job," agreed. "I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week," the president said in a statement. Trump's order and the decision to put off a final vote came after a key Republican senator, Jeff Flake, threatened to break ranks with his party because of the clouds hanging over Kavanaugh's head. At least three women have now accused the 53-year-old conservative judge of sexual misconduct while drunk, as a high school and later a university student. Democrats have repeatedly demanded those charges be assessed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine if he is suitable for the lifetime high court appointment. Flake's stunning 11th-hour move played out on national television amid heated partisan debate and raucous protests in the halls of the Capital, where one woman cornered the Arizona senator in an elevator demanding he oppose Kavanaugh, citing her own experience with sexual assault. "This country's being ripped apart," said Flake. "And we have to ensure that we do due diligence here." His move earned the endorsement of another Republican seen as wavering on the nomination, Lisa Murkowski. With the Republicans holding a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, that placed pressure on Trump to order the FBI probe. Republicans see Kavanaugh as pivotal to their gaining control of the nine-member Supreme Court bench. Trump nominated him to replace Anthony Kennedy, who for years was a swing vote between four conservative and four liberal justices.

Trump orders FBI probe of Kavanaugh as Senate delays final vote

US President Donald Trump accused China of seeking to meddle in the November 6 US&nbsp; congressional elections on Wednesday, saying Beijing did not want his Republican Party to do well because of his pugnacious stance on trade.

"China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November. Against my administration," Trump told a UN Security Council meeting whose ostensible subject was nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Trump did not provide any evidence for his allegation, which he made while chairing the Council meeting.

China rejected the charge.

"We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China," the Chinese government's top diplomat Wang Yi told the Security Council.

Trump also used the session to defend the US withdrawal in May from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, hint at progress in US efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program, and to criticize Iran and Russia for supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country's war, now in its eighth year.

"The Syrian regime's butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran," Trump said.

Trump's focus on China and his allegation of election meddling came as a surprise during a formal meeting around the Security Council's iconic horseshoe that was expected to concentrate on the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

"They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade and we are winning on trade, we are winning at every level. We don't want them to meddle or interfere in our upcoming election," said Trump, who is attending the UN's annual gathering of world leaders.

Trump himself is not up for re-election until 2020 but November's voting will decide whether his Republican Party can keep control of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. Some opinion polls show that the Democratic Party could make a strong showing, notably in the House.

The United States and China are embroiled in a trade war, sparked by Trump's accusations that China has long sought to steal US intellectual property, limit access to its own market and unfairly subsidize state-owned companies.

In the latest salvo, US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and retaliatory taxes by Beijing on $60 billion worth of US products kicked in on Monday, unnerving global financial markets.

During his roughly 10-minute speech, Trump made no reference to US allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 US election that brought him to power. The allegations have dogged his presidency and have given rise to an investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into potential collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign.

In July at a summit in Helsinki, Trump accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials. Trump frequently describes investigations into the interference as a political witch hunt.

On the war in Syria, Trump noted Washington had twice launched airstrikes against the Assad government for twice using chemical weapons against civilians.

He also used the session to defend his May 8 decision to abandon the Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran limited its nuclear program in return for the easing of US, European and international economic sanctions.

The core US sanctions that seek to choke off Iran's oil exports, the life blood of its economy, will resume in early November and Trump promised that "after that the United States will pursue additional sanctions, tougher than ever before, to counter the entire range of Iran's malign behavior."

The United States accuses Iran of supporting destabilizing proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Trump asked the Security Council to work with the United States to "ensure the Iranian regime changes its behavior and never acquires a nuclear bomb."

Sanctions violations?

While Iran has made clear that it has little interest in opening talks with the United States following Washington's abrogation of the nuclear deal, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Trump in June about his nuclear program.

Kim reiterated his commitment to denuclearisation to him in a letter and to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump said.

"I think we will make a deal, but unfortunately to ensure this progress continues we must enforce existing UN Security Council resolutions until denuclerarization occurs," Trump said.

"However, we have detected that some nations are already violating these UN sanctions. This includes illegal ship-to-ship transfers which must end immediately," he said.

Trump did not name the countries. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused Russia earlier this month of "cheating" on US sanctions on North Korea and said Washington has "evidence of consistent and wide-ranging Russian violations."

US President Donald Trump accused China of seeking to meddle in the November 6 US congressional elections on Wednesday, saying Beijing did not want his Republican Party to do well because of his pugnacious stance on trade.

US President Donald Trump accused China of seeking to meddle in the November 6 US congressional elections on Wednesday, saying Beijing did not want his Republican Party to do well because of his pugnacious stance on trade. "China has been attempting to interfere in our upcoming 2018 election, coming up in November. Against my administration," Trump told a UN Security Council meeting whose ostensible subject was nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Trump did not provide any evidence for his allegation, which he made while chairing the Council meeting. China rejected the charge. "We did not and will not interfere in any country's domestic affairs. We refuse to accept any unwarranted accusations against China," the Chinese government's top diplomat Wang Yi told the Security Council. Trump also used the session to defend the US withdrawal in May from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, hint at progress in US efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear program, and to criticize Iran and Russia for supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country's war, now in its eighth year. "The Syrian regime's butchery is enabled by Russia and Iran," Trump said. Trump's focus on China and his allegation of election meddling came as a surprise during a formal meeting around the Security Council's iconic horseshoe that was expected to concentrate on the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. "They do not want me or us to win because I am the first president ever to challenge China on trade and we are winning on trade, we are winning at every level. We don't want them to meddle or interfere in our upcoming election," said Trump, who is attending the UN's annual gathering of world leaders. Trump himself is not up for re-election until 2020 but November's voting will decide whether his Republican Party can keep control of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. Some opinion polls show that the Democratic Party could make a strong showing, notably in the House. The United States and China are embroiled in a trade war, sparked by Trump's accusations that China has long sought to steal US intellectual property, limit access to its own market and unfairly subsidize state-owned companies. In the latest salvo, US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and retaliatory taxes by Beijing on $60 billion worth of US products kicked in on Monday, unnerving global financial markets. During his roughly 10-minute speech, Trump made no reference to US allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 US election that brought him to power. The allegations have dogged his presidency and have given rise to an investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into potential collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign. In July at a summit in Helsinki, Trump accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's denials. Trump frequently describes investigations into the interference as a political witch hunt. On the war in Syria, Trump noted Washington had twice launched airstrikes against the Assad government for twice using chemical weapons against civilians. He also used the session to defend his May 8 decision to abandon the Iran nuclear deal under which Tehran limited its nuclear program in return for the easing of US, European and international economic sanctions. The core US sanctions that seek to choke off Iran's oil exports, the life blood of its economy, will resume in early November and Trump promised that "after that the United States will pursue additional sanctions, tougher than ever before, to counter the entire range of Iran's malign behavior." The United States accuses Iran of supporting destabilizing proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Trump asked the Security Council to work with the United States to "ensure the Iranian regime changes its behavior and never acquires a nuclear bomb." Sanctions violations? While Iran has made clear that it has little interest in opening talks with the United States following Washington's abrogation of the nuclear deal, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Trump in June about his nuclear program. Kim reiterated his commitment to denuclearisation to him in a letter and to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump said. "I think we will make a deal, but unfortunately to ensure this progress continues we must enforce existing UN Security Council resolutions until denuclerarization occurs," Trump said. "However, we have detected that some nations are already violating these UN sanctions. This includes illegal ship-to-ship transfers which must end immediately," he said. Trump did not name the countries. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused Russia earlier this month of "cheating" on US sanctions on North Korea and said Washington has "evidence of consistent and wide-ranging Russian violations."

Donald Trump says China meddling in US congressional elections; Beijing rejects charge

A senior Palestinian official rejected US President Donald Trump's comments in support of a two-state solution on Wednesday, saying his White House's policies were destroying hopes of peace.

"Their words go against their actions and their action is absolutely clear (and) is destroying the possibility of the two-state solution," Husam Zomlot, head of the recently closed Palestinian mission in Washington, told AFP.

He added that Trump's comments alone were not enough to bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.

Speaking in New York on Wednesday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump for the first time said explicitly that he backed a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestinian state.

"That's what I think works best, that's my feeling," he said.

Zomlot pointed to the closure of the Palestinian mission in Washington, the cut in hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital as evidence the Trump administration was not serious about achieving peace.

"Every action President Trump has made is in the opposite direction of the two-state solution," he said.

The Palestinians have boycotted Trump's administration since December when he recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

A senior Palestinian official rejected US President Donald Trump's comments in support of a two-state solution on Wednesday, saying his White House's policies were destroying hopes of peace.

A senior Palestinian official rejected US President Donald Trump's comments in support of a two-state solution on Wednesday, saying his White House's policies were destroying hopes of peace. "Their words go against their actions and their action is absolutely clear (and) is destroying the possibility of the two-state solution," Husam Zomlot, head of the recently closed Palestinian mission in Washington, told AFP. He added that Trump's comments alone were not enough to bring the Palestinians back to the negotiating table. Speaking in New York on Wednesday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump for the first time said explicitly that he backed a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestinian state. "That's what I think works best, that's my feeling," he said. Zomlot pointed to the closure of the Palestinian mission in Washington, the cut in hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital as evidence the Trump administration was not serious about achieving peace. "Every action President Trump has made is in the opposite direction of the two-state solution," he said. The Palestinians have boycotted Trump's administration since December when he recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Trump two-state solution comments fall short: Palestinian official

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday assured help to Venezuela and said&nbsp;he was willing to meet the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

He said, "I just want to see Venezuela straightened out. I want the people to be safe. We're going to take care of Venezuela".

On his meeting&nbsp;with Maduro, Trump said, "If he's here, if he wants to meet ... it was not on my mind, it was not on my plate but if I can help people that's what I'm here for."

Venezuela is suffering an economic collapse and mass emigration under Nicolas Maduro.

Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was preparing a "series of actions" to raise pressure on Maduro, whom Washington and its allies accuse of stifling democracy by jailing opposition leaders.

Speaking before entering talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly Meeting, Trump said he would present a two-state peace plan for the Middle East in the coming months.

He also expressed confidence that the Palestinians would return to talks despite his unwavering support for Israel.

Trump said that it was a "dream" of his to bring about a peaceful solution to a conflict that has eluded several of his predecessors.&nbsp;

"I would say over the next two to three to four months," Trump said, referring to his prospective timetable for presenting a plan as he met Netanyahu.

Trump for the first time said explicitly that he backed a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestine, saying: "That's what I think works best, that's my feeling."

"I really believe something will happen. It is a dream of mine to be able to get that done prior to the end of my first term," added Trump.

The Middle East peace process has effectively been stalled since the Palestinians broke off contacts with the Trump administration last year in protest at the US president's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state.

The Palestinians also want Jerusalem to be their capital and have long argued that the status of the holy city should only be settled as part of a larger peace agreement.

Relations between the Palestinian Authority and the United States have fallen even lower in recent weeks after Washington cut off funding, including to a UN agency that helps millions of Palestinian refugees.

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday assured help to Venezuela and said he was willing to meet the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He said, "I just want to see Venezuela straightened out.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday assured help to Venezuela and said he was willing to meet the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He said, "I just want to see Venezuela straightened out. I want the people to be safe. We're going to take care of Venezuela". On his meeting with Maduro, Trump said, "If he's here, if he wants to meet ... it was not on my mind, it was not on my plate but if I can help people that's what I'm here for." Venezuela is suffering an economic collapse and mass emigration under Nicolas Maduro. Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States was preparing a "series of actions" to raise pressure on Maduro, whom Washington and its allies accuse of stifling democracy by jailing opposition leaders. Speaking before entering talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly Meeting, Trump said he would present a two-state peace plan for the Middle East in the coming months. He also expressed confidence that the Palestinians would return to talks despite his unwavering support for Israel. Trump said that it was a "dream" of his to bring about a peaceful solution to a conflict that has eluded several of his predecessors. "I would say over the next two to three to four months," Trump said, referring to his prospective timetable for presenting a plan as he met Netanyahu. Trump for the first time said explicitly that he backed a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestine, saying: "That's what I think works best, that's my feeling." "I really believe something will happen. It is a dream of mine to be able to get that done prior to the end of my first term," added Trump. The Middle East peace process has effectively been stalled since the Palestinians broke off contacts with the Trump administration last year in protest at the US president's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. The Palestinians also want Jerusalem to be their capital and have long argued that the status of the holy city should only be settled as part of a larger peace agreement. Relations between the Palestinian Authority and the United States have fallen even lower in recent weeks after Washington cut off funding, including to a UN agency that helps millions of Palestinian refugees. (With inputs from AFP)

Trump assures help to Venezuela; pledges new Middle East peace plan within months

Ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-un-look-progress-north-korea-brace-trump-167312">UN General Assembly meetin</a>g, both US President Donald Trump and top adviser to Iran claimed that they had rejected a 'meeting'' with each other.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Describing&nbsp;Iran President&nbsp;Hassan Rouhani as&nbsp;an&nbsp;absolutely ''lovely man'', Trump said&nbsp;"Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.''

Trump tweeted, "Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Maybe someday in the future. I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man!"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Maybe someday in the future. I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1044540438806482944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, a&nbsp;top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader rejected a US offer for top-level meetings, according to news agency Reuters.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards also kept up the anti-US rhetoric in the build-up&nbsp;to the UN session, calling President Donald Trump "evil and adventurous" and accusing him of waging economic war on Tehran.

Relations between the two countries worsened after Trump pulled out of an international nuclear deal with Iran in May.

He has since started reinstating economic penalties and pressing other countries to stop buying Iranian oil.

Trump said in July he was ready to meet Iran's President Hassan Rouhani without preconditions to negotiate a new deal.

President Rouhani, seen as a moderate, has stopped short of ruling out meetings between the two countries. But he has come under increasing pressure from hardliners, including the Guards, since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord.

Trump is set to address the UNGA meeting on Tuesday where he is likely to face foes and increasingly uneasy allies.

He will chair a Security Council meeting on non-proliferation and weapons of mass destruction on Wednesday.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting, both US President Donald Trump and top adviser to Iran claimed that they had rejected a 'meeting'' with each other. Describing Iran President Hassan Rouhani as an absolutely ''lovely man'', Trump said "Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting, both US President Donald Trump and top adviser to Iran claimed that they had rejected a 'meeting'' with each other. Describing Iran President Hassan Rouhani as an absolutely ''lovely man'', Trump said "Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.'' Trump tweeted, "Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Maybe someday in the future. I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man!" Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Maybe someday in the future. I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 25, 2018 × Meanwhile, a top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader rejected a US offer for top-level meetings, according to news agency Reuters. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards also kept up the anti-US rhetoric in the build-up to the UN session, calling President Donald Trump "evil and adventurous" and accusing him of waging economic war on Tehran. Relations between the two countries worsened after Trump pulled out of an international nuclear deal with Iran in May. He has since started reinstating economic penalties and pressing other countries to stop buying Iranian oil. Trump said in July he was ready to meet Iran's President Hassan Rouhani without preconditions to negotiate a new deal. President Rouhani, seen as a moderate, has stopped short of ruling out meetings between the two countries. But he has come under increasing pressure from hardliners, including the Guards, since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. Trump is set to address the UNGA meeting on Tuesday where he is likely to face foes and increasingly uneasy allies. He will chair a Security Council meeting on non-proliferation and weapons of mass destruction on Wednesday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Iran rejects US offer for meeting even as Trump tweets 'no plans to meet Iranian President' 

Two days after the historic <a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-eying-abe-kim-summit-with-possible-pyongyang-visit-report-144274">Trump-Kim summit in Singapore</a>, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono met in Seoul today to work together to ensure North Korea keeps its promise of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "Kim Jong Un's public commitment to completely denuclearise is an important step towards to bring lasting peace and stability to Northeast Asia and indeed to the entire world," adding, "as the president said that this will be a process, and not an easy one, staying closely aligned with our allies."

Pompeo reiterated that Korea and Japan will be critical to the success of North Korea completely dismantling its nuclear infrastructure.

"The world should rest assured that the United States, South Korea and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea," the US secretary of state said.

The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue and wanted to "normalise relations with North Korea" and could also offer "economic assistance" to North Korea.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said,&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; "I hope a bilateral summit between Japan and North Korea will be held as a step that can lead to resolving issues, including the abduction. I think various arrangements will be made for realising the summit."

According to a new report, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's office is arranging a meeting with &nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possibly in August to discuss all outstanding issues with Abe possibly visiting Pyongyang to mee the North Korean leader.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4OQVjhm9Zo" width="560"></iframe>

The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue with North Korea

Two days after the historic Trump-Kim summit in Singapore, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono met in Seoul today to work together to ensure North Korea keeps its promise of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. During the meeting, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "Kim Jong Un's public commitment to completely denuclearise is an important step towards to bring lasting peace and stability to Northeast Asia and indeed to the entire world," adding, "as the president said that this will be a process, and not an easy one, staying closely aligned with our allies." Pompeo reiterated that Korea and Japan will be critical to the success of North Korea completely dismantling its nuclear infrastructure. "The world should rest assured that the United States, South Korea and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea," the US secretary of state said. The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue and wanted to "normalise relations with North Korea" and could also offer "economic assistance" to North Korea. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said, "I hope a bilateral summit between Japan and North Korea will be held as a step that can lead to resolving issues, including the abduction. I think various arrangements will be made for realising the summit." According to a new report, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's office is arranging a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possibly in August to discuss all outstanding issues with Abe possibly visiting Pyongyang to mee the North Korean leader.

After Kim-Trump summit, Pompeo in Seoul to meet foreign ministers from Japan and South Korea

Kim Jong Un invited Donald Trump to visit North Korea during their historic summit and the US President accepted, Pyongyang state media reported today, calling it the start of a "radical switchover" in the nuclear-armed Cold War foes' fraught relations.

The unprecedented encounter in Singapore yesterday saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations' flags.

Kim agreed to the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula", a stock phrase favoured by Pyongyang that stopped short of long-standing US demands for North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal in a "verifiable" and "irreversible" way.

In its first report on the landmark summit, the official KCNA news agency ran a glowing dispatch on the talks, describing them as an "epoch-making meeting" that would help foster "a radical switchover in the most hostile (North Korea)-US relations".

The report said the two men each asked the other to visit their country.

"The two top leaders gladly accepted each other's invitation," KCNA said.

Pyongyang has reason to feel confident after the meeting which was a major coup for an isolated and heavily sanctioned regime that has long craved international legitimacy.

In a blockbusting press conference after the summit, Trump said the US would halt military exercises with Seoul -- something long sought by Pyongyang, which claims the drills are a rehearsal for invasion.

The US stations around 30,000 troops in security ally South Korea to protect it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950 in an attempt to reunify the peninsula by force.

"We will be stopping the war games which will save us a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters, adding that "at some point" he wanted to withdraw US troops from the South.

Both Seoul and US military commanders in the South indicated they had no idea the announcement was coming, and analysts expressed immediate concern.

Ending the drills "is in excess of all expert consensus, South Korean requests, and even a close reading of North Korean demands", said Adam Mount of the Federation of American Scientists.

The KCNA report said Trump committed to ending the drills during his meeting with Kim.

It added that denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula would be dependent on the two sides "refraining from antagonising... Each other out of mutual understanding".

The Singapore summit was a potentially legacy-defining meeting for both men -- comparable to president Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China, or Ronald Reagan's 1986 summit with Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik.

World powers from China to Japan, the European Union and Russia welcomed its outcome -- while cautioning it was only the first step towards resolving the nuclear stand-off with Pyongyang.

Many agreements have been made in the past with North Korea that have later fallen apart, and ahead of the meeting, critics expressed concerns that it risked being more about headlines than substantive progress.

It also legitimised Kim, critics charged, feting a regime which stands accused of widespread human rights abuses. In the event, the two leaders showered each other with compliments in the sumptuous setting of a luxury Singapore hotel, a marked contrast from their previous rounds of mutual insults, such as "mentally deranged" and "little rocket man". Trump said he had formed a "special bond" with Kim, whom he described as "very talented".

KCNA said the two leaders ate and walked together, "deepening friendly feelings" towards each other.&nbsp

The unprecedented encounter in Singapore yesterday saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations' flags

Kim Jong Un invited Donald Trump to visit North Korea during their historic summit and the US President accepted, Pyongyang state media reported today, calling it the start of a "radical switchover" in the nuclear-armed Cold War foes' fraught relations. The unprecedented encounter in Singapore yesterday saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations' flags. Kim agreed to the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula", a stock phrase favoured by Pyongyang that stopped short of long-standing US demands for North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal in a "verifiable" and "irreversible" way. In its first report on the landmark summit, the official KCNA news agency ran a glowing dispatch on the talks, describing them as an "epoch-making meeting" that would help foster "a radical switchover in the most hostile (North Korea)-US relations". The report said the two men each asked the other to visit their country. "The two top leaders gladly accepted each other's invitation," KCNA said. Pyongyang has reason to feel confident after the meeting which was a major coup for an isolated and heavily sanctioned regime that has long craved international legitimacy. In a blockbusting press conference after the summit, Trump said the US would halt military exercises with Seoul -- something long sought by Pyongyang, which claims the drills are a rehearsal for invasion. The US stations around 30,000 troops in security ally South Korea to protect it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950 in an attempt to reunify the peninsula by force. "We will be stopping the war games which will save us a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters, adding that "at some point" he wanted to withdraw US troops from the South. Both Seoul and US military commanders in the South indicated they had no idea the announcement was coming, and analysts expressed immediate concern. Ending the drills "is in excess of all expert consensus, South Korean requests, and even a close reading of North Korean demands", said Adam Mount of the Federation of American Scientists. The KCNA report said Trump committed to ending the drills during his meeting with Kim. It added that denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula would be dependent on the two sides "refraining from antagonising... Each other out of mutual understanding". The Singapore summit was a potentially legacy-defining meeting for both men -- comparable to president Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China, or Ronald Reagan's 1986 summit with Mikhail Gorbachev in Reykjavik. World powers from China to Japan, the European Union and Russia welcomed its outcome -- while cautioning it was only the first step towards resolving the nuclear stand-off with Pyongyang. Many agreements have been made in the past with North Korea that have later fallen apart, and ahead of the meeting, critics expressed concerns that it risked being more about headlines than substantive progress. It also legitimised Kim, critics charged, feting a regime which stands accused of widespread human rights abuses. In the event, the two leaders showered each other with compliments in the sumptuous setting of a luxury Singapore hotel, a marked contrast from their previous rounds of mutual insults, such as "mentally deranged" and "little rocket man". Trump said he had formed a "special bond" with Kim, whom he described as "very talented". KCNA said the two leaders ate and walked together, "deepening friendly feelings" towards each other.

Kim invites Trump to visit Pyongyang as North hails 'radical switchover'

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods.

The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

"We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US.&nbsp

India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said.&nbsp

Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them.&nbsp

President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff.&nbsp

A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement."

In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus.

"The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings.

"In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said.

During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders.

"It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction.&nbsp

"Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted.

The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic.

Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity.

The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles.

In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp

Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse.&nbsp

During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties.&nbsp

Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market.&nbsp

Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.&nbsp

Trump had at the recent G7 summit taken a swipe at the world's top economies and India, accusing New Delhi of charging a 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods. The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. "We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US. India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said. Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them. President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America. Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff. A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement." In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus. "The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings. "In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said. During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders. "It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction. "Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted. The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic. Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity. The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles. In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles. Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse. During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties. Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market. Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.

After Trump accuses Delhi of high tariffs, US & India agree to hold trade talks

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-summit-helped-world-avoid-nuclear-catastrophe-says-trump-143977">Summit with Kim helped avoid 'nuclear catastrophe', says Trump</a>

Donald Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has helped bring the world back from "nuclear catastrophe," the US president said Tuesday. "The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe!" Trump tweeted.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-4-bsf-personnel-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-143986">Jammu and Kashmir: 4 BSF personnel killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a>

Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lowest-form-of-politics-says-bjp-after-rahul-alleges-modi-humiliated-vajpayee-advani-143987">'Lowest form of politics,' says BJP after Rahul alleges Modi humiliated Vajpayee, Advani</a>

The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani. News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-chief-justice-of-pakistan-challenges-imran-khans-eligibility-to-hold-office-over-love-child-row-143976">Love child row: Ex-chief justice of Pakistan alleges Imran Khan ineligible for office</a>

Former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Sunday said he will file a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Supreme Court for fathering a love child out of wedlock, and hence claim his ineligibility to hold public office.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978">US student's death not in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978">vain,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-students-death-not-in-vain-helped-lead-to-north-korean-summit-trump-143978"> helped lead to North Korean summit: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbspTrump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader.

Summit with Kim helped avoid 'nuclear catastrophe', says Trump Donald Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has helped bring the world back from "nuclear catastrophe," the US president said Tuesday. "The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe!" Trump tweeted. Jammu and Kashmir: 4 BSF personnel killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. 'Lowest form of politics,' says BJP after Rahul alleges Modi humiliated Vajpayee, Advani The BJP accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of practising the "lowest form of politics" after he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of humiliating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and senior BJP leader LK Advani. News reports quoted Gandhi as having said at a rally in Mumbai that the Congress had accorded more respect to Advani than Modi. Love child row: Ex-chief justice of Pakistan alleges Imran Khan ineligible for office Former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Sunday said he will file a case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Supreme Court for fathering a love child out of wedlock, and hence claim his ineligibility to hold public office. US student's death not in vain, helped lead to North Korean summit: Trump US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbspTrump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader.

Donald Trump on Tuesday hit back at Robert De Niro, calling him a "very low IQ individual," after the Oscar-winning actor's expletive-laden attack on the American president on live television.

Two days after De Niro's outburst on the stage of the Tony Awards ceremony in New York, Trump said he had watched the clip "and (I) truly believe he may be punch drunk."

Representatives for De Niro did not immediately return a request for comment.

De Niro, one of the most respected American actors, twice used the so-called F-Bomb against Trump on Sunday, prompting loud applause from the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers at Radio City Music Hall.

The "Raging Bull" actor's remarks were bleeped for more than 6 million Americans watching the awards show on CBS at home.

De Niro took the stage to introduce rocker and Tony Awards performer Bruce Springsteen. Without any preamble, he said, "I'm gonna say one thing. Fuck Trump."

With the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers shrieking and rising to their feet in applause, De Niro said: "It's no longer down with Trump. It's fuck Trump." He did not elaborate on his comment.

Trump was on his way to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the Broadway awards show was taking place. He delivered his response on his Twitter account while on his way back to the United States.

"Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received to many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk',” Trump tweeted.

"I guess he doesn’t realize the economy is the best it’s ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!"

De Niro won an Oscar for playing American boxer Jake LaMotta in the 1980 film "Raging Bull." He returned to the ring in "Grudge Match" in 2013 and played a boxing trainer in 2016 movie "Hands of Stone."

De Niro, a noted liberal, has been increasingly critical of Trump, a Republican, at smaller show business events in the past year, but none of them had the profile enjoyed by the Tony Awards.

Two days after De Niro's outburst on the stage of the Tony Awards ceremony in New York, Trump said he had watched the clip 'and (I) truly believe he may be punch drunk'

Donald Trump on Tuesday hit back at Robert De Niro, calling him a "very low IQ individual," after the Oscar-winning actor's expletive-laden attack on the American president on live television. Two days after De Niro's outburst on the stage of the Tony Awards ceremony in New York, Trump said he had watched the clip "and (I) truly believe he may be punch drunk." Representatives for De Niro did not immediately return a request for comment. De Niro, one of the most respected American actors, twice used the so-called F-Bomb against Trump on Sunday, prompting loud applause from the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers at Radio City Music Hall. The "Raging Bull" actor's remarks were bleeped for more than 6 million Americans watching the awards show on CBS at home. De Niro took the stage to introduce rocker and Tony Awards performer Bruce Springsteen. Without any preamble, he said, "I'm gonna say one thing. Fuck Trump." With the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers shrieking and rising to their feet in applause, De Niro said: "It's no longer down with Trump. It's fuck Trump." He did not elaborate on his comment. Trump was on his way to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the Broadway awards show was taking place. He delivered his response on his Twitter account while on his way back to the United States. "Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received to many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk',” Trump tweeted. "I guess he doesn’t realize the economy is the best it’s ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!" De Niro won an Oscar for playing American boxer Jake LaMotta in the 1980 film "Raging Bull." He returned to the ring in "Grudge Match" in 2013 and played a boxing trainer in 2016 movie "Hands of Stone." De Niro, a noted liberal, has been increasingly critical of Trump, a Republican, at smaller show business events in the past year, but none of them had the profile enjoyed by the Tony Awards.

'Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual,' says Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.&nbsp;

Trump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader.

"Without Otto this would not have happened," Trump told a post-summit news conference in Singapore.

"Something happened from that day. It was a terrible thing, it was brutal, but a lot of people started to focus on what was going on, including North Korea."

"I really think that Otto is someone who did not die in vain."

In September last year, Trump accused North Korea of brutally abusing &nbsp;Warmbier and the President publicly accused the country of torture in the case.

Warmbier was a student at University of Virginia who was arrested by North Korean authorities in January 2016 for stealing a propaganda poster and sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor. After suffering still unexplained brain injuries, he was released on June 13, 2017 and died six days later.

An Ohio coroner said the cause of his death was lack of oxygen and blood to the brain.

North Korea blamed botulism and ingestion of a sleeping pill and dismissed torture claims.

<img alt="3fbd94f9ffef022296cdf76a619cf3eb_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1000" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/3fbd94f9ffef022296cdf76a619cf3eb_0.jpg" width="650" />

His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the college student Otto Warmbier's death has lad to the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Trump said that Otto did not die in vein days after he was released from jail in North Korean custody in 2017. His parents thanked President Donald Trump for the kind words about their son he gave after his historic summit with North Korea’s leader. "Without Otto this would not have happened," Trump told a post-summit news conference in Singapore. "Something happened from that day. It was a terrible thing, it was brutal, but a lot of people started to focus on what was going on, including North Korea." "I really think that Otto is someone who did not die in vain." In September last year, Trump accused North Korea of brutally abusing Warmbier and the President publicly accused the country of torture in the case. Warmbier was a student at University of Virginia who was arrested by North Korean authorities in January 2016 for stealing a propaganda poster and sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor. After suffering still unexplained brain injuries, he was released on June 13, 2017 and died six days later. An Ohio coroner said the cause of his death was lack of oxygen and blood to the brain. North Korea blamed botulism and ingestion of a sleeping pill and dismissed torture claims.

US student's death not in vain, helped lead to North Korean summit: Trump

US President Donald Trump congratulated North American (US, Mexico and Canada) countries over winning the joint bid to host the football World Cup 2026.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico after 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered and delivered a clear result.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow.

US President Trump expressed joy via Twitter from his official handle, he said, "The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!"

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The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1006866089110892545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot

US President Donald Trump congratulated North American (US, Mexico and Canada) countries over winning the joint bid to host the football World Cup 2026. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico after 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered and delivered a clear result. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow. US President Trump expressed joy via Twitter from his official handle, he said, "The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work!" The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations - a great deal of hard work! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 ×

President Trump congratulates US, Mexico, Canada on World Cup 2026 bid victory

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow will stay in a Washington-area hospital for a while but was expected to "make a full and speedy" recovery after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday.&nbsp

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that Kudlow is expected to remain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as “a standard precaution” after suffering the heart attack on Monday.

“His doctors expect Larry will make a full and speedy recovery,” said Sanders. “We look forward to seeing him back at work soon.”'

President Donald Trump tweeted the news earlier, literally minutes before his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: "Our Great Larry Kudlow, who has been working so hard on trade and the economy, has just suffered a heart attack. He is now in Walter Reed Medical Center."

Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, had joined President Donald Trump last week in Canada for the meeting of the Group of Seven world leaders. Kudlow, a former CNBC contributor and Wall Street economist, has played a leading role in crafting policy toward America's major trade partners, including China.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that Kudlow is expected to remain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow will stay in a Washington-area hospital for a while but was expected to "make a full and speedy" recovery after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that Kudlow is expected to remain at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as “a standard precaution” after suffering the heart attack on Monday. “His doctors expect Larry will make a full and speedy recovery,” said Sanders. “We look forward to seeing him back at work soon.”' President Donald Trump tweeted the news earlier, literally minutes before his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un: "Our Great Larry Kudlow, who has been working so hard on trade and the economy, has just suffered a heart attack. He is now in Walter Reed Medical Center." Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, had joined President Donald Trump last week in Canada for the meeting of the Group of Seven world leaders. Kudlow, a former CNBC contributor and Wall Street economist, has played a leading role in crafting policy toward America's major trade partners, including China.

Trump economic adviser Kudlow to stay in hospital after heart attack

President Trump said today that<a href="http://wionews.com/world/now-china-backs-trumps-decision-to-stop-war-games-on-korean-peninsula-144113"> North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat</a> as he arrived at US Air Force base in Maryland after successfully concluded his meeting with Kim Jong-un on Tuesday.

"Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to war with North Korea," he said on Twitter as Air Force One touched down in the US, adding,"President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem, no longer - sleep well tonight!"

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Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea. President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1006839007492308992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Trump and <a href="http://wionews.com/world/we-got-along-from-the-beginning-trump-says-of-kim-commentators-say-us-prez-got-outfoxed-144089">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a> had met at the Capella hotel in Singapore for a&nbsp;face-to-face summit to resolve differences as Kim pledged to "denuclearise" the Korean Peninsula and bring hostilities with its neighbour South Korea to an end.

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Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1006837823469735936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience," an elated President said.&nbsp;

"North Korea has great potential for the future," he added in his tweet.

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We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith - which both sides are!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1006856219200548864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier the President had said the world had taken a "step back" from potential nuclear catastrophe, asserting that there wouldn't be anymore "rocket launches, nuclear testing or research" referring to North Korea's peace moves during the Singapore summit.

"I want to thank chairman Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people," the US president said in his tweet, while saying that it was an "unprecedented meeting" "the first between an American President and a leader of North Korea – proves that real change is possible!

"There is no limit to what North Korea can achieve," he noted. &nbsp;

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Earlier the President had said the world had taken a "step back" from potential nuclear catastrophe

President Trump said today that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat as he arrived at US Air Force base in Maryland after successfully concluded his meeting with Kim Jong-un on Tuesday. "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to war with North Korea," he said on Twitter as Air Force One touched down in the US, adding,"President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem, no longer - sleep well tonight!" Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea. President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 × President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had met at the Capella hotel in Singapore for a face-to-face summit to resolve differences as Kim pledged to "denuclearise" the Korean Peninsula and bring hostilities with its neighbour South Korea to an end. Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 × "There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience," an elated President said. "North Korea has great potential for the future," he added in his tweet. We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith - which both sides are! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 × Earlier the President had said the world had taken a "step back" from potential nuclear catastrophe, asserting that there wouldn't be anymore "rocket launches, nuclear testing or research" referring to North Korea's peace moves during the Singapore summit. "I want to thank chairman Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people," the US president said in his tweet, while saying that it was an "unprecedented meeting" "the first between an American President and a leader of North Korea – proves that real change is possible! "There is no limit to what North Korea can achieve," he noted.

'North Korea no longer a nuclear threat,' says Trump

The Kremlin said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that a summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore&nbsp;on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour.

"We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago."

Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises.

Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;- had been right all along.

"In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting.

"But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue."

Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms.

Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour. "We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago." Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises. Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow on Thursday - had been right all along. "In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting. "But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue." Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms. Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin says Trump-Kim summit proves Putin was right about North Korea

Much attention has been&nbspon Kim Jong Un at his historic summit Tuesday with President Donald Trump. The young leader was also accompanied by a group of trusted and loyal lieutenants to Singapore with at least four high-powered women including his sister.&nbsp

Kim's entourage includes Kim Jong Chol, 72, who is the North Korean leaders most trusted policy advisor and his "right-hand man" since the beginning of a peace offensive with the US and South Korea in January.&nbsp

He accompanied the young leader at all four of his recent summits, twice with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and twice with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recently, Kim Jong Un sent him to the United States to hand-deliver a letter to Trump, making him North Korea’s most senior official to visit its wartime foe in 18 years.

Kim's younger sister Kim Yo Jung also accompanied the leader. She is the Workers’ Party official responsible for propaganda affairs. Many outside experts believe she has already become the No. 2 official in a country that has been ruled by the Kim family for seven decades. She acts as her older brother’s assistant at times, having hand-delivered a letter from him to South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

She reportedly traveled to Singapore separately from her brother amid media speculation that the North’s top two officials intentionally take different planes in case of an accident.

Kim's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui, who was also present at the meeting, is the highest-level female diplomat in North Korea. She previously worked as an English-language interpreter for a North Korean delegation attending now-stalled six-nation nuclear disarmament talks.

She has reportedly acted as a lead negotiator in advance meetings with the American team ahead of the summit, possibly because of her experience as a nuclear negotiator in the past.

Last month, her threat to scuttle the summit and description of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as a “political dummy” prompted Trump to pull out of his meeting with Kim, although he quickly reversed his decision.&nbsp

Also present at the historic summit was Ri Su Yong, 78, is the top Workers’ Party official for international affairs. The former foreign minister was North Korea’s ambassador to Switzerland when Kim Jong Un studied there as a teenager.

Kim also had Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, 61, by his side. He is a career diplomat who served as the chief North Korean delegate to the six-party nuclear talks.

Hyon Song Wol also accompanied the leader at the Singapore summit. He is head of North Korea’s hugely popular Moranbong girl band, whose members were hand-picked by Kim Jong Un. She also led a large North Korean art troupe sent to South Korea during the February Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Her earlier trip to South Korea in January triggered a media frenzy.

Also present today was Kim Sung Hae who is a departmental director at North Korea’s United Front Department, the Workers’ Party organization that handles inter-Korean relations. She also attended Monday’s meeting at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

No Kwang Chol, who accompanied the leader, is North Korea’s minister of the People’s Armed Forces. His appointment to one of the top military jobs was officially confirmed by a state media dispatch on Monday that included him in a list of officials traveling with Kim. 
&nbsp

The young leader was also accompanied by a group of trusted and loyal lieutenants to Singapore with at least four high-powered women including his sister

Much attention has been&nbspon Kim Jong Un at his historic summit Tuesday with President Donald Trump. The young leader was also accompanied by a group of trusted and loyal lieutenants to Singapore with at least four high-powered women including his sister. Kim's entourage includes Kim Jong Chol, 72, who is the North Korean leaders most trusted policy advisor and his "right-hand man" since the beginning of a peace offensive with the US and South Korea in January. He accompanied the young leader at all four of his recent summits, twice with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and twice with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recently, Kim Jong Un sent him to the United States to hand-deliver a letter to Trump, making him North Korea’s most senior official to visit its wartime foe in 18 years. Kim's younger sister Kim Yo Jung also accompanied the leader. She is the Workers’ Party official responsible for propaganda affairs. Many outside experts believe she has already become the No. 2 official in a country that has been ruled by the Kim family for seven decades. She acts as her older brother’s assistant at times, having hand-delivered a letter from him to South Korean President Moon Jae-in. She reportedly traveled to Singapore separately from her brother amid media speculation that the North’s top two officials intentionally take different planes in case of an accident. Kim's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui, who was also present at the meeting, is the highest-level female diplomat in North Korea. She previously worked as an English-language interpreter for a North Korean delegation attending now-stalled six-nation nuclear disarmament talks. She has reportedly acted as a lead negotiator in advance meetings with the American team ahead of the summit, possibly because of her experience as a nuclear negotiator in the past. Last month, her threat to scuttle the summit and description of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as a “political dummy” prompted Trump to pull out of his meeting with Kim, although he quickly reversed his decision. Also present at the historic summit was Ri Su Yong, 78, is the top Workers’ Party official for international affairs. The former foreign minister was North Korea’s ambassador to Switzerland when Kim Jong Un studied there as a teenager. Kim also had Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, 61, by his side. He is a career diplomat who served as the chief North Korean delegate to the six-party nuclear talks. Hyon Song Wol also accompanied the leader at the Singapore summit. He is head of North Korea’s hugely popular Moranbong girl band, whose members were hand-picked by Kim Jong Un. She also led a large North Korean art troupe sent to South Korea during the February Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Her earlier trip to South Korea in January triggered a media frenzy. Also present today was Kim Sung Hae who is a departmental director at North Korea’s United Front Department, the Workers’ Party organization that handles inter-Korean relations. She also attended Monday’s meeting at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. No Kwang Chol, who accompanied the leader, is North Korea’s minister of the People’s Armed Forces. His appointment to one of the top military jobs was officially confirmed by a state media dispatch on Monday that included him in a list of officials traveling with Kim.

Kim Jong-Un was accompanied by trusted lieutenants to Singapore

As US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un potential denuclearisation, this is what the leaders, as well as the media and journalists, will be eating during the historic summit in Singapore.&nbsp

Lavish and luxurious menu for Kim and Trump will include dishes from the country as well as dishes combines the flavors of East and West.&nbsp&nbsp

Starters 
1. Traditional prawn cocktail with avocado salad&nbsp 
2. Green mango kerabu with honey lime dressing and fresh octopus&nbsp 
3. "Oiseon" which is a Korean stuffed cucumber&nbsp

Main Course 
1. Beef short rib confit, with potato dauphinois and steam broccolini with red wine sauce on the side 
2. Combination of sweet and sour crispy pork and Yangzhou fried rice with homemade XO chili sauce&nbsp 
3. "Daegu jorim" which is a soy braised cod fish with radish and Asian vegetables&nbsp

Desserts 
1. Dark chocolate tartlet ganache&nbsp 
2. Haagen-Dazs vanilla iced cream with cherry coulis&nbsp 
3. Tropezienne&nbsp

Meanwhile, popular Indian dishes including other varieties will be served to nearly 3,000 journalists from across the world who are here to cover the historic summit with a menu that will offer 45 dishes across 15 cuisines to suit all palates, the Strait Times reported.

On offer will be Indian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, French, American, Italian, English, Australian, Brazilian and Middle Eastern food.

Indian dishes like Pulao, Fish Curry, Chicken Curry and Papad will be served at the F1 Pit Building - the official media centre for the summit - in downtown Singapore.

There are quintessential Singaporean dishes, such as laksa and chicken rice which will be served hot at manned stations. Several caterers have been roped in to help feed the journalists meals from breakfast to lunch, tea to dinner, the report said. &nbsp&nbsp

About 25 chefs per shift - there will be two shifts per day except on Wednesday - will be stationed at the media centre, the firm said.

Also, from “El Trumpo” and “Rocket Man” tacos to the “Bromance” cocktail, restaurants and bars in food-crazy Singapore are rolling out weird and wonderful creations to mark the approaching US-North Korea summit.

Lavish and luxurious menu for Kim and Trump will include dishes from the country as well as dishes combines the flavours of East and West

As US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un potential denuclearisation, this is what the leaders, as well as the media and journalists, will be eating during the historic summit in Singapore. Lavish and luxurious menu for Kim and Trump will include dishes from the country as well as dishes combines the flavors of East and West. Starters 1. Traditional prawn cocktail with avocado salad 2. Green mango kerabu with honey lime dressing and fresh octopus 3. "Oiseon" which is a Korean stuffed cucumber Main Course 1. Beef short rib confit, with potato dauphinois and steam broccolini with red wine sauce on the side 2. Combination of sweet and sour crispy pork and Yangzhou fried rice with homemade XO chili sauce 3. "Daegu jorim" which is a soy braised cod fish with radish and Asian vegetables Desserts 1. Dark chocolate tartlet ganache 2. Haagen-Dazs vanilla iced cream with cherry coulis 3. Tropezienne Meanwhile, popular Indian dishes including other varieties will be served to nearly 3,000 journalists from across the world who are here to cover the historic summit with a menu that will offer 45 dishes across 15 cuisines to suit all palates, the Strait Times reported. On offer will be Indian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, French, American, Italian, English, Australian, Brazilian and Middle Eastern food. Indian dishes like Pulao, Fish Curry, Chicken Curry and Papad will be served at the F1 Pit Building - the official media centre for the summit - in downtown Singapore. There are quintessential Singaporean dishes, such as laksa and chicken rice which will be served hot at manned stations. Several caterers have been roped in to help feed the journalists meals from breakfast to lunch, tea to dinner, the report said. About 25 chefs per shift - there will be two shifts per day except on Wednesday - will be stationed at the media centre, the firm said. Also, from “El Trumpo” and “Rocket Man” tacos to the “Bromance” cocktail, restaurants and bars in food-crazy Singapore are rolling out weird and wonderful creations to mark the approaching US-North Korea summit.

This is what Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump ate at the Singapore summit

The meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday has kicked off a potentially lengthy diplomatic process to try to resolve the standoff over Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. A look at how diplomacy took shape this year:

Jan. 1: After an unusually provocative 2017 during which North Korea tested a purported thermonuclear warhead and three intercontinental ballistic missiles, Kim tries to initiate diplomacy in his annual New Year’s address. He calls for improved relations and engagement with South Korea, though adds that he has a nuclear button on his desk. Trump responds on Twitter that he has a bigger and more powerful nuclear button, adding “and my Button works!”

Jan. 9: North and South Korean officials meet at a border village and agree on North Korea sending athletes and delegates to the Winter Olympics in the South. Hundreds of North Koreans go to the Pyeongchang Games in February, including Kim’s sister, who conveys her brother’s desire for an inter-Korean summit with South Korea’s president.

March 5-6: South Korea’s presidential national security director Chung Eui-yong visits Kim in Pyongyang and reports that Kim is willing to discuss the fate of his nuclear arsenal with the United States.

March 8: South Korean envoys meet Trump in Washington and deliver an invitation from Kim to meet Trump accepts.

March 27: Kim makes a surprise visit to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an apparent move to strengthen his leverage ahead of any talks with Trump.

April 18: Trump confirms that Mike Pompeo, then the CIA chief, had met Kim secretly in North Korea and said “a good relationship was formed” heading into the anticipated summit.

April 21: North Korea says it has suspended nuclear and ICBM tests and plans to close its nuclear test site as part of a shift in its national focus to developing its economy. Trump tweets: “This is very good news for North Korea and the World.”

April 27: Kim holds a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The leaders announce aspirational goals of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and permanent peace.

May 7: Kim meets Xi again in China and calls for stronger strategic cooperation between the traditional allies.

May 9: Pompeo, now U.S. secretary of state, makes another visit to Pyongyang to prepare for the planned Trump-Kim summit. North Korea releases three Americans who had been imprisoned.

May 10: Trump announces he will meet with Kim in Singapore on June 12. He tweets: “We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!”

May 12: North Korea says it will hold a ceremony to dismantle its nuclear test site between May 23-25.

May 16: North Korea abruptly cancels a high-level meeting with the South and threatens to cancel the summit with Trump too in protest over U.S.-South Korean military exercises and U.S. comments that the North should follow the “Libya model” of denuclearization by eliminating everything upfront. The North says it won’t be unilaterally pressured into abandoning its nukes.

May 22: Trump and Moon meet at the White House to discuss the Trump-Kim talks. The South Korean president says the “fate and the future of the Korean Peninsula hinge” on the meeting in Singapore.

May 24: A senior North Korean diplomat calls U.S. Vice President Mike Pence a “political dummy” for his comments on the North and says it is up to the Americans whether they “meet us at a meeting room or encounter us at (a) nuclear-to-nuclear showdown.” North Korea dismantles its nuclear testing ground in front of foreign journalists, but Trump announces hours later that he’s pulling out of the summit, citing the North’s “tremendous anger and open hostility.”

May 25: North Korea attempts damage control, saying it is still willing to hold talks with the United States “at any time, (in) any format.” Moon calls Trump’s move to cancel the summit “very perplexing” and says Washington and Pyongyang should get the talks back on track.

May 26: Kim and Moon meet at a border village in an effort to revive the summit with Trump. Moon says Kim reaffirmed his commitment to denuclearize their peninsula but also said he was unsure whether he could trust the United States to provide a credible security guarantee in return.

May 30: North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, the most senior North Korean official to visit the United States in 18 years, arrives in New York for pre-summit negotiations with Pompeo.

June 1: After meeting Kim Yong Chol at the White House, Trump says his meeting with Kim Jong Un is back on for June 12.

June 5: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweets the Trump-Kim meeting will be held at Singapore’s Capella Hotel.

June 12:&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “comprehensive” document following a historic summit aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

A look at how diplomacy took shape this year:

The meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday has kicked off a potentially lengthy diplomatic process to try to resolve the standoff over Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. A look at how diplomacy took shape this year: Jan. 1: After an unusually provocative 2017 during which North Korea tested a purported thermonuclear warhead and three intercontinental ballistic missiles, Kim tries to initiate diplomacy in his annual New Year’s address. He calls for improved relations and engagement with South Korea, though adds that he has a nuclear button on his desk. Trump responds on Twitter that he has a bigger and more powerful nuclear button, adding “and my Button works!” Jan. 9: North and South Korean officials meet at a border village and agree on North Korea sending athletes and delegates to the Winter Olympics in the South. Hundreds of North Koreans go to the Pyeongchang Games in February, including Kim’s sister, who conveys her brother’s desire for an inter-Korean summit with South Korea’s president. March 5-6: South Korea’s presidential national security director Chung Eui-yong visits Kim in Pyongyang and reports that Kim is willing to discuss the fate of his nuclear arsenal with the United States. March 8: South Korean envoys meet Trump in Washington and deliver an invitation from Kim to meet Trump accepts. March 27: Kim makes a surprise visit to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an apparent move to strengthen his leverage ahead of any talks with Trump. April 18: Trump confirms that Mike Pompeo, then the CIA chief, had met Kim secretly in North Korea and said “a good relationship was formed” heading into the anticipated summit. April 21: North Korea says it has suspended nuclear and ICBM tests and plans to close its nuclear test site as part of a shift in its national focus to developing its economy. Trump tweets: “This is very good news for North Korea and the World.” April 27: Kim holds a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The leaders announce aspirational goals of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and permanent peace. May 7: Kim meets Xi again in China and calls for stronger strategic cooperation between the traditional allies. May 9: Pompeo, now U.S. secretary of state, makes another visit to Pyongyang to prepare for the planned Trump-Kim summit. North Korea releases three Americans who had been imprisoned. May 10: Trump announces he will meet with Kim in Singapore on June 12. He tweets: “We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!” May 12: North Korea says it will hold a ceremony to dismantle its nuclear test site between May 23-25. May 16: North Korea abruptly cancels a high-level meeting with the South and threatens to cancel the summit with Trump too in protest over U.S.-South Korean military exercises and U.S. comments that the North should follow the “Libya model” of denuclearization by eliminating everything upfront. The North says it won’t be unilaterally pressured into abandoning its nukes. May 22: Trump and Moon meet at the White House to discuss the Trump-Kim talks. The South Korean president says the “fate and the future of the Korean Peninsula hinge” on the meeting in Singapore. May 24: A senior North Korean diplomat calls U.S. Vice President Mike Pence a “political dummy” for his comments on the North and says it is up to the Americans whether they “meet us at a meeting room or encounter us at (a) nuclear-to-nuclear showdown.” North Korea dismantles its nuclear testing ground in front of foreign journalists, but Trump announces hours later that he’s pulling out of the summit, citing the North’s “tremendous anger and open hostility.” May 25: North Korea attempts damage control, saying it is still willing to hold talks with the United States “at any time, (in) any format.” Moon calls Trump’s move to cancel the summit “very perplexing” and says Washington and Pyongyang should get the talks back on track. May 26: Kim and Moon meet at a border village in an effort to revive the summit with Trump. Moon says Kim reaffirmed his commitment to denuclearize their peninsula but also said he was unsure whether he could trust the United States to provide a credible security guarantee in return. May 30: North Korean envoy Kim Yong Chol, the most senior North Korean official to visit the United States in 18 years, arrives in New York for pre-summit negotiations with Pompeo. June 1: After meeting Kim Yong Chol at the White House, Trump says his meeting with Kim Jong Un is back on for June 12. June 5: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweets the Trump-Kim meeting will be held at Singapore’s Capella Hotel. June 12: US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a “comprehensive” document following a historic summit aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Timeline: How the Trump-Kim summit came together

After successfully concluding his talks with North Korea, President Trump said the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/great-epoch-making-significance-says-north-koreas-ally-china-on-trump-kim-talks-143846">deal with Kim was a "great thing for China"</a>.

"Making a deal is<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-has-dropped-war-games-in-korean-peninsula-ready-to-change-the-world-says-trump-after-meeting-kim-143832"> a great thing for the world, it's </a>also a great thing for China, I can't imagine that China is happy with someone having nuclear weapons so close, so China is very happy," Trump told reporters in Singapore.&nbsp

China had earlier praised the Trump-Kim meeting calling it an "epoch-making event" and promised to play a "constructive role".

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/this-is-what-kim-jong-un-and-donald-trump-ate-at-the-singapore-summit--143783">Also Read:&nbspThis is what Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump ate at the Singapore summit</a>

Trump said he would call Xi, probably before he lands in Washington on his way back from Singapore, to tell him about the results of the meeting. He said he would be including Beijing in follow-up discussions.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said an "important milestone" was reached towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula after the successful completion of Trump-Kim talks in Singapore on Tuesday.

"The summit held in Singapore was an important milestone in the advancement of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula," Guterres said in a statement.

President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held their first face-to-face meeting after months of uncertainty over the summit. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both leaders comfortable with each other with Trump repeatedly praising the North Korean leader.

Guterres had earlier complained after North Korea dismantled its nuclear sites without the presence of UN experts with just foreign journalists invited. The UN chief this time, however, welcomed the talks in Singapore between Trump and Kim.

Guterres urged the leaders to "seize this momentous opportunity" and offered UN help to achieve North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons programme as promised by Kim during his meeting with President Trump.

One of the key UN permanent members Russia said that the mere fact that the meeting took place was a "positive step". Japanese PM Shinzo Abe too welcomed the Trump-Kim summit calling it a "first step" towards denuclearisation.

"Through this US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's intent for complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula was confirmed in writing," Abe said.&nbsp

"I support this as a first step to the comprehensive resolution of issues concerning North Korea," the Japanese PM added.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eGm2GmFr4bA" width="560"></iframe>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said an "important milestone" was reached towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula

After successfully concluding his talks with North Korea, President Trump said the deal with Kim was a "great thing for China". "Making a deal is a great thing for the world, it's also a great thing for China, I can't imagine that China is happy with someone having nuclear weapons so close, so China is very happy," Trump told reporters in Singapore. China had earlier praised the Trump-Kim meeting calling it an "epoch-making event" and promised to play a "constructive role". Also Read:&nbspThis is what Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump ate at the Singapore summit Trump said he would call Xi, probably before he lands in Washington on his way back from Singapore, to tell him about the results of the meeting. He said he would be including Beijing in follow-up discussions. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today said an "important milestone" was reached towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula after the successful completion of Trump-Kim talks in Singapore on Tuesday. "The summit held in Singapore was an important milestone in the advancement of sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula," Guterres said in a statement. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held their first face-to-face meeting after months of uncertainty over the summit. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with both leaders comfortable with each other with Trump repeatedly praising the North Korean leader. Guterres had earlier complained after North Korea dismantled its nuclear sites without the presence of UN experts with just foreign journalists invited. The UN chief this time, however, welcomed the talks in Singapore between Trump and Kim. Guterres urged the leaders to "seize this momentous opportunity" and offered UN help to achieve North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons programme as promised by Kim during his meeting with President Trump. One of the key UN permanent members Russia said that the mere fact that the meeting took place was a "positive step". Japanese PM Shinzo Abe too welcomed the Trump-Kim summit calling it a "first step" towards denuclearisation. "Through this US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's intent for complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula was confirmed in writing," Abe said. "I support this as a first step to the comprehensive resolution of issues concerning North Korea," the Japanese PM added.

Deal with North Korea great for the world, also for China, says Trump

Oscar-winning actor Robert de Niro issued an expletive-laden denunciation of U.S. President Donald Trump during the live television broadcast of the Tony Awards ceremony on Sunday. 
 
De Niro appeared on stage at New York`s Radio City Music Hall to introduce rocker and Tony Awards performer Bruce Springsteen. 
 
"I`m gonna say one thing. Fuck Trump," De Niro said, without any preamble. 
 
With the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers shrieking and rising to their feet in applause, De Niro said: "It`s no longer down with Trump. It`s fuck Trump." 
 
He did not elaborate on his comment and switched immediately to a prepared introduction of Springsteen. 
 
"Bruce, you can rock the house like nobody else," De Niro said. "And even more important in these perilous times, you rock the vote, always fighting for, in your own words, Truth, transparency, and integrity in government. Boy, do we need that now."&nbsp; 
 
The expletive, known as the F-bomb, was bleeped by the CBS network for millions of television watchers at home. Though in Australia, the footage ran without the bleep.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Here's video of DeNiro swearing at Trump on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TonyAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TonyAwards</a> 
Australian feed didnt censor it. <a href="https://t.co/KZNrT8UIyH">pic.twitter.com/KZNrT8UIyH</a>
— Rhett Bartlett (@dialmformovies) <a href="https://twitter.com/dialmformovies/status/1006005583160360960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, it was heard by those in the audience and journalists covering the awards show, which honors the best of Broadway theatre, and it quickly became the top trending item on Twitter. 
 
De Niro is one of the most respected actors in the United States with two Oscar wins for "Raging Bull" and "The Godfather: Part II." 
 
"Mr. De Niro`s comments were unscripted and unexpected," CBS said in a statement. "The offensive language was deleted from the broadcast." 
 
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.&nbsp; 
 
De Niro, a noted liberal, has been increasingly critical of Trump, a Republican, at smaller showbusiness events, but none have the high profile and audience of the Tony Awards. 
 
The Tony Awards show was seen by some six million Americans last year.

De Niro appeared on stage at New York`s Radio City Music Hall to introduce rocker and Tony Awards performer Bruce Springsteen.

Oscar-winning actor Robert de Niro issued an expletive-laden denunciation of U.S. President Donald Trump during the live television broadcast of the Tony Awards ceremony on Sunday. De Niro appeared on stage at New York`s Radio City Music Hall to introduce rocker and Tony Awards performer Bruce Springsteen. "I`m gonna say one thing. Fuck Trump," De Niro said, without any preamble. With the audience of theatre actors, directors and producers shrieking and rising to their feet in applause, De Niro said: "It`s no longer down with Trump. It`s fuck Trump." He did not elaborate on his comment and switched immediately to a prepared introduction of Springsteen. "Bruce, you can rock the house like nobody else," De Niro said. "And even more important in these perilous times, you rock the vote, always fighting for, in your own words, Truth, transparency, and integrity in government. Boy, do we need that now." The expletive, known as the F-bomb, was bleeped by the CBS network for millions of television watchers at home. Though in Australia, the footage ran without the bleep. Here's video of DeNiro swearing at Trump on #TonyAwards Australian feed didnt censor it. pic.twitter.com/KZNrT8UIyH — Rhett Bartlett (@dialmformovies) June 11, 2018 × However, it was heard by those in the audience and journalists covering the awards show, which honors the best of Broadway theatre, and it quickly became the top trending item on Twitter. De Niro is one of the most respected actors in the United States with two Oscar wins for "Raging Bull" and "The Godfather: Part II." "Mr. De Niro`s comments were unscripted and unexpected," CBS said in a statement. "The offensive language was deleted from the broadcast." The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. De Niro, a noted liberal, has been increasingly critical of Trump, a Republican, at smaller showbusiness events, but none have the high profile and audience of the Tony Awards. The Tony Awards show was seen by some six million Americans last year.

Robert De Niro uses F-bomb while talking about Donald Trump on live TV

As US President Trump and <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-has-dropped-war-games-in-korean-peninsula-ready-to-change-the-world-says-trump-after-meeting-kim-143832">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un </a>concluded their historic day-long meeting, China said it would continue to "play a constructive role" as US and North began their much-awaited peace talks.

China which is North Korea's <a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-and-kims-body-language-said-both-tried-to-show-they-were-in-control-143757">principal ally has kept a close eye</a> on the Trump-Kim meeting, and has been in touch with the North Korean leader ever since President Trump had announced the meeting in March. 
&nbsp; 
"The fact that the top leaders of the United States and DPRK(North Korea) are sitting together today for a dialogue on an equal-footing in itself is of a great epoch-making significance," China's foreign minister Wang Yi said.

President Trump and Kim Jong-un met in a picturesque Capella hotel in Singapore on the resort island of Sentosa as they concluded a plan for "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula with both leaders seemingly elated to meet each other after months of trading insults with each other.

Kim had earlier travelled to Singapore in a Chinese airliner underlying China's importance in North Korean affairs.

"China, of course, welcomes such a development because this has been the objective it has long been anticipated and worked for," Wang said adding,"we hope the leaders of the two countries will overcome interference, build mutual trust, surmount difficulties, and reach basic consensus on promoting and achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula."

Wang said he hopes the two sides will achieve peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula.

"We hope that relevant parties will play an active role in the process, and China will continue to play its constructive role," he added.

The Chinese foreign minister had earlier called for "full denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/exIWqyPio78" width="560"></iframe>

President Trump and Kim Jong-un met in a picturesque Capella hotel in Singapore on the resort island of Sentosa.

As US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un concluded their historic day-long meeting, China said it would continue to "play a constructive role" as US and North began their much-awaited peace talks. China which is North Korea's principal ally has kept a close eye on the Trump-Kim meeting, and has been in touch with the North Korean leader ever since President Trump had announced the meeting in March. "The fact that the top leaders of the United States and DPRK(North Korea) are sitting together today for a dialogue on an equal-footing in itself is of a great epoch-making significance," China's foreign minister Wang Yi said. President Trump and Kim Jong-un met in a picturesque Capella hotel in Singapore on the resort island of Sentosa as they concluded a plan for "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula with both leaders seemingly elated to meet each other after months of trading insults with each other. Kim had earlier travelled to Singapore in a Chinese airliner underlying China's importance in North Korean affairs. "China, of course, welcomes such a development because this has been the objective it has long been anticipated and worked for," Wang said adding,"we hope the leaders of the two countries will overcome interference, build mutual trust, surmount difficulties, and reach basic consensus on promoting and achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula." Wang said he hopes the two sides will achieve peace and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. "We hope that relevant parties will play an active role in the process, and China will continue to play its constructive role," he added. The Chinese foreign minister had earlier called for "full denuclearisation" of the Korean Peninsula.

Watch: 'Great epoch-making significance,' says North Korea's ally China on Trump-Kim talks

US President Trump praised<a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-live-trump-says-only-most-courageous-can-make-peace-after-meeting-kim-143827"> North Korean leader Kim Jong-un </a>calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday.

Trump, however, <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-commits-to-complete-denuclearisation-of-korean-peninsula-in-joint-text-143794">cautioned that "sanctions </a>on North Korea will remain till Kim dumps nukes", reassuring reporters that Kim had agreed to "complete denuclearisation".

On the question of the North and South Korean war of 1950-53 which ended in an uneasy truce, Trump said," the Korean conflict will end soon," adding that the US has dropped war games in the Korean Peninsula.

"It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now".

The US president said follow up talks between US-North Korea will take place next week.&nbsp;

"Kim agreed to vigorous negotiations," Trump said. "We are ready to change the world," an elated US president said. "I thank Kim for taking a bold step," he added.

"We are ready to start a new history," Trump said at the press conference.

"North Korea did the right thing by attending the Winter Olympics," he said while trying to de-escalate tensions.

In a joint agreement earlier, Trump and Kim Jong-un agreed to "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".&nbsp;

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"It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now"

US President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday. Trump, however, cautioned that "sanctions on North Korea will remain till Kim dumps nukes", reassuring reporters that Kim had agreed to "complete denuclearisation". On the question of the North and South Korean war of 1950-53 which ended in an uneasy truce, Trump said," the Korean conflict will end soon," adding that the US has dropped war games in the Korean Peninsula. "It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now". The US president said follow up talks between US-North Korea will take place next week. "Kim agreed to vigorous negotiations," Trump said. "We are ready to change the world," an elated US president said. "I thank Kim for taking a bold step," he added. "We are ready to start a new history," Trump said at the press conference. "North Korea did the right thing by attending the Winter Olympics," he said while trying to de-escalate tensions. In a joint agreement earlier, Trump and Kim Jong-un agreed to "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".

'US has dropped war games in Korean Peninsula, ready to change the world,' says Trump after meeting Kim

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